An Honorable Profession

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington State's 9th Congressional District. They talk about what it’s like to be in Congress in the current moment, how his constituents are feeling about the Trump administration’s actions, and what Democrats can do to fight back to give people a compelling alternative. Their discussion touches on messaging, the housing crisis, the idea that the government should always be working towards creating better opportunities for society, and the current rise in unpeaceful protests. In addition, Rep. Smith discusses his recent book, Lost and Broken: My Journey Back from Chronic Pain and Crippling Anxiety and the lessons his colleagues have learned from him. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:00] A brief overview of today’s conversation with Congressman Adam Smith. • [02:10] What it’s like to be in Congress today, versus 29 years ago. • [03:42] The possibility of finding common ground. • [05:15] What Congressman Smith is hearing from his district. • [08:44] The impact of living in the MAGA world. • [10:00] Making the case for Democrats: get to work. • [13:05] Three steps to dealing with Trump. • [16:00] The Democratic Party: A tragedy in three parts. • [19:50] Fundamental flaw with skewed ideology. • [22:45] His thoughts on the chance of Democrats taking back the House in 2026. • [24:00] Two caveats for 2026. • [25:06] His advice to those worrying about the Republicans’ cheating. • [26:55] What it comes down to for Democrats to “fight” back against Trump. • [29:15] The mechanics of being an elected official in this polarizing atmosphere. • [33:30] We discuss Congressman Smith's key message in his book, Lost and Broken. • [35:30] Closing remarks: it’s not boring, so get to work!    

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks to David Litt, a former Obama speech writer and author of the recently published book, It’s Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground. Their conversation touches on what surfing can teach us about  our nation’s political and cultural divides, why Democrats should be funny, and how to use humor and authenticity to connect with audiences. David, who joined the White House when he was 24, discusses the difference between common ground and neutral ground and the lessons he’s learned from his brother-in-law. Ryan and David also discuss how to lead, how to grab people's interest, and how to care. Tune in to learn about the power of being yourself in public.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] David Litt’s path to surfing and writing about • [04:31] How two opposing cultures in surfing mirror those in our politics. • [06:41] Common ground versus neutral ground (and why this distinction matters). • [08:59] What democrats need to know about Joe Rogan and similar figures. • [11:28] Using humor as a tool to engage people. • [13:47] The generational talent of Barack Obama and how this influenced David’s writing. • [14:56] Advice drawn from comedy and surfing for politicians. • [19:31] What happens when you lose the fear of embarrassing yourself. • [21:07] Surprises David has experienced after releasing his book. • [24:00] Instincts that unite rather than divide us according to our politics. • [25:39] Wisdom David has gained from young surf instructors.

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks to Cincinnati City Councilmember Mark Jeffreys. They discuss his path to public service, beginning as the son of an immigrant, relying on food stamps, and then working as a union laborer and as a security guard. Jeffreys talks about  lessons from running major divisions in corporate America and launching startups, and what has driven him to turn his attention to elected office with priorities of, driving innovative solutions to public safety, economic development, and more. Jeffreys' work has also included a specific commitment to addressing lead poisoning and the long-term impact of doing so. In addition, the conversation touches on long-term goal setting in a culture of immediacy, engaging community members in local politics, and the diverse economic landscape of Cincinnati. Tune in to learn more about Councilmember Mark Jeffreys' transition from the private to the public sector.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] The experiences that shaped Cincinnati City Council Member Mark Jeffreys and where his focus lies today. • [04:21] Differences and similarities between work in the public and private sectors. • [08:03] Reconciling a culture of immediacy with long-term goal-setting. • [11:32] Housing in Cincinnati: from embracing change and engaging community members to approval processes. • [14:15] The diverse economic landscape of Cincinnati today. • [17:28] Why City Council Member Jeffreys considers lead poisoning an issue close to his heart. • [20:38] His focus on public safety and the holistic initiatives he is using to support this. • [24:31] Cincinnati City Council Member Jeffreys’ long history of advocacy for LGBTQ rights. • [26:40] The community response to the fight for LGBTQ rights. • [27:40] His advice for the next generation, with a focus on his own kids.

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto. They 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 WEEK'S 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.

In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Alabama State Representative Phillip Ensler. They talk about the recent legislative session and unpack the realities of working in the legislature during Trump’s second administration. Ensler talked about his work to pass bipartisan common-sense gun reform after many years of trying. He details his path to public service, his time with Teach for America,  his work with fellow NewDEALer and Mayor Steven Reed during the pandemic, and his experience as the first Jewish legislator in his state in the last fifty years. Tune in for Ensler’s words of wisdom for Democrats on how to find common ground. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:05] Welcome and introduction to Representative Phillip Ensler. • [02:15] Insights from the first legislative session since President Donald Trump’s election. • [03:25] Representative Ensler’s experience building common ground around issues in Alabama. • [07:30] What is top of mind in Montgomery at the moment. • [11:06] Expectations constituents have of the legislature. • [13:08] His journey to public service after working at Teach for America. • [15:57] Transitioning from working in the city to working in the state. • [18:35] Working at the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama and how Phillip’s faith influences him. • [21:49] How those who work in public service can welcome new folks who wish to serve. • [23:59] Advice for how the National Democratic Party can move forward.

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Illinois Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate Candidate Juliana Stratton. They discuss how the Pritzker-Stratton administration has improved healthcare and unemployment, and how they've built a balanced budget that will help carry Illinois into a brighter future. Stratton talks about Trump’s irresponsible budget bill and the differences between the chaos of Washington and a well-governed state like Illinois. Stratton also shares why improving healthcare is personal for  her as well as why she chose to run for public office, the story of Governor JB Pritzker asking her to be his running mate, and what running marathons has taught her about politics. Tune in to learn how you can “take a stand and be counted.”   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [00:00] Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton differentiates between Washington’s approach to Trump’s budget and healthcare and what she and her team are doing in Illinois. • [06:37] Improving Illinois’ budget: How she meets her goals even with limited funds. • [10:59] Why Illinoisans are most concerned with having representatives who fight for them. • [14:15] Understanding what drew Lieutenant Governor Stratton to run for public office. • [17:47] Her experience of being picked as Governor JB Pritzker’s running mate. • [21:14] Why she’s running for U.S. Senate and what she hopes to bring. • [26:20] The lessons she’s learned as a marathon runner and how she uses them in politics. • [28:48] An important story about her dad illustrating what keeps her motivated.  

Recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Atlanta, GA, this week’s episode features co-host Ryan Coonerty in conversation with former Mountain View City, CA Mayor-now-Councilmember Chris Clark. Clark describes how he balances working for tech companies by day and the interests of the Mountain View community by night. They talk about how lessons learned in tech can be applied to improve local governments, how Clark transitioned from his upbringing in rural Illinois to the Silicon Valley, and his journey from being Mountain View’s youngest elected official and mayor to now a longstanding councilmember. Ryan and Clark also discuss how Mountain View operates, their relationship with the major tech companies in the area, how big companies in small communities affect housing in that area, and the role of policymakers in maintaining healthy standards of living for constituents. Tune in to learn how Clark manages his daily duties and how he maintains efficacy in all spaces.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [00:00] Chris Clark describes his balancing act of working for both big tech and the people. • [02:50] Exploring the broken telephone between tech companies and local governments. • [04:19] Lessons learned from tech that could also work to improve local government. • [06:37] Chris walks us through his journey from rural Illinois to the heart of Silicon Valley. • [09:20] Evolving from Mountain View’s youngest mayor to an experienced councilmember. • [11:25] Legacy building, and unpacking Mountain View City and its relationship with big tech. • [14:18] How the presence of large companies affects housing, and the role of policymaking. • [19:25] The way Chris balances his daily duties to be effective in all the roles he plays. • [21:06] Assessing the next steps in his career.  

Recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Atlanta, GA, this week’s  episode features co-host Ryan Coonerty in conversation with Georgia House Democratic Whip Sam Park, the son of a Korean Immigrant and the first openly gay man elected to the Georgia’s Legislature. Park talks about his journey to public office, his efforts to fight for healthcare after his mom got stage four cancer, how he advocates in a minority, and how he keeps hope in these difficult times. The conversation delves into how to recruit candidates who can change Georgia”s political landscape and how Park crafts policy that reflects the lived experiences of  the people he represents. They also outline Parks’s priorities, including Medicaid expansion, voting rights, and clean energy, and how he aims to make progress with a Republican majority. Tune in to learn about Representative Park's story and how he remains hopeful amid deep political polarization. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing Georgia State Representative Sam Park and his historic election win. • [02:25] How his mother’s cancer diagnosis and Georgia’s move to block Medicaid expansion compelled him to run for office. • [03:41] Rep. Park’s advice for first-time candidates and how he found his “why.” • [04:58] Early campaign moments, including the first door knock that changed his perspective. • [06:22] How Democrats can better recruit nontraditional candidates and win in swing districts. • [08:47] Rep. Park’s assessment of Georgia’s political landscape and its role nationally, from his perspective as minority whip. • [09:56] Policies that Democrats could advance if they held the majority in the Georgia Legislature, including education and clean energy. • [13:38] What keeps him hopeful amid gerrymandering, voter suppression, and political polarization, and strategies for leveling the playing field. • [16:02] Rep. Park’s experience running as the first openly gay man for the Georgia House. • [17:38] Reflections on the growing Asian American representation in Georgia politics. • [19:15] How navigating minority-party politics in Georgia mirrors the national fight against Trump-era threats to democracy. • [22:38] His message to future leaders: lean in, act with purpose, and fight for democracy.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Congressman Greg Landsman who represents Ohio’s 1st Congressional District. Landsman is a member of the New Democrat Coalition and co-host of the new podcast, The Fly-In. They talk about the effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that passed the House by one vote - highlighting the massive unpopular cut to health care and food assistance programs that the legislation would slash to pay for tax cuts for the super-wealthy. Landsman shares what Democrats can do to help their constituents better understand legislation, as well as how he has prioritized government transparency and efforts like preventing members of Congress from trading stocks as part of his work to restore  trust in government. Tune in to learn why Greg Landsman believes Democrats should be tough not mean and his work to lead a proactive Democratic agenda that can deliver for the American people. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:43] Congressman Greg Landsman walks us through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. • [04:20] Outlining vital aspects of the bill, and how to speak about it with constituents. • [05:45] Greg’s thoughts on government effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. • [09:19] Why government reform needs to happen across both aisles. • [12:05] Bipartisan compromise, and why such collaboration is more unusual than common. • [16:25] What Democrats need to do to win back control and change the current trajectory. • [20:35] Walking the line between toughness, decency, and getting things done. • [23:54] Why authenticity matters more than ever in 2025. • [24:54] How the Congressman got into politics, and the ins and outs of The Fly-In podcast.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks to Colorado State Senator Dylan Roberts. Roberts represents a swing district in the Western part of his state - including ski resort towns, mountain communities, and rural areas. Roberts discusses how he set priorities for this year's legislative session, including what it took to close a $1.2 billion dollar shortfall, as well as his work to pass two bipartisan housing bills to increase supply and bring down costs. He details what he hears from his constituents, as well as what Democrats often misunderstand about rural communities in his state, and emphasizes the need for mutual understanding across party lines. Tune in to learn about Dylan Roberts’ Obama days and what inspired him to run for public office.    IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:47] Welcoming Senator Dylan Roberts to the show. • [02:16] How Colorado’s 2025 Legislative Session went and the overarching theme. • [05:44] The major housing concern and what his strategy is to tackle this. • [10:50] Senator Roberts shares advice for leaders wanting to get legislation passed. • [13:45] Why the housing problem is basically the same across all areas. • [16:58] What National Democrats misunderstand about rural areas in Colorado. • [19:58] Why he believes mutual understanding from all factions of parties is imperative. • [21:56] The biggest issues Senator Dylan sees coming up at town halls. • [26:52] How working with President Obama and his brother inspired him to get into politics.