An Honorable Profession

The NewDEAL
  • 4.9 (60)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Restore your faith in government with An Honorable Profession. Every Thursday, co-hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bultan sit down with rising state and local Democrats, policy experts, and the nation's top political minds for empowering and candid conversations about life in public service and government. Together with their guests – which include members of the Biden Administration, state legislators nationwide, and mayors from America's top cities – Ryan and Debbie discuss the biggest issues facing Americans today and the decisive role that state and local leaders play in catalyzing progressive, pragmatic solutions. An Honorable Profession is produced by the NewDEAL. For more AHP and NewDEAL content, visit https://newdealleaders.org/ and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewDEALLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newdealleaders/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-newdeal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewDEALLeaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NewdealleadersOrg An Honorable Profession is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

  1. 2d ago

    How to Remember What You're Fighting For with Commissioner Angelica Salinas

    In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bultan sit down with Routt County, CO Commissioner Angelica Salinas, the youngest person and first Latina woman ever elected to her seat. They discuss how she has navigated her first term in office, and how she's already brought her lived experience to issues ranging from housing to transportation to economic development. Ryan and Debbie ask Commissioner Salinas about what is top of mind for her constituents, what rural areas need most, why showing up and caring about constituents as a human being first has helped her build connections. Tune in to hear more about what is giving her hope right now.   IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcoming Angelica Salinas to the show. [02:04] What is on the minds of her constituents right now. [04:18] Commissioner Salinas explains what she does as Commissioner. [06:24] How she's navigating the chaos in the federal administration. [09:00] Why policy changes always need to consider community capacity.  [11:30] The importance of making the community feel part of decisions. [13:10] Angelica tells us about her professional and political background. [15:28] The challenges of being the first Latina woman in her position.  [17:03] How Commissioner Salinas brings her lived experience to her role as Commissioner.  [19:09] Some examples of the kinds of issues she is tackling and how.  [21:42] How she has built the trust necessary to make meaningful change.  [25:06] What's surprised Commissioner Salinas about serving in a local government.  [27:49] How the youth can get involved in making a change in government.    LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  2. Sep 24

    How to Combat Hopelessness Through Resilience with Mayor Zeb Smathers

    In this week's episode, we continue our Road to November 2026 series with Canton, NC Mayor Zeb Smathers. He and host Debbie Cox Bultan talk about the weariness coursing through communities across the countries as prices and political divisiveness keep rising. They discuss the importance of "listening with both ears" when people share the challenges they are facing, and the necessity of following up with tangible change. Mayor Smathers also underscores the value of mutual respect in these times and shares his thoughts on what Democrats need to do to connect with voters in small towns like his. Tune in to hear more about the kind of leadership people are looking for to meet this moment. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Introducing today's guest, Mayor of Canton, Zeb Smathers. [02:55] What Mayor Smathers is hearing from constituents in Canton, North Carolina. [05:40] How Democrats can deliver on complicated issues. [09:15] His beliefs on what leadership means in tough times. [13:45] Why hopelessness is one of the greatest worries Mayor Smathers has for the country. [19:00] The impact of politicians being honest about what they can and cannot deliver on (and what it looks like when they're not). [21:30] His advice to Democrats on making a difference in rural America. [24:38] Why authenticity is crucial in winning over voters country-wide. [27:20] If Democrats want to win towns like Canton, they should ____? LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  3. Sep 17

    How to Be an Effective Legislator with Georgia Rep. Omari Crawford

    In today's episode, host Ryan Coonerty talks with Georgia Rep. Omari Crawford, one of Georgia's Top 10 Most Effective Lawmakers according to Center for Effective Lawmaking. They discuss Georgia's political landscape and how Democrats can bring their message to urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state. Rep. Crawford also shares how he uses both data and firsthand knowledge to inform his policymaking and how he's able to get so much done in a Republican-controlled General Assembly. As a native of DeKalb County, Rep. Crawford shares what it has meant to him to represent the community that raised him. Tune in to hear about how his lived experiences have shaped his approach to public service. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:00] Georgia's shifting political landscape and what Democrats believe is at stake. [03:27] Uncover which messages and policies are resonating with voters. [05:18] Understand how redistricting uncertainty is shaping the party's strategy. [07:47] Discover how Georgia Democrats tailor campaign support across communities. [09:30] Find out what led Representative Crawford from law into public service. [12:39] Learn how his evidence-based messaging shaped his first campaign. [15:10] Explore how his experience advising local government helped his career transition.  [17:22] Hear about the healthcare, justice, and other initiatives behind his legislative record. [21:37] He shares practical advice for developing sickle cell legislation in other states. [25:00] The story behind 'Miles for Mom' and his mission to run a half marathon in 50 states. [29:10] Representative Crawford's answer for what Democrats need to do to win: vote. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  4. Sep 10

    How to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing with Congressmen Adam Gray and Tom Suozzi

    In this week's episode, hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty talk with U.S. Rep. Adam Gray and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, the only two Democratic members of Congress to flip Trump districts in 2024. They discuss the importance of building broad coalitions and showing voters that they can get things done. Gray and Suozzi dive into Promise to America, a pledge that they hope can align the Democratic Party around a clear, common-sense set of principles to regain voters' trust and build a sustainable majority. Tune into to hear more about why we leaders should be focusing on the issues that matter most to the most people. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:54] Introducing Congressman Adam Gray and Congressman Tom Suozzi. [01:11] Insights from Congressmen Suozzi and Gray on building a broad coalition. [05:22] What voters are concerned about and why affordability is the top issue. [09:31] How Democrats can stay focused on the issues that matter most to voters. [12:30] The principles and purpose behind the Promise to America. [15:16] Building a grassroots movement around the Promise to America. [18:46] Why elected officials should focus on solving problems, not winning arguments. [20:00] How state and local government shaped both congressmen's focus on delivering results. [23:44] What Democrats should prioritize if they regain control of the House. [27:58] Finding common ground on border security and immigration reform. [29:48] Why winning elections matters only if leaders deliver results. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  5. Sep 3

    How to Make the Case to Voters with Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau

    Host Debbie Cox Bultan catches up with Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau in this continuation of our Road to November 2026 series. After an unprecedented summer in Maine politics, Speaker Fecteau shares what is top of mind for voters across the state and how leaders can deliver results for working families. He and Debbie also discuss the horrific ICE shooting that took place in his community of Biddeford, ME, as well as the ways Democrats can respond to protect their residents from the impacts of the Trump administration. Looking ahead to November, Speaker Fecteau gives his advice on what it takes to win in Maine. Tune in to hear more about the value of connecting to voters one-on-one. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:15] Introducing Speaker Ryan Fecteau. [02:30] An insider's view of choosing Troy Jackson as the U.S. Senate nominee for Maine. [05:22] Breaking down Troy Jackson's strategy to defeat Susan Collins. [07:10] What Speaker Fecteau is hearing from Maine voters. [09:13] How Democrats can campaign on delivering real results. [12:20] What kind of leaders voters are looking for. [14:25] How the Democratic Party is viewed in Maine. [16:02] The importance of having candidates who speak to real-life issues. [17:20] Why delivering results should be central to the Democratic message in Maine. [19:50] Speaker Fecteau discusses how immigration is shaping voters' concerns in Maine. [24:05] If Democrats are going to win Maine, they need to ______? LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  6. Aug 27

    How to Reclaim the Mantle of Public Safety with Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler

    In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Bucks County, Pennsylvania Sheriff Danny Ceisler to discuss why Democrats should be making the case that they are the party of effective public safety. They talk about what leadership as an elected sheriff looks like and how building trust is central to his approach to keeping communities safe. Sheriff Ceisler also shares how he ran for office on a promise to end his county's partnership with ICE, and why that message resonated, even in a Trump-won district. Tune in to hear more about how he's making Bucks County safer for everyone and showing voters that pragmatic governance delivers results. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:10] Introducing the new sheriff in town, Danny Ceisler. [02:07] The purpose, role, and responsibilities of an elected sheriff. [05:05] How Danny ended up in the role of Bucks County Sheriff. [07:03] His advice to other community leaders or those aspiring to become one. [11:00] How Democrats can reclaim public safety and better serve their communities. [13:45] What inspired him to run for Sheriff. [16:30] He reflects on the impact in his community and what other communities can learn from it. [17:30] Sheriff Ceisler shares about their 24-hour domestic violence unit. [22:00] He discusses how Democrats can improve public safety while strengthening community trust and protecting civil rights. [24:46] He shares how voters are feeling about the Trump administration and the next election. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  7. Aug 20

    How to Make Government Work by Connecting with Others with Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn

    In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Indiana Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn to discuss her path from academia and healthcare to public service, as well as what it takes for a latina Democrat to win and govern in a predominantly white suburban swing district. Garcia Wilburn shares how listening and prioritizing human connection has made her an effective candidate and legislator, and how she has turned deeply personal issues into laws that make a difference. Tune in to hear more about how her pragmatic and intentional approach to governing has won over voters from across the political spectrum.  IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcoming today's guest, Victoria Garcia Wilburn. [02:23] What inspired our guest to get involved in politics. [04:11] Running as a Latina woman in a mainly white suburb. [06:03] Indiana's political climate and how it has evolved. [09:45] How Rep. Garcia Wilburn managed to tell her story authentically. [12:07] Driving legislative change as a minority representative. [15:03] Bringing awareness about mental health safety of public servants. [17:58] Her kid's safety work and how it can be a role model to other states. [21:17] How Rep. Garcia Wilburn is trying to make social media safer for the youth.  [25:47] The power of being part of a community to win votes as a democrat. [28:43] Garcia Wilburn shares some advice for anyone wanting to run for office. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  8. Aug 13

    How to Drive Change and Deliver Results with Colorado Senator Jeff Bridges

    In this episode, our Road to November 2026 series continues with Colorado Senator and candidate for State Treasurer, Jeff Bridges. He and host Debbie Cox Bultan discuss how voters are feeling about rising costs and the federal government's inability to deliver, and how that anger is fueling a desire for change from all sides of the political spectrum. Bridges shares how this dynamic played out in his primary race and offers his candid advice to Democrats on communicating better. Tune in to learn more about meeting this political moment with voters. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Meet Colorado State Senator and state treasurer nominee Jeff Bridges. [02:08] The general mood Senator Bridges is hearing from voters ahead of the midterms. [03:07] Learn how anti-Washington sentiment reshaped Colorado's recent primaries. [05:20] Hear why the sentiment reflects a rejection of the current political landscape. [10:03] Explore what Democrats must learn from the current voter frustration. [12:30] Find out how Colorado's legislature has been able to deliver results. [15:30] Discover why affordability and the economy remain central to how people vote. [19:17] Uncover how Democrats can respond to voters who want to tear down the system. [23:05] Understand why Democrats must communicate outcomes more effectively. [27:42] The importance of authenticity and treating voters as people rather than votes. [31:48] What Democrats must do to continue winning in Colorado and across the country. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

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4.9
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

Restore your faith in government with An Honorable Profession. Every Thursday, co-hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bultan sit down with rising state and local Democrats, policy experts, and the nation's top political minds for empowering and candid conversations about life in public service and government. Together with their guests – which include members of the Biden Administration, state legislators nationwide, and mayors from America's top cities – Ryan and Debbie discuss the biggest issues facing Americans today and the decisive role that state and local leaders play in catalyzing progressive, pragmatic solutions. An Honorable Profession is produced by the NewDEAL. For more AHP and NewDEAL content, visit https://newdealleaders.org/ and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewDEALLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newdealleaders/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-newdeal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewDEALLeaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NewdealleadersOrg An Honorable Profession is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Information

  • Creator
    The NewDEAL
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The NewDEAL 2018
  • Show Website
    An Honorable Profession

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