John Hood is an early pioneer in North Carolina’s conservative movement. He helped found found three major conservative institutions — the John Locke Foundation, Carolina Journal, and the Civitas Institute — at a time when NC's politics was dominated by Democrats. 

John takes us back to 1989 when he was fresh out of UNC and Art Pope had an idea on building a conservative infrastructure in NC.  We also learn about John's life growing up in Mecklenburg County, his love of books and tap-dancing, and how in 2012 a media firestorm put him on the opposite side of many conservatives in the state.  

Skye and Brian also update listeners on legislative map-drawing 2.0, give insightful analysis on deals and no-deals on maps, and recount a past intern at New Frame and a practical joke played on him.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.