The Hometown Holler

The Holler is honored to present a special conversation with North Carolina State Auditor Jessica Holmes. From her humble beginnings in Pender County to becoming the first Black woman on North Carolina's Council of State, Jessica’s journey is the stuff of which Tar Heel legends are made. In this lively discussion, she dives deep into the critical task of safeguarding over $100 billion in taxpayer funds annually, ensuring every cent serves the public trust. Beyond exploring the intricacies of her role as state auditor, Jessica recounts her extraordinary career in public service and even shares a personal ode to the irresistible allure of a Bojangles biscuit. Along the way, she passionately makes a case for her re-election this fall, drawing a clear distinction between her values-driven, people-powered campaign and the self-funded, out-of-touch opposition she faces. Follow Jessica’s re-election campaign at ⁠⁠https://jessicafornc.com/⁠⁠

⁠00:00⁠ Greatest Podcast Intro in the History of the Universe⁠ 

⁠01:37⁠ Guest Introduction: Jessica Holmes⁠

03:53⁠ Role and Responsibilities of the State Auditor

 ⁠07:19⁠ Challenges and Importance of the State Auditor's Office

⁠⁠13⁠:⁠18⁠⁠ Jessica's Journey⁠

17:33⁠ Importance of Down-Ballot Races⁠

21:38⁠ Rapid Fire Questions⁠

23:58⁠ Closing Remarks and Farewell  

Don't worry, there's no premium for this episode! This week on the Holler, Daniel and Quinn welcome Senator Natasha Marcus, NC's Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Insurance. Natasha shares stories from her time in the Senate, her passion for public service, and her vision for holding insurance companies accountable. Along the way, she addresses common myths about the office of Insurance Commissioner and reveals why being a state senator is not as cushy as it sounds. Tune in to hear about this crucial down-ballot race and why Senator Marcus believes she is the right choice for North Carolina's Commissioner of Insurance! Learn more at https://natashamarcus.com/

Daniel and Quinn cap off Pride Month with a special guest: Ken Smith, President of Alamance Pride and Certified Badass. Ken reflects on his journey in local activism, emphasizing the profound impact of Pride organizations in small towns. He also offers a glimpse into what he'd discuss with bigoted community leaders over coffee and shares his secret to being "the cool parent."

A stripper, an IRS agent, and a preacher walk into a bar. This isn't a joke. It's our next guest! Meet Reverend Mark Sandlin, an ordained Presbyterian minister and co-founder of ProgressiveChristianity.org. In a captivating dialogue, Mark delves into his acclaimed article, "Clobbering 'Biblical' Gay Bashing," shedding light on the surprisingly recent origins of biblical homophobia, while passionately condemning the intolerance preached in the name of God. Mark challenges the harmful 'love the sinner, hate the sin' mentality, offering a nuanced perspective on faith and acceptance. But that's not all. Mark opens up about his unconventional approach to ministry, which involves fellowshipping with unconventional folks (strippers and IRS agents) in unconventional places (dive bars and back alleys). Through his unique experiences, Mark shares his reflections on the human condition and the transformative power of compassion, inviting listeners to reconsider entrenched beliefs and embrace a more inclusive understanding of faith and love. Connect with Mark on social media @marksandlin

In this special Pride Month episode of Hometown Holler, hosts Daniel Ayers and Quinn Ray welcome Rachel Hopkins, founder and president of Transcend Alamance. Rachel discusses the mission and impact of her organization in fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ and gender-expansive individuals in Alamance County. From her personal story as a mother of a transgender child to the vital community events hosted by Transcend, Rachel shares profound insights and triumphs. Tune in to learn more about the crucial work being done to support the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate diversity.

Learn more about TranscendAlamance at their website.

Connect with Stormie at www.stormiedaie.com and on social media @stormiedaie

Calling all Law and Order Fans! This week, the Holler sits down with Satana Deberry, Durham County's B.A. D.A. Satana recounts her journey from working as a defense attorney in her hometown to serving as the General Counsel of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and now as Durham County DA. A pioneer of restorative justice, Satana emphasizes the importance of communication, victim-led justice processes, and addressing systemic issues such as generational poverty and wage theft.

The Holler welcomes the AMAZING Julie von Haefen. Between being a mother of three, a dedicated public education advocate, and a member of the NC House, Julie knows a thing or two about service and leadership. Lucky for Quinn and Daniel, she's taking a moment out of her hectic schedule to visit the Holler and recount her journey from PTA leader to lawmaker, highlighting her grassroots efforts in advocating for public education; even as a state rep she's STILL in the classroom as a substitute teacher!!  Beyond sharing her insights from the halls of power, Julie takes the school defunders to task, demonstrating how the comprehensive Leandro Plan can fulfill our state's constitutional obligation to provide a sound basic education to every child in North Carolina. Connect with Julie on Instagram @juliefornc and through her website www.juliefornc.com

00:00 World’s Greatest Podcast Intro

01:25 Special Guest: Julie von Haefen's Journey to Politics

03:20 From PTA President to State Representative: Julie's Advocacy for Education

08:04 Inside the Classroom: A Representative's Perspective

11:14 The Leandro Case: A Landmark for North Carolina Education

17:48 Navigating Legislative Challenges and Strategies

18:38 The Battle for Public Education: Persistence and Tactics

22:07 Understanding the Impact of Funding on Education

22:47 Exploring the Realities of Teacher Pay and School Resources

26:40 The Political Landscape of Education Funding

31:09 Voucher System Debate: Unpacking the Consequences

35:32 Reflecting on Public Good and Community Support

37:30 Wrapping Up: A Conversation on Data-Driven Leadership