Tying It Together with Tim Boyum: Recent Episodes
Spectrum News 1
With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a soundbite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do.
Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Fresh off the campaign trail, Spectrum News political reporters Taylor Popielarz and Cassie Semyon join host Tim Boyum to talk about their time following President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
They reveal the struggles and triumphs of their journey, painting a vivid picture of life on the road, week after week, for months on end.
Their time with both political campaigns and everyday citizens gives them a unique perspective on the country’s condition, something they also share during their time on the podcast with Tim. No doubt rare insights you don’t want to miss.
Just hours after Donald Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election, Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley joins host Tim Boyum to discuss President Trump-elect’s win.
The two also touch on topics like whether the election was fair and secure, and what Trump will focus on first in January.
Later on, the discussion covers the North Carolina results and the potential impact of Mark Robinson’s candidacy on his fellow Republicans in the election.
Just days before election day, host Tim Boyum talks with two experts about the early voting numbers we are seeing and what it might mean in terms of momentum for one candidate or the other.
Republicans are seeing higher numbers, but are they new voters or just voters that previously voted on election day? Dr. Michael Bitzer, from Catawba College, and Dr. Chris Cooper, from Western Carolina University, have been analyzing the data. They break it all down in these crucial last days of candidates’ campaigns.
With early voting underway in North Carolina’s crucial battleground election, state elections executive director Karen Brinson Bell joins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the storm’s impact on western North Carolina elections. She’ll also discuss what we can expect if races get close. It comes as Gov. Cooper visited Asheville earlier in the week to reiterate to residents that everyone’s voice will be heard in this year’s election.
Bell tells some incredible stories about the lengths these counties are going to make sure people can vote, county directors losing their own homes, and another gentleman walking four miles just to get to work.
Later, they talk about new photo ID requirements and what might happen if the top races are close. This is a must-listen, especially with the election just two weeks away.
This week, host Tim Boyum returns to the studio after a recent road trip, sitting down with the region’s top pollsters to talk about the election as early voting begins and campaigns begin their final push.
Tom Jensen, from Public Policy Polling, and Dr. Scott Huffmon, from Winthrop University, are on hand with the latest trends in the presidential race, explaining why they’re spending so much of their time in the Tar Heel state. Both pollsters believe this will be an election where it will take a few days to find out who America's next president will be because of either the thin margins, or the lawsuits because of the thin margins from either candidate.
There’s also a conversation about Mark Robinson’s numbers following the recent controversy surrounding his campaign, though both agree the governor’s race will end up being lopsided based on recent data. The two also crunch some numbers on some of North Carolina’s top races.
Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are wrapping their cross-country trip in a rented Tesla to test the realities of electric vehicles. They’ve talked with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season reporting along the way.
Tim and John have arrived at Santa Monica Pier in California nine days after departing from the big apple in their Tesla, packed full of new political and electric vehicle driving experiences.
Here are the total EV stats:
- 9 day trip
- Covered 14 total states, 9 battleground states
- Distance: 3,753 miles
- Time charging: 15 hours, 45 minutes of total charging, or about 1 hour 45 minutes per day
- Charges: 28 total charges, or about three charges per day
- Cost: $449.91, or $49.99 each day
So, Tim’s take on EV’s, way cheaper than gas but more tolling on your time. He believes it was only possible in a Tesla due to their routing feature. It routes in a charger before the car dies. Would he buy an EV after this experience? No way he’s telling you, too political of a topic, he said. But he feels a lot more comfortable.
As far as the politics, he learned America is no doubt divided right now, even in places where the election may not be as “hot” — you can feel it. But, Tim adds, America is much different meeting people in person than it is online. Battleground states he visited handled the divisiveness differently, and wonders how the rhetoric on either side will be handled after the election.
There will always be differences that will need to be worked out in the country, and there are times and places for that like on political shows. For Tim, this was an opportunity to cover politics in a unique way, and he hopes you’ve enjoyed the trip.
Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They’re talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. And they’re making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range anxiety while crossing the country in an EV.
Host Tim Boyum looks back on this leg of his EV trip from the Las Vegas strip. He brought up the fact that they have now reached two more battleground states, Arizona and Nevada. They drove 295 miles, needing three charges at an hour and 17 minutes total charging time and a total cost of about $46.
While in Flagstaff, Ariz. Tim talked to a man waving a Trump flag about whether he would accept the results of the election if he lost, to which he refused. Tim highlighted this as being a potential situation for certain supporters on both sides of the aisle in this tense election season.
Tim also went to Nevada to talk to a group working to instill integrity back into the election system. The former governor told him some people are barely talking to each other.
They end their trip with a visit to Santa Monica Pier.
Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They're talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season.
And they're making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range anxiety while crossing the country in an EV.
In his latest stop in New Mexico, he does an unusual interview from a hot air balloon during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where more than 800,000 people from all over the world (that’s 16 different countries) took to the skies over the course of more than a week.
During about a 90-minute balloon ride in the bright skies, Tim, his photographer John and pilot Mark Yocum from Air Rocky Top crammed into a tiny basket at 3,000 feet above the good Earth to have a little chat about politics.
It was not an ideal journey for Tim as he is not fond of heights, but he was in awe of what he saw as he described in detail the different types of balloons he saw.
Mark admits that politics do not hold much interest to him, which either party leaders or supporters could be to blame.
“It's probably as divisive as it's been since I've been alive and it's tragic,” he says.
Hear more in what he has to say in the latest Front Porch Politics.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bite-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with photojournalist John Stampf in a rented Tesla.
On this stop, Tim reports from Madison, Wisconsin, where getting a hotel room is hard to find. That’s because he and Mark plan to take part in the World Dairy Expo while in town.
Now to the numbers, Tim said they’ve now traveled across six states in the last 36 hours. They covered 549 miles of road, charging four times along the way for a total time of an hour and 49 minutes and $60 in all.
Before leaving Lancing, Michigan, Tim wanted to speak with some independent voters about their thoughts on the vice presidential debate. They said the candidates either didn’t answer the questions or weren’t honest in their responses.
Once Tim arrived in Maddison, Wisconsin, he sprinted over to talk to a rural dairy farmer about what issues aren’t being heard in his industry and why. The farmer mentioned though he helps feed America, he sometimes feels ignored on key issues.
Tim said he’ll talk to more experts on the matter when they go to the World Dairy Expo tomorrow, then it’s straight to St. Louis.
Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bite-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with photojournalist John Stampf in a rented Tesla.
Host Tim Boyum continues his treck across America with recent stops in Pittsburgh, Buttler, Pennsylvania and then to Lordstown, Ohio before landing in Lansing, Michigan for the vice presidential debate.
He said they put on about 410 miles across three states. They’ve opted to choose the strategy of topping off rather than waiting to get to a 10% charge.
The two topped off before leaving, taking about 28 minutes and costing them $7 dollars. They also stopped in Gerrard, Ohio for another charge, taking 37 minutes for $14 dollars, as well in Toledo for a 44 minute recharge at about $18 dollars. Their final charge was in Lancing, Michigan for a 35 minute charge at about $16 dollars.
While in Butler, PA, Tim met with artist Bill Secunda who made what he estimates to be a 20-foot-tall, 200 lb statue of Donald Trump out of nails.
Once arriving in Lordstown, Tim spoke to residents about what they need to hear from politicians after a GM plant shut down in 2019. The mayor asked for a pledge of support and for candidates to pull through on those promises.
Tim and John head to Wisconsin for their next leg of the trip.
Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host, Tim Boyum, is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bit-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with Photojournalist John Stampf in a rented Tesla.
After leaving the Philadelphia area, they stopped in Morgantown, PA to charge up the vehicle. Tim did note, "range anxiety" is real when you're not used to driving an EV. He found himself constantly worried about what percentage he saw on the screen.
They found a supercharger at a gas station when the car was down to 34%, travelling 156 miles. It took 42 minutes and $16.13 to charge it back up to 100%. While waiting, one other car came and charged their vehicle, otherwise it was largely gas-powered vehicles.
Later it's Pittsburgh, then Lordstown, Ohio.
On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, Carter Wrenn joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book “The Trail of the Serpent”.
Carter has been a fixture in Republican circles for over four decades, starting with Ronald Reagan’s 1976 campaign in North Carolina. His most famous work follows the path and career of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Carter transports listeners back in time with his extraordinary accounts of North Carolina’s historic campaigns.
On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum pulls back the curtain on the world of campaign fundraising.
Democratic fundraiser and Parker Poe partner Bruce Thompson joins Tim to consider the ins and outs of a multi-billion dollar industry full of intrigue, controversy and misconceptions. Thompson was part of Hillary Clinton’s national fundraising committee and has played a prominent role in North Carolina campaigns for decades.
He explains the common misconceptions surrounding fundraising and the thought that money drives candidate decision making. He added that a big downside to fundraising isn’t the amount of money, but the lack of transparency of who is donating.
The designation of North Carolina as a purple state is a common observation in the context of elections. But many might be asking, “what implications does that have and how might it affect the upcoming election?”
Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book, “Anatomy of a Purple State” to peel back the layers of North Carolina’s unique and ever changing politics.
Four years after his U.S. Senate race and personal turmoil collided, Democrat Cal Cunningham sits down with host Tim Boyum to open up about that period in his life.
They talk about his affair with another woman, why he didn’t drop out and how it affected his defeat. They also break down the barbecue tweet that went viral, and why he says it made him more upset than just about anything else in the campaign.
Later, you can listen to the stories between Cunningham and his then opponent Sen. Thom Tillis share several meals together, and just how difficult it is to be a moderate in today’s politics. Both agree that though they may disagree on many things, dialogue is important.
Back from delivering a major speech at the Democratic National Convention, Durham Mayor Leo Williams joins host Tim Boyum this week for a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like in Chicago.
Williams says his big speech almost didn't happen. He explains his range of emotions when he found out he was in the lineup, preparing for the speech, getting cut, then added back once again on the last night.
Later on, they discuss how the speech has impacted his life and how he manages his personal, professional and campaign responsibilities.
Recently on Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum discussed what had been a whirlwind of a month in politics with North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton.
On this week’s podcast, it’s Republican Party Committee Chairman Michael Whatley’s turn. Whatley, thought a former NC GOP chair, is not to be confused with Clayton’s counterpart, Jason Simmons.
Whatley provides a behind-the-scenes look at an eventful political summer, including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, the contrasting national and state leadership roles, and more.
Earlier in the year, host Tim Boyum asked national pollster Tom Jensen with Public Policy Polling, or PPP, about what topics he thought would influence voters the most.
This week, he rejoins Tim to revisit that conversation, and talk about how the 2024 election has shifted since President Biden dropped out and Democrats nominated Vice President Kamala Harris.
They also discuss the status of races in North Carolina and how those changes could make a difference.
On this week’s podcast, Democratic consultant Morgan Jackson and Republican consultant Jonathan Felts provide insights on a politically eventful month in North Carolina.
The two touch on topics like the impact of Biden dropping out of the race from the perspective of both sides, why Gov. Roy Cooper took his name out of the VP running before the vetting even began. The panel also uses their career expertise to hypothesise how President Joe Biden’s Press Secretary Andrew Bate, a North Carolina native, might’ve immediately reacted when he discovered the president dropped out of the race.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton rejoins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the tumultuous month since the debate. Their conversation spans from President Joe Biden’s exit to her role in leading the state party’s delegation, which unanimously supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the uncertain time.
“Every single delegate was exploding with excitement,” she said when holding a state call on Harris. “I didn’t want to go into that convention not unified.”
She also responds to the question of the process in which Harris has become the Democratic nominee.
Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County abruptly filed his resignation letter July 15, confirming he would step down from his 97th House District seat, effective Aug. 12.
Rep. Saine tells host Tim Boyum his reasons for leaving public office while his party holds the supermajority and what’s next for him in the private sector. Boyum and Rep. Saine also talk freely about the financial and time challenges state lawmakers face in a part time system that requires full time work, mentioning that he’s tired of being poor at his age, but thankful for the lifelong friendships he’s made.
He also gives us some behind-the-scenes insight into the battle over approving sports betting and the budget.
On this week’s podcast, host Tim Boyum talks with 9th congressional district candidate Shelane Etchison.
She’s becoming the first unaffiliated congressional candidate to ever appear on a ballot in North Carolina, but making history is not new to her.
She was also among the first women to serve in combat in the Army and earn two master’s degrees from Harvard before coming back to her home state of North Carolina. This week on Tying it Together, she discusses those stories and the reasons behind her decision to not align with any political side.
On this week’s episode, Tim talks with Rev. Dr. William Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove about their new book, “White Poverty.”
The book looks at historical myths about race and class and makes a case that addressing white poverty might be key to mitigating racism and uniting a massive group of voters to demand change.
Hurricane season continues to ramp up in North Carolina. Spectrum News 1 meteorologists are hard at work tracking the tropics and Atlantic for any forming storms and their impacts.
This week host Tim Boyum sits down with Spectrum News 1 meteorologist Lee Ringer to talk about the upcoming hurricane season, the forecasting behind storms, misconceptions, climate change, and so much more.
It's one of the most hotly contested statewide races in the country between two members of Congress. North Carolina attorney general candidates Dan Bishop (R) and Jeff Jackson (D) go after each other from the first moment of the debate.
On this week's episode, host Tim Boyum shares the debate he moderated for the North Carolina Bar Assocation on Friday, June 21, at the Charlotte Convention Center.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim goes back to school, visiting with Duke University professor Phillip Napoli about the challenges regulating artificial intelligence and the election.
Even if regulations are put in place to stop the spread of misinformation, would they be effective?
Napoli is the James R. Shepley Professor of Public Policy, Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy, and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research for the Sanford School.
In an era where newspapers are shutting down and capitol press corps are shrinking, Kyle Villemain is doubling down his business venture, The Assembly.
It’s a magazine-style digital publication racking up a number of fascinating stories with a unique business model.
Host Tim Boyum and Kyle talk about its origins, the future of political reporting, and whether The Assembly can make it in the long run in today’s business and political climate.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt joined host Tim Boyum for an exclusive interview this week.
Truitt is addressing her loss in the primary election for the first time. She talks frankly about her opponent and her concerns about politics infiltrating education and the potential impact on students and our communities.
Later in the discussion, we cover the topic of expanding opportunity scholarships (vouchers) for private schools.
On this last episode of our three-part series, “United in Grief, Divided on Solutions”, the Maine legislature wraps up its work and a final decision is made on potential new gun laws after the Lewiston mass shootings last October.
Find out how this community and state will try to move forward and what it means for the future.
This story takes place in Maine, but it will remind you of conversations happening in diners, barber shops and kitchen tables across America.
In part two of “United in Grief, Divided on Solutions”, we hear how the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting, inspired a victim’s father to push for change.
Host Tim Boyum also takes you inside the passionate gun debate playing out in Maine this winter and spring after the October incident. Tim also talks with Maine’s top gun rights group, Maine’s former attorney general, a gun collector and a state lawmaker.
This story takes place in Maine but it will remind you of conversations happening in diners, barber shops and kitchen tables across America.
In part one of a three-part series on guns in America, “United in Grief, Divided on Solutions”, host Tim Boyum takes us to Maine, where we meet the father of a man killed in the October Lewiston mass shootings. His heart-wrenching story will leave you in tears as he details that night and the days that followed.
Later, we meet a gun collector and sportsman who takes Tim to his personal gun range to talk about his hobby and game that’s attracting attention around the world. In episodes two and three, Tim digs deeper into the gun debate that ended with new legislation this spring.
This story takes place in Maine, but it will remind you of conversations happening in diners, barber shops and kitchen tables across America.
Exploring the aftermath of the mass shooting in Lewiston last October, host Tim Boyum takes on the issue of gun violence and the subsequent debate over gun laws in Maine in this special three-part series. Though it may take place in Maine, the debate and emotion mirrors conversations occurring around kitchen tables, in barbershops and communities all across the country. The first episode drops on Wednesday, May 15 and continues for three weeks.
In this special bonus episode, Tim sits down for an exclusive with North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger to discuss his recent trip to Israel. The trip took an unexpected turn when the night before he was flying back home, Iran attacked Israel. Berger recounts the moments he had to take shelter, his thoughts on our country’s role in the war and how the trip affects what he has seen in terms of protests on college campuses, including UNC Chapel Hill.
This week, the two Republican candidates for State Auditor, Jack Clark and Dave Boliek, join host Tim Boyum.
The two aim share their backgrounds with voters, what they hope to bring to this elected position and their focus if elected. Neither got the 30%+ necessary to avoid a runoff and face the current state auditor, Democrat Jessica Holmes, in the fall.
The candidates will face off in the second primary on May 14.
Just weeks after No Labels announced it would not have a presidential ticket, one of the original leaders of the third party joins host Tim Boyum to talk about why.
Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory discusses the failed effort and whether a third party ever has a chance of success in our country.
Later, the two talk about the North Carolina governor’s race and McCrory’s new job as a TV host.
This week’s episode takes a break from politics to talk dogs! North Carolina based journalist and author Tommy Tomlinson joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book called Dogland. It’s an inside look at the world of the Westminster Dog Show. The book takes us inside the world through the eyes of a dog and his handler. Tomlinson also explores the relationship between humankind and dog. Tomlinson is a Pulitzer finalist, author and former Charlotte Observer reporter and columnist.
Yes, it’s a little early, but this week we are talking about Memorial Day.
The year 2024 marks the centennial of Raleigh’s observance of national Memorial Day. Oakwood Cemetery hosts the event every year and is the final resting place for seven former governors, five U.S. Senators, eight state Supreme Court Justices, and four Civil War generals.
This week, the authors of a new book on the topic join host Tim Boyum. The group shares a fascinating talk about the cemetery’s history and the incredible stories.
Later, they discuss the immense amount of N.C. State fans visiting former basketball coach Jim Valvano’s grave as the current team made its run through March Madness.
While there are still months until the general election, the situation in Gaza, along the Mexican border, and even statewide candidates are already causing shifts in support. In this week's podcast, host Tim Boyum speaks with North Carolina native and well-known republican Doug Heye and Public Policy Polling (PPP) pollster Tom Jensen about those impacts. What will stick and what won't? Depends on who you ask.
As March Madness rages on, this week host Tim Boyum considers the chaos with college athletics from conference realignment to Name, Image and Likeness, or NIL, to lawsuits by athletes. It’s a turbulent but fascinating time and politics has a big role in it too as Congress contemplates intervening. Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and UNC law professor Barbara Osborne join Tim for the discussion. Having represented multiple athletes, Orr is a frequent opponent of the NCAA. In his research, Osborne has delved deeply into this matter and explored several interconnected subjects.
On this week’s episode, host Tim Boyum sits down with two of the North Carolina’s top political minds to talk North Carolina’s primary election, and what it might mean for the rest of 2024.
From a huge upset to surprising responses, Democrat Morgan Jackson and Republican Jonathan Felts break down everything we need to know.
In the past few years, a progressive group in North Carolina has seemed to have popped up out of nowhere. This year the nonprofit, Carolina Forward succeeded in getting two of their Democrat picks through the primaries.
Their Executive Director, Blair Reeves, joins host Tim Boyum this week to understand the origins of the all-volunteer group.
They also discuss the criticism of going after Democrats who vote with Republicans. The two then widen the lens to talk about Carolina Forward’s outlook this November.
Former Democratic candidate for president Andrew Yang joins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about his efforts to create a successful third party in this country. The former presidential and NYC mayoral candidate launched Forward Party in 2021 and has candidates on the ballot in North Carolina this year. Yang discusses those efforts, why his presidential run led to leaving the Democratic party and how he thinks a third party could be influential in the years to come. He later reflects on some fun stories while he was on the campaign trail.
In our ongoing Decision 2024 coverage, host Tim Boyum will sit down with the frontrunners vying to become the next governor of North Carolina.
Last week, attention was on the Democrats. This week, the microphone is being passed to the Republicans.
State Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham join Tim to discuss their priorities, education, immigration, abortion and more. Lt. Governor Mark Robinson has chosen not to engage with our interview, a stance he has maintained throughout the campaign.
With the primary election just around the corner, host Tim Boyum is engaging with the two leading Democratic candidates for governor in North Carolina.
Attorney General Josh Stein and recently retired Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan delve into a discussion on their respective agendas and various subjects, including education, abortion, the economy and the Democrats' top priorities.
Tim will receive updates from the top Republican contenders next week.
As March Madness arrives, this week host Tim Boyum takes a slight detour from politics to talk tobacco and basketball. The North Carolina rivalries developed on “Tobacco Road” are in peril as conference realignment threatens to dramatically change college sports. Raleigh News & Observer’s Andrew Carter recently wrote a piece exploring the actual history of the real tobacco road and the sports version as well. It inspired a lot of powerful stories and reminded Tim about the sense of community and larger human stories that often emerge from sports.
As the election season ramps up, Democratic Senate leader Dan Blue joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his plans to break up the Republican’s current supermajority in the general assembly. It will be a tall task with new maps written by Republicans, but Sen. Blue mentions he believes hard work and a focus on the right issues could give Democrats a chance. Sen. Blue goes into a lot of detail about growing up in a cramped four-room house, his math degree (because of the space race), and his son-in-law who's also an ACC head coach.
As the issues surrounding college sports continue to explode, the intersection of sports, law and politics has created no shortage of controversial conversations.
This week, longtime sports journalist and lawyer David Glenn joins host Tim Boyum to consider the legal battle to save the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The two also look at what happens if politicians get involved in any N.C. school leaving the ACC, and the implications on the entire state.
Tim delves into Glenn's impressive career, conducting interviews with everyone from Barack Obama to Mike Tyson, and nearly every significant sports figure in North Carolina.
Homeowners recently got some major sticker shock in Wake County. Officials are underway with the home revaluation process.
Revaluation determines your home value. County commissioners then change the tax rate and that affects how much you pay each year. With significant growth in the past half decade, nearly everyone’s rates will go up and some argue too much. This process, required by law, happens in every county across the state at least every eight years, but typically every four years.
Real estate attorney and revaluation expert Larry Shaheen joins host Tim Boyum to share what North Carolina homeowners should know and how to handle it.
Nine years ago, Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham’s sister, Cynthia Hurd, was murdered as part of a mass shooting at AME Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Last week, President Biden visited the church and met with families, including Councilman Graham.
Graham recently met with host Tim Boyum to discuss her death now nearly a decade later, meeting with President Biden. They also talk about how Charlotte’s city council is responding after a Charlotte mass shooting on New Year’s Eve.
Last fall, the journalism and political world was shocked when longtime journalist Travis Fain said he was not only leaving his job, but political journalism behind.
In this episode, host Tim Boyum talks to Fain about his decision, the challenges for journalism in today’s age, North Carolina politics and what he hopes to in his next chapter.
As a new year begins, host Tim Boyum continues a tradition with two of the state’s premiere economists. The group tries to answer some big questions facing the state’s economy in the upcoming year. What will North Carolina’s economy look like? How will the economy impact next year’s elections? UNC Charlotte’s Dr. John Connaughton and NC State’s Dr. Mike Walden help break it down.
An annual Tying It Together tradition, Billy Warden and Brian Lewis join Tim to break down the biggest stories of the year, what we can expect in 2024, and their own holiday traditions and resolutions. We’ll tackle political party changes, Medicaid expansion, casinos, retirements and so much more!
As 2023 wraps up, host Tim Boyum sits down with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. Gov. Cooper gives us behind-the-scenes insight on finally getting Medicaid expansion past the finish line.
He also talks about his push next year to get past school vouchers, his plans for 2024 without having his own campaign for the first time in decades, and his future after 2024.
They also discuss the recent death of UNC legend Eric Montross, and Gov. Cooper gives a glimpse of how he finds ways to unwind from the stress of leading a state.
With 2024 just days away, this week host Tim Boyum takes a look at the state of polling in this country, and how pollsters are tackling what will be a wild and consequential year in elections.
The group will look at how polling works, accuracy and their biggest pet peeves. Finally, they look at the current state of affairs in the presidential race, and how North Carolina’s are shaping up, as well.
North Carolinian Josh Lawson joins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the 2024 election and how much misinformation will play compared to our last. Lawson is a former Chief Elections Counsel, and was the head of Electoral and Emerging Risk at Meta in recent years. The two go in depth on the strategies adversaries are using to drive misinformation on social media and attempt to influence our elections. He’ll also consider the rise of artificial intelligence and the impact it will have on misinformation.
A day after announcing he would not run for re-election, Rep. Patrick McHenry joins Tim to talk about why he’s retiring and what’s next.
He also goes in depth on his time temporarily leading the U.S. House as Republicans battled to pick a new speaker to replace Kevin McCarthy who was ousted.
We’ll learn whether he ever considered long term or short term becoming actual House Speaker, and hear the impact the stress had on his own life.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together, host Tim Boyum talks with congressional representative Kathy Manning. The first Jewish person from North Carolina elected to Congress shares horrifying details of the videos she and other members viewed of Hamas’s attack on Israel and her meetings with relatives of hostages. She also details her own experiences with antisemitism and her work as co-chair of the bipartisan task force to combat antisemitism. Later, the two discuss state lawmakers drawing her out of her own congressional district and what she plans to do next.
This week we dive into the precarious situation of insuring homes along the coast and the impact on every homeowner in North Carolina.
As more storms and stronger storms impact our state, it’s having and will continue to have profound impacts on the future of insurance and how much you pay. What are state, insurance industry and other leaders doing to ensure we call all afford our homes and insurance? Do people across the state help subsidize the high cost of coastal insurance?
Industry expert Joe Stewart, a long time well-known name in North Carolina politics, joins host Tim Boyum to break it all down.
After a marathon legislative session ends, the most powerful North Carolina politician and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger joins host Tim Boyum. The two hold an in-depth conversation about the current fight over casinos in North Carolina, with some behind-the-scenes discussion about his support, and why it failed at the last minute. Later, Tim asks about the fairness of redistricting, separation of powers, and working in today’s political climate. The end of the podcast features a little fun, and a look at Sen. Berger’s favorite holiday traditions.
A recent ad in the 2024 race for governor chastised Democrats for unsafe streets and coddling criminals in North Carolina cities. Are cities like Charlotte and Raleigh in chaos or is that a political talking point? This week, host Tim Boyum brings on Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston and Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari who are a Democrat and Republican, respectively. They have debated this issue on our TV program regularly, but we thought it was a great time to talk about it more in depth as we inch closer to 2024.
As the Israel-Hamas war continues, many people are still left with questions and confusion over the region and what’s behind the war. To help explain, on this week's episode we are talking with someone who has actually tried to negotiate peace in the Middle East.
Dr. Bruce Jentleson is a professor at Duke University, but he’s had two stints in the U.S. State Department under former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. During our discussion, we'll focus on the backstory, why Americans should care and where it might go from here.
This week, Tim talks to two of North Carolina’s sharpest political minds, as state lawmakers vote on the final congressional and state maps for 2024 and beyond. The controversial map drawing will certainly draw more lawsuits as North Carolina continues its trend in the spotlight as one of the most controversial redistricting states in the country. Joining us this week, Democratic Strategist Morgan Jackson who has clients including Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein. Jim Blaine, with the Differentiators, is a former chief of staff for Senate leader Phil Berger.
College, along with student loan debt, has been a significant subject of conversation this year. This week, Tim sits with UNC System President Peter Hans who talks candidly about affordability, criticism about the need for a four-year education, the future of tenure, students struggling with mental health, and the politics of education. Later, Tim and Hans discuss the quickly changed landscape of college athletics, and his role in it leading all North Carolina public universities.
In this week’s episode, Tim talks with North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley about the U.S. House Speaker race in Washington, the political nature of courts and the 2024 election.
Host Tim Boyum and Whatley also discuss his incredible background that includes ramping up Donald Trump’s first run in North Carolina, chief of staff for former Senator Elizabeth Dole, and as a George W. Bush attorney who was in the room analyzing ballots in Florida in 2000.
You have probably never heard of Brookford, North Carolina, but you will never forget it after this conversation with 24-year-old police chief Willie Armstrong. Beyond his accomplishments at a young age, he has overcome so much in his life and a lot of that is because of an officer that now works for him. Chief Armstrong tells stories that will bring tears to your eyes hearing what endured through with parents that struggled with addiction and criminal activity. Later, he discusses his appearances on a national TV show, On Patrol Live, and how it’s bringing attention to his community and himself.
In a special bonus episode, House Speaker Tim Moore joins the podcast just days after the state budget was passed.
Host Tim Boyum and the House Speaker discuss the budget, casinos, school vouchers, public records and a bill that will completely change the makeup of election boards just months before the election.
Later, they talk about Speaker Moore moving a Democrat’s office to an old closet, and if he plans to be on the ballot in 2024.
Earlier this year, 25-year-old Anderson Clayton took the political world by storm when her energy caught fire and launched her to victory in the North Carolina Democratic Party Chair’s race. Now seven months later, she returns to the podcast to talk about the newly passed state budget, why she finds it harder now to seek common ground with Republicans, criticism over Joe Biden’s age and even Taylor Swift (of course, right?).
The state budget is now nearly three months late, a Supreme Court Justice quits to run for governor, proposals to expand casinos stir up controversy, a man who called for a new election in 2018 after someone on his campaign allegedly committed election fraud is running again in 2024.
Phew, what a time in North Carolina politics.
This week, strategists Morgan Jackson and Jonathan Felts help sort it out in the bluntest of terms. Jackson works for Gov. Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein. Felts was George W. Bush’s political director and helped Ted Budd win his U.S. Senate race in 2022.
The past several election cycles, North Carolina is often mentioned among the potential swing states and receives a lot of attention. But recent analysis shows as few as three or four states will make a difference in the presidential election. Does North Carolina make the cut? Kyle Kondik, Managing Editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, joins host Tim Boyum with the answer, a long discussion about the 2024 presidential race in North Carolina and our congressional races and race for governor.
This week, host Tim Boyum takes us inside the world of political opposition research. We’ve all seen the ads, heard about salacious accusations or ready stories about political candidates. And most of that comes from what’s known as opposition research.
He talks with two North Carolinians involved in some of the more famous opposition research cases in recent times. Republican Charles Hellwig helped dig up information on 2020 U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham, and David Wheeler discovered and released several things about 2022 candidate and U.S. Representative Madison Cawthorn.
Both candidates ended up losing.
The two argue opposition research is vital for a campaign and not some dark room operation.
As we await a final state budget plan, last-minute negotiations are intensely focused on the potential of allowing multiple casinos across North Carolina beyond the tribal casinos already in place. It’s an intense debate that crosses party lines, and could happen in the next two weeks. Now a group of sports betting companies want in on the action with the ability to gamble on your phone, too. This week, Sports Betting Alliance Vice President Scott Ward joins host Tim Boyum to explain what’s going on behind the scenes, what mobile gambling would look like, and how he counters some concerns over competition, gambling addiction and more!
He helped lead the effort to expand the ACC conference a dozen years ago, but also resigned from UNC Chapel Hill after the fraudulent class scandal involving athletes and “no-show” classes. Now, Holden Thorp, a Fayetteville native, joins host Tim Boyum to talk about those times, and put into perspective the chaos of collegiate athletics. Thorp candidly discusses conference realignment, Name Image and Likeness, the transfer portal and whether UNC could ever leave the conference without NC State. Finally, he reflects on leaving his home university now a decade later.
A North Carolina native, Kody Kinsley has a fascinating story from a first in the family college graduate, to working for presidents, to now North Carolina’s top health official.
This week, host Tim Boyum discusses Kinsley’s role in changing policy to allow gay men to donate blood as a gay man himself. The two also discuss his push to get Medicaid expansion into place ASAP, and the future of health care.
The latest Taylor Swift tour created such a frenzy and fiasco on Ticketmaster that Congress held a hearing, and now, the Department of Justice may sue Ticketmaster/Live Nation for antitrust issues. Should the companies break up because of a lack of competition, or is it being overblown because of the popularity of Swift?
This week we are joined by Barak Richman, who is a Duke professor that also helped consult Ticketmaster on the 2010 merger with Live Nation. It’s a fascinating listen about mergers and might make you think twice about your long-held beliefs about these companies.
When news of Speaker Moore not running for the position next year spread, a few names popped up immediately. Republican Destin Hall from Caldwell County has already thrown his name in the hat.
He’s risen quickly in the political world, so we thought it was a good time to bring him in to get to know him better. Rep. Hall tells incredible personal stories of being raised by his grandparents, moving back to his small hometown, and his aspirations of getting the House speaker role.
From his newly and highly talked about tattoos to his wildly unique fashion, state senator Bobby Hanig is a unique politician. Sen. Hanig joins host Tim Boyum to talk about how growing up in poverty motivated him to start a successful business and eventually public office. They also talk about the hot-button issues of casinos and education and the Outer Banks, which is the area he represents.
People widely loved — and hated — legendary U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, not only here in North Carolina, but around the world. Much of that hate centered on his stances on the issues of race and the gay community. However, Senator Helms never knew that he had a gay granddaughter. Fifteen years after his death, his granddaughter, Jennifer Knox, has chosen to speak about it publicly for the first time. It was first reported in The Assembly by John Drescher. Both Drescher and Knox join host Tim Boyum to talk more about this incredible story.
Charlotte area Democrat and U.S. Representative Alma Adams joins us this week with some incredible stories. The 77-year-old publicly tells the story of meeting her dad for the first time at 15 years old. She talks to host Tim Boyum about the 1400 hats show owns. She also shares how one of them was stolen while she was sworn into Congress. Tim learns what it was like for her to get arrested as a state lawmaker, and why she’s still “mad as hell” about the affirmative action decision.
Legendary North Carolina journalist Steve Crump joins the show. He talks about not only his incredible fight against colon cancer but also his incredible career.
Crump recounts funny stories of interviewing Mother Teresa, Paul McCartney and a visit to South Africa to cover former Gov. Jim Hunt. He also talks about covering one of North Carolina’s most famous Senate races between Jesse Helms and Harvey Gantt when race played a big role.
Recent Head of Electoral and Emerging Risk at Facebook, now called Meta, and former N.C. Board of Elections Chief Legal Counsel Josh Lawson joins us on the podcast this week.
He takes us behind the scenes on how Facebook polices posts, talks about social media challenges with next year’s election and the future of AI on social media.
Plus, we look back at his role in investigating the largest election fraud in modern history — and it happened right here in North Carolina.
A recent headline from a study caught Tim’s eye when it questioned whether local news was doing enough to hold public officials accountable. As it so happens, some of the top research on news is happening right here in North Carolina.
This week, Phil Napoli, Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy and professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, joins Tim to talk about the state of the news business, challenges from a business perspective, and what the future might look like.
Spectrum News 1 and Tying It Together with Tim Boyum present: The Endorser.
After months of work, Tim tries to put together the “story behind the story” of Donald Trump’s surprise endorsement in North Carolina's 2022 Senate race.
On June 5, 2021, three leading candidates woke up and made the trip to Greenville, hoping to get the edge they thought they needed to win — President Trump’s endorsement. No one knew what was about to happen next. Part 3 looks at the 2022 Senate race after the Trump endorsement, why the drama was far from over and why it took much longer for the endorsement to have an impact than expected.
Prepare to visualize the story from the viewpoints of the people who put their lives on pause in efforts to replace Republican Richard Burr in the U.S. Senate. The then candidates and senior advisers explain that fateful night to Tim in this three-part Spectrum News 1 exclusive series.
Spectrum News 1 and Tying It Together with Tim Boyum present: The Endorser.
After months of work, Tim tries to put together the “story behind the story” of Donald Trump’s surprise endorsement in North Carolina's 2022 Senate race.
On June 5, 2021, three leading candidates woke up and made the trip to Greenville, hoping to get the edge they thought they needed to win — President Trump’s endorsement. No one knew what was about to happen next. Part 2 takes you behind the scenes for the first time as Donald Trump endorses Ted Budd with stories never told before by the candidates themselves.
Prepare to visualize the story from the viewpoints of the people who put their lives on pause in efforts to replace Republican Richard Burr in the U.S. Senate. The then candidates and senior advisers explain that fateful night to Tim in this three-part Spectrum News 1 exclusive series.
As heated debate continues in Washington, D.C. this week over the debt ceiling and Title 42 immigration policies, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis joins us to talk in depth on his stance and bills he’s pushing on both issues. We’ll also talk about his desire and action to create bipartisan legislation in a highly partisan time. Later, we’ll talk about where he stands on the candidates for governor and president in 2024 and his own political future. Finally, you'll hear about a famous story from his brother, who is also a politician, what's in his Spotify and streaming playlist and why his socks stood out so much. Tim had to ask him about it!
It was one of the wildest nights in North Carolina's political history. Listen to part one of three in this Spectrum News 1 exclusive series, "The Endorser," wherever you listen to podcasts starting Wednesday, June 7.
About a year ago, we met a young man named Mitchell Whitley, who was on a mission to meet the mayor of every single North Carolina community. His story inspired us and many of you.
So, a year later, we invited him back to get an update, and he delivered with some incredible stories about meeting some of North Carolina’s most unique characters. That includes a mayor who owns a bigfoot museum and another mayor who helped end the Cold War.
Long-time listeners will remember the voice and laugh of Ben McNeely. He was a producer and a frequent voice on this podcast for a couple of years.
To listeners, he sort of disappeared, and he left his job at Spectrum News in late 2022.
Now, he’s ready to return and tell everyone why. We chose May in particular because it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a must-listen conversation to hear his story facing anxiety and depression.
In January, North Carolina journalist Billy Ball, managing editor of Cardinal and Pine, tragically and unexpectedly lost his 6-year-old son. Grieving the loss of his child was devastating enough, but it’s what happened next that created a whole new level of grief.
After posting his son’s obituary on social media, Ball started getting hate mail and messages claiming he had killed his son by giving him a vaccine.
Tim sat down with Ball to talk about his loss, dealing with online trolls, what can be done in these situations and, importantly, we wrap up with some delightful stories about his son, 6-year-old Jackson Ball.
As heated debate continues in Washington, D.C. this week over the debt ceiling and Title 42 immigration policies, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis joins us talk in depth on his stance and bills he’s pushing on both issues.
We’ll also talk about his desire and action to create bipartisan legislation in a highly partisan time. Later, we’ll talk about where he stands on the candidates for governor and president in 2024 and his own political future.
Finally, we’ll hear about a famous story from his brother who is also a politician, his Spotify and streaming list, and why his socks stood out so much. Tim had to ask him about it!
Recently, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) officially entered the race for North Carolina governor in 2024. Attorney General Josh Stein (D) already announced earlier this year. While others have and will enter, it’s largely expected these two well-known adversaries will face off in the fall of 2024.
It’s almost certainly going to be the most closely watched race in the country, and features perhaps two of the most different political philosophies we’ve ever seen in a gubernatorial race. Not to mention — it could get nasty. So, we are going to take an early look at the race, the candidates and how the presidential race could impact the outcome.
Democratic strategist, and Stein campaign consultant Morgan Jackson joins us. Also grabbing a mic will be Republican strategist Jonathan Felts, a former White House political director, and consultant for U.S. Senator Ted Budd.
The Avett Brothers, a folk rock band from Concord, North Carolina, has fans all around the world.
The bassist, Bob Crawford, became obsessed with history while reading on the long bus tour rides. That obsession has now developed into a brand new, six episode podcast called "Founding Son: John Quincy’s America."
Crawford joins Tim to talk about the podcast and his obsession with history. You'll also quickly realize why Tim calls him one of the nicest guys in show business.
As the debate over the state budget ramps up, a lesser known issue with massive implications centers on something called Opportunity Scholarships. At the heart of the issue — should parents be able to use taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools? A smaller program already exists for low-income families, but Republican leaders who control the legislature are proposing a massive change to essentially allow anyone access to the funds. Tim talks to advocates on either side of the debate to understand the issue and whether it deserves expansion.
Last week a political earthquake shook North Carolina when State Representative Tricia Cotham switch parties from Democrat to Republican. She not only switched parties but lambasted Democrats for how she says they treated her.
Party switching is not as uncommon as you think, but rarely does it draw this much attention. This week, Tim talks with former State Senator Joel Ford, who almost switched parties himself. They talked about why he considered switching, the nature of partisan politics today, and whether he thinks he could have won a race if he followed through.
Growing up, Rob Lee slowly began to understand the gravity of being a descendent of Robert E. Lee. The Statesville pastor rose to fame when he denounced his ancestor, calling for statues to come down. It led to appearances on MTV, the View and in front of Congress. But it also led to hate, gunshots in his yard, and the Washington Post challenging his ancestry. Over five years later, Tim travels to Statesville to visit with Rev. Lee and talk about what’s happened, what he’s doing today and how he feels about the issue of racism in this country.
Rep. Patrick McHenry might be the most powerful member of Congress with the least amount of name recognition. The Republican from North Carolina’s 10th district played a key role in Speaker McCarthy’s election and chairs the powerful House Financial Services Committee. That committee will inspect the collapses of Silicon Valley and Signature banks. Rep. McHenry talks about his early days as a politician, why he keeps a low profile, his plans for investigating the bank collapse, and his rather unique Spotify playlist!
This week Tim spent a lot of time on the road reporting in the western part of the state. So, Tim packed up his equipment and sat down for a beer with a town commissioner, ER doctor and a political science professor to talk about small town politics in the far western part of the state. The result is a conversation about chickens, social districts, medicaid expansion, and Confederate statues!
Freshman U.S. Representative Jeff Jackson (D) has always made social media a big part of his public persona, but he never guessed it would explode like it has in recent months. He regularly posts brief updates on the big stories with behind-the-scenes details and a focus on explaining issues.
The 14th District representative regularly sees posts with millions of views and hundreds, if not thousands of interactions. Jackson explains why he spends so much time on social media, why it's catching on with a key group of potential voters and where his political future could lead him next.
North Carolina’s top elected educator, Catherine Truitt, joins Tying It Together this week to talk about some of the biggest issues in education the state is facing. The Superintendent of Public Instruction talks in depth about the politics of education, a major proposal to overhaul how teachers are paid and graded, the power structure of education and a look at the future of education in North Carolina. This is a must-listen for parents, educators and anyone interested in the world of education.
In 2018, the largest election fraud case in modern American politics occurred in North Carolina politics in rural Bladen County. Officials charged McCrae Dowless with leading the alleged absentee ballot harvesting program but died last year before he could stand trial. Last fall, we profiled the Democratic candidate who lost that race. Earlier this year, Tim got a phone call from the Republican candidate, Mark Harris, who was ready to talk. So Tim traveled to a Baptist Church in Mooresville. Rev. Harris told Tim his side of the story, and all the behind-the-scenes stories of emotional moments at the board of elections hearing.
25-year-old Anderson Clayton made history when she ousted the current North Carolina Democratic Party Chair, becoming the youngest party chair in state history and currently the youngest in the country. Clayton talks about how she won, how her experience on presidential campaigns will play a role in her attempt to win over rural voters and working with Gov. Cooper and other top Democratic leaders.
This week, Tim heads down to the legislature and into the office of House Speaker Tim Moore for a candid and timely interview as the legislature gets to work on a unique session. With a Democratic governor, a GOP led legislature, and near super majority at the legislature, it promises to be a contentious time. Lawmakers will take up issues like abortion, Medicaid expansion, medical marijuana, and of course a state budget. Speaker Moore also talks some about his political future. If you’re wondering where House leadership stands on the major issues, this is a must listen.
In late January, the legendary Billy Packer passed away in Charlotte. For 34 straight years, he was the lead analyst for the Final Four and was a polarizing figure in so many ways. Fan bases loved to say he hated their team, but he was beloved at the same time for his passion and honesty. Tim grew up obsessed with college basketball and remains that way today. So, to talk about the soundtrack of his childhood, Tim brings on another legend broadcaster, Tim Brando, who tells some wild stories that you likely have never heard!
In 2020, then President-elect Joe Biden made history when he nominated North Carolina’s Michael Regan as the first Black man in the spot of EPA Administrator. Recently, Tim spent time with Regan in Washington, D.C., and in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina. It was there where Tim discovered Regan’s years on a family farm had a major impact on his views and motivations in terms of the environment and climate change. His hometown also played a big role in his focus on environmental justice. Later, Regan talks to Tim about what it’s like to work for a president, and if he would ever run for office himself.
This week, perhaps the state’s most powerful politician, Senator Phil Berger joins Tim to talk about the 2023 legislative session that kicks off in full this week. Sen. Berger dishes on Medicaid expansion, abortion, tax cuts, voter ID, medical marijuana, sports betting, whether North Carolina is truly a “purple” state, and so much more! This is a must listen to get a good sense of where Republicans plan to go this year as they are near a supermajority on Jones Street.
When you think of gaming and Esports you probably don’t think politics, but you probably should. The industry is exploding in growth and North Carolina finds itself in the center of it all. Picture arenas full of people with million dollar purses for the champion.
But also imagine high school leagues that compete like any other school sport. Also, imagine kids learning marketing, coding, broadcasting and all kinds of skills beyond picking up a controller.
The legislature is involved with state funds and schools could soon play a larger role, as well. State Representative Jason Saine and Lenovo’s Jeff Palumbo join Tim for a fascinating discussion.
Last week, the battle over elected House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made headlines, but it also brought up memories of North Carolina’s very own speaker battle 20 years ago this month. It led to a co-speaker arrangement with a Democrat and a Republican. It also led to high drama, prison time for one of the speakers, and changes that are still being felt today. Three veteran political reporters who were there, Rob Christensen, Gary Robertson and Lynn Bonner, join Tim to talk about the wild times that changed North Carolina politics forever.
The economy in 2022 was full of news about inflation, a potential recession, and interest rates. So what’s in store for 2023? Two of North Carolina’s premiere economists, Dr. John Connaughton from UNC-Charlotte and NC State professor emeritus Dr. Michael Walden, join us with their forecast. Later, we also talk about the future of work in terms of technology and remote work.
Our annual tradition continues as Billy Warden and Brian Lewis join Tim to review another wild year in North Carolina politics.
From the U.S. Senate race to the battle and drama around potential Medicaid expansion, there’s no shortage of topics to review.
Billy Warden, from GBW Strategies, and Brian Lewis, from New Frame, are political and communicators who are regulars on all of Tim’s TV and digital programs.
When Peter Cooper died in Nashville earlier this month, famous country singers and so many others quickly memorialized the incredible writing and musical career he created despite passing away young at the age of 52.
What Tim didn’t know, he’s the brother of Western Carolina University political scientist Dr. Chris Cooper. Chris is a regular on our TV shows and has appeared on this podcast.
Despite years of knowing each other, the connection was never made, so Tim asked Chris to talk about his brother and share some unbelievable stories. It’s fitting as a part of this podcast’s mission to tell the stories behind the people and stories of North Carolina politics.
Earlier this year, a TikTok post featuring Zeb Ross went viral and led to several other viral videos, and now hundreds of billions of views. It’s so popular, Ross, a clogger from Canton, North Carolina, recently ended up on the Country Music Association Awards with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. The clogging group was started 13 years ago by his mom, and both her and Ross join Tim to talk about the pandemonium of popularity, behind the scenes of the CMA appearance and so much more!
After over 50 combined years in Congress, two members of the North Carolina delegation are retiring in a matter of weeks.
Tim recently spent time in DC and back in North Carolina with Democrats David Price and G.K. Butterfield. They talked about the highs, the lows, the future of the country, and what they plan to do in retirement.
They also tell some never heard before stories about Barack Obama recruiting them for their support in his 2008 bid for the White House.
While Republicans did not do as well as they wanted nationally, they did better than average in North Carolina winning the U.S. Senate race and sweeping both state Supreme Court seats. For years, we’ve heard North Carolina is a purple state politically, meaning it’s even and a battleground.
But is that true?
The dynamics and details beyond the headline are fascinating and we are talking with two of the premiere political scientists who are studying it and publishing articles on the issues. Our guests this week are Catawba College’s Dr. Michael Bitzer and Western Carolina University’s Dr. Chris Cooper
In the early 1900s in downtown Raleigh, one of the city’s most prominent attorneys from a well-known family shot and killed another man on Fayetteville street in broad daylight.
He never went to prison, and it was potentially over a child he had with a woman who claimed they were married. To this day, it’s one of those stories where we have more questions than answers.
However, in a brand new book, “Life and Death in High Places”, Bruce Miller and Robin Simonton dug deeper than ever into this incredible story that made headlines all over the country. We talk with the authors about this fascinating piece of North Carolina history.
Last week voters in North Carolina picked Republican Ted Budd as the state’s next U.S. Senator. It was a long and winding road to get to election day and this week, Budd’s senior adviser Jonathan Felts takes us behind the scenes from the primary to the hotel suite on election night last week.
Find out how they think they won, what it says about the state of politics in North Carolina and what to expect from Senator-elect Ted Budd.
In 2020 and beyond, there were outcries of rigged elections and voter fraud by President Trump and his followers. In 2018, however, North Carolina actually experienced perhaps the biggest case of election fraud in modern history. Curious as to what the loser of that 2018 race thinks of it now and what has transpired since, Tim traveled to Charlotte to meet with Dan McCready to find out what he's up to. As it turns out, he has a lot to say about the state of democracy.
In the final days of the campaign, we have a supersized show with two of the state’s top minds: Republican Jim Blaine and Democrat Morgan Jackson. Who has the advantage down the stretch? Which races are they watching closely? Will Republicans win supermajorities in the state legislature? And why is it such a bad thing to have “boring” candidates? Plus, we’ll hear which campaigns have impressed the most and what toilet paper and the Kardashians have to do with North Carolina politics. It’s a must-listen!
North Carolina's U.S. Senate race might be the closest in the country, but you wouldn't know it watching national news. Georgia and Pennsylvania have dominated headlines, while North Carolina's race has been described as sleepy and quiet. Why? This week we talk with two D.C. operatives with deep North Carolina ties to find out why and where they think this race stands, less than two weeks before Election Day. Doug Heye and Brad Woodhouse join Tim Boyum for a fun and enlightening conversation.
Last week, we held conversations with the two candidates for one of the most underrated races on the ballot in November: the North Carolina Supreme Court. This week, we introduce you to the two candidates for the other seat. The races are partisan seats in North Carolina, and Democrats hold a 4-3 advantage. Republicans have put a focus on winning these seats to regain control. This week we introduce you to Democrat and incumbent Sam Ervin and Republican Trey Allen.
While voters are focused on the U.S. Senate race, political insiders say the most important race on the ballot may be the one for two open North Carolina Supreme Court seats. Democrats hold a one-seat advantage, but Republicans have targeted these seats as important cases, like redistricting, loom over the court. The next two weeks we will talk with the candidates for both seats. First up: Judge Lucy Inman and Judge Richard Dietz.
This week, just days before our exclusive and only U.S. Senate debate between Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd, we bring on two of the state’s top political consultants to break down the race and what we can expect. Paul Shumaker represents both current U.S. Senators and Morgan Jackson represents Gov. Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein.
They both have extensive Senate campaign and debate experience. They will not only give us their take on what’s at stake for both candidates, but they will share behind-the-scenes stories on what it’s like to prepare for these high stake debates.
For more than a decade, Dana Cope grew the State Employees Association’s political power at the state legislature, representing 60,000+ state employees. So much so, a national union joined forces, and he ended up at the White House and exotic locations around the world.
Then, it all came to a screeching halt. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the same organization. After serving four years in prison, Cope is sharing his story for the first time in great detail.
From behind the scenes of the association’s growing power, to the details of his crime, his time in prison, and now his apology to everyone that used to work for him.
It’s episode you do not want to miss.
This summer, Congress passed a bill called the PACT Act, and the president signed it into law. It gives significant help to veterans impacted by burn pits. But it also helps victims and families from water contamination 40 years ago at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. It allows them to receive compensation. You have probably seen the law firm ads recruiting potential clients. This week we talk with one of the victims, as well as Larry Hall, who is a former marine, former state lawmaker, and former Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He’s now working with a law firm representing dozens, if not hundreds, of these families.
Nearly six years after Hurricane Matthew and four years after Hurricane Florence, thousands of families are still waiting for repairs or the rebuilding of their homes. Hurricane recovery is complicated in terms of state and federal programs, and there's plenty of red tape. This week, North Carolina Director of Recovery and Resiliency Laura Hogshead is on the show, and she will detail how many people are still waiting and why it takes so long. She will answer many of the critics’ questions that remain as a legislative committee begins its own look into the long-term recovery.
A 7-foot-2 Avery County man and NC State legend was a member of the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Tommy Burleson got caught in the middle of a moment when terrorists were taking athletes to a bus and helicopter where they were taken to the airport and killed during a shootout. Burleson vividly remembers a gun to his back and then his head as he could hear the whimpers of the Israeli athletes when they were shuffled out behind him as he faced a wall. The event leaves him with nightmares to this very day. This summer, I spent some time with Burleson in his hometown where he told the story that he rarely shares in public.
Last week we had on a top GOP consultant to forecast the fall election. This week we bring on Democrat Morgan Jackson, who is a top advisor for Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein. We talk about the impact of the abortion ruling this summer and whether he thinks Democrats can hold off Republican supermajorities and the U.S. Senate race. We'll also talk about the oversized role suburbs will play in this election and moving forward.
Will there be a red wave this election, or no?
For a huge chunk of this year, political experts have predicted a potential red wave for both historical reasons and the current state of the economy. However, following the abortion ruling earlier this summer and other factors, that talk has quieted in recent weeks.
Longtime Republican consultant Paul Shumaker joins us to give his take as we head toward Labor Day weekend, his thoughts on the status of the U.S. Senate race and the future of North Carolina politics.
Mark Robinson remains one of the North Carolina’s most controversial yet fascinating political figures. From his meteoric rise in politics to his controversial speeches about the LGBTQ community, he tells his life story often in speeches. Next month, he’ll release his first book, "We are the Majority," on his complex life growing up in Greensboro and the speech he made at a city council meeting that went viral and sparked his political career. Robinson joins us to share some of story, talk about the future of his political career and talk about some of his more controversial moments.
Misinformation and various challenges have dominated the national discussions when it comes to elections, especially over the last two years. Those discussions have led to threats, an avalanche of public records requests and nearly half of the state’s county elections directors resigning or quitting in three years.
On this week’s “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” we talk with the state elections executive director and a recently retired county director to hear their stories and what they think can be done to end the threats.
Last week, Duke Energy's Katherine Neebe was our guest, and she outlined the company's sustainability goals and the future of energy. As you might imagine, not everyone agrees with Duke Energy's plan for the future. So, this week we have a couple industry experts from the renewable energy sector to give their viewpoints and talk much more specifically about a debate with a deadline that's under intense scrutiny right now. It will impact your bills, how we produce energy, and the future of energy. Joining us, Luis Martinez from Natural Resources Defense Council and John Burns from the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association.
There have been a lot of reports recently about something called an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) report released by Duke Energy. It’s filled with dozens of pages with statistics, projections and promises about the future of energy. While Duke Energy praises its efforts to move away from coal and reach net zero carbon emissions, some critics argue the company is saying it will do more than it is actually doing here in North Carolina and across the utilities’ footprint. So what does this all mean, especially for customers? On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim travels to Duke Energy’s headquarters in Charlotte to interview Katherine Neebe, chief sustainability officer at Duke Energy, vice president of national engagement and strategy and president of the Duke Energy Foundation, and get the scoop firsthand.
We're taking a look at the future of abortion in North Carolina from two very different perspectives. A couple weeks ago, we had on two legal experts to break down the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This week, we bring on two people who hope to influence the future of abortion in North Carolina, where it remains legal. Tami Fitzgerald runs the conservative N.C. Values Coalition, and Rep. Julie von Haefen, a Wake County Democrat, spent time in Mexico earlier this year to learn about the very different status of abortion in different parts of that country. We will talk about where their strong stances on abortion come from, the SCOTUS decision, what North Carolina should do next and Rep. von Haefen’s trip to Mexico.
The U.S. Supreme Court's abortion decision received all the attention, but the court also agreed to take up something next term involving a case from North Carolina. It involves the state legislature and the courts. The details are complicated, but some could say a decision could fundamentally change democracy. But could it? We bring back our legal experts, Greg Wallace from Campbell Law and Bill Marshall from UNC Law, to break down everything surrounding this major case. Some argue it could even be used to overturn future presidential elections.
After nearly two decades in public office, Rep. Grier Martin , who is a Wake County Democrat, is calling it quits this week. He's leaving the legislature to take a job with the Biden administration at the Pentagon. Martin joins us to talk about his incredible military career, including the moment he volunteered for active duty just days after 9/11 and serving overseas just days after his first and only child was born. He'll also talk about his political career over the course of governors from both parties and why he now feels burned out from politics.
Last week's abortion ruling by the Supreme Court created just as many questions as answers. What's the future of abortion in North Carolina? Why did the court rule the way it did and the history behind it? Can states legally pass laws banning abortions out of state or abortion pills to enter a state? Importantly, are other rights like same-sex marriage and contraceptives in danger? We bring on two very passionate law professors who know this as well as anyone. Bill Marshall from UNC School of Law and Greg Wallace from Campbell Law School help us understand the reasoning behind the decision and what's next.
After retiring from a legendary TV news career in North Carolina, David Crabtree is leading PBS North Carolina. David joins Tim to talk about interviewing six presidents, the story of why he came and stayed in North Carolina for nearly three decades, and his plans for the future of public television. Tim and David will also give extensive behind the scenes stories about what it’s like to chase down interviews with presidents and candidates. They spent two decades competing for many of the same interviews.
This week marks 50 years since the Watergate break-in happened, sparking perhaps our nation’s biggest political scandal and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. North Carolina played a monster role in the investigation that followed with Sen. Sam Ervin chairing the Senate Watergate Committee. His 31-year-old Deputy Chief Counsel Rufus Edmisten delivered the subpoena to the White House for the famous tapes. Edmisten went on to a long and prolific political career. Tim catches up with the 80-year-old character at his office, which looks more like a museum and his home, which looks more like a public garden, and a local radio station.
Democrat and N.C. Senator Mike Woodard joins the show to talk about some historic moments in the Senate as Medicaid expansion and medical marijuana passed. We will talk in-depth about the challenges remaining trying to pass the major initiatives and why he thinks the time might be soon. Later, we'll talk about another major challenge facing the state with the gas tax. It's a major portion of road funding, but continues to dwindle as cars become more energy efficient, and electric cars are becoming more prolific. How will the state replace those funds? It's a conundrum lawmakers have tried to find a solution for more than two decades.
Just days after the Texas school shooting tragedy, Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) called for a special education meeting to get an update on school safety in North Carolina. The response remains mixed.
On this week’s bonus episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” we find out how many credible threats schools have faced across the state, why a third of schools still have not submitted required safety plans and whether things like safety officers in elementary schools and metal detectors are under consideration.
Later, we’ll also talk about some controversial ideas on the table about big changes to the education system in North Carolina.
For the past decade, Sen. Phil Berger was perhaps the biggest opponent of Medicaid expansion. But now, arguably North Carolina’s most powerful politician, Sen. Berger says it’s a slam-dunk idea and wants his fellow Republicans to vote for it this summer. While we will talk about the policy reasons, we’ll also get an in-depth look at the evolution of his position. Later, we’ll also ask him about abortion, medical marijuana, sports betting and where he stands on gun laws.
House Majority Leader John Bell joins the podcast this week with some incredible behind-the-scenes stories about budget negotiations and last-minute drama surrounding Medicaid expansion proposals from his own party late in the process. Rep. Bell (R-Wayne) talks about his upbringing in Mount Olive, having a young family serving in the legislature and Disney trips interrupted by veto overrides. Finally, as the short session gets underway, we get his take on hot-button issues on the table like the budget, medical marijuana, online sports gambling and more.
He’s worked for four presidents from both parties, and is a New York Times best-selling author. But wait until you hear the stories about North Carolina that Durham native David Gergen shares with Tim in this week’s episode! From a dangerous mission to learn about the KKK, to his thoughts on the president 50 years after Watergate, to his personal stories about former North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford, it’s a conversation that will keep your ears perked up. Gergen will also tie it all together to talk about leadership in his new book "Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made." We’ll also ask him about his favorite leader in his own life and illustrious career.
It's known as the most dangerous hotel in the world, but Frying Pan Tower once saved countless lives as ship navigators tried to avoid the Graveyard of the Atlantic off the North Carolina coast.
Built by the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1960s, it was abandoned, but now saved by a Charlotte man trying to restore it. We spend two nights on the tower to visit, explore and see it all firsthand as the efforts to preserve it continue before the rusty tower falls into the ocean with the countless shipwrecks nearby.
This week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum should get your spirits back up in regards to politics and the younger generation.
Twenty-three-year-old Mitchell Whitley is on a mission to meet all 552 North Carolina mayors.
He's doing this to learn more about our state, but also the challenges our communities we face. Eventually, he plans to write a book and could even run for office some day himself. Wait until you hear some of his stories about driving a mayor in a town's Christmas parade or another town where buzzards appear to be the biggest concern.
From Apple to VinFast, North Carolina has announced some massive economic developments in the past year. Why? What is it like trying to recruit these companies? What is it about North Carolina, and what are the number one priorities for companies looking to expand here?
We will answer these questions and more in a fascinating and candid conversation with Chris Chung about job recruitment in North Carolina. Chung is the CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. EDPNC plays a major role in recruiting jobs and getting North Carolina to the finish line.
Just outside Asheville is the small town of Fletcher, which is home to roughly 8,000 residents, and it’s making big waves with its new mayor.
Preston Blakely is the youngest mayor in the state at just 27 years old, and he’s the grandson of an Asheville civil rights icon.
We talk with him about his early rise in politics, his family history, political shenanigans in his mayoral campaign, and how Fletcher is facing many of the same growing pains other “bedroom communities” are facing all across North Carolina.
North Carolina is seeing unprecedented growth, and the housing market is following suit.
Houses are selling within hours of going on the market, and for tens of thousands of dollars over asking price. What's going on and will it continue?
We'll talk with Steven Webb from the North Carolina Home Builder's Association and Wendy Harris with the N.C. Realtors.
In this week's episode, we talk with Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines about his long career in politics, why he's never made the jump to a "bigger pond" and competing against Raleigh and Charlotte for job creation. Does he worry about Krispy Kreme and Hanes leaving for “greener pastures”? Just how close was he to running for Congress and governor? We’ll get the scoop and hear from one of North Carolina’s current longest serving mayors of more than two decades now!
Morgan Jackson is one of the most powerful Democratic consultants in the state, with clients like Governor Roy Cooper, Attorney General Josh Stein and a number of presidential candidates over the years.
We will talk about current politics, but we'll also learn about Jackson's story, including why his life in politics was pretty much inevitable and what it was like growing up the son of a political consultant.
We'll also talk about his time working with John Edwards and how he feels about everything that transpired. We ask him about the infamous Cal Cunninghum BBQ tweet and the controversial end of that 2020 U.S. Senate campaign. And finally, we'll find out why Willie Nelson has played such a vital role in his life.
As a kid Jim Kitchen dreamed of going to space as an astronaut. Decades later, he’s not an astronaut, but he is headed to space as a private citizen on Jeff Bezo’s Blue Origin.
The UNC professor joins us to talk about how he was selected, all the fascinating stories of what he’s taking with him for the ride and why a prenup with his now wife 25 years ago is playing out with this trip.
He is also likely the first person ever to visit all 193 recognized countries and take a ride in space.
Wait until you hear about all of his travels and the number one spot he would tell you to visit. It’s an incredible and even emotional conversation about a dream come true for this North Carolinian.
Nearly 150 years ago, the North Carolina General Assembly funded a four-year rail project to open up western North Carolina to the rest of the state. Nearly 3,000 people helped work on it and almost all of them were former convicts and a large majority were former slaves.
As many as 300 may have died. Now, a local mayor and researchers are not only looking for justice. They are looking for the spot where remains are buried. We are there for extraordinary access as decades of work led to incredibly anxious moments as a human remains detection dog sniffed the hillside.
Did the dog find anything?
Five years ago this fall, Charlotte voters made history by electing the first big city majority millennial council in the country. We spent some time in the Queen City with four of them to find out how things have gone and where things are headed. As we found out, when COVID-19 hit, relationships also took a hit and led to a challenging two years.
We’ll also hear how the job has impacted their personal lives and how much these young politicians have changed during these two terms.
Most people know Dale Folwell as a no-nonsense, stern politician who’s North Carolina's elected Treasurer. However, as you will hear in this week's episode, Treasurer Folwell's life story is a series of incredible highs and lows. Folwell opens up with an incredibly candid conversation about his life and career.
This emotional conversation will bring you stories you probably have never heard about his upbringing, the tragic story of losing his 7-year-old son, his incredible dirt motorbike career, and narrowly surviving COVID-19 just weeks after the state shut down in March 2020.
Many of you probably know the politics of Attorney General Josh Stein from his time in this office and the state legislature.
There’s more to him than that. Did you know he played minor league soccer and taught in Zimbabwe? Or that his dad helped create the first integrated law firm in North Carolina?
We’ll talk with him about his background and of course, ask him if he’s running for governor in 2024. We’ll also talk in-depth about the political climate in North Carolina and redistricting. Finally, we’ll get his take on the Super Bowl halftime performance that seemed to split along generational lines.
Is our education system outdated by more than a century? Are we doing enough to prepare our kids for future jobs and providing enough skilled workers for all the companies that want to come to North Carolina? What about all the high-stakes testing?
We tackle those questions this week with Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt and N.C. Chamber CEO Gary Salamido. They are working together to shake up education with some big ideas and admittedly some ideas that will raise the blood pressure of those who are nervous about changing institutions like public education. It’s a fascinating discussion about the future of education.
State Auditor Beth Wood’s job is to make sure the state spends billions and billions of dollars properly. She came in skeptical and after 13 years, she says she still feels that way every single day.
The little girl who worked on her family's tobacco farm grew up to be an accountant and is known for her no-nonsense style when it comes to keeping tabs on state spending. We also talk to her about well-known fashion and why she was recently inducted into a hall of fame.
Sixty-two years ago this week, four Black men stood up by sitting down at the Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro. The photograph and image became a focal point of the sit-in movement.
However, many more people sat in protest including Clarence Henderson who joined in on day two. Despite the fear of danger, Henderson actually thought his decision to take part in the Civil Rights Movement was simple compared to the rough neighborhood where he grew up. So, 62 years later, for the first time, we will tell the story from the standpoint of his roots and how it prepared him for that day on Feb. 2, 1960.
You will learn how those roots have impacted his politics. Henderson admits his politics surprised many people, especially after the 2020 election when he supported Donald Trump.
In Fort Smith, Arkansas in the mid-1990s, Tim Boyum and Kevin Thompson spent countless hours putting together the high school newspaper. After graduation, they went their separate ways. Boyum became a TV journalist and Thompson became a preacher and author.
Now, 27 years later, they are reuniting so listeners can hear embarrassing stories about high school. Importantly, they have a candid and thoughtful conversation on the challenges of a healthy debate about religion in politics. You might be surprised their different professions really do mirror each other.
Later, Benny Mac will share his own stories of what he was like in high school.
You can find out more about Kevin Thompson here: https://www.kevinathompson.com/
Minorities overwhelmingly register as Democrat, unaffiliated is typically second and Republican is far behind in third. The man in charge of recruiting Republican candidates for the North Carolina House of Representatives GOP, however, wants to change that narrative.
We noticed in December, Stephen Wiley, the House GOP caucus director, was posting pictures of Republican minorities signing up for the 2022 election. So, we asked him to come on the show to talk about it and bring one of the candidates along.
Jarrod Lowery, who joins Wiley on this episode, is a Lumbee Native American and plans to run for the state House this year.
Later this month, a North Carolina politician will head to Los Angeles hoping to come home a Grammy winner!
Pierce Freelon was recently a Durham City councilman and a former candidate for mayor and state senate. But, this month he’ll campaign for a Grammy that could change his life forever.
We head to Durham to hang out in his studio, we’ll wander the streets of downtown Durham and talk about his political career. Plus we'll find out why he’s not the only one in his family hoping for a Grammy this year!
Last month, we had the rare chance to sit down with Gov. Roy Cooper. It’s one of the few times in 18 months he has sat down for an in-person interview. We had 20 minutes at the executive mansion.
Parts of that interview have aired on our other platforms, but nowhere has it all been heard until this podcast. We will talk in-depth about COVID-19, Medicaid expansion and redistricting. That last topic you will hear him use a word you rarely hear in politics: regret.
But on this podcast, we will also get a little insight on his personal life too talking about his own family during COVID-19, why there are now at least four pets living in the executive mansion and his love for the Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey team.
As the year ends, Tim and Ben are inviting a couple of friends of the program to look back at all the big stories of 2021.
This insightful, yet hilarious discussion will review COVID-19 still dominating headlines, DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen leaving, redistricting debates, the 2022 U.S. Senate race and the first state budget signed in more than three years.
Communication experts and political analysts Brian Lewis and Billy Warden join us to break it all down.
On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together with Tim Boyum,” North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (R) joins Tim and Ben to talk about a budget finally signed for the first time since 2018.
Listen in as he goes in depth about how close the state really is, or is not, to approving Medicaid expansion. Then, he talks extensively about his decision not to run for Congress and how Congressman Madison Cawthorn appears to have run in his district on purpose.
Later, we talk about redistricting and lawsuits that have put filing on hold and delayed the primary election by two months.
In late November, we were honored to get an Emmy nomination for a TV story on North Carolina Representative Brian Turner. The story focused on the challenges of leaving your family behind and commuting four hours for four days a week to be a state lawmaker.
Ironically, just hours before that Emmy nomination, Rep. Turner announced he would not run for reelection. Turner cited the strain on his family and business as legislative sessions continue to get longer all while making just $14,000 for what is supposed to be a part-time job.
We will share with you the original story and then Rep. Turner joins us to talk more about his decision and what can be done to make it easier to serve the state. Later, we'll find out why Rep. Turner used to hang out with famous musicians and how he met his wife while working for MTV.
Ed Fitts was born and raised in Littleton, North Carolina, but in 1957, he left the town for N.C. State and went on to make a fortune selling packaging to fast food companies.
Now, Fitts has returned to the tiny town that has dwindled to less than 600 residents. He is investing with high speed internet, a school, a coffee shop and more to try and rebuild his hometown that is a shadow of its past.
On this week’s “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim travels to Littleton to meet with Ed and Deb Fitts and the folks trying to build a future for this town with a storied past.
You may know him as a famous White House correspondent for NBC News or NPR, but we know Geoff Bennett as simply Geoff.
Before he made it big, he was one of our Washington DC reporters. Tim and Geoff spent hours, days and weeks covering national political conventions and will trade stories including one with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog!
Geoff, now taking his talents to PBS for a monster role in 2022, will tell us all the behind-the-scenes stories of working at the White House, seeing the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations up close, and how tiring of a job it really is.
On this Thanksgiving episode, we are going to go a little lighter to help ease your drive to grandma's house.
Jeremy Markovich is a prolific writer and podcaster who focuses on writing about the obscure and finding hidden places. From a Pitt County election with no voters to Mick Jagger going unnoticed at a bar, we'll go down the rabbit hole to tell some incredible stories about people and places even long-time North Carolina residents might not know about. For newcomers, it's a conversation you won't want to miss!
More from Jeremy Markovich:
Substack
"Away Message" podcast
This week, two North Carolina reporters are releasing a critically-acclaimed book on North Carolina's infamous 2018 9th District congressional race. It was one of the few races where there actually was documented fraud and it forced a do-over election in 2019.
Nick Ochsner and Michael Graff tell us the stories behind the stories and why this incident was more than a hundred years in the making.
Within months of winning her first term as Raleigh Mayor, a pandemic dominated life. A couple of months later, social justice protests and then riots destroyed parts of the city. Mary-Ann Baldwin talks about leading the city through these traumatic times, affordable housing challenges, criticism she faces and growth. She also dishes on her favorite restaurants and we hear about moments that changed the city forever and at least one mistake leaders made in planning.
On this episode of Tying it Together with Tim Boyum, we hear from Robb Leandro.
This month, a billion-dollar deadline looms for Republican lawmakers to comply with a North Carolina judge's ruling on a nearly three-decade-old lawsuit. It's known as the Leandro Lawsuit and centers on the idea of providing each child with a "sound basic education" as described in our state constitution. It was filed by five low-wealth school districts in 1994.
Leandro was the name of one of the plaintiffs in the case. He was an eighth-grader at the time. Nearly 30 years later and with this latest drama of a still-unresolved case, we track him down to chat.
Last week, we had two Republicans talk about the party's challenges with the LGBTQ+ community and in urban/suburban districts. This week we bring on two political experts to talk about the party's challenges in rural areas.
Former Democratic Party Chair Wayne Goodwin and longtime political consultant Brad Crone talk freely about upcoming elections and share if they think Democratic candidates can appeal to voters in rural areas across the state.
When Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson used the term "filth" in a speech about the LGBTQ+ community, Democrats quickly called for his resignation. The state Republican Party issued a statement of support for Robinson.
However, there are some Republicans, particularly the younger ones, who are growing concerned about the party's image with the LGBTQ+ community and in urban/suburban spaces. Two of those Republicans made no bones about it in posts on Twitter.
Larry Shaheen and Brent Woodcox join Tim Boyum to talk about this situation and the future of their party.
Rep. Charles Graham (D), a state representative not well-known beyond his area of the 47th District, recently dropped an ad announcing he was running for Congress. Within 24 hours, more than 4 million people viewed that ad.
Its story of the KKK trying to attack the Lumbee Indian community struck a chord and spread like digital wildfire.
On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Graham joins us to tell his emotional story. The ad's creator and fellow North Carolinian Frank Eaton also joins us to give a behind-the-scenes look and explain why he thinks it became so successful so quickly.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is arguably one of North Carolina's most fascinating and controversial politicians.
On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim takes the Greensboro Republican back to the street he grew up on to find out what makes him tick and why he says he aims to be controversial.
From stories that will make your jaw drop to whether he wants to run for governor in 2024, this is a must listen.
Later, we'll also talk with a listener who answered Ben's call to draw a congressional district from Murphy to Manteo!
It has been called “computer generated porn” in North Carolina, and on this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” we are tackling the past, present and future of redistricting.
In the coming weeks, lawmakers will draw political maps that will determine who you vote for in elections for the next decade. It's a complicated process few know much about, but it's one of the most important things lawmakers will ever do in their career.
Lucky for you, we have found a way for it to be informative and, at times, hilarious.
We are joined by Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College, who just released a book on the topic. Dr. Chris Cooper, from Western Carolina University, who has studied it extensively. Finally, Jim Blaine, a former chief of staff for Senate leader Phil Berger and someone who has been in the room when these maps are drawn. Wait until you hear some of his impressions of well known lawmakers!
Since 1960, “The Andy Griffith Show” has appeared on televisions across the country and in North Carolina nonstop. It has been a cultural phenomenon with an incredible lasting impact. But why, and will it continue?
A new documentary examines those questions and more, especially in light of questions today on whether a Mayberry approach would work to convince people to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim is joined by Chris Hudson, director of “The Mayberry Effect,” and historian Dr. Gary Freeze for a fun, educational and perhaps controversial look at the past, present and future impact of “The Andy Griffith Show.”
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On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Bob Crawford, upright bassist with the Avett Brothers, joins us to talk about how his whimsical decision making has led to so much success. We'll talk about the band, his views on the mix of politics and music and also his podcasts about history and politics.
He also talks in depth about being in the band and dealing with his daughter having cancer three separate times. Finally, don't miss the end where he talks about his favorite performances and collaborations, especially the one with John Prine!
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” we share exclusive stories from September 11, 2001 as the state responded to what happened in NYC, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. We chat with former Governor Mike Easley and his top aides, who were charged with protecting the state and responding as the country went to war.
We also talk to two state lawmakers who were inspired to enlist for active duty just days after the attack.
Like all of us reflecting this week, Tim and Ben will share their own stories of where they were that day and their thoughts 20 years later.
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
The little mountain town of Canton has less than 5,000 residents and sits about 17 miles west of Asheville. In recent weeks, a big chunk of the town found itself underwater after devastating floods caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred.
On this week’s episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” the town's 38-year-old mayor, Zeb Smathers, joins us to tell the harrowing stories of what he has seen, the visits from big name politicians and what he hopes for the future of this historic paper mill town.
Ironically, his dad was mayor in 2004 when the town also saw dramatic flooding from the remnants of two hurricanes.
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
Since we released a special bonus episode last Friday, Tim and Ben are giving a little behind the scenes of our podcast, “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” this week.
Listen in as Tim quizzes Ben on the origin of his incredible laugh our listeners have learned to love! They also talk about their upbringings and how North Carolina is dramatically changing. Later, Tim also lets us know the one crazy thing he did this summer.
Don’t worry, we’ll be back next Wednesday with a brand new guest.
In the meantime, check out our bonus episode on the situation in Afghanistan: ‘My dad died to make the Afghan people better’: Taliban takeover hits home
It's a conversation you will never forget!
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
In this special episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” we have an emotional and engaging conversation with a Gold Star family member and someone who helped teach campaigns and democracy in Afghanistan.
Nick Ochsner, a reporter with WBTV in Charlotte, N.C., lost his dad in Afghanistan in 2005, and Jonathan Felts spent more than a year trying to teach campaigning in the war-torn country in 2010.
Following the recent withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region, they are both now struggling to watch as the Taliban quickly takes control of the country and the chaos that has ensued at the airport in the capital city of Kabul.
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
We've got a super sized edition of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum” and taking a brief break from hardcore politics in the process!
On this week’s episode, Tim sits down with Billy Warden, who provides some of the most creative and funny appearances on Capital Tonight, as he shares incredible stories about his time writing and producing Joan River's red carpet specials on E! Entertainment Television.
Later, director, actor and comedian Michael Rapaport also joins us to talk about his upcoming shows in North Carolina, his time on “Friends” and much more!
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
Jim Martin was governor of North Carolina from 1985-1993. He was one of only two Republican governors in the 20th century.
Even more interesting, he is a chemist by profession, and as a Republican recently wrote a book about science and faith.
On this episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim will dig deep into why Martin thinks people of faith can believe in science as well.
This week marks a milestone as every single living governor in North Carolina will have appeared on the podcast. This one is quite unique.
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Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam made state history when she was elected to office, becoming the first Muslim woman to win a seat in North Carolina. As she was sworn-in, however, the excitement was subdued by 15 hateful voicemails she received that morning.
But that's just the beginning of the story.
On this episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim talks with Allam, whose tale is, in a way, about achieving the American dream. Her path to elected office, however, was anything but easy.
The story includes racism and even a homicide. Despite that, she's paving a path for other young Muslim women to follow in her footsteps.
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N.C. Central University men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton has been incredibly successful throughout his career, leading his team to the NCAA tournament numerous times. But it didn’t come without a lot of hard work both on and off the court.
On this episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Tim talks with Moton about his difficult path to success and how he overcame incredible odds to find himself in the position he's in today.
From the housing projects of Raleigh, to watching his friends go to prison for murder and practically trying to sabotage his own future, Moton's story will shock, inspire and capture your attention.
Now, after finding success, learn how he is giving back by working on a new housing project in the same neighborhood he grew up in.
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Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
Craig Horn grew up without running water in his house, never went to college and didn't even know his real last name until he was 19. Despite all of that, the man from Union County, North Carolina went on to be a Russian linguist in the U.S. Air Force, became a world renowned Winston Churchill expert and a Republican state lawmaker.
On this episode of “Tying It Together With Tim Boyum,” Horn shares stories with Tim that will keep you captivated and wondering why he hasn't written a book. Luckily for us, he tells them all in this incredible conversation.
Oh, and did we mention he was in a rock band that produced several albums as well? You don’t want to miss this.
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In their early 30's, Sarah Blake Morgan and Nick Ochsner are well-known in North Carolina journalism circles.
The married couple work at the Associated Press and WBTV in Charlotte. But, in recent months Sarah took a leap of faith few would ever do. At 31-years-old, she joined the military. Nick knows the military well, his father was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
On this week's episode of "Tying It Together With Tim Boyum," the couple joins for an inspiring, fun and emotional conversation about the roller coaster they have endured to this point. Sarah tells us why she felt the need to change her life and Nick tells us about the letters written to her every day.
On the heels of a No. 1 spot on Netflix in 2020, "Outer Banks" returns for its second season on July 30. Just like last year, not a single frame of film was recorded in North Carolina.
On this week’s episode of "Tying It Together With Tim Boyum," Tim travels to Wilmington to meet with co-creator Jonas Pate. They talk about the show's inspiration, the cast and why it wasn't filmed in North Carolina. Later, we'll get a sneak peak at the new season and talk about the future of the film industry in North Carolina.
Yes, we'll also talk about the ferry to Chapel Hill controversy from the first season!
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Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr has spent much of his retirement from the bench battling the NCAA and his own political party.
On this week’s episode of "Tying It Together With Tim Boyum," Tim sits down with Orr to discuss his issues with the collegiate legislative body and the GOP. Orr helps explain the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the NCAA and whether it could lead to student athletes being paid. We also talk about the time he was kicked out of the Republican National Convention.
You don’t want to miss these incredible firsthand stories and hear why he left the GOP for good.
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Brad Crone has worked in North Carolina politics for more than three decades. He is a routine guest on our show, “Capital Tonight,” but the stories you haven’t heard on TV are enough to fill a book.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim sits down with Crone to discuss some of these captivating tales. From surviving a plane crash on a gubernatorial campaign to leaving his political party, we hear from the man who is an encyclopedia of North Carolina politics and the people behind it.
You don’t want to miss these incredible first hand stories and hear why he doesn’t think a young Brad Crone could make it in today’s political climate.
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John Drescher, currently a contributing editor with The Assembly magazine in North Carolina, recently wrote an article on the controversy at UNC Chapel Hill over Nikole Hannah-Jones and her pursuit of tenure with the university.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim talks with Drescher about the article, which gained national attention, the controversy over Hannah-Jones and the challenges it presents for his alma mater.
We’ll also talk with Drescher, who was executive editor at the Raleigh News & Observer for a decade during the industry decline from 2007 to 2018, about the current state of the newspaper industry, journalism as a whole and its future.
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Just weeks after prostate cancer surgery, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis returns to Tying It Together with Tim Boyum to talk about his health. We'll also get his take on the debate in Washington on infrastructure and why he voted against the January 6th commission.
Later, he'll tell us why he's going after a fellow Republican in the 2022 U.S. Senate race and wait until you hear the story about his most recent opponent Cal Cunningham.
This time last year, Tim and Ben found themselves dodging tear gas canisters and rocks while covering the protests and riots in Raleigh. A week later they were in Raeford for the North Carolina funeral of George Floyd. This week, Tim catches up with some of the people he met and interviewed during this time. It includes a sheriff who helped plan the Floyd funeral and is demanding law enforcement change himself. We'll also catch up with two young men who helped organize and lead marches in both Raleigh and Fayetteville. At the end of the day, we'll ask the question: has anything changed? Later, Tim and Ben will reflect on their own memories from that historic week.
Capital Tonight features many political experts, often referring to them as “friends of the program.” While you may get a brief glimpse into their backgrounds, we rarely get a chance to talk about their own story.
Many, like Jonathan Felts, have incredible tales about working for presidents and in various locations around the world.
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim sits down with Felts, a North Carolina native, to hear about his time serving as the White House political director for former President George W. Bush. He shares several behind the scenes stories about the former president, flying aboard Air Force One and Bush’s insistence on punctuality.
Felts also talks about the incredible experience of training Afghan political hopefuls and how he ended up bringing a new four-legged friend home.
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After 42 years of public service, North Carolina Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry says he will retire in August.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim talks with “Uncle Mike”, a man known for his calm and friendly demeanor in the midst of public emergencies, about his time as director, the origins of his famous sayings during the COVID news conferences, and all the people who have touched him throughout the years.
Sprayberry also discusses the future of emergency response in N.C. as we continue to see more and stronger hurricanes.
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In the coming weeks, state lawmakers will be debating the next state budget, and despite COVID-19, North Carolina will have an extra $5 billion to play with. Will they spend, save or return it to the taxpayers?
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim talks with North Carolina Representative Jason Saine (R-Lincoln) to get some incredible insight into what we should expect. Saine, lead budget writer in the House, also tells some hilarious stories from behind the scenes about past budget negotiations.
Later, we’ll also talk about his sense of humor, his love for Star Wars, and how he handles trolls in this current political climate.
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Last week, the 2020 Census report confirmed North Carolina would get a 14th Congressional district. Where will that district exist? Will Republicans draw it for themselves?
On this week's episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim dives into the intrigue and how it could impact every congressional and state legislative map. Dr. Rebecca Tippett with Carolina Demography and Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political scientist from Catawba College, join for a fun and fascinating conversation on how these numbers mean so much for the future of our state. They're two of the best minds in the state on these issues.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim talks with Dr. Karen Cox, a history professor at UNC Charlotte and author of the new book “No Common Ground: Confederate Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Equality.”
Cox, who has written several books on southern history, joins us to discuss events of the past year, the ongoing fight over statues and other monuments, and the Lost Cause vision.
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The day protests broke out in North Carolina following the death of George Floyd, Durham attorney T. Greg Doucette started a Twitter thread with videos of police brutality. Within days it had a million plus views, 100k likes, and 77k retweets.
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we talk with Doucette as the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin comes to a close. He also shares his thoughts on the past year and the calls for police reform as incidents like these continue to pop up across the country.
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Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton was a world-famous moonshiner and North Carolina native whose life, persona, moonshine, and death are things of legend. And believe it or not, most of it just happened within the past 20 years!
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim talks with Neal Hutcheson, an author and filmmaker who just released a new book, “The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton.”
In addition to his book, Hutcheson has also produced multiple documentaries on the moonshine legend.
So, grab yourself a nice glass of “likker” and take a listen as he takes us behind the scenes of his relationship with one of the state’s most notorious characters of all time.
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This week, Tim travels to the coast and Southport to see what life is like for former Governor Mike Easley, who served from 2001 to 2009. Together, the two hit the road, do a little woodworking, walk along the shore, and even take a boat ride.
Listen as Easley shares a number of incredible stories from his time in office, including 9/11, ditching his detail for jogs, and his biggest accomplishments. There's so much more in an episode packed with stories and history for those new to North Carolina.
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a gigantic wrench into supply chains across the globe, prompting a public push to buy local that remains to this day. Many of us also left our offices and learned to work from home.
But with vaccinations underway and a sense of normalcy starting to return, many wonder will this all last? Has our economy been forever changed?
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we talk with Scott Lincicome, senior fellow in economic studies at the Cato Institute.
Lincicome is a Raleigh resident and lecturer at Duke University who studies this for a living and joins us to provide his take, plus give insight in to North Carolina’s trade outlook under the new administration and post pandemic.
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This week, as we celebrate Women's History Month, Tim is joined by Dr. Mary Susan Fulghum, a retired doctor who is the niece of one of North Carolina's first female doctors, Dr. Annie Louise Wilkerson.
Wilkerson was told not to become a doctor yet she ended up as chief of staff at North Carolina's first integrated hospital. Before passing away, she even donated her entire 150-plus acre land for a nature preserve.
Hear as Fulghum recounts her aunt's powerful story, the impact she had, and what it was like to work alongside her.
Not only is March 17, 2021 St. Patrick’s Day, it’s also the 1 year anniversary of Gov. Roy Cooper shutting down restaurants and bars to help curb the spread of COVID-19 — something that had a huge impact on the economic engine in North Carolina.
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we have Tim Kent with the N.C. Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association and Richard Greene with the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild on tap to check in on the beer industry and find out how it is doing and how it has coped throughout the pandemic.
We’ll also discuss what “craft” beer really is and whether COVID trends could force more breweries to use big distilleries to get their beer into grocery stores.
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A year after the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the state, we look back at the strides and struggles faced along the way and ahead to the days when this will all be part of the past.
As coronavirus cases quickly spread and Gov. Roy Cooper placed North Carolina in shutdown mode, everyone, including this podcast, had to promptly shift gears and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim catches up with three people featured on past episodes throughout the pandemic. Restaurant owner Leonardo Williams, Rabbi Eric Solomon, and COVID victim and “long hauler” Angie Daoud join us to talk about how they are doing today, what they have learned, and what they hope for in the next year.
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In 2020, big cities across the state and country saw most of the attention during protests over racial justice issues and Confederate statues. However, some small towns, like Sylva, North Carolina, started facing their own past-related struggles.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim travels to the tiny mountain town located about 50 miles west of Asheville to learn more about its unique story.
The town has played a backdrop for movies like Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Fugitive, but also has a fascinating script of its own. It involves a former pro-wrestler, a town board looking to make a change, and a community with a changing identity.
It’s also a story that, so far, has yet to write its ending.
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As Black History Month comes to an end, an old topic is getting new attention in the halls of Congress — reparations for slavery.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim talks with one of the world’s foremost experts on the subject, Dr. William A. “Sandy” Darity Jr. During a hearing in February, Congress discussed studying possible slavery reparations and what that could look like.
Listen in as Darity, a professor at Duke University and co-author of the book From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century, makes his case for reparations, explains how it could work, and discusses the impact he believes it would have on our country.
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Imagine reaching the pinnacle of your profession and then having it all come crashing down.
This week on Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we go a little outside of the box to discuss and learn about leadership from former UNC Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Doherty.
Doherty played for the Tar Heels during the early ‘80s and won a national championship alongside Michael Jordan in 1982. In 2000, he was named head coach at his alma mater but was then forced to resign after just three seasons.
Coach Doherty’s story is one of reaching the peak, falling down, and picking yourself back up.
Tim also talks with Doherty about his new book, Rebound: From Pain to Passion, where he describes the leadership lessons learned during his rollercoaster of a time at Carolina. It’s a candid and emotional interview that you will want to hear even if you are not a sports nut.
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On this special Vaccine Education Week episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim sits down for a Q&A with North Carolina’s top doc, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen, and Dr. David Wohl with the Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at UNC Health.
In this episode, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Wohl provide answers for some of the top questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, including:
- How do the vaccines work?
- What is the state’s process for distributing the vaccine?
- Who makes those decisions?
- How do you get a shot, and how do you know what group you are in?
- What happens when you actually get a shot, physically?
- How soon you are protected, and what is the difference between the various vaccines?
- What do we know about the new variants?
- How long does the vaccine protect you, and will you need it moving forward?
- Will more vaccinations lead to restrictions being lifted and when?
- When will everyone be able to get the vaccine?
RELATED: FAQ: Getting the Coronavirus Vaccine in North Carolina
During the episode, our guests also explain why it is so important for you to get vaccinated when it is your time, and try to help alleviate some of the concerns many may have over things such as the speed of vaccine production.
Later, we will also discuss additional concerns over issues like mental health due to the virus and ways you or someone you know can get help.
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We keep hearing calls for unity from now President Joe Biden. But how realistic are these calls and what can President Biden do to try and find this unity? Importantly, do enough people even want unity in politics?
This week, we talk with three of the top political minds in North Carolina who study these issues. One of them even says we need to reevaluate what it means to be an American after the past five years.
Our guests include Catawba College political scientist Dr. Michael Bitzer, Davidson College political scientist Dr. Susan Roberts, and Western Carolina University political scientist Dr. Chris Cooper.
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This past November, Paul Newby won the Chief Justice seat in North Carolina by just 401 votes out of 5.4 million statewide. While that may be a crazy story, it is nothing compared to the one he has about helping recover North Carolina's stolen copy of the Bill of Rights.
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben sit down with the new chief justice to hear the incredible tale, which includes an undercover sting in 2003 that finally helped recover the precious document that went missing just after the Civil War.
The twists and turns in between will have your jaw dropping the entire way.
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In a matter of days, first-term Congresswoman Kathy Manning (D-6th District) was sworn in, was locked INSIDE the House chamber during the Capitol attack, and spoke on the floor of the U.S. House encouraging the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, she tells the emotional, frightening, and incredible story of her first two weeks in office.
Later in the episode, and on a lighter note, we also hear about the acapella group Manning started during her time at Harvard.
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Months after the pandemic started, lawsuits are still being filed and the debate still rages over whether shutdowns, restrictions, and potential vaccine mandates are legal.
On this episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we revisit the legal questions surrounding COVID-19.
In the spring of 2020 we spoke with UNC Law Professor Bill Marshall and Campbell Law Professor Greg Wallace about legal issues related to the pandemic. This week, the constitutional experts are back to answer the latest pressing legal questions about the virus and vaccine.
The answers might surprise you, and they appear to be evolving as the crisis continues.
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Ten days before Anthony Foxx was born, a U.S. Supreme Court case determined busing would be used to integrate Charlotte's schools. Four decades later, Foxx would become the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under the Obama Administration.
On this week's episode of Tying it Together with Tim Boyum, Foxx, who also served as Charlotte’s mayor from 2009-2013, talks about the role transportation and infrastructure played in systemic racism and how building for the future could help reverse past mistakes.
Later, Foxx also talks about the time he was President Barack Obama's designated survivor, and whether he has interest in running for public office again.
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On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Congressman Mark Walker talks about his decision to run for U.S. Senate in 2022.
We’ll learn about his experiences growing up as the son of a preacher man and how visiting inmates with his father impacted the rest of his life. The congressman also shares stories about his own path to the profession and how it eventually led to politics.
Later, we ask Walker if he was mad at fellow Republicans for making his district nearly impossible to win, and if he really ever seriously considered running against fellow Republican and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis.
You’ll also want to stick around for an in depth conversation about his obsession with the NCAA allowing student-athletes to profit off their likeness.
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The Woodhouse brothers, Dallas, an ardent Republican, and Brad, a prominent national Democratic figure, are North Carolina siblings who have gained national attention in the past thanks to their political family feud.
We spoke with Dallas last December, and on this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Brad joins us to talk about the interesting and, at times, contentious dynamic with his brother.
The Woodhouse brother currently heads up Protect Our Care, which is focused on preserving and expanding the Affordable Care Act, but he has also worked with the Democratic National Committee and several campaigns, including several in North Carolina.
He’ll also share his thoughts on the future of politics and health care.
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Imagine being so good at producing a product that you are asked to personally deliver it to the President of the United States. That is exactly what happened to Avery County native and Christmas tree farmer Larry Smith.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim talks with Smith about winning the national contest in 2018 to provide the White House with its official tree to be placed in the Blue Room.
Two years later, Smith is still delivering trees to Washington and has some unbelievable stories to tell. From the time his grandson vomited in the White House right before the president arrived, to the time he had to tell his girlfriend he would wear overalls instead of a suit to the White House, you don’t want to miss these fun stories of Christmas and politics.
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In late 2019, three Transylvania County commissioners left the Republican Party after saying they were fed up with President Trump and his behavior.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim travels to the North Carolina Mountains to hear from two of those commissioners about how national politics infiltrated local politics during the 2020 election.
Page Lemel and Mike Hawkins were up for reelection this fall, and they felt the wrath of this ruby red Republican county. It was a story that made national news when the New Yorker profiled them this past summer.
Listen in as the two commissioners sit with Tim around a campfire to talk about their wild story, what happened, and whether they will ever return to the Republican Party.
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Meet the man who was in charge of responding to Donald Trump's attacks against Joe Biden.
On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben talk with Andrew Bates, a N.C. State graduate and Winston-Salem native who describes the pressure of serving as the Director of Rapid Response for the Biden campaign and doing a bulk of the work from his mom's house in North Carolina.
We’ll also talk about how unusual it was to win the race for president, but be unable to celebrate in any normal way due to COVID precautions. And later, we'll hear about how Andrew’s late father introduced him to politics, and how he might feel watching his son play such a vital role in a historic election.
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How did Senator Thom Tillis go from being down in the polls for months in the country’s most expensive and highly-watched Senate race to a “stunning victory” on Election Day? Well, he has a pivotal month and the political brilliance of Republican consultant Paul Shumaker to thank.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we take you behind the scenes of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis’ campaign with one of the most successful and powerful political consultants in the state. Paul Shumaker gives us the scoop on why he thinks his client, Senator Tillis, was able to pull off the win despite trailing in the polls. Was his opponent’s sex scandal the reason behind the win, or did President Trump’s election day surge make the difference? Later, Shumaker talks about the 2022 Senate race and whether Lara Trump would make a strong candidate. Finally, he breaks down the future of the Republican party after Donald Trump and why he doesn’t see North Carolina turning “blue” any time soon.
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Imagine having your annual National Guard training pop up in the final weeks of a campaign for public office? That is EXACTLY what happened to North Carolina Senator for the 37th District and Army National Guard Captain Jeff Jackson.
On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben talk with Jeff and Marisa Jackson.
The Charlotte Democrat had to leave the state and was left with little contact down the home stretch of a competitive campaign. Instead of simply hoping for the best, his wife Marisa, with no political experience, stepped up and finished the campaign!
We'll find out about their relationship, why Sen. Jackson decided to enlist after 9/11, and of course, find out how Marisa did running her very first campaign. It's the kind of heartwarming story we could all use in politics during 2020.
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On this week's edition of Tying It Together, Tim and Ben tackle the issue of another election and another disaster for the polling industry.
Politico argues that, much like 2016, the industry blew it again in 2020. President Trump also alleges polling interfered in the election and suppressed Republican votes. But, was it really that bad?
This week we bring in two nationally known pollsters and prognosticators.
Tom Jensen heads up the left-leaning Public Policy Polling, which is headquartered in North Carolina. Kyle Kondik is Managing Editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, which is a nationally known and respected forecasting unit headquartered at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.
Listen in as they detail why we saw what happened on Election Day, and why pollsters got it wrong again.
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Voting in the 2020 election is officially over, but a number of races in North Carolina and across the country are still too close to call.
On this post-election episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben sit down with Morgan Jackson, a Democratic consultant, and Jonathan Felts, former White House political director for the George W. Bush administration, to help make sense of it all.
Felts and Jackson explain why North Carolina proved once again it can be one of the most difficult states to predict for election outcomes. We break down the nature of the “Trump-Cooper voter,” and how the COVID-19 pandemic, economy, and social unrest impacted the outcome of some of the state and nation’s top races.
Later, each expert gives their prediction for where the country stands six months from now.
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After spending more than 25 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, Dontae Sharpe cast his vote for the first time in North Carolina during October’s early voting period.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Sharpe joins Tim and Ben to share his incredible story of what it’s like to be innocent but have no one within the criminal justice system believe you.
He talks about how he handled both his daughter and grandchildren being born while he was in prison, how he has adjusted to life outside during the pandemic and social unrest, and what answers he’s still waiting on from the state to be able to fully move forward with his life.
Later, Sharpe also describes what it was like to vote for the first time since his release.
It’s an incredible story of perseverance and inspiration that you will not want to miss.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with GOP strategist Doug Heye.
The North Carolina native opens up to Tim and Ben about why he’s still undecided on who to vote for in the 2020 election, the future of the Republican Party, and the odd atmosphere in D.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heye also shares a number of great behind the scenes stories involving “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Former President Ronald Reagan, and his former boss, U.S. Senator Richard Burr.
Later, the crisis communication expert gives us his take on how Cal Cunningham has handled controversy in his campaign.
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On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum we tackle the long tradition of barbecue and politics. But with so many new people coming to the state, is that tradition fading? Recently, U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham created a stir when he posted a picture to Twitter that conflicted with traditional North Carolina barbecue. So, this week we will break down everything you need to know about N.C. barbecue, its relationship with politics, and the future with so many non-natives now calling North Carolina home. Our guests include the legendary barbecue expert Bob Garner and historian Dr. Gary Freeze, whose research will likely ruffle a lot of feathers!
In 2016, Rakeem “Keem” Jones made national news when he was elbowed in the face at a rally for then presidential candidate Donald Trump. The incident happened when Jones and his group were being escorted out of an arena in Fayetteville, North Carolina after getting into a verbal sparring match with another group.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben tracked down Jones to discuss what happened before and after the incident, his thoughts on the 2020 election, and the push for social justice he is now leading in Fayetteville.
It's a conversation you don't want to miss and really tackles the problems facing our towns, state, and nation.
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As we enter debate season in state and national politics, we are looking back at North Carolina's most famous debates and how they compare to today.
U.S. Senator Jesse Helms and former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt were political heavyweights who squared off in 1984. Both men were in their second terms and could not have been any different ideologically. It made for some intense debates where they grilled each other from across the table.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben talk to the men who made those debates happen. Hear all the behind-the-scenes stories of what was, at the time, the most expensive U.S. Senate race in the nation’s history.
Gary Pearce and Carter Wrenn's incredible stories and insight are a must listen!
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben talk with a North Carolina couple about their recent battle with COVID-19 and their new push for wearing face masks.
Angie and AJ Daoud are well known in Republican circles. AJ has been a party official, candidate for office, and helps with presidential visits. Angie has also served as a delegate to the Republican Nation Convention.
Their faith in the party may be waning however, after the couple contracted COVID-19 In July.
AJ recovered within a couple of days, but Angie spent nearly a week in the ICU. Now, roughly two months after overcoming the virus, she can barely climb a set of stairs and doctors tell her the now permanent scar tissue in her lungs will eventually lead to emphysema.
Hear the heart-wrenching story of Angie's fight to survive, the moments when AJ didn’t know if his wife was alive, and how she is now on a mission to get people to understand the importance of wearing a mask despite facing backlash over the issue.
RELATED: Full Coverage of the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Bev Perdue is the only woman in North Carolina history to be elected as lieutenant governor (2001-2009) and governor (2009-2013).
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, Perdue talks with Tim and Ben about her humble beginnings growing up as a coal miner’s daughter in Virginia and her rise to the top of North Carolina state politics.
The Tar Heel state’s former governor also gets candid about the sexism she faced along the way, her controversial comments about suspending elections in 2011, and her regret of not running for re-election.
You don’t want to miss this fascinating conversation.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we are carrying on our mission to help strengthen Democracy.
We talk with North Carolina Board of Elections Director Karen Bell about running an election during a pandemic, as well as the state’s most famous political scientist, Dr. Michael Bitzer, who has been analyzing the historic requests for absentee ballots.
Get the rundown on how they are coping, how they are trying to recruit roughly 25,000 poll workers, and the facts on absentee balloting and how safe it really is.
Later in the episode, Bell also tells us when she thinks we will know who won the election. It’s an answer that may surprise you.
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This week’s edition of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum is literally out of this world.
Some days 2020 can sure seem like the end of the world, but we don’t think it will happen before the end of this podcast. Katie Mack, a theoretical astrophysicist and cosmologist, is one of the biggest superstars in the world of science, and she works at N.C. State University.
We talk with Mack about her new book, “The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking)”, which tackles the possible ways the universe could end and is brilliantly written in terms we can all understand.
Mack also discusses how her studies and research impact her own beliefs on life and death.
Simply put, she is a brilliant and a fascinating woman, and you don’t want to miss this conversation.
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"Never in a million years did I think that I would be on this stage tonight, and I certainly never thought I'd end up with the last name Trump," said Lara Trump during her speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
Now serving as senior adviser on the Trump 2020 campaign, the Wrightsville Beach native is working to give voters a behind-the-scenes look at the president and first family.
Earlier this year, Lara opened up to Tim and Ben about her first time meeting Donald Trump, what the president is like as a grandpa to her and Eric’s two children, and how life has changed since growing up on the beaches of North Carolina.
Listen to that intimate conversation on this week’s bonus episode.
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This week we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement and achieving the right to vote in the United States.
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was made official by U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby.
North Carolina’s story is much different than the rest of the country.
We will talk with one of North Carolina’s top historians, RaeLana Poteat, about how the Tar Heel state could have made history but instead, resisted and followed the rest of the nation.
We’ll also get insight about how far we have come, and how far we have to go, from Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.
Marshall was the first woman to win a statewide office in 1996, and she will give us a behind the scenes look at that election and the challenges she overcame to make history. She also discusses what barriers women are still facing when running for office and what needs to change.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben discuss how North Carolina helped create the modern convention and the nomination process with U.S. Representative David Price.
Price helped lead a team that created the “superdelegate” system in democratic politics, which has created a lot of controversy in recent presidential elections. He also played a role in deciding which states go first in the democratic primaries.
He talks about the current state of conventions and whether it’s time for a change in not only the conventions themselves, but also how nominees are picked.
Finally, Tim and Ben will share some of their best memories from covering conventions over the past 20 years.
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It’s just early August and North Carolina has already been hit by a hurricane. Last week, hurricane forecasters ramped up their predictions to “extremely active” for this year’s season.
Spectrum News 1 Meteorologist Lee Ringer and North Carolina Climatologist Dr. Kathie Dello join us on this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum to discuss why conditions are so ripe this year for major hurricanes.
We’ll also talk about why we have seen so many devastating storms in recent years, if it’s a trend, and how North Carolina’s climate continues to change.
Also, get tips on how you can keep yourself and your family safe when disaster strikes.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together With Tim Boyum, we get a behind the scenes look at the person leading the state as DHHS secretary during this pandemic.
Dr. Mandy Cohen talks about what goes into making the decisions regarding restrictions, how she’s handling the criticisms behind some of those decisions, and what she thinks about the politicization of science.
Dr. Cohen also talks about the potential for a vaccine and more rapid testing, and shares her thoughts as a parent on the debate over in-person learning.
And later, we'll even find out what show she's been binging during the coronavirus. Tune into this week's episode and get to know the state's top doc.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we tackle the issue of polling and prognosticating in the 2020 election.
After the election in 2016, pollsters took a big hit. Now that we are once again hearing about polls almost every day, many wonder, have things changed? Can we trust polls?
Tim and Ben get national pollster and North Carolina resident Tom Jensen to weigh in on the subject. We also talk with Kyle Kondik of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, which is a nationally known newsletter focused on election forecasting. We will explain common misconceptions about sample size, margin of error, and get their latest take on the top North Carolina races.
Stay for the end, because we will also hear some hilarious stories from Jensen about the more outrageous poll questions he has used.
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Stuart Watson had a problem. After three decades as a Charlotte TV investigative journalist, he found himself fired and without a job. To make matters worse, his own wife was telling him he was a terrible listener.
However, after some soul searching he found a new passion in life; listening and sharing the stories of everyday women in North Carolina who have overcome adversity. It's the focus of his podcast, ManListening.
In this bonus episode of Tying it Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with Stuart and one of his guests, Stacie Pompili-Towe, and talk about the importance of listening.
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Every family in North Carolina will face some form of remote learning when kids return to school this August.
On this episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with experts about the decision and offer some very practical advice for parents and teachers while answering important questions like:
- Can our kids get a quality education online?
- How can parents juggle work and school?
Later in the episode, we'll also discuss the potential impacts of having 18 months outside of a school building and why even the state's highest ranking education leader would consider holding his daughter back.
Our guests include Mark Johnson, the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Dr. Jeff Greene, a digital learning expert from the UNC School of Education.
To find more information on school district plans in your area, click here.
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On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we take a look at the South’s role in the 2020 elections.
The death of George Floyd and demands for social justice have brought issues of racism and history back to the forefront with the South playing a starring role. We talk with three experts on southern politics and history about how we define the South, get an explanation of the old Southern strategy, and what strategy we will see this fall.
Dr. Michael Bitzer from Catawba College, Dr. Susan Roberts from Davidson College, and Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University will give us their insight on the past and how the South could play a huge role in the 2020 election.
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On this week's edition of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with Tim Miller.
Miller was Communications Director for Jeb Bush during the 2016 presidential election, but gained national attention after going against his party and campaigning against Donald Trump. It’s a move that dramatically changed his life, and now he's back trying to beat President Trump in 2020. In fact, many of the ads his group Republican Voters Against Trump are producing feature North Carolinians.
Miller tells some incredible behind the scenes stories from the 2016 campaign trail and how he views the future of the Republican Party.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we tackle the issue of Confederate monuments. Statues that stood for more than 100 years are falling, but ancestors of veterans cite a 2015 law to put them back in place. This week we’ll explore the history behind these statues, what they mean, and how we move forward. We’ll talk with award-winning historian and author Adam Domby and UNC-Chapel Hill history professor William Sturkey. Plus, the great-grandson of a Confederate soldier gives us his argument why he thinks historians are wrong, and the statues should remain in place. It’s an episode that will elicit all kinds of emotion, but it’s essential to understand why the struggle over statues has led to protests, tears, and even violence.
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On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben talk to Pulitzer Prize winning author David Zucchino, who wrote “Wilmington's Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy”.
America is again talking in-depth about racial issues in this country, and this is the perfect time to learn about one dark day in this state's past very few people know about.
In the 1890's, Wilmington was a place where African Americans and whites lived together, and there was a Black middle class. That all ended in 1898 however, after white supremacists killed at least 60 African Americans and overthrew the government at gun point.
Zucchino takes us back in time to learn why this event still impacts North Carolina to this very day.
Later, we'll also have a good news update on someone featured in our homelessness episode from December.
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Significant attention was focused on looting and rioting in North Carolina after the death of George Floyd. However, beyond those two days, peaceful protests have dominated the streets. This week on Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with one of the youngest organizers, Greear Webb.
Listen as Webb speaks on the goals of Black Lives Matter, his experience meeting with the governor, and his own passion to push for change.
Also, find out why this teenager got involved and how racism plays a role in his own life.
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In the two weeks after George Floyd’s death, North Carolina has experienced protests, riots, and a memorial. So, where do we go from here?
On this week’s edition of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we’ll talk with two of our state's African American sheriffs, Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin and Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. Both men are blunt and passionate about the issues facing law enforcement, the black community, and society.
Peterkin played a huge role in planning George Floyd’s North Carolina memorial service while working with Floyd's family, and McFadden has spent nearly 40 years of his life in law enforcement.
Later, we’ll play an interview from our riot coverage with a business owner that captured the hearts of viewers both on air and online. Tim and Ben will also share their own experiences covering both the riots and Floyd’s memorial.
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On this week's episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham.
Imagine being involved in the country’s most expensive and heated U.S. Senate race while also being forced to stay home. With coronavirus, that is what’s happening to Cunningham, who is trying to beat incumbent Republican Thom Tillis.
Cunningham talks with us about the challenges, while also discussing his life story and why a plane crash before he was born continues to cast a shadow over his family to this day.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we talk with filmmaker Jonas Pate, a North Carolina native and co-creator of the hit Netflix series “Outer Banks.” The show debuted during the coronavirus pandemic on April 15 and quickly rose to number one.
Pate tells us the stories behind the show, the reason it’s not filmed in North Carolina, and yes, we will address the Outer Banks to Chapel Hill ferry controversy. Pate also talks about the film industry in North Carolina and why he thinks it’s so important to the state.
For fans of the show, we will also delve into the show’s cast and future, including a season two tease!
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On this week’s edition of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben give us a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR became the first major sport to return to action during coronavirus as the Coca-Cola 600 returns to North Carolina Memorial Day weekend.
We talk with Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter, and NASCAR driver Chris Buescher gives us an honest look at the challenges racers will face when they return.
It’s a $6 billion business that employs more than 25,000 people in North Carolina, so a lot is riding on the success for NASCAR and the state. They must get it right, or it could delay live sports for some time.
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim and Ben talk with NASA astronaut Christina Koch. After spending 328 days in space, the North Carolina native returned to earth and found herself back in isolation at home due to the coronavirus stay-at-home orders.
Koch tells us how she coped with isolation, loneliness, and other issues aboard the International Space Station, and how it can help all of us facing these stay-at-home orders. She also talks extensively about her record breaking mission in space, adjusting to life back on earth, and returning home to North Carolina.
RELATED CONTENT
- Full Spectrum News Coverage: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we explore the increased challenges in dealing with mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we are getting advice from the experts, talking about the increased calls coming into the state’s helplines, and why it’s so hard for our country to treat mental health as seriously as physical health. Tim and Ben will also share their own journeys through anxiety and mental health awareness, and we will provide resources available for you or your loved ones to get help.
Heard in this episode:
- Hope4NC Helpline – 855-587-3463
- Hope4Healers Helpline – 919-226-2002
- NAMI NC Helpline: 800-451-9682, you can also visit NAMINC.org
RELATED CONTENT
- Full Spectrum News Coverage: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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On this week’s edition of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we are checking in on North Carolina’s economy during this coronavirus pandemic.
Five weeks ago we introduced you to a desperate restaurant owner, Leonardo Williams, and had N.C. State economist Mike Walden give us his predictions for the state’s economy. This week, we welcome them back for an update.
Williams shares an incredible story about his own health, and Walden offers new insight on our economic future.
We also talk with Attorney General Josh Stein about how the state is protecting us from price gougers and others looking to take advantage of the situation. Then we wrap things up with an update on Treasurer Dale Folwell, who spent five days in the hospital battling coronavirus.
RELATED CONTENT
- Full Spectrum News Coverage: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Recent protests to reopen the economy and restrictions placed on church gatherings have caused many to question whether the coronavirus stay-at-home orders violate certain constitutional rights.
On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we’ll explore what’s fact and what’s fiction. We’ll talk with Ashley Smith, a mother of four, who started the #ReOpenNC movement and protests in North Carolina. Constitutional experts, Greg Wallace from Campbell Law School and Bill Marshall from UNC Law, will also weigh in on the tough questions. Let us know what you think!
RELATED CONTENT
- Full Spectrum News Coverage: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we give you an inside look at the story behind the Carolina Panthers’ Message of Hope video. It’s an inspiring video about the Carolinas that has been shared by thousands, and it reminds us we are in this together.
We’ll talk with the Charlotte Agenda writer who wrote the essay, and the Panthers’ video producer who came up with the concept. Celebrated writer Tommy Tomlinson also shares his thoughts on when we might see a full stadium again and what shared experiences we could be missing out on.
RELATED CONTENT
- Full Spectrum News Coverage: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- WATCH: Panthers Video Sends Message of Hope
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In this bonus edition of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, N.C. Treasurer Dale Folwell talks for the very first time about his coronavirus diagnosis and the five days he spent in the hospital.
Hear firsthand what it’s like to face this virus, and the emotional answer Folwell gives on whether or not he thought he might die.
Folwell also talks about receiving Hydroxychloroquine, the drug touted by President Trump, and addresses the criticisms saying he should have not returned to work after a trip out-of-state and whether he believes that’s how he contracted the virus.
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Some say laughter is the best medicine, but is it OK to be funny during the coronavirus pandemic?
On this week's Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, we chat with comedian and N.C. native Jon Reep about the challenges this pandemic has created for comedians.
You might remember Reep from the national Dodge commercials ("That thing got a Hemi?") or winning Last Comic Standing on NBC in 2007.
It's a hilarious conversation about his career and dealing with the current challenges. We also felt it was a great time to smile after weeks of very serious and heavy topics.
Wait until you hear the "interesting" stories about fan requests.
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