Former North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and DMV leader Wayne Goodwin joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss DMV reform, insurance challenges, election changes and the importance of civility and public service,

Thomas Stith, CEO of The Michael Thomas Group & Fellow at UNC Kenan Institute, joins Don Curtis to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, education and the values that have guided his life and service to North Carolina.

Allen Thomas, President & CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, discusses how the hospitality industry fuels economic growth, tackles workforce challenges and shapes North Carolina’s future as a premier destination.

Tom Jensen, Director of Public Policy Polling, joins Don Curtis to break down North Carolina’s 2025 elections, redistricting battles, the U.S. Senate race, the federal shutdown debate and how tariffs are shaping voter attitudes.

Matt Calabria, Executive Director of GROW NC, joins Don Curtis to discuss the ongoing recovery in western NC following Hurricane Helene.

Mitch Kokai, Senior Political Analyst with John Locke Foundation, joins Don Curtis to break down bipartisan calls for Rep. Cecil Brockman to resign, a proposal to wipe medical debt for 2.5 million residents and the legislature’s return to redraw congressional maps. They also examine momentum for Lumbee federal recognition, a court ruling curbing the governor’s appointment powers and what potential U.S. Supreme Court moves on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could mean for representation.

In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, former NC Supreme Court justice Bob Orr delves into pressing issues such as the implications of Iryna's Law on the death penalty, the ongoing federal shutdown and the evolving landscape of NIL in college athletics.

In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler highlights the upcoming North Carolina State Fair, emphasizing its importance in showcasing the state's agricultural heritage and supporting local farmers. He also discusses new attractions and improvements at the fair, alongside the ongoing challenges farmers face, including recovery from Hurricane Helene.

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis talks with Mike Olender, state director of AARP North Carolina. They discuss the challenges facing older adults in North Carolina, from the rising cost of prescription drugs to housing and long-term care needs. Olender also shares insights on retirement security, fraud prevention and how communities across the state are working to become more age-friendly

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis talks with Bob Phillips about the shifting landscape of democracy and governance in North Carolina and beyond. They explore the latest redistricting developments in other states and how court battles over fair representation could shape the national map. The conversation also turns to the political climate following the Charlie Kirk assassination and how leaders, citizens and nonpartisan groups can begin to restore trust and civility in public discourse.