Shock Talk

In this special Parks and Recreation Month episode of Shock Talk , host Cara Elbert sits down with her husband Jared Elbert, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Grandview, Missouri, to explore how public spaces are more than just places to play—they’re vital infrastructure for building healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient communities. From equity in park access to climate-smart...

In this special episode of Shock Talk , Sheila Shockey sits down with Tawn Nugent—Associate Partner at Trekk Design Group and President of WTS-KC and APWA-KC—to talk equity in engineering. From mentorship to DEI under pressure, they explore the challenges and triumphs of building inclusive infrastructure and empowering future leaders. Celebrate National Women in Engineering Day with us and discove...

In this episode of Shock Talk: The Future of Local Government , host Sheila Shockey sits down with new Shockey team member Jeffrey Williams, a seasoned expert in historic preservation and city planning. From the boulevards of Kansas City to the historic districts of New York, Jeffrey brings a wealth of experience and insight into how storytelling and preservation intersect to shape community ident...

Sheila Shockey (Founder & CEO) and Grant Mayfield (Public Administration Consultant) join the mic to share their recent conversation on the GovLove podcast—now streaming here for our listeners! 🎙️ In this episode, they explore the future of local government, what it means to be a futurist in the public sector, and the trends shaping communities across the country. Sheila and Grant also reflect...

In this insightful episode of Shock Talk: The Future of Local Government , host Sheila Shockey, Founder, CEO, and Futurist at Shockey Consulting, sits down with retired utility executive Mike Armstrong, former General Manager of WaterOne. Together, they dive deep into the vital role transparency plays in public decision-making and community trust.

In this episode of Shock Talk: The Future of Local Government , Sheila Shockey sits down with Damon Hodges, City Administrator of Raytown, Missouri, to discuss how his community secured voter-approved bonds to revitalize critical infrastructure. With over 20 years of experience in infrastructure and public works, Damon shares insights into navigating funding challenges, fostering community trust,...

In this episode of Shock Talk: The Future of Local Government , host Sheila Shockey, founder and CEO of Shockey Consulting, dives into the power of curiosity in leadership. Joined by Molly Saunders, an organizational performance leader and licensed therapist with years of public administration experience, Sheila explores why curiosity is more than just a personality trait—it's a critical leadershi...

In this episode of Shock Talk: The Future of Local Government , Sheila Shockey and Steve Arbo dive into how elected officials and city staff can create lasting impact by making their meetings more efficient and focusing on long-term, big ideas. From consent agendas to managing crises, Steve offers valuable tips on building trust, navigating challenges, and fostering strategic thinking. Perfect for...

Join host Sheila Shockey, Shockey CEO and Futurist, as she welcomes Walter Denton, City Administrator of O’Fallon, IL, who’s been in local government for 30 years, as they discuss trends associated with value-based leadership. Successful leaders know what their values are, stick with them, and are ethical in their actions. Walter shares the three things he thinks about when he makes a decision tha...

In this episode of "ShockTalk: Future of Local Government," host Sheila Shockey explores the critical role of trust and credibility in the success of infrastructure projects. Joining her is Jeff Henson, a seasoned engineer from Black & Veatch, who brings decades of experience and invaluable insights into stakeholder engagement. Join us for a deep dive into the strategies that ensure...