An Honorable Profession The NewDEAL

If you want to see change happen in your cities, it’s important to get involved, especially at the state and local levels — because this is your chance to actually make something happen that would not have taken place otherwise! On today’s episode of An Honorable Profession, we welcome Hawaii Senator Stanley Chang. He was raised in East Honolulu by hardworking immigrants from China, who instilled in him the core values of responsibility, humility, and honesty. During the show, we talk about how COVID may have permanently changed Hawaii’s economy, the Singaporean model of public housing, the state’s efforts to build a resilient energy system, and his secret places to visit in Oahu that will make your stay in Hawaii that much more magical! So don’t miss out on this episode, tune in today to hear all this and more, from Senator Stanley Chang!

In this week's episode of An Honorable Profession, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie talks with Florida Representative Fentrice Driskell. They discuss how Florida has become ground zero for the fight for reproductive rights and how Floridian Democrats are holding the line against Governor DeSantis' overreaching. Representative Driskell gives some insight into the issues plaguing Floridians, like the property insurance problem gripping the state, and the solutions Democrats are proposing. She also addresses the fearmongering that has become commonplace in governance.
Tune in until the end to hear about how the Representative was inspired to become the rising leader and feared litigator that she is today!

Today on the show, host and NewDEAL Leader Ryan Coonerty talks with Ben Schierer, the mayor of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, about how smaller cities can adapt in order to thrive in a post-COVID world. He also shares his advice on how Democrats can rebuild trust in rural communities, based on his own experience of being elected and re-elected in a county that overwhelmingly supports Donald Trump. Ryan and Mayor Schierer discuss what the last few years have been like, raising five kids, managing two restaurant businesses, and working as the mayor. Finally, he touches on the importance of the ecology of Fergus Falls and the work he's doing to protect environmentally and economically important resources.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear Mayor Schierer talk about why folk are gravitating towards smaller communities like Fergus Falls, and why you must visit to enjoy everything from omelets to local art, the world's largest otter, and more!

On this very special edition of An Honorable Profession, we sit down with NewDEAL Leader Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow. This conversation was recorded in a NewDEAL virtual forum on cultural wedge issues soon after Senator McMorrow’s powerful speech responding to a divisive and hateful personal attack by a GOP colleague went viral. Amid an ongoing national culture war, including the impending Supreme Court decision that may overturn Roe v Wade, Senator McMorrow shares her comments and backstory with listeners, offering valuable lessons about how we can all use our unique voices to communicate authentically and persuasively in the face of fear and division. Tune in today to hear more!

In honor of Earth Month, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan hosts a special episode with Colorado Senator Chris Hansen, a state and national leader on climate policy. He opens the show by talking about what it is like to co-author the annual state budget and how Colorado can leverage this money to ensure transformational change happens in communities throughout the state. Also, hear him discuss the innovative climate solutions being implemented at the state level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hansen shares some great insight into the importance of thinking about climate policy from an economic as well as an environmental perspective. Don't miss it.

Listen to the full episode to let Senator Hansen help plan your summer vacation as he gives us his list of must-see attractions in Denver!

Today on the show, host and NewDEAL Leader Ryan Coonerty talks with Jon Mitchell, the mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, about how his city is leading the way in offshore wind projects and mitigating the effects of climate change. He also shares his advice for leaders looking to tackle climate change by transitioning to new industries as seamlessly as possible, drawn from his four terms of experience as mayor. Ryan and Mayor Mitchell discuss how rural towns, small cities, and superstar cities are catered to differently by political parties and what federal and state policymakers should know about small cities to improve the lives of the residents. Mayor Mitchell also discusses the erosion of trust in institutions and why transparency is key to building trust during times of change like we are living in now. Finally, he touches on stories from his time as a prosecutor for high-profile cases, including his work with the task force searching for Boston mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger.

Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear about the great balance of big and small city life that you can find in a trip or move to New Bedford, plus the great seafood!