In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis welcomes Rebekah Whilden, the Executive Director of Carolina Forward, for an insightful and candid conversation. Rebekah discusses her journey and the instrumental role Carolina Forward has played in advancing pro-democracy values and policies that serve all North Carolinians. The episode also delves into the significance of storytelling in political advocacy, the unique challenges of organizing in a purple state like North Carolina, and how to bridge the urban-rural divide. Rebekah shares her reflections on balancing non-partisanship while staying true to progressive values, the importance of coalition building, and innovative ways to engage with communities through social media. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on building durable power through narrative and community-centric approaches.

For more on Carolina Forward, visit CarolinaForward.org.

In this eye-opening episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis and guest-host Sydnie Hutchinson, the second vice chair of the Gaston Dems and a candidate for the NC House, dive deep into a shocking story of political corruption in Stanly, a small town in Gaston County, NC. They discuss how former mayor Steven Denton manipulated the system, securing a highly paid town manager position for himself and gerrymandering the town to maintain control. Through detailed recounts and personal experiences, this episode exposes the lengths to which some will go to maintain power, and the community’s efforts to reclaim transparency and democracy. Tune in for this special bonus episode to hear how residents are fighting back against entrenched corruption.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz welcomes Paul Barringer, a Democratic candidate for North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. Barringer, a lawyer and public servant, discusses his decision to run for office, shaped by a desire to bring grounded, ethical leadership to a district dealing with rapid urbanization and rural roots. He further elaborates on his career in health law and his work within the prison system.

The conversation covers Barringer's views on various policy issues including healthcare reform, immigration, common-sense gun laws, and the national debt, emphasizing his pragmatic and collaborative approach to governance. Liz and Paul also explore the challenges and opportunities of campaigning in a centrist district, concluding with a fun rapid-fire segment to get to know the candidate better.