Speak Up St. Louis

Richard Reilly is an activist, photographer and Energy Programs Manager at the Earthways Center of Sustainability.  He is a St. Louis Renaissance Man. 

With expertise in the fields of Construction, Art, Sustainability, and Activism, Richard has a truly multi-disciplined perspective on the world, and on St. Louis.

In this episode, Richard artfully weaves together his life's story using the threads of his fields of passion: Photography, Environmentalism, Architecture, Social Justice...and St. Louis.

Richard is one of the coolest cats around, we thank him for sharing his time and insight on Speak Up St. Louis!

Roy Anderson is a 50 year veteran of the local radio business in St. Louis. He grew up in North St. Louis, and began working at radio stations as a teenager. When it comes to broadcasting, Roy has seen it all!

In this episode, Roy tells his story of growing up in North City, making his way into broadcasting, the legendary stations and radio personalities in STL, how the game has changed, and some of the blatant racism and barriers he overcame along the way.

Roy is one of the funniest, big hearted people you will ever find. He is fascinating, and simply a joy to speak with. We are grateful to share his story with the Speak Up St. Louis community!

James Forbes is a social entrepreneur and Founder of Good Life Growing (an urban farm and agricultural training center in The Ville Neighborhood) and Old North Provisions (a healthy grocery store in Old North St. Louis).

This episode was recorded onsite at Old North Provisions, and we speak to James about his journey as a social entrepreneur, experience working with the community in North St. Louis, urban agriculture as a solution to vacancy, Bill Clinton's visit to Good Life Growing, and so much more.

James Forbes and his team are extremely underrated for their contribution and commitment to sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and neighborhood redevelopment. THEY DO THE WORK! His story has SO much to teach those of us committed to making St. Louis a better community for all.

Much love to James and his team! Learn more about their businesses below:

https://www.goodlifegrowing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Old-North-Provisions-104426121053791/

Peat Wollaeger is a legendary St. Louis Street Artist. Most known for the "St. Louis Eye", you can see Peat's beautiful murals on buildings all over St. Louis (and the world).

In this episode Peat discusses his journey as an artist, the origins of Street Art, it's culture in St. Louis, and the deeper meaning behind his Eyez. We also discuss prospects for Cement Land.

Eye'm sure you'll be inspired by this conversation with one of the GREAT St. Louis Artists out here doing it! Thanks to Peat for putting St. Louis on the map for Street Art, and opening our Eyez to the beauty and potential that exists in our Streets.

https://eyez.me/

Watch Peat's TED Talk

Erica Williams is an activist in North St. Louis County, and Executive Director of  A Red Circle, a nonprofit dedicated to bettering community and reversing racism through employment, education, holistic living, policy, and the arts.

On this episode of Speak Up St. Louis, Erica shares her journey towards getting involved in the community, and what inspired her to start A Red Circle. We discuss the impacts of racial inequity in St. Louis, and why Erica is a proponent of taking a multi-disciplinary, HOLISTIC approach towards community work.

Erica is an important leader and crucial voice in the North St. Louis County region, and we THANK HER for serving our community and sharing her perspective on Speak Up St. Louis.

https://aredcircle.org/

Tim Tucker is an Urban Pioneer. He co-founded The City Museum with Bob Cassilly in the 90s, and previously participated in the revitalization of the Loft District, Lafayette Square, and Benton Park. 

Tim joins the podcast to discuss St. Louis's decline in the 1970s, and his lived experience of Urban Renewal ever since, including the founding of the City Museum. We touch on history, community development, art, and what it means to be an Urban Pioneer in St. Louis.

Tim Tucker is one of the most interesting people in our City. He is humble, inquisitive, creative, insightful, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We thank him for sharing his story with our listeners!

Molly Rockamann is the Founder of EarthDance, an organic farm school in Ferguson.

EarthDance sits on the old Mueller Farm site, the oldest organic farm west of the Mississippi River. Since its founding in 2009, EarthDance has empowered hundreds of St. Louisans to grow their own food organically.

Molly joins us to tell her story of founding EarthDance, and what she has learned on her journey about farming, soils, community, and life.

EarthDance represents the spirit of organic farming in St. Louis, and remains a crucial asset within our local food system. We thank Molly for the work she's done, and coming on Speak Up St. Louis to tell her story to our listeners.

https://earthdancefarms.org/

Dan Guenther is the Progressive Alderman of the 9th Ward of the City of St. Louis, encompassing the Benton Park neighborhood and Cherokee Street. 

Dan joins us this week to share his philosophy of authentic neighborhood development, what it take to become an Alderman, the state of affairs in the City of St. Louis, and what the election of Tishaura Jones means for this community.

We thank Dan for sharing his time and insight with our listeners! If you have interest in public service or City of St. Louis politics, you can't miss the episode.

Jenny Price is a public writer and artist, and a Research Fellow at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University-St. Louis. She is the Author of a new book Stop Saving the Planet!: An Environmentalist Manifesto .

On this episode of the Podcast, Jenny discusses her new book, the state of the Environmental movement, and why environmentalists need to "Stop Savings the Planet". She explains why we need to shift our philosophy away from "out there" environmentalism, green washing, and the endless growth paradigm towards focusing on our local communities, and holding those in power accountable.  

With Earth Day right around the corner, this is a well timed conversation! Whether you're an "environmentalist" or not, you will learn something and be challenged by this episode. Thanks to Jenny Price for coming on the shot - support her by buying her book at your local book store!!!

Bob Lachky is a St. Louis Marketing Legend. He was the Chief Creative Officer at Anheuser Busch and oversaw beloved advertising campaigns such as Wazzup, the Frogs, Real Men of Genius, and the 9/11 Clydesdale commercial.

Bob joins us to reflect on his career in Marketing, tell the creation story of famous ads, reflect on AB's significance within St. Louis culture, and analyze the current state of the Beer and Alcohol industry.

Bob is an incredible story teller, and an absolutely wealth of knowledge on Marketing and Advertising. He led a passionate, successful, and fun career and we appreciate him sharing his story with our listeners!