Best Spectrumlocal Podcasts (2025)

1
Catching up with Rep. Tim Moore after DMZ visit, stepping down as House Speaker 30:04

2d ago30:04

30:04

On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum sits down with Congressman Tim Moore. He’s in his first term after breaking a record as the longest serving House Speaker in North Carolina legislative history. The Republican recently visited the DMZ, separating North and South Korea. He explains his time there, including his reasons for …

1
David Graham: ‘The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America’ 29:01

9d ago29:01

29:01

On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, nationally known journalist from The Atlantic, David Graham, joins host Tim Boyum to discuss his new book. The Durham based journalist just released his first, “The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America”. Project 2025 is a 900-page document of policies drawn up by a group of conservative people,…

1
'Bigger mess than I thought': Sitting down with N.C. State Auditor Dave Boliek 32:47

16d ago32:47

32:47

Our guest this week is new State Auditor Dave Boliek. His job is to look at state and local entities and audit them to make sure tax dollars are being spent in the way the General Assembly appropriates them. The state auditor’s primary goals include covering a financial audit, economy and efficiency audit and program result audit. The Republican jo…

1
Western North Carolina asks, where's the money? 35:23

23d ago35:23

35:23

On this week’s episode, Tim asks, where’s the money? Recently, local leaders went to the White House pleading for money from the federal government to help the area recover from Helene. The federal government has promised more than $9 billion in a bill passed by Congress, but months later very little of that money has reached western North Carolina…

1
N.C. Sen. Chaudhuri on how Democrats are doing in a new General Assembly 37:06

1M ago37:06

37:06

On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum talks with North Carolina State Senator Jay Chaudhuri. The Wake County Democrat discusses his parents’ background as immigrants from India and the impact it had on his life. He also explains the connection between his upbringing and his dedication to public service. Later, the two talk abo…

1
Taking a timeout from politics to talk North Carolina's blue bloods 36:16

1M ago36:16

36:16

In the middle of March Madness, host Tim Boyum brings on an old friend and political journalist who just released a book on the history of the so-called “blue bloods” of college basketball. Jeff Tiberii is a host of Due South on WUNC radio, but he also just released the book “The Magnificent Seven: College Basketball’s Blue Bloods.” It’s a fascinat…

1
Do you trust North Carolina's election process? 31:04

1M ago31:04

31:04

On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum and his guests discuss a recent study on the state of North Carolina elections. Low faith and trust in elections is widespread, but North Carolina’s elections are more successful than many other states, according to a study from cross-partisan organization North Carolina Fair Safe and Secure Elections. "One bi…

1
Raleigh News & Observer: The political impacts of a historical North Carolina newspaper 37:21

2M ago37:21

37:21

On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum talks with author and retired political reporter Rob Christensen. The two discuss Christensen’s newly released book, Southern News, Southern Politics, which tells the fascinating story of the Raleigh News & Observer and its impact on shaping North Carolina’s political history. With a 45-year career at the news…

1
'We didn't even have tests': Dr. Mandy Cohen looks back on COVID-19 in N.C. five years later 51:09

2M ago51:09

51:09

In an exclusive interview five years after Covid, host Tim Boyum speaks with the woman who guided North Carolina through the pandemic. Dr. Mandy Cohen reveals the challenges, the successes, and even threats she faced during the challenging time. She highlights working with Gov. Roy Cooper as a key reason for her success in North Carolina during COV…

1
Getting candid with Republican Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

This week’s episode of Tying it Together features an interview with Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, arguably North Carolina’s most influential politician, as a new legislative session begins. Host Tim Boyum and Sen. Berger openly discuss Helene’s mountain relief efforts, collaboration with new Gov. Josh Stein and house speaker Destin Hall, an…

1
North Carolina’s first unaffiliated congressional candidate reflects on process 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum reconnects with Shelane Etchison. She was North Carolina’s first ever Congressional unaffiliated candidate to make it on the ballot. Independents aren’t a party, they aren’t a third party, they’re exactly as they sound — independent. Although she lost the election, she significantly outperformed all other non-…

1
'There's going to be tons of money': North Carolina's 2026 Senate race 38:07

3M ago38:07

38:07

Next year, North Carolina will host what is expected to be the most important and expensive U.S. Senate races in the country. This week, incumbent Thom Tillis’ consultant, Jordan Shaw, joins host Tim Boyum in studio to talk about the Tillis campaign. The two also talk about the impact President Trump has on candidates and Sen. Tillis’ potential Dem…

1
Youngest ever N.C. House speaker talks about his priorities 38:54

3M ago38:54

38:54

On this episode of Tying it Together, North Carolina’s new House Speaker Destin Hall joins host Tim Boyum for a wide-ranging discussion about his new role and working with a new governor. At just 37, he’s the state’s youngest speaker ever, and he’s not afraid to be frank. Speaker Hall also goes in depth with Tim on the major topics of today like Hu…

1
What it's like working in the White House 36:20

3M ago36:20

36:20

On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum talks with former Senior White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates. Bates, a North Carolina native and N.C. State grad, spent significant time in the White House with President Biden and on the campaign trail with him as well. He takes us behind-the-scenes of working in the high-pressure job, trips on Ai…

1
Gerrymandering: The ongoing fight for fair maps 34:09

3M ago34:09

34:09

Attorney and former Democratic politician Wiley Nickel joins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about his time in Congress. Former congressman Nickel served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 13th district from 2023 to 2025. He tells Tim why he was so concentrated on gerrymandering during that time. "Gerrymandering isn’t about the number…

1
What N.C. elected officials said they expect heading to D.C. in 2025 46:03

4M ago46:03

46:03

On this week's episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum gives us a look at what we can expect from Washington politics in 2025. He spent several days there during the recent snowstorm, sitting down with three newly elected members of Congress from North Carolina: Rep. Pat Harrigan, Rep. Addison McDowell and Rep. Brad Knott. He also talks with W…

1
Roy Cooper and Thom Tillis for U.S. Senate in 2026? 38:35

4M ago38:35

38:35

This week, Tim Boyum interviews top Republican strategist Paul Shumaker about his analysis of the 2024 elections, and their implications for the future. Shumaker has won five U.S. Senate races as a consultant and currently works for U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, who is up for reelection next year. Shumaker offered insights into the race, including thou…

1
2024: End of year extravaganza 47:07

4M ago47:07

47:07

A Tying It Together tradition — Billy Warden and Brian Lewis join Tim for yet another hilarious, and somehow, informative, look at the year in politics and a look ahead to 2025. Billy Warden, chief strategy officer with RLF Communications, also sings his annual parody Christmas song. Brian Lewis, founder of New Frame, gives us some insight into wha…

1
A spirited debate: Liberals, conservatives and you 41:09

4M ago41:09

41:09

On this week’s episode, we have a spirited debate over the words liberal and conservative. What does it mean to be liberal or conservative? Do those terms automatically connect to Democrat and Republican? This debate started during a recent TV segment between Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari and former mayor pro tem Braxton Winston, who also…

1
Change in leadership: N.C. Senate Democrats see new head figure in Sen. Sydney Batch 39:12

5M ago39:12

39:12

In a recent surprise, North Carolina Senate Democrats announced a new leader that was not Dan Blue. Sen. Sydney Batch will take his place next year after a decade of different leadership. Sen. Batch joined host Tim Boyum to discuss her background in an incredibly successful family, working with her husband at their law firm, surviving breast cancer…

1
John Locke Foundation: How the North Carolina think tank got its start 38:17

5M ago38:17

38:17

On this week’s episode, longtime political guru John Hood joins host Tim Boyum to discuss the early days of launching one of North Carolina’s first think tanks, and the impact all think tanks have in today’s political world. For over two decades, Hood directed the John Locke Foundation and presently authors a nationally syndicated newspaper column …

1
Trump won N.C., but Democrats took the top seats in the state. Here's why 36:34

5M ago36:34

36:34

On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, top North Carolina Democratic strategist Morgan Jackson joins host Tim Boyum to break down the 2024 election from his perspective. The two break down North Carolina Governor-elect Josh Stein and other major positions going to Democrats, despite Donald Trump winning the presidency by a decent margin, and …

1
The economy and a presidential election: Can promises made really be kept? 32:47

5M ago32:47

32:47

After months of promises and debate, the 2024 presidential election likely came down to how people felt about the economy. On this week’s podcast, host Tim Boyum talks with two economists about the promises made, and what a Trump presidency might mean for the economy in terms of tariffs, product prices, interest rates, immigration and more. Our gue…

1
Republican Jim Blaine on why Trump won North Carolina 46:20

5M ago46:20

46:20

As host Tim Boyum continues to look at the results of the 2024 election, longtime Republican Jim Blaine joins him to offer his perspective on why President-elect Donald Trump won. Despite Donald Trump’s more than 3-percentage point victory in North Carolina, Democrats celebrated Election Day victories in races for governor, attorney general and the…

1
Spectrum News political reporters describe covering Harris and Trump campaigns 40:24

6M ago40:24

40:24

Fresh off the campaign trail, Spectrum News political reporters Taylor Popielarz and Cassie Semyon join host Tim Boyum to talk about their time following President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. They reveal the struggles and triumphs of their journey, painting a vivid picture of life on the road, week after week, for months on…

1
Decision 2024: North Carolina's post-election results 18:47

6M ago18:47

18:47

Just hours after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election, Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley joins host Tim Boyum to discuss President Trump-elect’s win. The two also touch on topics like whether the election was fair and secure, and what Trump will focus on first in January. Later on, the discussion cover…

1
Experts weigh in on North Carolina early voting numbers 34:39

6M ago34:39

34:39

Just days before election day, host Tim Boyum talks with two experts about the early voting numbers we are seeing and what it might mean in terms of momentum for one candidate or the other. Republicans are seeing higher numbers, but are they new voters or just voters that previously voted on election day? Dr. Michael Bitzer, from Catawba College, a…

1
After Helene: Ensuring every N.C. vote is cast and counted 46:42

6M ago46:42

46:42

With early voting underway in North Carolina’s crucial battleground election, state elections executive director Karen Brinson Bell joins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the storm’s impact on western North Carolina elections. She’ll also discuss what we can expect if races get close. It comes as Gov. Cooper visited Asheville earlier in the w…

1
Final push: What does the polling say as early voting begins in N.C.? 36:07

7M ago36:07

36:07

This week, host Tim Boyum returns to the studio after a recent road trip, sitting down with the region’s top pollsters to talk about the election as early voting begins and campaigns begin their final push. Tom Jensen, from Public Policy Polling, and Dr. Scott Huffmon, from Winthrop University, are on hand with the latest trends in the presidential…

1
Tim wraps up his cross-country politics palooza 12:04

7M ago12:04

12:04

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are wrapping their cross-country trip in a rented Tesla to test the realities of electric vehicles. They’ve talked with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season reporting along the way. Tim and J…

1
Talking election controversy at the Vegas Strip 10:40

7M ago10:40

10:40

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They’re talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. And they’re making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range…

1
Hot Air Politics: Soaring into the skies over New Mexico 10:49

7M ago10:49

10:49

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They're talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. And they're making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range…

1
'The Dairy Eras Tour': Tim talks to Dairy experts at the World Dairy Expo 10:59

7M ago10:59

10:59

By Spectrum News 1

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Tying it Together special: Economics of EV travel pt. 3 10:08

7M ago10:08

10:08

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bite-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with photojournalist John Sta…

1
Tying it Together special: Economics of EV travel pt. 2 9:34

7M ago9:34

9:34

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bite-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with photojournalist John Sta…

1
Tying it Together special: Economics of EV travel 10:23

7M ago10:23

10:23

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host, Tim Boyum, is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bit-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with Photojournalist John St…

1
'Trail of the Serpent': Author shares rare N.C. political stories in new book 48:20

7M ago48:20

48:20

On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, Carter Wrenn joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book “The Trail of the Serpent”. Carter has been a fixture in Republican circles for over four decades, starting with Ronald Reagan’s 1976 campaign in North Carolina. His most famous work follows the path and career of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms in th…

1
Money in politics: The good, the bad and the ugly of campaign finance 36:40

8M ago36:40

36:40

On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum pulls back the curtain on the world of campaign fundraising. Democratic fundraiser and Parker Poe partner Bruce Thompson joins Tim to consider the ins and outs of a multi-billion dollar industry full of intrigue, controversy and misconceptions. Thompson was part of Hillary Clinton’s national fundraising commit…

1
'Anatomy of a Purple State' with N.C. political scientist Chris Cooper 33:57

8M ago33:57

33:57

The designation of North Carolina as a purple state is a common observation in the context of elections. But many might be asking, “what implications does that have and how might it affect the upcoming election?” Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book, “Anatomy of a Purple State” to peel ba…

1
Four years later: Catching up with former U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham 50:15

8M ago50:15

50:15

Four years after his U.S. Senate race and personal turmoil collided, Democrat Cal Cunningham sits down with host Tim Boyum to open up about that period in his life. They talk about his affair with another woman, why he didn’t drop out and how it affected his defeat. They also break down the barbecue tweet that went viral, and why he says it made hi…

1
Behind the scenes at the DNC: Durham's mayor and the speech that almost never was 33:20

8M ago33:20

33:20

Back from delivering a major speech at the Democratic National Convention, Durham Mayor Leo Williams joins host Tim Boyum this week for a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like in Chicago. Williams says his big speech almost didn't happen. He explains his range of emotions when he found out he was in the lineup, preparing for the speech, gettin…

1
'Trump met the moment': RNC Chairman recaps convention, 2024 presidential race 31:34

8M ago31:34

31:34

Recently on Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum discussed what had been a whirlwind of a month in politics with North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton. On this week’s podcast, it’s Republican Party Committee Chairman Michael Whatley’s turn. Whatley, thought a former NC GOP chair, is not to be confused with Clayton’s counterpart, Jason…

1
What's influencing voters this election season? 38:15

9M ago38:15

38:15

Earlier in the year, host Tim Boyum asked national pollster Tom Jensen with Public Policy Polling, or PPP, about what topics he thought would influence voters the most. This week, he rejoins Tim to revisit that conversation, and talk about how the 2024 election has shifted since President Biden dropped out and Democrats nominated Vice President Kam…

1
Catching our breath: N.C. political consultants break down recent political headlines 46:52

9M ago46:52

46:52

On this week’s podcast, Democratic consultant Morgan Jackson and Republican consultant Jonathan Felts provide insights on a politically eventful month in North Carolina. The two touch on topics like the impact of Biden dropping out of the race from the perspective of both sides, why Gov. Roy Cooper took his name out of the VP running before the vet…

1
We need a hunger: N.C. Democratic Party chair talks 2024 presidential race 37:09

9M ago37:09

37:09

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton rejoins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the tumultuous month since the debate. Their conversation spans from President Joe Biden’s exit to her role in leading the state party’s delegation, which unanimously supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the uncertain time. “Every single d…

1
Senior N.C. House Republican will resign next month. He tells Tim why. 39:30

9M ago39:30

39:30

Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County abruptly filed his resignation letter July 15, confirming he would step down from his 97th House District seat, effective Aug. 12. Rep. Saine tells host Tim Boyum his reasons for leaving public office while his party holds the supermajority and what’s next for him in the private sector. Boyum and Rep. Saine also t…

1
Breaking the gridlock: Views from N.C.'s first unaffiliated congressional candidate 35:30

10M ago35:30

35:30

On this week’s podcast, host Tim Boyum talks with 9th congressional district candidate Shelane Etchison. She’s becoming the first unaffiliated congressional candidate to ever appear on a ballot in North Carolina, but making history is not new to her. She was also among the first women to serve in combat in the Army and earn two master’s degrees fro…

1
Race and class: New book 'White Poverty' looks at how to reduce racism 49:22

10M ago49:22

49:22

On this week’s episode, Tim talks with Rev. Dr. William Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove about their new book, “White Poverty.” The book looks at historical myths about race and class and makes a case that addressing white poverty might be key to mitigating racism and uniting a massive group of voters to demand change.…

1
Calm in the storm: How Spectrum News 1 meteorologists track hurricanes 40:20

10M ago40:20

40:20

Hurricane season continues to ramp up in North Carolina. Spectrum News 1 meteorologists are hard at work tracking the tropics and Atlantic for any forming storms and their impacts. This week host Tim Boyum sits down with Spectrum News 1 meteorologist Lee Ringer to talk about the upcoming hurricane season, the forecasting behind storms, misconceptio…

1
Decision 2024: N.C. AG candidates Dan Bishop and Jeff Jackson debate in Charlotte 57:52

10M ago57:52

57:52

It's one of the most hotly contested statewide races in the country between two members of Congress. North Carolina attorney general candidates Dan Bishop (R) and Jeff Jackson (D) go after each other from the first moment of the debate. On this week's episode, host Tim Boyum shares the debate he moderated for the North Carolina Bar Assocation on Fr…

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