Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They're talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. 

And they're making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range anxiety while crossing the country in an EV.

In his latest stop in New Mexico, he does an unusual interview from a hot air balloon during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where more than 800,000 people from all over the world (that’s 16 different countries) took to the skies over the course of more than a week.

During about a 90-minute balloon ride in the bright skies, Tim, his photographer John and pilot Mark Yocum from Air Rocky Top crammed into a tiny basket at 3,000 feet above the good Earth to have a little chat about politics.

It was not an ideal journey for Tim as he is not fond of heights, but he was in awe of what he saw as he described in detail the different types of balloons he saw.  

Mark admits that politics do not hold much interest to him, which either party leaders or supporters could be to blame.

“It's probably as divisive as it's been since I've been alive and it's tragic,” he says.

Hear more in what he has to say in the latest Front Porch Politics.

About the Podcast

With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.