Best Coonerty Podcasts (2025)

1
How Michigan Manufacturing is Handling Tariffs with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor 31:27

6d ago31:27

31:27

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Lansing, MI, Mayor Andy Schor whose community and state are at the center of national politics and the current debates around manufacturing, jobs, and tariffs. Mayor Schor discusses the disconnect between President Trump’s campaign promises versus the actual impacts his policies are having on the lives of t…

1
ICYMI: How Government Can Get Sh*t Done with Jen Pahlka 34:49

13d ago34:49

34:49

Today on An Honorable Profession, we’re revisiting co-host Debbie Cox Bultan’s conversation with Jennifer Pahlka. Pahlka has decades of experience in civic technology. She was U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer under former President Obama and recently authored the book, Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Ca…

1
How Government Can Support Small Businesses with State Senator Christine Cohen 30:53

20d ago30:53

30:53

This week, host Ryan Coonerty talks with Connecticut State Senator Christine Cohen. Cohen is a small business owner turned legislator who previously served on her local school board before running for the state senate following the first election of President Trump. In Hartford, she draws on her experiences as the owner of Cohen’s Bagel Company to …

1
How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Jim Townsend on Public Policy and Legislative Oversight 34:34

27d ago34:34

34:34

This week, we bring you another episode of our series on How Government Can Get Sh*t Done, as host Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with NewDEAL alumnus Jim Townsend. Jim is a former Michigan state legislator now serving as the Director of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, which promotes fact-based legislative oversight as a key to the integ…

1
How to Build the Democratic Talent Pipeline with Zach Wahls and Debbie Cox Bultan 33:07

1M ago33:07

33:07

This week, The NewDEAL and The Next50 announced a partnership that will build a robust pipeline of center-left talent by combining The Next 50’s electoral backing and campaign tools with the network, policy, and skills support that the NewDEAL provides. The goal is to round out a cycle of support for leaders who can win tough elections, deliver res…

1
How to Help Fired Federal Workers with County Supervisor James Walkinshaw 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Fairfax County, VA, County Supervisor James Walkinshaw as he navigates the significant impact of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency on his community amid firings of federal employees who safeguard our national security, energy, social security, public health, and much more. Walkinshaw dis…

1
How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Jennifer Pahlka on Modernizing Technology and Reforming Civil Service 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

Faith in our government and elected officials has reached record lows in recent years. In 2023, trust in government institutions plummeted to 16%, marking one of the lowest points in history, and, in 2024, 49% of Americans – a plurality of respondents – asserted that the very foundation of our government, our democracy, was not working. This episod…

1
How Democrats Can Change Their Message on Homelessness and Public Safety 35:11

2M ago35:11

35:11

This week, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with San José, CA, Mayor Matt Mahan, who was elected two years ago on his promise to tackle the city’s most intractable problems like homelessness, crime, and traffic. Mayor Mahan talks about his recently announced "Responsibility to Shelter” initiative, which makes historic investments in in…

1
How to Bring a 500-Year-Old City into the Future with Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Albany, NY, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who is approaching the end of a 12 year tenure in which she has guided her city out of bankruptcy, spearheaded pivotal redevelopment projects, and cut childhood poverty rates. She reflects on the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving world to modernize city services an…

1
How the States are Doing DOGE with TX Representative Salman Bhojani 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

This week, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani, as he navigates his newest role as Vice Chair of the House DOGE Committee. The conversation digs into the contentious election of Texas’s new Speaker of the House and why Democrats backed moderate Representative Dustin Burrows against more conse…

1
What Real Government Efficiency Looks Like With Xay Khamsyvoravong 30:45

3M ago30:45

30:45

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Newport, RI, City Councilmember Xay Khamsyvoravong. With a background in public finance, Khamsyvoravong talks about the importance of understanding where the money goes in public policy, reflecting on his own successes modernizing utilities, improving school attendance, and strengthening infrastructure at a…

1
How Tariffs Could Exacerbate the Housing Crisis with City Councilmember Tom Beckius 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Lincoln, NE, City Councilmember Tom Beckius. In addition to serving as an elected official, Beckius is a business owner and a housing developer. He talks with Ryan about why it’s important for Democrats to take an aggressive stance in support of small businesses, especially in the face of potentially disast…

1
How City Councils Can Improve Youth Wellbeing and Health with Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson 28:25

3M ago28:25

28:25

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Santa Cruz, CA, City Councilmember and Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. On the city council, she uses her background in social services and public health to integrate the values of wellbeing, sustainability, and equity into all of Santa Cruz’s policies. Kalantari-Johnson shares her path to…

1
How to Fix the Housing Crisis with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton 28:56

3M ago28:56

28:56

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton, who is working alongside Governor Phil Murphy and his legislative colleagues to address the housing crisis. New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in our union, which poses unique challenges and unique opportunities to increase housing. Ryan an…

1
Pete Buttigieg Looks Towards the Future 33:52

3M ago33:52

33:52

With a new administration beginning in Washington this week, the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials is clearer than ever. That was the message from former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and NewDEAL alum Pete Buttigieg when he spoke at our 2024 Leaders Conference. His remarks are a vital reminder of the key role state …

1
Efficiency & Economics Will Dominate State Legislatures in 2025 36:57

4M ago36:57

36:57

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Georgia Democratic Caucus Chair Representative Tanya Miller. These three NewDEAL Leaders reflect on their 2024 accomplishments – from lowering prescription costs for Pennsylvania senior…

1
MSNBC’s Symone Sanders Townsend on One Year of The Weekend & How to Handle the Next Four Years 31:49

4M ago31:49

31:49

Happy New Year! Our first episode of 2025 features leading political strategist and author Symone Sanders Townsend, now host of MSNBC's The Weekend. Symone speaks with co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty about the importance of citizens being informed and staying engaged in the political arena, even if they feel worn out after the 2024 ele…

1
Best of 2024: Representative Megan Srinivas Shares Why Government Needs a Doctor 35:42

4M ago35:42

35:42

This week, we want to take the opportunity to revisit our conversation with Iowa State Representative Megan Srinivas. She and co-host Ryan Coonerty talk about her journey as the child of immigrants in a small Iowa town, to a life changing visit to Kenya, to Harvard, and back to Iowa to represent disadvantaged communities. They discuss her storytell…

1
Best of 2024: Assemblymember Alex Bores on the Role of AI in Politics 29:30

4M ago29:30

29:30

Happy holidays! While our team is off enjoying a well-deserved break, we're revisiting an episode with New York Assemblymember Alex Bores, co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force. As one of the few state legislators in the country with a computer science background, Bores explains how artificial intelligence can change our elections, economy, a…

1
Phoenix City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington on Making a Difference 20:09

5M ago20:09

20:09

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Phoenix, AZ, City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington. She shares her approach to leadership and her commitment to creating opportunities for more people in her community. The conversation delves into her journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to …

1
Williamsport, PA, Mayor Derek Slaughter on Community-Driven Leadership & Transformative Governance 21:59

5M ago21:59

21:59

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Williamsport, PA, Mayor Derek Slaughter. Mayor Slaughter reflects on his unexpected journey from high school teacher and basketball coach to public servant. He discusses his focus on revitalizing his city, highlights efforts to boost economic dev…

1
Milwaukee County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson on Advocacy, Teaching, and the Power of Baked Goods 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson. Growing up in one of the country’s most underserved zip codes, Nicholson is using her experiences to improve the communities she holds dear. She begins the conversation explaini…

1
ICYMI: Unlocking Abundance and How to Make Inclusive Public Policy with Derek Kaufman 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is out of the office this week, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our September 2024 conversation focused on the Abundance Movement. In this episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, Derek Kaufman. Derek is a thought leader and policy st…

1
Lanae Erickson on Third Way’s Post-Election Poll 38:30

6M ago38:30

38:30

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Lanae Erickson, Third Way’s Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics. Her team released a poll at this week’s NewDEAL conference -- one of the first surveys after the election. Lanae shares some key takeaways, including issues that mattered most to voters – the e…

1
Ruy Teixeira on Reclaiming Voters 31:50

6M ago31:50

31:50

As the nation continues to unpack last week’s election results, Debbie Cox Bultan sits down with Ruy Teixeira, a leading political analyst, demographer, and commentator. Teixeira, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and co-editor of The Liberal Patriot newsletter on Substack, is known for his books The Emerging Democratic Majority,…

1
Post-Election Reflections 36:50

6M ago36:50

36:50

The An Honorable Profession team planned for a Harris-Walz victory, a contested election, and a narrow Trump victory, but we did not plan on the results from Tuesday’s election. In this week’s episode, co-host Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty sit down for a post-election conversation, as they discuss the questions we need to ask, including where…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Election Updates from Florida and Nevada 44:20

6M ago44:20

44:20

With one day until Election Day, we’re bringing you one final bonus episode. This is a very special bonus episode because it features two great conversations with NewDEAL Leaders Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine! Leader Driskell gives us a look at Florida's high profile senate race, key ballot m…

1
Former Mayor Joyce Craig on Bringing Hands-on Experience and Passion to the Governor’s Office 20:48

6M ago20:48

20:48

In this week’s episode, the NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with former Manchester, NH, Mayor and Democratic nominee for Governor Joyce Craig. Joyce talks about what it has been like on the campaign trail and the issues that matter most to voters, including affordable housing and reproductive freedom. She also reflects on her accomplishments a…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Senator Elena Parent on Georgia’s Fight for Freedom 20:42

6M ago20:42

20:42

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we look closely at swing states in the presidential race, as well as states with key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. Today, we head to Georgia to talk with State Senator Elena Parent. Senator Parent talks about the …

1
State Treasurer Tobias Read on Protecting Democracy 30:18

7M ago30:18

30:18

In today's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon State Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Secretary of State Tobias Read. Read, who joined NewDEAL as a state representative in 2011, has become a national leader on championing solutions to make college, retirement, and everyday life more affordable. He talks about his decision …

1
BONUS EPISODE: Josh Maxwell on Election Administration in the Country’s Most Coveted Swing State 17:26

7M ago17:26

17:26

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie talks with NewDEALer and Chair of the Chester County, Pennsylvania, Board of Commissioners Josh Maxwell. Josh gives us an on-the-ground update from the…

1
DLCC President Heather Williams on 2024 State Legislative Races 30:03

7M ago30:03

30:03

In today’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) President, Heather Williams. Heather explains how the DLCC works to elect more Democrats to the House and Senate and win legislative majorities. She walks us through the DLCC’s strategy of targeting key states and legislature chambers,…

1
BONUS EPISODE: On-the-Ground Updates from Delaware Gubernatorial Candidate Matt Meyer 19:20

7M ago19:20

19:20

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we look closely at swing states in the presidential race, as well as states with key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. Debbie talks with longtime NewDEAL Leader and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, who is runni…

1
Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens Leads the “Western Slope Way” 36:54

7M ago36:54

36:54

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens, a former high school government teacher who went from encouraging her students to be civically engaged to running for office herself. She shares her story of entering politics, what it has meant to represent her hometown, and how she has found s…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Nebraska’s Dueling Abortion Measures with City Councilmember Tom Beckius 20:16

7M ago20:16

20:16

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie catches up with NewDEALer and Lincoln, NE, City Councilmember Tom Beckius to learn why Nebraska is making headlines this year despite not being a typic…

1
City Controller Rachel Heisler Works as the City’s Watchdog 34:27

7M ago34:27

34:27

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Pittsburgh, PA, City Controller Rachael Heisler. Heisler explains the role of the controller, which consists of three core functions: accounting, accounts payable, and auditing. She also discussed her role in making sure that tax dollars are used responsibly and effectively and that they are sp…

1
BONUS EPISODE: New Hampshire’s Top Races with Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka 18:14

7M ago18:14

18:14

Today’s bonus episode kicks off a limited series including interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan to explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie will be checking in with NewDEALers in swing states about the state of the presidential election, as well traveling to other states to ask about key …

1
Senator Darrin Camilleri’s Journey from School Teacher to the Senate 28:00

7M ago28:00

28:00

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Michigan Senate Assistant Majority Leader Darrin Camilleri, who shares how his upbringing as the son of an immigrant and his early experiences as a teacher shaped his view on policy and public service. He discusses what it takes to make a successful career change into elected office, how he was…

1
Unlocking Abundance and How to Make Inclusive Public Policy with Derek Kaufman 34:37

8M ago34:37

34:37

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, Derek Kaufman. Derek is a thought leader and policy strategist dedicated to advancing equity and sustainability through innovative business practices. The Inclusive Abundance Initiative aims to create inclusive economic syste…

1
Assemblymember Alex Bores on the Role of AI in Politics 28:55

8M ago28:55

28:55

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New York Assemblymember Alex Bores, co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force. As one of the few state legislators in the country with a computer science background, Bores explains how artificial intelligence can change our elections, economy, and everyday lives. He also shares his thoughts o…

1
Representative Kate Farrar Works to Build Thriving and Healthy Community 30:16

8M ago30:16

30:16

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Connecticut Representative Kate Farrar. She talks about her continued efforts to move significant legislation to expand access to quality childcare, support local journalism to strengthen democracy, improve biking and pedestrian infrastructure in her community, and support refugees and immigran…

1
Road to November Series & DNC Recap 38:06

8M ago38:06

38:06

In this week's episode, producer Rachel Walsh joins co-hosts Ryan Coonery and Debbie Cox Bultan to recap the past few months of this exciting election cycle. They discuss last week's Democratic National Convention, highlighting key themes and standout moments from speakers, including many NewDEAL leaders and alumni. They also reflect on our Road to…

1
DNC Mini-sode: Loranne Ausley, Lauren Harper Pope, and Senator Sarah McBride 11:29

9M ago11:29

11:29

In this special DNC mini-sode host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with former Florida Senator Loranne Ausley, WelcomePAC Co-Founder Lauren Harper Pope, and Delaware State Senator and Congressional candidate Sarah McBride. They each reflect on the Convention, talk about their favorite speakers, and share what they’re looking forward to on the last night of…

1
Georgia Representative Tanya Miller Fights for Democracy and Justice 32:58

9M ago32:58

32:58

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Georgia Representative Tanya Miller. Rep. Miller is a prosecutor and civil rights attorney who has consistently worked to ensure justice and defend constitutional rights. She gives us an on-the-ground report about the fight for democracy and the energy presidential candidate Kamala Harris bring…

1
DNC Mini-sode: Councilmember Vanorny, Mayor Keller, Supervisor Nicholson, and Rep. Bhojani 12:04

9M ago12:04

12:04

In this special DNC-mini sode of An Honorable Profession, host Debbie Cox Bultan catches up with four amazing NewDEAL Leaders in Chicago to talk about their experiences so far. You’ll hear from Cedar Rapids, IA, City Councilmember Ashley Vanorny; Albuquerque, NM, Mayor Tim Keller; Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson;…

1
DNC Mini-sode: Mayors Lee Harris and Jon Mitchell 7:33

9M ago7:33

7:33

The AHP team is on the ground this week in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, where host Debbie Cox Bultan is catching up with NewDEAL Leaders from across the country. Today, she talks to two exceptional mayors – Shelby County, TN, Mayor Lee Harris, and New Bedford, MA, Mayor Jon Mitchell – who share their favorite parts from the openi…

1
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on the Importance of Representation 26:17

9M ago26:17

26:17

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonery talks with Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. They discuss his impressive career as Pennsylvania’s youngest and first Black Lieutenant Governor, and why a lack of representation in his hometown inspired him to serve in elected office. Davis also talks about how he is using his office to fight gu…

1
Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters on Voter Strategy 37:40

9M ago37:40

37:40

In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters. Chair Walters first joined us on An Honorable Profession in 2021, but a lot has happened in Ohio over the last three years, including the state's high-profile abortion ballot measure passed in 2023 and Donald Trump's recent selecti…

1
Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval Inspires Better Leadership in Public Service 38:52

9M ago38:52

38:52

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, the youngest member of the Oklahoma legislature. Instead of pursuing a high-paying job as a mechanical engineer, Alonso-Sandoval decided to run for office during his senior year of college to serve the community where he grew up. Rep. Alonso-Sandoval ta…

1
Speaker Joanna McClinton on Leading the Pennsylvania House 36:06

10M ago36:06

36:06

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, as the Speaker reflects on her “lady of firsts” track record in the legislature. In 2008, McClinton became the first woman and African American to be elected as House Democratic Caucus Chair, followed by becoming the first woman e…

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