St. Louis Comptroller on City Hall Modernization

St. Louis Comptroller on City Hall Modernization

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/] Keith Alper speaks with St. Louis City Comptroller Donna Baringer [https://www.donnabaringerstl.com/] about about leadership, public service, and the challenges of modernizing city government. Baringer shares her journey finding her way into public service having grown up in the state's capital and later returning as a Missouri House representative, before her unexpected victory in the race for St. Louis' comptroller. She goes deep on how her office is working to make city operations faster, more efficient, and more accountable through new technology and streamlined processes. The conversation also explores broader issues facing cities today, such as managing public funds, supporting community organizations, improving downtown vitality, transportation, safety, and the overall quality of life. Baringer discusses her ideas for creating a more welcoming and active urban core, attracting residents and visitors, and building long-term momentum for the region’s future. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL], and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa], or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-10 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079  New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Tarlton’s Role in Building Modern St. Louis

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/] Keith Alper speaks with Tarlton Corporation [https://www.tarltoncorp.com/] executive chair and CEO Tracy Hart—a trailblazing corporate leader who has tripled the company’s growth, all while helping shape St. Louis through both construction and civic leadership. Tarlton has played a role in transforming some of the city’s most recognizable spaces, including The Muny, the St. Louis Zoo, the Old Courthouse, and other major infrastructure projects across the region. This conversation goes far beyond the job site, though, as Hart discusses how technological advancements are changing the construction industry, why more young people should consider a career in the skilled trades, and what it will take to revitalize downtown St. Louis. She also reflects on becoming the first woman to chair The Muny, navigating personal tragedy, and the value of asking questions and taking chances. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL], and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa], or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-9 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079  This episode is sponsored by Bank of Washington.  Lot of banks talk about giving back, but Bank of Washington actually shows up. Volunteer work and support for nonprofits and Main Street businesses are all driven by a belief that banking should create real impact, not just transactions. When customers choose this bank, they help make that impact possible. Learn more at https://www.bankofwashington.com/ New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Marie-Hélène Bernard on Music Shaping St. Louis’ Future

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She shares how one of the nation’s oldest orchestras continues to break barriers and redefine its role in the community. Drawing from her immigrant roots, she’s expanding access to music and looking to build a more inclusive future for the arts locally. Bernard also goes deep on the $140 million transformation of Powell Hall and the long-term vision that drove it. In a challenging funding landscape, she makes the case for why the arts and philanthropy are essential to innovation, education, and a thriving city. It’s an inspiring look at leadership, resilience, and the power of music to shape what’s next for St. Louis. Watch on YouTube, and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-8 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079  New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Emily Hemingway on St. Louis’ Tech Future

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/] Keith Alper sits down with Emily Hemingway, a tech entrepreneur who has spent two decades driving innovation and economic growth in communities across the country. Most recently as founding CEO of Tech STL [https://techstl.com/]—a nonprofit focused on proactively growing the tech ecosystem in the St. Louis metro area—she launched one of the region’s largest tech communities and STL Tech Week, which has drawn tens of thousands of attendees. Hear about the evolving demand for tech skills across industries, the shrinking pipeline of entry-level roles, and what St. Louis must do to retain talent and strengthen its tech ecosystem. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL], and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa], or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-7 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079  This episode is sponsored by Bank of Washington [http://bankofwashington.com/].  Lot of banks talk about giving back, but Bank of Washington actually shows up. Volunteer work and support for nonprofits and Main Street businesses are all driven by a belief that banking should create real impact, not just transactions. When customers choose this bank, they help make that impact possible. Learn more at https://www.bankofwashington.com/ [http://bankofwashington.com/] New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Steve O’Loughlin’s Optimistic Vision for St. Louis

In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down with Steve O’Loughlin, president of Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM), Missouri’s largest hotel operator, with 19 hotels and more than 5,000 rooms; plus Westport Plaza, St. Louis Union Station, several restaurants, and a growing portfolio of experiences—including the Aquarium, The Polar Express, and seasonal pop-ups. Steve shares how he grew up in the hotel business, working his way from a maintenance role to president alongside his father, who transformed LHM from a third-party manager into a property-owning powerhouse. They discuss his role as chairman of Explore St. Louis, the city’s tourism momentum, his optimism for the next generation, downtown growth, and what’s ahead for the Gateway City. It’s a positive conversation about St. Louis you won’t want to miss.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i]  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa [https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079]  This episode is sponsored by Bank of Washington (https://www.bankofwashington.com/ [https://www.bankofwashington.com/]) and supported by the St. Louis Sports Commission (https://stlbizdash.com/ [https://stlbizdash.com/]). Bank of Washington believes banking should feel personal, because your goals are personal. With local decision-making, innovative tools, and people who genuinely care, they’re here for what matters most—you.  New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/] Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.