An Honorable Profession

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

  Recording from the 15th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with New Hampshire State Representative and Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson about the importance of ethical leadership in these troubled times, how she approaches her legislative priorities, and how her weekends as a minister in her community informs how she does her job as a legislator. Ryan and Simpson also discuss New Hampshire's status as a swing state and "picker of presidents," and what all Americans need to know about how the state evaluates those who pursue our nation's highest office. Tune in to this insightful conversation. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] How State Representative Alexis Simpson's role as a clergywoman informs her work in the legislature. • [04:34] The role that faith plays in helping her to find hope in troubled times and to navigate political life. • [07:51] Her journey from ministry to serving in New Hampshire's citizen legislature. • [10:43] Solution-based leadership based on an experience she had serving on the Environment and Agriculture Committee. • [12:38] Systems to organize New Hampshire's minority Democratic Party. • [14:27] Navigating struggles with the cost of living due to rising rental costs, taxes, and basic needs. • [16:29] The political state of play in New Hampshire in 2025. • [21:28] New Hampshire's key role as the picker of presidents. • [24:53] What State Representative Simpson most wants people to know about her state. • [26:57] Why social crises are more urgent than ever before. • [29:11] The importance of not losing hope in people across political barriers.

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• How to Build Vibrant Communities with Mayor Leonardo Williams

  Recorded at the 15th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Durham, NC, Mayor Leonardo Williams. They talk about how the mayor built a career grounded in community service and leadership, and how his experiences equipped him with what he needs most to be a successful mayor. In addition, they unpack what it means to lead when there are ICE raids in your community, causing kids not to want to go to school and people not to want to go to work, and what it takes to have a vibrant community with flourishing small businesses. Tune in to learn about Mayor Williams' path from award-winning music teacher to principal, policy adviser,  small-business owner, and, finally, mayor. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:03] An introduction to Durham, North Carolina, Mayor Leonardo Williams and his city. • [04:33] A Mayor's role in the context of instilling hope in the context of national jurisdiction. • [08:53] Mayor Williams' path to public service. • [14:08] What his role has revealed about the social health of his city. • [16:47] Setting a culture of vitality through sacrifice and competition. • [18:49] How democrats can better support small businesses. • [22:08] The state of politics in North Carolina today. • [24:36] Free and fair elections in 2026 and Mayor Williams' plans for the next two years. • [27:03] How his background as a teacher and a drum major has shaped his approach to leadership.

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

  Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is off for the holiday, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our conversation with Commissioner Lesley Briones from Harris County, TX. Host Ryan Coonerty and Briones explain her role representing the third-largest county in the country with a population larger than 26 U.S. states and 34 cities. They discuss her journey as a Harvard and Yale Law School graduate who became a public school teacher and then a judge, and how her parents instilled in her the belief that she should always help others. Briones talks about navigating the chaos of the Trump administration—including Governor Abbott's redistricting plan —how faith continues to ground her work, and how growing up as a daughter of teachers and a proud Latina on the Texas–Mexico border has made her resilient. Tune in to learn why Commissioner Briones believes Texas can become a swing state (spoiler: it's closer than you might think). IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:03] Commissioner Briones' background and entry into public service. • [02:16] The role of a County Commissioner and what that means in Harris. • [04:07] Federal challenges that Harris County faces under the Trump administration. • [10:30] Attempts to work collaboratively in the face of troubling bills. • [13:13] Staying hopeful and engaged for the generation to come. • [17:06] Sentiment towards the current administration in Harris County. • [18:51] How Commissioner Briones' background informs her work in local government. • [22:55] Her path to public service in 2019 and how it differs from working as a judge. • [30:15] Embracing faith and inclusivity as a Democratic leader.

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• How Americans Experience Politics with Gretchen Barton

  In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Gretchen Barton, founder of Worthy Strategy Group, who uses qualitative research to uncover not just what people think but why they hold those views. Gretchen draws on images voters choose and personal stories they tell to express how they experience politics and the challenges affecting their daily lives. Barton also reflects on what Democrats can learn from this year's elections heading into 2026 and 2028, and how state and local politics can rebuild Americans' sense of agency and hope. Tune in to learn more from this insightful conversation.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:04] An introduction to Gretchen Barton and her work with The Worthy Strategy Group. • [02:28] Barton explains her deep qualitative approach to understanding public sentiment. • [04:02] The images Americans use to express feeling crushed, unseen, and overwhelmed. • [05:34] What voters now expect from leaders: strength, efficacy, and visible results. • [07:21] How Democrats can show strength without slipping into paternalism. • [10:17] The role of community action in restoring agency and hope. • [11:24] Guidance for Democrats heading into 2026 and 2028. • [14:55] Why authenticity matters and how voters judge leaders' intentions. • [18:17] How leaders can communicate care and make their work visible while governing.

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

  In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Harris County, TX, County Commissioner Lesley Briones, who explains her role representing the third-largest county in the country with a population larger than 26 U.S. States and 34 cities. Ryan and Briones discuss her journey as a Harvard and Yale Law School graduate who became a public school teacher and then a judge, and how her parents instilled in her the belief that she should always help others. Briones talks about navigating the chaos left by the Trump administration—including Governor Abbott's redistricting plan —how faith continues to ground her work, and how growing up as a daughter of teachers and a proud Latina on the Texas–Mexico border has given her resilience. Tune in to learn why Commissioner Briones believes Texas can become a swing state (spoiler: it's so close).  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:03] Commissioner Briones' background and entry into public service. • [02:16] The role of a County Commissioner and what that means in Harris. • [04:07] Federal challenges that Harris County faces under the Trump administration. • [10:30] Attempts to work collaboratively in the face of troubling bills. • [13:13] Staying hopeful and engaged for the generation to come. • [17:06] Sentiment towards the current administration in Harris County. • [18:51] How Commissioner Briones' background informs her work in local government. • [22:55] Her path to public service in 2019 and how it differs from working as a judge. • [30:15] Embracing faith and inclusivity as a Democratic leader.

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