Get ready to dive deep into the wild world of local politics and community resilience! This episode of the Muckyou podcast features a star-studded lineup of mayors from western North Carolina, including the soon-to-be congressman Colonel Mo Davis and his fellow mayors discussing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They kick things off by highlighting the grit and determination of their towns as they face challenges like natural disasters and economic shifts, proving that even when the going gets tough, these leaders are all about lifting each other up and finding solutions. With stories of recovery, community spirit, and a sprinkle of good ol' Southern charm, they explore how each town is navigating the muck of politics while striving for a brighter future. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even shed a tear as these local heroes share their journeys through adversity and hope!

Takeaways:

• The Muckyou podcast serves up raw, unfiltered discussions on local politics and community resilience, showcasing how mayors navigate disaster recovery with grit and grace.
• Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across western North Carolina, prompting local leaders to step up and demonstrate the strength of their communities amidst chaos.
• The episode highlights the importance of interconnectivity between towns, as mayors share resources and support each other during recovery efforts from severe weather events.
• Each mayor reflects on their personal motivations for public service, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection to their communities and a desire to create positive change.
• The conversations reveal a shared optimism among the mayors for the future, despite facing challenges like economic downturns and climate change impacts on their towns.
• Listeners are reminded that even in the face of adversity, communities can thrive through collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to supporting one another.
• Riverside Rhapsody

Links referenced in this episode:

• americanmuckrakers.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bear Waters Brewing
• Diamond Brand
• Baker Engineering
• Duke Endowment
• American Muckrakers
• Riverside Rhapsody

Adam Frisch rolled into the Muck You podcast to spill the tea on his wild ride in politics, particularly his fierce showdown with Lauren Boebert in the closest elections in 2022. He’s back in the game for 2026, and let’s just say, he’s got some spicy insights on why Boebert bounced to greener pastures, and how he's aiming for a comeback with the Welcome Party. The convo gets real as they dive deep into the political landscape, pointing out how the Dems gotta step it up and reconnect with everyday folks in small towns who’ve kinda ghosted them. Frisch emphasizes that it ain’t just about party lines; it’s about getting back to what really matters for the community. Colonel Moe Davis and David B. Wheeler are all ears, ready to soak up Frisch’s wisdom that blends humor with hard truths about today’s political circus.

Takeaways:

• Adam Frisch's 2022 campaign against Lauren Boebert was a nail-biter, losing by just 546 votes, making it the closest race in the nation.
• The Welcome Party, which Adam is now involved with, aims to support centrist Democrats in Trump-dominated districts, focusing on local issues and community needs.
• Frisch emphasizes the importance of connecting with moderate voters who feel neglected by both major political parties, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
• The podcast discusses the need for Democrats to re-establish trust and relevance in rural areas where they have lost ground over the past few elections.
• Adam believes that while Democrats need to focus on economic opportunities, they also must reconnect emotionally with voters beyond just facts and figures.
• The co-hosts and Adam agree that the Democratic Party's branding issues have led to a disconnect with many voters who appreciate the party's policies but not its image.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thewelcomeparty.org
• americanmuckrakers.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Welcome Party
• Adam Gray
• Marie Guzen Compress
• Jared Golden
• Becca Cook

Wiley Nickel is back on the pod, and he’s got some spicy tea to spill about his Senate run against Thom Tillis in North Carolina! He’s all about shaking things up and pointing out that Tillis is just a puppet for the rich and famous, like Trump and Musk, while leaving regular folks in the dust. Wiley’s got some serious beef with Tillis, especially over cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that could leave thousands of North Carolinians hanging. He’s fired up and ready to bring the heat, claiming that the current bill is a sneaky scam that’s gonna cost the middle class big time while lining the pockets of billionaires. So, if you wanna hear some straight talk about what’s really going down in the political arena, grab your snacks and tune in for a wild ride!

Takeaways:

• Wiley Nickel isn't holding back on Thom Tillis, calling him out for being a total sellout to big money.
• The podcast dives into how the proposed bill is set to screw over middle-class voters in North Carolina while lining the pockets of billionaires.
• Tillis' flip-flopping on key issues has left many folks in North Carolina feeling betrayed and frustrated.
• The discussion highlights the importance of a senator who actually stands up for the people, not just the elite.
• Wiley emphasizes that healthcare cuts are a major concern, potentially affecting over 500,000 people in the state.
• The conversation wraps up with a call to action for voters to get involved in the upcoming election, stressing that every vote truly matters.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wileynickel.com
• thehill.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Wiley Nickel
• Thom Tillis
• Donald Trump
• Elon Musk
• Chuck Edwards
• Pete Hegseth