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. 1d ago

    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.

    30 min

  2. May 21

    How to be The Only Democratic Councilmember in your City

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonery speaks with Lawrenceburg, IN Councilmember Dylan Liddle to discuss his city and its unique financial structure, and how the city has changed over the last year. They also discuss his upbringing and how his parent's addiction shapes his decisions, what it's like to be the only Democrat on a Republican council, and the best, worst, and most surprising parts of being elected to local government. The conversation covers Liddle's policy priorities and what other local governments can learn from those policies. Tune in to hear some words of wisdom for anyone who wants to run for local office.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:46] A little bit about Lawrenceburg and how it's changed in the last year.  • [04:03] Dylan's focus on affordability and the success he's had in that area. • [06:48] His journey to public office and how his upbringing has affected his decisions. • [09:49] How he balances the demands of a political career with everyday life. • [13:09] Why Dylan decided to take the more difficult path of being a Democrat. • [15:01] What he thinks the Democratic Party can do to support more wins in smaller areas. • [16:53] Dylan shares some advice for anyone wanting to run for local office. • [18:12] What's surprised him about his new role and the best and worst parts. • [20:02] How our guest sets his agenda and decides what he will focus on in terms of policy. • [26:24] What's happening politically in Lawrenceburg and how National politics impacts that.

    29 min

  3. May 15

    Bonus Episode: LIVE from the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit - Using Your Voice with The Hometown Holler

    In this special bonus episode of An Honorable Profession, recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bolton sits down with the Co-Hosts of The Hometown Holler, Daniel Ayers and Quinn Ray. They talk about the responsibility to be civically engaged and using their platform to reach North Carolina voters. Ayers and Ray share insights on how to inform, entertain, and inspire listeners, encouraging them to take the next step in their political involvement.  Tune in for a great conversation about communicating authentically online.

    18 min

  4. May 14

    How Compromise Should Work with Iowa State Senator Matt Blake

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Iowa State Senator Matt Blake about how he approaches the role of being a Democratic leader in a red state that has swung hard toward Donald Trump's Republican Party. Their conversation delves into Blake's path to public office, the impact his military experience has had on his career, his current policy focus, and how he makes progress for his constituents in a legislature that is often focused on priorities that are very different than his own. Tune in to also learn how Senator Blake balances his professional and personal life. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:09] Introducing today's guest, Senator Matt Blake. [02:09] The current political landscape of his state, Iowa. [07:10] A brief overview of Senator Blake's path to public service and career. [11:56] How his military experience informs his policy-making and approach to politics. [14:33] Senator Blake shares some advice for veterans entering public life. [16:47] What he's working on now and how he's trying to serve his constituents and his state. [21:13] His approach to bipartisanship and how he makes decisions and compromises. [23:55] How Senator Blake uses his legal experience to help seniors with their concerns. [26:48] Navigating work and personal life, and how he keeps everything running smoothly.

    31 min

  5. May 14

    Bonus Episode: LIVE from the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit - Protecting Democracy with Amanda Gonzalez

    In this special bonus episode of An Honorable Profession, recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina, Debbie Cox Bolton sits down with Amanda Gonzalez, Jefferson County, CO Clerk and Recorder. The conversation dives into the current state of our democracy, starting with the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act and how Colorado has proactively passed its own state-level protections to safeguard the right to vote. Gonzalez shares her insights on the resilience and security of mail-in voting, debunking common myths about fraud while highlighting its practical benefits for voters across the political spectrum. She also discusses the extensive contingency planning being done in her office to ensure every vote is counted. Finally, Amanda addresses the critical issue of election worker safety, sharing the reality of challenges poll workers face today and why transparency remains the best tool for building public trust in our electoral system.

    12 min

  6. May 7

    How North Carolina Drives Results with Mayor Janet Cowell

    In this week's episode, Raleigh, NC, Mayor Janet Cowell joins us from the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit to discuss her approach to leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The conversation digs into housing supply needs and affordability, as well as her data-driven approach to public safety and traffic safety. The conversation also covers her path into public service, from her career as a Councilwoman to serving as State Senator, then becoming the first state-wide female Treasurer of the State, and now, Mayor. They talk about the value of collaboration in delivering results and why she compares being an elected official to living in Technicolor. Tune in to Mayor Cowell's pro tips for experiencing the best of Raleigh, and her definition of what a successful Democrat looks like today. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:03] Raleigh, North Carolina, Mayor Janet Cowell's leadership in a fast-growing state. • [03:34] How she is effectively working to support affordable housing in her state. • [08:43] Law enforcement, youth empowerment, and data-driven resource allocation. • [11:34] Her path into public service from a mission and values-driven childhood to politics. • [12:47] Engaging the people of North Carolina. • [15:52] What prompted her to run for mayor, and how she describes life in public service. • [18:01] Her success as the first statewide woman treasurer of North Carolina. • [23:25] Highlights you can't afford to miss in Raleigh. • [24:57] How Mayor Cowell came to land in her state. • [26:19] What a successful democrat looks like in North Carolina in 2026.

    29 min

  7. Apr 30

    How to Balance Family, Politics and Public Office with Rep. Jennifer O'Mara

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with PA State Representative Jennifer O'Mara about how her life experiences and the loss of her father shaped her career, how those stories resonated with people during her election, and what Pennsylvanians are saying they want from their elected leaders. The conversation also covers her experience with IVF, how motherhood has impacted her policy work, and how she juggles all her responsibilities. Ryan and Rep. O'Mara discuss her legislative priorities, including the AI mental health bill she is working on, as well as how she thinks her swing state will vote in the midterms, and the current state of Pennsylvania politics. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:01] Today's guest, Jennifer O'Mara, provides an overview of her career. • [04:07] How our guest leveraged her life experiences during her election.  • [05:46] What Representative O'Mara is hearing from voters in a swing state. • [07:49] How 'kitchen table issues' can be addressed throughout the country. • [09:44] Some of the policies she has initiated to help working families in her state. • [14:29] How being a mother has informed her policy work as a state Representative.  • [20:56] Balancing challenges, coalition creation, legislature, and having a family.  • [22:46] Representative O'Mara tells us about her bill on AI therapy.  • [25:02] Private equity issues and how our guest is trying to combat them.  • [29:29] The state of Pennsylvania politics and what we can expect from the next election.

    33 min

  8. Apr 23

    How to Move America Forward with Mayor Mitch Landrieu

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Mitch Landrieu, who served as a Louisiana state legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and long-time Mayor of New Orleans, and who, in the Biden Administration, oversaw the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Debbie and Mayor Landrieu discuss the current political moment and what it will take to get beyond the divisiveness of this moment, emphasizing that the question for the country's direction is not about left, right, and center; it's about coming together as Americans to fight autocracy. The conversation also covers how Mayor Landrieu rebuilt his city post-Hurricane Katrina, his work in the federal government, his advice on making government work well, and the need to embrace radical reform at speed to deliver results. Tune in to learn about the ways the local government can offer hope.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:02] Mayor Mitch Landrieu's political career and influence in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Biden administration. • [02:32] Where we are going as a country and what comes next.  • [08:33] How the political landscape has shifted and how Americans should respond. • [13:08] What it might mean to compromise and work together. • [14:39] Understanding where the common ground is between Republicans and Democrats. • [16:10] What we can actually expect and demand of government. • [19:38] Insight into what it was like to be Mayor of New Orleans. • [25:57] Why it is so important to continue telling the truth in local government. • [27:08] Advice and hope for those working in local government.

    32 min
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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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