There's a lot of unfinished issues for legislators to tackle in the General Assembly short session set to begin on April 24: Medical marijuana, gambling, social issues, opportunity scholarships, immigration, and more.    

Then there's the rumors.  

House Majority Leader John Bell and Senate Democratic Whip Jay Chaudhuri join Skye and Brian for a comprehensive preview of the short session ahead. 

They also talk primary and general election politics, planned and unplanned legislator departures, length of session, #TOTW, and Mr. Beast.  

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. Charles Smith was a three-sport athlete (basketball, baseball, and soccer) in high school.  The power forward/centerfielder/sweeper would go on to play college basketball at Emory & Henry College before heading to UNC Law.  

The newly minted lawyer would return to his native Fayetteville as a prosecutor and entered private practice.  Along this journey, the freshman Democrat developed a friendship with the late Sen. Tony Rand, who introduced him to the world of North Carolina politics.  

Skye and Brian also talk about former Rep. Jon Hardister's replacement, the race to keep that GOP seat, the rape kit announcement explained, a runoff in the 13th congressional district heats up, #TOTW, and Skye and Brian discuss their quirks.  

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.  

Campaign consultant Jim Burton works everyday to get Republicans elected up and down the ballot.  Burton takes listeners behind the scenes of his 2022 work to get Sen. Bobby Hanig elected in a Democratic leaning district.  Burton also talks about his craft, including how polling informs a political message, the targeting of voters, working directly with candidates, and what he's looking for in the 2024 election.  

Democrats announce election targets, Rep. Jon Hardister resigns, former Rep. Grier Martin now a NC Cabinet Secretary, Senate maps approved, ballot signatures, Race of the Week, #TOTW, NC State basketball, 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.  

As Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed talks about his faith and its linkage to Christianity and Judaism, the importance of fasting during this Islamic Holy Month, and how it informs his politics.

Skye and Brian also unpack the Rep. Michael Wray concession, Rep. Kevin Crutchfield still fighting, a new presidential poll in NC, sports wagering a good bet for NC, Gov. Cooper calls for a school voucher moratorium, Race of the Week, #TOTW, and the Sweet 16 this Easter weekend.  

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.  

Veteran lobbyist Andy Ellen went for a morning run in the summer of 2023, returned home to catch up on news before heading to the General Assembly, and he collapsed.  He had a heart attack.  

The President/General Counsel of the NC Retail Merchants Association opens up about that day, his family's history with heart disease, and why he wants you to see a doctor today.  

Skye and Brian also unpack a week of news, including a WRAL gambling poll, Rep. Michael Wray is running out of options, Sen. Thom Tillis running in 2026, Race of the Week, #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. Brian Biggs is in his first term representing Randolph County, however his path to victory included a primary race in 2022 against a veteran GOP legislator.  

The Freshman GOP Whip talks about his life, family and political career, including that intra-party race and his prior service on the Randolph County School Board.  

Skye and Brian unpack the week's news, including Congressman-elect Addison McDowell, a pair of polls, John Locke Foundation's 2024 Civitas Partisan Index, Gov. Cooper's court win, Speaker outlines short session priorities, #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.  

It was a North Carolina primary election for the ages, one that was incorrectly described in the days leading up to it as a "sleeper."  Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir/Craven/Beaufort) guest hosts the podcast with Skye and Brian as they try to make sense of a primary election that defied the political odds and protocols.

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.  

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 5, the day many races across North Carolina will be ultimately decided.  However, some of the more crowded races are likely heading to runoffs.  

Political science professors Michael Bitzer (Catawba College) and Chris Cooper (Western Carolina University) join Skye and Brian for the entire podcast to talk early voting trends, races to watch, political party realignment, purity tests, and what surprises could be in store on election night.  

Dr. Bitzer and Dr. Cooper also discuss #TOTW and give listeners an update on the modern political science classroom in the age of smart phones, lap tops, and a world of information at their fingertips.

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.    

Kimberly Reynolds is a Democratic political consultant at Maven Strategies, a firm she founded with Maggie Barlow.  Kimberly talks about her career dating back to 1999, including her past work for the NC Senate Caucus program and #ncpol campaigns she's managed.  

Skye and Brian also share Republican polling from Capen Consulting, which includes the standings for the crowded race for Lt. Governor, Governor, and President.  

Plus, campaign endorsements, conservative groups backing Democrats, update on a pair of lawsuits, Race of the Week, #TOTW, and have we unlocked a new level with the mysterious Hendersonville stingray pregnancy? 

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. Eddie Settle is a no-nonsense, unpretentious, and accessible legislator whose style of legislating has won him admiration and respect from his colleagues, including Democrats.  The Wilkes County native talks with Skye and Brian about his politics, life, family, work, and faith.  

Plus, early voting is underway, a voter identification lawsuit scheduled, Governor Cooper's executive order, RNC Chair news, casino legislation in short session a bad bet, possible changes to election law, Race of the Week, #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.