An Honorable Profession

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Alabama State Representative and Minority Whip Jeremy Gray. They discuss his career journey from Division 1 football to the Alabama Legislature, where he advocates for student-athletes and works on tech and innovation policy to keep Alabama’s economy competitive. Ryan and Representative Gray also discuss how financial literacy is key to building generational wealth, as well as how overturning Alabama’s three-decade yoga ban became a national story and what the experience taught him about building coalitions. Tune in to learn why policy debates are about power and equity, and the secret to finding bipartisan wins in a political environment that seems to promote polarization. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:17] Discover how the Division I football landscape has changed since he played. • [06:34] Find out why Jeremy supports structured pay for high school athletes. • [11:00] Hear the story of how he overturned Alabama’s 28-year yoga ban. • [15:53] What sparked his interest in public service and running for office. • [21:21] Learn how playing organized sports prepared him for his role in office. • [22:40] The experience and challenges of working under a Trump administration. • [23:57] Explore how Jeremy has been able to find common ground in the legislature. • [27:40] How Alabama can compete nationally while sharing growth equitably. • [30:09] Alabama’s 2026 political landscape and what he has planned for the future.        

In this week’s episode, hosted by Ryan Coonerty, West Virginia Delegate Kayla Young offers 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 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 WEEK'S 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.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Virginia Delegate Michael Feggans. They discuss the current political climate and how his constituents are responding to it, as well as his policy goals and his path to public service. Ryan and Feggans, who served 20 years in the Air Force, specifically talks about the impact the Trump administration has on veterans. In addition, they delve into the state of the Democratic Party in Virginia in advance of this year’s statewide elections and what it will take to capitalize on discontent with Washington. Tune in to learn more about Feggans' personal journey to running for office,  how he connected with his community in Virginia after serving in the military, and how his constant engagement led to political victory. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:45] A warm welcome to today’s guest, VA Delegate Michael Feggans. • [02:09] What Michael is seeing politically in his state at the moment. • [05:03] Why veterans are feeling frustrated by the current political landscape. • [09:27] What he has done in legislature so far and his hopes for future changes. • [16:05] How the Democrats have been able to get through to the swing state, Virginia. • [19:23] Michael tells us about his career and what led him to public office. • [23:35] How he reconnected with his local community after serving his country.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with NewDEAL Alum Josh Fryday, the former mayor of his hometown, Novato, CA, who went on to be California's Chief Service Officer and is now a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. They discuss how service benefits everyone and acts as a triple win - for the service member, for the community, and all of us. They emphasize the need to push back on federal cuts affecting public service efforts and how California has stepped up by expanding service programs. Debbie and Josh delve into the importance of valuing and encouraging service to build strong communities, solve big challenges, and bring people together, and they talk about what inspired Josh to build a career out of service as well as how it has impacted him and those he serves. Recognizing it as one of the big challenges for communities to solve, Josh also offers a unique approach to mitigating the economic disruption that AI can cause. Tune in to learn why Josh decided to run for Lieutenant Governor and how he thinks leaders should show up for their people.    IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:16] An introduction to today’s guest, Josh Fryday, Chief Service Officer for California. • [03:08] Josh tells us about the California Office of Service and Community Engagement. • [05:44] What volunteers are doing in the different groups within the organization. • [08:44] The impact of the Trump administration cuts and how they’re fighting them. • [11:05] What we can learn from the service work happening at the local level. • [13:34] Why Josh believes we need to talk about the importance of building communities. • [15:51] How to support the California Office of Service and Community Engagement. • [17:51] Josh tells us about the best experiences he’s had doing this work. • [20:42] Where Josh’s desire for service came from and how it has given his life purpose. • [22:51] How Josh thinks we should handle the economic disruption that’s predicted. • [24:47] Josh tells us about his election campaign for Lieutenant Governor of California. • [27:34] Why leaders should prioritize outcomes so they can deliver for their people.      

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 Kristina Costa, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Clean Energy, Innovation, and Implementation during the Biden administration. They discuss the progress made and results achieved through the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, including by making energy more affordable, generating jobs, creating clean energy projects, and strengthening grid resilience. In addition, they break down the recent actions by the Trump administration to undermine clean energy achievements by freezing funding, imposing tax credit restrictions, and imposing new barriers for clean infrastructure. In the face of these challenges, Debbie and Kristina talk about strategies to advance clean energy with permitting reforms, innovative financing, and partnerships. Tune in to learn how state and local leaders can keep the clean energy transition moving forward.    IN THIS EPISODE:  • [03:28] Hear how the Inflation Reduction Act catalyzed historic clean energy investments.  • [09:30] Ways sustainable energy can reduce cost while generating clean energy for industry.  • [13:52] How the Trump administration has undermined sustainability achievements. • [17:07] Kristina's ‘three buckets’ investment approach for America’s clean energy goals. • [19:47] Unpack how tax credit expirations and foreign entity rules are slowing investment. • [22:19] Steps leaders can take to keep clean energy goals moving forward. • [23:45] Why countering misinformation about rising energy costs is crucial. • [24:07] Find out what federal policy shifts are needed and Kristina’s final takeaway for listeners.

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.