Rep. Billy Richardson is an accomplished lawyer and legislator, but he was unlikely to be either until he confided in his high school English teacher that he could not read.  The Fayetteville Democrat discusses how a teacher and a novel she gave him changed his life forever.

Rep. Richardson also talks about his legislative service in 1992-96 and 2015-present, including his pragmatic political philosophy that makes him one of the most effective and courted Democrats in a Republican General Assembly.    

Brian and Skye unpack a volatile week in North Carolina politics after a controversial video featuring Lt. Governor Mark Robinson surfaces, Governor Cooper signs the energy bill, budget talks continue, the NC State Fair begins, the Tweet of the Week, and a second #DoPoliticsBetter Kickball game is announced.  

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