“The 3 Guys Podcast: Episode 7 – Venezuela and the Board of Education Race” opens with a hard-edged conversation about Trump’s lightning raid to grab Nicolás Maduro, the slaughter of Maduro’s security forces, and the remarkable lack of U.S. combat deaths. The hosts hammer the left’s sudden concern for “international law,” walk through America’s ugly regime-change record, and debate whether Trump just executed a ruthless but effective reset in Venezuela or lit the fuse on another long-term entanglement.​

The episode then shifts to New Hanover County’s Board of Education primaries, where low-turnout, loud ideologues, and culture-war battles over book “porn,” DEI, and school closures collide with real issues like abuse scandals, overcrowding, and learning loss. The hosts profile Democratic and Republican contenders, question whether 2022-style anti-institutional anger will still sell, and lay out how incumbents and challengers on the right can run on having “fixed” schools while Democrats lean into book-banning narratives and anti-Trump energy.

Welcome back to The 3 Guys Podcast—our end-of-year, no-filter wrap on 2025. In this episode, Reuel Sample, Ben Schachtman, and Nick Craig dig into the highs and lows for both left and right: Trump’s historic return to the presidency, a blue wave in governor and legislative races, and how Democrats still can’t land a clear economic message.​

We dive into school book wars, the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it says about our appetite for political violence, plus housing, affordability, dark money, and the coming 2026 knife fight in North Carolina politics. If you’re looking for real disagreement without screaming matches—and you’re willing to have your own side challenged—hit play, then hit subscribe and join the conversation.

The episode begins with the hosts diving into the recent federal government shutdown, focusing on how Democrats overplayed their strategy and ultimately accepted a deal that achieved little beyond a future vote on health care subsidies. They examine how Democrats tried to use the shutdown to highlight rising health insurance costs, but point out the potential risk in banking on voter memory a year down the line. The hosts also note polling indicating Republicans managed, for once, to avoid being the sole party blamed for the shutdown, as economic anxieties, SNAP program impacts, and airport delays wore down public support for the Democratic approach.

The conversation then turns to recent immigration enforcement actions in North Carolina, such as major raids in Charlotte and Raleigh. The hosts clarify the difference between Customs and Border Protection and ICE, exploring the left’s internal conflicts over handling illegal immigration. The discussion covers local activist responses, including calls to abolish ICE, and touches on the widespread public support for deporting violent felons as well as many other undocumented immigrants. The hosts argue that after decades of inconsistent enforcement, tougher federal action has created major political backlash—leaving Democrats squeezed between advocacy groups and a voting public that overwhelmingly favors stricter immigration control.

Finally, attention shifts to local North Carolina politics, especially Republican Representative Ted Davis’s decision not to seek reelection in House District 20. The hosts discuss why Davis is likely to serve out his final term, preferring not to hand a potential successor an “incumbent” advantage should he resign early. They also talk about the strong GOP positioning in the district, despite Democratic ambitions. Senator Michael Lee’s increasingly secure status in District 7 comes up as well, with consensus that issues like school funding and cost of living will dominate upcoming races. Throughout, the hosts draw clear connections between national events—like the shutdown and immigration debates—and the electoral battles shaping greater Wilmington and New Hanover County.

In Episode 4 of "Three Guys Podcast," hosts Reuel Sample, Nick Craig, and Ben Schachtman analyze the results of the Wilmington elections, noting a significant shift in local political dynamics. Democrats swept the Wilmington City Council, leaving no Republican representation, while the county commission retained a Republican majority. The hosts discuss how this split will shape local governance and the growing animosity between city and county entities.

Focusing on the mayoral race, they highlight Bill Saffo’s decisive victory and explore factors behind his and other candidates’ performance. Attention is given to challenges faced by Republican and lesser-known candidates, campaign strategies, and the impact of fundraising, name recognition, and voter turnout. They point out that local elections were influenced not just by candidate merits but by broader trends, such as party messaging and national political moods, with many voters relying on sample ballots rather than detailed policy knowledge.

Finally, the hosts examine city council races, the influence of campaign money, and surprises among candidates, including notable Democratic victories. They discuss arguments within the Republican base post-election and suggest that overall, Republican losses were part of a wider trend seen across North Carolina and the country. Ultimately, the episode reflects on the importance of candidate visibility, voter engagement, and coalition-building in shaping future local outcomes.

In this special episode of the Three Guys Podcast, hosts Reuel Sample, Nick Craig, and Ben Schachtman dive deep into the highly anticipated 2025 Wilmington city elections. The discussion opens with a candid reflection on why local voter turnout remains low, examining the challenges faced by both major parties in energizing the electorate. The trio analyzes how shifting demographics, development issues, and infrastructure concerns have reshaped the political climate, setting the stage for a pivotal election year in North Carolina’s Port City.

As the conversation unfolds, the Three Guys dissect the mayoral and city council races, offering insightful commentary on each candidate’s strengths and vulnerabilities. They provide behind-the-scenes context about party strategies, candidate backgrounds, and the unique dynamics of Wilmington’s “nonpartisan” contests, which are anything but. From debates over housing policy and growth to the narrative of anti-establishment sentiment, Reuel, Nick, and Ben illuminate the factors likely to sway this year’s results—breaking down what it means for both long-time residents and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re a political junkie, a Wilmington voter, or just curious about what shapes local leadership, this episode offers valuable perspective mixed with informed opinions and a dash of humor. Don’t miss Reuel, Nick, and Ben’s lively banter and sharp analysis—be sure to like and subscribe to the Three Guys Podcast on all your favorite podcast platforms so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of "The Three Guys" podcast, hosts Reuel Sample (editor-in-chief of the Wilmington Standard), Nick Craig (host of the Nick Craig Show), and Ben Schachtman (WHQR radio) convene to discuss two pressing issues: the ongoing government shutdown in the United States and the complex intersection of mental illness, gun control, and individual rights. The program opens with a thorough analysis of how the 2025 government shutdown differs from previous ones, particularly the 2018 event. The hosts emphasize a shift in public sentiment and political strategy, observing that, unlike before, there is less panic among the general population and more of an acceptance—or even indifference—to the shutdown. They dissect the role of both parties, discussing polls, messaging failures, and the broader implications for voter mobilization and upcoming elections. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of new media and the diminished influence of traditional outlets in shaping the narrative surrounding government actions.

Transitioning from politics, the podcast delves into the recent tragedies of mass shootings, focusing specifically on incidents that have affected their local region, such as the Southport, North Carolina, shooting by a former Marine. Through a sensitive exploration of these events, the hosts highlight the personal histories of the perpetrators, particularly the mental health struggles that can follow military service. They critique societal tendencies to stereotype veterans or focus only on identity factors, and instead urge a nuanced understanding of the trauma and isolation many individuals experience. The hosts also analyze the unpredictable influence of online communities, memes, and nihilistic digital subcultures on vulnerable young men, suggesting these trends can deepen alienation and contribute to violence irrespective of traditional political divisions.

Throughout their discussion, the three hosts challenge listeners to consider broader systemic questions about how society addresses mental illness, violence, and the rights of individuals versus collective safety. They reflect on the limitations of both legislative and cultural responses, expressing skepticism about whether partisan policy solutions alone can resolve these deeply rooted problems. By the episode’s close, the hosts call for more constructive and less polarized dialogue, emphasizing the importance of empathy, community engagement, and innovation in tackling what they agree is an "intractable problem." Their exchange is candid, reflective, and occasionally light-hearted, underscoring the gravity of the topics while also recognizing the humanity and resilience of their local community.

The first episode of the "Three Guys Podcast" dives into the recent controversy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) surrounding the Spirit Rock—a campus tradition where students paint the rock to express messages, typically respecting an unspoken 24-hour display rule. This episode centers on the aftermath of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, for whom the rock was painted as a memorial by campus Republicans and Turning Point USA members. Reuel Sample, Nick Craig and Ben Schachtman discuss how vigil attendees guarded the rock overnight to protect the tribute, only for it to be quickly repainted with random colors before the customary period had passed. They unpack the outcry on social media, the broader implications for free speech on campus, and the reactions from both left- and right-leaning students as the incident goes viral and sparks heated debate.

The conversation expands into a nuanced exploration of campus culture, protest norms, and the evolving landscape of cancel culture and doxxing. The hosts reflect on the generational divides and the blurred line between protected speech and responsible expression, noting how online outrage has led to threats and the targeting of individuals on both sides of the conflict. They critique the increasing demand for punitive responses—such as firing or doxxing—against those with dissenting views and question whether such escalating tactics from both left and right are eroding the possibility for real dialogue. Ultimately, the episode uses the Spirit Rock controversy as a lens to examine the complex intersections of political protest, free speech, and civility in the digital age.