Do Politics Better Podcast

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/].

In this special Memorial Day episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Rep. Grant Campbell [https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/H/830], a former wartime trauma surgeon, to talk about the solemn holiday from his perspective.   The Cabarrus County Republican [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-politics-better-podcast/id1557257071?i=1000685223521] 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 [https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewNewsFile/108/S257%20v5] and drama ensues, another Helene package emerges [https://www.wral.com/video/nc-house-approves-450-million-in-helene-aid-package/22019709/], a veteran lawmaker announces retirement [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16NG67yfKA/], #TOTW, 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/].

Rep. Ray Jeffers [https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/H/805] 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 [https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article306423671.html], Democrats hold a funeral for their bills [https://www.wunc.org/politics/2025-05-13/nc-democrats-bill-funeral-legislation-died-hearings], raw milk debates gets dangerous [https://www.wral.com/story/raw-milk-advocate-charged-with-carrying-a-concealed-weapon-into-nc-legislative-building/21998225/], #TOTW [https://x.com/RaleighReporter/status/1923008141022617935], 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/].

Congressman Addison McDowell [https://mcdowell.house.gov] 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 [https://www.wral.com/story/nc-lawmakers-set-to-advance-dozens-of-bills-as-crossover-nears/21989230/], major news in the NC Supreme Court race [https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article305898251.html], NC State Board of Election transitions [https://nsjonline.com/article/2025/05/new-nc-board-of-elections-removes-brinson-bell-installs-hayes-as-executive-director/], #TOTW [https://x.com/NewFrameInc/status/1919776422329033187], and Skye talks about her recent stint as a grooms-woman.  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/].