What you'll learn

• 1 (00:00) **Episode Opening & Advertisements** - PSA about trusting instincts, followed by ads for USA Auto Insurance, GLP-1 pills, and Odoo business software.
• 2 (01:53) **Race Overview: Trump's Nightmare in North Carolina** - Host Ben introduces the Senate race, framing it as a disaster for Trump, whose approval in NC is net -22. Democratic candidate Roy Cooper is leading MAGA Republican Michael Whatley by double digits.
• 3 (03:19) **Whatley's Weakness: The Trump Puppet** - Host plays a clip of Whatley awkwardly failing to name a single favorite Carolina Hurricanes player, highlighting his lack of connection to the state.
• 4 (05:34) **Interview Begins: The Concept of Leadership** - Host asks Gov. Cooper to reflect on the contrast between dignified, competent leadership and the current MAGA approach.
• 5 (07:04) **Cooper's Record: Getting Things Done** - Cooper describes his eight years as a Democratic governor with a Republican legislature, highlighting key wins: Medicaid expansion, carbon-zero goal, and wiping out $6.5 billion in medical debt.
• 6 (09:11) **The Stakes: Competence vs. Power** - Cooper contrasts his record with opponent Michael Whatley, who he says supports policies like paying January 6th rioters.
• 7 (10:15) **The "Make Stuff Cost Less" Tour** - Cooper shares specific stories from North Carolinians: a woman in Rocky Mount struggling with childcare costs, a Charlotte resident seeing $60/month utility increases, and a recent grad facing unaffordable housing.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app