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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:

: ICYMI: How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

ICYMI: How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

How to Make Government Deliver with Delaware Lieutenant Governor Kyle Gay Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

How Ethical Leadership is Crucial in Troubled Times with State Rep. Alexis Simpson Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Recording from the 15th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with New Hampshire State Representative and Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson about the importance of ethical leadership in these troubled times, how she approaches her legislative priorities, and how her weekends as a minister in her community informs how she does her job as a legislator. Ryan and Simpson also discuss New Hampshire's status as a swing state and "picker of presidents," and what all Americans need to know about how the state evaluates those who pursue our nation's highest office. Tune in to this insightful conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] How State Representative Alexis Simpson's role as a clergywoman informs her work in the legislature.

• [04:34] The role that faith plays in helping her to find hope in troubled times and to navigate political life.

• [07:51] Her journey from ministry to serving in New Hampshire's citizen legislature.

• [10:43] Solution-based leadership based on an experience she had serving on the Environment and Agriculture Committee.

• [12:38] Systems to organize New Hampshire's minority Democratic Party.

• [14:27] Navigating struggles with the cost of living due to rising rental costs, taxes, and basic needs.

• [16:29] The political state of play in New Hampshire in 2025.

• [21:28] New Hampshire's key role as the picker of presidents.

• [24:53] What State Representative Simpson most wants people to know about her state.

• [26:57] Why social crises are more urgent than ever before.

• [29:11] The importance of not losing hope in people across political barriers.

How to Build Vibrant Communities with Mayor Leonardo Williams Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Recorded at the 15th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Durham, NC, Mayor Leonardo Williams. They talk about how the mayor built a career grounded in community service and leadership, and how his experiences equipped him with what he needs most to be a successful mayor. In addition, they unpack what it means to lead when there are ICE raids in your community, causing kids not to want to go to school and people not to want to go to work, and what it takes to have a vibrant community with flourishing small businesses. Tune in to learn about Mayor Williams' path from award-winning music teacher to principal, policy adviser, small-business owner, and, finally, mayor.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] An introduction to Durham, North Carolina, Mayor Leonardo Williams and his city.

• [04:33] A Mayor's role in the context of instilling hope in the context of national jurisdiction.

• [08:53] Mayor Williams' path to public service.

• [14:08] What his role has revealed about the social health of his city.

• [16:47] Setting a culture of vitality through sacrifice and competition.

• [18:49] How democrats can better support small businesses.

• [22:08] The state of politics in North Carolina today.

• [24:36] Free and fair elections in 2026 and Mayor Williams' plans for the next two years.

• [27:03] How his background as a teacher and a drum major has shaped his approach to leadership.

ICYMI: How to Have Faith in the Midst of Dysfunction with Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is off for the holiday, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our conversation with Commissioner Lesley Briones from Harris County, TX. Host Ryan Coonerty and Briones explain her role representing the third-largest county in the country with a population larger than 26 U.S. states and 34 cities. They discuss her journey as a Harvard and Yale Law School graduate who became a public school teacher and then a judge, and how her parents instilled in her the belief that she should always help others. Briones talks about navigating the chaos of the Trump administration—including Governor Abbott's redistricting plan —how faith continues to ground her work, and how growing up as a daughter of teachers and a proud Latina on the Texas–Mexico border has made her resilient. Tune in to learn why Commissioner Briones believes Texas can become a swing state (spoiler: it's closer than you might think).

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] Commissioner Briones' background and entry into public service.

• [02:16] The role of a County Commissioner and what that means in Harris.

• [04:07] Federal challenges that Harris County faces under the Trump administration.

• [10:30] Attempts to work collaboratively in the face of troubling bills.

• [13:13] Staying hopeful and engaged for the generation to come.

• [17:06] Sentiment towards the current administration in Harris County.

• [18:51] How Commissioner Briones' background informs her work in local government.

• [22:55] Her path to public service in 2019 and how it differs from working as a judge.

• [30:15] Embracing faith and inclusivity as a Democratic leader.

How to Have Faith in the Midst of Dysfunction with County Commissioner Lesley Briones Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Harris County, TX, County Commissioner Lesley Briones, who explains her role representing the third-largest county in the country with a population larger than 26 U.S. States and 34 cities. Ryan and Briones discuss her journey as a Harvard and Yale Law School graduate who became a public school teacher and then a judge, and how her parents instilled in her the belief that she should always help others. Briones talks about navigating the chaos left by the Trump administration—including Governor Abbott's redistricting plan —how faith continues to ground her work, and how growing up as a daughter of teachers and a proud Latina on the Texas–Mexico border has given her resilience. Tune in to learn why Commissioner Briones believes Texas can become a swing state (spoiler: it's so close).

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] Commissioner Briones' background and entry into public service.

• [02:16] The role of a County Commissioner and what that means in Harris.

• [04:07] Federal challenges that Harris County faces under the Trump administration.

• [10:30] Attempts to work collaboratively in the face of troubling bills.

• [13:13] Staying hopeful and engaged for the generation to come.

• [17:06] Sentiment towards the current administration in Harris County.

• [18:51] How Commissioner Briones' background informs her work in local government.

• [22:55] Her path to public service in 2019 and how it differs from working as a judge.

• [30:15] Embracing faith and inclusivity as a Democratic leader.

How to Use Your Voice With State Representative Stephanie Simacek Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Arizona State Representative Stephanie Simacek. They talk about how her journey from teacher to legislator, including how a concern with her daughter's education drove her to run for office and how she flipped a seat in one of the state's most competitive districts. Simacek explains what she's learned about using her voice in a divided state government, and how Democrats in Arizona have found creative ways to deliver wins for families despite being in the minority in both chambers of the legislature. The conversation also delves into the growing strain on working parents as federal programs face cuts, and why she believes listening to and amplifying everyday voices is essential to rebuilding trust in government. Tune in for a timely conversation about courage, collaboration, and what it takes to make lasting change.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:01] Introduction to Representative Stephanie Simacek and her first year in the Arizona House.

• [02:13] Winning in a tough year for Democrats through a single-shot strategy in a purple district.

• [04:13] From teacher and mom to school-board member, and how that led to public office.

• [07:11] Balancing her dual roles as school-board member and state legislator, and how that perspective deepens her understanding of how state policy impacts local schools.

• [08:15] Serving on the Education Committee and confronting Arizona's funding challenges.

[10:53] Learning to use her voice in committee hearings and on the House floor.

• [12:25] The "Democrats Deliver" tour and seeing the real-world impact of those investments.

• [15:52] Working with Senate Republicans to pass a fairer budget that serves all Arizonans.

• [18:46] Reintroducing her health-insurance reform bill and finding new ways to be heard.

• [22:32] Addressing SNAP benefit cuts and pressing for bipartisan support to aid Arizona families.

• [28:04] Speaking out on Arizona's unsworn congresswoman and the need for accountability in democracy.

• [29:44] Closing reflections on persistence, collaboration, and using your voice for change.

How to Break Barriers with State Senator Sarah Anthony Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony. They talk about her achievements and her many ''firsts' in politics - including her path to becoming the first African American woman elected to the Michigan Senate and the first to Chair the Senate Appropriations Committee -- and the obstacles she has overcome along the way. Anthony explains how she is trying to improve equity and opportunity for all Michiganders and the challenges of leading the effort to shape what she calls the "people's budget." In addition, she offers insights into how the Trump Administration's efforts are impacting Michigan, especially in regards to tariffs, and talks about what her prior work as a County Commissioner taught her. Tune in to learn about her guiding principles and what gives her hope.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] Introducing today's guest, Senator Sarah Anthony.

• [02:23] Her journey into public office and what it's like to be 'the first' in so many areas.

• [04:52] The internal struggles she's faced in her position and how she overcomes them.

• [06:52] How Anthony has tried to make systems work for people better than they do.

• [08:51] Managing chairing appropriations and making the budget a 'people's budget'.

• [14:47] Anthony shares what things are like in Michigan politically at the moment.

• [18:06] How the tariffs are playing out in Michigan and how they're affecting people.

• [21:09] What motivated Sarah to run for the County Commission, and what it taught her.

• [24:42] Why she hasn't struggled to maintain her guiding principles during her time in office.

• [26:26] Prioritizing outcomes over going viral and what gives her hope for the future.

Celebrating 300 Episodes with Pete Buttigieg: How to Rebuild Trust in Democracy Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

We're celebrating our 300th episode of An Honorable Profession! Thank you to our listeners for being part of this journey and we look forward to introducing you to more inspiring leaders from across the country over our next 300 episodes. In this special episode, hosts NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty are joined by former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, a longtime NewDEAL Leader and one of the podcast's early guests. Buttigieg discusses the lessons he has learned from politics and leadership on his journey from South Bend Mayor to a cabinet member. The conversation delves into his advice for communicating with Americans of all political stripes in a highly polarized environment and why it's critical for leaders to go everywhere to meet people in the physical and virtual spaces where they are. In addition, Debbie, Ryan, and Buttigieg talk about how Democrats move forward with an agenda to rebuild damage from the Trump Administration without going back to a past status quo. Buttigieg also reflects on fatherhood and finding perspective beyond politics, sharing how family helps keep his actions grounded in hope. Tune in for a full-circle conversation that honors public service and looks ahead to a new generation of hopeful and pragmatic leaders.

Help us celebrate our 300th episode by sharing this episode and subscribing to An Honorable Profession wherever you listen to podcasts, and giving us a five star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Subscribe to our Substack, The Roadmap here

Subscribe to our YT Channel here

NewDEAL Website

NewDEAL Forum Website

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Celebrating the 300th episode milestone of An Honorable Profession.

• [02:24] Remembering Buttigieg's first appearance on the show as a young mayor.

• [03:57] Lessons from local leadership that continue to guide his perspective.

• [06:23] Buttigieg's advice on when and how Democrats should take principled, effective stands.

• [08:53] Defining what it means to "fight" as democrats: standing for what's right, not just against opponents.

• [10:14] Communicating beyond echo chambers and reaching audiences across divides.

• [12:24] The messages that resonate as we head into the 2026 midterm elections.

• [15:11] How Democrats can prepare now to rebuild government and restore public trust.

• [19:43] Using AI to solve real problems while guarding against its unintended harm.

• [23:36] Rebuilding community through shared service and belonging beyond politics.

• [27:00] Democrats' effort to reclaim freedom, faith, and patriotism as inclusive American values.

• [29:11] Finding hope and perspective through fatherhood and a renewed sense of purpose

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