Do Politics Better Podcast

Sen. Buck Newton's Ride from House Page to State Senator

Long before he was elected to the Senate, young Buck Newton from Wilson walked the halls of the Legislative Building as a House Page in the 1980s—an experience that not only sparked his interest in politics but also led to meeting his future wife.

Sen. Newton reflects on his early exposure to public service, his return to Raleigh decades later as a successful candidate in 2010, and his role in helping Republicans flip the General Assembly for the first time in over a century.

From page to senator to statewide candidate and back again, it’s a candid conversation about lessons learned, battles fought, and what keeps him in the game.

Plus, Skye and Brian update listeners on budget news and rumors, controversial legislation heading to Gov. Stein, #TOTW, bad breaker-uppers, 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.

Inside Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch’s Playbook

Sen. Sydney Batch is six months into her new role as Senate Democratic Leader, and it's obvious that her caucus is following a different strategy compared to past sessions.  

The western Wake Democrat returns to the pod (first appearance was in 2021) to about this new strategy and message, her approach to bipartisan negotiations, how she thinks the budget showdown will play out, and her plans for 2026 mid-terms.

Skye and Brian also talk about the latest in those budget talks, a couple leadership bills on the move, Governor Stein on late night TV, Sen. Liddy Dole honored, #TOTW, hugs, 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.

Jimmy Broughton, Sen. Jesse Helms’ Chief of Staff, Reflects on His Former Boss

In this special recess episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Jimmy Broughton, former Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, for a rare and candid conversation about his time working for one of the most important and controversial political figures in North Carolina and American politics.

Broughton shares behind-the-scenes stories from Capitol Hill, offers personal insights into Helms' style and friendships, and reflects on the senator’s legacy.

Whether you admired Sen. Helms or were turned off by him, this episode offers a firsthand look at the man behind the headlines and political cartoons, told by someone who knew him best.

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. Grant Campbell: A Wartime Trauma Surgeon's Memorial Day

In this special Memorial Day episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Rep. Grant Campbell, a former wartime trauma surgeon, to talk about the solemn holiday from his perspective.  

The Cabarrus County Republican talks about the chaos of combat medicine to the quiet moments of remembrance, and the haunting questions that still linger.  

Whether you’ve served in uniform, know someone who has, or simply seek a deeper understanding of Memorial Day’s true significance, this episode offers a heartfelt and unflinching perspective.

Plus, the House budget drops and drama ensues, another Helene package emerges, a veteran lawmaker announces retirement, #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. Ray Jeffers' Life on the Family Farm Shaped His Politics

Rep. Ray Jeffers talks about the deep roots that ground his politics and public service, including stories from his upbringing on his family’s 106-year-old farm by his mother and grandparents.  

The Person County Democrat reflects on the lessons they passed down, his early love of training dogs, and how those rural experiences continue to shape his perspective in the General Assembly. 

Skye and Brian also give a preview of the House budget from subcommittees, Democrats hold a funeral for their bills, raw milk debates gets dangerous, #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.

Mr. McDowell Goes to Washington

Congressman Addison McDowell takes listeners behind the scenes of his 2023 decision to jump in the 2024 race for Congress in the 6th district, the bruising 2024 primary that came with it, and how he won the early endorsement of President Trump.  

Skye and Brian also break down a hectic crossover week at the NC General Assembly, major news in the NC Supreme Court race, NC State Board of Election transitions, #TOTW, and Skye talks about her recent stint as a grooms-woman. 

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.

Coffee Talk with Rep. Beth Helfrich

Rep. Beth Helfrich shares her deep roots in Davidson as a third-generation resident, a former teacher, and owner of a successful coffee shop with her husband Tim and family.  

The freshman Mecklenburg County Democrat also talks about raising five kids, what led her to run for the House in 2024 in a swing district, and her commute to Raleigh on the train. 

Plus, Skye and Brian are joined by New Frame intern Claudia Vial to talk crossover, House getting to work on the budget, a perennial budget rumor, a floor debate in the House over DEI, 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.

 

 

Reagan Perry, Daughter of Former Sen Jim Perry, & the Bill That Bears Her Name

In this special episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Reagan Perry, daughter of former North Carolina State Senator Jim Perry, for a heartfelt conversation.

Reagan opens up about the life-altering experience of losing her leg, the physical and emotional challenges she’s faced, and how she turned her pain into purpose through Reagan’s Law (HB906), a bipartisan effort to improve care and support for future amputees in North Carolina.

This conversation is about the power of resilience, the impact of family legacy, and how one young woman’s voice is shaping policy and hope for countless others who are striving to live full and active lives.  

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. Jimmy Dixon Reflects on Easter & His Mormon (LDS) Faith

Rep. Jimmy Dixon makes his third podcast appearance (his last one was 2023) to reflect on Easter and his Mormon faith, which includes membership and local leadership roles in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

The 8-term Duplin County Republican opens up about his conversion to LDS in 1976, the differences from the Methodist church he grew up in, and what Easter means to him.  

Skye and Brian break down details and drama as the Senate budget was unveiled, debated, and approved with twists and turns.  Meanwhile the House debate gets hot in the absence of Speaker Hall as he and his wife welcome a son. And we get somber news from Rep. Mike Clampitt.  

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.

Sen. Caleb Theodros' American Story Began in East Africa

Sen. Caleb Theodros began his life in Eritrea, a country in East Africa torn apart by civil conflict in the 1990s.  At age five, his family brought him to the United States in search of a better life.  After a brief stay in Las Vegas, the Theodros family relocated to Charlotte where they created a life for themselves.  

20 years later, Sen Theodros earned a degree from UNC Charlotte, worked in banking, managed local campaigns, and successfully ran in 2024 for a NC Senate seat that required he survive a brutal Democratic primary that included spying and car trackers. 

Skye and Brian also break down the House bill filing deadline, action in the Senate as they prepare a budget for next week, US Senate candidate announces, DPB Bracket Challenge winner, #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.