Do Politics Better Podcast

NC Primary Election Wrap

Note:  The Do Politics Better podcast was recorded and distributed on March 5, but mysteriously was not uploaded to Apple Podcasts.  We are resending this podcast.  

Primary night delivered clarity in most contested races in North Carolina, but not for the most important #ncpol race most of us were watching:  Senator Phil Berger v Sheriff Sam Page in Rockingham and Guilford Counties.

In this episode, Skye and Brian break down the key results from across the state, what they tell us about the mood of the electorate, and which surprises matter heading into November.

But we start with the main event: Berger v. Page, a contest that isn’t finished and may be headed for a prolonged overtime.  What does the margin look like? Where are the outstanding votes? And what happens next — legally, politically, and strategically?

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Primary Election Recap with Berger v Page in Overtime

Primary night delivered clarity in most contested races in North Carolina, but not for the most important #ncpol race most of us were watching:  Senator Phil Berger v Sheriff Sam Page in Rockingham and Guilford Counties.

In this episode, Skye and Brian break down the key results from across the state, what they tell us about the mood of the electorate, and which surprises matter heading into November.

But we start with the main event: Berger v. Page, a contest that isn’t finished and may be headed for a prolonged overtime.  What does the margin look like? Where are the outstanding votes? And what happens next — legally, politically, and strategically?

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Toss-Up, Lean, Safe: A Rundown of Primary Races with NC FREE's Alex Baltzegar

Alex Baltzegar, Executive Director of NC FreeEnterprise Foundation, talks with Skye and Brian about Tuesday's #NCPOL primary elections.

From US Senate race to key legislative battlegrounds, we break down the races as Toss-Up, Lean, or Safe and explain what the data, fundraising, and political environment are telling us.

If you want a clear-eyed, numbers-driven look at what to watch, who has momentum, and where the surprises could come from, this is your primary primer.

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

John Hood on the Future of the GOP: Freedom v National Conservatism

In this episode of Do Politics Better, Brian sits down with John Hood for a candid conversation about the growing divide within conservatism — and what it could mean for the future of American elections.

They explore the tension between traditional free-market conservatism and the rise of populist, nationalist currents on the right. Is this a temporary fracture, or a lasting realignment? And how will these competing visions shape candidate recruitment, voter turnout, and party strategy in the cycles ahead?

It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking discussion about ideology, coalition building, and whether the Republican Party can hold together a movement that increasingly disagrees on what it stands for.

Then Skye and Brian unpack a busy week in North Carolina politics — diving into early voting numbers, an impressive fundraising haul by Speaker Hall, the latest Catawba College poll, key endorsements, the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, our “Tweet of the Week,” and plenty 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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Courtship, Campaigns, & Serving Together: Todd & Amanda Johnson

Sen. Todd Johnson and his wife Amanda join the podcast for a special conversation about love, partnership, and public service. From meeting in high school band to navigating college courtship, a proposal, marriage, and raising two boys, the Johnsons share the story of building a life together — including one that now includes North Carolina politics. 

Plus, Rep. Grant Campbell returns to the podcast as a guest host as helps Skye and Brian break down a busy week at the General Assembly. They unpack an oversight clash, a civics lesson, State Board of Elections dustups, the Berger v. Page fundraising battle and New York Times coverage, a new poll in the 1st Congressional District, and, of course, Valentine’s Day.

Love and politics — all in one episode.

Rep. Zack Hawkins on His Tragic Loss & Finding a 'Sole' Purpose

Rep. Zack Hawkins is back and a lot has changed since his last visit.

The Durham Democrat joins us to catch up on what he’s been working on at the General Assembly, including the pivotal role he played in getting sports gambling over the finish line.  

Rep. Hawkins also opens up about the devastating personal loss of his oldest son and how that grief has been transformed into a "sole" purpose. Listeners can be part of that mission by supporting the Zachari Hawkins Memorial Fund.

Plus, Skye and Brian dig into the latest campaign finance numbers, talk about an expedited lawsuit involving the State Board of Elections, and has anyone ever seen a Doppler Radar that is supposed to predict weather?  (The answer is no.)  And, as always, a little 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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Tim Longest with the Shortest #NCPOL Commute + Sen Benton Sawrey Guest Hosts

Guest host Sen. Benton Sawrey, a Johnston Co Republican, and co-host Brian Lewis team up to break down a wintry week in #ncpol. From icy politics to the Governor making yet another budget pitch, the latest John Locke Foundation poll, fresh primary chatter, a heartbreaking tragedy in Cabarrus County, House oversight fireworks, #TOTW, and more.

The episode also features a conversation with Rep. Tim Longest, a Raleigh Democrat with possibly the shortest commute to the General Assembly. Longest talks about his unique path to being appointed to the House, the lasting influence of former Governors Jim Hunt and Terry Sanford, and why he believes getting more young people involved is essential to the future of politics in North Carolina.

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

What #NCPOL Professors Chris Cooper & Michael Bitzer are Watching in '26

Political science professors Chris Cooper (Western Carolina University) and Michael Bitzer (Catawba College) break down the emerging landscape of 2026, from the Trump factor and how it’s still rearranging political gravity, to affordability as a defining issue for voters.  

The professors connect national dynamics to North Carolina’s uniquely complicated terrain, including the U.S. Senate race, Congressional Districts 1 and 11, and legislative primaries (Page v Berger, Hager v Johnson, Sadler v Cunningham, and Wray v Pierce).     

Skye and Brian also unpack a social media dustup over the children’s hospital, new polling, Buckout fundraising, and the epic winter storm prediction for North Carolina.

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Sens Danny Britt & Mike Woodard's Take on '26 Elections, Session, & More

Sen. Danny Britt, a Robeson County Republican, and former Sen. Mike Woodard, a Durham Democrat, look ahead to 2026, breaking down what’s coming with insight, honesty, disagreement, and plenty of laughs. The conversation covers the looming primary elections, the dynamics of the legislative short session, and whether lawmakers are headed toward a big budget, a mini-budget, or no budget at all.

The duo also size up the November elections, talk winners and losers, and prove that bipartisan conversations can still be candid, sharp, and entertaining.

Skye and Brian also dig into legislative oversight and select committee hearings, Governor Josh Stein’s trip to Capitol Hill, Cooper v. Whatley fundraising, a tough decision by the NC State Board of Elections, #TOTW, and is Brian morphing into Skye?  

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Sen Ted Budd: A Life-Changing USSR Trip, Unlikely Friendships, & Listening

U.S. Senator Ted Budd talks about life before Washington, including his family roots in New Jersey and with the New York Knicks.  How a trip to the U.S.S.R. while at Appalachian State University changed his life and family forever and informs how he approaches public service today.

Sen. Budd also discusses life in the Senate, his unlikely across-the-aisle friendship with Sen. John Fetterman, and why he believes listening matters in politics.  The conversation offers a deeper look at the man who will be NC's senior senator in less than a year.  

Skye and Brian also break down #ncpol's first week of the New Year, including House oversight hearings, Governor Josh Stein’s latest endorsement, Republicans finding reasons to celebrate, and the passing of a former Speaker whose legacy shaped state politics today.

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, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.