Both Carlton and Elwood are in the saddle to take on two heady topics. First the recent column by Nikole Hannah-Jones on the issues facing her daughter's schooling, and the backlash she has faced. The role of race in education and is front and center in a timely discussion.

And the President's recent attacks on the press, with the banning of CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, provides more fodder in the outrage generator that is Trump 2.0.

Doc's Latest Column on the Nikole Hannah-Jones Saga.

In a bonus episode Carlton welcomes Brian Lewis of New Frame, a lobbying firm in Raleigh, NC, to talk the dynamics of state capitol politics, times of old on Jones Street at the Legislative Building, and where Brian and Carlton get it right and wrong. If you want to know how the decisions that shape your life are made in state politics this is a must listen episode!

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Summer is ending, and the midterm election is fast approaching. The GOP had the novel concept of having a midterm convention, and it was....well....something. Doc and Carlton break down why the need for this gathering, and where things went off the rails for the GOP in Trump 2.0 The fellas also break down Bo French's racist attack on Longhorn fans of Indian descent, and where each party has it's issues.

And in a lightning round the fellas discuss the battle for the US Senate, and some notable contests for Governor.

Doc's Column on the Convention

After a week off for the Labor Day Doc and Carlton return for a heavy discussion on the world September 11, 2001 created. The anniversary offers a time of reflection for where we were, where we have been, and what it all means. 25 years offers a lot for us to dwell on, and I hope for those who remember that day we hope it speaks to the feelings this anniversary elicits.

We also remember the legacy of Gloria Steinem, and what the second wave of feminism accomplished for women in this nation. Hers was a life in full, and we hope y'all enjoy this perspective.

As the Campbell Camels and East Tennessee Buccaneers battled in Johnson City the fellas took time to salute the life and legacy of Miss Dolly Parton. She made her life the sermon of her faith, and became a unifying legend that transcended the dividing lines in our culture. We will miss her life and unifying presence.

From unity we turned to the infuriatingly dumb dispute between the United States and our neighbor, Canada. The Trump driven destruction of the American led world order is both arbitrary and long term dangerous.

We close with the acknowledgment of the anniversary of the I Have a Dream Speech and the tragic murder of Emmett Till. America's story has these dichotomies sitting side by side, with the choice of which America we will be in the balance.

We continue our dissection of the politics of North Carolina and the South with one of it's preeminent experts, Dr. Michael Bitzer of Catawba College. With the wound of losing Dolly Parton still in the shock phase, Carlton and Dr. Bitzer tackle South Carolina's runoff, the road ahead for North Carolina, and the shift in American political power to south of the Mason-Dixon line. Call it your Politics of the South 101 with the man who literally wrote the book.

Center for North Carolina Politics and Public Service

A heavy episode, but tackling these weighty topics is what we do on Keepin' It Real.

The Lindsay Clancy trial has created quite the conversation in America about the law, post partum depression, and the different lens through which we all look at the same set of facts. Doc and Carlton look at how this trial breaks down on gender lines the way the OJ Simpson trial did on race.

We take a journey across the pond to look at the fall and tragic end of Professor Jason Arday in England. We dissect the different emphasis through which plagiarism scandals are given for black academics and public figures, and look at how the Trump Administration is interfering in the fallout of this episode.

Lastly, the wailing of MAGA over Jon Ossoff's aside about the "interesting" relationship between Donald Trump and Natalie Harp reveals hypocrisy while offering hilarity.

Doc's Column on Professor Arday

Today Carlton takes us for a trip down I-85 to the Peach State. Joined by Atlanta Journal Constitution reporter Greg Bluestein we dissected the changes in Georgia's politics, the 2026 US Senate race, the battle for the Gold Dome, and talk the Georgia Bulldogs football chances. A mini episode with a lot of insight packed in!

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Buy Greg's Book, "Flipped"

Politically Georgia Podcast

Carlton welcomes NC Democrat consultant Thomas Mills to the podcast. Thomas has long written that the GOP takeover of North Carolina has provided the blueprint for MAGA's work in Trump 1 and 2.0. This framework provides understanding for why we are where we are, and how we can reverse this American Carnage.

They turn next to the blockbuster US Senate race that so far isn't. Democrat Roy Cooper's consistent lead in the race has folks wondering will it be just a win or a statement with coattails?

In the final portion Thomas and Carlton ponder will power change hands on Jones Street and what's next for the Tarheel State in 2028 and beyond.

Politics NC Substack

Restless Natives Podcast

A wide ranging episode that takes the madness of 2026 and asks how the heck we got here.

We first look back at the recent efforts to target Dr. Fauci by Senate Republicans, while also reliving the "fun" hits of Covid-19 pandemic and it's lingering effects.

Doc and Carlton then take some time to dissect the cultural moment that was the Montgomery Brawl of 2023. Steel chairs, throw hats, and commentary on what made this moment special is a must listen.

And recently AOC as she prepares for her future in 2028 laughed off Woke 1, saying it went too far. What was Woke 1, when was it, and what does it mean for today?

Doc Watson's column on Dr. Fauci.

Montgomery Brawl 1

Montgomery Brawl 2

Montgomery Brawl 3

Montgomery Brawl 4

AOC talks Woke 1