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An Honorable Profession

150 episodes listed below

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Practical hope from inside public service.

The gist

An Honorable Profession is an interview show about public service as daily work, not campaign theater. Its conversations follow Democratic officials through coalition-building, constituent care, climate resilience, affordability, civil rights, and the discipline of staying useful in hard political terrain.

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About An Honorable Profession

An Honorable Profession is built around a simple editorial belief: public service can still be serious, decent work. The show interviews Democratic leaders serving in statehouses, city halls, county government, and Congress, with a special focus on the people trying to make policy move when the numbers are difficult. It is not a horse-race show. It is about governing. Recent conversations linger on what it takes to lead from a super minority, how to build trust inside a caucus, and why coalition politics can matter as much as public messaging. Representative Joshua Watkins describes collaboration across Kentucky’s urban and rural divides. Brandon Woodard talks through Kansas legislative math, veto overrides, and the discipline of persistence. The show is at its best when ideals meet procedure. It asks how hope survives rules, votes, staff shortages, hard bills, and losses. City Commissioner Ben Sorensen brings a business-minded urgency to local government in Fort Lauderdale, especially around growth, communication, and resilience. Supervisor Chris Lopez connects housing, coastal policy, agricultural work, commuting, and family life in Monterey County. Senator Anthony Broadman frames Oregon politics through affordability, tax policy, public safety, health care, and the realities of rural and urban communities living together. The interviews also make room for personal formation. Mai Xiong’s story moves through refugee family history, working-class advocacy, social media, and swing-state politics. Senator Laura Smith’s work is described through prosecution, public health, child welfare, dark money, caregiving, and the need for affected people to have a seat at the table. Congresswoman Sarah McBride brings a national register, talking about restraint, persuasion, grace, and effectiveness under scrutiny. Across episodes, the show’s language is civic but concrete. It values optimism, yet keeps returning to the workbench of government: budgets, housing, constituent needs, climate resilience, and bipartisan openings. The audience is anyone who wants progressive politics explained through practice rather than performance.

Made for: For listeners interested in Democratic governance, state and local politics, and the practical craft of public service. It especially suits people who want policy conversations tied to real communities rather than national spectacle alone.

What sets it apart: The show foregrounds governing mechanics from leaders working close to constituents, including caucus strategy, local resilience, permitting, housing, caregiving, and coalition math. Its optimism is grounded in process and public responsibility.

In their own words

Restore your faith in government with An Honorable Profession. Every Thursday, co-hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bultan sit down with rising state and local Democrats, policy experts, and the nation's top political minds for empowering and candid conversations about life in public service and government. Together with their guests – which include members of the Biden Administration, state legislators nationwide, and mayors from America's top cities – Ryan and Debbie discuss the biggest issues facing Americans today and the decisive role that state and local leaders play in catalyzing progressive, pragmatic solutions.An Honorable Profession is produced by the NewDEAL. For more AHP and New…

As heard by us

Based on 6 episodes we listened to · September 2026

Public officials explain the practical negotiations behind housing, budgets, business growth, and other economic decisions shaped by government.

An Honorable Profession follows public policy down to the decisions that determine whether growth reaches residents. Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bolton interview elected officials about governing in practical terms, from housing and permitting to municipal investment, budget…

Read our full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A Kansas veto fight needs five Republicans; your political optimism gets a calculator.

Press play if you want

  • to hear why a mayor brings commissioners directly to residents instead of holding another town hall
  • to understand coastal housing through the parents who commute over the hill to work
Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
state and local Democratic leadershipsuper-minority strategybipartisan coalition-buildingconstituent servicehousing and climate resilienceaffordability and tax policypublic service ethicsdemocracy and persuasion

Talks about

Business & FinancePolitics

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Episodes

  1. 1

    How Government Can Get Sh't Done: Kristina Costa on Advancing Clean Energy During Federal Rollbacks

    ·40m
  2. 2

    How Democracy Can Deliver Through Grace with Congresswoman Sarah McBride

    ·35m
  3. 3

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

    ·35m
  4. 4

    How Government Can Support Small Businesses with State Senator Christine Cohen

    ·31m
  5. 5

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

    ·35m
  6. 6

    How to Build the Democratic Talent Pipeline with Zach Wahls and Debbie Cox Bultan

    ·33m
  7. 7

    How to Help Fired Federal Workers with County Supervisor James Walkinshaw

    ·32m
  8. 8

    How to Meet Your Constituents Where They Are With Representative Mai Xiong

    ·30m
  9. 9

    How to Use Public Service for the Greater Good with Senator Laura Smith

    ·33m
  10. 10

    How to Make Caring for Families More Affordable

    ·17m
  11. 11

    How to Learn from a Super Minority with KS State Representative Brandon Woodard

    ·29m
  12. 12

    How Local Leadership Is Shaping Monterey County with Supervisor Chris Lopez

    ·32m
  13. 13

    How to Transcend Partisan Differences with Senator Anthony Broadman

    ·23m
  14. 14

    How to Make Your Younger Self Proud with Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert

    ·35m
  15. 15

    How to Fight For Justice in Politics with North Dakota Rep Jayme Davis

    ·33m
  16. 16

    How Americans Experience Politics with Gretchen Barton

    ·21m
  17. 17

    How Dems are Setting 2026 Priorities in the States

    ·40m
  18. 18

    How to Take Hardship and Have Each Other's Back with Assistant Majority Leader Grant Hauschild

    ·29m
  19. 19

    How to Craft Policy with Alaskan Representative Genevieve Mina

    ·29m
  20. 20

    : ICYMI: How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto

    ·35m
  21. 21

    ICYMI: How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young

    ·27m
  22. 22

    How to Make Government Deliver with Delaware Lieutenant Governor Kyle Gay

    ·27m
  23. 23

    How Ethical Leadership is Crucial in Troubled Times with State Rep. Alexis Simpson

    ·30m
  24. 24

    How to Build Vibrant Communities with Mayor Leonardo Williams

    ·30m
  25. 25

    ICYMI: How to Have Faith in the Midst of Dysfunction with Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones

    ·34m
  26. 26

    How Americans Experience Politics with Gretchen Barton

    ·21m
  27. 27

    How to Have Faith in the Midst of Dysfunction with County Commissioner Lesley Briones

    ·34m
  28. 28

    How to Use Your Voice With State Representative Stephanie Simacek

    ·33m
  29. 29

    How to Break Barriers with State Senator Sarah Anthony

    ·31m
  30. 30

    How to Restore Trust in Government with Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald

    ·34m
  31. 31

    How to Lead with Purpose with Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw

    ·29m
  32. 32

    How to Fight Towards a Better Democracy with New York Senator Jamaal T. Bailey

    ·33m
  33. 33

    How to Lead Forward in Alabama with Representative Jeremy Gray

    ·35m
  34. 34

    How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young

    ·27m
  35. 35

    How to Lead with Delegate Michael Feggans

    ·28m
  36. 36

    How Public Service Can Solve Our Challenges with Josh Friday

    ·33m
  37. 37

    How City Commissioner Ben Sorensen Drives Growth in Florida

    ·27m
  38. 38

    How to "Get to Work" with Congressman Adam Smith

    ·37m
  39. 39

    How Learning to Surf Can Teach Us About Politics with David Litt

    ·29m
  40. 40

    How to Build a Safer, Cleaner, and Greener Future with Councilmember Mark Jeffreys

    ·30m
  41. 41

    How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto

    ·35m
  42. 42

    How to be a Blue Dot in a Red State with Alabama Representative Phillip Ensler

    ·27m
  43. 43

    How to Stand Up and Be Counted with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

    ·32m
  44. 44

    How Mountain View City Councilmember Chris Clark connects Tech and Local Government

    ·24m
  45. 45

    How to Lead from the Minority with Georgia Representative Sam Park

    ·25m
  46. 46

    How Democrats Restore Trust in Government with Congressman Greg Landsman

    ·27m
  47. 47

    How to Serve Rural America and Make Bipartisan Progress with Senator Dylan Roberts

    ·38m
  48. 48

    How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Marc Dunkelman on Why Nothing Works

    ·39m
  49. 49

    How to Turn Environmental Science into Pragmatic Policy with Rep. Lindsay Cross

    ·25m
  50. 50

    How to Turn Illness into Advocacy with Ohio State Representative Dontavius Jarrells

    ·25m
  51. 51

    How to Overcome Political Challenges with Stacey Abrams

    ·21m
  52. 52

    How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Caitlin Lewis on Solving the Public Service Crisis

    ·35m
  53. 53

    How Michigan Manufacturing is Handling Tariffs with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor

    ·31m
  54. 54

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

    ·35m
  55. 55

    How Democrats Can Change Their Message on Homelessness and Public Safety

    ·35m
  56. 56

    How the States are Doing DOGE with TX Representative Salman Bhojani

    ·37m
  57. 57

    What Real Government Efficiency Looks Like With Xay Khamsyvoravong

    ·31m
  58. 58

    How Tariffs Could Exacerbate the Housing Crisis with City Councilmember Tom Beckius

    ·26m
  59. 59

    How City Councils Can Improve Youth Wellbeing and Health with Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson

    ·28m
  60. 60

    How to Fix the Housing Crisis with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton

    ·29m
  61. 61

    Pete Buttigieg Looks Towards the Future

    ·34m
  62. 62

    Efficiency & Economics Will Dominate State Legislatures in 2025

    ·37m
  63. 63

    MSNBC's Symone Sanders Townsend on One Year of The Weekend & How to Handle the Next Four Years

    ·32m
  64. 64

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

    ·36m
  65. 65

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

    ·30m
  66. 66

    Phoenix City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington on Making a Difference

    ·20m
  67. 67

    Williamsport, PA, Mayor Derek Slaughter on Community-Driven Leadership & Transformative Governance

    ·22m
  68. 68

    Milwaukee County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson on Advocacy, Teaching, and the Power of Baked Goods

    ·23m
  69. 69

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

    ·35m
  70. 70

    Lanae Erickson on Third Way's Post-Election Poll

    ·39m
  71. 71

    Ruy Teixeira on Reclaiming Voters

    ·32m
  72. 72

    Post-Election Reflections

    ·37m
  73. 73

    BONUS EPISODE: Election Updates from Florida and Nevada

    ·44m
  74. 74

    Former Mayor Joyce Craig on Bringing Hands-on Experience and Passion to the Governor's Office

    ·21m
  75. 75

    BONUS EPISODE: Senator Elena Parent on Georgia's Fight for Freedom

    ·21m
  76. 76

    State Treasurer Tobias Read on Protecting Democracy

    ·30m
  77. 77

    BONUS EPISODE: Josh Maxwell on Election Administration in the Country's Most Coveted Swing State

    ·17m
  78. 78

    DLCC President Heather Williams on 2024 State Legislative Races

    ·30m
  79. 79

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

    ·19m
  80. 80

    Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens Leads the "Western Slope Way"

    ·37m
  81. 81

    BONUS EPISODE: Nebraska's Dueling Abortion Measures with City Councilmember Tom Beckius

    ·20m
  82. 82

    City Controller Rachel Heisler Works as the City's Watchdog

    ·34m
  83. 83

    BONUS EPISODE: New Hampshire's Top Races with Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka

    ·18m
  84. 84

    Senator Darrin Camilleri's Journey from School Teacher to the Senate

    ·28m
  85. 85

    Unlocking Abundance and How to Make Inclusive Public Policy with Derek Kaufman

    ·35m
  86. 86

    Assemblymember Alex Bores on the Role of AI in Politics

    ·29m
  87. 87

    Representative Kate Farrar Works to Build Thriving and Healthy Community

    ·30m
  88. 88

    Road to November Series & DNC Recap

    ·38m
  89. 89

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

    ·11m
  90. 90

    Georgia Representative Tanya Miller Fights for Democracy and Justice

    ·33m
  91. 91

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

    ·12m
  92. 92

    DNC Mini-sode: Mayors Lee Harris and Jon Mitchell

    ·8m
  93. 93

    Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis on the Importance of Representation

    ·26m
  94. 94

    Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Walters on Voter Strategy

    ·38m
  95. 95

    Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval Inspires Better Leadership in Public Service

    ·39m
  96. 96

    Speaker Joanna McClinton on Leading the Pennsylvania House

    ·36m
  97. 97

    Commissioner Michael Naft on County Level Leadership

    ·38m
  98. 98

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

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan discusses her 12-year tenure leading the city from bankruptcy to a boom, focusing on affordable housing, crime reduction, and public investment.

    ·34m
  99. 99

    Celebrating 300 Episodes with Pete Buttigieg: How to Rebuild Trust in Democracy

    In the 300th episode, hosts Ryan Coonerty and Debbie Cox Bolton celebrate with former Secretary Pete Buttigieg, discussing the state of democracy and the future of the Democratic Party.

    ·34m
  100. 100

    How to Celebrate Growth and Diversity with City Councilmember Ed Pollard

    Houston City Councilmember Ed Pollard discusses how the city celebrates growth and diversity, and what National Democrats get wrong about Texas politics and immigrant communities.

    ·28m
  101. 101

    How to Make Progress in a Super Minority with Representative Joshua Watkins

    Hidden gem

    Kentucky State Representative Joshua Watkins says the 80-20 House superminority has turned budget season into a "master class in collaboration," especially when Louisville priorities overlap with rural western and eastern Kentucky.

    Apr 16, 2026·33m·2 clips
  102. 102

    How City Commissioner Ben Sorensen Drives Growth in Florida

    Hidden gem

    An Honorable Profession features Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorenson on homelessness, affordability, public-sector experimentation, and the city's ocean economy.

    Apr 9, 2026·27m·1 clip
  103. 103

    How Democracy Can Deliver Through Grace with Congresswoman Sarah McBride

    An Honorable Profession marks New Deal's 15th anniversary with Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride, who says most people are 'good and decent and kind' and that persuasion still matters if democracy is going to deliver.

    Apr 2, 2026·35m·3 clips
  104. 104

    How to Meet Your Constituents Where They Are With Representative Mai Xiong

    Michigan Representative Mai Xiong discusses how she uses social media to connect with constituents and represent working-class families in a swing district.

    Mar 26, 2026·30m
  105. 105

    How to Use Public Service for the Greater Good with Senator Laura Smith

    Montana Senator Laura Smith discusses her career in public service, from prosecuting violent crimes to advocating for child welfare and caregiver support in the state legislature.

    Mar 19, 2026·33m
  106. 106

    How to Make Caring for Families More Affordable

    Mar 12, 2026·17m
  107. 107

    How to Learn from a Super Minority with KS State Representative Brandon Woodard

    Hidden gem

    Brandon Woodard, the Kansas House Democratic Leader, says the statehouse fight is over affordability, not culture-war bills like trans driver's licenses.

    Mar 5, 2026·29m·1 clip
  108. 108

    How Local Leadership Is Shaping Monterey County with Supervisor Chris Lopez

    Hidden gem

    Chris Lopez says Monterey County is the “lettuce curtain,” where 3 billion heads of lettuce a year meet housing scarcity.

    Feb 26, 2026·32m·2 clips
  109. 109

    How to Transcend Partisan Differences with Senator Anthony Broadman

    Hidden gem

    Oregon Senator Anthony Broadbent frames Bend and Deschutes County as a politically divided region that still demands practical results, from transportation funding to wildfire prevention.

    Feb 19, 2026·23m·1 clip
  110. 110

    How to Make Your Younger Self Proud with Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert

    Hidden gem

    Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert describes how New Rochelle authorized 11,000 housing units through front-loaded reviews, 90-day permitting, and a 10% affordability requirement while displacing only two people.

    Feb 12, 2026·35m·2 clips
  111. 111

    How to Fight For Justice in Politics with North Dakota Rep Jayme Davis

    Feb 5, 2026·33m
  112. 112

    How Americans Experience Politics with Gretchen Barton

    Jan 29, 2026·21m
  113. 113

    How Dems are Setting 2026 Priorities in the States

    Jan 22, 2026·40m
  114. 114

    How to Take Hardship and Have Each Other's Back with Assistant Majority Leader Grant Hauschild

    Jan 15, 2026·29m
  115. 115

    How to Craft Policy with Alaskan Representative Genevieve Mina

    Jan 8, 2026·29m
  116. 116

    : ICYMI: How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto

    Jan 1, 2026·35m
  117. 117

    ICYMI: How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young

    Dec 25, 2025·27m
  118. 118

    How to Make Government Deliver with Delaware Lieutenant Governor Kyle Gay

    Dec 18, 2025·27m
  119. 119

    How Ethical Leadership is Crucial in Troubled Times with State Rep. Alexis Simpson

    Dec 11, 2025·30m
  120. 120

    How to Build Vibrant Communities with Mayor Leonardo Williams

    Dec 4, 2025·30m
  121. 121

    ICYMI: How to Have Faith in the Midst of Dysfunction with Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones

    Nov 27, 2025·34m
  122. 122

    How Americans Experience Politics with Gretchen Barton

    Nov 20, 2025·21m
  123. 123

    How to Have Faith in the Midst of Dysfunction with County Commissioner Lesley Briones

    Nov 13, 2025·34m
  124. 124

    How to Use Your Voice With State Representative Stephanie Simacek

    Nov 6, 2025·33m
  125. 125

    How to Break Barriers with State Senator Sarah Anthony

    Oct 30, 2025·31m
  126. 126

    Celebrating 300 Episodes with Pete Buttigieg: How to Rebuild Trust in Democracy

    Oct 23, 2025·34m
  127. 127

    How to Celebrate Growth and Diversity with City Councilmember Ed Pollard

    Oct 16, 2025·28m
  128. 128

    How to Restore Trust in Government with Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald

    Oct 9, 2025·34m
  129. 129

    How to Lead with Purpose with Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw

    Oct 2, 2025·29m
  130. 130

    How to Fight Towards a Better Democracy with New York Senator Jamaal T. Bailey

    Sep 25, 2025·33m
  131. 131

    How to Lead Forward in Alabama with Representative Jeremy Gray

    Sep 18, 2025·35m
  132. 132

    How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young

    Sep 11, 2025·27m
  133. 133

    How to Lead with Delegate Michael Feggans

    Sep 4, 2025·28m
  134. 134

    How Public Service Can Solve Our Challenges with Josh Friday

    Aug 28, 2025·33m
  135. 135

    How Government Can Get Sh't Done: Kristina Costa on Advancing Clean Energy During Federal Rollbacks

    Aug 21, 2025·40m
  136. 136

    How to "Get to Work" with Congressman Adam Smith

    Aug 14, 2025·37m
  137. 137

    How Learning to Surf Can Teach Us About Politics with David Litt

    Aug 7, 2025·29m
  138. 138

    How to Build a Safer, Cleaner, and Greener Future with Councilmember Mark Jeffreys

    Jul 31, 2025·30m
  139. 139

    How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto

    Jul 24, 2025·35m
  140. 140

    How to be a Blue Dot in a Red State with Alabama Representative Phillip Ensler

    Jul 17, 2025·27m
  141. 141

    How to Stand Up and Be Counted with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

    Jul 10, 2025·32m
  142. 142

    How Mountain View City Councilmember Chris Clark connects Tech and Local Government

    Jul 3, 2025·24m
  143. 143

    How to Lead from the Minority with Georgia Representative Sam Park

    Jun 26, 2025·25m
  144. 144

    How Democrats Restore Trust in Government with Congressman Greg Landsman

    Jun 19, 2025·27m
  145. 145

    How to Serve Rural America and Make Bipartisan Progress with Senator Dylan Roberts

    Colorado Senator Dylan Roberts discusses serving rural America, bipartisan housing bills, and the impacts of Medicare cuts and tariffs on his constituents.

    Jun 12, 2025·38m
  146. 146

    How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Marc Dunkelman on Why Nothing Works

    Jun 5, 2025·39m
  147. 147

    How to Turn Environmental Science into Pragmatic Policy with Rep. Lindsay Cross

    May 29, 2025·25m
  148. 148

    How to Turn Illness into Advocacy with Ohio State Representative Dontavius Jarrells

    May 22, 2025·25m
  149. 149

    How to Overcome Political Challenges with Stacey Abrams

    Stacey Abrams discusses her podcast Assembly Required, staying grounded during political challenges, and advice for turning momentum into results at the New Deal Forum Ideas Summit.

    May 15, 2025·21m
  150. 150

    How Government Can Get Sh*t Done: Caitlin Lewis on Solving the Public Service Crisis

    May 8, 2025·35m