An Honorable Profession

The NewDEAL
  • 4.9 (58)
  • 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. 5D AGO

    How to Fight For Justice in Politics with North Dakota Rep Jayme Davis

    In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with North Dakota State Representative Jayme Davis. Following the tragic events in Minnesota, Davis discusses why she still believes there is hope to fight for more honorable and humane politics. She shares how she prioritizes the protection of the most vulnerable people, her stance during this challenging time, and how lessons from her family and her desire to find the good in everything keeps her motivated to do this challenging work at a difficult time. In addition, the conversation delves into why Davis ran for public office, how she works in a bipartisan manner to make progress despite being in a superminority, and the Indian Child Welfare Act she has proposed, as well as the Feather Alert and task force she had spearheaded, to protect indigenous people. Tune in for an emotional conversation and to learn more about Rep. Davis' vision for a brighter future. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:56] Welcoming North Dakota Representative, Jayme Davis. • [02:53] How she navigates taking care of vulnerable people during harsh weather conditions. • [05:27] Jayme shares some insight into underrepresented people's experiences in the light of the tragedy in Minnesota. • [10:46] How Jayme keeps going, stays hopeful, and continues her work when the government constantly fails and is unjust. • [14:39] A brief overview of Jayme's career and what led her to where she is today. • [20:22] Jayme tells us about her health policy, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and her economic development initiatives. • [29:12] How Jayme has used her own skills to achieve the goals she wants to achieve.

    33 min

  2. JAN 29

    How Americans Experience Politics with Gretchen Barton

    In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Gretchen Barton, founder of Worthy Strategy Group, who uses qualitative research to uncover not just what people think but why they hold those views. Gretchen draws on images voters choose and personal stories they tell to express how they experience politics and the challenges affecting their daily lives. Barton also reflects on what Democrats can learn from the 2025 to win in 2026 and 2028, and how state and local politics can rebuild Americans' sense of agency and hope. Tune in to learn more from this insightful conversation.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] An introduction to Gretchen Barton and her work with The Worthy Strategy Group. • [02:28] Barton explains her deep qualitative approach to understanding public sentiment. • [04:02] The images Americans use to express feeling crushed, unseen, and overwhelmed. • [05:34] What voters now expect from leaders: strength, efficacy, and visible results. • [07:21] How Democrats can show strength without slipping into paternalism. • [10:17] The role of community action in restoring agency and hope. • [11:24] Guidance for Democrats heading into 2026 and 2028. • [14:55] Why authenticity matters and how voters judge leaders' intentions. • [18:17] How leaders can communicate care and make their work visible while governing.

    21 min

  3. JAN 22

    How Dems are Setting 2026 Priorities in the States

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan welcomes Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Vin Gopal, and Kansas House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard for our 2026 state legislative preview. These NewDEAL Leaders set the stage for the year ahead and discuss their top priorities for the 2026 sessions, emphasizing their determination to pursue an agenda focused on affordability, even as they navigate the many challenges created by decisions made in Washington, D.C.  Policy proposals include renters relief, as well as support for homeowners and homebuyers, pursuing universal free school lunch, and stopping predatory lending. The legislators also reflect on lessons from Democrats' wins in 2025 and discuss strategies to grow support in red states.Tune in to learn more about their reflection on bipartisan collaboration, planning for the unknown, and addressing constituent concerns. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Positioning this episode and the legislative year while introducing today's four guests. • [03:37] How Oregon aims to look across sectors to lower costs during the upcoming session. • [05:46] Florida's focus on alleviating inaffordability during the upcoming legislative session. • [08:21] Leader Woodard's focus on implementing Kansas's Affordability Plan and renter relief program. • [10:15] Battling corporate interests to prioritise affordability in New Jersey. • [12:23] How decisions at the federal level are impacting affordability in states like Oregon. • [13:43] The opportunity that Florida's Democrats have to leverage real action for votes. • [15:11] What led to Governor Mikie Sherrill's majority win and what comes next. • [16:50] How Kansas Democrats are working to make sure that the Republican supermajority is shattered in November. • [18:40] Effective communication in leadership in a complex media environment. • [24:00] The state of bipartisan collaboration in each of our leaders' states. • [28:25] Planning for the unknown as state legislators. • [33:00] What constituents are most worried about at the moment, and what the Senate can do to meet these needs. • [36:57] Concerns and hope for the coming election.

    40 min

  4. JAN 15

    How to Take Hardship and Have Each Other's Back with Assistant Majority Leader Grant Hauschild

    In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Grant Hauschild, the Assistant Majority Leader in the Minnesota Senate in the midst of an exceptionally challenging time in his state. They talk about the tragedies and ongoing fallout from last week's killing of Renee Good, as well as last summer's assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman. In addition, Hauschild talks about his experience as the last Democrat standing in rural Northeast Minnesota, along with his focus on the affordability issues his constituents are facing and how to address them. The conversation ends on notes of optimism, however, as Hauschild discusses how Democrats can win back rural voters and his work on the Civility Caucus. Tune in to learn more from this engaging discussion, including about Hauschild's path to public service.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [00:00] Introduction and welcome to today's guest. • [02:27] How Minnesotans currently feel amid the repeated political violence. • [04:40] Explore why Minnesota's identity is under pressure. • [06:59] Learn what the Minnesota Civility Caucus does and about its overall mission. • [08:46] Hear what got Grant interested in politics and to step up as a candidate. • [10:45] Who he replaced and how the shift created new political hurdles. • [11:52] Discover how backing rural jobs and unions helped Grant win the election. • [13:38] Find out what Democrats get wrong about rural communities and towns. • [15:29] What people in his district are most concerned about and why. • [17:28] Unpack solutions for affordability issues and what needs to change. • [19:29] Examine why program and subsidy cuts would hit rural hospitals and families harder. • [22:42] Why failure to address the concerns of communities may cause a political shift. • [24:39] He breaks down the different types of industry in his district. • [25:31] Grant shares what he is looking forward to in his role as assistant majority leader. • [27:19] His thoughts on the Democrats' chances of winning the next election. • [27:52] Final takeaways and closing comments.

    29 min

  5. JAN 8

    How to Craft Policy with Alaskan Representative Genevieve Mina

    Happy New Year! For our first episode of 2026, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Alaska State Representative Genevieve Mina. They discuss what it takes to craft policy in a state grappling with severe climate impacts and some of the nation's highest healthcare costs. Representative Mina offers an inside look at the unique challenges and opportunities shaping Alaska's future. The conversation also unpacks what sparked her initial interest in policy and politics, and how her perspective has shifted over the years. Mina explains how the Alaskan legislature works in both structure and culture and how it became the only state with bipartisan leadership coalitions  She  shares how the legislature is working to bridge Alaska's urban-rural divide and gives her take on its shifting partisan makeup. Tune in to hear about where the state may be headed politically and to learn more from this engaging conversation. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:06] Introducing today's guest, Alaska Representative Genevieve Mina. • [02:00] Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, to immigrant parents. • [03:30] What shaped her view of healthcare in the state of Alaska. • [04:50] Representative Mina shares what sparked her interest in policy and politics. • [07:00] How her own experience shifted her perception of politics. • [08:30] What it is like to represent the most diverse census tract in the United States. • [10:00] She recounts her decision to run, moving from supporting and advocating to putting her name on a ballot. • [12:43] Representative Mina explains how the Alaskan legislature works in both structure and culture. • [13:40] How it came to be that they are the only state with coalitions in both their chambers in the legislature. • [15:45] She explains the issues that led to the formation of coalitions. • [17:00] Their strategy for navigating health programs to expand services and potentially reduce costs. • [17:55] Representative Mina's broader agenda, including the initiatives and bills she's currently advancing. • [19:30] How the current federal chaos, economic chaos, and tariffs are landing in Alaska. • [20:55] Responding to the dramatic effects of climate change in Alaska. • [22:10] Bridging Alaska's urban-rural divide through relationship-building and mutual understanding among diverse communities. • [24:30] Examining Alaska's shifting partisan makeup and where the state may be headed politically. • [26:45] How Representative Mina is looking to spend her time and energy going forward.

    29 min

  6. JAN 1

    : ICYMI: How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto

    Happy New Year! While our team is off for the holiday, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our conversation with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto. Host Ryan Coonerty and Hashimoto reflect on the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, including lessons around preparing for and building resilience against natural disasters, as well as best practices for coordinating disaster safety efforts across multiple levels of government. Senator Hashimoto also discusses his efforts to address Maui's housing crisis and improve the local economy after tourism took a major hit from COVID and the fires. In addition, he explains how he approaches his legislative leadership roles as the Assistant Majority Whip, and Vice-Chair of the Housing Committee. Tune in to learn about Senator Troy Hashimoto's path to public service and the reasons why Maui should be your next destination. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [00:00] State Senator Troy Hashimoto shares his protocol for natural disasters. • [05:11] How to prepare and build resilience for the next disaster. • [09:24] The Senator's recommendations for cross-government disaster safety coordination. • [12:05] Understanding Maui's housing crisis and how Senator Hashimoto is addressing it. • [17:49] The ins and outs of the Land Exchanges Bill that he championed. • [19:39] How Senator Troy Hashimoto got into public service, and his path to Senator. • [24:10] The challenges of state legislative leadership, and Maui's general political stance. • [27:56] Assessing Maui's tourism economy: Past, present, and future. • [32:18] Senator Troy Hashimoto's top reasons for why you should visit Maui.

    35 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    ICYMI: How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young

    Happy Holidays! While our team is off for the holiday, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our conversation with West Virginia Delegate Kayla Young. Host Ryan Coonerty and Young offer a political history lesson on how once-blue West Virginia took a sharp right turn, what the rest of the country can learn from the Mountain State, and how she approaches her work as part of the smallest legislative minority in the country. The conversation also dives into energy policy and politics, including the impact of the Biden Administration's investment in a clean energy economy, the Trump Administration's efforts to reverse course, with over $100 million in losses in solar investments, and rising coal mining unemployment in West Virginia. The granddaughter of a coal miner, Young explains how we should think about coal and the opportunities for miners in today's economy. She also discusses her path to public service from a food truck owner to the legislature. Tune in for an honest and clear look at the economic, environmental, legislative, and political realities in the state of West Virginia.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] The political history of West Virginia and its current status with only nine democratic seats. • [03:21] What changed the trajectory of West Virginia's politics and how it has responded to Biden. • [06:00] The real-world and political impact of the coal industry.\ • [08:50] How Trump's tariffs have influenced industry and job creation in West Virginia. • [10:15] Persevering in the legislature when the numbers are against you. • [14:43] How working in food service prepared Kayla. • [17:40] Making the case for a clean environment and a sustainable economic structure. • [19:00] Why there is hope for democrats in West Virginia. • [21:00] Understanding succession in the legislature. • [24:13] Advice for those who may want to run for office.

    27 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    How to Make Government Deliver with Delaware Lieutenant Governor Kyle Gay

    Recorded at the 15th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty's conversation with Delaware Lieutenant Governor Kyle Gay digs into how she helped pass Delaware's equal rights amendment, her period-equity initiative, and her efforts to expand pathways to legal services. Gay talks about her time as Deputy Attorney General, representing clients in Delaware's business courts and practicing pro bono law for foster youth – experiences that now inform how she convenes communities, agencies, and decision-makers to change outcomes. The episode also explores how Gay partners with Governor and NewDEAL Alum Matt Meyer to get results, the impact of stories she's learned directly from constituents, and the responsibility she carries as a member of the Pardons Board. Tune in to learn about LG Gay's reflections on her journey into public office and why Delaware has become a place where more women can step into government leadership. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Lieutenant Governor Kyle Gay's perspective on leading the State of Delaware. • [04:33] How the Lieutenant Governor partners with the administration in her state. • [06:30] Two examples of how she has acted in her role to impact others. • [08:48] Lessons learned from hearing directly from constituents. • [10:54] Insights from working on the Pardons Board. • [12:57] Orienting state government, the legislature, and the executive branch around implementation and outcomes. • [16:01] Kyle's journey to public office and taking the role of Lieutenant Governor. • [18:44] Balancing private life and being an elected official. • [21:31] How Delaware has made it possible for more women to serve in local government. • [25:06] Picking priorities in the state legislature.

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
58 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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