How Government Can Get Sh’t Done: Kristina Costa on Advancing Clean Energy During Federal Rollbacks
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How to “Get to Work” with Congressman Adam Smith
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...
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How Learning to Surf Can Teach Us About Politics with David Litt
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How to Build a Safer, Cleaner, and Greener Future with Councilmember Mark Jeffreys
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How to Respond to Natural Disasters with Hawaii State Senator Troy Hashimoto
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How to be a Blue Dot in a Red State with Alabama Representative Phillip Ensler
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How to Stand Up and Be Counted with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How Mountain View City Councilmember Chris Clark connects Tech and Local Government
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How to Lead from the Minority with Georgia Representative Sam Park
An Honorable Profession
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...
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How Democrats Restore Trust in Government with Congressman Greg Landsman
An Honorable Profession
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...
info_outlineIn 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!