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Do Politics Better Podcast

New Frame
North Carolina
North Carolina General Assembly
North Carolina Politics
General Assembly
Hurricane Helene
Opportunity Scholarships
Medicaid
Democratic Party
North Carolina House Of Representatives
Education
Braxton Winston
Bipartisanship
Republican Party
Budget
Mental Health
Immigration
Tim Kent
2024 Elections
Governor Roy Cooper
Workers' Rights

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes269Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNews

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Artwork for Do Politics Better Podcast

Latest Episodes

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,... more

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 se... more

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 wi... more

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... more

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Recent Guests

Michael Lee
North Carolina State Senator and former Majority Leader, interviewed guest on the episode
North Carolina Senate
Episode: Sen. Michael Lee on the '26 Session & the Senate's Future in '27
Sarah Crawford
Representative, NC House (former Senate member)
North Carolina General Assembly
Episode: Rep. Sarah Crawford on How Authenticity and Grace Get Results
Zach Almond
Executive Director of the North Carolina Republican Party
North Carolina Republican Party
Episode: The Most Joyful #NCPOL Operative: NCGOP Executive Director Zach Almond
Phil Shepard
Representative, North Carolina House of Representatives
North Carolina General Assembly
Episode: NC's New Budget! + A Conversation with Rep. Phil Shepard
Pam Cashwell
Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Episode: Secretary Pam Cashwell: America 250, Breaking Barriers, and a Life of Public Service
Jere Royall
Council to the North Carolina Family Policy Council
North Carolina Family Policy Council
Episode: How Powerful Democratic Sen Ken Royall Shaped His Conservative Son, Lobbyist Jere Royall
Mark Ezzell
Director of North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program
Governor's Highway Safety Program
Episode: How a Senator's Fatal Car Crash Still Echoes Through a Family and #NCPOL Today
Dan Forest
Former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
Forest Consulting Group; North Carolina Capital Strategies; Bison Homes
Episode: Former Lt. Governor Dan Forest Loves His New Job
Representative Allen Chesser
North Carolina House of Representatives member and veteran
North Carolina House of Representatives
Episode: A Memorial Day Conversation with Rep. Allen Chesser

Hosts

Brian Lewis
Host with long-running role in policy-focused discussions and behind-the-scenes political analysis.
Skye David
Co-host providing policy insight and interview leadership from a lobbying perspective.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 126 ratings
  • Inside look

    I started listening to DPBP about 9 months ago and have loved it since day one! I work in state government and in the last years have been intrigued with state politics and policy (NCGA has drastically changed my department in the last year), I enjoy the banter back and forth and the fair opinions/representations the host give. I am no doubt a conservative on most matters but this podcast definitely gives me hope that no matter how far right or left you may fall there is always room to do politi... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    j-edsel
    United States2 years ago
  • One star

    This was not my jam

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    papakayak
    United States2 years ago
  • Lizard People Interviewing Lizard People

    Lobbyists lobbing softball questions at and joking around white supremacists, neo-fascists, January Sixth co-conspirators, and more.

    After the events of January Sixth, a truly disgusting, ignorant podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Metatron Lives
    United States4 years ago
  • One of the Most Informative and Entertaining Political Podcasts

    In the way too crowded podcast space, Do Politics Better stands out as a MUST-LISTEN.

    Skye and Brian are duo that brings informative, insightful, and entertaining views of North Carolina politics to the table. I have to admit, I used to think I really knew NC politics and culture, but man was I wrong. These two are always getting me to think in a more in-depth, thoughtful manner, that leaves me really, really thinking. I am always leaving wanting to know more and anxious for the next epis... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alexander C. Lo
    United States4 years ago
  • Great Podcast!!

    My favorite political podcast out, love that it highlights local issues and the hosts mix a little bit of fun/quirkiness into their shows, too.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    95Def90
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Balanced, insider perspective on NC politics with practical takeaways
Worthwhile for anyone involved in NC political scene or public affairs
Well-produced with strong host chemistry and timely topics
Some listeners crave more hard news and fewer guest bios in each episode
Lively, informative, and great for understanding legislative process

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sen. Michael Lee on the '26 Session & the Senate's Future in '27
Q: Can you explain the Hemp conference report and why it matters for North Carolina?
Lee describes harmonizing state law with federal definitions to remove intoxicating hemp, avoiding recreational marijuana legalization, and ensuring protections like age restrictions are not introduced.
Sen. Michael Lee on the '26 Session & the Senate's Future in '27
Q: What major education policy priorities are you pursuing beyond the budget?
He discusses moving toward competency-based education, eliminating the Carnegie Unit, and creating a high school redesign framework to tailor learning to student needs across a unified education system.
Sen. Michael Lee on the '26 Session & the Senate's Future in '27
Q: What is it like to be the Big Chair this session, given we're in the second year of the biennial and the budget process is different?
Lee explains the shift to nonrecurring appropriations, the need to move quickly through conference, and how staff had less time to assemble the budget package, while still integrating policy initiatives with appropriations.
The Most Joyful #NCPOL Operative: NCGOP Executive Director Zach Almond
Q: What's one thing people are not watching that they should watch in the upcoming race?
He points to the Corps of Appeals races as highly consequential for long-term majorities, stressing their importance beyond high-profile state races and media attention.
The Most Joyful #NCPOL Operative: NCGOP Executive Director Zach Almond
Q: Why are you a Republican?
He cites a fiscal-conservative mindset and belief in personal responsibility, adding that he values a practical, business-oriented approach and wants more business people in government.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About Do Politics Better Podcast

What is Do Politics Better Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show offers insider-style analysis of North Carolina politics from two veteran lobbyists, focusing on the General Assembly, budget battles, and state leadership. Episodes blend policy breakdowns (budget, tax policy, education funding, elections administration) with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, personal career stories, and nuanced takes on how processes work in Raleigh. Listeners frequently encounter guest perspectives from lawmakers, election officials, journalists, and policy advocates, making it useful for strategists, lobbyists, and public affairs pros who want practical context on how NC policy moves and how to position conversations with policymakers. A standout throughline is the emphasis on process, bipartisan dynamics, and real-... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Do Politics Better Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Do Politics Better Podcast:

1. Tying It Together with Tim Boyum
2. Under the Dome
3. WUNC Politics
4. We’re Just Sayin’ | Hosted by Senator Vickie Sawyer
5. Not Dead Yet

How many episodes of Do Politics Better Podcast are there?

Do Politics Better Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 269 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Do Politics Better Podcast?

Recent guests on Do Politics Better Podcast include:

1. Michael Lee
2. Sarah Crawford
3. Zach Almond
4. Phil Shepard
5. Pam Cashwell
6. Jere Royall
7. Mark Ezzell
8. Dan Forest

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