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. 2d ago

    395: Jennifer Miller: "No" Is the Lazy Answer

    Jennifer Miller: "No" Is the Lazy Answer Breaking Silos and Building a Culture That Solves Problems Episode 396 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies "No" is often the easiest answer in government. It gets the issue off your desk, protects the process, and keeps things moving. But as Jennifer Miller, Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County, Virginia, puts it: "No is the lazy answer." Great leadership requires something harder: helping people understand what is possible, breaking through organizational silos, and creating a culture where people are empowered to solve problems. In this episode, Jennifer joins Seth to explore what she learned through more than two decades of military and federal service and how those lessons translate into local government leadership. They discuss why residents don't care whose department owns the problem, how cross-functional teams can become powerful "silo busters," why leaders must protect employees who take creative risks, and the responsibility professional staff have to enable informed decision-making. It's a conversation about moving beyond bureaucracy as an excuse and building organizations designed to collaborate, innovate, and get things done. About Jennifer Miller Jennifer Miller is the Deputy County Executive for Fairfax County, Virginia, where she helps lead one of the largest local governments in the country. Before joining Fairfax County, Jennifer spent more than two decades serving in senior civilian leadership roles with the Department of the Air Force while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. Her career has spanned law, real estate, infrastructure, environmental policy, military service, and executive leadership, giving her a unique perspective on leading complex, mission-driven organizations. Jennifer will also be presenting the education session "Mission Driven Leadership: Veterans Building Trust and Integrity in Local Government" on Sunday, October 18th. The session will explore how military experience translates into local government leadership, how communities can better recognize the skills veterans bring, and how veterans can translate their experience for careers in cities and counties. 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): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open through October 31st at 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. 4d ago

    394: Melissa Marsh: Being Capable Doesn't Mean Carrying It All

    Melissa Marsh: Being Capable Doesn't Mean Carrying It All How to Step Up, Speak Up, and Protect Your Capacity Episode 394 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies The people who rise in local government are often the ones willing to step up, take on more, and solve problems no one asked them to solve. But what happens when everyone gets so used to you carrying more that they stop noticing how much you're carrying? Melissa Marsh, City Manager of Madison Heights, Michigan, shares how her willingness to raise her hand opened doors throughout her career and why she eventually had to learn to advocate for her own value and protect her capacity. Melissa and Seth also talk about why high performers can become invisible, making decisions without getting trapped in bureaucracy, taking ownership of your professional development, and setting boundaries at the city manager level. Melissa also shares the story behind Madison Heights' Business Bus Tour and how getting city leaders out of City Hall and into local businesses helped build stronger relationships and trust throughout the community. About Melissa Marsh Melissa Marsh is the City Manager of Madison Heights, Michigan. Beginning her local government career in finance, Melissa steadily expanded her leadership responsibilities across human resources, information technology, library services, and administration before becoming City Manager. Her career reflects a willingness to step up, keep learning, and take on new challenges while building a more connected and responsive organization If you're attending the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, you can also hear Melissa during the education session "The Road to Trust: How a Business Bus Tour Built Collaboration and Community" on Monday, October 19th. 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): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open through October 31st at 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

  3. 5d ago

    393: Book of the Week: The Anatomy of Peace

    Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: The Anatomy of Peace Episode 393 of The HaltingWinter Podcast This week's book centers on an unlikely pairing: Yusuf, a Palestinian, and Avi, an Israeli, each of whom lost his father to the other side's conflict. Rather than let that history define them, they built a program together for resolving conflicts that seem permanent: the kind where both sides are certain, with real evidence, that they're the reasonable one. That's the premise behind The Anatomy of Peace, by the Arbinger Institute, and it's a book every local government leader should sit with. The core claim is uncomfortable but hard to argue with: most of the conflicts we think are being caused by the other person are actually being sustained by how we've already decided to see them. Council dynamics, staff conflict, community pushback...these patterns show up everywhere municipal leadership actually happens. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter gets into why this book landed differently than most leadership reading we've worked through in the MLDC, what the "heart at war vs. heart at peace" distinction actually means in practice, and why the fix isn't a better tactic — it's a different way of seeing the person in front of you. If you've got a relationship at work that's stuck and you can't quite tell whose fault it is, this one's worth your five minutes. 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

  4. Oct 1

    392: Meredith Reynolds: When Excellence Becomes the Problem

    Meredith Reynolds: When Excellence Becomes the Problem Why Great Leaders Have to Learn When Good Enough Is Enough Episode 392 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies For high-achieving leaders, excellence can feel like the standard for everything. But what happens when giving everything your best starts getting in the way of leading well? In this episode, Seth sits down with Meredith Reynolds, Deputy City Manager for the City of Long Beach, California, for a conversation about perfectionism, capacity, vulnerability, and learning to let go without caring less. Meredith shares how her career has been shaped by curiosity and a willingness to say yes, including stepping into an unexpected leadership role during COVID that ultimately changed the trajectory of her career. She also opens up about the harder lessons that come with increased responsibility: recognizing that not everything deserves the same amount of energy, being honest when you're not at 100%, and learning that "good enough" can sometimes be excellent leadership. Seth and Meredith also discuss developing the next generation of local government leaders, the importance of cross-functional experiences, finding joy in public service, and why no one in local government should have to lead alone. About Meredith Reynolds Meredith Reynolds serves as Deputy City Manager and Acting Director of Technology & Innovation for the City of Long Beach, California. Her career has spanned sustainability, parks and recreation, innovation, technology, and pandemic recovery. She is also deeply involved with ELGL and co-hosts the GovLove podcast. If you're attending the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, you can also hear Meredith during the education session "Don't Ask Alice: Advice from Leaders Who Have Learned to Let Go and Not Give AF" on Tuesday, October 20th. 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): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open through October 31st at 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. Sep 29

    391: Makenzie Lyons: When Your Strengths Become Your Weaknesses

    Makenzie Lyons: When Your Strengths Become Your Weaknesses Why Leadership Growth Often Requires a Reboot Episode 391 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies What if the very strengths that helped you become successful are now holding you back as a leader? Makenzie Lyons, City Administrator of Winnsboro, Texas, joins Seth to talk about her unconventional journey into local government and the leadership transformation that followed. Makenzie shares how resilience, independence, decisiveness, and control helped her navigate difficult circumstances and advance professionally, but eventually began affecting her ability to build relationships and lead effectively. A pivotal conversation with her mayor forced Makenzie to consider a difficult possibility: "You might be the problem." That realization began a journey toward greater self-awareness, learning to lead in the gray, changing her response instead of blaming the circumstances, and understanding the patterns beneath her leadership. Makenzie will also bring this conversation to the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach through her session, "Control Alt Delete: How to Do a Leadership Reboot." About Makenzie Lyons Makenzie Lyons is the City Administrator for Winnsboro, Texas. Her unconventional path into local government has included roles in dispatch, municipal court, banking, and city administration. Known for her resilience and commitment to personal growth, Makenzie is passionate about helping leaders develop the self-awareness needed to build stronger relationships, lead more effectively, and recognize when the behaviors that once served them may be holding them back. 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): Leadership shouldn't be carried alone. The MLDC is evolving in 2027 with practical leadership development and new, role-specific Mastermind cohorts designed to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders who understand your challenges. Mastermind applications are open through October 31st at 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

  6. Sep 28

    390: Book of the Week: The Culture Map

    Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week: The Culture Map Episode 390 of The HaltingWinter Podcast When was the last time you walked out of a meeting wondering why a completely reasonable conversation landed so badly with someone else? It might not be personality...it might be culture. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter digs into Erin Meyer's The Culture Map and what her research on cross-cultural business communication reveals about the everyday friction inside local government: the department heads who read each other wrong, the feedback that backfires, the decisions that blow up even when they're technically sound. Local government sits at more of these cultural fault lines than almost any other line of work, and once you can name the pattern, you can navigate it. 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

  7. Sep 24

    389: Marketa Oliver: Who Says We Have to Do It That Way?

    Marketa Oliver: Who Says We Have to Do It That Way? How Creative Leadership Is Changing Local Government Episode 389 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies What happens when local government leaders stop asking, "How have we always done it?" and start asking, "What if?" Marketa Oliver, City Administrator of Bondurant, Iowa, joins Seth to talk about creative leadership, calculated risk, and building community through periods of rapid growth. From economic development and adaptive reuse to technology, AI, and creating a culture where employees have permission to try new things, Marketa shares how local government leaders can challenge assumptions without losing sight of the people they serve. It's a conversation about innovation in local government, embracing change, and having the courage to imagine a better way. About Marketa Oliver Marketa Oliver is the City Administrator of Bondurant, Iowa, and an experienced local government leader whose career has included leadership roles in Bondurant, Norwalk, and Windsor Heights, as well as service with the State of Iowa. Known for her creative approach to community development, economic development, and organizational leadership, Marketa has helped communities navigate growth while protecting the character and connections that make them unique. She has also taught public finance and budgeting at Drake University and has been recognized multiple times through ICMA's Local Government Excellence Awards. 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. Sep 22

    388: Mark Jackson: You Can Be Right and Still Get It Wrong

    Mark Jackson: You Can Be Right and Still Get It Wrong Why Municipal Leadership Requires More Than Knowing the Answer Episode 388 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Sponsored by Tyler Technologies Being right isn't enough. After more than three decades as a city administrator, Mark Jackson has learned that successful local government leadership requires more than technical expertise. It requires judgment, communication, relationships, and the humility to recognize that you might be wrong. In this episode, Mark and Seth discuss the art and science of city management, why leaders should "design the system as if you are wrong," how trust creates the ability to move a community forward, and the simple question Mark uses to evaluate difficult decisions: What benefit, for which people, at what cost? It's a conversation about longevity, decision-making, community relationships, and the lessons that only come from decades of leading in local government. About Mark Jackson Mark Jackson is the City Administrator for Story City, Iowa, where he has served for more than three decades. Throughout his career, Mark has helped lead significant community and economic development efforts while building a reputation for relationship-driven, practical local government leadership. He has also served as president of the Iowa City/County Management Association and is the most recent recipient of the Joe Lukehart Award, presented by the Iowa City/County Management Association in recognition of his contributions to the profession. 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

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

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
    396
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The HaltingWinter Podcast

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