Community Catalysts

• “Care over Fear” with Rebecca StClair, Vice Mayor of Muskegon, MI

  What does it take to stand firm in the face of outrage—even when it costs you friendships, safety, and peace of mind? Rebecca StClair, Vice Mayor and Commissioner at Large for Muskegon, Michigan, shares what it’s like to step into local leadership and almost immediately face protests, national scrutiny, and personal attacks over a deeply controversial land sale. But this isn’t just a story of conflict—it’s a story of conviction, resilience, and a deep love for community. Rebecca talks openly about balancing civic duty with personal values, how fear almost kept her from running, and why she chose to lead anyway. From her city’s post-industrial transformation to the ethics of difficult decisions, she offers a powerful reflection on what grounded, principled leadership looks like in the real world. Listen in to hear what it means to care more than you fear—and to keep showing up for a community that’s learning to rise together.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• “Advocacy is Leadership” with Brian Stephens, CEO of Caissa K12

  Public schools are no longer the default—and that means they must no longer assume that their value speaks for itself. In this episode, Brian Stephens, CEO of Caissa K12, joins Community Catalysts with a clear call to action: if districts want families to choose them, they must speak up with purpose, clarity, and conviction. Brian shares what it takes for school leaders to break out of a compliance mindset and step boldly into advocacy—energizing their message, engaging their communities, and reclaiming the narrative about public education’s purpose and power. With a background in psychology, law, and political strategy, Brian brings a uniquely sharp and disciplined approach to the work of public education advocacy. This conversation is a charge to act—and an invitation to lead with both strategy and heart.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here    Listen to Brian’s Podcast: Public Education Unfiltered Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• "Trust the Process” with David Tarter, Executive Director, Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship, George Mason University

  What does collaborative leadership really look like? David Tarter shares lessons from five terms as Mayor of Falls Church, Virginia—including leading a major high school redevelopment and coordinating Northern Virginia’s COVID response. Now at George Mason University, he’s helping shape the next generation of community builders. In this episode, David reflects on the power of patience, vision, and public engagement to drive meaningful progress.  This episode is made possible by the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• The Weights We Carry: A Labor Day Reflection on Leadership and Purpose

  This special episode of Community Catalysts offers something different: no guest, no interview—just a moment of pause. As Labor Day approaches and a new school year begins, host Matt Lehrman shares a personal essay honoring the burdens school leaders carry every day. From public scrutiny to policy strain, from emotional fatigue to civic responsibility, this reflection speaks not only to school board members and administrators, but to all who serve their communities with integrity and resolve. If you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership—this one’s for you.   LINKS Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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• "When the Tornado Hit" with Mayor Jonas Anderson, Cave City, Arkansas

  On March 14, 2025, an EF-3 tornado tore through Cave City, Arkansas, devastating homes, businesses, and infrastructure. But recovery didn’t begin in offices or press briefings—it began in the dark, with neighbors wielding chainsaws and community leaders figuring it out in real time. Now, just over four months later, Mayor Jonas Anderson offers a thorough and candid debrief of what it took to lead through crisis. In this instructive and extended conversation, he recounts the urgency of those first hours, the practical challenges of coordinating volunteers, the realities of local, state, and federal response, and the unexpected symbolism of a crumpled welcome sign that still lights up at night. This is a story of responsibility, resilience, and what it truly means to show up for your community when it matters most. LINKS Listen now to Mayor Anderson’s 8/20/24 interview   Ask a Question or Leave a Comment:  602-688-2724 Send Matt a Note:  [email protected]  Apply to Be a Podcast Guest:  Click Here     Follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Produced by Social Prosperity Partners

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