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.
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. (https://greaterstlinc.com/), 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 (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-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. (https://greaterstlinc.com/), supported by St. Louis CITY SC (https://www.stlcitysc.com/), Vistage Chair St. Louis (https://vistagestl.com/), and Logic Systems (https://www.logicsystems.com/); and in partnership with The Nitrous Effect (https://nitrouseffect.com/). 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. (https://greaterstlinc.com/newsroom/)
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.
10 Sept 2026
Explore St. Louis and the Business of Tourism
In this episode of Fast Forward STL (https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/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 (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-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 (https://www.stlmag.com/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. (https://www.stlmag.com/fast-forward-stl-live/)
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.
27 Aug 2026
The Business of Running St. Louis Government
In this episode of Fast Forward STL (https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/), host Keith Alper speaks with St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. A St. Louis native and first-generation college graduate, Spencer has built her career in public service, with a focus on transparency, public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and responsible governance. A year-plus into her tenure as mayor, she reflects on the challenges and lessons so far, the importance of alignment between government and civic organizations, the priorities she’s excited to advance, and what it will take to move the St. Louis region forward. 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-17
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 SSM Health Cardinal Glennon (https://glennon.org/gallop) and supported by Fast Forward STL Live (https://www.stlmag.com/fast-forward-stl-live/). The Glennon Gallop returns Saturday, September 12, presented by T. Danis Charitable Trust. Cheer on an exciting polo match and take part in the iconic champagne divot stomp, all while supporting a great cause. Best of all, your attendance benefits The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Learn more and reserve your spot. (https://glennon.org/gallop)
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.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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