St. Pete X

Fred Forsley’s entrepreneurial reach is as wide as it is unexpected—real estate broker at 18, founder of Shipyard and Sea Dog Brewing, maker of alt-THC beverages, vodka, rums, and even a mushroom energy drink. In this episode of SPX, Forsley shares his journey from hustling real estate in Maine to building a beverage empire that spans coastlines and categories. He talks frankly about seizing opportunity—even when it comes wrapped i...

Join Joe Hamilton in a candid conversation with community leader Carl Lavender as he reflects on his life’s journey—from his roots as a pastor’s son in Cleveland, to navigating gang violence and fundraising in Chicago, and finally becoming a transformative force in St. Pete’s nonprofit sector. Carl shares personal insights on leadership, balancing public service with self-care, and the vital importance of economic equity. Rich with...

In this episode, Joe Hamilton sits down with Kelly McBride—Senior VP at the Poynter Institute, NPR Public Editor, and Chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership—for a wide-ranging conversation on news diets, media trust, AI’s role in journalism and the fading sense of local connection. From dopamine-driven doomscrolling to the potential of AI agents as personal information curators, they explore how we consume news...

In this episode, Eric Deggans, NPR’s TV critic and media analyst, delves into the complexities of modern media. The conversation explores the fractured media landscape, the rise of niche platforms and the responsibilities of media creators and consumers in combating misinformation. Joe and Eric discuss the evolution of local news, the role of algorithms and the impact of tribalism on media consumption as well as unpacking the force...

Stan Liberatore, founder of No Limit Technology, discusses his journey from a corporate background in software development and recruitment to entrepreneurship and founding his own company. He shares the early struggles of No Limit, including financial instability and the importance of relationships. We also learn about the rise of Save the Kids, a nonprofit he co-founded, which has raised significant funds for pediatric cancer rese...

In this episode, Joe welcomes John Graydon Smith, the President and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa. John shares his fascinating journey as a turn around specialist in the museum world. They discuss the evolution of MOSI, its current challenges, and the innovative strategies being implemented to ensure its future success. Get ready for an insightful conversation about the intersection of innovation and bus...

In this episode of the SPX, Joe Hamilton interviews Lisa Speer Vickers, daughter of the prolific entrepreneur Roy Speer. Lisa recounts her upbringing in a household driven by her father's diverse business ventures, which ranged from a utility company and real estate to oil and financial institutions. She shares her early memories of her father's entrepreneurial spirit and the dynamic between her parents that fueled their family’s s...

On this special 100th episode of SPx, Neil Brown, President of the Poynter Institute, joins Joe for an in depth conversation about the current state of journalism. Brown believes that journalism is thriving despite challenges and highlights the need to move away from a negative narrative. They discuss objectivity in journalism, the impact of the internet on information dissemination and the importance of transparency and neutrality...

In this episode of SPX, host Joe Hamilton chats with the multifaceted actress and teacher Eugenie Bondurant. Known for her roles in films like "Fear of Rain", "The Hunger Games" and her upcoming appearance in "Summer Camp," Bondurant takes us on a journey through her vibrant career. From her unique upbringing in New Orleans to her foray into the world of fashion and finance, Eugenie shares personal anecdotes that highlight her pass...

In this epside of SPx, Joe welcomes Sean Schrader, a young, dynamic community leader who recently completed his MBA from the University of South Florida. Schrader shares his journey from local neighborhood meetings to working with U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist, emphasizing the importance of local advocacy, community involvement, and civil discourse. He discusses his future ambitions, including a potential stint abroad to gain glob...

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a U.S. Naval officer veteran, Mark Mahaffey joined his father’s business in 1969. Today, he is Chairman of the Board of The Mahaffey Companies, one of the largest family-owned real estate companies in Florida. St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater bears his family’s name. In this edition of SPx, Mahaffey discusses his amazing life journey, as chronicled in his 2023 memoir “The Pathfinder.”...

Ken LaRoe is the founder of Climate First Bank, which is his third bank. After the very successful sale of Florida Choice Bank, his first, LaRoe and his wife Cindy rented a small RV to travel the country. For that trip LaRoe's brother gave him a copy of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard's book, Let My People Go Surfing. It proved to be a transformational read. In this episode of SPx we explore that transition into values based banki...

Washington Post associate editor and senior national security correspondent Karen DeYoung is Joe’s guest on today’s SPX podcast. DeYoung, who has been with the Post for nearly 50 years, grew up in St. Petersburg, and wrote for the St. Petersburg Times in the early 1970s. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist discusses her many years as a foreign correspondent, her encounters with global heads of state and her love of travel – along...

A fourth-generation St. Petersburg native, Marcus Brooks passionately believes in absolute equity on every level, and as the executive director of the Center for Health Equity, he is fully invested in what he calls the “collaboration and connectivity” needed to achieve both physical wellness, racial balance, empathy and understanding in the city (and county) he loves. His daily affirmation: “Whatever gifts you are believed to have,...

Jim Barnish is the Founding Managing Partner of Orchid Black and the host of The Dirt podcast. Orchid Black is a consulting firm that focuses exclusively on revenue-positive start-ups looking to make an exit within three years. This conversation discusses the nuances of Orchid Black's unique business model, the hurdles and opportunities facing companies looking to scale, and how to balance working with multiple start-ups. 
 
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