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. 2d ago

    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

  2. Aug 6

    How to Show Up in 2026 with Fargo, ND Mayor Josh Boschee

    This week, we bring you the next episode of our Road to November 2026 series, as Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with Mayor of Fargo, ND, Josh Boschee. Having won a five-way mayoral race with 47% of the vote, Mayor Boschee shares which issues are top-of-mind for his constituents and what city leaders can do to address them- especially when it comes to costs. Debbie and Mayor Boschee also discuss how the Democratic brand has changed over time in North Dakota, and why he thinks the most important thing Democrats can do in a state like his is show up. Tune in to hear more about successfully engaging and connecting with voters in 2026.  IN THIS EPISODE: [01:18] Introducing Mayor Josh Boschee and what to expect from today's episode. [02:04] Mayor Boschee shares how his first few months as mayor have been. [02:37] What prompted the position to go full-time. [03:30] He shares how the race for Fargo mayor played out. [04:45] Pragmatic approaches to finding solutions. [06:00] Navigating one of the fastest-growing cities in the upper Midwest. [08:40] Mayor Boschee unpacks the cost of living challenges faced by residents. [11:04] The first items to tackle on his docket with his newly acquired leadership and power. [14:17] Why black and white rules don't work for a grey world. [17:30] How Mayor Boschee is taking people's frustration and turning it into solutions. [20:00] They examine his voter base: the coalition behind his victory. [22:01] What showing up really looks like: through the campaign and now as mayor. [24:30] Mayor Boschee shares how Democrats can do better in a state like North Dakota. [27:35] His thoughts on why some people think they could never be (or become) a Democrat. [30:00] Winning back rural voters. [31:50] If Democrats are going to win, or be successful in my state, they need to ____? [33:15] How often he gets references to Fargo, the movie, when people meet him. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  3. Jul 30

    How to Protect Democracy and Build Credibility with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist

    This week, we bring you another episode of our Road to November 2026 series, as Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Michigan Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Candidate Garlin Gilchrist to discuss what he is hearing on the ground from Michigan voters and the factors he thinks will ultimately determine the competitive U.S. Senate race. They also talk about the lessons Michigan has to teach national Democrats, including what people want from their leaders right now and why showing up is key to building credibility. Tune in to learn more about what Democrats need to do to gain support and win elections in November. IN THIS EPISODE: • [00:00] Welcoming Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist to the show. • [02:35] The most common questions and concerns Lt. Governor Gilchrist is seeing. • [04:30] How Lt. Governor Gilchrist talks about democracy to emphasize its importance. • [06:44] What people mean when they ask elected officials to 'fight' for them. • [11:50] How AI comes up on the campaign trail and his approach to people's concerns. • [15:32] Lt. Governor Gilchrist explains Michigan's party convention process. • [17:23] The primary issues he believes Michigan voters are most focused on. • [20:18] How Lt. Governor Gilchrist connects with all of the people in his state. • [23:06] Lt. Governor Gilchrist shares his concerns about the upcoming election. • [24:50] What makes Michigan so unique and how that affects its political climate. • [32:37] Lt. Governor Gilchrist tells us what Democrats need to do to win elections.

  4. Jul 23

    How to Win Votes Across the Political Spectrum with Attorney General Aaron Ford

    This episode kicks off our Road to November 2026 series. Over the next few months we'll feature conversations with NewDEAL Leaders running for higher office and others who are on the ground in key states and districts. We'll hear about what's resonating with voters, how to navigate key issues heading into the midterms, and what the Democratic Party can learn from their experiences. For today's conversation, host Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Nevada Attorney General and Gubernatorial Candidate Aaron Ford to discuss his personal story, what he is hearing on the campaign trail, and lessons from the statewide victories that have led him to this moment. Ford discusses how the cost-of-living crisis is crushing the people of Nevada and how he relates to those struggles, as well as how tourism has been affected by tariffs. They also dig into the way he talks about the differences between how Democrats and Republicans approach public policy and his strategy to appeal to people across the political spectrum. Tune in for insights on what Democrats need to do to be successful in November.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [00:00] Introducing Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford to the show. • [02:03] What is most top-of-mind for people in Nevada at the moment. • [06:23] His plans to help people with the major issues they're facing. • [09:24] Why people always want local politicians to stand up for them. • [11:40] How democrats versus republicans deliver to their people. • [13:09] Nevada as a swing state and how our guest is tackling that. • [16:10] His rural voters' thoughts and the state of tourism in Nevada. • [20:04] The National Democratic brand and what that means for his race. • [21:11] What democrats need to know about Nevada before the next elections. • [22:16] Aaron explains how he got into politics and a bit about his personal life. • [24:11] The number one thing democrats need to do if they want to win elections.

  5. Jul 16

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

See All (250)

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

You Might Also Like