Do Politics Better Podcast

As a budget spending cap deal is announced by Senate and House leaders, Brian and Skye sit down with Senator Todd Johnson, who talks about his practical, problem solving style of legislating.   Plus, the latest on the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, why members of Congress are visiting state legislators, the need for better pay for legislators, the reason we have skeletal sessions, and more.    

As battle lines are drawn between the House, Senate, and Governor Roy Cooper over a budget cap and a troubled nominee for a cabinet secretary, Brian and Skye talk to Sen. Jay Chaudhuri about his role as the Democratic Whip in the Senate.    Brian and Skye also discuss two unemployment bills pending in the House and Senate and what's in store (or not in store) in the coming week. 

Rep. John Bell talks about his role leading the House Republican Caucus, negotiating with the Senate, and the joy he's found in working with Rep. Robert Reives, his Democratic counterpart.   Brian and Skye discuss the latest in budget talks, what a major Senate press conference this week may indicate for spending negotiations, and how an inside-the-General Assembly protest means we may be getting back to normal post COVID-19.        

Rep. Brian Turner talks zipper merging, his early career at MTV, his legislative accomplishments, and why he likes camping when he's in Raleigh.   Brian and Skye also talk about a Senate oversight hearing, explain a campaign finance law specific to NC lobbyists, and shares their thinking on when to testify, and when not to tesify, in a General Assembly committee hearing.    

Sen. Danny Britt talks about his 67% Democratic leaning district, his impressive work on criminal justice reform, and how he works across the political aisle to move major legislation.   Brian and Skye also follow a bill during crossover that was a roller-coaster ride, explain why the Tennessee flag was flying atop the NC State Capitol, and so much more.   

Brian and Skye talk about long days and late nights this week at the North Carolina General Assembly, which is running at a frenetic pace as we enter "crossover" week.   Senator Mutjaba Mohammed talks about his collaborative work with Republican legislators and interest groups on criminal justice reform legislation while staying true to his progressive values. The podcast also breaks down the motion to a lay a motion on the table, a rare legislative maneuver made this past week in the House.    

NC Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson talks about how we wants to keep North Carolina's workers safe, his political career and philosophy, and his bipartisan reputation as a consensus-builder who listens to all voices.   The former McDowell County legislator also opens up about our toxic political environment and what he would do to improve it.  Brian and Skye also talk about Apple coming to North Carolina, the child marriage bill making its way in the Senate, how a House member cast floor votes a week late, and much more. Do Politics Better also welcomes the North Carolina Travel Industry Association as a sponsor of the podcast.  

Rep. Graig Meyer talks about his role in the House Democratic caucus and the barrier it creates to working with his Republican colleagues.  The Chapel Hill Democrat also talks about his kinship with a House Republican leader, recounts his participation in a Do Politics Dinner in 2019, and offers up how he would fix our politics.  Brian and Skye also talk about a dust up in the House this past week, a Republican-Democrat team effort to deny a proposed committee substitute (PCS) from getting heard, and an April Fools’ joke that is still getting laughs.  

Rep. Jason Saine discusses how he use humor, including frequent quotes from 'The Anchorman', Ice Cube, and 'Ferris Bueller', while legislating.  The powerful House budget writer also opens up about a tough time in his life. Brian and Skye also talk about the latest on the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, a "for discussion only" bill heard in the House, and how they spend their off-time when not at the General Assembly.  

Senator Mike Woodard talks about the Senate's bipartisan Night Owl Caucus, including their favorite Raleigh hangouts, and his impromptu singing duets with former Senator Jerry Tillman. Brian and Skye also talk about their spring break week, the new bipartisan PSA featuring Governor Roy Cooper and General Assembly leaders, and the social aspects of working as a lobbyist.