An Honorable Profession
The NewDEAL
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/
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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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 18, 2023 • 34min
Mary Ellen Wiederwohl on What to Know During Infrastructure Week
In our latest episode, released during Infrastructure Week, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, President and CEO of Accelerator for America, about her hopes for a transformation of American infrastructure amid major federal investments. A former leader in local government who is passionate about working on the country's most complicated problems, Mary Ellen digs into the keys to smart implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including by state and local officials, and how they will determine whether BIL investments reach their potential to revitalize communities. She highlights essential infrastructure projects around the country as she and Debbie talk about how the historic legislation will impact where people live and hopefully change people's perception of what the government can accomplish. Tune in for an engaging conversation that shows why this Infrastructure Week is a moment to celebrate America's capacity to accomplish big things.
May 11, 2023 • 25min
Eboo Patel on How to Strengthen our Democracy
In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Eboo Patel, Founder and CEO of Interfaith America and the author of the book "We Need to Build: Field Notes for a Diverse Democracy." The conversation focuses on the importance of interfaith efforts to reduce dangerous nationalism and strengthen civic life in America. They discuss what it means to create an interfaith movement in America, the differences between white Christian nationalism and other faith movements, and the role of faith in a Democracy. Eboo also connects the decline in religious participation with negative outcomes for civic infrastructure and social service. Tune in to hear Eboo discuss his work with President Obama's Inaugural Faith Counsel and his path to service.
May 4, 2023 • 37min
Councilmember Ashley Vanorny on Balancing Work and Public Office
In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonety talks with Cedar Rapids, IA, Councilmember Ashley Vanorny. Ashley brings a unique perspective to city government due to her professional background in healthcare. She discusses how her experience has informed her holistic approach to city affairs and shares current municipal initiatives in Cedar Rapids, including policies driven by public health concerns. Despite being the second youngest-ever City Councilmember, Ashley manages her leadership role while challenging prejudices based on her age and gender. She also talks about efforts to improve housing and inclusion in the city. Tune in to hear more about Ashley's work to make Cedar Rapids a more equitable and connected city.
Apr 27, 2023 • 37min
Mike Schmuhl on How to Win in the Midwest
In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Mike Schmuhl, who serves as the chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. Schmuhl, who started his career at the Washington Post, recounts his shift to politics to work on campaigns for Congressman Joe Donnelly and NewDEAL Alumnus Pete Buttigieg. He and Debbie also discuss Indiana's political shift to the right over the past two decades and the strategies that Democrats should use to achieve success in the Midwest. Schmuhl shares his experience of building and running a presidential campaign and why Pete Buttigieg's message of inclusivity and belonging resonated with so many people. Tune in to hear Schmuhl talk about the need for a positive, aspirational message, a bold economic agenda, and gun safety measures!
Apr 20, 2023 • 33min
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss on How to Build Equitable Communities
In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Rosalynn Bliss, the first female Mayor of Grand Rapids, MI. They discuss her journey from social work to elected office, as well as the challenges she has faced in addressing racial equity, affordable housing, and the city's economy. In addition, Bliss also details her vision for how a mayor can create positive change through accountability, restorative justice, and community empowerment, recognizing the humanity in everyone and meeting constituents where they are. Tune in to also receive a special invitation from the Mayor to experience Grand Rapids' live music scene and visit the city's beautiful river.
Apr 13, 2023 • 39min
City Councilmember Erika Strassburger on The Role of Local Governments in Rebuilding Public Trust
In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Pittsburgh City Councilmember Erika Strassburger, the first woman elected to represent her district on the Council. Erika shares her journey from being an environmental organizer to a policymaker, and discusses how to restore public faith in government. She also reflects on the impact of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting on her community and her leadership style and talks about how the tragedy spurred immediate action, from pushing to ban the use of assault weapons to holding gun owners accountable to prevent risks to children and increasing funding for violence-prevention initiatives. Erika shares her approach to building relationships between community members and elected officials, approaching differences with kindness, and so much more. Tune in to this amazing conversation to hear Erika's thoughts on what makes Pittsburgh special!
Apr 6, 2023 • 28min
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on Housing, Inclusion, and Breaking through Glass Ceilings
In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with newly-elected Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. She and Governor Maura Healey are part of the first all-female executive team to lead Massachusetts in its long history. Driscoll served for more than a decade as Mayor of Salem, where she led a turnaround of the city's financial health and passed several groundbreaking measures to increase inclusion and expand the rights of the LGBTQ and immigrant members of her community. Driscoll explains her role as Lieutenant Governor, the work she's prioritizing, and the challenges and opportunities surrounding big issues like housing affordability in Massachusetts. They discuss how she shepherded her city's revival post-COVID and how she's focusing on improving inclusion in her state. Tune in to hear Driscoll's advice for other members of underrepresented communities interested in running for office.
Mar 30, 2023 • 32min
Councilmember Raul Campillo on Making Government Work in San Diego
In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty interviews San Diego, CA Councilmember Raul Campillo. They discuss the city's economic recovery from the COVID pandemic, including the impact of a successful vaccination campaign that has meant fewer cases and deaths than initially predicted. In addition, Campillo shares his strategies for addressing some of the biggest issues facing San Diego and cities across the country, especially inadequate access to healthcare, childcare, and affordable housing. The conversation also explores Campillo's journey to public office and how his family's background in public service inspired him to fight for the rights of San Diego's citizens. Tune into this engaging conversation and hear how Campillo recommends you spend 24 hours in beautiful San Diego, California.
Mar 23, 2023 • 32min
Daniella Ballou-Aares Makes the Business Case for Strengthening Democracy
Following up on the release of the NewDEAL Forum's Democracy Playbook, this week's episode features Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO and co-founder of the Leadership Now Project, a national membership organization of business and thought leaders committed to fixing American democracy. Daniella speaks with host Ryan Coonerty about why, after starting her career growing social impact companies around the world, she has turned her attention to urging business leaders to advocate on voting rights, redistricting reforms, and other essential efforts to ensure the long-term viability of American democracy. Tune in for Daniella's thoughts on why the business world should care about the state of government and the unique role that business people can play in influencing trends towards or away from democracy.
Mar 16, 2023 • 32min
'Accidental First Lady' Kerry Kriseman on Public Service Behind the Scenes
In this week's episode, we're taking a look at public service from a slightly different perspective. Co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Kerry Kriseman, wife of former NewDEAL Leader St. Petersburg, FL Mayor Rick Kirseman. She joins us to discuss her new book Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines and Behind the Scenes of Local Politics, where she writes about the highs and lows of integrating public service into her family's life. They discuss how Kerry approached her role as a political spouse and how she and her family navigated some of the more difficult moments of their life in the public eye, including an antisemitic attack on her son. They also talk about some of the rewards and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that come with the job. Tune in to this conversation for lessons Kerry learned, suggestions for survival, and tips for crafting a rewarding life in the public eye for anyone (and their partner) thinking of becoming an elected official.
