Podcast
Insight City Podcast
Downtown Conversations From The Post Building
The city is talking. Are we listening? Insight City provides a space for dialogue with thought leaders, innovators, and community builders from St. Louis and beyond; exploring urban development, innovation, and the keys to creating a thriving urban core. Tune in bi-weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer, and author; for insightful conversation at The Post Building.
In this episode of Insight City, Evan Bronstein, Design Principal at Jacobs, sits down with Matt Schindler, CEO of Seed St. Louis—a nonprofit working to grow healthier, more connected communities through urban agriculture. Matt shares how Seed St. Louis transforms vacant lots into thriving gardens, supports local growers, and inspires people—especially children—to discover the power of growing their own food. Their conversation touches on the role of design and collaboration in creating community spaces, fostering curiosity, education, food justice, and how reconnecting with the land can help build a stronger, more resilient St. Louis.
In this episode of Insight City, our new host Carlos Zamora, founder and Chief Creative Officer of CARTEL Strategies, sits down with Tamara Keefe, the powerhouse behind Clementine's Naughty & Nice Ice Cream. As founder and CEO, Tamara has transformed her passion for ice cream into a beloved St. Louis staple known for its bold flavors and small-batch craftsmanship. She shares the story behind Clementine’s rise, the challenges of scaling a purpose-driven brand, and how staying true to her values has shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for a candid conversation about creativity, community, and the sweet side of business.
This week on Insight City, we’re introducing three new hosts who will be shaping the future of the podcast. Carlos Zamora, CCO at Cartel Strategies, Caressa Davis, Director of Community Partnerships at St. Louis Development, and Evan Bronstein, Design Principal at Jacobs, are stepping in to bring fresh perspectives and new conversations to the show. Each host will have their own focus and guests moving forward, and in this episode, they share their vision for Insight City, what they hope to bring to the table, and the kinds of discussions you can expect in the future. Tune in to meet the new team and get a glimpse of what’s ahead!
Today on Insight City, John sat down with Cara Spencer, the current Alderwoman for Ward 8 and a candidate for mayor of St. Louis in the upcoming March 4 primary. Cara entered the political arena in 2015, motivated by a passion for solving community challenges. With a background in mathematics and experience in the private sector, she brings a data-driven, results-oriented approach to leadership. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on improving city services, enhancing public safety, and driving economic development. As the election approaches, we’ll explore Cara’s vision for St. Louis and what she hopes to accomplish as mayor.
This week on Insight City, John Berglund sat down with Neal Richardson, President & CEO of St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). With a strong background in real estate finance and community development, Richardson is dedicated to fostering equitable economic opportunities throughout the city. Since taking the helm of SLDC in June 2021, he has implemented an ambitious Economic Justice Action Plan, strategically guiding the investment of $246 million in federal funds into marginalized communities, particularly in North City. Under Richardson's leadership, SLDC has undergone a significant transformation, including rebranding, restructuring, and facilitating several major business attraction and expansion projects that are shaping the future of St. Louis.
This week, John Berglund sat down with Joel Fuoss, Principal at Trivers Architecture firm in St. Louis, recognized for his innovative designs and community engagement. He has been instrumental in significant projects like the Gateway Arch Museum and the Art & Design Building Expansion at Southern Illinois University, earning multiple awards from the American Institute of Architects. In addition to his architectural work, Joel actively supports local initiatives as an advisor for St. Louis ArtWorks and a board member for Citizens for Modern Transit.
This week, John Berglund sat down with Zack Boyers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank focused on community lending and structured finance. Boyers provides leadership and strategic direction to a team of over 500 people delivering tax credit investments, syndications, lending, and other financial solutions that drive inclusive growth and positive impacts for people, communities, and the planet. He joined U.S. Bank in 1994 and has extensive experience in affordable housing, economic and community development, renewable energy, commercial banking, and sustainable finance. Currently, Boyers serves on the boards of LISC and the Children’s Defense Fund, the National Advisory Council of the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, the Regional Advisory Council of IFF, and the executive committee of Greater St. Louis, Inc. Boyers holds an MBA from Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree with academic honors from Harvard University.
This week, John Berglund caught up with Dick Fleming, a prominent figure in urban development and economic growth. With over 40 years of experience as a "civic entrepreneur" across multiple major U.S. cities, Dick played a pivotal role in Denver's economic resurgence during the 80s and 90s. He served as the founding CEO of The Downtown Denver Partnership, leading initiatives that transformed the city's landscape, including the development of Denver International Airport. Currently, Fleming serves as the CEO of Community Development Ventures, Inc., where he continues to contribute to urban revitalization efforts, including the development of the Downtown North Insight District.
This week on Insight City, Brian Monheiser and Anthony Calamito of GEO261 sat down with Frank Romo, CEO and founder of RomoGIS. With a background in urban planning and geospatial technologies, Romo develops applications for cities, non-profits, and research organizations, aiming to empower communities with tools and skills to create positive change. RomoGIS aims to provide mentorship, internships, and workshops to underrepresented groups in the tech industry, helping them harness the power of maps and data for community advocacy and sustainable impact.
This week on Insight City, John Berglund sat down with Zekita Armstrong Asuquo, Chair and CEO of Gateway Global American Youth and Business Alliance Academies, a tech-based workforce development organization focused on training under-resourced high school students for entry-level geospatial careers. They discussed Gateway Global's new Geospatial & IT Workforce and Apprenticeship Campus (GIWAC) in North St. Louis, and how it aims to enhance opportunities for youth in this field.
This week, we’re bringing in guest host Brian Monheiser of GEO261 to kick off a special Geospatial series of Insight City. Brian’s first guest is Simon Bailey, CEO of T-Kartor USA, a geospatial solutions company based right here in Downtown North St. Louis. Simon has over 25 years of experience in the geospatial industry, having worked with organizations such as Boeing and the NGA. Under his leadership, T-Kartor USA focuses on providing innovative mapping and data services to various sectors, including defense, government, and commercial clients.
This week, John Berglund caught up with Maxine Clark, the founder and former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the retail chain that revolutionized the stuffed animal industry. Currently, she serves as the Chief Inspirator at The Delmar DivINe, a transformative real estate project in St. Louis that fosters collaboration among nonprofits and provides affordable housing. Maxine is also actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, focusing on improving public education and supporting women and minority entrepreneurs.
This week, John Berglund sat down with Arrey Obenson, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis. Originally from Cameroon, Obenson immigrated to the United States nearly two decades ago to attend Washington University School of Law. With extensive experience in community engagement and a passion for social justice, he now leads the International Institute of St. Louis, a vital hub for immigrant services and community engagement. The Institute provides resources and support to help new arrivals integrate and thrive in the St. Louis area. Obenson's goal is to foster inclusion and leverage the talents of the immigrant community to build a more prosperous St. Louis.
This week on Insight City Podcast, we check in with Mayor of St. Louis Tishaura O. Jones. Mayor Jones made history as the city's first Black female mayor, having taken office in 2021. Before becoming Mayor, she served as the Treasurer of St. Louis from 2013 to 2021 and was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013. Jones is known for her progressive policies and commitment to financial empowerment in the community. John Berglund sat down with Mayor Jones to discuss her path to the mayor’s office, the work she has done for the city, and the work that is still yet to be done.
This week, John Berglund sat down with Margaret McDonald, marketing principal for HOK's St. Louis studio and member of HOK's board of directors. With over 20 years of experience as an interior designer, she is renowned for developing innovative workplace design strategies that enhance performance, health, and wellness, while also excelling in client relations and business development. Beyond her professional achievements, Margaret is deeply involved in the St. Louis community, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and being recognized as one of the city's most influential business women by the St. Louis Business Journal.
For this special 4th of July episode, John Berglund sat down with Betsy Cohen, Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, to explore how America's immigrant heritage continues to shape our cities success and discuss the vital role of international talent in strengthening our communities and economy. Betsy Cohen had a long career as Vice President of Marketing at Nestlé Purina, and now leads the St. Louis Mosaic Project, a program within the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership aimed at attracting international talent to the region. Cohen has worked extensively with international students, relocating immigrants, and foreign-born job seekers to help them integrate into the local community and workforce. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including being named "Business Advocate of the Year" by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce St. Louis and having December 20, 2012 declared "Betsy Cohen Day" in St. Louis for her leadership in community initiatives.
John Berglund interviews Brian Monheiser and Anthony Calamito, co-founders of GEO261, a St. Louis-based growth strategy firm with a background in geospatial technology and product-market fit. Monheiser is a USMC veteran with expertise in topographic analysis, systems engineering, and business development; while Calamito is a college-trained geographer with experience in product management, go-to-market strategies, and academia. They discuss why St. Louis is emerging as a major geospatial hub, and what their company brings to the city in tandem with the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) headquarters.
John Berglund interviews Gabe Angieri, the executive director of Arch Grants, whose mission is to change the St. Louis economic ecosystem by attracting entrepreneurs to the region with $50,000 non-equity grants. In order to receive a grant, the founders must either be from St. Louis, or move their companies to the region. Since 2012, Arch Grants has supported more than 240 companies, most of which are still in business.
• Episode 5
Dennis Lower has been a pioneer in the development of innovation districts nationwide, making significant contributions in Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, and most recently St. Louis, where he served as President and CEO of Cortex Innovation Community for a decade. This week, John Berglund and Dennis sat down to discuss what St. Louis needs to do to become one of the nation's next major technology innovation capitals.
This week, John Berglund interviewed Tosha Downey, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tosha tells us the story of her upbringing, and what role that had in her pursuit to advance public policy in Tennessee. They also discuss what Memphis and St. Louis can learn from each other, and the role education and early learning plays in our cities futures.
Join John Berglund on Insight City as he sits down with Unitey Kull, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Unitey started her career in St. Louis at another city staple, the Contemporary Art Museum. SLSO is currently undergoing big changes with the renovations of Powell Hall, the Symphony's home and one of the most historic concert halls in the country. With the community eager to learn about the venue's future, we invited Unitey to provide insights into the rebuilding process and what St. Louis can expect from our world class Symphony in the coming years.
Join John Berglund on Insight City as he sits down with Kurt Weigle, the Senior Vice President and Chief Downtown Officer at Greater St. Louis, Inc. Kurt has spent his career transforming downtown districts in Detroit, New Orleans, and now St. Louis.
with T-REX’s Patricia Hagen • Episode 1
In the premiere episode of Insight City, John Berglund interviews Patricia Hagen, PhD, Executive Director of T-REX Innovation Center, about the organization's origins, and the keys to cultivating a thriving innovation community.