An Honorable Profession

The NewDEAL
  • 4.9 (59)
  • 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. 4h ago

    How to Communicate Authentically & Effectively with Senator Rod Hickman

    In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Mississippi State Senator Rod Hickman to discuss Hickman's career, what led him to run for office, how he navigates a majority Republican legislature to pass bipartisan solutions, and his advice to any candidate on door-knocking effectively. Senator Hickman also shares his experience in public office and the joy it has brought him, as well as the challenge of finding balance among his many responsibilities. The conversation delves into the current political climate in his state and what we need to know about Mississippi to understand the policies, opportunities, and challenges of the Deep South. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:24] Introducing Rod Hickman to the show and an overview of his career.  • [05:00] How he builds bipartisan support to implement reforms across his state. • [07:42] What drew Rod into legislature and politics from such a young age. • [09:00] His campaign journey and advice for anyone wanting to run for office. • [15:24] What being in office has been like for Rod and why his purpose is to serve. • [17:58] How he balances his role as senator with his personal and work responsibilities. • [19:39] The state of Mississippi politics and how Rod is trying to make an impact. • [24:25] A breakdown of how the Voting Rights Act has affected the state of Mississippi.  • [26:37] What we need to know about Mississippi's politics, strengths, and challenges.

  2. Jul 9

    How to Revitalize a City with Cleveland, OH, Mayor Justin Bibb

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Cleveland, OH, Mayor Justin Bibb to discuss his recently announced Midline project, which will revitalize long-vacant fields and reconnect ignored neighbors to high-paying jobs and opportunities. Mayor Bibb explains why the project is personal to Cleveland's history, how the city funded the work, and how his team built support. Debbie and Mayor Bibb also discuss the importance of trust, how mayors can show that government can still deliver results, his path from basketball to running for mayor in 2021, and the lessons he thinks national Democrats should take from mayors. Tune in to hear how Mayor Bibb is approaching economic growth, public trust, and Cleveland's future. IN THIS EPISODE: • [02:29] Learn about the Midline project and why it is so personal for Mayor Bibb. • [06:10] The trends that caught Mayor Bibb's attention when he took office. • [08:23] How Mayor Bibb brought together different stakeholders around the Midline project. • [11:54] Hear how Mayor Bibb built trust before making major announcements.  • [15:01] Find out how residents are responding to changes being made in Cleveland. • [17:22] Explore how Mayor Bibb navigates tough conversations regarding improvements. • [20:00] Understand how Mayor Bibb balances long-term growth with everyday needs. • [21:00] Discover what got Mayor Bibb interested in public service. • [25:03] Unpack the lessons national Democrats can learn from Mayor Bibb's experience. • [28:13] Uncover why Mayor Bibb focuses on results over ideological debates. • [31:13] What Mayor Bibb hopes people will say about Cleveland in 10 years.

  3. Jul 2

    How to Lead Across Party Lines in a Purple State with NC Representative Dante Pittman

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with North Carolina State Representative Dante Pittman to discuss the interesting political climate in the state, the community he represents, and the importance of leading in a bipartisan way. Their conversation touches on the biggest affordability issues the representative's constituents are facing and how those issues are driving the state's politics, as well as lessons from ongoing budget conflicts in a state with a Democratic governor and Republican-majority legislature. Debbie and Representative Pittman also talk about what makes North Carolina fall into the "the purple" politics column, what makes their politics so interesting, and how he thinks the upcoming elections will go. Tune in to learn about the most rewarding moments the Representative has had in public office. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:53] Welcoming North Carolina State Representative Dante Pittman. • [03:32] What makes Dante so popular in his district during elections. • [06:00] Why he believes that bipartisanship is the best way to lead. • [09:23] What is top of mind for Dante's constituents at the moment. • [13:28] Dante's thoughts on the state budget not being complete. • [17:17] What people should understand about North Carolina's politics. • [20:24] Dante's opinion on the upcoming election and his most rewarding moments. • [23:43] What led our guest to his work and why he chose this career despite obstacles. • [21:41] A breakdown of what elected officials need from the public.

  4. Jun 25

    How to Lead with Accountability with Del. County, PA Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor about her path from academia and school board service to county leadership. They talk about her decision to run for school board first, what led her to public service, and how Delaware County flipped its government after decades of one-party GOP rule. They also discuss the county's work to create a health department, deprivatize its prison, expand workforce development, and make social services easier for residents to access. Dr. Taylor shares how her academic work informs her approach to public service, why "health in all policies" matters at the county level, and how lessons from basketball have influenced her leadership style. Tune in to hear how Dr. Taylor's work in Delaware County shows what local government can do when public service is grounded in access and accountability. IN THIS EPISODE: • [02:12] Hear how Dr. Taylor moved from higher education into county government. • [05:55] Learn about Delaware County and how the Democrats flipped it. • [07:23] Understand what changed on the ground to build a stronger local majority. • [08:46] Explore which issues helped connect Democrats with Delaware County voters. • [10:45] Examine how public office has shaped Dr. Taylor's academic work. • [12:30] Unpack what "health in all policies" means at the county level. • [14:47] Discover Delaware County's biggest wins and Dr. Taylor's next priorities. • [16:41] Find out what it takes to deprivatize a county prison. • [18:47] Insights into how basketball shaped Dr. Taylor's leadership style. • [21:24] Uncover what Pennsylvania voters are focused on now. • [23:59] Dr. Taylor shares how she balances service, family, and career.

  5. Jun 18

    How to Build Bipartisan Support for Local Needs with Democratic Leader Mike Yin

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Wyoming House Democratic Leader Mike Yin. They discuss how his district includes Jackson Hole -- one of the most beautiful and wealthiest places in the world, sitting alongside Grand Teton National Park. But beneath that natural beauty are serious challenges, from growing income inequality to limited access to affordable housing and healthcare. The conversation covers what it means to represent a community facing those realities while serving in one of the most Republican states in the country. Yin shares how he works across the aisle to build support for legislation that improves healthcare access, addresses housing affordability, and responds to local communities' needs. They also talk about Yin's path to elected office and the challenge of balancing public service with a full-time career, and his experience as the first Chinese American legislator in Wyoming history. Tune in to learn about governing across divides and finding ways to create change where it matters most. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing Wyoming State Representative Mike Yin and the community he serves. • [02:41] Governing in a legislature where Democrats hold only a small minority. • [03:50] Building bipartisan coalitions to advance healthcare and infrastructure policy. • [08:13] The state of healthcare access and rural healthcare funding in Wyoming. • [10:36] Addressing housing affordability and inequality in one of America's wealthiest regions. • [13:33] Balancing legislative service with a full-time career as a software developer. • [15:29] Advice for governing effectively and finding common ground in red states. • [16:43] The realities of balancing legislative service, full-time work, and private life. • [18:41] Why Mike sees opportunities for Democrats to gain ground in Wyoming. • [19:35] What being Wyoming's first Chinese American legislator means to him. • [21:33] Why Mike remains focused on local leadership and serving his community.

  6. Jun 11

    How to Lead a Fast Growing City with Mayor Angela Birney

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Redmond, WA, Mayor Angela Birney to discuss how she is leading a city shaped by new investments and rapid population growth while keeping community needs at the forefront. They discuss how the city is using transit-focused development, zoning reform, and middle housing construction to create more options for residents. The conversation also covers the role of data and science in local government, how the city is navigating AI, climate goals, and long-term planning in a fast-changing city. Tune in to learn about Mayor Birney's path to public office and what Redmond's story of recent growth from a small town to a bustling city says about how we should design our cities for the modern era. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:18] Learn about Redmond's growth, natural setting, and major tech employers. • [03:33] Hear how Mayor Angela Birney works with Redmond's major global employers. • [04:38] How Mayor Birney advocates for Redmond in high-stakes corporate environments. • [05:57] Find out how Redmond is balancing growth, affordability, and community identity. • [07:13] Discover how regional and federal partnerships helped bring light rail to Redmond. • [08:32] Understand how light rail is reshaping daily life in Redmond. • [10:16] Explore how Redmond is tackling housing demand and affordability. • [12:27] Uncover how inclusionary zoning supports Redmond's housing goals. • [16:20] Mayor Birney shares how her teaching background led her to public service. • [19:47] What makes serving as mayor both rewarding and challenging. • [21:55] See how Redmond is approaching AI in society and government. • [24:27] Unpack how Mayor Birney is planning for Redmond's long-term future. • [27:14] Final takeaways and why she values learning from other NewDEAL leaders.

  7. Jun 4

    How the Workforce Can Meet the Economy's Demands with Jason Altmire and Riley Burr

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Jason Altmire and Riley Burr, authors of the recently published book, Trade Up: Why the Future Belongs to Skilled Trades and How Career Education is Transforming the Workforce. Their conversation touches on how skilled workers will help power the infrastructure of the AI revolution, and what is keeping people from accessing trade schools and alternative career paths that can provide immense opportunities in today's economy. Tune in to learn more about the future of skilled trades.  Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: career.org  tradeupbook.com  IN TODAY'S EPISODE:  • [01:30] An introduction to today's guests and topic of discussion. • [02:50] Defining the problem: the gap between jobs and skills. • [05:12] Riley unpacks the scope of the skills gap. • [06:30] How AI is impacting the issue and their thoughts on what might happen in the future. • [11:20] They pinpoint the barriers to getting more kids onto the trades-career path. • [13:40] What students might experience if they pursue an education at a trade school. • [17:00] They discuss other paths that exist to close the gap, like apprenticeships. • [21:00] What we can learn from Switzerland regarding apprenticeships. • [22:30] The role trade unions play. • [23:00] What policymakers can do to create more access and opportunities for trade education. • [27:47] How policymakers can respond to what Gen Z wants. • [29:20] Concluding thoughts from our guests on today's topic of conversation.

  8. May 28

    How to Keep our Elections Free, Fair, and Secure with Secretary of State Tobias Read

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read to discuss how he is navigating the Trump Administration's efforts to interfere with state election administration, the state's recent primary elections, threats to our democracy, his experience being sued by the Trump administration, and what other states can learn from Oregon's vote-at-home system. They specifically delve into the unconstitutional mail-in-ballot executive order and its impracticality. The Secretary emphasizes the importance of holding politicians accountable to protect our right to vote and how politicians should go about earning constituents' trust.Tune in to hear how Secretary Read is working to ensure free, fair, and secure elections are not a partisan idea, but a patriotic one.

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4.9
out of 5
59 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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