The Foxfire Dispatch

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosted by Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis, the discussion kicks off with a recap of the Democratic Municipal Official Summit and a the biggest Democratic fundraiser in Durham, Bourbon and Bowties.

The hosts dive into the politics of local candidate endorsement processes. They also analyze recent controversies about COVID-19 vaccination accessibility in North Carolina, highlighting Governor Josh Stein's executive order to reduce barriers to vaccination for adults 18-65 with high-risk conditions.

The conversation transitions to discussing federal funding cuts to public broadcasting, emphasizing the critical impact on local journalism and educational resources, particularly in rural areas. To wrap up, Liz shares her excitement about the upcoming seasons of Survivor and the hosts discuss various upcoming Oktoberfest events in North Carolina. The episode concludes with a reminder to participate in early voting and a call to listeners to engage with their community and make positive changes.

This week on The Foxfire Dispatch, Gina is joined by another trailblazing young leader from Western North Carolina: Preston Blakely, the youngest mayor in the state. Together, they dig into their personal journeys into public service, the realities of leading through Hurricane Helene, and why local government is the heartbeat of community resilience. Along the way, we keep it grounded with some lighter moments—including go-to Cookout orders. It’s a conversation about the power of youth, diversity, and everyday leadership in shaping a better South.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz Purvis and Gina Baxter delve into the political and social landscape of North Carolina. The discussion opens with personal highlights from their week, including local events like the Apple Festival and a poetry meet-up in Durham. They then tackle the stalled budget negotiations in the North Carolina General Assembly, emphasizing the impacts on teachers, state employees, and infrastructural projects. Liz and Gina criticize Republican leaders Phil Berger and Dustin Hall for not prioritizing budget discussions and highlight the struggles faced by educators due to inadequate pay and rising healthcare premiums.

The conversation shifts to economic disparities and the systemic issues exacerbating these problems. They also address a misreported national story involving a college student in Kentucky, critiquing the sensationalist and misleading media portrayal that stigmatizes women's health issues.

The episode concludes with a spotlight on WNCW’s Carol Rifkin, her contributions to preserving old-time Appalachian music, and upcoming events of interest, including the North Carolina Folk Festival and Granville County’s Hot Sauce Festival.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis dive into the history and meaning of Labor Day in North Carolina, exploring how the state’s relationship with workers’ rights has evolved—and how it still shapes our communities today. The conversation covers Senator Mark Kelly’s recent visit to Western North Carolina, his engagement with local firefighters, and the ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the story of Luis Alonso Juarez, a beloved Duke University transit worker facing the threat of deportation, and the broader challenges facing immigrant communities in the state. Gina and Liz discuss the importance of solidarity, the realities of service industry work, and the need for continued advocacy at both the local and national level.

Plus, don’t miss the “Even Art is Political” segment, featuring a moving poem from Emily Skaja’s Brute, and reflections on the power of art, language, and community action.

Tune in for thoughtful discussion, local stories, and actionable ways to get involved—because, as always, we are who we’re waiting for.

New episodes drop every Friday. Find us on Instagram, YouTube, Blue Sky, TikTok, and Twitter, or email [email protected] with your stories and ideas.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, co-host Liz Purvis sits down with Anderson Breeze Clayton, the North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. We delve into Clayton's efforts to reshape organizing in North Carolina, particularly in the fight against MAGA politics. Clayton discusses the significance of the Rural Tour, voter registration challenges, and the critical role of local county parties. Additionally, we touch on issues such as gerrymandering, the unique political landscape of North Carolina, and the importance of building a sustainable party infrastructure. The conversation also explores Clayton's approach to social media, her motivations in challenging political times, and her vision for the future of the Democratic Party in North Carolina and beyond.

Join cohosts Liz and Gina on this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch as they dive into Bernie Sanders' Fight the Oligarchy tour in North Carolina, featuring uplifting speeches and union organizing. Plus, discover the North Carolina Hot Sauce Festival, Elizabeth McCorvey's new album Songs I Sent You, and a moving poem by former US Poet Laureate Ada Limón. Don't miss this episode packed with political insights, cultural highlights, and community events!

Find Elizabeth McCorvey's album on Bandcamp: https://tinyurl.com/SongsISentYou

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis provide an in-depth overview of reproductive rights in North Carolina, highlighting changes post-Roe v. Wade and the impact of state legislation. We discuss the important efforts of organizations like Carolina Abortion Fund and Carolina Forward in documenting and responding to these changes. The conversation shifts to Roy Cooper's birth chart in a new segment, 'Signs of the Times,' predicting potential challenges and triumphs in his 2026 US Senate race. Liz shares her reality TV binge, 'Perfect Match,' in 'Reality Check,' and they touch on the national political landscape with a focus on gerrymandering efforts in Texas. We also encourage support for local events and actions, especially those relating to reproductive justice and fair voting practices.

For more on Carolina Abortion Fund, check out this link:

For Zanetta Sirleaf's reporting on reproductive care in NC, check this link out:https://carolinaforward.org/blog/protecting-reproductive-rights-in-post-roe-north-carolina-whats-next/

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz and Gina explore key political events in North Carolina, focusing on Governor Roy Cooper's 2026 Senate bid and the entry of RNC Chair Michael Whatley into the race. We discuss recent legislative actions, including multiple veto overrides in the NC General Assembly, and the impact of bills affecting trans healthcare and ICE protocols. The episode also features an interview with Cameron Pruette, director for the Freedom Center for Social Justice, offering insights into the fight against discriminatory policies. Wrapping up on a high note, the hosts share highlights from the NC Democratic Party's Unity Dinner, emphasizing the importance of local elections and community-building. The episode reinforces the power of solidarity and local activism in the face of political challenges.

On the 9th full episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, dive deep into the challenges facing North Carolina communities with town council member Theo Nollert. From disaster recovery to housing policy, this episode offers a compelling conversation on local governance and community resilience. Join us for insights that shape the future! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Join host Gina Baxter and guest Dalton George, Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, for an interview episode in which they dive deep into Dalton's love for Wilco, his journey in tenant rights advocacy, environmental conservation, and his upcoming campaign for mayor in 2025. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of local government, and discover unique insights on tenant protections and the power of community engagement. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that highlights the passion and drive behind making a better North Carolina.