9/11: 25 Years Later

Steve Morris, mayor of Concord, North Carolina, joins me to discuss his experiences over the past two decades participating in local government.  We cover topics addressed in my upcoming book, Our Middle American Life, including: (1) Why he chose to take an initial step as a citizen practicing citi…

Property taxes are going up in Wake County.  This is on top of a 2024 tax valuation that saw increases in tax assessed values of over 50%.  Homeowners insurance is up 15% over the past two years.  Auto insurance up 5%.  Duke Energy is seeking an 18% increase after only recently getting a 20% increa…

I'm back.  I've been writing a book.  It's called Our Middle American Life.  In the process of writing it, the thesis of the book changed - as did my perspective on politicians, the parties and the political system.  We live in a society where the middle politically (independents) ar…

Rebekah and Ryan are in their 30s.  Two young kids.  Listen to a wide-ranging discussion of living within your means, trying to save to buy a home, the rising costs impacting thin margins of running a small business, and how one voice can lead to community activism in local politics.   Like the sho…