Podcast
Carolina Newsmakers
Hosted by Don Curtis · EN
A weekly public affairs program featuring stories that affect our day-to-day lives - from the local economy to crime to social programs to taxes and education.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Cory Biggs, myFutureNC
3d ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeCory Biggs, Director of Policy and Advocacy for myFutureNC, joins Don Curtis to discuss North Carolina’s education-to-workforce pipeline and the effort to help more residents earn credentials and degrees that lead to strong careers. They also explore how myFutureNC is working with schools, colleges, employers and communities to remove barriers, expand opportunity and prepare more North Carolinians for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Transcribe →Former NC Governor Pat McCrory
2w ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeFormer North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory joins Carolina Newsmakers for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing balance of power in Raleigh, the future of the Republican Party and the legacy of Senate leader Phil Berger. McCrory reflects on Berger’s long tenure in the legislature, how his leadership reshaped state government and what his departure could mean for North Carolina politics. The discussion also covers the relationship between governors and legislative leaders, the state’s economic direction, education, public safety and the political forces shaping the 2026 election cycle.
Transcribe →Mitch Kokai, Senior Political Analyst with John Locke Foundation
2w ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeMitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the latest Carolina Journal poll and what it reveals about North Carolina’s political landscape. Kokai breaks down voter attitudes, key issues shaping the state and what the numbers may suggest for upcoming elections. The conversation also covers the changing leadership landscape in Raleigh, the future of the General Assembly, education, taxes, economic growth and the political dynamics influencing decision-making across North Carolina.
Transcribe →Mike Olender, State Director of AARP NC
4w ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeAARP North Carolina State Director Mike Olender joins Don Curtis to discuss the issues affecting older adults and their families across the state. From financial security and health care to caregiving, livable communities and protecting consumers from fraud, Olender shares how AARP is working with volunteers, community partners and policymakers to help North Carolinians age with dignity, purpose and independence.
Transcribe →NC Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey
May 300:59:50Tap to summarizeNorth Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Don Curtis for Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the state of the insurance industry and the challenges facing consumers. Causey also weighs in on factors influencing rising premiums and storm-related risks to regulatory changes.
Transcribe →Dr. Mike Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at NC State University
Apr 2600:59:49Tap to summarizeEconomist Dr. Mike Walden joins Don Curtis on Carolina Newsmakers to break down today’s economic headlines and what they mean for North Carolinians. From inflation and interest rates to job growth, he offers clear insight into how national trends hit home.
Transcribe →Gary Salamido, President/CEO of NC Chamber
Apr 2000:59:50Tap to summarizeThis week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis sits down with Gary Salamido, President and CEO of the NC Chamber, for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of North Carolina’s economy and what lies ahead. From workforce shortages and rapid population growth to energy policy, infrastructure and the state’s business climate, Salamido breaks down the biggest challenges and opportunities facing employers across the state.
Transcribe →Brenda Hayden & Sofia Crisp, NC REALTORS
Apr 2000:59:50Tap to summarizeThis week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis welcomes Brenda Hayden and Sofia Crisp with NC REALTORS for a timely conversation about North Carolina’s fast-moving housing market. From affordability challenges and inventory shortages to rising interest rates and population growth, they explore what’s driving the state’s real estate trends and what it means for buyers, sellers and communities.
Transcribe →Travis Fain, Fain Communications
Apr 700:59:56Tap to summarizeTravis Fain of Fain Communications joins Don Curtis to break down the latest headlines shaping North Carolina and the nation. From Trump’s shifting leadership moves and foreign policy messaging to major state developments like the Leandro ruling, environmental debates over water quality and logging and the ongoing battle over the state budget, Fain offers insight into the issues driving politics in 2026.
Transcribe →NC Treasurer Brad Briner
Mar 2900:59:50Tap to summarizeState Treasurer Brad Briner joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the health of North Carolina’s pension plan, the rollout of the NC Investment Authority and the state’s credit rating. Briner also weighs in on the future of the State Health Plan, COLAs for retirees, financial literacy efforts and the tough financial decisions facing state and local governments.
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