Mayor Jay Kahn’s journey—from the son of German Jewish refugees to a lifelong advocate for higher education, mental health, and community belonging—is a masterclass in civic empathy and transformational leadership.In this deeply personal conversation, Dr. Gina Pasquale sits down with Mayor Kahn to explore identity, prejudice, and the power of listening. Together, they trace his family’s escape from Nazi Germany, his formative years in Chicago, his rise through higher education, and his tireless efforts to build a more inclusive Keene, New Hampshire—including for the LGBTQIA2+ community and local youth. Through it all, Kahn shares the mindset that guides him: seek discomfort, listen deeply, and “find the leverage point.”Whether you’re interested in community leadership, mental health policy, or creating spaces of true belonging, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a profound sense of hope.