On this episode of Common Sense, Ryan Baty welcomes Wichita City Councilman-elect Joseph Shepard for a candid conversation about public service, community challenges, and leadership during pivotal times. Fresh off his successful campaign, Joseph Shepard opens up about the personal experiences that have shaped his passion for public office, including growing up in hardship, overcoming homelessness, and his journey through leadership roles in Wichita.

Together, Ryan Baty and Joseph Shepard dive into what it really takes to run for office—the pressures, the sacrifices, and the lessons learned from listening to the community. They discuss the importance of genuine engagement with residents, the complexities of serving in local government, the impact of collaboration across political differences, and the need for authentic, relationship-focused leadership.

From navigating contentious campaigns to tackling tough issues like property taxes, homelessness, and foster care, this conversation offers insight into Joseph Shepard’s hopes for Wichita, his approach to building trust, and how he plans to balance personal well-being with the demands of public service. If you care about local government, working across divides, and positive change in your community, you won’t want to miss this episode.