In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis interviews Kate Compton Barr, the first Republican candidate to be featured on the show. Barr, a behavioral scientist and advocate for democracy, is running in the March Republican Primary for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District. Known for her radical transparency and previous 'can't win' campaign against gerrymandering, Barr discusses her motivations, experiences, and strategies for challenging incumbent Congressman Tim Moore.

The conversation also delves into broader topics such as housing affordability, economic security, and the unique challenges of running as a progressive Republican in a gerrymandered district. Tune in for a candid and insightful discussion about political representation, voter empowerment, and the need for systemic change.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, Liz Purvis is joined by Rebekah Whilden, who returns as a co-host to discuss their political wishlist for 2026, focusing on North Carolina's future. They delve into topics such as fair representation, access to opportunities, and significant upcoming elections, including Roy Cooper's Senate race and Anita Earls' Supreme Court re-election. The conversation also covers structural issues in North Carolina politics and the importance of infrastructure and storytelling. The episode wraps up with a fun discussion on the finale of Survivor Season 49 and the anticipation for Season 50. Tune in for an engaging mix of serious political discourse and light-hearted reality TV talk, emphasizing the importance of imagination and hope in shaping the future.

For more on Carolina Forward, visit https://carolinaforward.org/.

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.