Do Politics Better Podcast

Mar 27 2025 200 ep. 50 mins 8

Do Politics Better Podcast artwork

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.

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Rep. Phil Rubin: "I Was a 'West Wing' Kid"

Mar 27 2025 65 mins

Earlier this session, the General Assembly lost Rep. Joe John to cancer at 85. Rep. John would be proud of his Democratic replacement, who is an attorney, policy wonk, and one to debate the intricacies of the law without making it personal. Meet the newly appointed freshman legislator from Wake County: Rep. Phil Rubin, who was a federal prosecutor, a Special NC Deputy Attorney Gen

Reps. Charlie Miller & Reece Pyrtle on Policing, Politics, & Friendship

Mar 20 2025 59 mins

Reps. Charlie Miller (R-Brunswick) and Reece Pyrtle (R-Rockingham) share a legislative office suite, many committee assignments, and a bond built around their former careers as law enforcement officers in their communities. The former chief deputy (Miller) and police chief (Pyrtle) talk about their first encounter, their friendship, and how their relationship to their respective S

Old School Politics + New Tech Tools Won Rep. Bryan Cohn a House Seat

Mar 13 2025 60 mins

When Rep. Bryan Cohn decided to challenge an incumbent in 2024, he executed a plan that was based on old school politics combined with new tech tools. By the time election night rolled in, he knew he was in an excellent position to win the seat. The Oxford Democrat also talks about the uniqueness of his swing district, including a violent civil rights history documented in the boo

Rep. Jonathan Almond on Anguish, Transformation, & Purpose

Mar 06 2025 58 mins

As a financial controller, Rep. Jonathan Almond is familiar with sifting through data, studies, and spreadsheets to look for answers. It's what he did when COVID shut down the world, when his twin boys were diagnosed with autism, and it's what he plans to do as a Cabarrus County legislator. However, the 38-year old Republican is not just about the numbers. He's felt anguish for hi

Rep. Dante Pittman: A Young, Old School Democrat from Wilson

Feb 27 2025 48 mins

Spend enough time with Rep. Dante Pittman, the 28-year old legislator representing Wilson and part of Nash Counties, and it's evident the freshman legislator is a throwback Democrat. The National Guard captain describes himself as pro business, pro public education, and pro health care. He also believes in the power of family, including a single mother who raised him and his broth

Rep. Heather Rhyne, a Pharmacist, Has a Prescription for Better Politics

Feb 19 2025 48 mins

Rep. Heather Rhyne started her official freshman term this year after getting a head start in the House last summer when former Rep. Jason Saine resigned his seat to enter the private sector. The Lincoln County Republican started her political career on her county's local school board and brings a focus to the General Assembly that is focused on supporting all facets of education

Rep. Tracy Clark's Search for the Middle on Divisive Issues

Feb 13 2025 53 mins

Rep. Tracy Clark has a list "whys" on her decision to serve in the General Assembly. Two of the three issues that motivated the Guilford County freshman Democrat are the most divisive in politics, but she's optimistic that she can find middle ground, especially with those in her freshman class. Also, the House drops a Helene package a week after Governor Stein proposes his. Next u

Rep. Wyatt Gable: A New Generation in NC Politics

Feb 06 2025 47 mins

There's a good chance you wore a garment of clothing this week that is older than the 22-year old freshman legislator from Onslow County. Rep. Wyatt Gable visits with Skye and Brian to talk about his improbable political journey to the General Assembly that began in a college economics class a couple years back. Now the eastern NC Republican is a senior in college and stepping into

Sen. Woodson Bradley's Story of Survival, Healing, & Uplifting Others

Jan 30 2025 52 mins

Sen. Woodson Bradley is a sexual assault survivor and in this powerful podcast conversation with Skye and Brian she talks about a dark and painful time in her life that led her to this moment as a freshman state senator advocating for change. The Mecklenburg County Democrat also self-describes as a moderate who campaigned on a pro-law enforcement, pro-business, and pro-public educ

Rep. Grant Campbell, an OB/GYN, Wants to Deliver for His District

Jan 23 2025 63 mins

Rep. Grant Campbell was raised by a single mother under very challenging circumstances in rural Lee and Harnett Counties. The experience shaped every aspect of his life, including his decision to attend UNC (undergrad and medical school), become an OB/GYN, join the military, pen a novel, and serve in the General Assembly. The freshman Republican representing part of Cabarrus Count