Do Politics Better Podcast

A weekly look at North Carolina politics and the North Carolina General Assembly from two lobbyists’ perspectives. Hosted by lobbyists Brian Lewis and Skye David.

Do Politics Better Podcast is a news podcast hosted by New Frame, with 270 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

New Frame hosts Do Politics Better Podcast, a news show with 270 episodes published.

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  Episode #272

  House Democratic Whip Terry Brown Has a Message for Lobbyists

  Aug 13, 202659 min

  So much has changed for Rep. Terry Brown since our visit with him in 2021 on the podcast . The Charlotte Democrat is a father and he's a House Whip. We get an inside scoop on all that. Rep. Brown also has a message for many lobbyists (including us), who he thinks are getting it wrong when it comes to engaging House Democrats. In this wide-ranging conversation, Rep. Brown talks about what lobbyists need to understand about the caucus and how they can be more effective with Democratic members. He also weighs in on the big tent versus small tent debate both parties are currently undergoing. Plus, Skye and Brian unpack the week, including signed legislation, Governor Stein's frustration with the Senate, and polls, polls, polls. Yes, we have three of them. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

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  Episode #271

  Professor Chris Cooper's Short Session Review Before the November Final Exam

  Aug 6, 202655 min

  As the General Assembly heads into its extended break until November, one of the state's leading political scientists joins us to put the short session into a broader perspective. Dr. Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University , a listener favorite, returns to argue that Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger's final biennium as the chamber's leader cast a long shadow over this year's short session. We explore the emerging race to replace Sen. Berger in leadership, the continued erosion of gubernatorial power in North Carolina, the state budget, and the legislation that shaped the session's final weeks. Dr. Cooper also looks ahead to the high-stakes 2026 elections and what they could mean for the future balance of power in Raleigh. Skye and Brian also break down the biggest political developments from the past week, including the General Assembly's adjournment, the latest legislative action (an inaction), and Brian turns 55. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

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  Episode #270

  Sen. Michael Lee on the '26 Session & the Senate's Future in '27

  Jul 30, 202658 min

  Since his last appearance on the podcast , Sen. Michael Lee has become one of the most influential lawmakers in the General Assembly, serving as both Senate Majority Leader and Senior Appropriations Chair. Now, the New Hanover County Republican is seeking to become the Senate's next President Pro Tem in 2027. Sen. Lee joins us to recap the 2026 legislative session, including the state budget, education policy, hemp regulation, and the major issues that shaped lawmakers' work this year. He also shares his outlook on the 2026 elections, the future direction of the Senate, and why he believes he's ready to lead the chamber as its next President Pro Tem. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest #NCPOL news, including election legislation, another technical corrections bill, the "check-in" schedule, Nc Supreme Court race fundraising, and reserving ad time for Michael Whatley. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

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  Episode #269

  Rep. Sarah Crawford on How Authenticity and Grace Get Results

  Jul 23, 20261h 2m

  Rep. Sarah Crawford stops by the podcast for a second visit and discusses serving two terms in the House after a biennium in the Senate. Click here to listen to her first visit in 2022 . The Wake County Democrat also talks about her relationships with her Republican colleagues and how those friendships here get a law enforcement bill through the North Carolina House, navigating difficult conversations, and earning support from members on both sides of the aisle. Crawford also reflects candidly on the political realities of bipartisan work. While reaching across the aisle can produce real results for constituents, she acknowledges that it isn't always celebrated within her own party. Plus, Skye and Brian unpack the week of political news, including next week's session, fundraising, short session numbers, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame , the NC Travel Industry Association , the American Heart Association , the NC Pork Council , the NC Realtors , Heal the System NC , and the NC Healthcare Association.

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  Episode #268

  The Most Joyful #NCPOL Operative: NCGOP Executive Director Zach Almond

  Jul 16, 202649 min

  From organizing as a teenage Republican to managing campaigns out of his college dorm room, serving in elected office, and building a career in government relations, Zach Almond has always known politics was where he belonged. Today, he's living that dream as Executive Director of the North Carolina Republican Party. Zach joins us to discuss his journey, what he's learned along the way, and why he's more optimistic about the 2026 midterm elections than many political prognosticators. Plus, Skye and Brian break down North Carolina's #2 business ranking, the latest fundraising numbers, budget schedule rumors, new polling, #TOTW, and much more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame , the NC Travel Industry Association , the American Heart Association , the NC Pork Council , the NC Realtors , Heal the System NC , and the NC Healthcare Association.

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