Do Politics Better Podcast

Pat Newton is Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party and he talks about the upstart party’s strategy for the 2026 election cycle and its very different approach to breaking into North Carolina politics.

Newton explains the thinking behind that strategy, what the Forward Party hopes to accomplish by working within the existing two-party system, and why the party believes it can have an impact without appearing on the ballot itself.  The conversation also looks ahead to 2028, when the Forward Party hopes to secure full ballot access in North Carolina. 

Skye and Brian also unpack the week, a new nominee for Rep. Jennifer Balkcom's House seat, vetoes, polling, and office repairs now that session is over.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

So much has changed for Rep. Terry Brown since our visit with him in 2021 on the podcast.  The Charlotte Democrat is a father and he's a House Whip.   We get an inside scoop on all that.  

Rep. Brown also has a message for many lobbyists (including us), who he thinks are getting it wrong when it comes to engaging House Democrats. In this wide-ranging conversation, Rep. Brown talks about what lobbyists need to understand about the caucus and how they can be more effective with Democratic members.  He also weighs in on the big tent versus small tent debate both parties are currently undergoing.  

Plus, Skye and Brian unpack the week, including a new Republican nominee in Congressional District 11, Governor signs legislation that weakens his office, Governor Stein's frustration with the Senate over a nominee, and polls, polls, polls.  Yes, we have three of them.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

 

As the General Assembly heads into its extended break until November, one of the state's leading political scientists joins us to put the short session into a broader perspective.  

Dr. Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University, a listener favorite, returns to argue that Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger's final biennium as the chamber's leader cast a long shadow over this year's short session. We explore the emerging race to replace Sen. Berger in leadership, the continued erosion of gubernatorial power in North Carolina, the state budget, and the legislation that shaped the session's final weeks.

Dr. Cooper also looks ahead to the high-stakes 2026 elections and what they could mean for the future balance of power in Raleigh.

Skye and Brian also break down the biggest political developments from the past week, including the General Assembly's adjournment, the latest legislative action (an inaction), and Brian turns 55.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Since his last appearance on the podcast, Sen. Michael Lee has become one of the most influential lawmakers in the General Assembly, serving as both Senate Majority Leader and Senior Appropriations Chair.  

Now, the New Hanover County Republican is seeking to become the Senate's next President Pro Tem in 2027.

Sen. Lee joins us to recap the 2026 legislative session, including the state budget, education policy, hemp regulation, and the major issues that shaped lawmakers' work this year. He also shares his outlook on the 2026 elections, the future direction of the Senate, and why he believes he's ready to lead the chamber as its next President Pro Tem.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest #NCPOL news, including election legislation, another technical corrections bill, the "check-in" schedule, Nc Supreme Court race fundraising, and reserving ad time for Michael Whatley.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

 

Rep. Sarah Crawford stops by the podcast for a second visit and discusses serving two terms in the House after a biennium in the Senate.  Click here to listen to her first visit in 2022.  

The Wake County Democrat also talks about her relationships with her Republican colleagues and how those friendships here get a law enforcement bill through the North Carolina House, navigating difficult conversations, and earning support from members on both sides of the aisle.

Crawford also reflects candidly on the political realities of bipartisan work. While reaching across the aisle can produce real results for constituents, she acknowledges that it isn't always celebrated within her own party. 

Plus, Skye and Brian unpack the week of political news, including next week's session, fundraising, short session numbers, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

From organizing as a teenage Republican to managing campaigns out of his college dorm room, serving in elected office, and building a career in government relations, Zach Almond has always known politics was where he belonged. Today, he's living that dream as Executive Director of the North Carolina Republican Party.

Zach joins us to discuss his journey, what he's learned along the way, and why he's more optimistic about the 2026 midterm elections than many political prognosticators.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down North Carolina's #2 business ranking, the latest fundraising numbers, budget schedule rumors, new polling, #TOTW, and much more.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

North Carolina lawmakers finally reached a budget agreement, a bipartisan one at that, and Skye and Brian break down what made it into the spending plan and what's next in the legislative session.

Also, Rep. Phil Shepard (R-Onslow) reflects on his 15 years in the legislature, the evolution of North Carolina politics in his region, and the lessons he's learned. 

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

This week on Do Politics Better, Brian Lewis and Skye David sit down with North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pam Cashwell to discuss her remarkable career in public service and her department's leadership role in commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Secretary Cashwell made history as the first Native American to serve in a North Carolina Governor's Cabinet. Throughout her career, she has been guided by a commitment to public service, holding leadership positions in civil rights enforcement, litigation, public safety, and state government. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the mentors who influenced her path, and why she believes public service remains one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in people's lives.

The conversation also explores North Carolina's plans for America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As the state agency charged with preserving North Carolina's history, culture, and natural heritage, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is leading efforts to ensure communities across the state have opportunities to celebrate, learn, and reflect on the nation's founding and the many stories that have shaped North Carolina over the past two and a half centuries.

Plus, Brian and Skye unpack another busy week in North Carolina politics. They provide the latest updates on state budget negotiations, veto override efforts at the General Assembly, and legislation that is moving—or waiting in the queue—as lawmakers race toward key deadlines. They also discuss the Carolina Hurricanes' visit to the legislature, reflect on the life and legacy of a former state senator following his passing, and cover a variety of other political developments from around the state.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

NC Family Policy Council Lobbyist Jere Royall sits down for a fascinating conversation about politics, family, and the power of relationships in #ncpol.

Jere is the son of the late Sen. Ken Royall, one of the most influential figures in modern North Carolina political history when he became both the Senate Majority Leader and Appropriations Chairman decades ago.

Gov. Jim Hunt described the Durham legislator as "a master of the legislative process" who helped shape state policy from education and economic development to mental health reform and hospitals.

Despite growing up in a household led by a Democratic political giant, Jere charted a different path. He became a lobbyist and advocate for many of the social and family policy causes most closely associated with North Carolina conservatives and the Republican Party. 

Jere reflects on lessons learned from his father, the values that shaped his own political worldview, and how respect, trust, and personal relationships still matter in a highly polarized political environment.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest political news, including budget news, political news, an election bill, a rumor, the Canes win, and more. 

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Mark Ezzell, Director of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, was in his early 20s when his father, Sen. Jim Ezzell, died on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh on the eve of session starting in 1991.  

That loss not only changed Mark's life forever, it also created an opening in the North Carolina Senate for a young House member named Roy Cooper.

But this story is about more than politics, it's also about perseverance and grace.   Senator Ezzell, who lived with cerebral palsy, and his wife made the intentional decision to adopt a child with a disability. At age eight, Mark was adopted from foster care and welcomed into a family that saw his potential, not his limitations. Born with spina bifida, Mark has spent his life navigating challenges from a wheelchair while building a successful career in public service, including his work today of preventing highway fatalities.  

Plus, Skye and Brian unpack another busy week: state budget negotiations continue, a moratorium on certain property tax increases heads to Governor Stein's desk, political news, a state senator has his eyes on a mayor's office, and graduation ceremonies are getting out of hand.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.