Do Politics Better Podcast

New Frame
  • 4.2 (95)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 17h ago

    How Powerful Democratic Sen Ken Royall Shaped His Conservative Son, Lobbyist Jere Royall

    NC Family Policy Council Lobbyist Jere Royall sits down for a fascinating conversation about politics, family, and the power of relationships in #ncpol. Jere is the son of the late Sen. Ken Royall, one of the most influential figures in modern North Carolina political history when he became both the Senate Majority Leader and Appropriations Chairman decades ago. Gov. Jim Hunt described the Durham legislator as "a master of the legislative process" who helped shape state policy from education and economic development to mental health reform and hospitals. Despite growing up in a household led by a Democratic political giant, Jere charted a different path. He became a lobbyist and advocate for many of the social and family policy causes most closely associated with North Carolina conservatives and the Republican Party.  Jere reflects on lessons learned from his father, the values that shaped his own political worldview, and how respect, trust, and personal relationships still matter in a highly polarized political environment. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest political news, including budget news, political news, an election bill, a rumor, the Canes win, 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.

    59 min

  2. Jun 11

    How a Senator's Fatal Car Crash Still Echoes Through a Family and #NCPOL Today

    Mark Ezzell, Director of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, was in his early 20s when his father, Sen. Jim Ezzell, died on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh on the eve of session starting in 1991.   That loss not only changed Mark's life forever, it also created an opening in the North Carolina Senate for a young House member named Roy Cooper. But this story is about more than politics, it's also about perseverance and grace.   Senator Ezzell, who lived with cerebral palsy, and his wife made the intentional decision to adopt a child with a disability. At age eight, Mark was adopted from foster care and welcomed into a family that saw his potential, not his limitations. Born with spina bifida, Mark has spent his life navigating challenges from a wheelchair while building a successful career in public service, including his work today of preventing highway fatalities.   Plus, Skye and Brian unpack another busy week: state budget negotiations continue, a moratorium on certain property tax increases heads to Governor Stein's desk, political news, a state senator has his eyes on a mayor's office, and graduation ceremonies are getting out of hand.   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.

    56 min

  3. Jun 4

    Former Lt. Governor Dan Forest Loves His New Job

    Former NC Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest sits down for a candid conversation about the twists and turns that have shaped his life, career, and outlook on the future.   The Republican reflects on growing up in a political family, how his parents' divorce affected him and influenced his views on faith, family, and perseverance. He also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of his public life: his 2020 gubernatorial loss, what he learned from the experience, and how it changed his perspective on politics and leadership. Today, Forest has embarked on a new chapter that he says he genuinely loves. As a lobbyist and leader of a coalition focused on blockchain technology and AI, he is helping businesses and policymakers navigate some of the most transformative innovations of our time. He discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, the future of cryptocurrency, and why he believes emerging technologies will reshape government, business, and everyday life. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest developments at the General Assembly, including a budget update, several key bills on the move, and a notable veto override. They also take a look at the stories shaping the week across North Carolina before turning their attention to the state's collective obsession: the Carolina Hurricanes.  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.

    1h 2m

  4. May 21

    A Memorial Day Conversation with Rep. Allen Chesser

    Rep. Allen Chesser is a combat veteran who served more than two decades ago, but he says war is still claiming lives today. With veteran suicide continuing to devastate military families, Rep. Chesser joins Skye and Brian for a candid Memorial Day conversation about service, sacrifice, mental health, and why he believes lawmakers must do more to support veterans long after they return home. The Nash County Republican also discusses his own mental fitness, personal discipline, and how he balances public service and family life. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest revenue forecast numbers, where budget negotiations currently stand, a growing list of proposed constitutional amendments at the legislature, and the politics of hugging. 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.

    44 min

  5. May 14

    The NC Speaker Who Never Was: Former Rep. Leo Daughtry's Story

    Former Rep. Leo Daughtry joins Skye and Brian to reflect on his storied political career, including the dramatic battle for Speaker of the North Carolina House heading into the 2003–2004 biennium. For weeks, the Johnston County Republican was widely viewed as the next Speaker after his party narrowly won the NC House in 2002 by a single seat.   But, a last-minute revolt within the Republican caucus stripped away the votes he needed and denied him the gavel on the opening day of session. The political fallout fractured House Republicans for years and remains one of the most talked-about leadership fights in modern North Carolina political history. Plus, the podcast breaks down the celebrated announcement of a budget deal, movement on an ABC reform bill in the House, a new John Locke Foundation poll, TOTW, 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.

    59 min

  6. May 7

    Rep. Stephen Ross Shares the Family Struggle That Shaped His Life

    Rep. Stephen Ross is wrapping up an incredible political career that began in Burlington, where he served on the City Council, led as Mayor, and eventually was persuaded to run for the NC House. The Alamance County Republican shares how he worked alongside a fellow mayor from another county (and another political party) to deliver results not just for their hometowns, but for North Carolina politics as a whole. But the most powerful moment comes when Rep. Ross reflects on his late mother. After his father died of a stroke while Rep. Ross was still in high school, she found herself rebuilding a family from the ground up after the family business was lost. Her determination didn’t just keep the family afloat, it inspired achievement, resilience, and purpose for Rep. Ross and his siblings. It’s a moving conversation ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the week in #ncpol, including a property tax bill on the move, two members of Congress land in hot water, Rep. Budd battles breast cancer, and North Carolina loses a former lawmaker.   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.

    51 min

  7. Apr 30

    Sen. Phil Berger on Short Session, Budget, and the NC Senate as an Institution

    Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger sits down for a candid conversation about the legislative short session and the question everyone in #ncpol is asking: Will the House and Senate actually come together on a new budget? Sen. Berger also reflects on his unsuccessful run for the NC House in 1994, his successful bid for NC Senate six years later, and talks about spending a decade in the minority. We also dig into the pivotal 2010 shift to a Republican majority, Berger’s perspective on that transition, and his respect for the way his Democratic predecessor, Sen. Marc Basnight, navigated a change in power. Skye and Brian also run through a packed week in #ncpol: another round of party hopping in the House, budget talks, a brewing dispute over access to water, the passing of a former senator, and a deleted #TOTW salvaged. Along the way, there’s also a detour into “slippery when wet” signage at the General Assembly.   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.

    54 min

  8. Apr 23

    Speaker Hall: Short Session, Budget Battles, & Breaking the Impasse

    Speaker Destin Hall previews the short session now underway and breaks down the path forward on the state budget after last year’s budget stalemate.  The Speaker walks listeners through his priorities, what’s changed since last year, and whether there’s a realistic path to breaking the impasse. He also reflects on his first year holding the gavel:  what he’s learned, his leadership style, and he talks about "the Schedule". Plus, Skye and Brian run through a packed week: first-day-of-session vibes, the latest on Medicaid rebasing, where budget negotiations stand, and Governor Josh Stein rolling out his proposed budget.  We also hit the formation of a new investigative committee, the swearing-in of three new legislators, a few early session predictions, how AI is creeping into policymaking conversations, and plenty more from around Jones Street. 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.

    1 hr
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4.2
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    New Frame
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Do Politics Better Podcast

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