Episodes
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In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with North Carolina State Representative Dante Pittman to discuss the interesting political climate in the state, the community he represents, and the importance of leading in a bipartisan way. Their conversation touches on the biggest affordability issues the representative's constituents are facing and how those issues are driving the state's politics, as well as lessons from ongoing budget conflicts in a state with a Democratic governor and Republican-majority legislature. Debbie and Representative Pittman also talk about what makes North Carolina fall into the "the purple" politics column, what makes their politics so interesting, and how he thinks the upcoming elections will go. Tune in to learn about the most rewarding moments the Representative has had in public office.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• [01:53] Welcoming North Carolina State Representative Dante Pittman.
• [03:32] What makes Dante so popular in his district during elections.
• [06:00] Why he believes that bipartisanship is the best way to lead.
• [09:23] What is top of mind for Dante's constituents at the moment.
• [13:28] Dante's thoughts on the state budget not being complete.
• [17:17] What people should understand about North Carolina's politics.
• [20:24] Dante's opinion on the upcoming election and his most rewarding moments.
• [23:43] What led our guest to his work and why he chose this career despite obstacles.
• [21:41] A breakdown of what elected officials need from the public.
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In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor about her path from academia and school board service to county leadership. They talk about her decision to run for school board first, what led her to public service, and how Delaware County flipped its government after decades of one-party GOP rule. They also discuss the county's work to create a health department, deprivatize its prison, expand workforce development, and make social services easier for residents to access. Dr. Taylor shares how her academic work informs her approach to public service, why "health in all policies" matters at the county level, and how lessons from basketball have influenced her leadership style. Tune in to hear how Dr. Taylor's work in Delaware County shows what local government can do when public service is grounded in access and accountability.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• [02:12] Hear how Dr. Taylor moved from higher education into county government.
• [05:55] Learn about Delaware County and how the Democrats flipped it.
• [07:23] Understand what changed on the ground to build a stronger local majority.
• [08:46] Explore which issues helped connect Democrats with Delaware County voters.
• [10:45] Examine how public office has shaped Dr. Taylor's academic work.
• [12:30] Unpack what "health in all policies" means at the county level.
• [14:47] Discover Delaware County's biggest wins and Dr. Taylor's next priorities.
• [16:41] Find out what it takes to deprivatize a county prison.
• [18:47] Insights into how basketball shaped Dr. Taylor's leadership style.
• [21:24] Uncover what Pennsylvania voters are focused on now.
• [23:59] Dr. Taylor shares how she balances service, family, and career.
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In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Wyoming House Democratic Leader Mike Yin. They discuss how his district includes Jackson Hole -- one of the most beautiful and wealthiest places in the world, sitting alongside Grand Teton National Park. But beneath that natural beauty are serious challenges, from growing income inequality to limited access to affordable housing and healthcare. The conversation covers what it means to represent a community facing those realities while serving in one of the most Republican states in the country. Yin shares how he works across the aisle to build support for legislation that improves healthcare access, addresses housing affordability, and responds to local communities' needs. They also talk about Yin's path to elected office and the challenge of balancing public service with a full-time career, and his experience as the first Chinese American legislator in Wyoming history. Tune in to learn about governing across divides and finding ways to create change where it matters most.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• [01:04] Introducing Wyoming State Representative Mike Yin and the community he serves.
• [02:41] Governing in a legislature where Democrats hold only a small minority.
• [03:50] Building bipartisan coalitions to advance healthcare and infrastructure policy.
• [08:13] The state of healthcare access and rural healthcare funding in Wyoming.
• [10:36] Addressing housing affordability and inequality in one of America's wealthiest regions.
• [13:33] Balancing legislative service with a full-time career as a software developer.
• [15:29] Advice for governing effectively and finding common ground in red states.
• [16:43] The realities of balancing legislative service, full-time work, and private life.
• [18:41] Why Mike sees opportunities for Democrats to gain ground in Wyoming.
• [19:35] What being Wyoming's first Chinese American legislator means to him.
• [21:33] Why Mike remains focused on local leadership and serving his community.
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In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Redmond, WA, Mayor Angela Birney to discuss how she is leading a city shaped by new investments and rapid population growth while keeping community needs at the forefront. They discuss how the city is using transit-focused development, zoning reform, and middle housing construction to create more options for residents. The conversation also covers the role of data and science in local government, how the city is navigating AI, climate goals, and long-term planning in a fast-changing city. Tune in to learn about Mayor Birney's path to public office and what Redmond's story of recent growth from a small town to a bustling city says about how we should design our cities for the modern era.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• [02:18] Learn about Redmond's growth, natural setting, and major tech employers.
• [03:33] Hear how Mayor Angela Birney works with Redmond's major global employers.
• [04:38] How Mayor Birney advocates for Redmond in high-stakes corporate environments.
• [05:57] Find out how Redmond is balancing growth, affordability, and community identity.
• [07:13] Discover how regional and federal partnerships helped bring light rail to Redmond.
• [08:32] Understand how light rail is reshaping daily life in Redmond.
• [10:16] Explore how Redmond is tackling housing demand and affordability.
• [12:27] Uncover how inclusionary zoning supports Redmond's housing goals.
• [16:20] Mayor Birney shares how her teaching background led her to public service.
• [19:47] What makes serving as mayor both rewarding and challenging.
• [21:55] See how Redmond is approaching AI in society and government.
• [24:27] Unpack how Mayor Birney is planning for Redmond's long-term future.
• [27:14] Final takeaways and why she values learning from other NewDEAL leaders.
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In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Jason Altmire and Riley Burr, authors of the recently published book, Trade Up: Why the Future Belongs to Skilled Trades and How Career Education is Transforming the Workforce. Their conversation touches on how skilled workers will help power the infrastructure of the AI revolution, and what is keeping people from accessing trade schools and alternative career paths that can provide immense opportunities in today's economy. Tune in to learn more about the future of skilled trades.
Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:
career.org
tradeupbook.com
IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
• [01:30] An introduction to today's guests and topic of discussion.
• [02:50] Defining the problem: the gap between jobs and skills.
• [05:12] Riley unpacks the scope of the skills gap.
• [06:30] How AI is impacting the issue and their thoughts on what might happen in the future.
• [11:20] They pinpoint the barriers to getting more kids onto the trades-career path.
• [13:40] What students might experience if they pursue an education at a trade school.
• [17:00] They discuss other paths that exist to close the gap, like apprenticeships.
• [21:00] What we can learn from Switzerland regarding apprenticeships.
• [22:30] The role trade unions play.
• [23:00] What policymakers can do to create more access and opportunities for trade
education.• [27:47] How policymakers can respond to what Gen Z wants.
• [29:20] Concluding thoughts from our guests on today's topic of conversation.
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In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read to discuss how he is navigating the Trump Administration's efforts to interfere with state election administration, the state's recent primary elections, threats to our democracy, his experience being sued by the Trump administration, and what other states can learn from Oregon's vote-at-home system. They specifically delve into the unconstitutional mail-in-ballot executive order and its impracticality. The Secretary emphasizes the importance of holding politicians accountable to protect our right to vote and how politicians should go about earning constituents' trust.Tune in to hear how Secretary Read is working to ensure free, fair, and secure elections are not a partisan idea, but a patriotic one.
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In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonery speaks with Lawrenceburg, IN Councilmember Dylan Liddle to discuss his city and its unique financial structure, and how the city has changed over the last year. They also discuss his upbringing and how his parent's addiction shapes his decisions, what it's like to be the only Democrat on a Republican council, and the best, worst, and most surprising parts of being elected to local government. The conversation covers Liddle's policy priorities and what other local governments can learn from those policies. Tune in to hear some words of wisdom for anyone who wants to run for local office.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• [01:46] A little bit about Lawrenceburg and how it's changed in the last year.
• [04:03] Dylan's focus on affordability and the success he's had in that area.
• [06:48] His journey to public office and how his upbringing has affected his decisions.
• [09:49] How he balances the demands of a political career with everyday life.
• [13:09] Why Dylan decided to take the more difficult path of being a Democrat.
• [15:01] What he thinks the Democratic Party can do to support more wins in smaller areas.
• [16:53] Dylan shares some advice for anyone wanting to run for local office.
• [18:12] What's surprised him about his new role and the best and worst parts.
• [20:02] How our guest sets his agenda and decides what he will focus on in terms of policy.
• [26:24] What's happening politically in Lawrenceburg and how National politics impacts that.
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In this special bonus episode of An Honorable Profession, recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bolton sits down with the Co-Hosts of The Hometown Holler, Daniel Ayers and Quinn Ray. They talk about the responsibility to be civically engaged and using their platform to reach North Carolina voters. Ayers and Ray share insights on how to inform, entertain, and inspire listeners, encouraging them to take the next step in their political involvement. Tune in for a great conversation about communicating authentically online.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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