Political science professors Chris Cooper (Western Carolina University) and Michael Bitzer (Catawba College) break down the emerging landscape of 2026, from the Trump factor and how it’s still rearranging political gravity, to affordability as a defining issue for voters.

The professors connect national dynamics to North Carolina’s uniquely complicated terrain, including the U.S. Senate race, Congressional Districts 1 and 11, and legislative primaries (Page v Berger, Hager v Johnson, Sadler v Cunningham, and Wray v Pierce).

Skye and Brian also unpack a social media dustup over the children’s hospital, new polling, Buckout fundraising, and the epic winter storm prediction for North Carolina.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Sen. Danny Britt, a Robeson County Republican, and former Sen. Mike Woodard, a Durham Democrat, look ahead to 2026, breaking down what’s coming with insight, honesty, disagreement, and plenty of laughs. The conversation covers the looming primary elections, the dynamics of the legislative short session, and whether lawmakers are headed toward a big budget, a mini-budget, or no budget at all.

The duo also size up the November elections, talk winners and losers, and prove that bipartisan conversations can still be candid, sharp, and entertaining.

Skye and Brian also dig into legislative oversight and select committee hearings, Governor Josh Stein’s trip to Capitol Hill, Cooper v. Whatley fundraising, a tough decision by the NC State Board of Elections, #TOTW, and is Brian morphing into Skye?

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

U.S. Senator Ted Budd talks about life before Washington, including his family roots in New Jersey and with the New York Knicks. How a trip to the U.S.S.R. while at Appalachian State University changed his life and family forever and informs how he approaches public service today.

Sen. Budd also discusses life in the Senate, his unlikely across-the-aisle friendship with Sen. John Fetterman, and why he believes listening matters in politics. The conversation offers a deeper look at the man who will be NC's senior senator in less than a year.

Skye and Brian also break down #ncpol's first week of the New Year, including House oversight hearings, Governor Josh Stein’s latest endorsement, Republicans finding reasons to celebrate, and the passing of a former Speaker whose legacy shaped state politics today.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.