The Hometown Holler

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

Chapel Hill Town Councilor Theo Nollert returns to the Holler to perform open-heart surgery on Democratic messaging and show why it’s time to rethink how we talk about patriotism, identity politics, and the issues that matter most to voters.

Theo breaks down why the Left needs to embrace patriotism without fear and the dangers of overthinking political correctness. They also chat about the role of big ideas and compelling stories in politics, the challenges of balancing moral vision with pragmatic politics, and how kindness and effective communication can cut through the noise.

From Kamala Harris’s campaign to the need for candidates with sauce, Theo’s got the straight talk we need to hear if we’re serious about moving the Democratic Party forward.

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In a world of political grandstanders and culture war crusaders, Woodson Bradley is the real deal—grounded, gutsy, and getting things done. She joins The Hometown Holler to talk about what it really means to be a “moderate” Democrat in today’s political climate, and why making politics fun and accessible is key to building power in her community. Woodson dives into the NCGOP’s wildly reckless Un-Concealed Carry Bill, the deeper issue of why some lawmakers continue siding with domestic abusers, and how her lived experience as a domestic violence survivor shapes her legislative work. They also chat about the delicious General Assembly cafeteria, her journey to becoming "Senator Sneakers," the challenges of starting out as a senator, the zen of walking, and Jason Isaac’s "Durham" accent in the White Lotus. 👉 ⁠Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal⁠

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Justice Allison Riggs joins The Holler for an in-depth conversation on her landmark 2024 election case and the ongoing fight to protect voting rights in North Carolina. As a NC Supreme Court Justice and longtime voting rights advocate, Riggs shares powerful insights on defending election integrity, the challenges of combating voter suppression, and the broader implications for democracy.In this episode, Justice Riggs breaks down:✅ The key legal strategies behind her 2024 election case✅ The growing threats to voting access in NC and beyond✅ The importance of civic engagement in protecting democracy✅ How her career as a voting rights attorney impacts her work as a Supreme Court Justice👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal

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Dr. Heather Cox Richardson joins The Hometown Holler to break down the chaos of MAGA-occupied Washington and analyze Trump 2.0, offering a thought-provoking discussion on the future of American democracy. 

A professor at Boston College and the author of seven influential books, Heather has become one of the most impactful public intellectuals of our time, particularly through her widely read "Letters from an American" newsletter, where she places contemporary news in its historical context. 

In this episode, Heather offers insights on what Americans can learn from history, the Democratic Party’s response to a second Trump administration, and what it means to value Truth in an era of rampant disinformation, all while spilling the tea on her daily routine, love of reading, and favorite music.

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🎙 The Hometown Holler – building a better understanding one conversation at a time.

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Jello shots, hot takes, and Girl Talk Jenga—this is the episode you’ve all been waiting for. Kate Barr joins Quinn and Daniel for a lively, no-holds-barred (see what we did there???) conversation about what it really takes to shake up politics in North Carolina. From her unconventional “Can’t Win” campaign to her ongoing fight against gerrymandering, Kate breaks down why stepping up—even when the odds are stacked against you—matters more than ever. The Tar Heel trio dives into the current state of the Democratic Party, why fair maps are everyone’s fight, and what it takes to actually build a winning coalition in the South.

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Quinn and Daniel hang out with Dante Pittman, a first-term state rep from Wilson County, to talk about what it’s really like to be in the room where decisions get made. They cover his journey from grassroots campaigning to flipping a Republican-held seat, the biggest surprises about working in state government, and why the fight for public education, rural communities, and fair wages matters to everyone—even if you don’t follow politics. Whether you’re keeping up with North Carolina news, trying to understand how our state government works, or just curious about how political decisions impact your daily life, this conversation will change the way you see the people making the rules. Help us build a better North Carolina one conversation at a time. Follow The Hometown Holler on social media:
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The North Carolina General Assembly is back at it—pushing bills that range from dangerous to downright ridiculous. Kate Barr (AKA NC's Favorite Loser) helps Quinn and Daniel break down the legislation you need to know about: The Bad—A blatant attempt to limit early voting (HB 66), making it harder for North Carolinians to cast their ballots. The Ugly—A power grab that strips the Attorney General of the ability to challenge unconstitutional executive orders (SB 58). The Wacky—A bill that lets 18-year-olds carry concealed weapons without permits and allows lawmakers to pack heat inside the legislature (SB 50). But it’s not all bad news. HB 115 offers a rare win by making child care centers exempt from property taxes, helping working families and providers alike. Like, subscribe, and share to stay informed on the fights shaping North Carolina’s future!📲 Follow Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky 🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook🌟 Patreon🎙 The Hometown Holler – building a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.

What does it take to break into the film industry—without Hollywood connections, a big studio budget, or a last name that opens doors? Phil Blattenberger knows. A history buff turned award-winning filmmaker, Phil has made a career out of telling the kinds of stories Hollywood often overlooks. His directorial debut, Point Man (2018), shined a light on racial tensions within the Vietnam War. His WWII thriller Condor’s Nest (2023) brought suspense and action to the big screen. And just weeks ago, he wrapped Laws of Man, a Cold War crime drama starring Dermot Mulroney—already an audience favorite at the Tangier Film Festival.In this episode of Hometown Holler, we dive into Phil’s journey—from his days at UNC-Greensboro to directing feature films that blend history, culture, and politics. We talk about the role of film in shaping public discourse, how he approaches controversial themes, and why the most compelling stories are often the ones no one else is telling.

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The boys from Alamance hang out with Tami Kress, executive director of Studio One. Tami shares the inspiring story behind Studio One, a creative hub empowering young artists and performers in North Carolina. From its grassroots beginnings to its impact on local youth, she discusses the power of the arts in shaping communities, fostering self-expression, and building confidence. The trio also dive into the challenges arts organizations face today and why investing in creative spaces is essential for a thriving and vibrant society. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the role of the arts in education, community-building, and the fight to keep creative opportunities accessible to all.

💡 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more deep dives into NC politics and beyond!🎙The Hometown Holler – building a better North Carolina one conversation at a time.📲 Follow the Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownholler🌟 Blue Sky: bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social🌟 Twitter: x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: facebook.com/thehometownholler🌟 Patreon: patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller