In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis chats with Hannah Preston from Influence NC. They delve into Hannah's work with Influence NC, a recently launched initiative aimed at engaging legislators with social media, and engaging Gen-Z North Carolinians in politics through social media. They discuss the importance of making voting accessible and exciting, the generational perspectives on politics, and the challenges young people face today. The conversation also touches on personal stories, fun event recaps, and the significance of vibrant and joyful political engagement.

In this special Halloween episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis takes listeners on a tour through North Carolina's most haunted locations. From the glamorous Grove Park Inn's resident ghost, the Pink Lady, to the eerie Brown Mountain Lights, Liz explores both well-known and obscure spooky spots across the state.

Listeners will journey to the Henry River Mill Village, the mysterious Devil's Tramping Ground, and the haunted coastline of the Outer Banks. This episode diverges from the podcast's usual political focus, delving into the rich, ghostly history of North Carolina and touching on broader themes of memory, loss, and the unending connection between the past and present.

Welcome to the first mini episode of The Foxfire Dispatch hosted by Gina Baxter, a local elected official from Western North Carolina, and Liz Purvis, a progressive organizer in Granville County, North Carolina. In this episode, they delve into the Hatch Act, discussing its origins, significance, and recent relevance concerning government shutdowns and allegations of its violation. The hosts also share their perspectives on the intersection of politics and local governance, highlighting the importance of ethical behavior and examining party endorsement processes. The episode concludes with a rant about political divisiveness and the need for a multi-party system and ranked choice voting to foster a healthier democracy.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz and Gina kick off with a light-hearted discussion on Taylor Swift’s new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’, sharing their personal connections to her music. As the conversation shifts, they delve into the current turmoil within North Carolina, highlighting the complications of the state’s budget crisis, the impact on Medicaid funding, and the ongoing debacle of redrawing congressional maps. They underscore the urgency of civic engagement during these pressing times and the importance of holding elected officials accountable. The episode concludes with a feminist poem from Yemeni American poet Threa Almontaser, exploring themes of identity and culture. Join Liz and Gina for an insightful mix of pop culture and pressing political issues in North Carolina.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, co-host Liz Purvis welcomes Durham County Commission Chair Nida Allam. As the first Muslim woman elected to office in North Carolina, Nida shares her journey from her STEM education background to her current political role. She discusses her commitment to equity and justice, her experience getting into politics following an Islamophobic hate crime that left three of her friends dead, and her grassroots activism.

The conversation delves into Nida's advocacy for higher minimum wages, property tax relief, and the unique challenges of governing in Durham County. Nida also offers advice to aspiring young politicians about the importance of mental health, support systems, and coalition-building. Additionally, the episode touches on the broader implications of international and local political issues.

Join Liz and Nida for an inspiring and informative discussion about making meaningful change at the local level.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosted by Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis, the discussion kicks off with a recap of the Democratic Municipal Official Summit and a the biggest Democratic fundraiser in Durham, Bourbon and Bowties.

The hosts dive into the politics of local candidate endorsement processes. They also analyze recent controversies about COVID-19 vaccination accessibility in North Carolina, highlighting Governor Josh Stein's executive order to reduce barriers to vaccination for adults 18-65 with high-risk conditions.

The conversation transitions to discussing federal funding cuts to public broadcasting, emphasizing the critical impact on local journalism and educational resources, particularly in rural areas. To wrap up, Liz shares her excitement about the upcoming seasons of Survivor and the hosts discuss various upcoming Oktoberfest events in North Carolina. The episode concludes with a reminder to participate in early voting and a call to listeners to engage with their community and make positive changes.

This week on The Foxfire Dispatch, Gina is joined by another trailblazing young leader from Western North Carolina: Preston Blakely, the youngest mayor in the state. Together, they dig into their personal journeys into public service, the realities of leading through Hurricane Helene, and why local government is the heartbeat of community resilience. Along the way, we keep it grounded with some lighter moments—including go-to Cookout orders. It’s a conversation about the power of youth, diversity, and everyday leadership in shaping a better South.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz Purvis and Gina Baxter delve into the political and social landscape of North Carolina. The discussion opens with personal highlights from their week, including local events like the Apple Festival and a poetry meet-up in Durham. They then tackle the stalled budget negotiations in the North Carolina General Assembly, emphasizing the impacts on teachers, state employees, and infrastructural projects. Liz and Gina criticize Republican leaders Phil Berger and Dustin Hall for not prioritizing budget discussions and highlight the struggles faced by educators due to inadequate pay and rising healthcare premiums.

The conversation shifts to economic disparities and the systemic issues exacerbating these problems. They also address a misreported national story involving a college student in Kentucky, critiquing the sensationalist and misleading media portrayal that stigmatizes women's health issues.

The episode concludes with a spotlight on WNCW’s Carol Rifkin, her contributions to preserving old-time Appalachian music, and upcoming events of interest, including the North Carolina Folk Festival and Granville County’s Hot Sauce Festival.