Do Politics Better Podcast

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.   

Dan Crawford has been on all sides of redistricting.  In 2001, he worked for a Democratic Senate Redistricting Committee Chair, who oversaw the gerrymandering of congressional and legislative districts that year.   Two decades later, Dan found himself on the U.S. Supreme Court steps holding a press conference about the lawsuit his organization was bringing against Speaker Tim Moore and the General Assembly's 2021 districts.   The political operative takes Skye and Brian behind the lines as they discuss the Redistricting Committee process, lawsuits, and his hope for improving the redistricting process in North Carolina.   Also, Speaker Tim Moore is not running for re-election to the House, Governor Cooper issues a veto, redistricting votes on Oct 9, #TOTW, and Brian is riding his bike across North Carolina this week.  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. 

Professor Chris Cooper, a regular contributor to #ncpol and the Madison Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Western Carolina University, discusses his public engagement, teaching, and shares his magic wand wish for NC politics. Other topics include Medicaid expansion, redistricting, polarization in politics, the rise of unaffiliated voters, and a candy debate.

Rep Allen Chesser, a Freshman Republican, discusses the casino legislation, election bills, and an awkward situation with Sen. Paul Lowe. They also touch on mental health services, tornado impact, and the passing of former U.S. Senator Locke Faircloth.

A casino politics controversy disrupts the state budget vote. Mark Harris makes a political comeback while Mike Morgan challenges Josh Stein. The podcast explores internal conflicts, political divisions, and the intense atmosphere in the General Assembly. The hosts discuss budget negotiations, Mark Harris's redemption, Mike Morgan's entry into the democratic primary, and Alison Riggs's appointment to a supreme court seat. Additionally, they cover a GOP primary poll, a debate recap, and chaotic events during a sports event evacuation.

Danielle Battaglia, NC Congressional Correspondent for the News & Observer and Charlotte Observer, opens up about her challenges with POTS. The podcast also discusses the budget situation, casino legislation, a bill allowing gift cards for ABC stores, and the speaker's journey into journalism and politics. They share their personal experience with POTS and discuss the challenges of being a journalist. The chapter also includes an analysis of the political landscape in North Carolina and a segment called 'Tweet of the Week'.

Rep. Ken Fontenot is known for his fiery floor speeches, dramatic committee presentations, and his constant reminder to his legislative colleagues that he was elected to bring resources and change to his majority Black district in Wilson.   The first term Black Republican talks about his dynamic legislative and political style, his life and careers, and his decision to run for office in an area of the state with strong Democratic Party ties.   Skye and Brian also discuss the UNC tragedy, Rep. Marvin Lucas recovering, a NC Supreme Court justice files a lawsuit, Hurricane Idalia, two more congressional candidates emerge, DGA ad, Governor Cooper endorses, #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.   

Rep. Cecil Brockman is one of a handful of Democrats who is considered a swing vote in the General Assembly.  The 5-term legislator talks about how he balances getting needed resources for his High Point district in the budget while holding to his values as a self-described progressive.   Rep. Brockman also talks about his transition from serving as a legislative assistant to serving as a Representative, his evolving views on school choice, and his enduring friendship with Rep. Tricia Cotham.   Skye and Brian also unpack the week of news including Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of the election bill, a Democratic legislator complains to Wake DA about Speaker Moore, GOP Lt. Governor’s race gets another candidate, Freedom Park opens, NC Supreme Court Justice to step down, new polling from John Locke Foundation, an Unsubstantiated Rumor circulating, #TOTW, and the politics of college football.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and the NC Pork Council.   

Sen. Brad Overcash started his political journey as Congressional page for the late Rep. Howard Coble before interning in the NC Senate.  He would later go on to serve as an officer in the NC Republican Party.   In 2022, Senate Majority Leader Kathy Harrington announced her retirement and the the Gaston County attorney stepped in to succeed her.  Sen. Overcash talks about his first term in the Senate as well as the admiration from his colleagues because of his perfectly coiffed hair, height, and speaking style.   Skye and Brian also cover a news filled week at the General Assembly, including six veto overrides, a controversial elections bill, a new House Republican Whip elected, a new political party approved for 2024, Dan Bishop's AG fundraising, #TOTW, Tomato Sandwich Day, and Brian makes a friend.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and the NC Pork Council.