On this week's episode of Tying it Together, Quinn Ray and Daniel Ayers from The Hometown Holler join host Tim Boyum.

They talk about how they went from back porch conversations to a podcast and an Instagram feed racking up millions of views talking about North Carolina and politics, and bringing on some big-name guests.

As the Carolina Hurricanes start their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years, Tim talks with the man who sings the national anthem at every single game. If you've seen it, you will never forget it. Decker takes us behind the scenes but also his career away from the Canes that included appearances on America's Got Talent and American Idol.

On this week's episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum is joined by former Charlotte city council members Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston to talk about potentially one of the most consequential months of Charlotte politics in at least a decade.

The council recently reversed course and canceled a major transportation plan. It is poised to potentially ban data centers in the coming weeks, and this all comes after the mayor announced she was stepping down at the end of June, long before her term expires.

Bokhari, a Republican, and Egleston, a Democrat, work at The Southern Group and host their own podcast, R&D in the N.C.

Inspired by coverage of Watergate, Ned Barnett spent more than four decades in journalism. The Raleigh News & Observer editorial leader retired this month. He joins Tim to talk about his career, the role of opinion in journalism and the decline of newspapers in America.

On this week's episode, Tim talks about a group of center-left Democrats trying to make waves as partisanship continues to dominate the electorate. His guests are Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL, and Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. The national group held a conference in Raleigh and stopped by while in town. NewDEAL is a network of center-left elected leaders who are self-described pragmatists focusing on expanding opportunity and spurring growth. Alums of the group include Pete Buttigieg, Josh Shapiro and Stacey Abrams.

On this week's episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum talks with the man who helped ignite one of the biggest upsets in North Carolina political history in this year's primary.

Sheriff Sam Page ousted North Carolina's most powerful politician, Senate leader Phil Berger, in March.

But for years, Patrick Sebastian worked behind the scenes to help make it happen, risking his entire career.

On this week's episode, fellow podcasters and lobbyists Brian Lewis and Skye David join Tim to talk about big leadership changes at the legislature, the pros and cons of the lobbying profession and its vital role, plus how their podcasting adventure has changed it all.

As the North Carolina legislature returns, major questions remain as the state remains the only one without a new budget. In addition, the state's most powerful politician, Phil Berger, lost his primary. What will happen? What will get done? Political reporters Dawn Vaughan and Bryan Anderson join Tim to break it all down as lawmakers return to Raleigh this week.

On this week's episode, longtime aides to former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper join Tim to talk about all things North Carolina politics. Sadie Weiner and Ford Porter shaped Cooper's messaging for a decade. Now, as they start their own firm, they join Tim to dish some behind-the-scenes stories, what it was like to message as COVID-19 hit and through multiple destructive hurricanes.

On this week's show, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell joins Tim to talk about all things Raleigh. From a food icon complimenting the food scene to potential problems with property taxes, they talk about the past, present and future. Cowell was elected in 2024 after serving in the state Senate, as state treasurer and leading the city's "Central Park of the South," Dix Park.