Leading in a small town

In the first episode of The MNL Podcast, Rudy Norman sits down with MNL President Amy Coady to talk about why people choose to serve their communities. They explore municipal leadership, the realities of public service, what keeps people motivated through the challenges and why the work happening in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador matters.

In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh is joined by Dr. Kathleen Parewick, Community Collaboration and Development Officer with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Titled Municipalities and Climate Change, the conversation looks at the critical role communities play in responding to a changing climate. Kathleen shares insight from years of working alongside towns and councils across the province, highlighting the challenges they face and the innovative ways they are adapting. From flooding and erosion to infrastructure planning and emergency response, this episode brings a grounded, local lens to one of the biggest global issues of our time.

In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh chats with Brad Power, Director of Programs at Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Titled Emerging Technology Trends for the Municipal Sector, the conversation explores how new tools and digital solutions are reshaping the way towns operate. From artificial intelligence to data-driven decision making, Brad breaks down what’s on the horizon and what it could mean for councils, staff, and residents. With a practical lens and a deep understanding of local government, he shares examples, insights, and ideas for how municipalities can embrace technology to work smarter and serve better.

In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh speaks with Nicole Keiley, Deputy Mayor of Mount Pearl. Titled Accessibility and Municipalities, the conversation looks at how towns and cities can create spaces, services, and policies that work for everyone. Nicole shares her perspective on the importance of accessibility in municipal planning, from public buildings and sidewalks to programs and events. Drawing on her experience in local government, she offers practical examples and thoughtful insights on how communities can remove barriers, foster inclusion, and ensure that all residents can participate fully in civic life.

In this episode of Municipal Mondays, Dr. Deatra Walsh sits down with Craig Westcott, Editor of The Shoreline newspaper. Titled Reporting on Municipal Issues and the Importance of Local Press, the conversation digs into the vital role community journalism plays in keeping residents informed and councils accountable. Craig shares stories from his career covering municipal politics, the challenges facing local media, and why strong, independent reporting matters now more than ever. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for telling the stories that shape our towns, he offers a candid look at how local press strengthens democracy at the community level.