Speak Up St. Louis

Mac McKenzie is the Founder and Owner of Mac's Local Buys and Mac's Local Eats. In this episode of Speak Up St. Louis, we discuss his intro to the world of food, his focus on responsibly-sourcing proteins and fresh ingredients, and his love of smash burgers.  Mac is a man of many talents, a consumer advocate, and an all-around cool dude. Tune in to this week's episode and if you lik...

Segun Babalola is the President of the St. Louis African Chamber of Commerce. As the son of a diplomat, Segun has lived all over the world. Born in Nigeria, he lived in the Ivory Coast, Tunisia, and Paris, before making his way to Missouri for college. His focus on local politics and economic development led him to found a local African Chamber of Commerce to strengthen our immigrant community, an...

Jason Gerhardt is the President of the Permaculture Institute and Director of Confluence Farms, a 250 acre regenerative agriculture site located in Florissant MO, on the bluffs of the Missouri River. Jason joins Speak Up St. Louis to discuss Permaculture Design, how it's being implemented at scale on Confluence Farms, and how it can be leveraged to improve St. Louis as a whole. We also explor...

Lynn Peemoeller is a Food Systems Planner, and a faculty member at WashU. Her work blends natural science, urban planning, policy, agriculture, food, culture, activism, and the arts. Her family recently moved to St. Louis after living in Chicago, Berlin, and New York City. Lynn joins the podcast to discuss our local food system, urban planning, St. Louis culture, and her perspective on our city as...

Sal Martinez is a  legend in the world of St. Louis Community Development. Sal is the Executive Director of Employment Connection, founder of the North Newstead Association, and former leader of the St. Louis Housing Authority.  Sal joins the Speak Up St. Louis podcast to discuss his roots as a political organizer in the 1990s,  his development work in North St. Louis, how to stop the violence in...

Alex Henry is a University City based filmmaker and Hip-Hop producer. Alex has been recording Hip-Hop music in St. Louis since 1991, and has worked with some of the most legendary local rappers including the St. Lunatics, Da Hol 9, and Pretty Willie. Big AL joins Speak Up St. Louis to talk about the history of Hip-Hop in St. Louis, growing up in U-City, the legendary SAINTS Roller Rink, and what S...

Jill Duncan is a Farmer and Bodyworker, and the proud owner of Loving Roots Urban Farm. She joins Speak Up St. Louis to discuss her love of farming, and why it's an extension of her work as a Healer. Jill also describes her first year at Loving Roots, and reflects on why St. Louis is the right place to start a Farm. Enjoy this conversation with Jill Duncan, the STL Farming Rookie of the Year!...

Enjoy this 100% real conversation with Hassan Shariff, a leader in North St. Louis's Wells Goodfellow neighborhood and outreach specialist for the  Cure Violence program. Hassan talks about the state of the City, how St. Louis can stop the violence, his journey to recovery after years on the streets, and meeting President Bill Clinton in 2017.

This Episode features Mayor Reggie Jones from the City of Dellwood.  Mayor Jones lends his perspective on St. Louis politics, breaks down the results of the 2020 August primaries, and provides predictions for the upcoming November elections.  He also shares the story of his career in Community Development, and offers wisdom on what it takes to be an effective leader at the local level.

Welcome to the first episode of the Speak Up St. Louis Podcast! Co-hosts Lucas Signorelli & Quinton Ward introduce the audience to the show.  Thanks to everyone for listening, and joining us on this journey.