Politics Episodes
Sept. 12, 2026
Judge Toby Hampson on Appellate Practice, Fairness in Courts, and the Future of Judicial Elections
Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet! In this episode, Peter Pappas sits down with Judge Toby Hampson, who is running for reelection to North Carolina’s Court of Appeals. Born in England and raised in Moore County, Toby Hampson shares his journey from public schools to Campbell Law, providing insights into his path to the appellate bench. The conversation navigates the ins and outs of the appellate court, highlighting how North Carolina’s judicial system works to ensure the law makes sense in th...
Sept. 10, 2026
Greek Festival 2026: Food, Family, and Strengthening Fayetteville's Community Ties
On this episode of Carolina Cabinet, host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler welcome special guest Lia Hasapis for an energetic and wide-ranging conversation spotlighting Fayetteville's 36th annual Greek Festival. Lia Hasapis gives us an inside look at organizing this beloved cultural event, sharing what to expect in food, music, and community when the festivities kick off this weekend. But the Cabinet crew doesn't stop there—frank reflections on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 set a serious t...
Sept. 10, 2026
Fighting Back: Doug Turpin and the Legal Battle Over Private School Curriculum Choices
Episode Introduction Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, where we give a voice to the conservatives of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and beyond. In today’s special episode, Peter Pappas sits down with Doug Turpin, Charlotte parent, CEO of Coalition for Liberty, and the driving force behind a high-profile lawsuit against Charlotte Latin School. After noticing significant curriculum shifts and alleged retaliation for raising concerns, Doug Turpin and his family became the face of a battle o...
Sept. 9, 2026
Jeremy Stanley Discusses Flood Mitigation and Agricultural Grants in Cumberland County
Episode Introduction The conversation focused on the vital but frequently underestimated work of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Board, featuring candidate Jeremy Stanley in discussion with host Peter Pappas. One concept discussed was how this low-profile, down-ballot office has a significant impact on everyday issues, from helping local farmers remain viable through grants, to addressing flooding and expanding access to safe public water. A key theme that emerged was the pressing need for...
Sept. 7, 2026
Challenging the Two-Party System: Maad’s Libertarian Bid for Congress
Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet! In this episode, the conversation focused on the journey and campaign of Maad Abu Ghazala, a Libertarian candidate running for Congress in North Carolina's 7th district. The discussion explored Abu Ghazala’s unique upbringing in Saudi Arabia and the West Bank, his immigration to America at age 17, and the cultural perspectives that shaped his political views. A key theme that emerged was the role of government overreach, civil liberties, and anti-establishme...
Sept. 7, 2026
How Paul Taylor Hopes to Bring New Leadership to North Carolina’s Senate
Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet! Host Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler sit down with Paul Taylor, candidate for North Carolina Senate District 21. In this episode, Paul Taylor shares his journey from military service and government work to his campaign for public office. The conversation dives into issues like education funding, economic development, the impact of minimum wage increases, PFAS water contamination, and the responsibilities of government in supporting communities. Paul T...
Sept. 7, 2026
Heated Debates Over Police Demographics, Utility Rates, and Election Board Scandals
Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio, hosted by Peter Pappas alongside the ever-engaging Laura Mussler and joined tonight by guest Paul Taylor. In this live episode, your hosts dive into the Fayetteville Police Department’s newly released crime report, scrutinize the implications of rising local utility rates and downtown parking fees, and dissect the latest developments and controversies swirling around the Board of Elections. ...
Sept. 6, 2026
Caitlin Marsh on Advocacy, Overcoming Adversity, and the Future of Soil and Water in Johnston County
🎙️ NEW EPISODE: The Carolina Cabinet with Caitlin Marsh 🎙️ This week on The Carolina Cabinet, Peter Pappas welcomes back Caitlin Marsh for an unfiltered conversation about local politics, real-world advocacy, and the future of Johnston County. 🔍 From her headline-making primary run—where she took on the establishment as a single mom—to her current race for Soil and Water Supervisor, Caitlin Marsh reveals what it takes to create change in your own backyard. Hear her honest lessons on breaking b...
Sept. 5, 2026
Fayetteville Mayor’s Racially Charged Comment and Local Issues Unpacked on Carolina Cabinet
Welcome back to another edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, joined in studio by the always insightful Laura Mussler. In this live segment, we're diving into the biggest headlines and controversies shaping our region—from the long-overdue connection of clean water to local schools in Gray's Creek, to Spring Lake's split votes and ongoing struggles with local governance. We'll also break down the kerfuffle surrounding Mayo...
Sept. 5, 2026
From Grant Writing to the Ballot: Janine Ackles Tackles Cumberland County Issues
Welcome to another lively episode of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! This week, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler welcome back Janene Ackles, candidate for House District 43, for her second appearance on the show. The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter about home-cooked meals and local favorites, then pivots to tackle pressing issues facing the region. Janene Ackles draws on her experience as a grant writer and community advocate to offer insights...
Sept. 3, 2026
Tom Hatch Discusses School Board Goals, Choice Programs, and Community Challenges
Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! In this episode, Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler sit down with Tom Hatch, a veteran educator with 32 years of experience in Cumberland County Schools—and now a candidate for an at-large seat on the school board. Together, they dig into the pressing challenges facing local education: declining public school enrollment, the unique struggles of middle schoolers, and the evolving landscape of choice program...
Sept. 1, 2026
Debating Data Centers: Fayetteville Residents Demand Protections and Accountability
Welcome to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio, where we dive headfirst into the pressing issues shaping our region. This week, hosts Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler are joined by guest Broxy Pone for a spirited discussion about local politics, community activism, and the controversies swirling around Fayetteville's proposed data centers. You'll hear first-hand accounts from city council meetings marked by tension, passionate public com...
Sept. 1, 2026
Broxie Pone on Student Achievement, Transparency, and Putting Kids First in Cumberland County
Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio. In this episode, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler sit down with Broxie Pone, a longtime educator, pastor, and real estate professional who’s now running for the Cumberland County Board of Education at-large seat. With over 30 years in the classroom and a commitment to putting students first, Broxie Pone shares her journey from teacher to school board candidate, her philosophy on respect and st...
Aug. 20, 2026
Local Politics Unfiltered: Jonathan Strange for District Court Judge
Welcome back to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! Hosted by Peter Pappas with co-host Laura Mussler, this episode dives headfirst into the major issues shaping Fayetteville and beyond. From the heated debate over new data centers and zoning laws, to the challenges of local economic development, and the evolving face of election laws in North Carolina, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler unpack it all with wit and candor. Later, they’re jo...
Aug. 17, 2026
Michael Dublin Green Party Candidate for US Senate Discusses Third-Party Politics and Policy
🎙️ Ready to Break the Political Mold? 🎙️ Dive into challenging conversations and fresh perspectives on the latest Carolina Cabinet episode featuring U.S. Senate candidate Michael Dublin of the Green Party! 🌱 Join Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler as they ask the tough questions about third parties, living wages, education, and the future of North Carolina politics. Hear why Michael Dublin believes real change starts with principled service and what makes him show up—even when the stage is stacked...
Aug. 15, 2026
Primetime Politics: Trump’s Address, Election Integrity, and the Battle Over the SAVE Act
🚨 The 2026 midterm elections are heating up, and Carolina Cabinet is at the center of the action! Are you ready to get the inside scoop on the hottest issues shaping North Carolina—and the nation? From rare presidential addresses and election security debates to local Board of Elections realities, our newest episode dives deep into: What’s really in the Save America Act? Should proof of citizenship be required to vote? Why are some networks refusing to broadcast critical national addresses? ...
Aug. 13, 2026
Compromise and Community: 911 Solutions, Roadwork, Data Center Issues, and School Board Races
🎙️ The Carolina Cabinet: Cumberland County's Smartest Hour of Talk Radio! 🎙️ Are you fed up with confusing local politics, never-ending road closures, and feeling out of the loop on decisions that affect YOUR community? Join Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler every week as they break down the hottest issues in Fayetteville and Cumberland County—no-nonsense, no spin, just real talk! Whether it’s the 911 deal that took 19 years to resolve, the chaos on Raeford Road, the future of data centers, or wh...
Aug. 11, 2026
July 4th Reflections, Local Politics, and the Battle for North Carolina’s Future
Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! In this lively episode, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler return to the mic to catch up on life, share travel stories, and dive headfirst into the pressing issues facing Fayetteville, North Carolina, and beyond. From Laura Mussler’s Alaskan family wedding adventure and July 4th in D.C., to Peter Pappas’s local holiday reflections, the co-hosts set the mood with personal anecdotes and patriotic gratitude. The con...
July 31, 2026
From Local Loss to Lasting Legacy: Caroline Cares, Community, and Political Conversations
Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio! Join your host Peter Pappas, co-host Laura Mussler, and special guest Anna Poulos, founder of Caroline Cares, for a lively discussion about North Carolina politics, party conventions, and the importance of patriotism in America. In this episode, the trio dives into topics like the real impact of party organization changes, how to connect with local voters, and the meaning behind patriotic d...