PODCAST · news
The Foxfire Dispatch
by Liz Purvis
Welcome to The Foxfire Dispatch—where small sparks ignite big change toward a better South. Founded by Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis, two left-of-center Southern women who aren't afraid to mix sass, substance, and soul, this podcast is your front porch conversation for politics, poetry, and everything in between. Pull up a chair as we unpack political headlines, amplify voices often left unheard, and spotlight stories of resistance and resilience from across our communities. Expect bold ideas, authentic storytelling, and a good dose of humor as we navigate the complexities of Southern identity and activism in real time. Whether you're deep in the heart of the South or just want to understand it better, join us as we prove—one dispatch at a time—that change down here isn't just possible, it's already happening.
Episodes
-
2.15 And We're Back: Budget Signed, Bracing for Fall w/ Cohost Imani McCreary
Host Liz Purvis welcomes Durham OG Imani McCreary to discuss major North Carolina political updates and what to do before the November 3 general election. They recap a marathon State Board of Elections meeting that slashed many early voting Sundays and scrutinize what they describe as targeted...
-
2.14 We're Back—and I Brought Poems
Host Liz Purvis returns to The Foxfire Dispatch after a couple months away, explaining she needed the break while starting a new job and moving into a new home. In this minisode, she skips a full news breakdown and leans into an “Even Art Is Political” segment, reading Ada Limón’s “A New National...
-
2.13 TFD Interviews Jason Brown II, Independent Progressive Running in VA-4
Host Liz Purvis discusses what it means to run outside the two-party system with Jason Brown, an independent progressive candidate for Congress in Virginia’s 4th District, a Democratic-leaning seat spanning urban/suburban areas like Richmond and rural communities farther south. Brown argues…
more -
2.12 TFD After the Primary: 2026 NC Edition
Host Liz Purvis welcomes guest host Coach LeVon Barnes of Alamance County, a 23-year educator and working-class father running for a North Carolina General Assembly House district 64, to discuss why he entered politics and what he learned from past campaigns. We break down key North Carolina...
-
2.11 TFD Interviews Congressional Candidate Kyah Creekmore
Host Liz Purvis welcomes Kyah Creekmore, a 24-year-old Democratic candidate running in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District primary to take on 20-year Republican incumbent Virginia Foxx. Creekmore describes the gerrymandered, sprawling 10-county district—largely rural and Appalachian but...
-
2.10 TFD Interviews Congressional Candidate Kate Barr
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....
-
2.9 2026 NC Wishlist & Survivor Gab w/ Rebekah Whilden
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...
-
2.8 TFD Minisode: Turning the Wheel, Picking Up the Tools
In this special New Year episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis offers a reflective and insightful look into 2026 through the lens of numerology and tarot. Liz explores the symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune, the Magician, and the Fool cards, considering their relevance to our political...
-
2.7 TFD Interviews Rebekah Whilden, Executive Director of Carolina Forward
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...
-
2.6 The Stanley Shuffle: When Democracy Takes a Back Seat
In this eye-opening episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis and guest-host Sydnie Hutchinson, the second vice chair of the Gaston Dems and a candidate for the NC House, dive deep into a shocking story of political corruption in Stanley, a small town in Gaston County, NC. They discuss how...
-
2.5 TFD Interviews Paul Barringer
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz welcomes Paul Barringer, a Democratic candidate for North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. Barringer, a lawyer and public servant, discusses his decision to run for office, shaped by a desire to bring grounded, ethical leadership to a...
-
2.4 TFD Interviews Sydnie Hutchinson
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis chats with Sydnie Hutchinson, a paralegal turned political candidate running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 108. Sydnie shares her motivation for entering politics, rooted in her extensive experience in the…
more -
2.3 Bonus Ep! Part 1 of The Night After: NC Elections w/ Left of Old North
In this special bonus episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis from The Foxfire Dispatch and CJ Robinson and Adrian Brakeley from The Left of Old North reflect on the outcomes of the recent North Carolina municipal elections. We celebrate significant Democratic wins in various races,...
-
2.2 TFD Interviews James Whalen
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis interviews James Whalen, a Democratic candidate running in the March '26 primary for the North Carolina Court of Appeals. We discuss Whalen's background as a former state DOJ attorney and his motivation for reforming the state’s appellate...
-
2.1 The Night After: NC Elections 2025 w/ Left of Old North, Part 2
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, host Liz Purvis and CJ Robinson, host of Left of Old North, delve into the national implications of recent races, focusing on Supreme Court races in New York and Pennsylvania, and Virginia's gubernatorial win by Abigail Spanberger. They celebrate the...
-
22. TFD Interviews Hannah Preston, Founder of Influence NC
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...
-
21. TFD: Haunted Tar Heel Trails Edition
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...
-
20. Hatch Act + Endorsements Minisode
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,...
-
19. The Bar is in Hell
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,...
-
18. TFD Interviews Commissioner Nida Allam of Durham, Part 1
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...
-
17. That Blows: No Prescription for Democracy
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...
-
16. TFD Interviews Mayor Preston Blakely of Fletcher
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…
more -
15. No Budget, All Excuses - the NCGA’s GOP Standoff
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...
-
14. Labor Fights and Human Rights
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis dive into the history and meaning of Labor Day in North Carolina, exploring how the state’s relationship with workers’ rights has evolved—and how it still shapes our communities today. The conversation covers Senator Mark...
-
13. "Possibility in Their Backyards" TFD Interviews NCDP Chair Anderson Clayton
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, co-host Liz Purvis sits down with Anderson Breeze Clayton, the North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. We delve into Clayton's efforts to reshape organizing in North Carolina, particularly in the fight against MAGA politics. Clayton discusses the…
more -
12. Carolina Forward, Bernie Style
Join cohosts Liz and Gina on this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch as they dive into Bernie Sanders' Fight the Oligarchy tour in North Carolina, featuring uplifting speeches and union organizing. Plus, discover the North Carolina Hot Sauce Festival, Elizabeth McCorvey's new album Songs I Sent You,...
-
11. The Fight for Our Maps and Bodies
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis provide an in-depth overview of reproductive rights in North Carolina, highlighting changes post-Roe v. Wade and the impact of state legislation. We discuss the important efforts of organizations like Carolina Abortion Fund...
-
10. Cooper Runs, Veto Overrides, & A Very Nice Dinner
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz and Gina explore key political events in North Carolina, focusing on Governor Roy Cooper's 2026 Senate bid and the entry of RNC Chair Michael Whatley into the race. We discuss recent legislative actions, including multiple veto overrides in the…
more -
9. TFD Interviews Theo Nollert, Chapel Hill, NC Town Councilmember
On the 9th full episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, dive deep into the challenges facing North Carolina communities with town council member Theo Nollert. From disaster recovery to housing policy, this episode offers a compelling conversation on local governance and community resilience. Join us for...
-
8. TFD Interviews Dalton George, Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, NC
Join host Gina Baxter and guest Dalton George, Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, for an interview episode in which they dive deep into Dalton's love for Wilco, his journey in tenant rights advocacy, environmental conservation, and his upcoming campaign for mayor in 2025. Learn about the challenges and...
-
7. BBQ, Ballots, Bad Faith Bills
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz Purvis and Gina Baxter delve deep into the efforts of local organizing in North Carolina. They discuss their recent experiences canvassing for the General Assembly races and municipal elections with the help of the organization C2CNoC. Liz…
more -
6. Front Porch Politics: NC Municipal Election Special
Dive into our latest episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, where Gina and Liz break down the importance of the 2025 municipal elections in North Carolina. Learn about key election dates, the significance of local offices, voter ID requirements, and how your vote can make a difference in your…
more -
5. TFD Takes on NC Shrimpgate? Plus, an Interview with Reyna Walters-Morgan, DNC Vice Chair
Dive in with The Foxfire Dispatch to an engaging conversation on North Carolina politics, covering topics from local leadership to national strategies. Hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis discuss the recent NCDP State Executive Committee Meeting, public leadership training, Shrimpgate 2025, and...
-
4. Signed, Sealed, Socialist? Exploring Our Political Identities
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, co-hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis dive into a discussion about political labels. They recount personal experiences with political spectrums, explore how their political views have evolved over time and share their current roles in local Democratic...
-
2. Welcome to The Foxfire Dispatch
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz Purvis and Gina Baxter dive into the unique landscape of North Carolina's political scene. They discuss the complexities and fascinating aspects of living in a purple state, share personal anecdotes from canvassing and local government, and...
-
3. Bless This Messy Legislature
In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, Gina and Liz delve into North Carolina politics, focusing on the legislative long session. They explore processes, key bills like House Bill 163 on pharmacy regulations, and their different yet aligning ways of engagement. They also discuss their personal...
-
1. The Foxfire Dispatch Reacts to #NoKings Day
In this debut episode of The Foxfire Dispatch podcast, hosts Gina and Liz reflect on participation in the No Kings rallies across North Carolina. They share their experiences in Hendersonville and Oxford, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the shift towards progressivism in...
-
Intro to The Foxfire Dispatch
The Foxfire Dispatch is almost here! Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis give you a taste of what’s coming—Southern voices, honest conversations, and a whole lot of heart. Pull up a chair, press play, and get a sneak peek into the sparks we’re about to ignite. Small sparks, big change, a better South.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Foxfire Dispatch—where small sparks ignite big change toward a better South. Founded by Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis, two left-of-center Southern women who aren't afraid to mix sass, substance, and soul, this podcast is your front porch conversation for politics, poetry, and everything in between.
Pull up a chair as we unpack political headlines, amplify voices often left unheard, and spotlight stories of resistance and resilience from across our communities. Expect bold ideas, authentic storytelling, and a good dose of humor as we navigate the complexities of Southern identity and activism in real time.
Whether you're deep in the heart of the South or just want to understand it better, join us as we prove—one dispatch at a time—that change down here isn't just possible, it's already happening.
HOSTED BY
Liz Purvis
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Foxfire Dispatch have?
The Foxfire Dispatch currently has 38 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Foxfire Dispatch about?
Welcome to The Foxfire Dispatch—where small sparks ignite big change toward a better South. Founded by Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis, two left-of-center Southern women who aren't afraid to mix sass, substance, and soul, this podcast is your front porch conversation for politics, poetry, and everything...
How often does The Foxfire Dispatch release new episodes?
The Foxfire Dispatch has 38 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Foxfire Dispatch?
You can listen to The Foxfire Dispatch on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Foxfire Dispatch?
The Foxfire Dispatch is created and hosted by Liz Purvis.
URL copied to clipboard!