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"Left of Old North" is hosted by CJ Robinson and Adrian Brakeley, two bold voices bringing unapologetic, progressive perspectives to the political landscape of North Carolina. With a keen eye on local and state issues, they tackle topics like labor rights, legislative power grabs, and grassroots activism. Their dynamic, no-holds-barred discussions cut through the noise, offering sharp analysis and a call to action for a more just and equitable Tar Heel State.
23 Episodes
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This week, Left of Old North teams up with The Foxfire Dispatch for a special crossover episode! We’re joined by Liz Purvis, organizer, activist, and host of The Foxfire Dispatch, for a deep dive into the epic wins from this year’s elections — in North Carolina and across the country. From local races that flipped seats in tough districts to national victories for progressives, we break down what went right, what it says about the momentum building, and how grassroots organizing turned frustration into power. If you needed proof that people power still works — this is it.
In this episode, we sit down with Texas State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer, one of the Democrats who fled the Lone Star State to break quorum and stop an outrageous GOP gerrymander that would have handed Republicans five extra congressional seats.Rep. Martinez Fischer takes us inside the fight: from Governor Greg Abbott’s threats of fines and arrests, to a bomb threat in Illinois that forced Democrats to evacuate, to California’s bold counter-move to redraw its own maps in response. We talk about what it’s like to literally leave home for democracy, the national stakes of redistricting, and why he believes Democrats must be willing to fight fire with fire.
In this episode, CJ sits down with State Representative Rodney Pierce (HD-27) for a wide-ranging conversation about what it means to represent eastern North Carolina, from the fight for rural investment to defending democracy in the face of right-wing overreach.Rep. Pierce shares his journey into politics, the issues that matter most to his district, and how Democrats can reconnect with working-class voters across the 252. We talk education, healthcare, housing, and the urgency of standing strong in a statehouse that too often ignores rural voices.This one’s for anyone who believes North Carolina’s future includes all of us, not just the wealthy and well-connected in Raleigh.
In this bonus episode, we talk about the reception to Roy Cooper's announcement that he is running for the US Senate -- a long awaited boon for Democrats across the state that is sure to shake up the midterms. We talk about the dynamic Cooper brings to the table, what the response was like at the NCDP's Unity Dinner where he teased the run, and what's ahead for progressives. We also cover some of the vetoed bills in the NCGA that are currently slated to be overturned the day after this episode airs, and what to expect if it comes to a vote.
In this episode of Left of Old North, we sit down with Chuck Hubbard, the Democrat taking on far-right Rep. Virginia Foxx in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. Chuck talks with us about what it means to run in rural Western North Carolina, why Foxx’s long career of extremism and inaction has failed the people she’s supposed to represent, and how Democrats can reclaim ground in so-called “unwinnable” districts. We dig into the GOP’s culture war chaos, the local issues that actually matter to voters, and what it will take to retire Virginia Foxx once and for all.
Today we’re joined by State Representative Phil Rubin, a former federal prosecutor and first-term Democrat representing NC’s 40th District in Wake County.Rep. Rubin brings a legal mind and a reformer’s urgency to the NC General Assembly. We talk about his work to bring an advocacy-minded approach to representation, his push to fight in the margins of power, and the broken budget process that shut out nearly every Democratic amendment.We also discuss what it means to govern with integrity in a legislature where power is often prioritized over people—and how we fix it.
In this Pride Month episode of Left of Old North, we’re joined by Aron Johnson, the Organizing Director for Equality North Carolina and a seasoned movement builder with over a decade of grassroots experience. From leading campaigns to empowering communities across the state, Aron brings deep insight into what it really takes to protect and uplift LGBTQ+ North Carolinians in an increasingly hostile political climate.We talk about what Pride looks like beyond parades, how organizers are building power in places the legislature would rather forget, and what it means to show up for queer liberation year-round—not just in June. If you’re wondering what you can do in this moment, this episode is your roadmap.
In this Pride Month kickoff episode, we cut through the corporate rainbow-washing to talk about what Pride means in a moment of relentless attacks on LGBTQ+ rights — especially in North Carolina. From the legacy of HB2 to today’s slate of anti-trans and anti-gay bills, we lay out how the NCGA continues to target queer communities while the GOP escalates efforts to criminalize even the most basic democratic actions — like helping someone register to vote. We break down House Bill 127, a dangerous attempt to restrict voter registration drives, and share what listeners can do to fight back. It’s Pride, it’s political, and it’s personal.
This Memorial Day, we sat down with Dr. Chris Cooper — political science professor at Western Carolina University and one of the leading experts on North Carolina politics — to talk about where this state is headed and why it matters far beyond our borders.We dig into what makes North Carolina such a uniquely volatile political battleground, how nationalization is reshaping our local politics, and what Democrats get wrong when they treat the South like it’s disposable. From shifting demographics to rural turnout to gerrymandered maps, this is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand how power really works in a purple state.We also break format a bit to talk about what Memorial Day actually means in a political moment like this — and why we’re spending $895 billion on the Pentagon while cutting basic services across the board. Plus, we unpack the latest Republican power grab aimed at stripping the State Auditor’s office of its independence.It’s a wide-ranging, urgent, and unfiltered conversation about the stakes in 2024, 2026, and beyond.
In this bonus episode, Adrian and CJ dive into a hell week of politics in North Carolina and beyond. From Republicans gutting school lunches in the NC budget to an $800 billion slash to Medicaid at the federal level, it’s been one attack after another on working-class people.We break down the cruel math behind a federal budget that passed by one vote—while three Democratic seats sit empty—and call out the gerontocracy dragging us all down. We talk forestry cuts in WNC, hurricane season on the horizon, and a live call to our Senators about the real cost of these decisions.But it’s not all bleak: we also cover the unanimous passage of Helene’s Law Part 2, and the state legislature’s latest move to seize control of investment authority from the state treasurer.If you’re furious, you’re not alone—and this episode is your call to stay loud, stay organized, and stay dangerous.
In this episode, we sit down with U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel to talk about his run for the U.S. Senate in 2026 and what it will take to flip North Carolina blue. Rep. Nickel lays out his vision for bringing back reform to a broken Congress, restoring fair maps, protecting democracy, and pushing back against far-right extremism in Raleigh and Washington alike.We dig into why he’s running, what he wants to accomplish if elected, and how everyday North Carolinians can move from frustration to action. From protecting fundamental rights to rebuilding trust in our institutions, this conversation is a roadmap for how voters, organizers, and communities can help shape a more just, representative, and responsive government.
Today, we’re sitting down with someone who’s been in the thick of it — The Honorable Chaz Beasley.Chaz represented House District 92 in the North Carolina General Assembly, serving part of Mecklenburg County during a time of major growth and political transformation. A Yale and Georgetown Law graduate, he brought a fresh, policy-driven voice to Raleigh — and he didn’t stop there.In 2020, Chaz ran statewide for Lieutenant Governor, bringing attention to issues like economic mobility, education equity, and justice reform — all with a focus on building a North Carolina that works for everyone, not just those with power.Today, we’ll talk about his time in the legislature, lessons from running a statewide campaign, and what the future looks like for Democrats in a state where the stakes have never been higher.
This week, we’re getting into the cracks forming inside North Carolina’s Democratic Party. The Griffin v. Riggs Supreme Court race just got even messier — and it's raising serious questions about voter disenfranchisement and election law. Wiley Nickel is officially challenging Thom Tillis for Senate, but with Roy Cooper hovering in the background, things could get messy fast. Plus, David Hogg’s progressive push to primary establishment Democrats is gaining momentum — and there are some real warning signs for state figures like Cecil Brockman, and maybe even State Senator Dan Blue.
In this episode, Adrian and CJ discuss the evolving narrative of patriotism on the left, highlighting efforts to reclaim the American flag as a symbol of inclusive values. They examine David Hogg's controversial $20 million initiative to challenge incumbent Democrats, sparking debates about party unity and progressive momentum.The discussion turns to the critical importance of due process amid increasing instances of political opponents being labeled as "terrorists", and talk (once again) about the contentious North Carolina Supreme Court race between Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin, focusing on the legal disputes over military and overseas ballots that could sway the election's outcome.Finally, Adrian and CJ reflect on the 50-50-1 protest held on April 19th, marking the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, drawing parallels between historical resistance and contemporary activism.
In this jam-packed episode, Adrian and CJ unpack a chaotic week in North Carolina and national politics. From the unprecedented six-month standoff over a state Supreme Court race to Donald Trump’s tanking of the stock market with reckless tariffs, we dive deep into what it means when the guardrails of democracy are tested—or ignored altogether. Plus, a dangerous new abortion bill emerges from the North Carolina legislature, raising serious questions about theocratic governance and bodily autonomy. Buckle in for a ride through legal showdowns, economic sabotage, and righteous fury.
CJ and Adrian talk with campaign manager and Organizer Megan Wagner about running campaigns in an embattled state, how we can better reach out to dissatisfied voters in the critical swing districts, and why connecting young people to organizing is so important.We also take you inside a pivotal moment for the party’s future. Recorded just after attending the State Executive Committee meeting, this episode breaks down the sometimes mind-numbing parliamentary procedure.
In this episode we break down the latest bad bills and the NCGOP’s attempted takeover of the General Assembly. Then, we sit down with Dalton George, Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, NC, to discuss what it takes for Democrats to win in rural North Carolina.As a young progressive in Western NC, Dalton shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities for the left in rural communities, his own election experience, and how Democrats can build real power outside the cities.
Note: This episode came out later than expected due to technical difficulties. We are aware that President Trump and Elon Musk have been doing a lot already and we will be covering it in due time. Thank you.In this episode we dive into Trump’s second inauguration, the TikTok ban, and how both are shaping the political landscape. We break down why the inauguration is happening in the Capitol Rotunda, the two-tiered justice system that benefits Trump, and how Biden may have handed Trump a political win with TikTok. Plus, a look at media failures, historical parallels from Rome, and the growing power of oligarchs in shaping America.
In this episode of Left of Old North, Adrian and CJ dive into the latest developments in the Griffin v. Riggs NC Supreme Court race and what’s at stake for the state’s judicial future. They also discuss the severe weather warnings affecting North Carolina and their broader impact. Plus, they explore "Anatomy of a Purple State" by Chris Cooper, breaking down what it reveals about North Carolina’s shifting political landscape.Subscribe for more in-depth analysis of North Carolina politics and progressive takes on key issues. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode, Adrian unpacks the certification of Trump’s presidential victory on January 6th and what it means for democracy, both nationally and here in North Carolina. He also breaks down the "Together We Rise" Rally in Raleigh on January 5th, highlighting its key messages and the grassroots energy driving progressive change in the state.The topic shifts to Allison Riggs’ razor-thin victory in the Supreme Court race, a win with major implications for voting rights and judicial balance in NC. Finally, we're looking ahead to the 2025 municipal elections, discussing the key races, issues, and strategies that progressives need to focus on to build power at the local level.Remember to subscribe and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, etc, to stay up-to-date with the podcast and with NC politics!
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