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PODCAST

Community Catalysts

Community Catalysts is a weekly podcast from Social Prosperity Partners, hosted by Matt Lehrman, where leaders from local government and nonprofits reflect on what they"ve learned—often the hard way—and share practical wisdom for those working to strengthen their communities.

government politics

All Episodes

31:19

“Keep Your Promises” with Cheryl Mayes, School Board...

Community Catalysts ·

2025/01/14

Cheryl Mayes, a two-term school board member for Metro Nashville Public Schools, shares her experiences serving one of the city’s most diverse districts. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of public service, the importance of listening to community needs, and staying grounded in integrity and outcomes. Cheryl offers a thoughtful perspective on how leaders can serve with empathy, build trust, and make a lasting impact in their communities. LINKS: Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:

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39:16

"Responsive at Every Level” with Matt Letourneau,...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/12/10

Supervisor Matt Letourneau offers insights from over a decade of public service as the Dulles District representative on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. He discusses navigating rapid growth in one of the nation’s fastest-developing counties, addressing fiscal challenges in regional transit, and fostering connection and responsiveness—whether meeting constituent needs or solving broader community challenges. Letourneau also reflects on balancing the demands of leadership with family life as

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37:55

"The Weight of Doing Right" with Council Member Jim...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/12/03

First, we briefly reconnect with Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, for an update on her organization’s groundbreaking ballot initiative to address Colorado’s veterinary care shortage, following our September 3rd interview. Next, Council Member Jim Torgeson of Gilbert, Arizona, a dyed-in-the-wool conservative, reflects on his agonizing decision to support a local tax increase—a choice that challenged his deeply held principles. Torgeson shares his internal struggle to

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18:04

"Transforming Lives Through Community Partnership"...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/11/26

This episode is a republication of Otis White's Civic Strategies podcast interview with Kathy Swahn, Executive Director of The Drake House in Roswell, Georgia. Kathy shares the inspiring story of how a Leadership North Fulton class project grew into a lifeline for homeless mothers and their children. Discover how The Drake House provides critical services to families in crisis, the power of partnerships between civic, corporate, and faith communities, and the innovative fundraising efforts that

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36:14

“From Expertise to Engagement” with Mayor Lisa Craig,...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/11/19

Mayor Lisa Craig of Lodi, California, shares her journey from historic preservation expert to elected leader, offering a unique perspective on the distinction between serving as professional staff and engaging a community to build consensus. With a background in revitalizing historic neighborhoods and cities, she now applies that expertise to Lodi’s growth, downtown revitalization, and clean energy initiatives. In this conversation, Mayor Craig discusses how her work in preservation shaped her

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31:40

“Standing Tall” with Mayor Catherine S. Read, Fairfax...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/11/12

She describes herself as small in stature, but Mayor Catherine Read’s vision for Fairfax City is anything but. In this episode, she shares her unexpected last-minute journey to the mayor’s office and how her perspective and presence shape her leadership. From preserving community spirit to fostering growth and inclusivity, Mayor Read discusses the values driving transformation in Fairfax and the importance of regional collaboration. Tune in to hear how she balances big-picture goals with the daily

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46:54

“Empowering Economic Justice” with Kimber Lanning,...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/11/05

From tackling financial inequities and food security to pioneering adaptive reuse in local development, Kimber Lanning reveals how Local First Arizona drives economic justice across Arizona’s urban, rural, and tribal communities. Hear how investing in local businesses, fostering sustainability, and promoting local control transform Arizona’s economy and create opportunity-rich communities statewide. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send us a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us

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30:58

“Urban Optimism” with Otis White

Community Catalysts ·

2024/10/29

Otis White, the now-retired founder of Civic Strategies, shares his belief in the inherent optimism of cities and the power of community involvement in shaping their future. In the first part, we conclude a 7-part discussion in which Otis reflects on how cities thrive when residents feel connected, respected, and heard. Then, we revisit his Civic Strategies interview with Commissioner Kathy Gannon, where they discuss the transformation of a complex intersection in DeKalb County, Georgia, into a

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33:48

"Engineering a Stronger Community" with Mayor Joe...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/10/22

“Engineering a Stronger Community” - Mayor Joe LaRussa of Farmington, Michigan, brings an engineering mindset to solving local issues and driving community improvements. From organizing neighbors to transform a neglected park to championing sustainable growth and infrastructure, he shares how his problem-solving approach and “tough but fair” leadership style have reshaped the city. LaRussa emphasizes the importance of community engagement, creative thinking, and persistence—values he believes are

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31:39

“The Emotional Weight Of Leadership” with Nichole...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/10/15

“The Emotional Weight of Leadership” – Nichole Weiler, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker from Norfolk, Virginia, with extensive experience supporting military personnel and first responders. Her expertise in managing high-pressure situations offers valuable insights and practical strategies for municipal officials facing the stress and demands of public service. This conversation was recorded just days before Nichole takes part in the Virginia Municipal League’s Mayors Institute, where she

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39:27

“Integrity Over Popularity” with Meagan Alderton,...

Community Catalysts ·

2024/10/08

“Integrity over Popularity” - Meagan Alderton, board member and past chair of Alexandria City Public Schools, shares her leadership journey, navigating the challenges of education during the pandemic and addressing identity politics in a diverse community. She reflects on the importance of staying calm in crisis and leading with integrity, offering insights and advice for leaders striving to create meaningful change in their communities. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send

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32:12

Mayor Thurman Bartie, Ports, Progress, and Purpose

Community Catalysts ·

2024/10/01

“Ports, Progress, and Purpose” - Mayor Thurman Bartie of Port Arthur, Texas, discusses the challenges of leading a city through industrial transformation. With North America's largest petrochemical facility and a growing LNG export industry, Port Arthur is on the rise. Mayor Bartie shares his vision for downtown revitalization, workforce housing, and sustainable growth while emphasizing the need for compromise and collaboration to navigate political and community dynamics. LINKS Ask a Question or

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31:11

Otis White, Civic Strategies Part 6

Community Catalysts ·

2024/09/24

“Balancing Tradition” - In our monthly conversation with Otis White, founder of Civic Strategies, we explore the art of balancing tradition and innovation in community leadership. Then, Otis shares his thought-provoking interview with Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Together, they delve into the power of volunteerism, community connection, and how thoughtful leadership can preserve core values while championing change. LINKS Civic Strategies:

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37:23

Gary Peterson, The Positive Politics of Preparedness

Community Catalysts ·

2024/09/17

Mayor Gary Peterson of Nevada City, California, shares how his community is preparing for wildfire threats while cultivating a vibrant, arts-centered economy. Mayor Peterson dives into the challenges of leading a historic town with modern-day risks and how Nevada City's commitment to resilience and preparedness is not just about survival but about thriving. With deep roots in Western traditions of community service, Mayor Peterson offers insights into how local leadership, trust, and collaboration

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32:02

Katie Cristol, Building the Future

Community Catalysts ·

2024/09/10

Katie Cristol, CEO of the Tysons Community Alliance, leads efforts to foster human connection in one of Northern Virginia's fastest-growing regions. Under her leadership, Tysons is evolving from a suburban office hub into a vibrant urban community where people can live, work, and connect. In this episode, Katie shares how the Alliance creates spaces for meaningful interactions, making Tysons a model of sustainable, inclusive urbanism. Her insights offer valuable lessons on building community amidst

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31:48

Dr. Apryl Steele, Pets on the Ballot

Community Catalysts ·

2024/09/03

Colorado's animal welfare community is addressing the national veterinary care crisis with a first-in-the-nation ballot measure this November to create a new Veterinary PA role that aims to expand access to care and transform the future of pet care. Dr. Apryl Steele, President and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, offers insights into the challenges, opportunities, and potential impact of this groundbreaking effort. LINKS Veterinary PA Initiative: https://allpetsdeservevetcare.com/ Ask a Question or

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32:38

Otis White, Civic Strategies Part 5

Community Catalysts ·

2024/08/27

“Visionary Leadership” - We continue our monthly check-in with Otis White, formerly the President of Civic Strategies in Atlanta, who shares insights from his podcast series with the Georgia Municipal Association. Discover the transformative story of the Atlanta Beltline, as Otis interviews Kathy Woolard, the political godmother behind the project. Learn how visionary leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement turned an old railroad corridor into a thriving urban space, showcasing the

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30:33

Mayor Jonas Anderson, Cave City, AR

Community Catalysts ·

2024/08/20

“Rooted in Leadership” - Mayor Jonas Anderson of Cave City, Arkansas, reflects on the sense of history and responsibility that’s at the core of his leadership. He says, “Focusing on the really important things that matter most to people every single day, their everyday lives, that's what we need to be about, not all the other stuff that gets in the way.” LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send us a Note: ComCats@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here

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27:47

Camisha Brown, Municipal Clerk, Dinwiddie County, VA

Community Catalysts ·

2024/08/13

“Inner Confidence, Outer Leadership” — It takes a special kind of leader to connect the substance and emotion of civic engagement. Discover Camisha Brown's inspiring journey to becoming a municipal clerk and learn why inspiring confidence and fostering community engagement begins with overcoming self-doubt. LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send us a Note: ComCats@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: Click Here Follow Matt Lehrman on Facebook, Instagram,

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33:59

Stuart Graff, CEO, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Community Catalysts ·

2024/08/06

“The Architecture of Democracy” — What does a nonprofit foundation charged with preserving two historic properties have to say about housing, education, climate change, and the nature of community in America? The answer, says CEO Stuart Graff, is that Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy has always been about reshaping the future. LINKS Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: https://franklloydwright.org/ Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send us a Note: ComCats@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a

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84 results

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