A weekly look at North Carolina politics and the North Carolina General Assembly from two lobbyists’ perspectives. Hosted by lobbyists Brian Lewis and Skye David.
Episodes
Feb 19, 2026
Feb 19, 2026
57 min
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.
Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
1hr 1 min
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.
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026
47 min
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.
Jan 29, 2026
Jan 29, 2026
58 min
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.
Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
59 min
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.
Jan 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026
57 min
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.
Jan 8, 2026
Jan 8, 2026
58 min
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.
Dec 18, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
46 min
As 2025 comes to a close, the podcast takes a wide-angle look back at the year in North Carolina politics. Skye and Brian are joined by Lucille Sherman, founder of Birdseye Strategies (and former Axios reporter), and Bryan Anderson, politics reporter at The Assembly, for a insightful and fun conversation about the biggest #ncpol developments that shaped NC this year.
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.
Dec 11, 2025
Dec 11, 2025
59 min
The storied Army–Navy Football Game is Saturday afternoon and Sens. Warren Daniel and Bob Brinson, both West Point graduates, and Rep. Eric Ager, a proud Naval Academy alum, are featured guests on this week's pod.
Together, they talk about the traditions of the game, what makes the rivalry and the military academies so special, and they manage to talk a little friendly trash ahead of the big game. It’s a fun, insightful, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about football, camaraderie that transcends politics, and a college football rivalry like no other.
Skye and Brian also break down the growing list of primaries piling up midway through candidate filing, Sen. Berger’s Trump endorsement, Governor Stein backs away from Medicaid cuts, the latest High Point University poll, and the passing of D.G. Martin at age 85. Plus, Skye recaps the gossip from her neighborhood Christmas party.
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
Dec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025
54 min
In this latest installment of the pod's #MeetTheFreshman series, Skye and Brian sit down with Sen. Chris Measmer, who was appointed to the Senate following former Majority Leader Paul Newton’s resignation earlier this year.
A multi-generation Cabarrus County native, Sen. Measmer talks about growing up in a community with deep family roots, the path that took him to George Washington University, and his early political experience working for Congressman Robin Hayes on Capitol Hill.
At just 22 years old, the young Republican returned home, won a seat on the Cabarrus County Commission, and served there for more than a decade before joining the NC Senate.
The podcast also unpacks the first few days of candidate filing, take a look at some new laws now in effect, #TOTW, and an update on the unexpected and increasingly bold world of Skye’s foot-fetish fans.
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