City Manager Unfiltered

City Manager Unfiltered is a podcast by a city manager for city managers. I am your host, Joe Turner, and I’m on a mission to build a community for ambitious city managers. I want to provide you with the career tools and resources to help make you a better executive so you can rack up victories, polish your resume, dominate interviews, land your dream job, and win your contract negotiations. If you are a city manager looking to level up, check out my podcast, City Manager Unfiltered. Hit that subscribe button today so you don’t miss an episode.
Episodes
Episodes



Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Checking In with My Criminal Defense Attorney (Part 2) | Ep. 139
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
My criminal defense attorney, Katie Bogenschutz, sat down with me again to update you all on my case down in Florida. We also discuss various aspects and nuances of a criminal case. This is Part 2 of a two part series so tune back in next week.
You can catch Part 1 here.
If you did not listen to my very first interview with Katie where we broke down the charges filed against me, please go to this link and check out Episode 133 published on November 19, 2025.You can read all court filings by going to this link: https://www.civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/66/disclaimer.xhtml
After checking the disclaimer, type in my first and last name, and then check the "Felony" box.
SHOW NOTES:
Katie Bogenschutz' LinkedIn Profile and website
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://cmnews.beehiiv.com/
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Checking In with My Criminal Defense Attorney (Part 1) | Ep. 138
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
My criminal defense attorney, Katie Bogenschutz, sat down with me again to update you all on my case down in Florida. We also discuss various aspects and nuances of a criminal case. This is Part 1 of a two part series so tune back in next week.
If you did not listen to my first interview with Katie where we broke down the charges filed against me, please go to this link and check out Episode 133 published on November 19, 2025.You can read all court filings by going to this link: https://www.civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/66/disclaimer.xhtml
After checking the disclaimer, type in my first and last name, and then check the "Felony" box.
SHOW NOTES:
Katie Bogenschutz' LinkedIn Profile and website
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://cmnews.beehiiv.com/
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
State Official Threatens City Manager Over Criminal Charge | Ep. 137
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
CAUGHT ON TAPE!
In this episode, we have a recorded phone conversation between a city manager and a state transportation official who was cited on a criminal trespassing charge. The state official repeatedly suggests that he will make things difficult for the city manager and his city if the charge is not taken care of.
Such was the dilemma facing Brian Daily when he was serving as the city manager for a small town in Kansas.
Brian was also a guest on Episode 109 of the podcast where we talked about how he had saved taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars simply by reviewing their property and liability insurance coverage. You can listen to that episode here.
SHOW NOTES
Brian Daily's LinkedIn Profile
AAME JOB BOARD:
The American Association of Municipal Executives has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today!
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Customer Service vs. Municipal Hospitality with Chris Gilbert | Ep. 136
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Chris Gilbert intrinsically believes that when residents feel seen, heard, and cared for, they become more supportive and trusting of their government.
He argues that "customer service" is the transactional act of doing what needs to be done for the customer. However, municipal hospitality is centered around how you make residents feel during and after the delivery of services to them.
The Springfield Township administrator launched Municipal Hospitality Advisors after a fateful celebratory birthday dinner with his wife whereupon he was blown away by the actions of the restaurant owner.
That experience and the general approach of the hospitality industry towards providing value and memorable experiences to their guests formed the foundation for Gilbert's trainings.
SHOW NOTES:
Chris Gilbert's LinkedIn Profile and website: https://www.municipalhospitality.com/
To learn more about Sam Toles' social media training for elected officials, go to: https://civisocial.com/aame
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Level Up Your Leadership with The Mental Hygiene Project | Ep. 135
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
If you want to be a better leader, you have to understand your behavioral preferences and deficiencies and those of your executive team and senior leadership. And the Harrison Assessment can help you.
A couple of months ago, the fellas at The Mental Hygiene Project shepherded me through it. Michael Stahl and Ryan Gallik went through an hour long debrief identifying my core strengths and where I could improve.
I enjoyed the process and found the results insightful and illuminating.
In this episode, we discuss leadership development and also break down a program they offer local governments to improve employee mental health. It is called Psychological Empowerment 360.
SHOW NOTES:
To get the special promotional price discount offered to podcast listeners, go to: https://mentalhygieneproject.com/cmu/Michael Stahl's LinkedIn pageRyan Gallik's LinkedIn page
To learn more about Sam Toles' social media training for elected officials, go to: https://civisocial.com/aame
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Is this a masterclass on how to handle a termination? | Ep. 134
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
In October, Mike Mortell was caught flat-footed when he learned that his fate was sealed and that he would be fired a couple of weeks later. The city manager for Stuart, Florida didn't take it lying down or run off with his tail between his legs.
After enduring months of "social media slander" and the machinations of an elected official who orchestrated his ouster, Mortell had to sit through hours of a council meeting before getting the opportunity to speak -- shortly before his inevitable termination.
Mortell made a passionate defense of his tenure and attempted to set the record straight on the allegations leveled against him. This episode features the audio from that meeting and I have to ask -- is this not a masterclass on how to defend your reputation when you are being terminated?
SHOW NOTES:
To learn more about Sam Toles' social media training for elected officials, go to: https://civisocial.com/aame
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
My Criminal Defense Attorney Breaks Down the Felony Charges | Ep. 133
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
On this special episode of the podcast, Katie Bogenschutz, my criminal defense attorney joins me to discuss the case and break down my two felony charges. I provide a bit more context about my time in Walton County, Florida, and how we got to this point. Additionally, we talk about the terms of the pre-trial diversion offer extended to me by the prosecutor and the discussion we had as to whether I should accept it.
At the time of this recording, three depositions had taken place, but only two transcripts had been received and published by the Clerk of the Court. Since this episode was recorded, the transcripts for the deposition of Keith Riddick, the FDLE investigator, have since been made available. You can read all court filings by going to this link: https://www.civitekflorida.com/ocrs/county/66/disclaimer.xhtml
After checking the disclaimer, type in my first and last name, and then check the "Felony" box.
SHOW NOTES:
Katie Bogenschutz' LinkedIn Profile and website
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Mitch Hammes is THAT Code Enforcement Guy | Ep. 132
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Mitch Hammes has a built a national reputation as "That Code Enforcement Guy" having worked himself up front the frontlines as a code enforcement officer all the way to the top as a city administrator.
In this episode, we avoid getting into the weeds and examine code enforcement related topics at the 30,000 foot level in a manner that his hopefully more relevant to city managers and executives. In essence, I wanted to give a voice to the code enforcement officers on the frontlines and allow them to speak to their city managers and department heads through the voice and experience of Mitch -- who has walked their path.
Cool note! When Mitch stopped by my home in Wichita to record this episode in person, he was a finalist for his first city manager gig. Shortly after recording this interview he was selected to lead the city of Lamar, Colorado, and started at the end of October.
SHOW NOTES:
Mitch Hammes' LinkedIn profile
Website for "That Code Enforcement Guy"
AAME MEMBERSHIP:
To join the American Association of Municipal Executives (AAME), sign up at this link: https://community.aame.org/
AAME JOB BOARD:
The AAME has a free job board exclusively focused on executive and senior level local government recruitments. To post a job, go to: https://jobs.aame.org/
SUPPORT THE PODCAST:
Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter hosted on LinkedIn. It is called the "City Manager News & Job Board" newsletter and can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/
If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link.
Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms.
Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page
Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Joe Turner
Born and raised in Southern California, Joe Turner moved to Kansas in 2018 to pursue a career in city management after spending many years working for elected officials and engaged in grassroots advocacy.
As a non-traditional entrant into the field, he brings a unique perspective on city management and local government issues.
However, it has been his ruminations on the evolving professional landscape for city managers and his opinions on contract negotiations and compensation packages that has propelled him to the forefront as a thought leader and influencer amongst peers.
Turner has lamented the lack of advocacy on behalf of city managers as professionals and believes there is a void in this space with respect to advocating for and on behalf of public sector managers, not just the profession of city management.
You can catch up with him over on Linkedin.









