Advertise on podcast: An Honorable Profession

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.

    In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Kentucky State Representative Joshua Watkins about navigating public service from the super minority and building support across divides. They discuss his role as House Minority Whip, what he's hearing from constituents on issues such as housing, healthcare, and the cost of living, and lessons learned from the state budget process. The conversation also covers how to address housing affordability, including increasing supply, supporting renters, and exploring new funding solutions. Tune in to learn more about leading with optimism in a deep red state and what it takes to serve effectively.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:06] Introduction to Kentucky State Representative Joshua Watkins and his role as Minority Whip. • [02:02] Biggest concerns on the ground in Kentucky: healthcare, housing, wages, cost of living, and democracy. • [03:33] Navigating the budget process from the super minority and its outcomes. • [07:34] Governor Beshear's leadership style, popularity, and influence across Kentucky. • [11:22] Representative Watkins' path to leadership and being elected House Minority Whip. • [15:16] Addressing housing affordability, supply challenges, and rising rent costs. • [18:19] Supporting renters through tax credits, protections, and faith-based housing solutions. • [20:34] His path into public service through real estate and local government. • [23:24] Using performance improvement to make government more responsive. • [25:12] Leading change by inviting feedback and taking personal accountability. • [27:41] How creativity and the arts shape his approach to leadership. • [29:29] Final reflections on service, connection, and building community.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen. They discuss what he's hearing from his constituents and highlight his efforts to address homelessness and affordability, as well as his "fail fast" mindset to adjust and drive more effective solutions. The conversation also covers the launch of the city's first-ever community court focused on rehabilitation and outlines his vision for building a thriving ocean economy. In addition, Sorensen discusses his belief that government should operate at the speed of business, as well as the experiences that led him into public service and how his background as a chaplain continues to shape his leadership. Tune in to also learn more about the political landscape in Florida, including the state of the Democratic brand and the Party's outlook heading into November.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [02:00] What the city comissioner is currently hearing from the residents of Florida • [03:25] He highlights what's working in housing costs and homelessness in their city.  • [05:30] "Fail Fast" and how they're working to bring down housing affordability. • [07:15] Com. Sorensen talks about establishing the first-ever community court. • [08:20] He unpacks the concept of Ocean Economy and how Fort Lauderdale is poised as a leader in this area. • [11:19] Why government should work at the speed of business, and how they're making that happen. • [13:45] What sparked Com. Sorensen's pivot into government service. • [16:10] How his work as a chaplain translates into his work as an elected official. • [18:00] Com. Sorensen shares how he's getting people more involved in conversations • [21:20] Why Com. Sorensen has six degrees: discovering your why. • [25:25] His perspective on the current state of the election cycle, the strength of the Democratic brand, and the party's outlook heading into November.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.