Do Politics Better Podcast

John Drescher has spent a career telling the stories of North Carolina and American politics through journalism, with stops along the way at The Daily Tar Heel, The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer, The Washington Post and more. As he prepares to retire from The Assembly on October 2, John looks back on a remarkable career in newspapers, the changes he’s witnessed, and what he believes the profession still gets right. John also talks about his role in helping usher The News & Observer into the digital age, the challenges and opportunities that came with transforming a traditional newspaper, and why good journalism still matters. And with retirement finally here, what comes next? Maybe more time for baseball, cycling and, most importantly, his grandchildren. Or maybe John will write another book about NC politics. (He wrote a book in 2000 about the Democratic primary for governor 40 years prior.). Skye and Brian also unpack a week of news, including two great ads in the 11th district, polling, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, NC REALTORS®, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Steven Webb is Director of Legislative Affairs at the NC Home Builders Association, and Kimberly Reynolds is a Partner at Maven Strategies, a Democratic political consulting firm. Both have been around North Carolina politics for decades, and while they certainly have their political disagreements and agreements, they’re also very close friends. With Skye David on vacation, Brian brings Steven and Kim together to talk about this week’s political news and the three settle into a fun and expansive conversation about all things #NCPOL, including the days when conservative Democrats dominated the General Assembly to the 2026 election and plenty in between. And while you may come for the political talk, we hope you stay for the friendship. It’s evident throughout this conversation. It’s a reminder that political disagreements don’t have to mean personal disagreements. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Pork Council, NC REALTORS®, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Neal Inman, Chief of Staff to House Speaker Destin Hall, rejoins Do Politics Better for an inside look at the session, including a look back at the major issues that shaped the General Assembly and gives an insider’s perspective on the negotiations that ultimately produced a budget agreement with the Senate. (Click to listen to Neal's first interview with DPB in 2022.) Inman also discusses the transition from the legislative side to the political side of the job as November’s elections approach, offering a firsthand perspective on the changing dynamics of North Carolina politics. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest news, including old social media posts from a candidate, a major NC Supreme Court decision, a pair of polls, and more. 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.

Dr. Tim Reeder is finishing up his second term representing Pitt County in the NC House, and a lot has changed since his first podcast appearance right after he took office in 2023. Not only does he co-chair the House Health Committee, but he's authored major legislation that is now law. But the emergency medicine doctor wants more of his bills implemented and we talk about those ideas. We also talk about HBO's The Pitt, ER, and MASH, and college football. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest news, including Justice Phil Berger, Jr.'s surprise announcement, a congressman is censured, a new state senator appointed, a betting ban, and more. 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.

NC Labor Commissioner Luke Farley looks back on a remarkable two years in statewide politics, from his victorious primary upset to his decisive win in the general election and his transition from candidate to North Carolina’s Labor Commissioner. The first term Republican talks about what it took to pull off the primary upset, how he turned that momentum into a big victory in November, and what he has learned since taking office. But perhaps most interesting is what has happened since the election: Farley has earned praise, and even adulation, from some of the very people who opposed him. We talk about why, what he's doing differently, and how he's approaching the job now that the campaign is over. It's a wide-ranging Labor Day conversation about politics, leadership, workers, workplace safety, the future of work in North Carolina and what it means to govern after winning a hard-fought election. 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.