I sat down with journalist AP Dillon to talk about something a lot of North Carolinians are still trying to make sense of: the lasting impact of the Cooper years.

Like many families, AP's life was turned upside down during COVID. We talked about homeschooling, school mask policies, vaccine concerns, and what it was like trying to navigate those years while also covering state government as a reporter.

But our conversation didn't stop there.

We dug into transparency in state government, Governor Roy Cooper's record in office, disaster recovery efforts after major hurricanes, school choice battles, public safety issues, and the ways political power gets exercised behind the scenes.

Along the way, AP shared what she learned from years of following Cooper's administration—tracking executive orders, public records, vetoes, and the decisions that shaped North Carolina during some of its most contentious years.

Whether you agree with her conclusions or not, the conversation raises bigger questions about accountability, transparency, and who gets heard when major decisions are being made.

Because politics isn't just something that happens in Raleigh.

It shows up in our schools, our churches, our businesses, our communities, and sometimes right at our own kitchen tables.

And if there's one thing North Carolina has taught me, it's that the stories worth telling are usually a lot more complicated than the headlines make them seem.

00:00 Lockdown Life Hacks

00:45 Kite Science Day

01:50 Masking School Chaos

02:50 Kids Get Radicalized

03:50 Vaccine Heart Scare

06:16 Cooper Briefings Blackout

06:35 How She Tracks Cooper

08:07 HB2 And The 2016 Playbook

09:35 Vetoes And Progressivism

10:48 Transparency And Records

15:57 Campaign Dirt And Rumors

19:05 Kristin Cooper Controversy

20:43 Make Stuff Cost Less

23:49 NCORR Disaster Recovery Fail

30:22 Helene Aftermath And Volunteers

33:57 Rebuilding and Resentment

35:01 Common Core Clash

37:58 School Choice Fight

43:22 Party Pressure and Veto Power

46:26 COVID Orders and Loss

50:46 Riots and Double Standards

57:26 Untested Rape Kit Backlog

01:00:48 Curated Politics and Transparency

01:02:03 Prison Releases and Soft Crime

01:04:48 National Guard and Next Chapter

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#APDillon #RoyCooper #NCPolitics #NorthCarolina #ConservativePolitics

I sat down with my friend Ellie Parker to talk about her ancestor, Brodie Duke—the black sheep of the Duke family.

If you’ve ever heard his name, it’s probably been attached to scandal. Brodie had a reputation—alcohol, failed marriages, and headlines that followed him across the country. 

For a long time, that’s where his story has started and ended.

But here’s the part most folks don’t know:

The Duke empire? It traces back to his vision.

Brodie was the one who helped pull his family into tobacco manufacturing in Durham, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most powerful business dynasties in the South.

So I asked the question—was he really just the family’s cautionary tale? Or was he something more complicated than that?

This conversation digs into both sides of Brodie: the troublemaker the newspapers loved, and the man whose ideas helped shape North Carolina history.

Because like a lot of stories around here—it ain’t clean, it ain’t simple, and it sure ain’t one-sided.

And in that way, it might just be one of the most North Carolina stories there is.

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• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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#NCHistory #UntoldStories #Storytelling #BrodieDuke #DukeFamily #DurhamNC #TobaccoHistory #SouthernRoots

I sat down with Jonah Garson, Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, for a long conversation about politics, culture, and policy here in North Carolina.

We start with a softball: why North Carolina voters split their tickets so often. We talk about the state’s long tradition of independent voters, the fact that North Carolina elects a whole slate of executive offices, and how the governor’s power here was intentionally designed to be weaker than in most states.

From there, we get into the debate over transgender participation in sports and bathroom access, revisiting the fallout from the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. Jonah argues that transgender women have become a political scapegoat and that conversations about safety should include everyone. I push back by raising concerns about women’s privacy, trauma, and self-defense, which naturally leads us into a broader discussion about guns and public safety.

We also talk about disaster response and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene—from flood-zone rebuilding limits to insurance denials and the question of whether more government actually helps or just adds red tape. Jonah makes the case for better government, not necessarily bigger government.

Along the way, we wade into a whole list of thorny topics: the “socialism” label in American politics, healthcare debates like single-payer vs. frustrations with Obamacare, welfare benefit cliffs that trap people in poverty, federalism and local power, crime and prison reform, and the lingering fallout from COVID policies.

And yes—we end with the classic political hot seat moment when Jonah declines to answer the simplest question of all.

00:00 — Meet the Guest

01:45 — Why North Carolina Voters Split Tickets

03:20 — Why North Carolina Has a Weak Governor

04:37 — Trans Rights and the HB2 Debate

06:23 — Bathroom Safety and the Scapegoating Argument

13:16 — Guns, Self-Defense, and Public Safety

15:44 — Social Media and Debate Culture

18:40 — Storm Response and Infrastructure

21:16 — Hurricane Helene Recovery vs. Red Tape

26:03 — “Better Government” vs. “Bigger Government”

28:26 — Neighbors Helping Neighbors

29:04 — Teasing the Tougher Questions

29:30 — The “Socialism” Label Debate

31:58 — Healthcare: Single-Payer vs. Obamacare Frustrations

37:29 — Nordic Models and Immigration

40:51 — Federalism and Local Control

50:36 — Welfare Benefit Cliffs

54:50 — Crime, Prisons, and Reform

59:28 — COVID Policy Fallout

01:03:01 — The Gotcha Question

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#JonahGarson #ConservativeVersusDemocrat #CivilPoliticalDiscussion #HurricaneHeleneRecovery #TransgenderSportsDebate #WhatIsAWoman

In this episode, I sat down in downtown Raleigh with Lennie Friedman — retired NFL player and Vice Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party — for a real, candid conversation about why he stepped into a third-party movement that says it’sfighting for the political “middle 70%.”

Lennie walks through how the Forward Party first came together nationally, led by Andrew Yang and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman — and why the North Carolina chapter is choosing to stay laser-focused on state issues instead of getting swallowed up in national political chaos.

We dig into what they see as the root problem: broken political incentives. That means tackling gerrymandering, pushing for term limits, and advocating for instant runoff (ranked-choice) voting so candidates actually have to earn 50% support — especially in primaries where someone can currently win with roughly 30%.

Lennie makes the case that those reforms would reduce the “spoiler” fear around third parties, force candidates to campaign beyond their base, and maybe — just maybe — cool down some of the mudslinging that’s become standard operating procedure.

We also get into education. Lennie talks about outcomes over dollars spent, pointing to what’s been called the “Mississippi Miracle” and gains in other Southern states as proof that improvement is possible. I raise concerns about schools drifting away from core academics and toward social and cultural debates. He’s clear: the party’s focus is foundational skills — reading, math, communication, and real workforce readiness. We talk teacher pay too, particularly how compensation connects to performance and student outcomes.

Of course, I ask the question conservatives and unaffiliated voters are thinking: where exactly does this party land? Lennie outlines support for the Second Amendment alongside background checks, expanding voting access while maintaining voter ID, and a rejection of the loudest, most extreme partisan narratives on both sides.

I share my own positions too — from free speech to medical marijuana for PTSD — and my frustration with the constant polarization. And yes, we talk about my strong opposition to Governor Roy Cooper and why that stance is personal for me.

We close on kitchen-table issues: jobs, affordability, and what globalization has done to small towns across North Carolina. We talk trade skills, community colleges, permitting bottlenecks, and regulation. Lennie argues that deregulation could help increase affordable housing supply, and that healthcare reforms — including reducing certificate-of-need restrictions — could boost competition and lower costs.

It’s not a shouting match. It’s not a gotcha interview.

It’s a long, thoughtful conversation about whether there’s room in North Carolina for something different — and whether the “middle” is as invisible as it feels.

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• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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#LennieFriedman #NCForwardParty #NorthCarolinaPolitics #RankedChoiceVoting #ElectionReform #ThirdPartyMovement #RoyCooper

Cassie sits down with North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek to talk plainly about the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency — why it was created, and why so many North Carolinians were left frustrated and waiting.

They walk through NCORR’s beginnings after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, when people needed help fast and trusted the state to get it right. Instead, there were leadership shakeups, expensive mistakes, and a sweeping audit that raised some hard questions.

Cassie and Auditor Boliek dig into what went wrong — from misused funds to a botched software rollout and a recovery system that moved far too slowly for families who had already lost so much. They also zoom out and talk about the bigger picture: what disaster recovery should look like in North Carolina, why local knowledge matters, why a coordinated state response is critical, and what has to change so we don’t repeat these same mistakes the next time a storm hits.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:03 Background on NCOR

02:12 Creation and Leadership of NCOR

03:33 NCOR's Purpose and Responsibilities

08:09 Challenges and Mismanagement

14:38 Accounting Issues and Contractor Relations

27:36 Future Recommendations and State Collaboration

29:12 The Importance of Long-Term Disaster Planning

31:03 Firsthand Accounts of Disaster Impact

31:52 Human Cost and Accountability in Disaster Recovery

32:33 Tracking and Accountability of Disaster Funds

33:28 Challenges in Long-Term Recovery

38:12 Unified Approach to Disaster Recovery

51:38 Role of Local Knowledge in Disaster Response

55:31 Ensuring Effective Use of Disaster Funds

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• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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In this episode, host Cassie visits Moores Creek National Battlefield to sit down with renowned historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle for a deep dive into one of the most pivotal—and often overlooked—battles of the American Revolution.

Dr. Fonvielle, a former UNC Wilmington history professor and respected Civil War scholar, shares insights from his latest research, which turns its focus to the Revolutionary War and the decisive Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Together, they examine the local dynamics between Loyalist and Patriot forces, the strategic decisions that shaped the battle, and its far-reaching consequences for North Carolina—and the fight for American independence.

Chris also weaves in personal history, recounting his ancestor’s participation in the battle, adding a deeply human dimension to the discussion. Along the way, he and Cassie reflect on their shared love of history and the enduring cultural roots that make places like Moores Creek continue to matter today.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 

00:41 Meet Dr. Chris Fonvielle: Historian and Author 

01:23 The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge 

04:33 Scottish Immigration to North Carolina 

12:06 The Moore Family Legacy 

14:41 Colonial Economy and Plantations 

21:29 The Loyalist Recruitment and March 

26:38 The Patriots' Tactical Maneuver 2

9:37 Impact of the Battle of Moores Creek 

31:53 Monuments and Memories 

38:58 Personal Connections to History 

46:23 The Rise and Fall of Brunswick Town

Connect with Dr. Chris Fonvielle:

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• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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#RevolutionaryWar #DrChrisFonvielle #MooresCreek #NorthCarolinaHistory #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Tevin Robinson for a real, no-nonsense conversation about North Carolina, culture, and what happens when you speak your mind online.

Tevin is a Wilmington native who’s built a following of more than 100,000 on TikTok simply by telling the truth about this state—where we come from, where we’re headed, and what we risk losing along the way. We talk about Southern hospitality, the influx of transplants, and why preserving genuine Southern traditions matters more than ever in a rapidly modernizing North Carolina.

We also pull back the curtain on content creation itself—what it’s like to go viral, how social media fame changes your life, and the challenge of staying grounded and authentic in a digital world that rewards noise over nuance.

This episode is a love letter to North Carolina—its people, its culture, and the voices willing to stand up and protect what makes this place feel like home.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

00:32 Discussing Wilmington and Transplants 

01:57 TikTok Journey and Content Creation 

05:50 North Carolina's Culture and History 

07:41 Southern Identity and Music 

22:02 Influence of Hip Hop and Country Music 

33:38 Challenges of Being an Influencer 

51:03 Rant on Downtown Charlotte 

51:19 Palm Trees in North Carolina 

52:35 McMansions and Southern Charm 

53:09 Culture Clash with Newcomers 

53:48 Southern Hospitality and Traditions 

54:51 Hillbilly Roots and Settlers 

58:41 Weather and Geography of North Carolina 

01:05:08 Barbecue and Food Traditions 

01:19:11 Political and Social Issues 

01:32:48 Content Creation and Personal Goals

Connect with Tevin Robinson:

• TikTok
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Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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#Skaterat910 #WilmingtonNC #TikTok #910 #SouthernHospitality #SouthernCulture #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now.

We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, including rising GOP voter registration and expanding influence across the state.

We dig into the tension between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, why unaffiliated voters matter more than ever, and the realities behind hot-button issues like gerrymandering and candidate support.

Matt also opens up about media dynamics, the growing role of influencers, the long shadow of COVID-era policies under Governor Cooper, and why the 2028 gubernatorial race is already looming large.

At the center of it all is strategy—unity, consistency, and relentless voter engagement—and what it will take for the GOP to keep gaining ground in North Carolina.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Matt Mercer

00:24 Transition from Journalism to Politics

02:07 North Carolina GOP's Recent Successes

03:41 The Shift in North Carolina's Political Landscape

07:27 Challenges in Blue Areas

11:25 Engaging Unaffiliated Voters

12:53 Controversies and Gerrymandering

20:42 Grassroots vs. Establishment

31:10 Upcoming Gubernatorial Race

32:02 Reflecting on the 2008 North Carolina Election

32:34 Republican Resurgence in North Carolina

33:12 The Importance of Fundraising in Politics

34:28 Out-of-State Influence in North Carolina Politics

36:00 Challenges with Media Access During COVID-19

38:58 Personal Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions

40:19 Investigating Media Control by the Governor's Office

42:23 Hurricane Relief and Political Optics

59:11 The Role of Influencers in Modern Politics

01:01:23 Getting Involved with the North Carolina GOP

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In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.

We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.

At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.

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#DaneScalise #NewHanoverCounty #WilmingtonNC #SENC #ForeverChemicals #PFAS #NorthCarolinaPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Olsen and Abbi Carson, leaders of Fix Buncombe, a grassroots movement focused on restoring conservative leadership and returning common-sense policy to Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Together, we break down the political shifts that have reshaped the county over the past several decades, the impact of gerrymandered districts, and growing concerns around education—everything from curriculum changes and teacher performance to the challenges created by chronically low-turnout local elections.

We also dive into the broader issues facing Buncombe County today: debates over reparations, the long-term implications of the Buncombe 2043 plan, rising living costs, cultural changes, and what many see as a push toward increasingly socialist policies.

If you care about Western North Carolina, local leadership, or the future direction of Buncombe County, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction to Fix Buncombe

01:34 — The Political Landscape of Buncombe County

04:59 — Challenges in the Education System

18:07 — Why Local Elections Matter

21:06 — Reparations & Historical Context

29:22 — Socialist Trends in Buncombe County

34:17 — A Love for Western North Carolina

35:04 — Shifts in Local Leadership

35:51 — Controversial Figures & Voting Patterns

37:44 — Mask Mandates & Public Backlash

40:12 — The Fix Buncombe Initiative

44:04 — The Buncombe 2043 Plan

50:03 — Concerns About Asheville’s Future

55:19 — Call to Action: Community Involvement

Connect with Fix Buncombe:

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• Facebook
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Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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#FixBuncombe #BuncombeCounty #AshevilleNC #WNC #LocalElectionsMatter #NorthCarolinaPolitics #GrassrootsPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms