Still Reaching

Host Matt Lehrman

"Still reaching"

Today marks the 100th episode of Community Catalysts, and I find myself reflecting not just on the conversations themselves but on what they reveal about leadership, community, and the work of continuing to reach toward something better together.

One hundred episodes ago, Community Catalysts began with a simple idea: create a space where civic leaders could speak candidly about the realities of leadership, service, and community.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with mayors, councilmembers, school board leaders, city managers, nonprofit executives, public safety leaders, educators, and others from communities across the country. Some conversations have been hopeful. Some have been difficult. Many have been deeply personal. All of them have reinforced something important: leadership is rarely about perfection. More often, it’s about showing up, listening, learning, and continuing to reach toward something better together.

This week’s episode is a little different. Rather than featuring a guest interview, I’m sharing a personal reflection about what these conversations have taught me.

The episode centers on a childhood memory of reaching for the brass ring on a carousel and how that feeling of striving, stretching, and growing connects to the work of leadership and community-building today.

Most importantly, I want to say thank you.

Thank you to every guest who trusted me enough to share your experiences openly and thoughtfully. Your stories, insights, and honesty are what have made this podcast meaningful.

And thank you to everyone who listens, shares episodes, sends encouragement, and helps these conversations continue to grow. Community Catalysts exists because people believe these discussions matter.

As we look ahead to the next 100 episodes, I’m always interested in hearing from leaders who have something meaningful to share about public service, leadership, collaboration, trust, or the work of strengthening communities. If that sounds like you—or someone you know—I’d genuinely welcome the conversation. A simple guest questionnaire is available at www.CatalystGuest.us and is the best place to begin.

The future of our communities depends on our willingness to keep listening, keep learning, and keep reaching together.

Listen to the 100th episode now on Apple Podcasts and all streaming platforms.

I’d truly love to hear what you appreciate most about the Community Catalysts podcast—favorite moments, meaningful lessons, encouragement, reflections, or simply why you listen. Please call and leave a message: 602-688-2724