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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.
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Immigrant Stories. Great accomplishments. Immigreats is a podcast that celebrates the indomitable spirit, resilience, and achievements of immigrants who have journeyed to new lands in search of better opportunities. Each episode features the compelling life story of an individual who climbed to remarkable heights in their adopted homeland. Our show uncovers the unique challenges and triumphs that define the immigrant experience. Tune in to be inspired by tales of perseverance, ambition, and ...
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Mapping the Future of St. Louis with T-Kartor's Simon Bailey | Episode 13
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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 organiz…
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Maxine Clark's Journey from Bears to Community Impact | Episode 12
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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 af…
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The Power of Immigrants and Arrey Obenson | Episode 11
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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 …
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Mayor of St. Louis Tishaura O. Jones | Episode 10
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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 i…
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The Architecture of Reviving Downtown St. Louis with HOK's Margaret McDonald | Episode 9
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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 clien…
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Attracting International Talent to St. Louis with The Mosaic Projects' Betsy Cohen | Episode 8
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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 Pr…
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Why is St. Louis a Geospatial Insights Hub with GEO261 | Episode 7
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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 geograp…
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Attracting Startups to St. Louis with Arch Grants' Gabe Angieri | Episode 6
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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 ha…
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From Sierra Leone to American Leadership: Ghida Dagher's Journey
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In this episode of Immigreats, Munatsi sits down with Ghida Dagher, CEO of an immigrant focused New American Leaders organization. Ghida shares her remarkable journey from Sierra Leone to the United States, detailing her family's escape from civil unrest and the challenges they faced as asylum seekers. She delves into her experiences adapting to Am…
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Making St. Louis an Innovation Hub with Dennis Lower of Cortex | Episode 5
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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…
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What Can St. Louis Learn from Memphis with Tosha Downey of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Episode 4
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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 p…
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Episode 15: Power to the People: Nse Ufot's Journey with Civic Engagement
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In this episode of Immigreats, Munatsi delves into conversation with Nse Ufot, former CEO of the New Georgia Project. Nse traces her roots from Nigeria to the United States and highlights the transformative events that shaped her commitment to Civic engagement. From her pivotal meeting with former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams that …
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Rebuilding St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Powell Hall with Unitey Kull | Episode 3
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This week, John Berglund sat 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 …
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Revitalizing Downtown with Greater St. Louis Inc’s Kurt Weigle | Episode 2
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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 a background in urban planning and development, Kurt has led the revitalization of downtown ar…
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Episode 14: Bridging Cultures: Nawar Shora's Journey from Damascus to America
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In this episode Munatsi sits down with Nawar Shora, a remarkable Arab American whose life journey embodies the essence of cultural integration and understanding. Through his personal anecdotes and professional endeavors, Nawar sheds light on the importance of cultural demystification, aiming to dispel stereotypes and foster genuine understanding be…
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How to Create an Innovation Community with T-REX's Patricia Hagen | Episode 1
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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, the keys to cultivating a thriving innovation community, and how strategic partnerships with the NGA are establishing Downtown North St. Louis as an emerging hub for geospatial start…
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Episode 13: The Immigrant Who Protected US Democracy
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In this episode, Munatsi sits down with Aquilino Gonell, a former United States Capitol police officer. Aquilino tells his story about growing up in the Dominican Republic and his life experiences that led to him protecting elected US congress officials on January 6, 2021. He also shares intimate details of the fateful day and how his life changed …
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Episode 12: From Zimbabwe to US Public Health: Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo-Davis
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In this episode, Munatsi sits down with Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo-Davis, the Director of Health for the city of Saint Louis, Missouri in the United States. They dive deep into Mati's incredible journey, from growing up in Zimbabwe to her current role in public health. Mati touches on the obstacles she's overcome in her journey and how resilience has shap…
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Episode 11: Embracing Life's Second Chance - Wilmot Collins' Journey from School Teacher to Mayor
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Wilmot Collins fled Liberia on a ship after war broke out. Years later he serves as the first black mayor of Helena, Montana. He tells Munatsi his incredible story. He has experienced everything from the loss of two brothers due to government upheaval, homelessness in a foreign land as a refugee, to the charitable kindness of acceptance and the pri…
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Episode 10: Building Bridges - Arrey Obenson's Journey from Cameroon to Global Impact
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In this episode of "Immigreats," host Munatsi interviews Arrey Obenson, a transformative leader whose journey from a lawyer in Cameroon to a global community leader in the United States epitomizes impactful change. Arrey's turning point came with his involvement in Junior Chamber International, where he significantly improved healthcare access in C…
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Episode 9 : A Soldier's Tale - Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike's Path to Leadership
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In this episode of Immigreats, host Munatsi sits down with United States Army Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike, a remarkable immigrant who has made significant contributions to her adopted country. Amanda shares her inspiring story of being born to a Nigerian dad and Zimbabwean mother, moving from the UK as a teen to becoming a high-ranking office…
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Episode 008: The Resilient Realtor: Lily Moore's Inspiring Immigrant Tale
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In this episode Munatsi welcomes Lily Moore, an immigrant from El Salvador who shares her remarkable story of becoming a top real estate agent in America. Starting with her early struggles of single parenthood, language barriers, and financial difficulties, Lily's inspiring story is one of resilience and determination. You'll enjoy her passion as s…
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Episode 007: The Lost Boy Who's Finding Others: Gatjang Deng
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In this episode of "Immigreats," Gatjang Deng, a survivor and former Lost Boy of Sudan, shares his incredible journey and efforts to aid the youth of his home country. Deng details his escape from war torn South Sudan, years in refugee camps, resettlement in America, and founding the Village Help Foundation. Working tirelessly, he supports 52 Sudan…
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Episode 006: Effie Hwande - A Zimbabwean's Triumph
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In this groundbreaking episode , host Munatsi conducts his first in-person interview, featuring Effie Hwande. The guest, born and raised in Mbare, narrates her transition to the UK , shedding light on the unique opportunities and challenges faced by herself as an immigrant. She delves into her relentless pursuit of learning and how she strategicall…
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Episode 005: The Remarkable Rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Dive into the inspiring journey of Giannis Antetokounmpo, born to Nigerian parents in Greece and once stateless. Despite early challenges, his undeniable basketball talent shone through, leading him from Athens' streets to NBA stardom. Intriguingly, as he gained fame, Greece, which had once overlooked his family's struggles, eagerly embraced him as…
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Episode 004: The Covid Vaccine Scientist: Katalin Kariko
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In this episode of "The Covid Vaccine Scientist: Katalin Kariko" we explore the remarkable story of a pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking research led to the development of Covid-19 vaccines. Dr. Katalin Kariko's journey was marked by resilience and determination in the face of discrimination and adversity. The episode delves into Dr. Kariko'…
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Episode 003: Elon Musk: The Contradictions
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In Episode 003, Munatsi delves into the extraordinary life of Elon Musk. Born in South Africa, Musk's early experiences, from his move to Canada to his journey in entrepreneurship, set the stage for his remarkable trajectory. His pivotal moment came with the creation of what would become PayPal. Musk has embarked on audacious business ventures, inc…
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Episode 002: The Impact of CTE - Bennet Omalu's Influence on Football
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In this episode, Munatsi tells the fascinating story of a Nigerian American doctor named Bennet Omalu who infuriated the National Football League with his research around head injuries and CTE caused by playing American football. I enjoyed telling his story and was amazed at how many parallels I found to my life story!…
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Episode 001: The Unstoppable Rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger
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Immigrant Stories. Great accomplishments. In this riveting episode, we dive into the extraordinary life journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger, an immigrant who truly encapsulates the essence of the American Dream. Starting from his humble beginnings in a small Austrian village, Arnold had ambitions that stretched far beyond his immediate circumstances. …
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