The Holler hangs out with Patrick Newton, Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party, to dive into the role of third parties in American democracy. We unpack the arguments both for and against third-party movements, explore what North Carolina voters could gain from having the Forward Party on the ballot, and examine how alternative parties can shift political conversations—even without winning elections. Patrick also shares why putting data above ideology is crucial for building effective policies and moving beyond partisan gridlock. Whether you’re skeptical of third parties or searching for new political pathways, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what “moving forward” might really mean.

👉 ⁠Support the Holler by becoming a Patron: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller⁠

or leave a tip on PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG

📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social

Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownholler

This week on The Hometown Holler podcast, we sit down with Blair Reeves—North Carolina’s favorite Waffle House Democrat and co-founder of Carolina Forward. Blair breaks down how the collapse of local media and a decade of ruthless gerrymandering paved the way for unchecked corruption in Raleigh. We dig into how the GOP supermajority seized control—and what it means for our schools, environment, voting rights, and future. What will it take to fight back and restore sanity in North Carolina politics? Blair’s got ideas.

👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG

Or become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller

📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social

Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownholler

What happens when a nationally touring comedian with ADHD, a love for cats, and a deep sense of political urgency takes a vow to become Democracy's greatest defender? Answer: Blaire Postman! The Holler hangs out with America's Cat-Lady-In-Chief to explore how she turned a meme into a movement! Starting from scratch (pun intended) Blaire unleashed the full furry fury of America's cat ladies in 2024 and she's just getting started! With biting jokes and blistering insight, Blaire brings hope, wisdom, and the kind of energy that makes espresso look like decaf.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook

🎧 Topics Covered:-Cat Ladies for Kamala: origin story-Using comedy as a political tool-Organizing beyond the party structure-Why mainstream Dems don’t know how to fight-The billionaire takeover of American life-How ADHD helped (and complicated) her activism-Grassroots organizing vs. professional “grassroots”-Calls to action for everyday folks-What “cat lady” really means

Stormie Daie—drag queen, science educator, and LGBTQ+ activist—returns to the Holler to talk about growing up queer in the South, the intersection of drag and education, and using art as activism.

A founding member of the legendary House of Coxx in Durham, NC, Stormie shares how drag became her armor—both a celebration of self and a shield in the fight for visibility and equality. We cover everything from femmephobia and trans rights to drag bans, bomb threats, and Pride parades. Whether she’s performing at Drag Story Hour or organizing for liberation, Stormie Daie brings beauty, brilliance, and bold truth to communities across North Carolina.

If you’ve ever wondered “What is drag?” or “Why is drag under attack?”—this conversation is a must-listen.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• Drag as political protest

• The difference between drag and being transgender

• Femmephobia and gender norms

• Queer representation in the South

• Safety threats against drag performers

• Pride parades and LGBTQ+ community building

• How to support your local Pride

  
  

  📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:

  🌟 Instagram

  🌟 TikTok

  🌟 Blue Sky

  🌟 Twitter

  🌟 Facebook

  🌟 Patreon

  
  

In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with former North Carolina State Representative, Attorney Chaz Beasley, to talk about the state of politics — in North Carolina and across the country. From the future of democracy to the challenges of public service, Chaz offers deep insights, honest reflections, and thoughtful takes on what it means to lead in today’s America.If you're interested in North Carolina politics, Democracy, or how real change happens on the ground, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Hometown Holler — your front-row seat to the voices shaping our state and country.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler 🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler #ChazBeasley #NorthCarolinaPolitics #DemocracyInCrisis #HometownHoller #NCPolitics #StatePolitics #LocalLeaders #PoliticalPodcast #NCNews #ProgressiveVoices

Kenny Wortman ain’t your typical politician. He’s a mohawk-wearing, neck-tattoo-showing, no-time-for-BS father, veteran firefighter, and funeral director. He’s also a lifelong Republican. Wortman joins the Holler to reveal what happens when you stop preaching the party gospel and start asking real questions. From small-town power grabs to backroom deals, this episode unpacks how local corruption can quietly sabotage public education, affordable housing, and economic development anywhere. Wortman pulls back the curtain on the political machine—and makes a powerful case for thinking for yourself, standing your ground, and refusing to play along just to stay in power.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook

In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with award-winning North Carolina photographer and storyteller Cornell Watson. Hailing from Weldon, NC, Cornell uses his camera to capture the heart, history, and humanity of black communities across the South, blending artistry with unapologetic truth-telling.From intimate family portraits to bold confrontations with systemic injustice, Cornell’s images don’t just tell stories—they challenge us to see, to reflect, and to act. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, ESPN and more. In this conversation, Cornell opens up about his journey, the inspiration behind his most powerful projects, and why he believes photography can be a potent tool for change—even if it doesn’t always shift policy.We also talk about the emotional weight of stories like that of Julio Zambrano’s disappearance, and how Cornell’s lens brings visibility to lives and experiences too often erased. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler 🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler #CornellWatson #TarredHealing #BehindTheMask #BlackPhotographers #ArtAsActivism #JulioZambrano #PhotographyPodcast #HometownHoller #NorthCarolinaStories #SocialJusticeArt

Stephen Prince is a patriotic millionaire—and he wants you to know the game is rigged. In this episode, the vice-chair of the Patriotic Millionaires breaks down why wealth hoarding isn’t just unfair—it’s un-American. From his humble beginnings in small-town South Georgia to building a multimillion-dollar business, Prince shares how he came to believe that raising taxes on the rich is the most patriotic thing we can do. Along the way, he digs into the need for a living wage, the myth of meritocracy, and why systemic change—not charity—is the only real solution.

👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠

📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:

🌟⁠ Patreon⁠

🌟 Instagram

🌟 TikTok

🌟 Blue Sky

🌟 Twitter

🌟 Facebook

Jacob Brooks of National Director of the Great Economy Project joins the Holler for a whiskey-fueled conversation about the soul of the American economy—and why it's time to rethink everything we thought we knew about taxes, patriotism, and working-class power.

Jacob breaks down how the ultra-wealthy are hiding their money in plain sight, why living wages are key to saving rural America, and how the Left can reclaim economic patriotism without apology. We also dive into North Carolina politics, Confederate cosplay, wrestling legends, crypto scams, and why the Rock might actually be our next president.

👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠

📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:

🌟 Instagram

🌟 TikTok

🌟 Blue Sky

🌟 Twitter

🌟 Facebook

🌟 Patreon

In this episode, we sit down with Winston-Salem native Sam Grote—entrepreneur, economist, and founder of the NC Business Impact Forum. Sam shares his journey from hedge funds to launching startups and why he believes better business policy can unite a divided democracy. We talk about the power of investing in kids, what government efficiency really means, and why data needs a human story to matter.👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler🌟 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownholler🌟 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller