Do Politics Better Podcast

It’s the legislative equivalent of the last day of school before trackout — but with more shrimp, last-minute amendments, and a surprise parliamentary showdown in the Senate. In this episode, Skye and Brian break down the hectic final week before lawmakers head into their summer recess. From the politics of hemp and seafood to adjournment resolutions and the bills that didn’t make the cut, we’ve got it all. Plus, a standout Tweet of the Week [https://x.com/skydiving11/status/1937542046509625796] and the moments that had the legislative building buzzing. Are you here for the shrimp or the hemp? Either way, pull up a chair. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame [http://www.new-frame.com/], the NC Travel Industry Association [https://nctia.travel/], the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association [https://ncbeerwine.com/], the NC Pork Council [https://ncpork.org/], and the NC Healthcare Association [https://www.ncha.org/].

Rep. Allen Buansi [https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/H/790] started his elected political career as a Chapel Hill Town Council member and worked as an attorney with the NC Department of Justice before being elected to represent one of the most progressive communities in NC in the General Assembly.   The Dartmouth College graduate talks about navigating partisan divides, staying grounded in Chapel Hill values, and the challenges of pushing local priorities through a legislature often not politically aligned with his district. Skye and Brian also update listeners on the budget [https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article308869175.html], bills moving [https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/06/17/nc-senate-republicans-seek-to-define-biological-sex-dismiss-gender-identity/] and some crashing [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgaKRwoloeU], an unfortunate social media post [https://www.wral.com/story/von-haefen-apologizes-to-nc-lawmakers-for-social-media-image-depicting-inappropriate-protest-sign/22054607/], #TOTW [https://x.com/StephenBWiley/status/1935402506563309975], and a House page that reminds us of young Skye.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame [http://www.new-frame.com/], the NC Travel Industry Association [https://nctia.travel/], the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association [https://ncbeerwine.com/], the NC Pork Council [https://ncpork.org/], and the NC Healthcare Association [https://www.ncha.org/].

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 [https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/443] 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 [https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/north-carolina-legislature-budget-2025/], controversial legislation heading to Gov. Stein [https://wlos.com/news/local/north-carolina-immigration-bills-governor-josh-stein-federal-state-law-enforcement-president-donald-trump], #TOTW, bad breaker-uppers, and more.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame [http://www.new-frame.com/], the NC Travel Industry Association [https://nctia.travel/], the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association [https://ncbeerwine.com/], the NC Pork Council [https://ncpork.org/], and the NC Healthcare Association [https://www.ncha.org/].

Sen. Sydney Batch [https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/S/434] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-politics-better-podcast/id1557257071?i=1000537201893]) 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 [https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/north-carolina-legislature-budget-2025/], a couple leadership bills on the move [https://www.wral.com/story/immigration-crackdowns-pass-nc-house-inch-closer-to-possible-veto-battle-with-gov-josh-stein/22038030/], Governor Stein on late night TV [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjolshzYvXc], Sen. Liddy Dole honored [https://www.ncpoliticalnews.com/news/north-carolina-house-honors-senator-elizabeth-dole], #TOTW [https://x.com/skydiving11/status/1930342048063738218], hugs, and more.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame [http://www.new-frame.com/], the NC Travel Industry Association [https://nctia.travel/], the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association [https://ncbeerwine.com/], the NC Pork Council [https://ncpork.org/], and the NC Healthcare Association [https://www.ncha.org/].

In this special recess episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Jimmy Broughton [https://govaffairs.wfu.edu/about-us/], 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 [http://www.new-frame.com/], the NC Travel Industry Association [https://nctia.travel/], the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association [https://ncbeerwine.com/], the NC Pork Council [https://ncpork.org/], and the NC Healthcare Association [https://www.ncha.org/].