Hosted by Charisse Deschenes and Kellye Mazzoli, Unmuted is the podcast for leaders in local government and public service who want real conversations about the parts of leadership no one talks about. We explore both the challenges and the wins, from navigating burnout to rediscovering purpose, with honesty and heart. Each episode offers candid insights, personal stories, and practical takeaways to help you grow, stay well, and stay connected in the work you love.
Beyond the Influence: Redefining Leadership and Identity without Alcohol
Ending the year with an important topic, this conversation explores the profound impact of alcohol on leadership and personal well-being. Kellye and Charisse discuss the physiological and emotional effects of alcohol, share personal experiences of quitting drinking, and highlight the benefits of clarity and confidence gained from an alcohol-free lifestyle. They also delve into the changing landscape of non-alcoholic options in social settings and the importance of emotional regulation for effective leadership.
Takeaways
Alcohol numbs stress and is culturally woven into coping mechanisms.
Removing alcohol can lead to immediate improvements in sleep and cognitive clarity.
Curiosity can lead to significant lifestyle changes, as seen in Kellye's journey.
Social dynamics around drinking can create pressure, but awareness helps navigate it.
Building confidence without alcohol can enhance social interactions.
Emotional processing may intensify after quitting alcohol, but it's a necessary part of healing.
The rise of non-alcoholic options reflects changing societal attitudes towards drinking.
Leaders can enhance their effectiveness by reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption.
Clarity gained from sobriety can lead to better decision-making and emotional regulation.
Experimenting with alcohol-free periods can provide valuable insights into personal habits.
Sound Bites
"It started with pure curiosity."
"I felt grounded. I felt regulated."
"Alcohol makes everything 5% harder."
Chapters
00:00 The Impact of Alcohol on Leadership
02:58 Personal Journey: From Drinking to Clarity
05:35 The Science Behind Alcohol's Effects
08:22 Social Dynamics and Alcohol-Free Choices
11:11 Building Confidence Without Alcohol
13:45 The Emotional Journey of Quitting Alcohol
16:26. Exploring Non-Alcoholic Options
19:14 Changing Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption
21:48 The Transformation of Leadership Through Clarity
24:30 Final Thoughts on Alcohol and Leadership
Disclaimer
This episode reflects personal experiences and general education related to health, leadership, and self-regulation. It is not intended as medical, clinical, or mental health advice. Individual experiences with alcohol vary, and listeners should consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance. This conversation is not a substitute for substance use disorder treatment or recovery support. We respect listeners wherever they are in their relationship with alcohol and encourage seeking appropriate professional or recovery resources when needed.
22 Dec 2025
A Real UNMUTED Holiday Conversation
In this holiday-themed episode of Unmuted, hosts Charisse and Kellye explore the realities of holiday celebrations, emphasizing the importance of presence over perfection. They discuss evolving traditions, the joy of unplanned moments, and the leadership lessons that can be drawn from holiday experiences. The conversation highlights the significance of protecting holiday time, reflecting on the past year, and looking ahead to the future with intention. The hosts share personal anecdotes, favorite holiday foods, and lighthearted moments, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere for listeners.
Takeaways
The best holidays are about being present with loved ones.
Leaders recharge in different ways, and it's important to find what works for you.
Traditions can evolve over time, reflecting personal growth and changes in life circumstances.
Unplanned moments often create the most memorable holiday experiences.
It's not about perfection; it's about enjoying the time spent together.
Taking time to reflect on the past year can help set intentions for the future.
Protecting holiday time is essential for personal well-being and family connections.
Creating space for creativity and connection can lead to a fulfilling year ahead.
Humor and lightheartedness are important during the holiday season.
The holidays can teach valuable lessons about leadership and authenticity.
Chapters
00:00 Holiday Conversations and Leadership Lessons
06:24 Traditions and Evolving Holiday Habits
11:52 Unplanned Moments and Family Humor
18:24 Leadership During the Holiday Season
21:19 Reflecting on Leadership During the Holidays
24:33 The Importance of Rest and Resetting
29:43 Protecting Holiday Time and Setting Boundaries
31:55 Looking Ahead: Intentions for the New Year
36:24 Lighthearted Holiday Traditions
40:44 Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Gratitude
15 Dec 2025
Inside the City Executive Circle: A Private Space for City Leaders
City executives are expected to lead with clarity, composure, and confidence while carrying significant political, organizational, and emotional responsibility. What they are rarely given is a private place to think, process, and recalibrate.
In this episode of Unmuted, Kellye Mazzoli and Charisse Deschenes explore why the City Executive Circle was created and why it was intentionally designed as a private leadership environment for city executives. This is not a generic leadership space. It is built specifically for city managers, assistant and deputy managers, and department directors who need clarity, steadiness, and connection without public exposure.
They discuss leadership isolation in city management, the risks of processing complex leadership issues in public forums, and how a simple, sustainable weekly rhythm can help executives stay grounded, think clearly, and lead effectively over time.
Enrollment for the City Executive Circle opens later this week.
Learn more and join the priority list at:
https://citybosscoach.com/membership
"This is a resource I wish I had."
"This community is built for you."
"Lead well, don't lead alone."
Takeaways
The City Executive Circle is a resource for city executives.
Isolation in city management is a significant issue.
Strong leaders can benefit from connection and support.
Privacy is essential for effective leadership development.
The membership allows for anonymous question submission.
The community is tailored for those in city management roles.
The 15-15 model respects leaders' time constraints.
Coaching helps leaders reconnect with their internal compass.
Founders pricing offers unique benefits for early joiners.
The City Executive Circle fosters genuine connection and growth
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the City Executive Circle
01:12 The Need for Support in City Management
04:22 The City Executive Circle: For All Leaders
06:13 The Importance of a Private Environment
10:32 Who Belongs in the City Executive Circle?
12:11 The 15-15 Model: Learning and Application
15:56 The Role of Coaching in Leadership
18:38 Founders Pricing and Early Enrollment Benefits
Contact Unmuted: Voices of Leaders
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Unmuted: Voices of Leaders?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
