Guests of the Holler

Click an image to watch our full conversation with each guest.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein takes us from his days as a high school soccer star to the frontlines of our state's biggest challenges. He explains why NC governors often have to lead with one hand tied behind their back, how unregulated THC prod
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. An American historian and author of seven i
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 South
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David A. Graham is a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America. David joins the Hometown Holler to unpack what Project 2025 actually is, how it’s shaping Trump’s second term, and the real-world con
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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 grillin
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What happens when the President wakes up and starts firing off tweets that sound more like warnings than leadership? This week on The Hometown Holler, we sit down with North Carolina Congresswoman Deborah Ross to break down Donald Trump’s latest unh
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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 p
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 acros
One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers joins The Hometown Holler for a powerful conversation about crisis, community, and the fight to keep small towns alive. Mayor Smathers relives Helene — from
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Kate Barr returns to The Hometown Holler to explain why she’s running as a Republican in a heavily gerrymandered North Carolina congressional district. We break down gerrymandering, voter suppression, GOP primaries, party strategy, and the political
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
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 sma
With the 2026 midterms approaching, DNC Vice Chair Reyna Walters-Morgan joins The Hometown Holler to break down how Democrats are working to rebuild trust and enthusiasm among voters. She explains the role and powers of the DNC (it’s not just press c
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
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 m
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 developmen
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 politi
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
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 pav
As state election chief, Karen Brinson Bell oversaw every NC election between 2019 to 2025 — including record voter turnout, the challenges of COVID-19, natural disasters, and legal battles like the infamous Griffin case. In this exclusive Hometown
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
We thank them for their service — but do we understand their lives? Maria Donnelly and Katy Stevick join The Hometown Holler for a conversation about service, sacrifice, and the unseen struggles of America’s military families. As co-founders of the
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-c
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She’s running again — and this time, it’s personal. 🗳️ Beth Kennett joins The Hometown Holler to talk about why she’s stepping up once more to run for mayor of Burlington, North Carolina — and what it means to lead, listen, and fight for the communi
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 ma
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 ex
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
The Holler sits down 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
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 Nor
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Quinn and Daniel take a field trip to Raleigh with former State Rep. Ricky Hurtado, a true Alamance County Hometown Hero and friend of the Holler. During his term as the first Latino Democrat elected to the General Assembly, Ricky distinguished himse
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
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 impa
A smiling man with a beard and dark hair in an outdoor setting with green trees in the background, wearing a checkered shirt and the text 'Dayson Pasión' at the bottom.
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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 Communit
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 Brotherh
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
Join Quinn and Daniel as they delve into the rich tapestry of Black history in Alamance County with special guest and Friend of the Holler James Shields. A devoted community activist and Manager of the African American Cultural Arts and History Cente
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 grandf
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 advo
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 larges
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
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 no
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 belongin
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 offe
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
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 p
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 stu
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 billi
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
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
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
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 H
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
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
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 lo
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 Blac
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