Community Catalysts

Latest Episodes:

"Leading a Downtown" with Philip Falcone, Ward 1 Councilmember, Riverside, California Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Who owns the problem when no one person or organization is actually in charge?

Philip Falcone represents downtown Riverside, California, a complex ecosystem of residents, businesses, government agencies, cultural institutions, historic infrastructure, and competing community needs. In this conversation, Philip explores what it takes to lead where responsibility is shared: bringing people together who don't report to one another, negotiating with colleagues for limited resources, balancing compassion with economic vitality, and helping people understand problems that local government cannot solve alone. He also shares how losing his family's home in Hurricane Katrina shaped his commitment to public service and his conviction that local government's most fundamental responsibilities are often the ones people barely notice, until something fails.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Relationships Are the Currency of Leadership" with David Ramadan, Former Virginia Delegate & Professor of Practice, George Mason University Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

What becomes possible when we stop questioning the intentions of people with whom we disagree?

David Ramadan, former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and Professor of Practice at George Mason University, believes relationships are the currency of leadership. Drawing on his journey from war-torn Beirut to elected office in Virginia, David shares how relationships helped him win across party lines, build bipartisan support for election reform, and work productively with people whose politics differed sharply from his own. Along the way, he makes the case that disagreement need not become distrust, that leaders don't need to pretend they know everything, and that the relationships we build before we need them may determine what becomes possible when difficult decisions arrive.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Seeing Local Government from the Outside" with Mary Ramsey, Local Government Accountability Reporter, The Charlotte Observer Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

What does local government look like to someone whose job is to watch it closely, ask difficult questions, and explain its decisions to everyone else?

Mary Ramsey, local government accountability reporter for The Charlotte Observer, offers a journalist's perspective on the people and processes of local government: what accountability means, how reporters decide what is newsworthy, and how shrinking newsroom resources affect what communities see and understand. She also shares what she has learned from watching elected officials up close, including why transparency sometimes means acknowledging what government cannot do, why good leadership cannot be about making everyone happy, and why citizens have a responsibility to pay attention and participate before decisions are made.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Building Something Bigger Than Yourself" with Nick Rutledge, Mayor, Moody, Alabama Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

What happens when someone enters public service to improve one part of their community and discovers a responsibility to the whole?

Nick Rutledge, Mayor of Moody, Alabama, began his career as an apprentice carpenter and spent nearly three decades in commercial construction before a desire to improve opportunities for his daughter and other young people drew him into community service, city council, and eventually the mayor's office. In this conversation, Nick shares what construction taught him about leadership, how elected office changed his understanding of why government moves deliberately, and what it means to balance growth with preserving the character of a community. He also explains why he still drives a school bus, why listening matters even when you disagree, and why his approach to leadership begins with a simple conviction: "It's not about me. It's about something bigger than me."

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Creating Spaces Where People Heal" with Matt Sandoval, CEO, Art Heals Arizona Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

What if the first responsibility of leadership isn't solving problems, but creating the conditions where people feel safe enough to face them?

Matt Sandoval, CEO of Art Heals Arizona, believes that trust, connection, and resilience begin with one fundamental human need: to be seen and understood. Through arts-based experiences and caring adult mentors, Art Heals Arizona helps young people affected by trauma discover confidence, belonging, and hope for the future.

In this conversation, Matt shares how his work in education, clinical practice, and nonprofit leadership has shaped his belief that organizations are human systems, not just structures to manage. He explains why leaders must seek understanding before action, how to create spaces where people can be honest about challenges, and what attachment teaches us about building stronger relationships.

Matt also offers a powerful perspective on bridging divides in our communities: recognizing that different experiences and perspectives are not weaknesses to overcome, but strengths we need in order to move forward together.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"From Cowboy to Cow Man" with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to lead people who deeply value independence while recognizing that no community succeeds alone?

Raised on his family's ranch in rural Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon learned early that responsibility begins with doing your own work, but leadership grows through trusting neighbors, sharing burdens, and working toward a common purpose. Those lessons have shaped his approach to public service, from local school boards to the Governor's Office.

In this conversation, Governor Gordon reflects on the values that define Wyoming, why humility is as important as self-reliance, and how local leaders can balance independence with collaboration. He also shares why he believes public education is one of government's highest responsibilities, and how Wyoming's RIDE Initiative brings together educators, parents, students, and employers to create more engaging, locally responsive schools. Throughout, he offers practical insights into leadership, community trust, and the enduring value of solving problems together

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Beyond Advocacy" with Liz Campos, Ventura City Councilmember Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

What happens when someone driven by personal conviction steps into the broader responsibility of governing an entire community?

Liz Campos came to public service through decades of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, environmental justice, and some of Ventura's most vulnerable residents. Elected to the Ventura City Council in 2022, she brings to public office not only a passion for justice, but firsthand experience with disability, housing insecurity, and the challenges many residents face every day.

In this conversation, Campos reflects on the transition from community advocate to elected official, why leadership requires listening even to those who disagree with you, and how personal experience can deepen empathy without narrowing your responsibility to the whole community. She also shares thoughtful insights about public engagement, patience, and the enduring responsibility to ensure every resident has a voice in the decisions that shape their community.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"With People, Not To People" with Matt Hillmann, Executive Director, Minnesota Association of School Administrators Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

How do communities build trust, navigate disagreement, and make difficult decisions that people can genuinely support? After nearly a decade as superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, Matt Hillmann is preparing to lead school administrators across Minnesota as the incoming Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. Reflecting on his leadership journey, he shares why meaningful progress depends less on having the right answers than on creating processes that invite people into the work itself.

In this conversation, Hillmann explores how community organizations can align around shared goals, why student voices deserve a genuine place at the table, and how leaders can transform difficult decisions by doing things with people rather than to them. He also offers a thoughtful perspective on the role of forgiveness, trust, and civic dialogue in creating communities where people are willing to participate, learn, and lead together.

Whether you're leading a school district, local government, nonprofit, or neighborhood initiative, this conversation offers practical insights into building stronger communities through participation, humility, and shared ownership.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us

Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Seen, Heard, and Valued" with Sarah Jakle, Founder of DemocraShe Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to help young people see themselves as future leaders, public servants, and changemakers?

Sarah Jakle believes leadership begins long before someone runs for office. As founder of the nonprofit DemocraShe, she works with high school girls across the country to build the confidence, resilience, and civic skills needed to participate in public life and help shape their communities.

In this conversation, Jakle shares how self-compassion, emotional resilience, and a sense of belonging can help young people overcome self-doubt and discover the value of their own voice. From teaching students how government works to helping them navigate fear, criticism, and uncertainty, she offers a distinctive approach that blends leadership development with practical tools for personal growth.

Her thoughtful and hopeful perspective reminds us that the future of civic life depends not only on the leaders we elect today, but also on how intentionally we encourage, prepare, and empower the next generation to lead.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us

Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

"Helping People Feel Heard" with Alyia Gaskins, Mayor of Alexandria, VA Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to lead when people are anxious, frustrated, or losing faith in public institutions?

Mayor Alyia Gaskins believes leadership begins by helping people feel heard. In this conversation, she shares how listening, transparency, and authentic communication can strengthen trust, improve decision-making, and bring communities together during challenging times.

From resident roundtables and daily social media updates to responding to major disruptions affecting her community, Gaskins offers practical lessons on leading with empathy while remaining focused on results. Her thoughtful and energetic approach provides a compelling example of how local leaders can create connection, build confidence, and help people move forward together.

This episode is presented in partnership with the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, which works to strengthen public leadership and regional collaboration across Northern Virginia.

LINKS

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment: 602-688-2724

Send Matt a Note: Matt@SocialProsperity.us

Apply to Be a Podcast Guest: CatalystGuest.us

On Substack: Democracy Runs on Dialogue™ Connect on LinkedIn: MattLehrmanProduced by Social Prosperity Partners

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