Do Politics Better Podcast

In this year-end podcast, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis sits down with Skye and Brian on Capitol Hill to talk about his early life growing up in trailer parks, his first foray into politics, the historic 2010 Republican takeover of the General Assembly, and his approach to representing NC in the U.S. Senate.   Also, Senator Jim Perry (R-Lenoir/Beaufort/Craven) stands in for Skye as guest co-host and runs through the news of the week, including an NAACP election maps lawsuit, the final slate of NC candidates for 2024, and his own blockbuster news that Sen. Perry is not running for re-election.  Plus, #TOTW, holiday traditions, simpler times during the holidays.   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. 

Billy Ball writes about North Carolina politics and culture as Senior Editor at Cardinal & Pine, a left-leaning, online newspaper.  Whether Ball is covering water quality in rural North Carolina, school funding disparities, or writing about the sounds of the cicada during summer time, his writing is steeped in authenticity.   Billy talks about growing up in eastern North Carolina, his early love of journalism, and his approach to covering complex issues in a way readers can understand and relate to.  He also talks about the tragic loss of his son earlier this year, the attacks he endured afterwards, and the challenges of the holidays.   Skye and Brian also unpack week 2 of candidate filing, a Trump endorsement, no GOP gubernatorial debates, a 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate, #TOTW, Christmas cards, and a trip to Capitol Hill.   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. David Willis was raised by a single mom in Wilson, NC and eventually made his way to Union County, where he became an early childhood education provider.  In between, he had stops in Greensboro, Boone, New York City, and China, where he met his wife at a Christmas party.   The second term Republican talks to Skye and Brian about his life journey, the importance of his family, his decision to run for office, and his political future.   It's also the first week of campaign filing season and Congressman Patrick McHenry's surprise announcement on Tuesday created a ripple effect in many NC races, including campaigns for the General Assembly.   Plus, a legal challenge to the congressional maps, Super Bowl bets are off, an ECU political poll, a prayer for political retribution, #TOTW, a new word is approved for the Oxford Dictionary, and a #DoPoliticsBetter Holiday Cocktail Hour.   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. Maria Cervania is serving in her first term in the General Assembly after serving her Cary and Morrisville communities on the Wake County Board of Commissioners.  The progressive Democrat talks about growing up in a Republican household with deep military ties and an inspiring and heart-wrenching immigration story from the Philippines.   Plus, Senate maps stand (for now), no congressional maps lawsuit (for now), no votes this week, a curious Senate poll in Rockingham County, more campaign announcements, an unsubstantiated rumor, #TOTW, and Skye and Brian share their list of lies told.   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. 

Dr. Michael Bitzer is often quoted in the media on all things #ncpol in addition to contributing to political discussions with his engaging and informational social media posts.  The political scientist at Catawba College sits down with Skye and Brian to talk about his career, scholarly work, the 2024 election, and his fascination with North Carolina's ever-changing political landscape.   Plus, more campaign announcements were announced this week, Auditor Beth Wood's resignation, Meredith College polling, Taylor and Travis, #TOTW, Thanksgiving, 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. 

Rep. Kelly Hastings has served in the General Assembly since 2011, however his work in NC politics dates back to 1992 when Lt. Governor Jim Gardner ran for Governor against Jim Hunt.  It's also when the Cleveland County Republican met a young campaign volunteer by the name of Tim Moore, and a friendship began.   The 7-term legislator opens up about his life, growing up with a learning disability, his military service, the toll of politics on family, and caring for aging parents.   Skye and Brian also tick through local elections across North Carolina and explore what the results in Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio mean for 2024 in the state.  Plus, Auditor Beth Wood is indicted, Speaker Moore's congressional launch ad, a rumored shake-up in the Buncombe County delegation, #TOTW, and Skye is getting her conceal carry gun permit.   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. 

The General Assembly's 2023 long session is adjourned and Sen. Todd Johnson (R-Union) and Rep. Allison Dahle (D-Wake) sit down with Skye and Brian to break it all down, including Medicaid expansion, the party switch, abortion, medical marijuana, LGBTQ+ bills, casinos, budget, redistricting, and more. The podcast also ticks through some campaign announcements, Council of State news, #TOTW, and Brian finds the Halloween candy.  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. 

A deal for NC House Speaker has been reached by Reps. Destin Hall, John Bell, Jason Saine, and Brenden Jones.  The four Republican legislators talk to Skye and Brian about why an agreement was reached, the timing of the announcement, and details of what a House leadership team will look like in 2025.   The podcast also unpacks a week of political news: General Assembly adjournment, redistricting, campaign announcements, #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. 

Most of the world looked in horror as Hamas attacked Israel with brutal terrorism on October 7.  When General Assembly lobbyist Bruce Mildwurf heard the news, he immediately thought of his daughter who is serving in the Israeli Army.  One day later, Israel formally declared war against Hamas.   The NC School Boards Association lead lobbyist opens up about his daughter's decision to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces after graduating from high school, how his family is processing the Israeli War, and he shares his own story of growing up Jewish and raising a family.   Skye and Brian also break down the redistricting maps, rumors, a gubernatorial campaign announced, #TOTW, a car mishap, 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. 

Rep. Jarrod Lowery loves Robeson County.  It's where his Lumbee people have lived for thousands of years, it's where he grew up, and it's where he met his wife and is raising a family.   The freshman Republican talks about life in his home county and how he's been working for most of his life to improve it, honor and celebrate it, and now represent it in the General Assembly. Skye and Brian also cover the veto overrides, a resolution supporting Israel gets political, redistricting votes scheduled, an adjournment announcement, campaign announcements, #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.