What The Politics?! (WTP)
What The Politics is a weekly podcast show dedicated to exploring issues that matter. Hosted by two journalists, each episode will explore topics trending in the political arena. This podcast will offer a bipartisan platform to the listener, supported with information by experts and enlightened by experiences of the average voter. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe and join the conversation!
The 'institutional effects of executive scandals' with Brandon Rottinghaus

There have been countless presidential scandals over the course of our country's history. Some gaining more traction and public attention than others, and a select few ending in removal of office. In this week's episode, we explore the impacts of executive scandals with special guest Dr. Brandon Rottinghaus.
Behind the scenes of a D.C. correspondent, from reporting from the hub of politics

This week we are joined by special guest, Allison Harris, a White House Correspondent for NewsNation in the Washington, D.C. Bureau. She talks about being a correspondent, life in D.C. and what it's like to report and speak with some of the most powerful people in the country.
Episode 52: Defending the final frontier: U.S. expands with Space Force

This week on What The Politics?! we speak with a member of the Space Force Association, the management organization to the U.S. Space Force about the interworkings of the association in overseeing the newest branch of the armed services.
Politics in China, exploring power dynamics between China and the U.S.

Where to start ... that's our first question when it comes to the long-standing and complicated relationship between the United States and China. Dr. Robert Ross, professor of Political Science at Boston College and Associate professor for The John King Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University, discusses this and more.
Lobbying and social networks in Congress

Relationships in politics is everything. Who you know, what you know, and how you network. Itâs a vital part to our democracy. On this weekâs episode we examine how those relationships can form and how they benefit members from different sides of the aisle.
January 6th - Court cases and criminal charges

In this week's episode of "What The Politics?!" we explore the players of January 6, including Oath Keepers, Q'Anon, and loyalists. Along with our guest, we break down the legal charges against these players, whether it be criminal or misdemeanor, and what sentencing would look like for those charges if found guilty.
Discussing Taliban rule, what happens next in Afghanistan

Last week we touched on the 20-year Afghanistan War and the recent withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. In this weekâs episode, we take a deeper dive into the war in Afghanistan and what could be next for the Afghan people, as well as the United States when it comes to foreign interactions.
Current events, Afghanistan reaction and popularity among political figures

Dr. Peter Francia from East Carolina University returns to talk with Victoria and Emily about current events like the Afghanistan withdrawal of U.S. troops, the 2022 midterm elections and public popularity among our current political figures.
Could the post-pandemic economy be better?

In this week's episode, we welcome back Dr. Mike Walden of N.C. State to discuss a recent article he wrote. The question he asks is whether the post-pandemic economy could be better than before COVID-19 hit. We examine five major components that could be signs of a new economy moving forward.
Gen Z, Cancel Culture, masculinity in American Politics

For this week's episode, we examine the influences of Gen Zs when it comes to political participation. We discuss how "cancel culture" has emerged and how to gauge the scope of the offense. And finally, we will analyze the impact of masculinity on American Politics, what an A-typical American leader looks like and how does the image of masculinity change generationally?
Stakeholders and power players, exploring America's future
On this week's episode of What The Politics, Victoria, and Emily are joined by fellow podcaster Marshall Kosloff, who hosts a political podcast, The Realignment. They examine what role stakeholders and power players play in the political sphere. And how the labels of "conservative" and "liberal" may be counterproductive when it comes to successful policy making.
The CIA 'Mad Scientist' of the MK-Ultra experiments, torture, LSD, and mind control?

In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States thought they had reason to believe that Communist countries had somehow perfected brainwashing and could use this technique in forms of warfare. So they turned to a source of their own to research into the issue.
Law of the Sea: fisheries, environmental policies, and roadblocks in sustainability

This week we dive deep (pun intended) into laws of the sea, especially here in the United States. Sustainability has been a major headline in recent years and policies surrounding environmental concerns are at the forefront of many people's minds.
Futurist thinking; the pros and cons of futurethink

In this week's episode. we examine the ideas behind futurist thinking and how that plays into our government. We analyze scenarios dubbed a "failure of imagination," like the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Catching up in the NC House of Representatives, policy developments

Join us for this episode of What the Politics. We catch back up with one of our previous guests, NC House Rep. Brian Farkas about whatâs been happening in the recent months and weeks in the state legislature.
Origins of the COVID pandemic; critiques and strategies moving forward

In this episode, we examine the scenarios of origin and why creating multiple scenarios could do more harm than good. We look at critiques of the World Health Organization, which has handled the outbreak in its entirety, including the investigations underway within the organization.
Voter legislation ahead of the 2022 midterm elections

In this episode, we examine the background of redistricting, Voter ID laws, and other current legislation in the General Assembly. We specifically look into House Bill 782, and Senate Bill 326, as well as the ongoing debate about voter ID laws.
Policing in the United States, reform and recent cases

Issues surrounding policing in the United States have been discussed for years. In recent months, these issues and talk about police brutality have made national headlines, one in Elizabeth City within the past few weeks.
The Pentagonâs unclassified UFO report, what it could mean for national security

Sometime in June, a report will be delivered to Congress regarding 'UFOs' and 'UAPs'. In this week's episode, we are joined by former FBI Special Agent Kenneth Gray, who gives us insight into this.
Public policy issues at the forefront of North Carolinians' minds

This week, digital reporters Victoria Holmes and Emily Cervaric analyze a recent Civitas poll that surveyed what public policy issues are most important to North Carolinians right now.
Breaking down N.C. Senate candidates for 2022 election

The seat of North Carolina Republican Sen. Richard Burr is up for the taking for the first time since 2005. While the election wonât take place until 2022, candidates are already lining up with their bids for the position.
President Bidenâs first 100 days

President Biden officially completed his first 100 days in office on April 29. The first 100 days of a presidency are filled with executive orders, new policies, campaign tours, and more. In this weekâs episode, we analyze Bidenâs first 100 days, what heâs done, and what it could mean for the next four years.
The 2008 financial crisis, who or whatâs to blame

The financial crisis of 2008 was one of the hardest things many Americans have had to go through economically. Many are still dealing with those burdens today. We are joined by American journalist and author Bethany McLean to discuss this period in time and what happened.
The Afghan War, analyzing American wars

This year will mark 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. In this week's podcast, we want to examine America's war legacy and how it came to be.
One for the books...the untold stories of American presidents

Join us this week as we examine what makes a great president. Is it being a good speaker? Is it being a good writer? Or, is it both?
North Carolina Politics: a paradox throughout history

Many, like journalist Rob Christensen, have called it a paradox. How does a state vote for Donald Trump, Thom Tillis and then Roy Cooper? An expert tell us it has been this way for over 50 years.
Civil rights across the years and litigation

On this episode of âWhat The Politics?!â we speak with Dr. Irving L. Joyner, a professor of law at North Carolina Central University. He is a well-respected lawyer about past and present Civil Rights movements.
Life as a congressional intern

In this week's episode of âWhat The Politics?!â we explore what itâs like to work as an intern in Washington, D.C.
The economics of COVID-19 down the road

In this week's episode, we speak with an economist who helps us analyze the long-term effects the pandemic continues to have on the economy and how it could pan-out in the future.
A look into the opioid epidemic with NC Attorney General Josh Stein

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joins the podcast to talk about the opioid epidemic and what is being done to combat the problem in the state.
The future of the GOP and the divisions in the Democratic Party

Digital reporters Victoria Holmes and Emily Cervarich speak with Dr. David McLannan, a professor and political analyst from Meredith College in North Carolina.
Presidential Powers, Executive Orders and the Civil War

The John Locke Foundation: Addressing state and federal policy

Join Emily Cervarich and Victoria Holmes for their latest podcast, which includes a conversation with a member of The John Locke Foundation and their discussion on state and federal policy.
Analyzing the First Amendment

In this week's episode of What The Politics?!, we follow and discuss the former president's second impeachment trial. We speak with a law and First Amendment expert about the rights laid out in the First Amendment and what they really break down to.
Special edition: Cyber Security â extremist groups, social media and personal privacy

On this special edition of What The Politics?!, we speak with Senior Cybersecurity architect and mentor, Mike Parsons. He founded the BlueTeamAssess LLC, a company developed to offer actionable and cost-effective security solutions to small businesses.
Cyber Security â extremist groups, social media and personal privacy

Cybersecurity expert Bryce Webster-Jacobsen joins the podcast. Webster-Jacobsen is the Director of Intelligence Operations at GroupSense, an information security company based out of Washington D.C.
The Lincoln Project

On this weekâs episode of What The Politics?! we dive into the group known as the Lincoln Project. Many people know them as the âAnti-Trumpâ group. Or you might have seen their trivial yet infamous ads targeting Republican lawmakers and the former president using humor and strategies learned through working on campaigns. But there is a lot more to it than that.
Conspiracy theories

Area 51, 9/11, Bigfoot, UFOâs, Princess Dianaâs mysterious death, and the moon landing. What do all these have in common? They are all popular conspiracy theories that have gained traction over the years. But where do these conspiracy theories come from? And is there any truth behind them?
Putting the D.C. riots into historical context

In this week's episode of What The Politics?!, we speak with Dr. William L Barney, a history professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, to help us put the events of Jan. 6 into context. We explore similar situations in American history and what lead up to them, as well as exploring ideas on how to move forward. We discuss why itâs important to know and understand our history, so we donât repeat it.
Meeting local leaders - Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly

In this weekâs episode of What The Politics?!, we continue our series of speaking with local leaders and representatives. This week, we speak with Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly.