The Hometown Holler

Daniel and Quinn kick back with renowned sociologist, NY Times columnist, best-selling author, MacArthur Genius, public intellectual, and weapons-grade badass Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom. The Tar Heel trio dive into an array of topics including Southern identity, DEI at UNC, the societal impact of higher education, the ascent of Tim Walz, the myth of the undecided voter, the South’s cultural and p...

Quinn and Daniel reflect on their podcasting journey over the past eight months. They dive into the unexpected twist in the 2024 presidential race, including Joe Biden's surprise withdrawal and Kamala Harris's dynamic impact on energizing the Democratic base. The boys from Alamance also explore the shifting landscape of state races, spotlighting the latest scandal involving North Carolina&...

The Holler is honored to present a special conversation with North Carolina State Auditor Jessica Holmes. From her humble beginnings in Pender County to becoming the first Black woman on North Carolina's Council of State, Jessica’s journey is the stuff of which Tar Heel legends are made. In this lively discussion, she dives deep into the critical task of safeguarding over $100 billion in taxpa...

Don't worry, there's no premium for this episode! This week on the Holler, Daniel and Quinn welcome Senator Natasha Marcus, NC's Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Insurance. Natasha shares stories from her time in the Senate, her passion for public service, and her vision for holding insurance companies accountable. Along the way, she addresses common myths about the office of I...

Why is Mulan the best Disney film? Find out as the Holler welcomes Allison Riggs, the youngest justice on the NC Supreme Court. Originally destined to study microbiology, Justice Riggs reveals how she traded her lab coat for a judge's robes. She also unpacks her re-election platform and explains why down-ballot judicial races hold the power to reshape our society. Additional topics include voting...

As Executive Director of Benevolence Farm, Kristen Powers brings her expertise from North Carolina's justice reform movement to helm Benevolence Farm—a trailblazing organization serving formerly incarcerated women. Set against the serene backdrop of a 13-acre farm in Alamance County, Benevolence Farm seamlessly combines direct services, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care to reshape the lands...

Daniel and Quinn cap off Pride Month with a special guest: Ken Smith, President of Alamance Pride and Certified Badass. Ken reflects on his journey in local activism, emphasizing the profound impact of Pride organizations in small towns. He also offers a glimpse into what he'd discuss with bigoted community leaders over coffee and shares his secret to being "the cool parent." Connect...

A stripper, an IRS agent, and a preacher walk into a bar. This isn't a joke. It's our next guest! Meet Reverend Mark Sandlin, an ordained Presbyterian minister and co-founder of ProgressiveChristianity.org. In a captivating dialogue, Mark delves into his acclaimed article, "Clobbering 'Biblical' Gay Bashing," shedding light on the surprisingly recent origins of biblical h...

In this special Pride Month episode of Hometown Holler, hosts Daniel Ayers and Quinn Ray welcome Rachel Hopkins, founder and president of Transcend Alamance. Rachel discusses the mission and impact of her organization in fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ and gender-expansive individuals in Alamance County. From her personal story as a mother of a transgender child to the vital community...

The Holler kicks off Pride month with a special visit from Tar Heel drag icon and community activist Stormie Daie! From defining drag to exploring its cultural and historical significance, Stormie sheds light on the importance of inclusivity and the barriers faced by those challenging traditional notions of self-expression and identity. Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, provocation, and sassy char...

Calling all Law and Order Fans! This week, the Holler sits down with Satana Deberry, Durham County's B.A. D.A. Satana recounts her journey from working as a defense attorney in her hometown to serving as the General Counsel of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and now as Durham County DA. A pioneer of restorative justice, Satana emphasizes the importance of communicat...

The Holler welcomes the AMAZING Julie von Haefen. Between being a mother of three, a dedicated public education advocate, and a member of the NC House, Julie knows a thing or two about service and leadership. Lucky for Quinn and Daniel, she's taking a moment out of her hectic schedule to visit the Holler and recount her journey from PTA leader to lawmaker, highlighting her grassroots efforts i...

What's in your water? This week the Holler finds out with the help of Professor La'Meshia Whittington, Founder and President of Democracy Green. A social scientist, policy expert, and environmental justice activist, Professor Whittington unpacks the complexities of PFAS pollution and its far-reaching impact, on public health. Along the way, she highlights the importance of new EPA regulati...

Husband, father, candidate, congressman, soldier, social media star—on a given day, Jeff Jackson is all of these and more. The candidate for NC Attorney General sits down with Quinn and Daniel for what will surely go down as the most ruthless grilling of his political career. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jeff reflects on how he went from being the guy behind the counter at Blockbuster Video to...

As candidate for Commissioner of Labor, Braxton Winston gives North Carolina voters a lot to like. His diverse background includes experience as a union stagehand, sports TV grip for the Charlotte Hornets, and mayor pro tem of North Carolina’s largest city. In his first conversation with the Holler, Braxton reflects on his bones-deep commitment to public service, the importance of good labor polic...

This week the Holler digs deep with Eric Henry, President of TS Designs, about North Carolina’s role in the global apparel industry, the importance of land use regulations (zoning), and why what we wear matters. From organic gardening with his grandfather to facing the challenges posed by NAFTA, Eric shares his journey towards creating a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Join us as...

This week on the Holler Quinn & Daniel navigate the complexities of North Carolina's childcare crisis, uncovering the challenges families face in accessing affordable and quality care. From soaring costs to limited availability, the duo examines the far-reaching impacts on parents, children, and society.

Firing squads, witchcraft, and Twix bars. This episode has it all.

This week the Holler shines a light on the best-kept secret in our public schools: adult education! Joining Quinn and Daniel for this uplifting lesson is a true Hometown Hero. As Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at Alamance Community College, Jen Mock is a daily witness to the power of adult education and the role our public schools play in empowering lifelong learners. Jen teach...

This week the Holler continues its deep dive into the Year of Public Schools, and who better to chat with than Ms. Eugenia Floyd, 2021 North Carolina Teacher of the Year! Ms. Floyd sits down with Quinn and Daniel for an in-depth discussion on what it means to be a public educator, the importance of equity in education, her response to the school defunders, and why so many private schools were foun...

In China, 2024 is the year of the Dragon. In North Carolina, it's the year of the Public School. In that spirit, the Holler is hosting a series of conversations on the state of public education in the Tar Heel state. To kick things off, Quinn and Daniel speak with Dayson Pasión, an award-winning public educator and Teacher Advisor to Governor Roy Cooper. Dayson dishes insights from his experie...

"Here's the mail. It never fails. It makes me want to wag my tail. When it comes I want to wail... MAIL!!!!!"

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood as Quinn and Daniel sit down for a chat with Seneca Rogers. Since he began attending school board meetings as a concerned citizen back in pre-pandemic times, Seneca has distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for public education. Today he champions our public schools as a member of the ABSS School Board. In a wholesome and light-hearted interview,...

As the public school budget crisis deepens, GOP politicians in Raleigh are set to make our public schools a guinea pig for GovOps, a shadowy task force with broad authority and little oversight. This week on the Holler, Quinn and Daniel return to the kitchen table for a close look at this secretive group, examining its purpose, powers, and role in local and state politics. What they find should te...

This week on the Holler: NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls holds court! A jurist of the highest caliber, Justice Earls teaches Quinn and Daniel about the role of the NC Supreme Court and how the rulings she and her colleagues issue from the bench impact the lives of everyday people. She highlights the crucial role the court plays in safeguarding the rights of all North Carolinians, from voting...