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WUNC Politics

WUNC News
North Carolina
Community Development
Wendell
Josh Stein
Economic Development
North Carolina Democratic Party
Local Government
Economic Growth
Wake County
Murphy
Mark Robinson
Residential Development
Democratic Party
Lumbee Tribe
Robeson County
Republican Party
Cryptocurrency
Mike Morgan
Jeff Jackson
Satana Deberry

The “WUNC Politics Podcast” is a free-flowing discussion of what we're hearing in the back hallways of the General Assembly and on the campaign trail across North Carolina.

Sign up for our free, weekly WUNC Politics Newsletter here.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes441Founded10 years ago
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Artwork for WUNC Politics

Latest Episodes

North Carolina’s prison system is struggling with hundreds of vacant positions as the starting pay remains stuck around $18 an hour. Correctional officers are leaving in droves for better pay elsewhere. There’s not enough money to pay the bills for b... more

Williamston accountant and minister Patricia Smith pulled off an upset in this month’s primary over a six-term incumbent known for crossing party lines.

Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe, was one of three moderate Democrats who helped give House R... more

North Carolina's primary brought rebukes to incumbent legislators in both parties, including a razor-thin margin in the closely watched GOP primary challenge to Senate leader Phil Berger. Why did voters reject some longtime leaders in state politics?... more

The 2026 North Carolina primary is almost here, and so for this week’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at four of the biggest races on the ballot, from the U.S. Senate to a legislative primary with major stakes. WUNC News Supervising Editor for P... more

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Recent Guests

Leslie Dismukes
Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, appointed by Governor Josh Stein in 2025
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
Episode: Why NC's prisons can't pay bills or keep staff
Patricia Smith
Winner of the Democratic Primary for State House District 23 in Edgecombe, Martin and Bertie Counties
Democratic candidate, North Carolina State House
Episode: Small-town accountant defeats a veteran swing-vote legislator
Adam Wagner
Editor and reporter for the North Carolina Newsroom
North Carolina Newsroom
Episode: Four races to watch in Tuesday's NC primary
Billy Dillon
Operator of the Outer Banks Motel, long-time resident
Outer Banks Motel
Episode: Main Street NC: Buxton's disappearing beach
Laura Moore
Professor and coastal expert, discusses long-term impacts of erosion on communities
UNC Chapel Hill
Episode: Main Street NC: Buxton's disappearing beach
Heather Jennette
President of the Buxton Civic Association, community organizer
Episode: Main Street NC: Buxton's disappearing beach
Brian Harris
Vice President of the Buxton Civic Association, community organizer
Episode: Main Street NC: Buxton's disappearing beach
David Woronoff
Publisher of The Pilot
The Pilot
Episode: What's the future of NC's news media amid cutbacks?
Kyle Villemain
Founder and CEO of The Assembly
The Assembly
Episode: What's the future of NC's news media amid cutbacks?

Host

Colin Campbell
Host of WUNC Politics Podcast, Capitol Bureau Chief, and known for insightful reporting on North Carolina's political landscape.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 87 ratings
  • After the change of locus from politics, why this title?

    I was an avid listener in the past but after the previous host left it is meaningless. Inside the legislature journalism seems extinct now. Unfollowing, sadly.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    shirokuma1407
    United States2 years ago
  • An excellent deep dive into NC politics

    The biweekly format with a one-on-one interview and a panel discussion is a welcome development. I cannot, however, recommend playing a drinking game around Becki Gray’s use of “I think we need to be really careful...” to deflect from some conservative controversy or scandal. You’ll be blotto well before the pod ends.

    UPDATE: Since I’m an unaffiliated moderate squish, let me be balanced and offer a comment on the left-wing commentator. Would it be possible to get a little variety, like the pod... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    slaintejoe
    United States4 years ago
  • Cream of the Crop

    This is easily one of the best, most comprehensive podcasts covering North Carolina politics. I would know, I’ve tried them all. Come for informed viewpoints, quality coverage, and (importantly when compared to a few other NC pol pods) competent production. Five stars for Jeff, the guests, and the whole crew. Thank you for providing this resource.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Garrett W 1996
    United States4 years ago
  • Not really balanced

    Purports to present both sides, but is still very slanted. Very little nuance in presentation of views.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Eruson
    United States4 years ago
  • Wow!

    A political discussion where both sides aren’t yelling and screaming. I love it. Everyone engages in civil discourse in a respectful and informative manner. Both sides bring valid points. Kudos for keeping it real…

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Day Day Mac
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the variety of guests and perspectives, which contribute to a richer understanding of contemporary issues.
Overall, the quality of production and in-depth analysis is often praised as a highlight of the discussions.
The content is both informative and engaging, providing a comprehensive view of North Carolina's political landscape.
Some critics express a desire for more balance, noting occasional perceived slants in coverage.

Top Politics Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why NC's prisons can't pay bills or keep staff
Q: What is the scale of the staffing crisis and how is it affecting safety and operations?
She details that the department needs about 9,600 correctional officers to run a safe system but currently has around 4,600, creating a 5,000-person shortfall that impacts safety, increases overtime, and hampers programming and reentry efforts.
Why NC's prisons can't pay bills or keep staff
Q: So elaborate on his comments, if you can, about being unable to pay bills and asking vendors to have to delay payments from Department of Adult Correction.
The guest explains two large budgetary gaps: an insufficient operating budget and an even larger payroll budget, which forces the agency to delay non-payroll bills and to juggle payments to prioritize critical needs, illustrating how lack of funding cascades into maintenance, medical care, and day-to-day operations.
Small-town accountant defeats a veteran swing-vote legislator
Q: How did you approach fundraising and endorsements to overcome the financial gap with your opponent?
She relied on strong local endorsements and community-focused engagement, emphasizing genuine connections over PAC money and explaining how endorsements helped mobilize volunteers and door-to-door efforts.
Small-town accountant defeats a veteran swing-vote legislator
Q: Was the incumbent's pattern of voting with Republicans on veto overrides a central issue in your campaign?
Yes, making it a focal point that the community wanted a representative who would align with constituents rather than voting with the opposing party on key state issues.
Small-town accountant defeats a veteran swing-vote legislator
Q: What made you decide to run for state House this year after previously running for mayor?
The district had been at the bottom on lists for a long time, and she felt someone needed to step in to raise the standards and address gaps in hospital access, healthcare, and overall community needs.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About WUNC Politics

What is WUNC Politics about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers insightful discussions on political developments and news from North Carolina, drawing attention to key events, legislative decisions, and community concerns. Through interviews, expert analysis, and panel discussions, it addresses a range of topics, including environmental policy, healthcare, local economy, and the impacts of government actions on communities. The unique approach combines a mix of political reporting with narratives reflecting the voices of local residents and experts, making complex political issues accessible and engaging for listeners.

Listeners can expect not just current updates but also thoughtful reflections on the challenges faced by North Carolina communities, shedding light on significant iss... more

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Which podcasts are similar to WUNC Politics?

These podcasts share a similar audience with WUNC Politics:

1. Under the Dome
2. Tying It Together with Tim Boyum
3. On the Media
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. Do Politics Better Podcast

How many episodes of WUNC Politics are there?

WUNC Politics launched 10 years ago and published 441 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact WUNC Politics?

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What guests have appeared on WUNC Politics?

Recent guests on WUNC Politics include:

1. Leslie Dismukes
2. Patricia Smith
3. Adam Wagner
4. Billy Dillon
5. Laura Moore
6. Heather Jennette
7. Brian Harris
8. David Woronoff

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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