An Honorable Profession

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Maine Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier. They talk about how Cloutier’s experiences caring for her mother influenced her to pass paid family leave in the Pine Tree State, the issue of housing affordability in her community, and how she balances her day job with family life and her role in public office. She also reflects on the recent mass shooting in Lewiston, how she’s found solace and support by sharing her experiences with fellow electeds, and why enacting common sense gun safety laws must start at the community level. Tune in to also hear how working with college students inspires Representative Cloutier to champion future-focused policy.   [01:05] Welcome to Maine Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier.  [01:38] An overview of what is happening in Maine at the moment.  [03:21] Maine’s journey to becoming a democratic state.  [05:05] National influence in Maine, especially with reference to border security. [09:33] Affordability challenges and how they are being addressed for families.  [13:05] Efforts to create paid family leave and Representative Cloutier’s role in it. [18:30] Her journey of growing up in Lewiston, studying in Boston, and working in New York before returning to her home town. [23:09] The challenge of balancing work and family life. [29:19] Experiencing a mass shooting in Maine and how the state has responded to it. [38:18] Where Representative Cloutier finds hope: in the future generation.  

This week’s episode kicks off our Road to November 2024 election series. In this regular series, co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty will be joined by some of the nation’s top political minds to discuss key issues and trends impacting this year’s elections. For today’s conversation, Ryan and Debbie speak with Sam Youngman, a Los Angeles-based political consultant, former campaign reporter, White House correspondent, and co-writer for Today’s Big Stuff – a political newsletter he authors with Adam Parkhomenkothat that focuses on cutting through the noise during these crazy times. They talk about the current state of American politics, why Democrats need to be as relentless as the opposition, and Sam’s hopes for the future. They also cover the current and future state of political media coverage, the key problem with third-party candidates, and how Gen Z voters will impact the upcoming election. Tune in to this engaging conversation and learn more about why Sam believes his newsletter can “save America by swearing.” [01:04] An introduction to Sam Youngman and the newsletter he co-writes with Adam Parkhomenko, “Today’s Big Stuff.” [05:39] Why Sam felt he needed to return to politics after the election of Donald Trump. [08:30] His thoughts on breaking through the noise and remaining hopeful in the face of political challenges. [11:38] The NY-03 special election, why it’s making Sam optimistic, and what it shows us about the power of voting. [13:13] Politics in Sam’s home state of Kentucky and his respect for Governor Andy Beshear. [15:53] Unpacking how we should interpret polling in the lead up to election day. [19:20] The current state of media and Sam’s thoughts on the future of political coverage. [23:52] How third-party candidates can dangerously influence elections and why they’ll only serve to re-elect Trump in 2024. [26:13] Evaluating young people’s relationships with politics and Sam’s faith in Gen Z. [29:11] How Democrats need to be connecting with angry and disaffected groups.  [32:04] Sam’s reluctance to make predictions and what he hopes we’ll be talking about a year from now.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Mayor Johnson was drawn to public service at a very young age while participating in a YMCA pre-college and service program for low-income youth in Milwaukee public schools. Now, he’s making history as the city’s first elected Black mayor, bringing his diverse perspective and his experiences as a lifelong Milwaukeean to his decision-making and leadership. Since taking office in 2021, Mayor Johnson has prioritized public safety and championed meaningful opportunities for the youth in his community. Debbie and Mayor Johnson discuss how federal investments from the Biden-Harris administration during the COVID-19 pandemic have allowed him to invest in housing and workforce development initiatives, and how he has prioritized attracting and retaining talent. Tune in to learn about Johnson’s thoughts on how to best influence swing voters in Wisconsin and his vision for Milwaukee’s future.   [01:03] Introducing Mayor Cavalier Johnson. [02:26] His early interest in politics in elementary school, falling in love with service, and observing the events of 9/11.  [05:46] Mayor Johnson’s overarching goal of building a safer city. [07:02] Mentorship and youth service organizations in Milwaukee. [09:25] Declaring reckless driving as a public health emergency in the city of Milwaukee. [12:03] How Mayor Johnson has been able to leverage federal funding from the Biden-Harris administration to uplift his community.  [15:24] What is necessary for Democrats to be successful in Wisconsin.  [18:12] Ideas for how young people in Milwaukee and Wisconsin can hear stories of Democratic success. [20:12] How Mayor Johnson’s lived experience influences his leadership. [24:10] His choice to spend a lot of time in schools across Milwaukee. [27:10] A vision for Milwaukee’s next 178 years after celebrating its 178th birthday.  

In today’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis. They discuss the challenges of serving in a superminority, the senator’s ability to pass core legislation in criminal justice by working across the aisle, and how he plans on helping low-income families with the earned tax income credit. Duplessis also talks about his goals to transition Louisiana off of hazardous fossil fuels and onto renewable energy, as well as how the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Katrina opened his eyes to the myriad climate and justice issues facing his community. In addition, he unpacks Louisiana’s recent battle over congressional maps, why he decided to serve on the new governor’s transition team despite ideological differences, and how he stumbled into a career in politics. And you'll also want to tune in for Senator Duplessis’s tips for experiencing authentic New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.  (01:59) Senator Duplessis gives an update on Louisiana’s political landscape and its new governor, Jeff Landry. (03:52) How the Senator is working with Governor Landry to create strategies for uplifting the New Orleans community and why his wife insisted that he had to do it. (06:41) Unpacking the dynamic between New Orleans and Louisiana, and why it requires Duplessis to work across the aisle. (10:00) How Hurricane Katrina spurred Senator Duplessis’s passion for the environment and justice, and how this informs his work. (12:03) Why Louisiana is well positioned to be a leader in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind projects. (13:53) The redrawing of congressional lines in the Pelican state and why it’s good news for voting rights advocates. (17:54) Background on Senator Duplessis’ career and how his passion for service got him involved in politics. (21:34) The challenges Senator Duplessis has faced serving in the legislature part time and as a new father – and why it’s so rewarding. (24:17) How Democrats in the Louisiana superminority build the coalitions they need to get solutions-focused policies passed, including Senator Duplessis’s groundbreaking criminal justice reform measures. (29:53) Senator Duplessis shares his tips on how to explore New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and Bourbon Street!

In this episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty gets an update on the latest debates in Washington from Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition. They discuss  her approach to fighting for working families and her focus on family-orientated policies that help drive economic growth, as well as  her commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health crises in communities across the nation. Looking ahead to November, Kuster says it's crucial for Americans to hear how Democrats are fighting to protect fundamental freedoms and expand opportunities, referencing the Freedom Agenda released by the New Dems and NewDEAL as a guide for the Party's platform. She reflects on last month’s primary elections in New Hampshire, where President Biden won the Democratic nomination by way of a grassroots write-in campaign, and why former president Donald Trump is a threat to American institutions. Finally, tune in to hear Representative Kuster recount her harrowing experiences on January 6th, 2021, and how that experience continues to inform her approach to public service.   In this episode:   (02:22) Her role in moving the bipartisan American Families and Workers Act through Congress. (04:32) This rare act of a bipartisan agreement in the House and why it is a good omen for future success across the aisle. (05:32) Aiding Ukraine’s fight for democracy and resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. (06:18) Background about the New Democrat Coalition and what it aims to achieve. (07:21) Details about the New Democrat Coalition’s partnership with NewDEAL to launch the Freedom Agenda in the face of GOP-led chaos. (10:56) Representative Kuster shares her experience of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. (12:21) Hear her perspective on the current state of American democracy and why former President Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy. (15:03) Why there is no such thing as a bystander in a democracy. (16:19) Kuster unpacks the recent New Hampshire election and how Biden claimed victory through a write-in campaign. (20:12) Building better mental health support and tackling substance abuse. (23:32) Invaluable advice for those seeking a career in public service.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan partners with State Democracy Action Fund (SDAF) interim Executive Director Kate Stoner to convene four NewDEALers who are in state legislative leadership roles in red, blue, and purple states for a conversation about their priorities for 2024. Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, and Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell reflect on opportunities to make progress on issues like housing, gun violence, and education, and the outlook on reproductive rights and voting access while analyzing the political landscape in their states ahead of the 2024 election. They discuss whether bipartisan agreement is possible this year and concerns for Democrats operating in the minority.  Tune in for a comprehensive look at what we can expect to take center stage in state legislatures in the coming months. IN THIS EPISODE (01:07) Introducing today’s episode with Kate Stoner, Senator Bob Duff, Speaker Joanna McClinton, Senator Raumesh Akbari, and Representative Fentrice Driskell.  (02:58) Senator Duff’s focus on affordable housing, healthcare, and consumer protection in Connecticut.  (05:47) Representative Driskell’s agenda in Florida, including the Freedom to Be agenda and Medicaid expansion. (09:18) Good news for Florida Democrats: Representative Tom Keen’s election.  (10:28) Why Senator Akbari and Tennessee Democrats are thinking more about defense than offense and what that means.  (15:50) Speaker McClinton’s priorities around education and jobs for Pennsylvanians. (19:26) State legislatures’ responsibility to protect Americans by enacting common sense gun control measures.  (23:26) How the upcoming election is influencing activity in each state. (25:04) How Representative Driskell is working across the aisle to serve Floridians.  (27:01) Dispelling election conspiracy theories and enacting automatic voter registration in Pennsylvania. (27:56) Senator Duff outlines the stakes of this year’s election in safeguarding democracy. (30:09) Issues Senator Akbari expects to fight against in the superminority in Tennessee. (35:08) Debbie’s perspective on making government work as the way to fix democracy.  (35:50) How federal funding is making government work in communities across the country, from lowering the cost of childcare to spurring new climate solutions. 

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams. They talk about Williams' career path as a community leader, social justice advocate, and political organizer, and her commitment to improving life in her community by creating economic opportunities, championing housing, and protecting seniors. They discuss what people should know about how decisions are made at the local level and the challenges she seeks to address in 2024, including the unexpected issues that come up for local leaders, like fallen trees in her district. Williams also highlights the importance of transparency and accessibility in government, how more diverse leadership can result in better policies, and what inspired her to run for office. Tune in for a conversation about the profound impact of local leadership on our day-to-day lives.  (01:52) An idea of what things are like on the ground in Queens right now. (03:29) Why elected officials should be responsive, transparent, and accessible. (04:40) How New York City is governed and how councilmembers factor into decision-making. (06:43) How Councilmember Williams has built a coalition to move an agenda through such a large council body. (08:47) How having a more diverse council leads to different policies and new conversations. (11:14) Working within the system to change it: advice for those who believe that running for office means they have to compromise on their values. (14:07) How a Donna Brazile speech inspired Williams to run for office. (16:48) All politics is local: lessons she has learned since becoming a city councilmember. (21:29) Trees, equity, and other policy goals she hopes to achieve in 2024. (25:18) How Councilmember Williams strives to understand her political power and become a more impactful leader. (28:01) Her recent appointment to the budget committee. (31:11) Williams’s recommendations for where to eat and explore in Queens.

In this week's episode, host Ryan Connerty speaks with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, who shares the state’s ambitious policy goals, discusses her keys to achieving bipartisan results, and talks about how Michigan is protecting the integrity of its elections. The first woman to lead the Michigan Senate, Brinks rose to public office as the result of a last-minute write-in campaign. Despite never intending to run for office and viewing herself as an "unlikely" politician, Senator Brinks is driven by her experiences as one of five children growing up on her family's dairy farm and is dedicated to shaping policy that provides a safety net for families. Ryan and Senator Brinks reflect on Michigan Democrats' exciting wins on gun safety, reproductive rights, and renewable energy in 2023 and how Brinks hopes to build on these accomplishments in 2024, while continuing to find areas of bipartisan agreement. She also offers a view of the November elections from the Great Lakes State, highlighting the ways that effective Democratic policies are rising above Republican chaos. Tune in to hear Senator Brinks' 2024 game plan for her caucus, as well as her advice for those who are debating a run for office.    (01:55) Welcoming Michigan Senate Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks.  (02:35) An overview of how things have been going in Michigan at the start of 2024.  (04:39) The Michigan Clean Energy Act and the state’s ambitious goal of having 100% Clean energy by 2040. (07:56) How Senator Brinks champions bipartisan collaboration. (10:39) How Michigan is leading nationally on election integrity and security in response to the 2020 election. (12:42) The Senate Majority Leader’s perspective on the future of democratic participation and whether the country can move past election denialism and misinformation. (14:51) Her unexpected journey to politics through education, non-profits, and volunteering. (16:35) How her experiences growing up inform her work today. (21:42) Why economic and community development in Michigan requires an all-the-above approach to uplifting families.  (23:32) Senator Brinks’s personal experience working in government as someone who never intended to run for office. (27:35) A view of the 2024 election from the Great Lakes State and why an earlier primary in Michigan is more representative of the country as a whole.  (28:28) Chaos in the Michigan Republican party in juxtaposition with the proven efficacy of the Democratic party.

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with climate activist and host of the “Living Change” podcast Andrea Learned. Andrea advises corporate, political, and cultural leaders to harness the power of social media and storytelling to drive progress and promote climate leadership. Ryan and Andrea talk about how the fight against climate change is reaching a critical point in 2024 and about ways leaders at all levels of government can make changes in their personal lives, on their teams, and in their policy work to make a difference. They discuss the need to draw more attention to successful climate policies and what it takes to hold leaders accountable regardless of their party affiliation. Andrea also describes her path to activism and climate influence and how she brings a unique approach to creating impactful change. Tune in to learn Andrea's keys to effective climate storytelling and what it takes to get the media to tell the stories that the public needs to hear. IN THIS EPISODE (02:23) A recap of the progress made in 2023 for combating the climate crisis. (03:34) How to build the political will needed to mitigate the necessary changes. (06:03) Changes that resonate with the community and develop political will. (8:14) The power of sharing climate solutions with neighbors to enact change (10:24) An example of some of the positive changes being made. (11:38) Background on Andrea and her path to becoming a climate advisor. (14:21) Positive and negative changes she has seen in the environmental space. (16:29) Creating engagement in small ways to create significant change. (17:36) Tips and advice for leveraging social media platforms to raise your voice. (21:02) The impact that local leaders have on forwarding climate policy and inspiring hope in their constituents. (23:11) How listeners can contribute to and join the climate influencer arena. (24:40) Andrea’s current successes and what she is looking forward to in 2024.  

This week features our first episode of the year, recorded live at NewDEAL’s 13th Annual Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Representative Maxine Dibert, our first Alaskan guest on the show. They talk about the state’s political dynamics, such as the unique bipartisan coalition system of government and their ranked-choice voting system. Dibert, an elementary school teacher for twenty years, also shares with listeners how her daughter influenced her to run for office and how her career in education has helped her connect with constituents. As the first Alaskan Native woman in the legislature, she has co-sponsored bills to protect her native language and has taken a leading role in the legislature's efforts to address various tribal issues. Dibert also outlines her legislative priorities for the session ahead, including climate change, childcare, and the economy. Tune in to learn what Representative Dibert thinks everybody can learn from Alaska's legislative leadership and why the Last Frontier is worth visiting at any time of the year. IN THIS EPISODE (01:11) A warm welcome to Alaska Representative Maxine Dibert (01:50) How Alaska state politics differ from other states’ (02:33) The Alaskan House’s bipartisan coalition committed to problem solving (03:25) Representative Dibert’s first year in office (04:49) Alaska’s ranked choice voting system and what it means for candidates (06:32) Dibert’s career as an elementary school teacher and how the needs of her students informed her decision to run for office (08:06) How Representative Dibert’s daughter forged a path for her in Juneau (10:11) The skills Dibert took from the classroom to the capital, including building a sense of family with her colleagues (11:50) Alaska’s freshman caucus and how new legislators have been able to uplift one another (13:14) Representative Dibert shares a story about connecting with a voter during her campaign and convincing her to vote for the first time ever (15:39) What it’s like serving as the only Alaskan native woman in the state legislature (17:01) Her efforts to protect native languages and how the state legislature is addressing tribal issues (19:50) The threats of climate change on the Alaskan economy and landscape, and how the state legislature is working with Congress to build resiliency (22:28) What’s coming up for Representative Dibert in the next legislative session (23:30) Why the rest of the country should keep an eye on Alaska’s ranked choice voting system, climate issues, and childcare (25:16) Dibert’s pitch for listeners to visit Alaska