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.
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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
Chapel Hill Town Councilor Theo Nollert returns to the Holler to perform open-heart surgery on Democratic messaging and show why it’s time to rethink how we talk about patriotism, identity politics, and the issues that matter most to voters.
Theo breaks down why the Left needs to embrace patriotism without fear and the dangers of overthinking political correctness. They also chat about the role of big ideas and compelling stories in politics, the challenges of balancing moral vision with pragmatic politics, and how kindness and effective communication can cut through the noise.
From Kamala Harris’s campaign to the need for candidates with sauce, Theo’s got the straight talk we need to hear if we’re serious about moving the Democratic Party forward.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of The Hometown Holler Quinn and Daniel have a powerful conversation with some North Carolina high school students about the current state of education. They discuss the hot topics like school vouchers, mental health resources, and how to improve the learning environment for students and teachers alike. Get unique insights straight from students as they share their personal experiences and ideas for change. If you care about education, student voices, and the future of our schools, this is a must-watch! 💡 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 Hometown Holler on Social Media: 🌟 Patreon: patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller 🌟 Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social 🌟 Twitter: x.com/hometown_holler 🌟 Facebook: facebook.com/thehometownholler
In this special MLK Day episode of the Hometown Holler, Quinn and Daniel sit down with veteran civil rights activist and author Chuck Fager. A Quaker writer with a lifelong commitment to justice, Chuck shares his extraordinary firsthand account of marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the unexpected twist that led him to eat Dr. King's dinner.
Chuck’s story goes far beyond Selma and his time as a foot soldier in Dr. King’s army of peace. His decades of activism include leading anti-war efforts, challenging conventional ideas of patriotism and faith, and authoring more than a dozen books, including his acclaimed memoir Eating Dr. King’s Dinner: A Memoir of the Movement, 1963–1966. From organizing peace marches to sparring on The O'Reilly Factor, Chuck’s life is a testament to the enduring fight for equality and justice.
Join us for a conversation that bridges the past and present, reflecting on the progress made and the work still to be done to honor Dr. King’s dream.
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Welcome to Season 2 of the Hometown Holler podcast! In this explosive premiere, the boys from Alamance spotlight Jefferson Griffin—AKA the King of Sore Losers. After failing THREE times to unseat Justice Allison Riggs in 2024, Griffin is now attempting to overturn a fair election by tossing out 60,000 votes. (Visit thehometownholler.com to see if YOUR vote is one of them.) With hand-rolled wit and unfiltered honesty, Daniel and Quinn break down the strategy, the consequences, and the real impact on voters across North Carolina. Could Griffin's attempted coup actually succeed? Is North Carolina headed for a constitutional crisis in 2025? Tune in to find out. 💡 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more deep dives into NC politics and beyond! 🎙 Hometown Holler – building a better North Carolina one conversation at a time. 📲 Follow Hometown Holler on Social Media:
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In this live season finale, Daniel and Quinn call in a special guest to answer the question everyone's asking: what the %&!$ happened?
The Hometown Holler podcast returns in early 2025! In the meantime, stay up to date by following us on social media @thehometownholler. Believe in our mission? Become a Friend of the Holler today by joining our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time.
In the penultimate episode of the season, Daniel and Quinn recap the highs and lows of the election season and consider what’s next for North Carolina. They also break down what North Carolina voters can expect as the results roll in on election night.
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We had an interview scheduled with Michele Morrow, GOP nominee for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. She bailed at the last minute. We did the interview anyway.
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Mo Green's Vision for North Carolina's Education System
This week, the Holler hangs out with Mo Green, candidate for North Carolina's state superintendent of public instruction! Our next state superintendent will oversee a school system serving nearly 1.5 million students and a budget in the tens of billions. For these reasons alone, it's one of the most important races on our ballot this year. A former superintendent of Guilford County Schools and NC public school parent, Mo shares his journey from local leadership to statewide advocacy and his vision for fostering both academic success and character development in our public school classrooms. We also get a fun glimpse into Mo's personal side, learning about his favorite road trip jams and how he snacks when those campaign trail munchies hit.
Learn more about Mo at https://www.mogreenfornc.com/
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00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:28 Casual Conversation and Bee Sting Story
03:03 Introducing Mo Green
04:18 Mo Green's Background and Vision
10:21 Challenges in Public Education
13:56 Contrasting Visions for Public Education
23:48 Addressing Concerns and Building Trust
26:52 Funding Challenges and Advocacy
32:51 Role and Structure of the State Board of Education
38:27 Balancing Job Preparation and Character Development
43:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks
