The Hometown Holler

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 e...

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 &quot...

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...

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 ev...

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 o...

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 WWI...

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...

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 for...

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 viole...

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 experie...

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 an...

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...

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...

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. Join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler . As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a ti...

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. Join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehometownholler. As a Patreon supporter, you help us build a better North Carolina, one conversation at a time. Connect with the Holler on social media @thehometownholler or by visiting our w...

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...

Quamekia "Que" Shavers knows the key to boosting voter turnout: food, fun, and fellowship. It also doesn't hurt to have badass cups (listen and you'll see what we mean). As the founder of The Pink Vote, Que focuses on increasing engagement among Black and Brown voters. She joins the Holler to share her political wisdom, emphasizing the importance of building trust within communities and outlining...

Quinn and Daniel sit down with Senator Rachel Hunt, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina Lieutenant Governor. Senator Hunt shares her insights on what it takes to run a statewide campaign, diving into the challenges, strategies, and personal motivations behind her bid for one of the state's top executive offices. The conversation highlights the essential role of the Lieutenant Governor, bre...

Anderson Clayton made headlines in 2023 by becoming the youngest state party chair in the nation, taking the helm of the North Carolina Democratic Party just after her 25th birthday. In this special episode of the Hometown Holler, she joins Quinn and Daniel before a live audience to share her remarkable political journey. Anderson discusses the unique challenges and advantages of being the younges...

Originally recorded as subscriber-only content, this special episode serves up a slice of the Hometown Holler back porch as we chat with Lily Oatis, host of Not Just Headlines. Join us as we explore our podcasting journeys, reflecting on the inspirations and pivotal moments that shaped our shows. Lily discusses the mission of Not Just Headlines, emphasizing her commitment to looking beyond major n...

Quinn and Daniel hang out with Billy Ball, Senior Editor at Cardinal & Pine, for an engaging discussion at the crossroads of media and politics. They dive into journalism's role in the political arena, tackle the complexities of covering state and local issues, and highlight the crucial role of independent media in today’s landscape. They also take a moment to discuss their favorite video...

This week the Holler hangs out with Beth Helfrich, candidate for NC House District 98! From her roots as a third-generation Davidson resident to her impactful work as a former teacher, school leader, and community advocate, Beth is ready to bring her passion and experience to the North Carolina House. Beth shares her journey from the classroom to local leadership, her commitment to public educatio...

In this episode of Hometown Holler, Quinn and Daniel sit down with Representative Wesley Harris, candidate for North Carolina State Treasurer. They delve into the responsibilities of the State Treasurer, the issues surrounding the underperformance of the state employees' pension, and explore Wesley's strategies for improving its performance. Tune in to get an insider's perspective on t...

This episode is for anyone who eats food. Daniel and Quinn sit down with Dr. Sarah Taber, candidate for NC Commissioner of Agriculture, to chat about North Carolina’s most important economic sector. A bona fide plant wizard, Dr. Taber impresses the Holler with her expertise in agronomy and commitment to sustainable farming while unpacking the innovations and reforms that can make North Carolina th...

Chapel Hill Town Councilor Theo Nollert has a thesis: when it comes to Tar Heel politics, it’s all about housing. In a data-driven and light-hearted approach, the clairvoyant Theo (he wore a Kamala Harris shirt to our early-July taping) tells us how local governments can make housing more accessible for all Tar Heels. Along the way, he stresses the importance of local politics and reveals what mot...