This week’s episode of Tying it Together features an interview with Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, arguably North Carolina’s most influential politician, as a new legislative session begins.

Host Tim Boyum and Sen. Berger openly discuss Helene’s mountain relief efforts, collaboration with new Gov. Josh Stein and house speaker Destin Hall, and other topics in the senator’s office.

“I don’t know that when all is said and done that it’s going to end up any different,” Sen. Berger told Boyum when talking about Gov. Stein and cutting deals. “But I am optimistic that we may find ways to address some things that we may not have in the past.”

The two also touch on the unresolved N.C. Supreme Court election race, tax rates, and facing a primary in next year’s election.