In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now.
We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, including rising GOP voter registration and expanding influence across the state.
We dig into the tension between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, why unaffiliated voters matter more than ever, and the realities behind hot-button issues like gerrymandering and candidate support.
Matt also opens up about media dynamics, the growing role of influencers, the long shadow of COVID-era policies under Governor Cooper, and why the 2028 gubernatorial race is already looming large.
At the center of it all is strategy—unity, consistency, and relentless voter engagement—and what it will take for the GOP to keep gaining ground in North Carolina.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Matt Mercer
00:24 Transition from Journalism to Politics
02:07 North Carolina GOP's Recent Successes
03:41 The Shift in North Carolina's Political Landscape
07:27 Challenges in Blue Areas
11:25 Engaging Unaffiliated Voters
12:53 Controversies and Gerrymandering
20:42 Grassroots vs. Establishment
31:10 Upcoming Gubernatorial Race
32:02 Reflecting on the 2008 North Carolina Election
32:34 Republican Resurgence in North Carolina
33:12 The Importance of Fundraising in Politics
34:28 Out-of-State Influence in North Carolina Politics
36:00 Challenges with Media Access During COVID-19
38:58 Personal Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions
40:19 Investigating Media Control by the Governor's Office
42:23 Hurricane Relief and Political Optics
59:11 The Role of Influencers in Modern Politics
01:01:23 Getting Involved with the North Carolina GOP
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In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.
We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.
At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.
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In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Olsen and Abbi Carson, leaders of Fix Buncombe, a grassroots movement focused on restoring conservative leadership and returning common-sense policy to Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Together, we break down the political shifts that have reshaped the county over the past several decades, the impact of gerrymandered districts, and growing concerns around education—everything from curriculum changes and teacher performance to the challenges created by chronically low-turnout local elections.
We also dive into the broader issues facing Buncombe County today: debates over reparations, the long-term implications of the Buncombe 2043 plan, rising living costs, cultural changes, and what many see as a push toward increasingly socialist policies.
If you care about Western North Carolina, local leadership, or the future direction of Buncombe County, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Fix Buncombe
01:34 — The Political Landscape of Buncombe County
04:59 — Challenges in the Education System
18:07 — Why Local Elections Matter
21:06 — Reparations & Historical Context
29:22 — Socialist Trends in Buncombe County
34:17 — A Love for Western North Carolina
35:04 — Shifts in Local Leadership
35:51 — Controversial Figures & Voting Patterns
37:44 — Mask Mandates & Public Backlash
40:12 — The Fix Buncombe Initiative
44:04 — The Buncombe 2043 Plan
50:03 — Concerns About Asheville’s Future
55:19 — Call to Action: Community Involvement
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In this episode, I’m joined by Sandi Walker—Valdese Mayoral Candidate, owner of Dolls & Designs, and Senior Tour Guide for the Waldensian Trail of Faith. A direct descendant of the original Waldensian settlers, Sandi brings a deep, personal perspective to Valdese’s history and community.
Together, we talk about the Waldensians’ incredible journey from the Alpine valleys of Italy to the foothills of North Carolina, how their faith shaped the town of Valdese, and the modern challenges the community faces today.
If you’ve never heard of the Waldensians—or if you’re curious about small-town leadership, heritage tourism, and the future of Valdese—this episode is for you.
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In this episode, I’m joined by Jason—the creator behind Instagram's @SpookyCLT, a project dedicated to digging into Charlotte’s folklore, true crime, and dark history. From haunted cemeteries to forgotten landmarks, Jason’s work shines a light on the stories that most folks walk right past without ever knowing they’re there.
Jason is also a passionate historic preservation advocate, serving on the boards of both Historic Elmwood-Pinewood Cemetery and the Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission. Together, we discuss some of the spooky stories that have shaped the Queen City.
If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Charlotte’s skyline—or why preserving history matters just as much as uncovering it—this episode is for you.
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In this second part of my conversation with Tim Hamilton—professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains—we pick up right where we left off.
This time, we’re diving into some of the Smokies’ most fascinating stories: Mingus Mill, the legendary Quill Rose, and yes—moonshine. From the ingenuity of millwrights to the colorful characters who defined mountain life, these stories remind us that Appalachian history isn’t just something you read in a book—it’s living, breathing, and woven into the land itself.
If you’ve ever been curious about how mills shaped the Smokies, who kept them running, and how traditions like moonshining fit into the larger Appalachian story, you’ll want to tune in to this one.
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In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m joined by Tim Hamilton, professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains.
We dig into the history of the Smokies’ grist mills—why there were so many of them, the unique stories behind the grist stones, and what these mills tell us about Appalachian ingenuity and community life. Tim also shares insights on the TVA’s use of eminent domain in Swain County, how families were uprooted, and the lasting impact of those decisions.
Our conversation doesn’t stop at history, though—we also discuss present-day issues, like the new parking fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and how many locals see them as breaking a promise made to Appalachian people generations ago.
If you love Appalachian history—or want to better understand how decisions of the past and present shape daily life in the Smokies—you won’t want to miss this episode.
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In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Woolard to talk about Marshall, North Carolina—and what happens when disasters fade from the headlines but the recovery never comes.
During Hurricane Helene, Amanda and I helped coordinate real relief for families in crisis. But while neighbors pitched in and volunteers showed up, con artists slipped in too—eroding trust and leaving legitimate efforts struggling for support.
We talk about scammers who fabricated tragedies to solicit donations, and folks who impersonated FEMA officials. Frauds didn’t just steal money—they sabotaged the work of people trying to help. Amanda explains how she’s mentored honest grassroots groups, challenged organizations to stay accountable, and celebrated small wins—like a local church that exposed an embezzling preacher.
If you’ve ever wondered why bad actors get away with so much—or how ordinary people can make sure their help really reaches those in need—this conversation will hit home.
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In this episode, I sit down with Charles Jurney—one of the most respected dog trainers in the South—to talk about working dogs.
Charles has spent more than 25 years training performance and hunting dogs, producing hundreds of titled animals across the country. From Grand Hunting Retriever Champions to Master Hunters, his legacy is woven into field trials, duck blinds, and dog kennels across the region.
You may know him from his training manual Finished Dog, or from the videos Game Dog, Gun Dog, and Water Dog, which have helped thousands of amateur trainers find their footing.
If you’ve ever worked with a hunting dog, trained a puppy, or simply love watching a dog do what it was born to do, this one’s for you.
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In this episode, I sit down with Laura Pierro, Executive Director of the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, to talk about the life-changing work they do—and the serious threat they're facing right now. If you’ve never heard of the commission, you’re not alone. It’s the only one of its kind in the entire country, created to take a hard, honest look at possible wrongful convictions in our state.
Laura walks me through how the commission works, what sets it apart, and why its funding is now at risk. We talk about the human cost of injustice—about real people, with real families, who’ve lost years of their lives to prison for crimes they didn’t commit.
This conversation isn’t just about the legal system—it’s about fairness, accountability, and what kind of North Carolina we want to live in. If you care about justice, you’ll want to hear this.
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Tags: #LauraPierro #NorthCarolina #NCPol #InnocenceInquiryCommission #WrongfulConvictions
In this episode of Where the Dogwood Blooms, I sit down with Wilmington native, realtor, and New Hanover County GOP chairman John Hinnant to talk about some hot-button issues making waves in the Port City. From the future of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to concerns over the public library and potential tax hikes, we break down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what it all means for locals.
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Tags: #Wilmington #NewHanoverCounty #NorthCarolina #JohnHinnant #NHCGOP
Today, we’re talking with Nick Searcy—actor, director, and proud Western North Carolina native. You’ve seen him in Fried Green Tomatoes, Nell, and Justified as the unforgettable Art Mullen. But off-screen? He’s just a hillbilly from Cullowhee with deep roots and big stories. We’ll talk about his childhood in WNC, life in Hollywood, and what he’s working on now.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #NickSearcy #WNC #MargoInWNC
Today, we’re joined by Sam Green—the NIL guru behind Athletecon. A Charlotte native with a passion for helping student-athletes make the most of their name, image, and likeness, Sam knows this world inside and out. We’ll talk about what her job really looks like, hear about some of her favorite athletes, and get her best tips for content creators navigating the NIL space.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #SamGreen #Athletecon #NIL
Today, we’re joined by William I. Wells, co-host of the Dub Dub and Groo Talk Sports segment on the Liberty iNC podcast. Dub Dub is a native North Carolinian and a true sports fanatic, so buckle up—we’re diving into everything from the Carolina Panthers to March Madness!
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #WilliamIWells #DubDubAndGroo #MarchMadness
Today, we’re joined by Laura Stotts, the creative force behind Diary of Abandonment. Laura explores forgotten homesites and rusted-out vehicles across the state, capturing their stories through her lens.
Join us as we uncover her journey—what sparked her passion for documenting abandoned places, which sites have left the deepest impression, and how genealogy played a role in her path to healing from addiction.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #LauraStotts #DiaryofAbandonment #QueenofRust #AbandonedSites
Today, we’re joined by North Carolina Kerry, a digital content creator known for his unique blend of North Carolina comedy and history. When he’s not making videos, he’s spending time with his wife, two sons, and dog, traveling everywhere from small-town North Carolina to Jamaica, visiting breweries, staying active, watching football, and writing music.
Join us as we dive into his journey—how he became a content creator and why he’s so passionate about sharing the stories of the Old North State!
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #NCKerry #NCHistoryMuseum #NCInfluencers
Today, we’re joined by Roger B. Newman, a medical doctor and author of seven books. Though he hails from South Carolina, his North Carolina roots run deep. His latest novel, Boys, opens in Rockingham County and delves into the Jim Crow era of the American South, told through the eyes of two brothers—one white, one Black. In this episode, Roger shares the inspiration behind his book and the historical truths woven into its pages.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #RogerBNewman #BoysNovel #RockinghamCounty #SouthernAuthors
Welcome to Where the Dogwood Blooms, where today we're joined by JP Decker, the Executive Director of Mercury One. Mercury One was among the first responders on the ground in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene hit. JP is here to share his firsthand experiences from the frontlines of the disaster response, the challenges they faced, and the ongoing efforts to help communities rebuild.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #MercuryOne #JPDecker #WNC #HurricaneHelene
Welcome to Where the Dogwood Blooms, where we're joined by the Strategic Communications Advisor of the LPNC, Joshua Glawson. Joshua is not only a staunch advocate for the legalization of marijuana and the abolition of North Carolina's ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) system but also a passionate enthusiast of North Carolina's rich history.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #JoshuaGlawson #RobertDoughton #MarijuanaLegalization #Marijuana
Join Cassie and her husband, Brandon, as they delve into the contrasts between their teenage years in Wilmington and Fayetteville.
Brandon grew up in Fayetteville, a city frequently misjudged by those who haven't experienced its community firsthand. Known for its military presence, Fayetteville often gets a bad rap as being gritty and unsafe, but how much truth is there to these perceptions?
In addition to exploring these hometown differences, Brandon shares his unique insights on what life is like being married to the "NC Queen!"
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #Fayetteville #Wilmington #TerrySanfordHigh #Fayettenam #The90s