Fast Forward STL is a business and innovation podcast hosted by entrepreneur, investor, producer, and CEO of The Nitrous Effect companies, Keith Alper. Each episode features leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators doing remarkable work connected to St. Louis and the greater region. Together, they explore ideas, stories, and strategies that shape growth, spark curiosity, and occasionally make you say, “I didn’t know that.” From bold startups to legacy organizations reinventing themselves, the conversations dig into how people build, create, and solve real problems, and why it matters to our city’s future. The goal is simple: learn, explore, and help move St. Louis fast forward through business, leadership, and innovation.
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Episode #19
Live: The Business of Sports in St. Louis
Sep 24, 20261h 20mS1
This special episode of Fast Forward STL Live was recorded before a live audience at St. Louis CITY SC’s corporate headquarters. Presented by Greater St. Louis, Inc. , CEO Ron Kitchens kicked off the discussion, and host Keith Alper interviewed an all-star panel: Brad Dean (President & CEO, Explore St. Louis) Marc Schreiber (President, St. Louis Sports Commission) Carolyn Kindle (CEO & Member of Ownership Group, St. Louis CITY SC) Chris Zimmerman (CEO, St. Louis Blues); Anuk Karunaratne (President of Business Operations, St. Louis Cardinals) Tune in to hear from some of the region’s leading sports voices to explore the powerful connection between sports and business in the St. Louis economy. Whether you work in the sports or entertainment industry or just love sports, this episode will get you excited about where our region is headed. 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 at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-19 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 Greater St. Louis, Inc. , supported by St. Louis CITY SC , Vistage Chair St. Louis , and Logic Systems ; and in partnership with The Nitrous Effect . Major sporting events bring visitors, investment, and national attention to the city while creating opportunities to showcase St. Louis on a larger stage. See how Greater St. Louis, Inc. is driving St. Louis forward. 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 for privacy information.
In this episode of Fast Forward STL , host Keith Alper speaks with Brad Dean, president and CEO of Explore St. Louis. From leading tourism growth in Puerto Rico to now driving conventions, meetings, concerts, and major events in St. Louis, Brad is helping shape the future of St. Louis as one of America’s great destination cities. Tune in to hear lessons learned through his previous roles in Puerto Rico and Myrtle Beach, what he loves about St. Louis, what he’s accomplished so far and what’s ahead, and what it will take to move the region forward. 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 at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-18 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 Fast Forward STL Live . Join host Keith Alper on September 16 for a discussion about the business of sports in St. Louis as he interviews an all-star panel, featuring Carolyn Kindle, St. Louis CITY SC; Chris Zimmerman, St. Louis Blues; Anuk Karunaratne, St. Louis Cardinals; Brad Dean, Explore St. Louis; and Marc Schreiber, St. Louis Sports Commission. Get tickets. 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 for privacy information.
In this episode of Fast Forward STL , host Keith Alper speaks with Ed Glotzbach, Tournament Chairperson of the 2026 BMW Championship , coming to Bellerive Country Club August 18–23. Glotzbach shares lessons from a career that includes leadership roles at Southwestern Bell/AT&T, TPI, and Spire Energy before taking listeners behind the scenes of the years of planning behind the scenes of the years of planning behind the BMW Championship. He discusses the local businesses helping bring the tournament to life, its economic and charitable impact, the importance of putting eyes on St. Louis, and what fans can expect this August. Tune in to hear his leadership lessons and thoughts on how the championship can help move the region forward. 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 at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-16 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 and supported by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation . Some banking questions can wait until tomorrow. Others can’t. When an important transfer, payroll file, or account issue needs attention today, Bank of Washington is there with local bankers who know your business and are ready to help. When you call, a real person answers. No phone tree. No pressing ‘1’. No explaining your situation over and over again. Just local service, personal support, and responsive bankers who are ready when you need them most. Discover the difference of local banking. 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 for privacy information.
Inside Brian Williams Bid for St. Louis County Executive
Jul 30, 202641 minS1
In this episode of Fast Forward STL , host Keith Alper speaks with Missouri State Senator Brian Williams . Since first being elected in 2018 to represent Missouri’s 14th Senate District, which covers portions of St. Louis County, Williams has championed criminal justice reform, expanded access to healthcare, and secured major investments for the region. Now, as a candidate for St. Louis County executive, Williams discusses his personal and political journey, why he’s seeking the office, and his vision for the county’s future. Tune in for a conversation about leadership, public service, and what it will take to move the St. Louis region forward. 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 at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-15 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 Don’t miss Fast Forward STL Live on September 16, presented by Greater St. Louis, Inc. Join host Keith Alper for a live podcast recording discussing the business of sports in St. Louis. The all-star panel includes Carolyn Kindle (St. Louis CITY SC), Chris Zimmerman (St. Louis Blues), a representative from the St. Louis Cardinals, Brad Dean (Explore St. Louis), and Marc Schreiber (St. Louis Sports Commission). Register today. 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 for privacy information.
In this episode of Fast Forward STL , The Muny’s artistic director and executive producer, Mike Isaacson , joins host Keith Alper. Isaacson discusses his career journey from Broadway and The Fox to leading The Muny’s transformation, now in the midst of its 108th season. He shares how a $100 million capital campaign and a commitment to innovation have elevated every aspect of one of St. Louis’ most beloved institutions, while preserving its century-old tradition. Tune in for a conversation about leadership, innovation, the business of live entertainment, and the future of 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 at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-14 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 and supported by St. Louis Science Center . At some banks, you’re just a number in a system, but at Bank of Washington, you’re a neighbor. They greet you by name. They listen, they help, and they make time to understand what’s actually going on in your life, because that’s how community banking is supposed to work. If being known by name matters to you, you’ll feel right at home with the Bank of Washington. Learn more. 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 for privacy information.
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