261: Thanksgiving Special: The Table That Serves Us All
The Table That Serves Us All Thanksgiving Special 2025 Episode 261 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies For most people, Thanksgiving centers around one table—the one filled with family, food, and the stories we share. But there's another table that rarely gets noticed. A table that holds up entire communities. A table built—not with wood and nails—but with early mornings, late nights, and the steady commitment of public servants who choose to show up every single day. In this Thanksgiving Special, Seth Winterhalter steps away from the interview format to speak directly to the people who keep cities and counties running. From public works crews in the trenches to clerks safeguarding democracy, from utility teams keeping water flowing to city managers carrying the weight of constant decision-making, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to every role that makes public life possible. If you're a local government leader or someone who serves behind the scenes, this episode is for you. It's a thank you—long overdue and deeply earned. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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260: Paul Nerland: The Leader Who Never Stopped Listening
Paul Nerland: The Leader Who Never Stopped Listening The Hidden Power of Paying Attention Episode 260 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies What happens when a leader treats listening not as a courtesy, but as a strategy? In this episode, Paul Nerland—CEO of Fresno County—opens the door to a different kind of public-sector leadership: one grounded in humility, clarity, and a deep respect for the people who make local government work. Paul shares his journey from Calgary to California, from HR to CAO, and the lessons that shaped how he leads one of the largest and most complex counties in America. His approach is simple but rare: pay attention, ask better questions, and don't pretend you already know the answers. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed specifically for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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1:25:28
259: Book of the Week: Made to Stick
Show Notes: MLDC Book of the Week – Made to StickEpisode 259 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Ever leave a meeting absolutely convinced your message was crystal clear, only to find out no one remembers it two weeks later? The problem isn't attention. It's stickiness. In this episode, Seth Winterhalter translates the insights from Chip and Dan Heath's Made to Stick to public sector realities, showing why even brilliant ideas die when buried under complexity. From city hall presentations to community engagement plans, he explores the six traits that make ideas memorable—Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Stories—and why mastering them can turn your communication into culture. Join the MLDC for the Complete 5-Part Series 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 live, weekly, virtual mastermind session ✔ Monthly webinars with relevant training from local gov leaders ➡ Learn more at www.HaltingWinter.com Resources Mentioned Book: Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath MLDC Info: www.haltingwinter.com/mldc Connect with Seth LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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258: Micah Gaudet: From Accidental MPA to Intentional Leader
Micah Gaudet: From Accidental MPA to Intentional Leader When your next step isn't planned but is still purposeful Episode 258 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies Micah Gaudet never set out to work in city management. He "accidentally" earned an MPA on his way to a career in intelligence. But from the Army to Ohio's Department of Public Safety to a small Arizona border town, each unexpected turn shaped his perspective on leadership, culture, and purpose. Now serving as Deputy City Manager in Maricopa, Arizona, Micah shares how self-awareness, humility, and faith turned career detours into a deliberate path toward impact. His story is both a mirror and a map for leaders navigating their own unpredictable journeys in local government. Micah's New Book: Fragile Systems: An Ecological Approach to AI in Government Micah's AI Company: Civic Innovation AI Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
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257: Matt Stiles: The Grace to Leave and the Grit to Return
Matt Stiles: The Grace to Leave and the Grit to ReturnReclaiming Purpose and Possibility in the Middle of Municipal Chaos Episode 257 of The HaltingWinter Podcast Brought to you by Tyler Technologies Matt Stiles' story isn't polished; it's powerful. Raised in poverty, shaped by hardship, and driven by a deep sense of purpose, Matt's journey from a small Kansas town to city administrator reveals what it really means to serve with heart. In this episode, Matt shares how growing up with a mother battling mental illness and living through poverty gave him an empathy that now defines his leadership. From the challenges of managing debt-heavy development projects to rebuilding trust after political fallout, he's learned that leadership isn't about perfection; it's about perseverance. After walking away from city management to protect his health and family, Matt found a way back—refreshed, refocused, and ready to lead again. His story is a masterclass in humility, recovery, and rediscovering why public service still matters. Sponsored by: Tyler Technologies – the nation's leading provider of software designed for the public sector. Learn more at tylertech.com/winter Connect with Seth Winterhalter LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethwinterhalter Website: www.HaltingWinter.com
The HaltingWinter Podcast offers insights and strategies for city managers and municipal leaders to transform their leadership, energize their teams, and revitalize their municipalities. Hosted by Seth Winterhalter, President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, we explore innovative approaches to balance personal well-being with professional growth while cultivating a vibrant workplace culture.
Discover how to lead with purpose, navigate complex challenges, and deliver exceptional results for your community. Each episode provides actionable advice to help you thrive in the unique landscape of municipal leadership.
Whether you're a seasoned city manager or new to municipal leadership, this podcast is your resource for personal and professional growth. Tune in and join our mission of making stronger cities through stronger leaders.
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