The SEANC View Podcast is a weekly podcast from SEANC Staff and Members examining the issues impacting state employees and retirees. Listen everywhere you get your podcasts!

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-seanc-view/id1743111322

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UYR7IuMuV1bf4x8wGWRmq

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwN4kfqCn5WrReTly5rgqgpJ4zIGj51ef

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bf8d67a5-c227-4cba-9cf0-ee0702599fc3

Latest Episodes

June 10, 2025

In this Did You Know? episode, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins delves into the challenges faced by retirees in North Carolina, part of the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS), one of the largest in the country. Despite its size and strong asset-to-liability ratios, the retirement benefits lag behind the national average, impacting the financial well-being of those who served the state. We explore the shortfall and why the state must prioritize its retirees, who have dedicated their careers to public service. Listen to understand the significance of the 19-click difference in the retirement formula compared to the national average and how it's costing retirees up to 10% in monthly benefits. Additionally, learn about the lack of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that further deepen the gap. Discover how you can advocate for change and support your local legislators in addressing this critical issue to ensure that the people who have long served the community receive the retirement benefits they deserve.

Friday, June 6, 2025

In this edition, host Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sam Cline dive into the ongoing budget discussions behind closed doors at the North Carolina legislature. Will the budget be completed on time before the fiscal deadline? We explore the possibilities and nuances involved in this critical process.

Meanwhile, we take a fascinating detour into the world of generational insights as we recap the recent Gen Z and millennial-focused episode, highlighting how these young listeners are shaping conversations around public service.

Tune in to learn about the evolving perceptions of public service careers, the challenges and rewards they bring, and why they matter more than ever in today's world.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Join us for the premiere episode of our new series, SEANC Voices, where we delve into the dynamic world of state employee advocacy. In this episode, we sit down with Kirk Montgomery, the President of SEANC, to discuss his experiences navigating the political landscape as both a state and local government employee.

President Montgomery shares insights from his tenure, discusses the importance of legal protections for state workers, and highlights the urgent need for younger generations to step forward and lead. This conversation offers a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities facing the organization and its members.

Whether you're a state employee, retiree, or someone interested in organizational leadership, this episode contains enlightening perspectives and forward-thinking strategies. Don't miss this engaging discussion on standing strong for state employees' rights and the future of SEANC.

May 29, 2025

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, our Gen Z hosts dive deep into the current political landscape affecting North Carolina. Join Samantha Cline, Dontravis Williams, Adam Winebarger, Tianna Alberts, and special guest Alexandra Kaulback as they discuss the implications of recent legislative sessions, specifically House Bill 549. Gain insights into state employees' challenges from proposed changes to human resources protections and the potential impact of increased powers for the state auditor. Our hosts also explore the broader political climate for Gen Z and younger millennials, discussing the generational divide, the influence of social media on political discourse, and how their generation can foster greater political engagement. The episode ends with a light-hearted segment on underrated skills, questioning what every individual should bring to the table in today's fast-paced world.

Past episodes (Podbean)