St. Pete X

St. Petersburg Group
  • 5.0 (9)
  • BUSINESS NEWS

St Pete X features business and civic leaders in St. Petersburg Florida who share their insight, expertise and love of our special city. An initiative of the St. Petersburg Group, St Pete X strives to connect and elevate the city by sharing the voices of its citizens, and to bring awareness to the opportunities offered by the great St. Petersburg renaissance.

  1. AUG 29

    SPx 109: Bob Martinez - Former Governor and Mayor

    Former Florida Governor Bob Martinez joins Joe Hamilton on SPx for a wide-ranging conversation on his journey from Tampa's mayor to the Governor's mansion to serving as the nation's drug czar. Martinez reflects on the contrasts between running a city, navigating state politics and shaping national policy—and how partisanship and media have transformed along the way. He also shares the story behind his party switch after meeting Ronald Reagan, his environmental legacy and lessons learned from both victories and defeats. Enjoy this candid look at leadership, pragmatism and resilience from one of Florida's most influential political figures.

    59 min

  2. JUN 14

    Rudy Webb - Paradise Advertising

    In this episode of St. Pete X, Joe Hamilton talks with Rudy Webb, President of Paradise Advertising, about the evolution of destination marketing. Webb reflects on two decades in the industry, from faxes to AI, and how his agency helps cities define and promote their identity. He explains how Paradise navigates RFPs, tracks tourism impact without direct sales data, and adapts messaging during crises like COVID-19. Webb also shares how the agency has grown under new leadership and continues to influence national campaigns while staying rooted in St. Pete's community and culture.

    30 min

  3. MAY 26

    Fred Forsley - Sea Dog Brewery & more

    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 in bankrupt breweries or building code nightmares—and the lessons he's learned from four decades in business. Forsley also reflects on St. Pete's collaborative spirit, his new podcast Beers with Fred, and what's coming next in the ever-shifting alcohol and beverage industry.

    40 min

  4. MAY 3

    Carl Lavender - Philanthropy Leader

    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 wisdom, humor, and heartfelt anecdotes, this podcast offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated advocate who continues to inspire change by building bridges between communities and opportunities.

    1 hr

  5. APR 19

    Kelly McBride - Poynter Institute, NPR

    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, why it matters, and what gets lost in the process. It's thoughtful, candid and packed with insights for anyone trying to make sense of the modern media landscape.

    56 min

  6. 12/07/2024

    Eric Deggans - National Public Radio (NPR)

    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 forces that shape how we engage with information today.

    1h 8m

  7. 09/28/2024

    Stan Liberatore - No Limite Technology

    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 research and is now establishing a new lab at USF. Liberatore explains the importance of community involvement and his hope for the potential for Tampa Bay's tech scene to grow further.

    36 min

  8. 08/07/2024

    John Graydon Smith - MOSI

    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 business in a facility with world class potential that's right here in Tampa Bay.

    45 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

St Pete X features business and civic leaders in St. Petersburg Florida who share their insight, expertise and love of our special city. An initiative of the St. Petersburg Group, St Pete X strives to connect and elevate the city by sharing the voices of its citizens, and to bring awareness to the opportunities offered by the great St. Petersburg renaissance.

Information

  • Creator
    St. Petersburg Group
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © St Petersburg Group
  • Show Website
    St. Pete X