Renee and Susan celebrate our milestone 100th episode with a discussion of corruption and primaries.

In this milestone 100th episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book celebrate four years of conversations about what it truly means to be an everyday advocate. From grassroots wins to tough legislative battles, this episode looks back at the moments that shaped the show — and the movement behind it.

Renee and Susan share their favorite memories, from deep-dive episodes like the NC lottery breakdown to the unforgettable "Futurama Committee" series that perfectly captured how ordinary people can step into advocacy with nothing more than time, curiosity, and determination. They honor the early support of Every Child NC, reflect on their evolution as advocates, and highlight the powerful impact of elevating issues like Leandro, disability rights, and public school funding through a parent-centered lens.

Then, in true Advocacy Bites fashion, they shift from celebration to action — tackling the topic of corruption in politics. Renee breaks down what corruption actually means, how it shows up in North Carolina, and why everyday people should expect more from their elected officials. Susan brings it home with a candid look at primaries, cronyism, long political memories, and how voters can make informed choices in a system that can feel messy, chaotic, and deeply flawed.

Finally, the hosts ask for a small birthday gift: if you listen to the show, please leave a rating or review to help Advocacy Bites reach even more advocates across North Carolina.

🎧 In This Episode:

Celebrating 100 episodes and four years of advocacy
Behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of the podcast
Why the Leandro case, disability rights, and parent-led advocacy matter
What "corruption" actually looks like in local and state politics
How to navigate primary season (and why it's so hard)
Why everyday voices still matter — maybe more than ever

👉 This week's to-do: Leave a rating or review to celebrate 100 episodes — and then keep an eye on primary filings in your community.