In this episode of Philly in the Middle, host Phil Surkis sits down with Howard Hayes, Assistant Director of Youth and Community Development at Madison’s Goodman Community Center.

Howard shares how a friend’s intuition changed his life: leading him from working behind the bar to a lifelong calling working with kids and building community. He reflects on Madison’s east side culture, the “three C’s” that guide his work, and why leading with love might be the most radical thing we can do.

The setting IS Wisconsin, so there’s also talk of meat raffles, fish fries, and the mystery of “Midwest Nice.” If you like heartfelt and funny, with a dollop of community spirit, press play.