The HaltingWinter Podcast

Seth Winterhalter

The HaltingWinter Podcast tells the stories of the people who keep our communities running. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, keynote speaker, storyteller, and founder of HaltingWinter Media, the podcast features candid conversations with city managers, county administrators, department directors, elected officials, and public servants from across the country. Each episode goes beyond policies and procedures to explore leadership, culture, innovation, public service, and the personal journeys of those entrusted with serving their communities. You'll hear stories of resilience, purpose, difficult decisions, meaningful impact, and the lessons that shape exceptional leaders. Whether you work in local government, aspire to public service, or simply want a deeper appreciation for the people behind the places we call home, The HaltingWinter Podcast offers thoughtful conversations that inform, challenge, and inspire. Because America runs on local government. We're here to tell its story.

  1. 1 hr ago

    382: Randy Murphy: Leading Without Control

    Randy Murphy: Leading Without Control Why Influence Matters More Than Authority Episode 382 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies What does leadership look like when you realize you were never really in control to begin with? In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Randy Murphy, City Manager of Solvang, California, for a conversation about influence, resilience, culture, communication, and the lessons learned through a career that has taken almost every imaginable turn in local government. Randy didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a city manager. In fact, he entered public service nearly by accident, taking a county position because it shortened his commute and gave him more time with his family. But once inside local government, he discovered work that gave him something his private-sector career hadn't: a deep sense of purpose. Today, as City Manager of Solvang, Randy has helped rebuild an organization following years of leadership turnover, earning recognition from his own staff and peers with the John H. Nail Memorial Award for exceptional leadership. Seth and Randy discuss why leaders can't overcommunicate difficult decisions, how delaying necessary action often makes the eventual pain worse, why serious work should still be fun, and how trust is rebuilt one relationship at a time. They also explore one of Randy's most important realizations from both life and leadership: control is largely an illusion. Leaders cannot control every employee, elected official, resident, circumstance, or outcome. What they can control is how they respond and how effectively they influence what happens next. About Randy Murphy Randy Murphy is the City Manager of Solvang, California, and a longtime public servant whose career has spanned city and county administration, public works, parks and recreation, and executive leadership. Known for his people-first approach, Randy has helped rebuild trust and culture in Solvang while embracing a leadership philosophy centered on influence, resilience, communication, and finding joy in the work of public service. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  2. 1d ago

    381: Book of the Week: The Road Back to You

    Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: The Road Back to You Episode 381 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Seth introduces The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile, a practical primer on the Enneagram, a framework that maps nine distinct ways people are wired, including their core motivations, fears, and blind spots. Seth unpacks why this book lands differently for local government leaders than it does for a typical corporate audience: you don't get to build your team from scratch. You inherit a council or board, career staff, and residents you didn't choose, and you have to lead all of them well anyway. The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  3. 5d ago

    380: Brent Trout: You Can't Do It All

    Brent Trout: You Can't Do It All How the Manager's Job Changes as the Organization Grows Episode 380 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies The skills that make you successful leading a small organization aren't necessarily the same skills you need as the organization grows. Early in his career, Brent Trout was the city administrator of a community of roughly 900 people. Budget. Planning and zoning. Public works. Utilities. If something needed to happen, chances were Brent was involved. Today, as County Manager of Harnett County, North Carolina, Brent helps lead an organization spanning 25 departments. And somewhere along that journey, the job had to change. In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Brent joins Seth to explore what happens when a manager has to move from doing and knowing everything to creating the clarity, accountability, and communication that allow other leaders to lead. Brent shares how Harnett County connects its strategic plan to performance measures and individual department business plans, why consistent communication is essential when leading a complex organization, and how he stays connected to department leaders without trying to run their departments for them. They also discuss an often-overlooked part of local government leadership: the experience residents have when interacting with their government. Because good customer service doesn't mean always saying yes. It means listening. Communicating clearly. Treating people with respect. And remembering that while local government professionals work with these issues every day, residents don't. About Brent Trout Brent Trout is the County Manager of Harnett County, North Carolina, and was named the 2025 County Manager of the Year by the North Carolina City & County Management Association. His more than 30-year local government career has taken him from managing a town of fewer than 1,000 residents to leading increasingly complex cities and county government, including serving as City Manager of Topeka, Kansas. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  4. Sep 1

    379: Joe Ambrosini: Are We Hiring for the Future or Protecting the Past?

    Joe Ambrosini: Are We Hiring for the Future or Protecting the Past? Rethinking the systems standing between local government and great talent Episode 379 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies Local government desperately needs talented people. But are the systems designed to protect our organizations actually making it harder for great people to get through the door? In this episode, Seth Winterhalter talks with Joe Ambrosini, Director of Human Resources for Placer County, California, about local government hiring, public sector recruitment, and the systems standing between great candidates and careers in public service. Joe knows the challenge from both sides. Before entering local government, he was repeatedly passed over because he lacked government experience. Years later, as an HR leader for the City of Long Beach, he helped tackle a 109-year-old civil service hiring system while the city faced nearly a 25% vacancy rate and an average hiring process of seven months. Seth and Joe discuss why government experience can become an unnecessary barrier, how outdated hiring processes drive away talented candidates, why vacancies are ultimately a service-delivery problem, and how HR can become a strategic force for organizational transformation. They also explore Joe's leadership journey across cities, counties, and special districts, the importance of organizational culture, and what leaders can do to build workplaces where talented people want to stay. Are we hiring for the future of local government or protecting the systems of the past? About Joe Ambrosini Joe Ambrosini is the Director of Human Resources for Placer County, California, bringing nearly two decades of HR leadership experience across healthcare and local government. His public-sector career has included leadership roles with Butte County, Cosumnes Community Services District, and the City of Long Beach, where he helped lead significant reforms to the city's century-old civil service hiring system. Joe's work focuses on building stronger organizations by modernizing hiring practices, strengthening labor relationships, and positioning human resources as a strategic partner in organizational transformation. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  5. Aug 31

    378: Book of the Week: Leading Change

    Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: Leading Change Episode 378 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Most change initiatives don't fail because the idea was wrong. They fail because the leadership conditions for change were never actually built. That's the central argument of this week's book in the MLDC, Leading Change by John P. Kotter. Kotter spent decades at Harvard Business School studying organizations attempting major transformation. What he found wasn't a strategy problem. It was a leadership problem. And the eight-step framework he built from that research has shaped how leaders think about organizational change for nearly thirty years. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter walks through why Leading Change should be in your library as a municipal leader and why the constraints of local government make Kotter's framework more relevant, not less. Local government leaders don't have market pressure forcing urgency. They don't have a single building or a shared Slack channel to communicate across. They operate inside complex political environments where the people they most need to influence often don't report to them. Kotter's framework was written for the private sector, but the leadership principles at its core apply with surprising precision to city managers, county administrators, and department heads navigating real transformation in real communities. The MLDC Leadership in local government doesn't get easier as you move up. The decisions get harder. The expectations get higher. And the number of people you can openly process those challenges with gets smaller. The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) gives local government leaders a place to keep growing alongside other professionals who understand the complexity of leading in local government. Inside the MLDC, you'll sharpen how you think, strengthen how you lead, and turn leadership ideas into practical action through: • Monthly Mastermind Sessions with municipal leaders from across North America • Leadership Development built specifically around the realities of local government • Practical Tools & Resources you can immediately apply with your team and organization • Ongoing Learning designed to keep you growing throughout the year You spend every day developing your organization, your employees, and your community. The MLDC is an investment in developing you. → Explore the Municipal Leadership Development Circle: https://haltingwinter.com/mldc/ Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  6. Aug 27

    377: Jennifer Wills: From Parks to Purpose

    Jennifer Wills: From Parks to Purpose Why Community Builders Make Great City Managers Episode 377 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies What if one of the best paths to becoming a great city manager starts in Parks & Recreation? *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, Seth Winterhalter sits down with Jennifer Wills, City Manager of Longview, Washington, whose unconventional journey proves that leadership isn't about climbing a predetermined ladder; it's about saying yes to opportunities, building relationships, and creating places where people belong. Jennifer shares how a childhood spent in municipal recreation programs, an adventurous career as a wilderness ranger, and years leading Parks & Recreation prepared her to lead an entire city. Along the way, she explains why local government is fundamentally about community building, why storytelling is essential to earning public trust, and how leaders can turn skeptics into advocates through vision, resilience, and results. The conversation also explores Jennifer's transition into the city manager's office, the importance of organizational culture, and the emotional responsibility leaders carry when tragedy strikes their community. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned city manager, or someone passionate about strengthening your community, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and inspiring perspective. About Jennifer Wills Jennifer Wills is the City Manager for the City of Longview, Washington. After beginning her career in Parks & Recreation, she spent nearly two decades helping build stronger communities before becoming city manager in 2025. Known for her energy, relationship-centered leadership, and commitment to community engagement, Jennifer is passionate about creating places where people feel they belong while fostering a culture of service, innovation, and trust throughout local government. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  7. Aug 25

    376: Charlie Bush: The Trail to Better Leadership

    Charlie Bush: The Trail to Better Leadership Why Every Leader Needs a Challenge Beyond Work Episode 376 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "7f0aa905-d803-4481-9e44-c1a088a011df" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Charlie Bush returns to The HaltingWinter Podcast for a special conversation nearly three years after sharing his remarkable leadership and resilience journey in Episode 115. This time, the conversation leaves City Hall and heads into the wilderness. After months of preparation, Charlie set out to hike one of the most demanding sections of the Pacific Crest Trail: a personal challenge designed to stretch him physically, mentally, and emotionally. Along the way, he encountered fallen trees, washed-out trails, dangerous creek crossings, wildfires, and countless unexpected obstacles. But what emerged wasn't simply a story about hiking. It became a masterclass in leadership. Charlie shares why every leader needs a challenge outside of work, how difficult experiences build resilience that carries back into the office, and why stepping away may be one of the best investments you can make in both yourself and your organization. Whether you're leading a city, managing a department, or simply looking for a healthier and more sustainable way to lead, this conversation offers practical wisdom on resilience, perspective, and the power of intentional personal growth. About Charlie Bush Charlie Bush serves as the City Administrator for the City of Sedro-Woolley, Washington. A respected municipal leader and advocate for resilience, Charlie is passionate about helping public servants build sustainable careers through intentional leadership, personal wellness, and continuous growth. Outside of City Hall, he's an avid long-distance backpacker whose adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail continue to shape his perspective on leadership, resilience, and life. This Episode is Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software and technology solutions built specifically for local government. From artificial intelligence and resident engagement to budgeting, planning, and public service delivery, Tyler helps communities operate more efficiently and serve residents more effectively. Learn more at https://tylertech.com/winter The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) - The MLDC is a private leadership community designed exclusively for local government professionals. Through practical tools, meaningful conversations, and a nationwide network of peers, members gain the support and perspective needed to lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. https://haltingwinter.com/MLDC Connect With Seth Winterhalter Seth Winterhalter is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and President of HaltingWinter, a national media company dedicated to telling the stories of local government. Through The HaltingWinter Podcast and the nationwide HaltingWinter Tour, he highlights the people and communities shaping America from the ground up, celebrating public servants, strengthening the profession, and inspiring the next generation to pursue lives of purpose and impact through local government. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://www.HaltingWinter.com

  8. Aug 24

    375: Book of the Week: The Obstacle is the Way

    Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – The Obstacle is the Way Episode 375 of The HaltingWinter Podcast _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> Most leadership books are written for leaders who have meaningful control over their environment. Local government isn't that context. Budget constraints, council dynamics, civil service systems, public scrutiny, and inherited dysfunction mean municipal leaders operate inside conditions they cannot fully control, and probably never will. Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is the Way draws on Stoic philosophy to argue that this isn't a problem to solve. It's the point. In this episode, Seth unpacks Holiday's three disciplines — Perception, Action, and Will — and makes the case for why Stoic philosophy may be the most directly applicable leadership framework for local government professionals. The constraint isn't in the way of the strategy. It's where the strategy happens. Join the MLDC The Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC) is a network of local government leaders from across North America, including city/county managers, administrators, and department heads, giving you access to: ✔ A weekly podcast series breaking down one book for municipal applications ✔ Daily blog reflections and implementation tools ✔ Our monthly virtual mastermind sessions ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training for local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at https://HaltingWinter.com/MLDC Resources Mentioned Book: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: https://HaltingWinter.com

See All (383)

About

The HaltingWinter Podcast tells the stories of the people who keep our communities running. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, keynote speaker, storyteller, and founder of HaltingWinter Media, the podcast features candid conversations with city managers, county administrators, department directors, elected officials, and public servants from across the country. Each episode goes beyond policies and procedures to explore leadership, culture, innovation, public service, and the personal journeys of those entrusted with serving their communities. You'll hear stories of resilience, purpose, difficult decisions, meaningful impact, and the lessons that shape exceptional leaders. Whether you work in local government, aspire to public service, or simply want a deeper appreciation for the people behind the places we call home, The HaltingWinter Podcast offers thoughtful conversations that inform, challenge, and inspire. Because America runs on local government. We're here to tell its story.

Information

  • Creator
    Seth Winterhalter
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    383
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The HaltingWinter Podcast

You Might Also Like