Community Catalysts

Matt Lehrman

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.

  1. 2d ago

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

    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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  2. Jul 21

    "From Cowboy to Cow Man" with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon

    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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  3. Jul 14

    "Beyond Advocacy" with Liz Campos, Ventura City Councilmember

    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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  4. Jul 7

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

    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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  5. Jun 30

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

    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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  6. Jun 23

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

    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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  7. Jun 16

    "Failing Without Becoming a Failure" with Wayne Handley, Interim City Manager, City of Buena Vista, VA

    What happens when a leader holds someone accountable without diminishing them? In Part 2 of this conversation, Wayne Handley shares a formative experience from early in his law enforcement career that continues to shape how he leads today. What began as a professional mistake became a powerful lesson in mentorship, trust, and leadership. Drawing on his experiences in law enforcement, counseling, and local government, Wayne reflects on emotional intelligence, workplace stress, and the responsibility leaders have to develop the people around them. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about authority. It is about helping others grow, recover from setbacks, and become their best selves.   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: MattLehrman Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

  8. Jun 9

    "Sometimes the Mission is Team Welfare" with Wayne Handley, Interim City Manager, City of Buena Vista, VA

    What is a leader's first responsibility?  Drawing on lessons from the Marine Corps, law enforcement, counseling, and local government, Wayne Handley, PhD, shares one of the most important insights of his leadership journey: leaders are responsible for both mission accomplishment and the welfare of their people. And sometimes, the mission is the welfare of the people. In this first part of a two-part conversation, Wayne reflects on leading a police department through low morale, internal division, and diminished public trust. He shares practical lessons about rebuilding culture, earning trust, developing people, and modeling the behavior leaders hope to see in others. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the power of investing in people.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Lehrman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Community Catalysts