Judge Toby Hampson, a key player on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, joins the crew of Muck You! to chat about the wild world of judicial elections and why keeping Democratic voices in the courts is crucial. He dives deep into the nitty-gritty of how the court operates and the potential consequences of a complete Republican sweep in the upcoming elections. Hampson shares his journey from a North Carolina public school to the bench, sprinkling in some humor about his past as the “dumb jock” at a math and science school—who knew judges could be so relatable? The gang discusses the importance of upholding the law in a landscape increasingly colored by partisanship, with Hampson stressing the need for balance and the vital role judges play in ensuring justice for all North Carolinians. Buckle up for a lively conversation filled with laughs, insights, and some serious calls to action for folks to support judicial candidates who stand for what’s right!

Diving headfirst into the murky waters of judicial politics, the latest episode of Muck U features Judge Toby Hampson of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The trio—hosts David Wheeler and Colonel Mo Davis, along with Judge Hampson—explore the intricacies of the state's judicial system while sprinkling in some light-hearted banter. Judge Hampson shares his journey from the public school system to the prestigious School of Science and Math, and eventually to the bench, all while tossing in a few jokes about being the 'dumb jock' in a school full of brainiacs. They dig deep into the implications of upcoming elections, particularly the significance of maintaining Democratic representation in a court currently leaning Republican. The conversation flows from the role of the Court of Appeals to the impact of judicial decisions on everyday North Carolinians, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the judiciary.

As they navigate through complex legal concepts, the hosts keep the tone playful, making sure to reference the sometimes absurd nature of political campaigns. Judge Hampson highlights the importance of having dissenting opinions in the court system, using a recent case as a prime example of how one voice can tip the scales of justice. The hosts chuckle at the quirks of judicial life, comparing it to sports commentary—after all, judges are supposed to call balls and strikes, right? With the judicial landscape in North Carolina shifting, the trio also discusses strategies for engaging voters across the state, ensuring that folks from Asheville to Wilmington have their voices heard come election day.

In a world where political partisanship seems to seep into every nook and cranny of government, Judge Hampson passionately advocates for the integrity of the judiciary. He expresses concern about the growing perception of judges as political entities rather than impartial arbiters of justice. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt call to action, encouraging listeners to support judicial candidates who prioritize fairness and independence. With laughter, insight, and a dash of self-deprecation, this installment of Muck You reminds us that even in the serious world of law, there's always room for a good joke—or a good drink, as they discuss their favorite bourbons and IPAs. It's a blend of legal savvy and camaraderie that leaves you both informed and entertained, proving that justice doesn't have to be a dry affair.

Takeaways:

• Muck You dives deep into the muck of corruption and hypocrisy, revealing truths that others try to hide.
• Judge Toby Hampson brings a wealth of experience from public schools to the NC Court of Appeals, emphasizing education's role in his journey.
• The NC Court of Appeals plays a critical role in reviewing legal decisions, ensuring justice across the state, no matter the case.
• There's a significant push for Democrats to maintain balance in the NC judiciary, especially with critical...

David and Moe are back from their vacays, and they’ve brought a dynamite guest along for the ride: Ed Opperman, an investigative reporter who’s got some serious street cred in the private eye game. They dive deep into the wild world of political scandals, with Ed dropping some juicy insights about how today’s drama seems to bounce off political figures like a rubber ball. Seriously, it's like the more outrageous the scandal, the less it matters—Trump’s escapades are a prime example, as Ed hilariously points out how the public’s become immune to the chaos. The trio chats about everything from Epstein to the slippery slope of modern media control, and Ed’s got some spicy stories to share, including his close encounters with the drama surrounding Stormy Daniels and the intertwined lives of various players in the political sphere. Buckle up, because this episode is packed with laughs, eye-rolls, and a whole lotta “did they just say that?” moments!

Takeaways:

• David and Moe recently returned from their individual vacations, diving straight into a podcast filled with juicy discussions and funny anecdotes.
• The guest, Ed Opperman, a private investigator and podcast host, shared some wild stories about scandals involving high-profile figures, including Trump and Epstein.
• Ed highlighted how political scandals seem to have lost their shock value in today's media landscape, as audiences have become desensitized to the outrageous.
• The conversation revealed how the media, especially under certain influences, can control narratives and obscure details surrounding political scandals.
• They discussed the evolution of scandal culture from the past to modern times, showing how today's audiences may shrug off serious allegations against public figures.
• Opperman pointed out that despite numerous felonies being charged, some scandals seem to have little to no impact on public perception or political careers.

Links referenced in this episode:

• oppermanreport
• spreaker.com
• patreon.com/oppermanreport

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Opperman Report
• AMI
• Gawker
• New York Post

Get ready to dive deep into the wild world of local politics and community resilience! This episode of the Muckyou podcast features a star-studded lineup of mayors from western North Carolina, including the soon-to-be congressman Colonel Mo Davis and his fellow mayors discussing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They kick things off by highlighting the grit and determination of their towns as they face challenges like natural disasters and economic shifts, proving that even when the going gets tough, these leaders are all about lifting each other up and finding solutions. With stories of recovery, community spirit, and a sprinkle of good ol' Southern charm, they explore how each town is navigating the muck of politics while striving for a brighter future. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even shed a tear as these local heroes share their journeys through adversity and hope!

Takeaways:

• The Muckyou podcast serves up raw, unfiltered discussions on local politics and community resilience, showcasing how mayors navigate disaster recovery with grit and grace.
• Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across western North Carolina, prompting local leaders to step up and demonstrate the strength of their communities amidst chaos.
• The episode highlights the importance of interconnectivity between towns, as mayors share resources and support each other during recovery efforts from severe weather events.
• Each mayor reflects on their personal motivations for public service, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection to their communities and a desire to create positive change.
• The conversations reveal a shared optimism among the mayors for the future, despite facing challenges like economic downturns and climate change impacts on their towns.
• Listeners are reminded that even in the face of adversity, communities can thrive through collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to supporting one another.
• Riverside Rhapsody

Links referenced in this episode:

• americanmuckrakers.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bear Waters Brewing
• Diamond Brand
• Baker Engineering
• Duke Endowment
• American Muckrakers
• Riverside Rhapsody