This week on Do Politics Better, Brian Lewis and Skye David sit down with North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pam Cashwell to discuss her remarkable career in public service and her department's leadership role in commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Secretary Cashwell made history as the first Native American to serve in a North Carolina Governor's Cabinet. Throughout her career, she has been guided by a commitment to public service, holding leadership positions in civil rights enforcement, litigation, public safety, and state government. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the mentors who influenced her path, and why she believes public service remains one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference in people's lives.

The conversation also explores North Carolina's plans for America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As the state agency charged with preserving North Carolina's history, culture, and natural heritage, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is leading efforts to ensure communities across the state have opportunities to celebrate, learn, and reflect on the nation's founding and the many stories that have shaped North Carolina over the past two and a half centuries.

Plus, Brian and Skye unpack another busy week in North Carolina politics. They provide the latest updates on state budget negotiations, veto override efforts at the General Assembly, and legislation that is moving—or waiting in the queue—as lawmakers race toward key deadlines. They also discuss the Carolina Hurricanes' visit to the legislature, reflect on the life and legacy of a former state senator following his passing, and cover a variety of other political developments from around the state.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

NC Family Policy Council Lobbyist Jere Royall sits down for a fascinating conversation about politics, family, and the power of relationships in #ncpol.

Jere is the son of the late Sen. Ken Royall, one of the most influential figures in modern North Carolina political history when he became both the Senate Majority Leader and Appropriations Chairman decades ago.

Gov. Jim Hunt described the Durham legislator as "a master of the legislative process" who helped shape state policy from education and economic development to mental health reform and hospitals.

Despite growing up in a household led by a Democratic political giant, Jere charted a different path. He became a lobbyist and advocate for many of the social and family policy causes most closely associated with North Carolina conservatives and the Republican Party. 

Jere reflects on lessons learned from his father, the values that shaped his own political worldview, and how respect, trust, and personal relationships still matter in a highly polarized political environment.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest political news, including budget news, political news, an election bill, a rumor, the Canes win, and more. 

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Mark Ezzell, Director of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, was in his early 20s when his father, Sen. Jim Ezzell, died on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh on the eve of session starting in 1991.  

That loss not only changed Mark's life forever, it also created an opening in the North Carolina Senate for a young House member named Roy Cooper.

But this story is about more than politics, it's also about perseverance and grace.   Senator Ezzell, who lived with cerebral palsy, and his wife made the intentional decision to adopt a child with a disability. At age eight, Mark was adopted from foster care and welcomed into a family that saw his potential, not his limitations. Born with spina bifida, Mark has spent his life navigating challenges from a wheelchair while building a successful career in public service, including his work today of preventing highway fatalities.  

Plus, Skye and Brian unpack another busy week: state budget negotiations continue, a moratorium on certain property tax increases heads to Governor Stein's desk, political news, a state senator has his eyes on a mayor's office, and graduation ceremonies are getting out of hand.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Former NC Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest sits down for a candid conversation about the twists and turns that have shaped his life, career, and outlook on the future.  

The Republican reflects on growing up in a political family, how his parents' divorce affected him and influenced his views on faith, family, and perseverance. He also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of his public life: his 2020 gubernatorial loss, what he learned from the experience, and how it changed his perspective on politics and leadership.

Today, Forest has embarked on a new chapter that he says he genuinely loves. As a lobbyist and leader of a coalition focused on blockchain technology and AI, he is helping businesses and policymakers navigate some of the most transformative innovations of our time. He discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, the future of cryptocurrency, and why he believes emerging technologies will reshape government, business, and everyday life.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest developments at the General Assembly, including a budget update, several key bills on the move, and a notable veto override. They also take a look at the stories shaping the week across North Carolina before turning their attention to the state's collective obsession: the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Allen Chesser is a combat veteran who served more than two decades ago, but he says war is still claiming lives today. With veteran suicide continuing to devastate military families, Rep. Chesser joins Skye and Brian for a candid Memorial Day conversation about service, sacrifice, mental health, and why he believes lawmakers must do more to support veterans long after they return home.

The Nash County Republican also discusses his own mental fitness, personal discipline, and how he balances public service and family life.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest revenue forecast numbers, where budget negotiations currently stand, a growing list of proposed constitutional amendments at the legislature, and the politics of hugging.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Former Rep. Leo Daughtry joins Skye and Brian to reflect on his storied political career, including the dramatic battle for Speaker of the North Carolina House heading into the 2003–2004 biennium.

For weeks, the Johnston County Republican was widely viewed as the next Speaker after his party narrowly won the NC House in 2002 by a single seat.   But, a last-minute revolt within the Republican caucus stripped away the votes he needed and denied him the gavel on the opening day of session.

The political fallout fractured House Republicans for years and remains one of the most talked-about leadership fights in modern North Carolina political history.

Plus, the podcast breaks down the celebrated announcement of a budget deal, movement on an ABC reform bill in the House, a new John Locke Foundation poll, TOTW, and more.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Stephen Ross is wrapping up an incredible political career that began in Burlington, where he served on the City Council, led as Mayor, and eventually was persuaded to run for the NC House.

The Alamance County Republican shares how he worked alongside a fellow mayor from another county (and another political party) to deliver results not just for their hometowns, but for North Carolina politics as a whole.

But the most powerful moment comes when Rep. Ross reflects on his late mother. After his father died of a stroke while Rep. Ross was still in high school, she found herself rebuilding a family from the ground up after the family business was lost. Her determination didn’t just keep the family afloat, it inspired achievement, resilience, and purpose for Rep. Ross and his siblings.

It’s a moving conversation ahead of Mother’s Day weekend.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the week in #ncpol, including a property tax bill on the move, two members of Congress land in hot water, Rep. Budd battles breast cancer, and North Carolina loses a former lawmaker.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger sits down for a candid conversation about the legislative short session and the question everyone in #ncpol is asking: Will the House and Senate actually come together on a new budget?

Sen. Berger also reflects on his unsuccessful run for the NC House in 1994, his successful bid for NC Senate six years later, and talks about spending a decade in the minority.

We also dig into the pivotal 2010 shift to a Republican majority, Berger’s perspective on that transition, and his respect for the way his Democratic predecessor, Sen. Marc Basnight, navigated a change in power.

Skye and Brian also run through a packed week in #ncpol: another round of party hopping in the House, budget talks, a brewing dispute over access to water, the passing of a former senator, and a deleted #TOTW salvaged. Along the way, there’s also a detour into “slippery when wet” signage at the General Assembly.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Speaker Destin Hall previews the short session now underway and breaks down the path forward on the state budget after last year’s budget stalemate. 

The Speaker walks listeners through his priorities, what’s changed since last year, and whether there’s a realistic path to breaking the impasse. He also reflects on his first year holding the gavel:  what he’s learned, his leadership style, and he talks about "the Schedule".

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Governor Josh Stein talks about how his time in the NC Senate (2009-2016) shaped the way he leads today. Having served under both Democratic and Republican leadership, Gov. Stein reflects on the lessons he learned working across the aisle, building relationships, and navigating the realities of divided government.  It's experience he now leans on as he works with the General Assembly.

He also offers a preview of his budget priorities, outlining where he wants to invest, what challenges lie ahead, and how he plans to find common ground with lawmakers. From economic growth to key funding decisions, Gov. Stein shares his approach to governing in a closely divided political environment.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down recommendations coming out of two interim committees, take a look at the latest fundraising numbers, and discuss emerging Democratic target districts. They also touch on the selection of a new legislator and what it means for the political landscape moving forward.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.