Rep. Heather Rhyne started her official freshman term this year after getting a head start in the House last summer when former Rep. Jason Saine resigned his seat to enter the private sector.  

The Lincoln County Republican started her political career on her county's local school board and brings a focus to the General Assembly that is focused on supporting all facets of education and health care.  As a pharmacist, she's got ideas based on her career experience.  

Plus, winter weather is hitting much of the state, an announced primary challenger to the state's most powerful political leader, North Carolina's preliminary fiscal forecast released, limited action in the General Assembly this week, #TOTW, and DOGE suggestions for NC.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Tracy Clark has a list "whys" on her decision to serve in the General Assembly.  Two of the three issues that motivated the Guilford County freshman Democrat are the most divisive in politics, but she's optimistic that she can find middle ground, especially with those in her freshman class.  

Also, the House drops a Helene package a week after Governor Stein proposes his. Next up is the Senate and hopefully Congress.  An unsubstantiated rumor circulates, celebrating a NC Supreme Court decision, #TOTW, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

There's a good chance you wore a garment of clothing this week that is older than the 22-year old freshman legislator from Onslow County.   Rep. Wyatt Gable visits with Skye and Brian to talk about his improbable political journey to the General Assembly that began in a college economics class a couple years back.

Now the eastern NC Republican is a senior in college and stepping into the 2025-2026 biennium ready to get to work for his constituents while serving as an inspiration to a new generation of voters and future office holders.  

Plus, former Lt. Governor withdraws lawsuit, Helene spending plans, a Senate gun bill, Cooper v Tillis news drip, #TOTW, class photos, Super Bowl, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Sen. Woodson Bradley is a sexual assault survivor and in this powerful podcast conversation with Skye and Brian she talks about a dark and painful time in her life that led her to this moment as a freshman state senator advocating for change.  

The Mecklenburg County Democrat also self-describes as a moderate who campaigned on a pro-law enforcement, pro-business, and pro-public education platform.  

The General Assembly gets to work as a House schedule and full committee assignments are released, bill filing begins, a new House member seated, an unsubstantiated rumor surrounding Sen. Danny Earl Britt, a pair of disaster relief hearings, #TOTW, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Grant Campbell was raised by a single mother under very challenging circumstances in rural Lee and Harnett Counties.  The experience shaped every aspect of his life, including his decision to attend UNC (undergrad and medical school), become an OB/GYN, join the military, pen a novel, and serve in the General Assembly.  

The freshman Republican representing part of Cabarrus County opens up about his life, including his work, family, and unique approach to politics and policymaking.  

Plus, Skye and Brian discuss Governor Stein's executive order, Attorney General news, House committee chair assignments, Rep. Joe John dies, #TOTW, and a big week in NC for snow.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

In part 2 of the podcast's Meet the Freshmen series, Skye and Brian sit down with Rep. Mike Schietzelt, who won a hard-fought swing election in November.  

The Wake County Republican talks about growing up without means, his love of music and the law, and ultimately his faith-based decision to run for the House.  

Plus, Senate committee assignments, staff announcements, a veteran TV journalist transitions, Sen. Tillis gets a GOP challenger, #TOTW, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Monika Johnson-Hostler is a freshman legislator, but she's no stranger to the General Assembly as she's been working in and around the building since 1999, when she started her career at the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which is represented by New Frame.  

The Wake County Democrat talks about her advocacy work, her service on the Wake County School Board, and her decision to run for the NC House when Rep. Rosa Gill announced her retirement.  

Plus, a New Year ushers in a new legislative session, a new Governor and Council of State, and a new House Speaker.  Skye and Brian unpack it all and talk about their predictions for the coming year.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Senators Todd Johnson and Jay Chaudhuri join Skye and Brian to wrap up 2024, including key legislation, twists and turns, and a topsy-turvy election as a backdrop. The Republican and Democratic lawmakers also talk about their family Christmas traditions. 

The podcast also runs down the news from this past week, #TOTW, holiday gifts, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

There was a time before 2010 in which conservative Democrats ran NC politics, including the General Assembly and much of its leadership team.  And behind the campaign curtain of the 'Crone Caucus' was campaign consultant Brad Crone. 

The Johnston County native talks about his career in politics, the partisan realignment in NC, and an assessment of where Democrats are today in the aftermath of the 2024 election.   

Skye and Brian also break down the House veto session, constitutional amendments, the NC State Board of Election hearing, Dan Bishop's nomination, #TOTW, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Tim Kent was a journalist, lobbyist, association leader, and a friend to all who knew him, worked with him, and even opposed him on legislation at the General Assembly.  But many have no idea that Tim's legendary kindness and charity towards others was the byproduct of a man who was broken in 2010.  

Stephen Kent (DPB guest in 2021) was Tim's oldest son and he sits down with Skye and Brian to talk about his father's life, the "wilderness" Tim found himself in 15 years ago, and how it changed the way Tim lived his life, loved those around him, and was always one to reach out when people needed a kind word.  

The podcast also unpacks the Senate session on Monday, Senate Democrats elect a new leader, a House rumor, the election that will not end, #TOTW, cults, and more.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.