Shock Talk

Designing Places to Play: The Role of Recreation in Resilient Cities

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 design, this episode unpacks the transformative power of recreation in urban planning. Tune in to hear how cities are reimagining parks as hubs for connection, sustainability, and community wellbeing—and learn how you can be part of the movement to prioritize public space in shaping tomorrow’s cities.

Clearing the Road: Women Leading the Future of Engineering with Tawn Nugent, PE, DBIA

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 discover what it means to truly engineer together.

Telling Our Stories: Historic Preservation with Jeffrey Williams

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 identity. Tune in as they explore the evolving field of historic preservation, the power of place-based storytelling, and how communities can reclaim, protect, and celebrate their unique histories. Topics include adaptive reuse, community-led placemaking, the African American Heritage Trail, and the role of technology and AI in reimagining lost spaces.

Reimagining Communities and Local Government Trends

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 on their own paths into civic work and the importance of drawing new talent into local government careers. From neighborhood boards to city halls—this episode is packed with insight for anyone passionate about public service, innovation, and making local gov work better for everyone. #ShockTalk #GovLove #LocalGov #PublicLeadership #FutureOfCities #ShockeyConsulting #Futurist #CivicInnovation #TinyDemocracies

Transparency in Decision-Making with Mike Armstrong

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.