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 Democracy Can Deliver Through Grace with Congresswoman Sarah McBride

    This week we're celebrating 15 years of NewDEAL with Delaware Congresswoman and NewDEAL Alumna Sarah McBride. Hosts Debbie and Ryan begin the conversation with Rep. McBride by reflecting on the major trends in our politics from the last 15 years and the need to maintain willingness to collaborate and a sense of commonality. They also discuss the importance of having a "politics of grace not of grievance" and how it is going to take people to summon that grace to reduce the division and vitriol in our politics. They talk about what it takes to stay focused on delivering results on the biggest issues facing Americans, as well as the need to choose the right battles and build broad coalitions. Tune in to reflect on the past and future of American politics and how we look ahead to the next 15 years. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:05] What to expect from today's special episode celebrating 15 years of New Deal. • [03:40] Congresswoman McBride reflects on the last 15 years of American politics.  • [07:20] We discuss the possibility of getting DC politics back to building. • [10:20] The false perception of reality: what disturbs her most about our politics today. • [11:49] Why persuasion is still possible (and the importance of this realization!) • [12:45] Her thoughts on navigating the idea of doing twice the work for twice the criticism.  • [21:45] Maintaining a central focus, picking the right battles, and building a broad coalition. • [24:00] Growing the Democratic tent and recognizing that democracy is hard. • [27:01] Congresswoman McBride unpacks three categories that lay the groundwork for 2028.  • [31:00] Looking ahead 15 years: why it's important to step up and serve.

    35 min

  2. MAR 26

    How to Meet Your Constituents Where They Are With Representative Mai Xiong

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty and Michigan State Representative Mai Xiong discuss her journey as the daughter of Hmong refugees, a small business owner, and digital marketer who has built an online following by sharing an unfiltered look at public service. Ryan and Xiong discuss how her background in marketing shaped her approach to communication and reflect key moments in her path into office, including her decision to run for local office during the pandemic and how she won a competitive swing district. Xiong shares how her lived experience informs her work on issues like childcare affordability, data privacy, and economic opportunity, and how she navigates political attacks while working to build trust across divides. Tune in to learn the importance of showing up authentically and staying grounded in the communities you serve. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] An introduction to today's guest, Michigan Representative Mai Xiong. • [02:26] How Representative Xiong developed her online presence. • [05:48] Her advice for how other officials can effectively communicate with their constituents. • [10:23] How family, identity, and representation shaped her journey into public service. • [15:54] Staying authentic while representing a swing district and navigating political attacks. • [21:07] Reaching swing voters by building trust, working across the aisle, and focusing on real issues. • [23:37] Representative Xiong's legislative priorities: childcare affordability, data privacy, voting rights, and lowering costs for families. • [27:05] Advice to future leaders and a call for more everyday people to step up and serve in government.

    30 min

  3. MAR 19

    How to Use Public Service for the Greater Good with Senator Laura Smith

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty and Montana State Senator Laura Smith discuss her path to office and how her drive to address issues of injustice has secured her a seat at the table to contribute to meaningful change. The conversation covers Montana's current political climate, the challenges created by the federal Department of Justice under the Trump administration, and how good leadership makes a difference. Smith also details her legislative priorities, the biggest challenges she faces as a policymaker, and how being a mother informs her legislative work. Tune in to learn about what's next for Senator Smith, including her focus on paid family leave.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [00:00] Welcoming Senator Laura Smith to the show. • [01:52] The current state of politics in Montana. • [06:47] Her path to public service, and how she became a senator. • [15:34] What's happening to the Department of Justice and how to fix it. • [18:42] Senator Laura shares her experience of legislative service. • [24:15] How motherhood informs policy-making and the barriers she faces. • [29:09] Senator Laura breaks down her next legislative priorities.

    33 min

  4. MAR 12

    How to Make Caring for Families More Affordable

    This week's special episode features NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaking with the co-chairs of the NewDEAL Forum Caring for Families Task Force -- a new initiative to address the cost and accessibility of what Americans need to take care of themselves and their loved ones. It's led by DE Lt. Governor Kyle Gay, MN Senate Assistant Majority Leader Grant Hauschild, WY Vice-Chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners Natalia Macker, and IA State Representative Dr. Megan Srinivas. The co-chairs talk about their approach to advancing pragmatic solutions and what they are hearing from their constituents about cost of living challenges. Hear about their tangible proposals to implement the Great Start Affordability Program, improve child care affordability, advocate for rural healthcare solutions, and promote reproductive and mental health. Tune in to learn more about the task force and follow their work on our website here.

    17 min

  5. MAR 5

    How to Learn from a Super Minority with KS State Representative Brandon Woodard

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonery and Kansas State Representative Brandon Woodard discuss how the current legislative session is going, what it looks like to lead from the minority while still delivering real results, and his efforts to flip seats in the midterms. Woodard advocates for human rights, economic opportunity, and a fair Kansas for all. The conversation covers Woodard's focus on affordability, the realities of governing under a Republican supermajority, his approach to collaborating with his colleagues across the aisle, and why a small numbers of cross-party votes can still matter when major legislation is at stake. They also discuss the lessons Kansas learned from past tax cut experiments, what he's hearing on the ground while recruiting and supporting candidates, and what keeps him hopeful and committed to public service. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: • [00:00] Introduction and welcome to today's guest, State Representative Brandon Woodard. • [01:40] An update on the Kansas legislature and how the affordability issue is being received. • [03:12] A breakdown of the current structure and state of politics in Kansas. • [07:37] Find out what his Republican colleagues really think about the affordability issue. • [10:40] Hear how he works both inside his caucus and across the aisle. • [14:40] Lessons from his time serving as the Democratic leader and travelling the state. • [18:33] Learn about Representative Woodard's path from activism into public service. • [24:22] What keeps him hopeful and motivated despite setbacks and defeats. • [27:10] Final takeaways and closing comments.

    29 min

  6. FEB 26

    How Local Leadership Is Shaping Monterey County with Supervisor Chris Lopez

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with Chris Lopez, Supervisor of Monterey County. They discuss how Lopez's upbringing in the county gives him a unique perspective to lead and talk about the concerns his constituents are currently facing — including quality of life, immigration, housing, and agricultural challenges — and how he is addressing these issues. Debbie and Lopez talk about the vital role of the California Coastal Commission and why tackling affordable housing in a balanced way is essential to solving so many other issues. Lopez also shares what led him to run for public office and how the Mariachi club he created in college led him to meet his wife. Tune in to learn more about the Lettuce Curtain County. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:05] An introduction to today's guest, Supervisor Chris Lopez. • [02:32] Chris shares a bit about Monterey County and his district. • [04:09] What Chris is hearing from his constituents at the moment. • [08:29] How he's tackling these issues and why housing is top of mind. • [12:02] Chris tells us about the California Coastal Commission. • [15:35] What the California Coastal Commission is doing for the housing issue. • [19:37] How Chris hears about the community's housing concerns. • [22:53] Chris touches on the rebuilding of the Malibu Palisades. • [24:12] What led him to his current role, and why his career path has been surprising. • [29:47] The college club he started and how he met his wife through it.

    32 min

  7. FEB 19

    How to Transcend Partisan Differences with Senator Anthony Broadman

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty and Oregon State Senator Anthony Broadman unpack what it takes to deliver results for his district and how Broadman has found that problem-solving matters more to his constituents than party lines. Broadman talks about how his frustration with local transportation issues first drew him into civic life, what he has learned about, and the importance of, the everyday realities of constituent service, and how those lessons guide his work in the state Senate. The conversation also covers major budget pressures facing the legislature and his priorities to invest effectively in working families and economic development. In addition, Broadman delves into central Oregon's front-row experience of climate change and why efforts around prevention, mitigation, and community preparedness can be unifying and bipartisan.Tune in to hear what grounded, local-first leadership can look like in today's political climate.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Background about State Senator Anthony Broadman and his political focus. • [02:30] The State of Oregon and how he navigates the current political landscape. • [03:36] His path into public service and what shapes his approach to governing. • [05:20] Find out what motivated him to expand his role to the state level. • [06:36] What the HR1 Bill means for education, healthcare, and public safety in Oregon. • [08:34] Explore his approach to building support to overcome the impacts of HR1. • [11:03] Senator Broadman breaks down Oregon's current political culture. • [12:55] The local impact of climate change and how the district prepares for it. • [15:19] Discover how he bridged the rural–urban divides about climate change. • [16:23] How years representing tribal governments shaped his view of leadership. • [18:39] He shares what he has found most surprising about the Senate. • [19:48] Learn why he believes hard debates can coexist with basic respect. • [21:03] Find out his approach to prioritizing tasks and managing his time.

    23 min

  8. FEB 12

    How to Make Your Younger Self Proud with Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert -- the first woman and person of color to hold this office in a fast-growing city. Ramos-Hebert details  her path to elected office and how she engages with her constituents to make them feel heard. Amid national concerns about housing costs and barriers to building, she describes"The New Rochelle" model for promoting smart development  and talks about how being pro-housing has helped her city. Additionally, the Mayor explains how funding for projects has been impacted by the passage of the One, Big Beautiful Bill and how she is navigating the support of immigrants in light of recent ICE incidents. Tune in to learn what she thinks her 16-year-old self would feel about everything she has achieved so far. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:48] Welcoming Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert to the show. • [02:24] Mayor Ramos-Herbert tells us about her city, New Rochelle. • [03:50] What 'the New Rochelle model' is and how they're avoiding displacement. • [08:16] How Pro-Housing has helped Mayor Ramos-Herbert with these developments. • [09:06] Why engagement is important and her 'Coffee with the Mayor' initiative. • [13:14] The New Rochelle rent decrease and how that proves that her model works. • [16:21] Mayor Ramos-Herbert tells us what is at the top of her constituents' minds right now. • [20:24] The funding issues she is facing at the moment because of the One, Big Beautiful Bill. • [25:29] How she is supporting immigrants in the current political climate of the USA. • [27:32] How Mayor Ramos-Herbert ended up in politics. • [33:02] What our guest believes her 16-year-old self would think of her achievements.

    35 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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