An Honorable Profession

The NewDEAL
  • 4.9 (60)
  • 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. 15h ago

    How to Make the Case to Voters with Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau

    Host Debbie Cox Bultan catches up with Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau in this continuation of our Road to November 2026 series. After an unprecedented summer in Maine politics, Speaker Fecteau shares what is top of mind for voters across the state and how leaders can deliver results for working families. He and Debbie also discuss the horrific ICE shooting that took place in his community of Biddeford, ME, as well as the ways Democrats can respond to protect their residents from the impacts of the Trump administration. Looking ahead to November, Speaker Fecteau gives his advice on what it takes to win in Maine. Tune in to hear more about the value of connecting to voters one-on-one. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:15] Introducing Speaker Ryan Fecteau. [02:30] An insider's view of choosing Troy Jackson as the U.S. Senate nominee for Maine. [05:22] Breaking down Troy Jackson's strategy to defeat Susan Collins. [07:10] What Speaker Fecteau is hearing from Maine voters. [09:13] How Democrats can campaign on delivering real results. [12:20] What kind of leaders voters are looking for. [14:25] How the Democratic Party is viewed in Maine. [16:02] The importance of having candidates who speak to real-life issues. [17:20] Why delivering results should be central to the Democratic message in Maine. [19:50] Speaker Fecteau discusses how immigration is shaping voters' concerns in Maine. [24:05] If Democrats are going to win Maine, they need to ______? LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  2. Aug 27

    How to Reclaim the Mantle of Public Safety with Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler

    In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Bucks County, Pennsylvania Sheriff Danny Ceisler to discuss why Democrats should be making the case that they are the party of effective public safety. They talk about what leadership as an elected sheriff looks like and how building trust is central to his approach to keeping communities safe. Sheriff Ceisler also shares how he ran for office on a promise to end his county's partnership with ICE, and why that message resonated, even in a Trump-won district. Tune in to hear more about how he's making Bucks County safer for everyone and showing voters that pragmatic governance delivers results. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:10] Introducing the new sheriff in town, Danny Ceisler. [02:07] The purpose, role, and responsibilities of an elected sheriff. [05:05] How Danny ended up in the role of Bucks County Sheriff. [07:03] His advice to other community leaders or those aspiring to become one. [11:00] How Democrats can reclaim public safety and better serve their communities. [13:45] What inspired him to run for Sheriff. [16:30] He reflects on the impact in his community and what other communities can learn from it. [17:30] Sheriff Ceisler shares about their 24-hour domestic violence unit. [22:00] He discusses how Democrats can improve public safety while strengthening community trust and protecting civil rights. [24:46] He shares how voters are feeling about the Trump administration and the next election. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  3. Aug 20

    How to Make Government Work by Connecting with Others with Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn

    In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Indiana Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn to discuss her path from academia and healthcare to public service, as well as what it takes for a latina Democrat to win and govern in a predominantly white suburban swing district. Garcia Wilburn shares how listening and prioritizing human connection has made her an effective candidate and legislator, and how she has turned deeply personal issues into laws that make a difference. Tune in to hear more about how her pragmatic and intentional approach to governing has won over voters from across the political spectrum.  IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcoming today's guest, Victoria Garcia Wilburn. [02:23] What inspired our guest to get involved in politics. [04:11] Running as a Latina woman in a mainly white suburb. [06:03] Indiana's political climate and how it has evolved. [09:45] How Rep. Garcia Wilburn managed to tell her story authentically. [12:07] Driving legislative change as a minority representative. [15:03] Bringing awareness about mental health safety of public servants. [17:58] Her kid's safety work and how it can be a role model to other states. [21:17] How Rep. Garcia Wilburn is trying to make social media safer for the youth.  [25:47] The power of being part of a community to win votes as a democrat. [28:43] Garcia Wilburn shares some advice for anyone wanting to run for office. LEARN MORE: newdealleaders.org

  4. Aug 13

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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4.9
out of 5
60 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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