Do Politics Better Podcast

Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed Opens Up About His Muslim Faith, Ramadan, & Politics

As Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed talks about his faith and its linkage to Christianity and Judaism, the importance of fasting during this Islamic Holy Month, and how it informs his politics.

Skye and Brian also unpack the Rep. Michael Wray concession, Rep. Kevin Crutchfield still fighting, a new presidential poll in NC, sports wagering a good bet for NC, Gov. Cooper calls for a school voucher moratorium, Race of the Week, #TOTW, and the Sweet 16 this Easter weekend.  

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.  

A Heartfelt Conversation with Lobbyist Andy Ellen

Veteran lobbyist Andy Ellen went for a morning run in the summer of 2023, returned home to catch up on news before heading to the General Assembly, and he collapsed.  He had a heart attack.  

The President/General Counsel of the NC Retail Merchants Association opens up about that day, his family's history with heart disease, and why he wants you to see a doctor today.  

Skye and Brian also unpack a week of news, including a WRAL gambling poll, Rep. Michael Wray is running out of options, Sen. Thom Tillis running in 2026, Race of the Week, #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. Brian Biggs' Big Ideas

Rep. Brian Biggs is in his first term representing Randolph County, however his path to victory included a primary race in 2022 against a veteran GOP legislator.  

The Freshman GOP Whip talks about his life, family and political career, including that intra-party race and his prior service on the Randolph County School Board.  

Skye and Brian unpack the week's news, including Congressman-elect Addison McDowell, a pair of polls, John Locke Foundation's 2024 Civitas Partisan Index, Gov. Cooper's court win, Speaker outlines short session priorities, #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.  

Knives Out Primary Election Analysis with Sen. Jim Perry

It was a North Carolina primary election for the ages, one that was incorrectly described in the days leading up to it as a "sleeper."  Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir/Craven/Beaufort) guest hosts the podcast with Skye and Brian as they try to make sense of a primary election that defied the political odds and protocols.

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.  

Special Primary Election Preview with Professors Michael Bitzer & Chris Cooper

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 5, the day many races across North Carolina will be ultimately decided.  However, some of the more crowded races are likely heading to runoffs.  

Political science professors Michael Bitzer (Catawba College) and Chris Cooper (Western Carolina University) join Skye and Brian for the entire podcast to talk early voting trends, races to watch, political party realignment, purity tests, and what surprises could be in store on election night.  

Dr. Bitzer and Dr. Cooper also discuss #TOTW and give listeners an update on the modern political science classroom in the age of smart phones, lap tops, and a world of information at their fingertips.

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.    

 

Kimberly Reynolds: Democrats' Maven Political Operative

Kimberly Reynolds is a Democratic political consultant at Maven Strategies, a firm she founded with Maggie Barlow.  Kimberly talks about her career dating back to 1999, including her past work for the NC Senate Caucus program and #ncpol campaigns she's managed.  

Skye and Brian also share Republican polling from Capen Consulting, which includes the standings for the crowded race for Lt. Governor, Governor, and President.  

Plus, campaign endorsements, conservative groups backing Democrats, update on a pair of lawsuits, Race of the Week, #TOTW, and have we unlocked a new level with the mysterious Hendersonville stingray pregnancy? 

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.    

The Political Mettle of Sen. Eddie Settle

Sen. Eddie Settle is a no-nonsense, unpretentious, and accessible legislator whose style of legislating has won him admiration and respect from his colleagues, including Democrats.  The Wilkes County native talks with Skye and Brian about his politics, life, family, work, and faith.  

Plus, early voting is underway, a voter identification lawsuit scheduled, Governor Cooper's executive order, RNC Chair news, casino legislation in short session a bad bet, possible changes to election law, Race of the Week, #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. Caleb Rudow on Trading a Safe House Seat to Run for Congress

Rep. Caleb Rudow is currently sitting in one of the safest House seats in the General Assembly.  The Asheville Democrat could sit back in 2024, put a few yard signs up, and coast to re-election victory.  So why is he trading it in to challenge GOP freshman Congressman Chuck Edwards in the ruby-red leaning 11th District?

Skye and Brian also break down a pair of polls from Meredith University and High Point University, legislator death threat leads to arrest, Race of the Week, #TOTW, the Super Bowl, and Taylor Swift.

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.    

 

Dylan Watts: The Man Behind the Senate Caucus Curtain

The Senate Republican Caucus is well known as a well-oiled, disciplined machine known for recruiting top-shelf candidates, methodically executing campaign plans, and winning majorities (sometimes supermajorities) since 2010.  

Political operative Dylan Watts runs that machine and he sits down to talk about his life and work, which sometimes is a blur except when he's playing golf.  The Cary native also discusses candidate recruiting, ideological diversity in districts, polling, and his thoughts about the 2024 election.  

Skye and Brian also unpack a trio of legal issues, campaign fundraising, Race of the Week, #TOTW, and the problem with YMCA locker rooms.  

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.   

Sens. Warren Daniel & Julie Mayfield Live from Asheville!

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a live recording of the Do Politics Better Podcast in front of an audience of over 100 people on the campus of UNC Asheville on January 19.  

Skye and Brian were joined by Senators Warren Daniel and Julie Mayfield to review the 2023 General Assembly session, issues they partnered on, and bills they were on opposite sides of.  

The Senate duo representing Buncombe County also look to the upcoming short session and provide a scan of issues facing western NC and Asheville, including tourism, crime, and the region getting its fair share of the budget pie.

Plus, Tweet of the Week, Brian trying to kick a 40-year addiction, 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.