North Carolina teachers just staged a “not‑a‑strike” day in Raleigh, and the spin is almost as loud as the rally itself. In this episode, Reuel, Nick, and Ben break down what the NCAE really demanded, why New Hanover County was the only large district that refused to cave, and how unions are blurring the line between genuine teacher concerns and partisan theater. They dig into the Opportunity Scholarship fight, the reality of teacher pay and benefits, and the larger question of whether endless protests are moving the needle at all. Then they zoom out to exploding housing costs, local tax hikes, and budget battles that decide whether government actually serves taxpayers or just grows itself.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Opening, why politics never slows down anymore and why this episode focuses on the “teachers’ rally” in Raleigh.
• 02:30 – What actually happened in Raleigh: who organized the protest, what teachers say they want, and how the NCAE mixes real grievances with left‑wing slogans.
• 08:30 – Why New Hanover County’s school board refused to move a workday, how many districts effectively shut down, and what that meant for families.
• 15:30 – Are these rallies really “strikes”? North Carolina law on teacher unions, collective bargaining, and why lawmakers hesitate to enforce it.
• 23:00 – Teacher pay, benefits, and cost of living: what the numbers really look like in New Hanover County, and why money alone doesn’t fix failing schools.
• 32:00 – Opportunity Scholarships, “make the wealthy pay,” and why massive per‑pupil spending demands without leverage look performative, not serious.
• 40:00 – Housing and development: people demanding “affordable housing” while blocking new units, and the basic supply‑and‑demand economics no one wants to admit.
• 52:00 – Wilmington and New Hanover budgets: living‑wage pushes, tax hikes, COVID money hangovers, and what services taxpayers actually get for rising bills.
• 01:08:00 – Hospital quality, Novant, and how “nonprofit vs for‑profit” misses the real question of whether patients are getting better care.
• 01:15:00 – Quick hits on Supreme Court drama, redistricting, and what’s coming next in Raleigh and New Hanover County politics.

What You Can Do

If you’re tired of performative rallies, fuzzy budget talk, and politicians “adjusting” your taxes instead of being honest about raising them, this episode is your playbook. Share it with a friend who has kids in public school, a neighbor who just got their new tax bill, or someone who still thinks more slogans equal better policy. Then show up: at school board meetings, budget hearings, and at the ballot box, and demand clarity on what government is actually providing for the money it takes from you.

Finally, stay plugged in by subscribing to the show, signing up for the Wilmington Standard daily update, and following our work across radio, email, and local reporting so you’re ready for the fights coming to Raleigh and New Hanover County.

The 3 Guys Podcast breaks down the 2026 North Carolina primary results, focusing on New Hanover County’s commissioners and school board races, surprise wins and losses, and what low turnout says about local voter engagement. The guys also dig into Iran–US conflict, Trump’s political risks, media coverage of the war, and the Rick Sutherland scandal reshaping Democratic school board politics.

In this episode of The 3 Guy Podcast, Reuel Sample, Ben Schachtman, and Nick Craig unpack the Minneapolis shooting of Alex Priddy during an ICE operation and how it became a national Rorschach test for the Trump administration. They dissect “stupid on both sides,” including calling a freshly killed man a “domestic terrorist,” activists showing up armed, and mayors posturing on TV while refusing to cooperate with federal immigration law. They argue for letting real investigations play out, question ICE’s quasi‑paramilitary tactics and quota-driven enforcement, and wrestle with how much leeway armed agents should have when lethal force is used in chaotic protests.​

The conversation pivots to how this national story bleeds into New Hanover County, highlighting a controversy over a school-board attorney who shared an offensive Roy Cooper meme, deleted it, and apologized—only to become the target of intense backlash. The hosts hammer the school board’s dysfunction, apparent double standards compared to district employees who posted ugly comments after the Charlie Kirk shooting, and the media’s role in framing who gets canceled and who is quietly protected. They close by stressing that public figures are never really “off the clock” on social media, debating whether there is any consistent standard or grace in modern cancel culture, and previewing coming political fights from government shutdown drama to local DA and sheriff races.

“The 3 Guys Podcast: Episode 7 – Venezuela and the Board of Education Race” opens with a hard-edged conversation about Trump’s lightning raid to grab Nicolás Maduro, the slaughter of Maduro’s security forces, and the remarkable lack of U.S. combat deaths. The hosts hammer the left’s sudden concern for “international law,” walk through America’s ugly regime-change record, and debate whether Trump just executed a ruthless but effective reset in Venezuela or lit the fuse on another long-term entanglement.​

The episode then shifts to New Hanover County’s Board of Education primaries, where low-turnout, loud ideologues, and culture-war battles over book “porn,” DEI, and school closures collide with real issues like abuse scandals, overcrowding, and learning loss. The hosts profile Democratic and Republican contenders, question whether 2022-style anti-institutional anger will still sell, and lay out how incumbents and challengers on the right can run on having “fixed” schools while Democrats lean into book-banning narratives and anti-Trump energy.

Welcome back to The 3 Guys Podcast—our end-of-year, no-filter wrap on 2025. In this episode, Reuel Sample, Ben Schachtman, and Nick Craig dig into the highs and lows for both left and right: Trump’s historic return to the presidency, a blue wave in governor and legislative races, and how Democrats still can’t land a clear economic message.​

We dive into school book wars, the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it says about our appetite for political violence, plus housing, affordability, dark money, and the coming 2026 knife fight in North Carolina politics. If you’re looking for real disagreement without screaming matches—and you’re willing to have your own side challenged—hit play, then hit subscribe and join the conversation.

The episode begins with the hosts diving into the recent federal government shutdown, focusing on how Democrats overplayed their strategy and ultimately accepted a deal that achieved little beyond a future vote on health care subsidies. They examine how Democrats tried to use the shutdown to highlight rising health insurance costs, but point out the potential risk in banking on voter memory a year down the line. The hosts also note polling indicating Republicans managed, for once, to avoid being the sole party blamed for the shutdown, as economic anxieties, SNAP program impacts, and airport delays wore down public support for the Democratic approach.

The conversation then turns to recent immigration enforcement actions in North Carolina, such as major raids in Charlotte and Raleigh. The hosts clarify the difference between Customs and Border Protection and ICE, exploring the left’s internal conflicts over handling illegal immigration. The discussion covers local activist responses, including calls to abolish ICE, and touches on the widespread public support for deporting violent felons as well as many other undocumented immigrants. The hosts argue that after decades of inconsistent enforcement, tougher federal action has created major political backlash—leaving Democrats squeezed between advocacy groups and a voting public that overwhelmingly favors stricter immigration control.

Finally, attention shifts to local North Carolina politics, especially Republican Representative Ted Davis’s decision not to seek reelection in House District 20. The hosts discuss why Davis is likely to serve out his final term, preferring not to hand a potential successor an “incumbent” advantage should he resign early. They also talk about the strong GOP positioning in the district, despite Democratic ambitions. Senator Michael Lee’s increasingly secure status in District 7 comes up as well, with consensus that issues like school funding and cost of living will dominate upcoming races. Throughout, the hosts draw clear connections between national events—like the shutdown and immigration debates—and the electoral battles shaping greater Wilmington and New Hanover County.

In Episode 4 of "Three Guys Podcast," hosts Reuel Sample, Nick Craig, and Ben Schachtman analyze the results of the Wilmington elections, noting a significant shift in local political dynamics. Democrats swept the Wilmington City Council, leaving no Republican representation, while the county commission retained a Republican majority. The hosts discuss how this split will shape local governance and the growing animosity between city and county entities.

Focusing on the mayoral race, they highlight Bill Saffo’s decisive victory and explore factors behind his and other candidates’ performance. Attention is given to challenges faced by Republican and lesser-known candidates, campaign strategies, and the impact of fundraising, name recognition, and voter turnout. They point out that local elections were influenced not just by candidate merits but by broader trends, such as party messaging and national political moods, with many voters relying on sample ballots rather than detailed policy knowledge.

Finally, the hosts examine city council races, the influence of campaign money, and surprises among candidates, including notable Democratic victories. They discuss arguments within the Republican base post-election and suggest that overall, Republican losses were part of a wider trend seen across North Carolina and the country. Ultimately, the episode reflects on the importance of candidate visibility, voter engagement, and coalition-building in shaping future local outcomes.

In this special episode of the Three Guys Podcast, hosts Reuel Sample, Nick Craig, and Ben Schachtman dive deep into the highly anticipated 2025 Wilmington city elections. The discussion opens with a candid reflection on why local voter turnout remains low, examining the challenges faced by both major parties in energizing the electorate. The trio analyzes how shifting demographics, development issues, and infrastructure concerns have reshaped the political climate, setting the stage for a pivotal election year in North Carolina’s Port City.

As the conversation unfolds, the Three Guys dissect the mayoral and city council races, offering insightful commentary on each candidate’s strengths and vulnerabilities. They provide behind-the-scenes context about party strategies, candidate backgrounds, and the unique dynamics of Wilmington’s “nonpartisan” contests, which are anything but. From debates over housing policy and growth to the narrative of anti-establishment sentiment, Reuel, Nick, and Ben illuminate the factors likely to sway this year’s results—breaking down what it means for both long-time residents and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re a political junkie, a Wilmington voter, or just curious about what shapes local leadership, this episode offers valuable perspective mixed with informed opinions and a dash of humor. Don’t miss Reuel, Nick, and Ben’s lively banter and sharp analysis—be sure to like and subscribe to the Three Guys Podcast on all your favorite podcast platforms so you never miss an episode!