Fast Forward STL
Fast Forward STL
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 sa…Social links:
The Business of Running St. Louis Government
In this episode of 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 governa…
48:37
The BMW Championship’s Impact on St. Louis
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 …
33:40
Inside Brian Williams Bid for St. Louis County Executive
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 hea…
41:26
The Business Behind The Muny’s Modern Renaissance
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 c…
54:51
BioSTL’s Vision for St. Louis Innovation
In this episode of Fast Forward STL, host Keith Alper is joined by Donn Rubin, founding president and CEO of BioSTL. They go deep on the partnerships and leadership that’s helping position St. Louis as a leader in the biosciences. Rubin also shares his career journey, explains why collaboration is …
35:03
Clementine’s Creamery’s Recipe for Midwest Growth
In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Clementine’s Creamery owner Tamara Keefe comes on the show. Hear how she turned a childhood family tradition into a multi-state brand that’s now in 30 Schnucks stores, launched selective Midwest-first franchising, opened a parlor on Walmart’s headquarters in Ben…
35:31
How Nine PBS Is Shaping St. Louis
In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down with Amy Shaw, the president and CEO of Nine PBS who’s helping shape the future of public media in St. Louis and beyond, while leading her organization through a period of significant change that still keeps community at the center of its m…
40:27
St. Louis Comptroller on City Hall Modernization
In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper speaks with St. Louis City Comptroller Donna Baringer about about leadership, public service, and the challenges of modernizing city government. Baringer shares her journey finding her way into public service having grown up in the state's capital a…
37:07
Tarlton’s Role in Building Modern St. Louis
In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper speaks with Tarlton Corporation executive chair and CEO Tracy Hart—a trailblazing corporate leader who has tripled the company’s growth, all while helping shape St. Louis through both construction and civic leadership. Tarlton has played a role in t…
32:10
Marie-Hélène Bernard on Music Shaping St. Louis’ Future
In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She shares how one of the nation’s oldest orchestras continues to break barriers and redefine its role in the community. Drawing from her immigrant roots, she’s ex…
39:41