Loading...

PODCAST

Ground Floor Government

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public

government

All Episodes

19:21

From Engineering to City Leadership (with LuAnn...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/10/02

SummaryIn this episode, LuAnn Holmes, City Clerk of Las Vegas, shares her inspiring career journey from electrical engineering to public service, highlighting the importance of technology, communication, and adaptability in local government. Discover how her leadership navigates complex challenges and fosters transparency and trust in a dynamic city.Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government:

en

21:47

The Power of Local Government (with Bryan Hill) | Ep....

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/30

SummaryIn this conversation, Bryan Hill discusses his journey from private industry to local government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, financial management, and innovative public safety measures. He highlights the cultural changes within Fairfax County's fire and rescue department, the strategic planning initiatives to enhance interdepartmental collaboration, and the various opportunities available for youth in local government. Hill also underscores the significance of

en

19:53

The Unexpected Journey into Local Government (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/28

SummaryIn this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Dalton Rice, the City Manager of Kerrville, Texas, discussing his unexpected journey into local government, the diverse career opportunities available, and the challenges faced in managing a city. Dalton shares insights on leadership, community impact projects, and the importance of collaboration across departments. He emphasizes the need for adaptability in navigating crises and the significance of effective communication in local government.Ready to

en

21:17

Building Community for Career Success (with Alexan...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/25

SummaryIn this conversation, Alexan Balekian discusses the importance of building a community while simultaneously developing a career. He emphasizes the hustle culture prevalent in California, where individuals often engage in side hustles to meet the high cost of living. The dialogue explores the balance between personal and professional growth in a competitive environment.Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful

en

16:01

How One Clerk Modernized City Meetings (with April...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/23

Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with April Goad, the clerk, recorder, and treasurer for Spring Hill, Tennessee. April shares how she began working for the city in 1987 after responding to a newspaper job advertisement. Although she initially intended to use the position to make connections with the nearby Saturn plant, she found purpose and fulfillment in local government and has remained in the role for nearly 40 years.Ready to explore your own local

en

19:27

Navigating a Career in Local Government (with Valerie...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/21

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Valerie Sanchez, Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board for Orange County, California. Valerie shares her unexpected journey into public service, the challenges and rewards of her role, and the importance of communication and listening in local government. She discusses the impact of budget constraints and unfunded mandates on public services and encourages listeners to consider a career in public service for its rewarding

en

19:08

From Temporary Job to Leadership (with Erin Hudson) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/18

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Erin Hudson, the Communications and Outreach Director in Morrisville, North Carolina. They discuss various pathways to starting a career in local government, including the unique opportunity of working through a temp agency. Erin shares his personal journey from a temporary position to a permanent role, highlighting the importance of adaptability and collaboration in local government. The conversation also covers

en

17:50

The Hidden Work of a City Clerk (with Evelyn Lees) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/16

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Evelyn Lees, the city clerk of Noblesville, Indiana. They discuss Evelyn's journey into local government, the responsibilities of a clerk, and the impact of budgeting and digital record-keeping on her work. Evelyn shares her experiences with community projects, particularly the restoration of a historic cemetery, and emphasizes the importance of communication and respect in public service. She also offers advice for

en

22:38

Exploring Local Government Careers (with Tabitha...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/14

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Tabitha Clark, Communication Director of Perry, Georgia. They discuss the journey into local government careers, the challenges and rewards of communication roles, the impact of AI, budgeting strategies, essential skills for effective communication, and considerations for those looking to enter the field. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and the unique dynamics within city communication

en

19:14

From Journalism to Government Communications (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/11

SummaryIn this episode of the Ground Floor Government Podcast, host Hugh Plappert interviews Trevor Smith, the communication manager of Meridian, Idaho. They discuss Trevor's unique career path from journalism to local government communications, the challenges and responsibilities of a communication manager, and the importance of building relationships within the community. Trevor shares insights on navigating limited resources, adapting to accessibility rules, and the passion that drives public

en

19:02

The Essential Role of a Town Clerk (with Laroue...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/09

SummaryIn this episode, we explore the journey of Laroue, a town clerk in Cortlandt, New York, who shares her experiences in local government. From her family's political legacy to the challenges faced during COVID-19, Laroue discusses the vital role of a town clerk, the importance of community engagement, and the ongoing digital transformation in local governance. She emphasizes the significance of communication skills and offers advice for those aspiring to enter local government.Ready to explore

en

23:37

The Role of County Clerks in Elections (with Brianna...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/04

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Brianna Lennon, the county clerk of Boone County, Missouri. They discuss the various pathways into local government careers, the significant impact these roles can have on communities, and the challenges faced in election management, particularly regarding accessibility. Brianna shares insights on the satisfaction derived from public service and the stability offered by local government jobs compared to the corporate

en

25:42

The Hidden Work of Communications (with Summer...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/09/02

SummaryIn this conversation, Summer Rascoll, the Director of Communication in Nixa, Missouri, shares her journey into local government and the importance of effective communication in building community trust. She discusses the challenges of navigating unexpected situations, the need for transparency, and the impact of limited resources on communication efforts. Summer emphasizes the significance of collaboration across departments and the essential skills required for success in local government

en

23:04

Creating Your Own Job in Local Government (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/31

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert speaks with Thomas Bunn, a video and social media manager for Inglewood, California. They explore the various pathways to employment in local government, the challenges and rewards of multimedia communication, and the passion that drives individuals to serve their communities. Thomas shares his personal journey and offers encouragement to aspiring media professionals considering a career in public service.Ready to explore your own

en

21:10

Navigating the Recorder's Office (with Bryan Long) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/28

SummaryIn this conversation, Bryan Long discusses his early influences in politics, the responsibilities of the recorder's office, challenges faced during his tenure, and the importance of community engagement in addressing issues like fraud. He reflects on his personal journey and aspirations in public service, emphasizing the need for effective communication and proactive measures in governance.Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition

en

17:04

Hidden Career Paths That Keep a City Running (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/26

SummaryIn this conversation, Hugh Plappert interviews Jennifer Kleen, the public information officer of Minot, North Dakota. They discuss the journey into local government, the role of a public information officer, challenges in community engagement, navigating regulations, building relationships with the community, and exploring career opportunities in local government. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of city branding and creating an emotional connection with the community.Ready to explore your

en

21:28

Empowering Communities Through Local Government (with...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/24

SummaryIn this conversation, Pavan Parikh, Clerk of Courts in Hamilton County, Ohio, shares his journey into local government, emphasizing the importance of public service and the impact of local governance on community well-being. He discusses the challenges faced in the judicial system, innovative solutions for improving access to justice, and the significance of building a supportive ecosystem for those in need. Parikh also highlights the importance of funding and resource management in local

en

22:17

From Sportscaster to Public Servant (with John...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/21

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews John Bernstrom, the Public Information Officer for Grand Forks, North Dakota. John shares his journey from being a sportscaster to working in local government, highlighting the evolution of communication methods, especially with the rise of social media. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of building relationships in government communication, and the various career

en

24:20

From Court to Community (with Odie Donald) | Ep. 106

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/19

SummaryThe conversation explores the journey of a public servant who transitioned from a professional basketball career to various roles in government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, workforce development, and innovative service delivery. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of affordable housing, and the value of frontline workers in local government.Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download

en

23:08

From 9/11 to Public Service (with Dustin Sternbeck) |...

Ground Floor Government ·

2026/08/14

SummaryIn this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Dustin Sternbeck, the Chief Communication Officer of Denton, Texas. Dustin shares his unique journey into public service, driven by the events of 9/11 and his desire to make a positive impact in his community. He discusses the essential skills needed for success in local government, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. Dustin highlights the importance of community projects, such as

en

125 results

Similar Podcasts

Defence & Security Podcast Network

Momentum Media

Strict Scrutiny

Strict Scrutiny

MCTV Network"s Community Voices

Midland Community Television

No es el fin del mundo

El Orden Mundial

Disclosure: UAP & Alien Files

Cmdr Silas Vance