Do Politics Better Podcast

Congressman Addison McDowell takes listeners behind the scenes of his 2023 decision to jump in the 2024 race for Congress in the 6th district, the bruising 2024 primary that came with it, and how he won the early endorsement of President Trump.   Skye and Brian also break down a hectic crossover week at the NC General Assembly, major news in the NC Supreme Court race, NC State Board of Election transitions, #TOTW, and Skye talks about her recent stint as a grooms-woman.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Beth Helfrich shares her deep roots in Davidson as a third-generation resident, a former teacher, and owner of a successful coffee shop with her husband Tim and family.   The freshman Mecklenburg County Democrat also talks about raising five kids, what led her to run for the House in 2024 in a swing district, and her commute to Raleigh on the train.  Plus, Skye and Brian are joined by New Frame intern Claudia Vial to talk crossover, House getting to work on the budget, a perennial budget rumor, a floor debate in the House over DEI, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.    

In this special episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Reagan Perry, daughter of former North Carolina State Senator Jim Perry, for a heartfelt conversation. Reagan opens up about the life-altering experience of losing her leg, the physical and emotional challenges she’s faced, and how she turned her pain into purpose through Reagan’s Law (HB906), a bipartisan effort to improve care and support for future amputees in North Carolina. This conversation is about the power of resilience, the impact of family legacy, and how one young woman’s voice is shaping policy and hope for countless others who are striving to live full and active lives.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Jimmy Dixon makes his third podcast appearance (his last one was 2023) to reflect on Easter and his Mormon faith, which includes membership and local leadership roles in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   The 8-term Duplin County Republican opens up about his conversion to LDS in 1976, the differences from the Methodist church he grew up in, and what Easter means to him.   Skye and Brian break down details and drama as the Senate budget was unveiled, debated, and approved with twists and turns.  Meanwhile the House debate gets hot in the absence of Speaker Hall as he and his wife welcome a son. And we get somber news from Rep. Mike Clampitt.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Sen. Caleb Theodros began his life in Eritrea, a country in East Africa torn apart by civil conflict in the 1990s.  At age five, his family brought him to the United States in search of a better life.  After a brief stay in Las Vegas, the Theodros family relocated to Charlotte where they created a life for themselves.   20 years later, Sen Theodros earned a degree from UNC Charlotte, worked in banking, managed local campaigns, and successfully ran in 2024 for a NC Senate seat that required he survive a brutal Democratic primary that included spying and car trackers.  Skye and Brian also break down the House bill filing deadline, action in the Senate as they prepare a budget for next week, US Senate candidate announces, DPB Bracket Challenge winner, #TOTW, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Over the last 90 days, the State Auditor position has transformed from a state agency that released audits for various NC departments, agencies, local governments, and non-profits to a department that is working proactively in concert with the General Assembly to hold the entire NC executive branch accountable.   At the helm, is Auditor Dave Boliek, who won the position in November after surviving a bruising primary that resulted in a summer runoff.   The Republican Auditor opens up about his political party affiliation (he was once a Democrat), his vision for the department, and his take on Tarheel politics.   Skye and Brian also break down the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee's inaugural meeting, House Rules approved, a new Senate Majority Leader, a Senate budget update, #TOTW, pollen, and mens' fashion choices inside the General Assembly.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Earlier this session, the General Assembly lost Rep. Joe John to cancer at 85.  Rep. John would be proud of his Democratic replacement, who is an attorney, policy wonk, and one to debate the intricacies of the law without making it personal.   Meet the newly appointed freshman legislator from Wake County:  Rep. Phil Rubin, who was a federal prosecutor, a Special NC Deputy Attorney General, and a policy director for Meta.   Skye and Brian also talk about an epic week at the General Assembly:  Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton resigns, hundreds of Senate bills filed, #TOTW, and more.    The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Reps. Charlie Miller (R-Brunswick) and Reece Pyrtle (R-Rockingham) share a legislative office suite, many committee assignments, and a bond built around their former careers as law enforcement officers in their communities.   The former chief deputy (Miller) and police chief (Pyrtle) talk about their first encounter, their friendship, and how their relationship to their respective Senate colleagues gives them a unique insight into the state's bicameral system of government.   Skye and Brian discuss Governor Josh Stein's budget proposal to the General Assembly, a bipartisan Helene package agreement is reached, a pair of controversial gun bills on the move, tobacco and vaping bills filed, NC State has a new chancellor, #TOTW, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

When Rep. Bryan Cohn decided to challenge an incumbent in 2024, he executed a plan that was based on old school politics combined with new tech tools.  By the time election night rolled in, he knew he was in an excellent position to win the seat.  The Oxford Democrat also talks about the uniqueness of his swing district, including a violent civil rights history documented in the book/movie Blood Done Sign My Name.    Skye and Brian also break down Governor Stein’s State of the State Address, the Speaker’s response, action on key bills in the General Assembly, #TOTW, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

As a financial controller, Rep. Jonathan Almond is familiar with sifting through data, studies, and spreadsheets to look for answers.  It's what he did when COVID shut down the world, when his twin boys were diagnosed with autism, and it's what he plans to do as a Cabarrus County legislator.   However, the 38-year old Republican is not just about the numbers.  He's felt anguish for his twin boys, he's grieved, and he's been broken.  Rep. Almond talks candidly about the transformation he continues to make through faith, family, and friends, and how that journey led him to the General Assembly.   Plus, Skye and Brian talk about the Senate Helene package, an alphabet soup of bills (ICE, DEI and AG) on the move, a parliamentary question, #TOTW, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.