All Episodes
Episodes
Episode 48 - Alan Guard
"People come first for a reason!" — Alan Guard
Today we are joined by Alan Guard, Deputy City Manager of Brownsville, Texas. Alan shares his journey through city management, emphasizing the importance of showing...
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Episode 47 - Austin Bleess
We are excited to welcome Austin Bleess, the City Manager of Jersey Village, TX. In this episode, Chad and Austin discuss their recent sabbaticals and how to prepare yourself and your team for success. They also...
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Episode 46 - Micah Grau
Today's guest is Micah Grau, the City Manager of Buda, TX! He shares his love for Buda and thoughtful insights on how cities can grow intentionally. Micah emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and...
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Episode 45 - Brent Parker
In today’s episode we sit down with Brent Parker, the city manager of Wylie, TX. He shares his personal journey navigating mental health within emergency services and public service. Brent discusses the power of...
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Rewind Episode 17 - Becca Miears
How can we be more intentional about building relationships across our organizations? Today we have a conversation with Becca Miears, the HR Director from New Braunfels, TX. Becca discusses the importance of caring...
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Episode 44 - Brad Stafford
Today, we’re excited to have Brad Stafford with us! Brad is the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities for the city of Bryan, TX. He shares the heartfelt passion that drives public servants to make their...
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Episode 43 - Jack Thompson
Join us in this episode as Jack Thompson, City Manager of La Grange, TX, shares his fascinating journey from aspiring zoo keeper to public service. He shares the importance of intentional growth, the value of...
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Episode 42 - Phil Kiraly
In this episode, we speak with Phil Kiraly, Village Manager of the Village of Glencoe, IL, about his insights on why building trust and a positive culture is so important, both internally and with the public. Phil...
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Episode 41 - 2025 TCMA Conference Live: Part 2
Welcome to part two of our first Leading Thriving Cities Live! This episode continues after part one (Episode 40), which was also captured live at the 2025 TCMA Conference. Join us as we dive into various breaking...
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Episode 40 - 2025 TCMA Conference Live: Part 1
We are thrilled to share the premiere of our very first Leading Thriving Cities Live! This live recording has been split into two episodes. This special episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the 2025...
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Rewind Episode 13 - Sara Costlow
Can public service be fun? In today’s episode, we sit down for a wonderful discussion with Sara Costlow, Assistant City Manager of Deer Park, Texas. Sara shares her journey in city management, overcoming personal...
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Episode 39 - Emily Crawford Returns!
We're thrilled to welcome back our first return guest, Emily Crawford, in this exciting episode of Leading Thriving Cities! Formerly the City Manager of Brownwood, Texas, Emily is now the City Manager in Abilene,...
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