Insight City Podcast

Amplifying St. Louis Voices with BradenSTL | Insight City Podcast | Episode 25

In this episode of Insight City, Caressa Davis sits down with Braden Tewolde—better known as @bradenstl—one of St. Louis’s most influential voices on social media. Braden shares how he highlights the vibrant food scene, local events, and unique culture that make St. Louis special. From showcasing neighborhood gems to supporting small businesses, he uses his platform to celebrate the city’s diversity and creativity. Braden also discusses the challenges and rewards of creating content that truly represents St. Louis, and why he believes the city needs more authentic voices to tell its story and shape its future. Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com
#stlouis #stlouiscity #stl #downtown #urbandevelopment

Shaping the Future of Geospatial Intelligence with Keith Masback | Episode 24

This week on Insight City, we sat down with Keith Masback, former CEO of the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation and a leading figure in the national security and geospatial technology space. With a career rooted in military intelligence and policy, Masback has played a key role in shaping how the U.S. leverages geospatial data for smarter, more secure decision-making. During his time at USGIF, he brought together leaders across government, industry, and academia to build a thriving GEOINT community. Now, as an advisor and investor, he continues to drive innovation at the intersection of defense, intelligence, and emerging technology.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Growing Community with Matt Schindler of Seed St. Louis | Episode 23

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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

The Scoop on Building a St. Louis Brand with Tamara Keefe | Episode 22

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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Introducing the New Hosts | Episode 21

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!
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Cara Spencer's Vision for the Future of St. Louis | Episode 20

Today on Insight City, I 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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Hosted by John Berglund
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Driving Equitable Growth in St. Louis with Neal Richardson | Episode 19

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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Hosted by John Berglund
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Urban Design and Community Impact with Joel Fuoss | Episode 18

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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Hosted by John Berglund
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Financing Impact in St. Louis with Zack Boyers | Episode 17

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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Hosted by John Berglund
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com

Civic Entrepreneurship & Urban Development with Dick Fleming | Episode 16

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.
 
Insight City: 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 weekly with your host John Berglund, an architect, developer and author, for insightful conversation at The Post Building in the Downtown North Insight District of St. Louis.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightcitypodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-city-podcast/
Produced by CARTEL https://www.yescartel.com/
Hosted by John Berglund
Contact: insightcitypodcast@gmail.com