An Honorable Profession - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

An Honorable Profession — Government & Organizations
An Honorable Profession

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.

Copyright: © The NewDEAL 2018

Latest Episodes:

How Compromise Should Work with Iowa State Senator Matt Blake May 14, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Iowa State Senator Matt Blake about how he approaches the role of being a Democratic leader in a red state that has swung hard toward Donald Trump's Republican Party. Their conversation delves into Blake's path to public office, the impact his military experience has had on his career, his current policy focus, and how he makes progress for his constituents in a legislature that is often focused on priorities that are very different than his own. Tune in to also learn how Senator Blake balances his professional and personal life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:09] Introducing today's guest, Senator Matt Blake.
[02:09] The current political landscape of his state, Iowa.
[07:10] A brief overview of Senator Blake's path to public service and career.
[11:56] How his military experience informs his policy-making and approach to politics.
[14:33] Senator Blake shares some advice for veterans entering public life.
[16:47] What he's working on now and how he's trying to serve his constituents and his state.
[21:13] His approach to bipartisanship and how he makes decisions and compromises.
[23:55] How Senator Blake uses his legal experience to help seniors with their concerns.
[26:48] Navigating work and personal life, and how he keeps everything running smoothly.

Bonus Episode: LIVE from the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit - Protecting Democracy with Amanda Gonzalez May 14, 2026

Show notes

In this special bonus episode of An Honorable Profession, recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina, Debbie Cox Bolton sits down with Amanda Gonzalez, Jefferson County, CO Clerk and Recorder. The conversation dives into the current state of our democracy, starting with the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act and how Colorado has proactively passed its own state-level protections to safeguard the right to vote.

Gonzalez shares her insights on the resilience and security of mail-in voting, debunking common myths about fraud while highlighting its practical benefits for voters across the political spectrum. She also discusses the extensive contingency planning being done in her office to ensure every vote is counted. Finally, Amanda addresses the critical issue of election worker safety, sharing the reality of challenges poll workers face today and why transparency remains the best tool for building public trust in our electoral system.

How North Carolina Drives Results with Mayor Janet Cowell May 07, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode, Raleigh, NC, Mayor Janet Cowell joins us from the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit to discuss her approach to leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The conversation digs into housing supply needs and affordability, as well as her data-driven approach to public safety and traffic safety. The conversation also covers her path into public service, from her career as a Councilwoman to serving as State Senator, then becoming the first state-wide female Treasurer of the State, and now, Mayor. They talk about the value of collaboration in delivering results and why she compares being an elected official to living in Technicolor. Tune in to Mayor Cowell's pro tips for experiencing the best of Raleigh, and her definition of what a successful Democrat looks like today.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] Raleigh, North Carolina, Mayor Janet Cowell's leadership in a fast-growing state.

• [03:34] How she is effectively working to support affordable housing in her state.

• [08:43] Law enforcement, youth empowerment, and data-driven resource allocation.

• [11:34] Her path into public service from a mission and values-driven childhood to politics.

• [12:47] Engaging the people of North Carolina.

• [15:52] What prompted her to run for mayor, and how she describes life in public service.

• [18:01] Her success as the first statewide woman treasurer of North Carolina.

• [23:25] Highlights you can't afford to miss in Raleigh.

• [24:57] How Mayor Cowell came to land in her state.

• [26:19] What a successful democrat looks like in North Carolina in 2026.

How to Balance Family, Politics and Public Office with Rep. Jennifer O'Mara Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with PA State Representative Jennifer O'Mara about how her life experiences and the loss of her father shaped her career, how those stories resonated with people during her election, and what Pennsylvanians are saying they want from their elected leaders. The conversation also covers her experience with IVF, how motherhood has impacted her policy work, and how she juggles all her responsibilities. Ryan and Rep. O'Mara discuss her legislative priorities, including the AI mental health bill she is working on, as well as how she thinks her swing state will vote in the midterms, and the current state of Pennsylvania politics. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:01] Today's guest, Jennifer O'Mara, provides an overview of her career.

• [04:07] How our guest leveraged her life experiences during her election.

• [05:46] What Representative O'Mara is hearing from voters in a swing state.

• [07:49] How 'kitchen table issues' can be addressed throughout the country.

• [09:44] Some of the policies she has initiated to help working families in her state.

• [14:29] How being a mother has informed her policy work as a state Representative.

• [20:56] Balancing challenges, coalition creation, legislature, and having a family.

• [22:46] Representative O'Mara tells us about her bill on AI therapy.

• [25:02] Private equity issues and how our guest is trying to combat them.

• [29:29] The state of Pennsylvania politics and what we can expect from the next election.

How to Move America Forward with Mayor Mitch Landrieu Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

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.

How to Make Progress in a Super Minority with Representative Joshua Watkins Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

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.

How City Commissioner Ben Sorensen Drives Growth in Florida Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

How Democracy Can Deliver Through Grace with Congresswoman Sarah McBride Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

How to Meet Your Constituents Where They Are With Representative Mai Xiong Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

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.

How to Use Public Service for the Greater Good with Senator Laura Smith Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

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.

Related Podcasts