In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Eboo Patel, Founder and CEO of Interfaith America and the author of the book "We Need to Build: Field Notes for a Diverse Democracy." The conversation focuses on the importance of interfaith efforts to reduce dangerous nationalism and strengthen civic life in America. They discuss what it means to create an interfaith movement in America, the differences between white Christian nationalism and other faith movements, and the role of faith in a Democracy. Eboo also connects the decline in religious participation with negative outcomes for civic infrastructure and social service. Tune in to hear Eboo discuss his work with President Obama's Inaugural Faith Counsel and his path to service.

In this week’s episode, co-host Ryan Coonety talks with Cedar Rapids, IA, Councilmember Ashley Vanorny. Ashley brings a unique perspective to city government due to her professional background in healthcare. She discusses how her experience has informed her holistic approach to city affairs and shares current municipal initiatives in Cedar Rapids, including policies driven by public health concerns. Despite being the second youngest-ever City Councilmember, Ashley manages her leadership role while challenging prejudices based on her age and gender. She also talks about efforts to improve housing and inclusion in the city. Tune in to hear more about Ashley's work to make Cedar Rapids a more equitable and connected city.

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Mike Schmuhl, who serves as the chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. Schmuhl, who started his career at the Washington Post, recounts his shift to politics to work on campaigns for Congressman Joe Donnelly and NewDEAL Alumnus Pete Buttigieg. He and Debbie also discuss Indiana's political shift to the right over the past two decades and the strategies that Democrats should use to achieve success in the Midwest. Schmuhl shares his experience of building and running a presidential campaign and why Pete Buttigieg's message of inclusivity and belonging resonated with so many people. Tune in to hear Schmuhl talk about the need for a positive, aspirational message, a bold economic agenda, and gun safety measures!

In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Rosalynn Bliss, the first female Mayor of Grand Rapids, MI. They discuss her journey from social work to elected office, as well as the challenges she has faced in addressing racial equity, affordable housing, and the city's economy. In addition, Bliss also details her vision for how a mayor can create positive change through accountability, restorative justice, and community empowerment, recognizing the humanity in everyone and meeting constituents where they are. Tune in to also receive a special invitation from the Mayor to experience Grand Rapids' live music scene and visit the city's beautiful river.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Pittsburgh City Councilmember Erika Strassburger, the first woman elected to represent her district on the Council. Erika shares her journey from being an environmental organizer to a policymaker, and discusses how to restore public faith in government. She also reflects on the impact of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting on her community and her leadership style and talks about how the tragedy spurred immediate action, from pushing to ban the use of assault weapons to holding gun owners accountable to prevent risks to children and increasing funding for violence-prevention initiatives. Erika shares her approach to building relationships between community members and elected officials, approaching differences with kindness, and so much more. Tune in to this amazing conversation to hear Erika's thoughts on what makes Pittsburgh special!

In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with newly-elected Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. She and Governor Maura Healey are part of the first all-female executive team to lead Massachusetts in its long history. Driscoll served for more than a decade as Mayor of Salem, where she led a turnaround of the city's financial health and passed several groundbreaking measures to increase inclusion and expand the rights of the LGBTQ and immigrant members of her community. Driscoll explains her role as Lieutenant Governor, the work she's prioritizing, and the challenges and opportunities surrounding big issues like housing affordability in Massachusetts. They discuss how she shepherded her city's revival post-COVID and how she's focusing on improving inclusion in her state. Tune in to hear Driscoll's advice for other members of underrepresented communities interested in running for office.

In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty interviews San Diego, CA Councilmember Raul Campillo. They discuss the city's economic recovery from the COVID pandemic, including the impact of a successful vaccination campaign that has meant fewer cases and deaths than initially predicted. In addition, Campillo shares his strategies for addressing some of the biggest issues facing San Diego and cities across the country, especially inadequate access to healthcare, childcare, and affordable housing. The conversation also explores Campillo's journey to public office and how his family's background in public service inspired him to fight for the rights of San Diego's citizens. Tune into this engaging conversation and hear how Campillo recommends you spend 24 hours in beautiful San Diego, California.

Following up on the release of the NewDEAL Forum's Democracy Playbook, this week's episode features Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO and co-founder of the Leadership Now Project, a national membership organization of business and thought leaders committed to fixing American democracy. Daniella speaks with host Ryan Coonerty about why, after starting her career growing social impact companies around the world, she has turned her attention to urging business leaders to advocate on voting rights, redistricting reforms, and other essential efforts to ensure the long-term viability of American democracy. Tune in for Daniella's thoughts on why the business world should care about the state of government and the unique role that business people can play in influencing trends towards or away from democracy.

In this week’s episode, we’re taking a look at public service from a slightly different perspective. Co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Kerry Kriseman, wife of former NewDEAL Leader St. Petersburg, FL Mayor Rick Kirseman. She joins us to discuss her new book Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines and Behind the Scenes of Local Politics, where she writes about the highs and lows of integrating public service into her family’s life. They discuss how Kerry approached her role as a political spouse and how she and her family navigated some of the more difficult moments of their life in the public eye, including an antisemitic attack on her son. They also talk about some of the rewards and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that come with the job. Tune in to this conversation for lessons Kerry learned, suggestions for survival, and tips for crafting a rewarding life in the public eye for anyone (and their partner) thinking of becoming an elected official.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Richland County, SC Councilmember Jesica Mackey, who made history in 2020 as the youngest African American woman ever elected to the Council. They discussed her transition from local government staffer to elected office, her approach to engaging the public, the causes she's most passionate about, and why diversity is essential to find solutions for people's real problems. Tune in to also learn more about South Carolina's evolving role in the presidential nominating process and the benefits of electing more women to office.