The Holler hangs out with Patrick Newton, Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party, to dive into the role of third parties in American democracy. We unpack the arguments both for and against third-party movements, explore what North Carolina voters could gain from having the Forward Party on the ballot, and examine how alternative parties can shift political conversations—even without winning elections. Patrick also shares why putting data above ideology is crucial for building effective policies and moving beyond partisan gridlock. Whether you’re skeptical of third parties or searching for new political pathways, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what “moving forward” might really mean.
👉 Support the Holler by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
or leave a tip on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social
Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownholler
This week on The Hometown Holler podcast, we sit down with Blair Reeves—North Carolina’s favorite Waffle House Democrat and co-founder of Carolina Forward. Blair breaks down how the collapse of local media and a decade of ruthless gerrymandering paved the way for unchecked corruption in Raleigh. We dig into how the GOP supermajority seized control—and what it means for our schools, environment, voting rights, and future. What will it take to fight back and restore sanity in North Carolina politics? Blair’s got ideas.
👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG
Or become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social
Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler
What happens when a nationally touring comedian with ADHD, a love for cats, and a deep sense of political urgency takes a vow to become Democracy's greatest defender? Answer: Blaire Postman! The Holler hangs out with America's Cat-Lady-In-Chief to explore how she turned a meme into a movement! Starting from scratch (pun intended) Blaire unleashed the full furry fury of America's cat ladies in 2024 and she's just getting started! With biting jokes and blistering insight, Blaire brings hope, wisdom, and the kind of energy that makes espresso look like decaf.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook
🎧 Topics Covered:-Cat Ladies for Kamala: origin story-Using comedy as a political tool-Organizing beyond the party structure-Why mainstream Dems don’t know how to fight-The billionaire takeover of American life-How ADHD helped (and complicated) her activism-Grassroots organizing vs. professional “grassroots”-Calls to action for everyday folks-What “cat lady” really means
Stormie Daie—drag queen, science educator, and LGBTQ+ activist—returns to the Holler to talk about growing up queer in the South, the intersection of drag and education, and using art as activism.
A founding member of the legendary House of Coxx in Durham, NC, Stormie shares how drag became her armor—both a celebration of self and a shield in the fight for visibility and equality. We cover everything from femmephobia and trans rights to drag bans, bomb threats, and Pride parades. Whether she’s performing at Drag Story Hour or organizing for liberation, Stormie Daie brings beauty, brilliance, and bold truth to communities across North Carolina.
If you’ve ever wondered “What is drag?” or “Why is drag under attack?”—this conversation is a must-listen.
🎧 Topics Covered:
Drag as political protest
The difference between drag and being transgender
Femmephobia and gender norms
Queer representation in the South
Safety threats against drag performers
Pride parades and LGBTQ+ community building
How to support your local Pride
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:
🌟 TikTok
🌟 Blue Sky
🌟 Patreon
In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with former North Carolina State Representative, Attorney Chaz Beasley, to talk about the state of politics — in North Carolina and across the country. From the future of democracy to the challenges of public service, Chaz offers deep insights, honest reflections, and thoughtful takes on what it means to lead in today’s America.If you're interested in North Carolina politics, Democracy, or how real change happens on the ground, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Hometown Holler — your front-row seat to the voices shaping our state and country.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler 🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler #ChazBeasley #NorthCarolinaPolitics #DemocracyInCrisis #HometownHoller #NCPolitics #StatePolitics #LocalLeaders #PoliticalPodcast #NCNews #ProgressiveVoices
Kenny Wortman ain’t your typical politician. He’s a mohawk-wearing, neck-tattoo-showing, no-time-for-BS father, veteran firefighter, and funeral director. He’s also a lifelong Republican. Wortman joins the Holler to reveal what happens when you stop preaching the party gospel and start asking real questions. From small-town power grabs to backroom deals, this episode unpacks how local corruption can quietly sabotage public education, affordable housing, and economic development anywhere. Wortman pulls back the curtain on the political machine—and makes a powerful case for thinking for yourself, standing your ground, and refusing to play along just to stay in power.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook
In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with award-winning North Carolina photographer and storyteller Cornell Watson. Hailing from Weldon, NC, Cornell uses his camera to capture the heart, history, and humanity of black communities across the South, blending artistry with unapologetic truth-telling.From intimate family portraits to bold confrontations with systemic injustice, Cornell’s images don’t just tell stories—they challenge us to see, to reflect, and to act. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, ESPN and more. In this conversation, Cornell opens up about his journey, the inspiration behind his most powerful projects, and why he believes photography can be a potent tool for change—even if it doesn’t always shift policy.We also talk about the emotional weight of stories like that of Julio Zambrano’s disappearance, and how Cornell’s lens brings visibility to lives and experiences too often erased. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler 🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler #CornellWatson #TarredHealing #BehindTheMask #BlackPhotographers #ArtAsActivism #JulioZambrano #PhotographyPodcast #HometownHoller #NorthCarolinaStories #SocialJusticeArt
Stephen Prince is a patriotic millionaire—and he wants you to know the game is rigged. In this episode, the vice-chair of the Patriotic Millionaires breaks down why wealth hoarding isn’t just unfair—it’s un-American. From his humble beginnings in small-town South Georgia to building a multimillion-dollar business, Prince shares how he came to believe that raising taxes on the rich is the most patriotic thing we can do. Along the way, he digs into the need for a living wage, the myth of meritocracy, and why systemic change—not charity—is the only real solution.
👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:
🌟 TikTok
🌟 Blue Sky
Jacob Brooks of National Director of the Great Economy Project joins the Holler for a whiskey-fueled conversation about the soul of the American economy—and why it's time to rethink everything we thought we knew about taxes, patriotism, and working-class power.
Jacob breaks down how the ultra-wealthy are hiding their money in plain sight, why living wages are key to saving rural America, and how the Left can reclaim economic patriotism without apology. We also dive into North Carolina politics, Confederate cosplay, wrestling legends, crypto scams, and why the Rock might actually be our next president.
👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:
In this episode, we sit down with Winston-Salem native Sam Grote—entrepreneur, economist, and founder of the NC Business Impact Forum. Sam shares his journey from hedge funds to launching startups and why he believes better business policy can unite a divided democracy. We talk about the power of investing in kids, what government efficiency really means, and why data needs a human story to matter.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler🌟 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownholler🌟 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
In a world of political grandstanders and culture war crusaders, Woodson Bradley is the real deal—grounded, gutsy, and getting things done. She joins The Hometown Holler to talk about what it really means to be a “moderate” Democrat in today’s political climate, and why making politics fun and accessible is key to building power in her community. Woodson dives into the NCGOP’s wildly reckless Un-Concealed Carry Bill, the deeper issue of why some lawmakers continue siding with domestic abusers, and how her lived experience as a domestic violence survivor shapes her legislative work. They also chat about the delicious General Assembly cafeteria, her journey to becoming "Senator Sneakers," the challenges of starting out as a senator, the zen of walking, and Jason Isaac’s "Durham" accent in the White Lotus. 👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook🌟 Patreon
Justice Allison Riggs joins The Holler for an in-depth conversation on her landmark 2024 election case and the ongoing fight to protect voting rights in North Carolina. As a NC Supreme Court Justice and longtime voting rights advocate, Riggs shares powerful insights on defending election integrity, the challenges of combating voter suppression, and the broader implications for democracy.In this episode, Justice Riggs breaks down:✅ The key legal strategies behind her 2024 election case✅ The growing threats to voting access in NC and beyond✅ The importance of civic engagement in protecting democracy✅ How her career as a voting rights attorney impacts her work as a Supreme Court Justice👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal
📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook🌟 Patreon
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson joins The Hometown Holler to break down the chaos of MAGA-occupied Washington and analyze Trump 2.0, offering a thought-provoking discussion on the future of American democracy.
A professor at Boston College and the author of seven influential books, Heather has become one of the most impactful public intellectuals of our time, particularly through her widely read "Letters from an American" newsletter, where she places contemporary news in its historical context.
In this episode, Heather offers insights on what Americans can learn from history, the Democratic Party’s response to a second Trump administration, and what it means to value Truth in an era of rampant disinformation, all while spilling the tea on her daily routine, love of reading, and favorite music.
💡 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more deep dives into history and its connection to today’s world!
🎙 The Hometown Holler – building a better understanding one conversation at a time.
📲 Follow Hometown Holler on Social Media:
🌟 TikTok
🌟 Blue Sky
🌟 Patreon
Jello shots, hot takes, and Girl Talk Jenga—this is the episode you’ve all been waiting for. Kate Barr joins Quinn and Daniel for a lively, no-holds-barred (see what we did there???) conversation about what it really takes to shake up politics in North Carolina. From her unconventional “Can’t Win” campaign to her ongoing fight against gerrymandering, Kate breaks down why stepping up—even when the odds are stacked against you—matters more than ever. The Tar Heel trio dives into the current state of the Democratic Party, why fair maps are everyone’s fight, and what it takes to actually build a winning coalition in the South.
📲 Follow Hometown Holler on Social Media:
🌟 TikTok
🌟 Blue Sky
🌟 Patreon
Quinn and Daniel hang out with Dante Pittman, a first-term state rep from Wilson County, to talk about what it’s really like to be in the room where decisions get made. They cover his journey from grassroots campaigning to flipping a Republican-held seat, the biggest surprises about working in state government, and why the fight for public education, rural communities, and fair wages matters to everyone—even if you don’t follow politics. Whether you’re keeping up with North Carolina news, trying to understand how our state government works, or just curious about how political decisions impact your daily life, this conversation will change the way you see the people making the rules. Help us build a better North Carolina one conversation at a time. Follow The Hometown Holler on social media:
Instagram | TikTok | Blue Sky | Twitter | Facebook | Patreon
The North Carolina General Assembly is back at it—pushing bills that range from dangerous to downright ridiculous. Kate Barr (AKA NC's Favorite Loser) helps Quinn and Daniel break down the legislation you need to know about: The Bad—A blatant attempt to limit early voting (HB 66), making it harder for North Carolinians to cast their ballots. The Ugly—A power grab that strips the Attorney General of the ability to challenge unconstitutional executive orders (SB 58). The Wacky—A bill that lets 18-year-olds carry concealed weapons without permits and allows lawmakers to pack heat inside the legislature (SB 50). But it’s not all bad news. HB 115 offers a rare win by making child care centers exempt from property taxes, helping working families and providers alike. Like, subscribe, and share to stay informed on the fights shaping North Carolina’s future!📲 Follow Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky 🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook🌟 Patreon🎙 The Hometown Holler – building a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.
What does it take to break into the film industry—without Hollywood connections, a big studio budget, or a last name that opens doors? Phil Blattenberger knows. A history buff turned award-winning filmmaker, Phil has made a career out of telling the kinds of stories Hollywood often overlooks. His directorial debut, Point Man (2018), shined a light on racial tensions within the Vietnam War. His WWII thriller Condor’s Nest (2023) brought suspense and action to the big screen. And just weeks ago, he wrapped Laws of Man, a Cold War crime drama starring Dermot Mulroney—already an audience favorite at the Tangier Film Festival.In this episode of Hometown Holler, we dive into Phil’s journey—from his days at UNC-Greensboro to directing feature films that blend history, culture, and politics. We talk about the role of film in shaping public discourse, how he approaches controversial themes, and why the most compelling stories are often the ones no one else is telling.
📲 Follow the Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownholler🌟 Blue Sky: bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social🌟 Twitter: x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: facebook.com/thehometownholler🌟 Patreon: patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
The boys from Alamance hang out with Tami Kress, executive director of Studio One. Tami shares the inspiring story behind Studio One, a creative hub empowering young artists and performers in North Carolina. From its grassroots beginnings to its impact on local youth, she discusses the power of the arts in shaping communities, fostering self-expression, and building confidence. The trio also dive into the challenges arts organizations face today and why investing in creative spaces is essential for a thriving and vibrant society. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the role of the arts in education, community-building, and the fight to keep creative opportunities accessible to all.
💡 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more deep dives into NC politics and beyond!🎙The Hometown Holler – building a better North Carolina one conversation at a time.📲 Follow the Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownholler🌟 Blue Sky: bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social🌟 Twitter: x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: facebook.com/thehometownholler🌟 Patreon: patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
The Holler welcomes Representative Robert Reives, Democratic Leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives, to break down the future of NC politics. Born and raised in Sanford, Rep. Reives has spent his career fighting for economic development, education, and justice reform. From leading bipartisan efforts to expand workforce training to championing Medicaid expansion, he’s been at the forefront of policies that strengthen working families.
We ask Rep. Reives what leadership means to him, how he balances the diverse voices within his caucus, and what it will take to make competitive elections possible again in gerrymandered districts. We also discuss the GOP’s legislative agenda and, most importantly, what gives him hope for North Carolina’s future.
💡 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more deep dives into all things NC!
📲 Follow us for more:
🌟 Instagram:instagram.com/thehometownholler
🌟 Blue Sky:bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social
🌟 Twitter:x.com/hometown_holler
🌟 Facebook:facebook.com/thehometownholler
🌟 Patreon:patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
The Holler welcomes authors Belle Boggs and Sylvester Allen Jr. to discuss the life and legacy of Wyatt Outlaw, the first African American to serve as Town Commissioner and Constable of Graham, North Carolina. Outlaw was lynched by the White Brotherhood, a branch of the Ku Klux Klan, on February 26, 1870. Belle and Sylvester explore the role of the Union League, the enduring impact of racial violence, and how history continues to shape the present. They also share the inspirations behind their work and the power of storytelling in bringing local history to life, highlighting the importance of community-driven activism and education in building a more just future.
💡Don’t forget to REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more deep dives into all things NC!
📲 Follow us for more:
🌟 Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownholler
🌟 Blue Sky: bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social
🌟 Twitter: x.com/hometown_holler
🌟 Facebook: facebook.com/thehometownholler
🌟 Patreon: patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
