In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now.

We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, including rising GOP voter registration and expanding influence across the state.

We dig into the tension between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, why unaffiliated voters matter more than ever, and the realities behind hot-button issues like gerrymandering and candidate support.

Matt also opens up about media dynamics, the growing role of influencers, the long shadow of COVID-era policies under Governor Cooper, and why the 2028 gubernatorial race is already looming large.

At the center of it all is strategy—unity, consistency, and relentless voter engagement—and what it will take for the GOP to keep gaining ground in North Carolina.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Matt Mercer

00:24 Transition from Journalism to Politics

02:07 North Carolina GOP's Recent Successes

03:41 The Shift in North Carolina's Political Landscape

07:27 Challenges in Blue Areas

11:25 Engaging Unaffiliated Voters

12:53 Controversies and Gerrymandering

20:42 Grassroots vs. Establishment

31:10 Upcoming Gubernatorial Race

32:02 Reflecting on the 2008 North Carolina Election

32:34 Republican Resurgence in North Carolina

33:12 The Importance of Fundraising in Politics

34:28 Out-of-State Influence in North Carolina Politics

36:00 Challenges with Media Access During COVID-19

38:58 Personal Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions

40:19 Investigating Media Control by the Governor's Office

42:23 Hurricane Relief and Political Optics

59:11 The Role of Influencers in Modern Politics

01:01:23 Getting Involved with the North Carolina GOP

Connect with Matt Mercer:

• Website
• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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Tags:

#MattMercer #NCGOP #NorthCarolinaPolitics #NCPOL #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.

We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.

At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.

Connect with Dane Scalise:

• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
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• X
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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#DaneScalise #NewHanoverCounty #WilmingtonNC #SENC #ForeverChemicals #PFAS #NorthCarolinaPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Olsen and Abbi Carson, leaders of Fix Buncombe, a grassroots movement focused on restoring conservative leadership and returning common-sense policy to Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Together, we break down the political shifts that have reshaped the county over the past several decades, the impact of gerrymandered districts, and growing concerns around education—everything from curriculum changes and teacher performance to the challenges created by chronically low-turnout local elections.

We also dive into the broader issues facing Buncombe County today: debates over reparations, the long-term implications of the Buncombe 2043 plan, rising living costs, cultural changes, and what many see as a push toward increasingly socialist policies.

If you care about Western North Carolina, local leadership, or the future direction of Buncombe County, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction to Fix Buncombe

01:34 — The Political Landscape of Buncombe County

04:59 — Challenges in the Education System

18:07 — Why Local Elections Matter

21:06 — Reparations & Historical Context

29:22 — Socialist Trends in Buncombe County

34:17 — A Love for Western North Carolina

35:04 — Shifts in Local Leadership

35:51 — Controversial Figures & Voting Patterns

37:44 — Mask Mandates & Public Backlash

40:12 — The Fix Buncombe Initiative

44:04 — The Buncombe 2043 Plan

50:03 — Concerns About Asheville’s Future

55:19 — Call to Action: Community Involvement

Connect with Fix Buncombe:

• Website
• Facebook
• X
• Instagram
• YouTube

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#FixBuncombe #BuncombeCounty #AshevilleNC #WNC #LocalElectionsMatter #NorthCarolinaPolitics #GrassrootsPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms