
Unmuted: Voices of Leaders
by Kellye Mazzoli & Charisse Deschenes
Is this your podcast?Kellye Mazzoli and Charisse Deschenes are independent podcast creators known for their engaging discussions on leadership within local government and public service. With a focus on fostering authentic conversations, they aim to illuminate …
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Audience Interest
- leadership in local government
- navigating burnout
Podcast Focus
- real conversations about leadership
- challenges and wins in leadership
Publishing Consistency
- 32 episodes released
- active for 1 year
Platform Reach
- available on major podcast platforms
- growing listener base
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
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N/A🎙 Weekly cadence·32 episodes·Last published 5mo ago - Monthly Reach
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Recent episodes
Beyond the Influence: Redefining Leadership and Identity without Alcohol
Dec 29, 2025
25m 26s
A Real UNMUTED Holiday Conversation
Dec 22, 2025
40m 52s
Inside the City Executive Circle: A Private Space for City Leaders
Dec 15, 2025
22m 27s
The Art of Changing and Finding Clarity in Transition
Dec 8, 2025
24m 09s
From City Management to Entrepreneurship
Dec 1, 2025
40m 29s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/29/25 | ![]() Beyond the Influence: Redefining Leadership and Identity without Alcohol✨ | leadershipalcohol-free lifestyle+4 | — | — | — | leadershipalcohol+7 | — | 25m 26s | |
| 12/22/25 | ![]() A Real UNMUTED Holiday Conversation✨ | holiday celebrationsleadership lessons+5 | — | — | — | holidayleadership+7 | — | 40m 52s | |
| 12/15/25 | ![]() Inside the City Executive Circle: A Private Space for City Leaders✨ | leadershipcity management+3 | — | City Executive CircleCity Boss Coach | — | city executivesleadership isolation+3 | — | 22m 27s | |
| 12/8/25 | ![]() The Art of Changing and Finding Clarity in Transition✨ | transitionsleadership+4 | — | — | — | transitionsleadership roles+7 | — | 24m 09s | |
| 12/1/25 | ![]() From City Management to Entrepreneurship✨ | city managemententrepreneurship+4 | — | city management | — | city managemententrepreneurship+5 | — | 40m 29s | |
| 11/24/25 | ![]() Taking and Holding Space: Leadership in Action✨ | leadershipholding space+5 | — | — | — | leadershipholding space+8 | — | 14m 57s | |
| 11/17/25 | ![]() Family Ties: Setting Boundaries for Holiday Peace✨ | work-life balanceholiday stress+3 | — | — | — | holiday stresswork-life balance+3 | — | 22m 13s | |
| 11/10/25 | ![]() Post Election Hangover: What Happens After the Votes Are In✨ | post-election transitionleadership challenges+5 | — | — | — | post-election hangoverleadership+5 | — | 27m 12s | |
| 11/3/25 | ![]() Keeping that Post Conference Glow Alive✨ | conference glowenergy maintenance+4 | — | — | — | conference glowenergy+4 | — | 20m 18s | |
| 10/27/25 | ![]() Hope is Not Naive: Optimism, Pessimism, and Leadership✨ | leadershipoptimism+5 | — | — | — | leadershipoptimism+5 | — | 13m 32s | |
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| 10/20/25 | ![]() Structure, Freedom, and Leadership Energy | Kellye and Charisse explore the complex relationship between structure and freedom in leadership. They discuss the importance of finding a balance between being overly structured and too loose, emphasizing that both extremes can lead to feelings of being stuck. The conversation delves into the concepts of outer and inner structure, the rhythm framework of anchors, focus blocks, and margins, and the necessity of adapting one's structure to align with personal energy and creativity. Ultimately, they advocate for a dynamic approach to structure that supports individual growth and well-being.TakeawaysBoth too much and too little structure can lead to feeling stuck.Structure should feel personal and designed around your energy.Outer structure is visible; inner structure is about mindset and clarity.Structure is not the goal; it should support your growth.Margins in your schedule are essential for creativity and renewal.Understanding your energy patterns can help in structuring your day.Seasons of life require different types of structure.Integration of all life pieces is more important than balance.Structure should adapt as you evolve in your leadership journey.Creating a rhythm in your life leads to sustainable leadership.Chapters00:00 Navigating Structure in Leadership02:52 The Balance of Control and Capacity05:38 Understanding Outer and Inner Structure08:13 The Rhythm Framework: Anchors, Focus Blocks, and Margins11:26 Seasons of Structure: Adapting to Change14:17 Energy Over Time: Finding Your Flow16:50 Integrating Structure and Rhythm19:37 Conclusion: Structure as Support, Not Constraint | 22m 02s | ||||||
| 10/13/25 | ![]() The Leader Within: Seeing Yourself Clearly | Charisse and Kellye explore the deeper aspects of leadership, focusing on self-awareness, the inner story of leaders, the impact of their presence on teams, and the importance of personal growth. They emphasize that true leadership is about serving others and understanding how one's leadership style affects those around them. The conversation encourages leaders to reflect on their own experiences and the emotional footprint they leave behind, ultimately guiding them towards more intentional and effective leadership practices.TakeawaysLeadership is about self-awareness and understanding your inner story.Your leadership style impacts how others experience you.Helping others rise is a key accomplishment for leaders.Awareness builds trust faster than any speech or vision statement.Leaders should own the emotional footprint they leave behind.Effective leaders protect their well-being to avoid burnout.Leadership is a practice of awareness, not just performance.Understanding your impact can lead to more intentional leadership.Your growth edge is where you are still learning to grow.Asking 'What's it like to be led by you?' can transform your leadership approach.Chapters00:00 The Leader Within: A New Perspective06:34 Understanding Impact: The Ripple Effect of Leadership11:26 Growth Edge: Evolving as a Leader | 16m 24s | ||||||
| 10/6/25 | ![]() Leadership Lessons from Paw Paw: The Art of Being Scrappy | In this heartfelt episode, Charisse helps Kellye share the profound impact her grandfather, Paw Paw, had on her life and leadership philosophy. As Kellye reflects on his legacy, she highlights the lessons of scrappiness, resourcefulness, and the importance of humor in leadership. Through personal anecdotes, Kellye illustrates how Paw Paw's unconditional love and support shaped her understanding of leadership and resilience. This conversation serves as a tribute to the values he instilled in her and the lasting influence he has on her approach to life and work.TakeawaysPaw Paw embodied the essence of being scrappy in leadership.Scrappiness means doing whatever it takes to accomplish something.Resourcefulness is key; it's not always about strength.Humor plays a vital role in leadership and problem-solving.Leadership is not about perfection; it's about persistence.You can rearrange and adapt to fit your goals.Unconditional love fosters confidence and belief in oneself.Every challenge can be approached with creativity and flexibility.The importance of community and helping others in need.Leadership requires humanity and understanding. Chapters00:00 Remembering Paw Paw: A Personal Tribute04:36 The Meaning of Being Scrappy06:21 Lessons in Resourcefulness and Flexibility09:26 Helping Others: Paw Paw's Legacy of Service11:28 Life Lessons from a Car Accident14:03 Leadership Beyond Perfection15:19 The Unconditional Love of Paw Paw16:23 Final Thoughts: Leadership with Humor | 17m 41s | ||||||
| 9/29/25 | ![]() Election Season: Strategies to Prepare Staff and Onboard Council | Charisse and Kellye discuss the complexities of election season, sometimes known as 'silly season.' They explore the challenges faced by public service staff, the importance of preparation, and the need for clear communication and policies. The conversation covers scenario planning for potential election outcomes, effective onboarding for new councils, managing project timelines, and navigating the use of public resources. The episode emphasizes the significance of maintaining public trust and neutrality during politically charged times.TakeawaysSilly season refers to the election period when public service work is scrutinized.Neutrality is not just a best practice; it's a legal requirement.Preparing staff early is crucial for navigating election season.Scenario planning can help anticipate changes in council dynamics.Tools like the three horizons framework aid in strategic foresight.Onboarding new councils should start well before elections.Project timelines may need to be adjusted during election season.Public resources cannot be used for political purposes.Building public trust requires transparency and credibility.Staff should be supported and protected during stressful election periods.Chapters00:00 Understanding Silly Season in Local Government02:23 Preparing Staff for Election Season04:45 Onboarding New Councils Effectively07:40 Strategizing Project Management During Elections10:02 Navigating Public Resources and Facilities12:50 Maintaining Public Trust and Neutrality15:23 Key Takeaways for Election Season | 29m 19s | ||||||
| 9/22/25 | ![]() Don't Give A Ding: Turning Off Notifications, Turning On Productivity | Kellye and Charisse discuss the detrimental effects of constant notifications on focus and decision-making for city leaders. They explore the neuroscience behind distractions, the concept of decision fatigue, and the importance of creating a culture that prioritizes deep work. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for managing distractions, including auditing notifications, batching tasks, and establishing boundaries to reclaim focus and enhance leadership effectiveness.TakeawaysConstant notifications create a dopamine loop that distracts the brain.It takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction.Burnout is often a result of mental fatigue from constant interruptions.95% of notifications are not urgent and can be ignored.Leaders model behavior for their teams, impacting organizational culture.Setting boundaries around notifications can improve focus and productivity.Auditing notifications helps identify which are beneficial and which are distracting.Batching tasks can help maintain focus and reduce interruptions.Creating rituals for deep work can enhance creativity and problem-solving.Turning off notifications can significantly reduce decision fatigue.Chapters00:00 The Impact of Notifications on Focus10:41 Strategies for Managing Distractions20:50 Reclaiming Leadership Through Focus | 22m 04s | ||||||
| 9/22/25 | ![]() Can You Really Lead When You Feel Uninspired? | Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of inspiration, particularly when it's feeling a little dim. They discuss the importance of showing up even when motivation is lacking, the value of small moments of joy, and the impact of external noise on your days. The conversation emphasizes the ebb and flow of inspiration, encouraging listeners to embrace their feelings and recognize that it's okay to not always feel inspired. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, they highlight the significance of community, self-care, and honesty in nurturing creativity back alive.TakeawaysIt's okay to feel uninspired sometimes.Showing up is more important than feeling inspired.Creating conditions for inspiration is essential.Small moments can spark joy and creativity.Survival is a form of success, not failure.Inspiration has an ebb and flow; it's not constant.Admitting a lack of inspiration can create space for it.Community and connection can reignite inspiration.Mindfulness and self-care are crucial for creativity.Honesty about our feelings fosters deeper connections.Chapters00:00 Embracing the Dim Days07:17 Finding Inspiration in Small Moments13:30 The Noise of Inspiration16:08 Honesty and Connection in Inspiration | 18m 38s | ||||||
| 9/15/25 | ![]() Unpacking Mental Health Language: Beyond Buzzwords | Kellye and Charisse discuss the impact of language, particularly the misuse of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and trauma. They emphasize the importance of using precise language to avoid diluting the meaning of these serious concepts and the potential harm that can arise from casual usage. The conversation explores the consequences of mislabeling behaviors and the stigma associated with mental health diagnoses. The hosts also offer practical solutions for communicating more effectively and mindfully.TakeawaysThe words we choose shape our perceptions and interactions.Misusing mental health terms can dilute their meaning and impact.Gaslighting is a serious form of manipulation, not just a casual insult.Trauma has lasting effects and should not be trivialized.Labels like narcissist and sociopath carry significant stigma.Casual language can lead to misunderstandings and misdiagnosis.Effective communication requires specificity and clarity.Staying curious can help avoid jumping to conclusions.Words can either heal or harm, depending on their use.Mindful language is essential for supporting those in need.Sound Bites"Words shape how we see ourselves.""Misusing terms increases stigma.""Use your words with care."Chapters00:00 The Power of Language in Mental Health03:23 Understanding Key Terms: Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Trauma05:49 The Impact of Misusing Mental Health Terminology08:06 The Consequences of Casual Labels10:24 Moving Towards Better Communication13:25 Practical Solutions for Thoughtful Language | 20m 27s | ||||||
| 9/15/25 | ![]() Redefining Work-Life Balance: Why Words Matter | Charisse and Kellye explore the multifaceted nature of productivity, emphasizing that it extends beyond traditional work metrics to include roles such as caregivers, community members, and friends. They discuss the importance of recognizing invisible work, the need for integration over balance in work and life, and the significance of engagement. The conversation also highlights systemic changes needed in workplace culture to foster trust and measure productivity by outcomes rather than hours logged. Listeners are challenged to reflect on their contributions outside of work and to engage more deeply with their communities.TakeawaysProductivity is not just about work; it includes all roles we play.Invisible work, like caregiving, is often undervalued.Busyness does not equate to value or fulfillment.Integration of work and life is more beneficial than balance.Community engagement is essential for personal and societal well-being.Trust in employees is more effective than control measures.Productivity should be measured by outcomes, not hours worked.Redesigning work culture is necessary for modern lives.Protecting time for personal interests enhances productivity.Engaging in community activities enriches our lives. Chapters00:00 Redefining Productivity02:53 Invisible Work and Its Value05:20 Integration vs. Balance in Life08:15 The Role of Community in Productivity10:53 Cultural Shifts in Work Dynamics13:52 Systemic Change and Trust in the Workplace16:43 Measuring Outcomes Over FaceTime19:34 Bringing It All Together: Key Insights and Challenges | 25m 04s | ||||||
| 9/8/25 | ![]() Stay or Go? Choosing Alignment Over Obligation | Kellye and Charisse explore the complex decision-making process leaders face when considering whether to stay in their current roles or move on. They discuss the importance of aligning personal values with organizational culture, recognizing signs of misalignment, and the emotional and physical toll that such decisions can take. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflection, courage, and practical steps to navigate these challenging crossroads in leadership.TakeawaysThe decision to stay or go is deeply personal.Our bodies often signal misalignment before our minds do.Not every rough patch in a job means it's time to leave.Compromising values can erode your leadership effectiveness.Courage is about acting in the face of fear.Reflect on what your health is telling you about your work environment.Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining well-being.Engagement comes from aligning personal and organizational values.It's important to seek support from mentors or peers during transitions.Your values should guide your decisions in leadership.Chapters00:00 The Crossroads of Leadership: Stay or Go?09:04 Navigating the Reckoning: Courageous Choices17:55 Health and Values: The Body's Signals21:40 Practical Steps for Decision-Making | 23m 36s | ||||||
| 9/8/25 | ![]() Beyond the Spark: Understanding Passion Fatigue in Leadership | Charisse and Kellye explore the complexities of maintaining passion in public service roles. They discuss the gradual fading of enthusiasm, the challenges of identity tied to public service, and the importance of recognizing signals of change. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-reflection, the acceptance of evolving values, and the encouragement to embrace new possibilities for personal growth and fulfillment.TakeawaysWhen passion fades, it may signal a need for change.It's common for public servants to feel a sense of obligation.Identity can be deeply tied to one's role in public service.Recognizing the shift in passion is the first step to addressing it.Self-reflection is crucial in understanding personal values.It's important to allow oneself to imagine new possibilities.The fading fire of passion doesn't mean it's gone, just shifting.Growth often requires letting go of old identities.Community service roles can lead to feelings of burnout.Embracing change can lead to greater fulfillment.Chapters00:00 When Passion Fades: Understanding the Shift06:58 Navigating Identity and Purpose in Public Service11:50 Recognizing Signals: The Call for Change16:15 Embracing Growth: The Journey of Reimagining Passion | 18m 28s | ||||||
| 9/1/25 | ![]() Unveiling Kellye: A Personal Interview About Passion and Purpose | Charisse interviews Kellye Mazzoli, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an assistant city manager and eventually transitioning into coaching. She discusses the significant influences in her life, the importance of education, and the role of mentorship in shaping her career. Kellye reflects on the challenges faced in city management, including navigating media scrutiny and the personal battles of leadership. She emphasizes the need for resilience, emotional intelligence, and intentionality in leadership roles. As she looks to the future, Kellye expresses her desire to help others in the field of city management and to create a supportive community for leaders.TakeawaysKellye's childhood was marked by instability, but also strong influences from her mother and grandfather.Education was seen as a pathway to stability and success for Kellye.Mentorship played a crucial role in Kellye's career development.City management involves navigating complex relationships and media scrutiny.Leaders often face personal battles that are not openly discussed.Burnout is not just about workload, but also about emotional and mental fatigue.Resilience is critical for leaders to manage their responsibilities effectively.Kellye transitioned to coaching to have a broader impact on city leaders.Intentionality in leadership is essential for personal and professional fulfillment.Kellye believes that circumstances do not define one's path; choices do.Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Kellye's Early Life04:51 Education as a Path to Stability08:58 Navigating City Management: Challenges and Lessons13:20 The Personal Battle of Leadership20:36 Transitioning to Coaching: A New Chapter23:41 Aspirations for the Future30:13 A Lesson for Leaders | 32m 18s | ||||||
| 9/1/25 | ![]() From Small Town to Public Service: Charisse's Journey | Kellye interviews Charisse Deschenes, exploring her journey from childhood in a small town to a career in public service. Charisse shares her experiences in local government, the challenges she faced, and the importance of taking a sabbatical for personal growth. She discusses her new venture, Lead from Center, which focuses on health coaching for leaders in local government, emphasizing the need for support and connection in the profession. The conversation highlights the significance of knowing one's values and the impact of community service.TakeawaysCharisse's diverse upbringing shaped her perspective on community.Her early passion for sports reflected her drive for excellence.Public service became a calling during her college years.Charisse's career path evolved from journalism to urban planning.She experienced significant challenges during her tenure in local government.The importance of community support was a recurring theme in her life.Taking a sabbatical was a crucial step for her mental health.Charisse aims to support local government leaders through health coaching.Her new venture, Lead from Center, focuses on leadership and wellness.Building connections and supporting one another is vital in public service.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Charisse's Journey01:03 Early Life and Childhood Memories05:35 Path to Public Service09:28 College and Early Career Decisions13:27 Highlights of Public Service Career16:48 Challenges in Local Government19:12 Navigating Turbulent Times in Leadership19:21 Stepping Up in Leadership22:45 The Importance of Mental Health24:20 Taking a Sabbatical for Self-Discovery26:45 Launching Lead from Center32:15 Hope and Resilience in Local Government33:30 Creating a Lasting Legacy36:49 The Power of Support and Values | 38m 55s | ||||||
| 8/25/25 | ![]() Navigating the Discomfort Zone | Kellye and Charisse explore the concept of discomfort as a necessary component of growth, particularly in leadership roles. They discuss the allure of comfort and its potential to stifle innovation and progress. The conversation delves into various types of discomfort—identity, skill, and relational—and how embracing these challenges can lead to personal and professional development. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for reframing discomfort as a pathway to growth, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signals that indicate it's time to step out of one's comfort zone.TakeawaysDiscomfort is essential for growth and leadership.Comfort can lead to stagnation and lack of innovation.Embracing discomfort can build community trust.Identity, skill, and relational discomfort are key areas to explore.Reframing discomfort as a signal for growth is crucial.Building tolerance for discomfort is a gradual process.Recognizing personal signals of coziness can prompt growth.Discomfort can be seen as a professional currency.You don't need to be fearless to embrace discomfort.Small steps toward discomfort can lead to significant growth.Chapters00:00 The Cost of Cozy: Understanding Discomfort07:23 The Many Faces of Discomfort16:38 Navigating Identity, Skill, and Relational Discomfort21:46 Reframing Discomfort as Growth24:00 Embracing Discomfort for Growth29:06 Building Tolerance to Discomfort34:02 The Cost of Staying Cozy37:52 Choosing Growth Over Comfort | 39m 51s | ||||||
| 8/25/25 | ![]() Support Systems: Navigating Leadership Isolation | Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical role of support systems in leadership. They explore the consequences of isolation, the different types of support available, and how to build and maintain these systems effectively. The conversation emphasizes that leadership is not a solo endeavor and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.TakeawaysLeadership doesn't mean doing it all alone.Independence isn't always strength without support.Without support, even the strongest leaders burn out.Isolation distorts perspective and decision-making.Trusted peers and mentors are essential for clarity.Burnout accelerates without a release valve.Strong leadership is about creating connections.Support systems must be built intentionally.Healthy support systems leave you feeling lighter.Leaning on others is a sign of wisdom.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Support in Leadership04:11 Personal Experiences with Support Systems06:24 Types of Support Systems09:57 Building and Maintaining Support Systems14:06 Identifying Healthy vs. Draining Support Systems | 18m 57s | ||||||
| 8/18/25 | ![]() Get Out of Town: The Conference Advantage for City Managers | Charisse and Kellye discuss the critical importance of attending conferences for city managers and leaders. They explore the value of networking, the return on investment, and the personal and professional growth that comes from engaging with peers. The conversation emphasizes the need to overcome guilt associated with attending conferences and offers practical tips for maximizing the experience. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace opportunities for connection and recharge their morale through these events.TakeawaysConferences provide essential networking opportunities.Connection is vital for city managers.Attending conferences can lead to fresh ideas.It's important to have candid conversations at conferences.Conferences can recharge your morale and prevent burnout.Planning sessions backwards helps prioritize networking.Building relationships at conferences is crucial for career growth.Overcoming guilt about attending conferences is necessary.Engaging with peers can lead to innovative solutions.Conferences are a valuable investment for personal and professional development.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Getting Out of Town05:26 Connection and Collaboration11:21 Professional Growth and Visibility17:04 Tips for Maximizing Conference Experience22:20 Encouragement to Attend Conferences | 37m 53s | ||||||
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