How to Overcome Political Challenges with Stacey Abrams

In today’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty sits down with NewDEAL Alumna and former Georgia House Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams at the NewDEAL Forum’s Annual Ideas Summit in Atlanta. Abrams reflects on how she drove progress on big issues as the minority leader in the Georgia House between 2011 and 2017. She talks about how to model values-based leadership and encourages listeners to do the same, developing concrete guiding principles around which to rally their work. In addition, she cautions leaders to listen and understand the roots of people’s problems before  jumping to policy solutions, and offers her perspective on tackling divisive, culture war topics by focusing on humanity rather than winning the argument. Tune in to this inspiring conversation to learn what keeps Stacey Abrams grounded during moments of political upheaval.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [1:05]: Introduction to today’s episode featuring Stacey Abrams
• [2:40]: Abrams’s podcast, “Assembly Required,” and how she stays grounded
• [5:30]: The questions state and local elected leaders should be asking ahead of the 2026 midterms
• [9:06]: How to turn society’s needs into real policy solutions
• [13:12]: Beating social media algorithms to promote values-based leadership
• [17:19]: The values Abrams wants to see the Democratic Party embrace