In this episode of The Rundown, Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, the 21st President of Harris-Stowe State University, joins the conversation to address the institution’s challenges amid potential state funding cuts.

The discussion explores the real impact these reductions could have on academic programs, student support, and the future of the university. Through powerful personal stories, the conversation underscores the vital role HBCUs play in shaping lives and strengthening communities.

From preserving opportunity to protecting legacy, this episode highlights a steadfast commitment to access, equity, and the enduring mission of higher education.

 Powered by I Got Dan & Midwest BankCentre 

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In this episode of The Rundown, Rene Knott sits down with former Cardinals slugger Matt Adams. 

Nicknamed “Big City,” Adams made his mark in St. Louis with clutch hits and towering home runs after being drafted in 2009.  He opens up about the mental side of the game, the intensity of the 2013 season, and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level.

From perseverance to confidence to simply enjoying the game—this is a conversation every athlete needs to hear.

Powered by I Got Dan & Midwest BankCentre

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In this episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene sits down with April Simpson and Darius Bradford, two familiar voices in St. Louis media who are bringing a fresh, energetic dynamic to morning radio.

What starts as a fun and lively conversation quickly turns into something deeper. April opens up about her very public health battle, including her brain tumor diagnosis and recovery, and how faith, family, and community helped carry her through some of the darkest moments of her life.

Darius shares his own perspective on loss, purpose, and why he’s now fully stepping into a new chapter—choosing to live boldly and intentionally after personal tragedy.

Together, they talk about resilience, friendship, and what it means to show up for each other both on and off the air.

It’s a conversation filled with humor, honesty, and heart—and a reminder that even through life’s toughest challenges, there is still room for joy, growth, and new beginnings.

The Rundown with Rene Knott is powered by I Got Dan and Midwest BankCentre.

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In this episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene sits down with Morgan Casey, one of the most influential event curators in St. Louis, for a conversation about risk, authenticity, and building something from nothing.

What started as a hobby while working full-time quickly turned into a thriving career creating some of the most unique and talked-about events in the city. Morgan shares how she took the leap of faith to bet on herself, the challenges that came with it, and why staying true to who you are is the key to long-term success.

The conversation also dives into her upbringing, the influence of her mother, her faith, and the mindset that allows her to keep pushing forward—even when things get difficult.

It’s a story about creativity, courage, and the power of building a life that aligns with who you truly are.

The Rundown with Rene Knott is powered by I Got Dan and Midwest BankCentre.

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In this episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene sits down with Chris Krehmeyer, President and CEO of Beyond Housing, for a powerful conversation about community, equity, and what it really takes to create lasting change in St. Louis. 

Krehmeyer breaks down why solving issues like housing, education, health, and economic development can’t happen in isolation—and why real progress only comes when communities invest in all of it together. From building homes and grocery stores to supporting schools and creating opportunity, Beyond Housing is working to transform entire neighborhoods, not just individual lives.

The conversation also dives into the challenges of scale, the importance of trust, and why meaningful change is a marathon—not a quick fix. Krehmeyer shares what keeps him motivated, the realities of leading this work, and his vision for a stronger, more unified St. Louis.

At its core, this episode asks a bigger question: what would happen if we truly invested in every community—and refused to leave anyone behind?

Brought to you by I Got Dan, LLC and Midwest BankCentre.

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In this episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene sits down with St. Louis farmer and entrepreneur Gibran Jones for a powerful conversation about food, health, and access.

Jones shares how growing up in North St. Louis led him back to the land, and how that journey turned into Confluence Farms, a 240-acre operation focused on bringing fresh, whole foods to communities that need them most.

The discussion dives into the reality of food insecurity in St. Louis, the impact of processed foods on health, and why many families lack access to fresh options. Jones also explains how his farm is helping other growers scale, while educating communities on nutrition and the importance of eating foods that come from the ground.

It’s a conversation about health, equity, and rebuilding systems from the soil up—and why access to real food is one of the most important issues facing our region today.

The Rundown with Rene Knott is brought to you by I Got Dan and Midwest BankCentre.

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Happy 314 Day, St. Louis!

In this special episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene celebrates the city by taking viewers inside one of its most iconic events — Nelly’s Black & White Ball, a night where the best of St. Louis comes together for a powerful cause.

Recorded at the event, this episode features conversations with Nelly, community leaders, entertainers, athletes, and changemakers who are helping shape the future of the city. From scholarships and charitable work to the pride people feel for their hometown, the night highlights the spirit of a community that continues to give back.

Guests share why St. Louis means so much to them, why events like the Black & White Ball matter, and how coming together can create opportunities for the next generation.

On a day dedicated to celebrating the 314, this episode is a reminder of what makes St. Louis special — the people, the pride, and the commitment to lifting each other up.

Happy 314 Day from The Rundown with Rene Knott.

The Rundown with Rene Knott is sponsored by I Got Dan and powered by Midwest BankCentre.

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In this episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene sits down with world-renowned performance coach and motivational speaker Ben Newman for a powerful conversation about purpose, discipline, and the mindset behind sustained success. 

Newman shares the deeply personal story behind what he calls “The Burn”—the internal fire that pushes people to live with urgency and intention. For him, that burn comes from losing his mother at a young age and realizing every day is a gift she never got to experience. That perspective helped drive his early success in finance and ultimately led him to a career inspiring athletes, executives, and teams around the world.

The conversation also explores leadership lessons from working with legends like Nick Saban, the power of discipline and standards, and why even high performers still need coaches and accountability.

It’s a candid discussion about resilience, preparation, and how connecting to your “why” can transform the way you show up in business, sports, and life.

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In this episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott, Rene sits down with Orvin Kimbrough, the President and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and purpose. 

Kimbrough shares his deeply personal journey from growing up in North St. Louis and navigating foster care after the loss of his mother, to eventually becoming the leader of a major bank. Along the way, he reflects on anger, faith, imagination, and the intentional choice to turn pain into purpose.

The conversation explores what it means to lead with love instead of anger, why personal agency matters, and how imagination can help young people see beyond the circumstances around them. Kimbrough also discusses the responsibility of role models and the importance of “showing your math” so others can see what’s possible.

It’s a story about survival, faith, and using success not just to climb the mountain—but to help others climb with you.

Sponsored by I Got Dan, LLC and Midwest BankCentre.

Recorded at Carbon Member's Club in downtown Clayton, MO.

The Rundown with Rene Knott is produced by Rene Knott, Dan Brown, Cali Hughes, Jared Boyd, and Conner Kerrigan. Video and audio recording and editing done by Prime Glass Media and Large Chocolate Shake Media Solutions.

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This may be the most emotional and important episode of The Rundown with Rene Knott to date.

Rene sits down with Don from Just Moms STL and Danielle from the St. Louis County Executive’s office to discuss the lasting impact of Manhattan Project nuclear waste in North County — and what justice looks like more than seventy years later.

They talk about generational cancer diagnoses, homes being demolished, and allegations of a government cover-up under the label of “national security.” The conversation also dives into RECA compensation, what it covers, who qualifies, and why many believe it’s only the beginning of accountability.

At its core, this episode asks a difficult question:
Is financial compensation enough to heal decades of harm?

If you or your family lived, worked, or went to school in impacted ZIP codes, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Sponsored by I Got Dan, LLC.

Recorded at Carbon Member's Club in downtown Clayton, MO.

The Rundown with Rene Knott is produced by Rene Knott, Dan Brown, Cali Hughes, Jared Boyd, and Conner Kerrigan. Video and audio recording and editing done by Prime Glass Media and Large Chocolate Shake Media Solutions.

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