In Episode 84 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Pat Baals, founder of the wellness brand Chuga, to talk about the grit, passion, and wild journey that led to building one of St. Pete’s most unique health-focused companies. From nearly losing his life in the Himalayas to discovering the power of Shilajit—an ancient resin long used for its healing properties—Pat shares the story behind Chuga and what makes this natural supplement so powerful. Together, Ryan and Pat dive into the ent...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 84
In Episode 83 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Bior Guigni, the Executive Director of St. Pete Pride, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about what it means to lead with inclusivity, purpose, and pride. From St. Pete’s rich LGBTQ+ history to its evolution into hosting the largest Pride celebration in Florida, Bior shares her inspiring journey, how she came to this role, and what drives her to make the city a safe and welcoming place for all. Together, Ryan and Bior talk ab...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 83
In Episode 82 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Colette Delange, founder of Rare Body Studio, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on what it really takes to run a successful business in the beauty and wellness industry. Colette shares her journey of building Rare Body Studio, what most people don’t see behind the polished brand, and how she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship in a world shaped by social media and influencer culture. They also dive into the unique vibe of...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 82
In Episode 81 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with John Harvey , the founder and CEO of Opulent Africa , to explore the world of ultra-luxury safari travel. With over 17 years of experience curating bespoke journeys and a personal history in Africa that spans decades, John shares how one life-changing safari in northern Nigeria ultimately inspired a business rooted in passion, adventure, and world-class service. From the majestic plains of East Africa to the rainforests and rivers of...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 81
In Episode 80 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Nicholas Gerli , the CEO of Reventure , to dive into his personal and professional journey — from commercial real estate to building one of the fastest-growing real estate data platforms in the country. What started as a “happy accident” quickly turned into a mission to help homebuyers, investors, and industry professionals make smarter decisions through data. Nicholas shares the full story behind Reventure’s rise, his move to St. Pe...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 80
In Episode 79 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Dylan Goren, the CEO and Co-Founder of Pillar — a cutting-edge software development company transforming the real estate investment space. Pillar automates site selection and due diligence, helping residential developers nationwide find land faster and make smarter decisions. Dylan shares the vision behind the company, how AI is reshaping the industry, and why St. Pete has become such a powerful force in his personal and professional...
May 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 79
In Episode 78 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Patricia DePlasco, Executive Director of Keep Pinellas Beautiful, for an eye-opening conversation about how small actions can lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more connected community. Pat shares how Keep Pinellas Beautiful is educating and empowering residents to take responsibility for their waste — not just their own, but the litter they see around them. With nearly 80% of trash ending up in our waterways, this episode is a call ...
Apr 30, 2025•44 min•Ep. 78
In Episode 77 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Phil Yost , founder of Compass Land & Title, for an inspiring and grounded conversation about business, community, and why St. Pete is the place to be. Phil shares the story behind his decision to start a title company, the simple principles that have shaped his success, and how his journey eventually led him to St. Pete — a city he now proudly calls home. From waterfront living to local growth, Phil’s passion for this community ...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 76
In Episode 76 of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with the one and only Doug Hensel , better known as DJ Fresh — entertainer, entrepreneur, and all-around St. Pete personality. From laugh-out-loud stories of his journey to DJ, to deep dives into mindset and even quantum discoveries, this episode is packed with energy, insight, and plenty of surprises. Doug shares his take on how St. Pete has transformed from “God’s waiting room” into one of the most vibrant cities in the country — and ho...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 76
In this episode of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan Bogden sits down with Jennifer Tyson of Sunken Gardens, one of St. Pete’s most iconic and historic landmarks. Jennifer shares the fascinating history of how Sunken Gardens came to be, how the city became its caretaker, and the incredible story behind the lush, tropical plants that still thrive there today. From surviving Florida freezes to preserving century-old species, this episode dives into the roots of one of the most beautiful and beloved spaces i...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of Talkin’ St. Pete , Ryan sits down with Cole Smith , founder of Opal , an AI-powered platform changing how we approach therapy. Opal is the “front door” to therapy—offering 24/7 access via the app or web, tracking symptoms, and keeping users connected to their therapists. Cole shares how his personal experience with therapy and growing up with a therapist mom inspired him to build a tool that supports both clinicians and clients. They also dive into the future of AI , how it ca...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 74
In this episode of Talkin’ St. Pete, Ryan Bogden sits down with Mike Swesey, CEO and President of the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation (EDC), to discuss the rapid growth of St. Pete and how leaders like Mike are shaping the city’s future as a national and international destination for businesses. Mike shares insights on economic development, business attraction, and St. Pete’s evolution as a thriving hub for innovation and opportunity. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur, business...
Mar 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 73
In Episode 72 of Talkin’ St. Pete , we sit down with Steve Diasio, founder of The School of Innovation and Creativity, to dive into the fascinating world of creativity, technology, and the history of innovation in St. Pete. Steve shares his insights on creativity, the role of AI vs. human imagination, and how he found his way to St. Petersburg. We also take a deep dive into the city’s rich history, discussing Webb’s City, the legendary shopping empire, and St. Pete’s claim to fame as home to the...
Feb 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 72
In Episode 71 of Talkin’ St. Pete , we sit down with Frank Craft, owner of Green Bench Flowers, to explore the rich history and artistry behind one of St. Pete’s most beloved flower shops. 🌸 Frank shares his journey to ownership, the evolution of St. Pete, and his firsthand experiences watching the city grow. We dive into the fascinating history of the Snell Arcade Building, the shop’s unique flower sourcing locations, and why simple practices—like changing the water—make all the difference in ...
Feb 10, 2025•51 min•Ep. 71
In Episode 70 of Talkin’ St. Pete, we sit down with Nathan Stonecipher, co-founder of Green Bench Brewing, to explore the story behind one of St. Pete’s most iconic craft breweries.🍺 Nathan shares the rich history of Green Bench, the unique ingredients that create their signature brews, and what it’s like building a business as a true St. Pete native. From the science of brewing to the evolution of St. Pete’s craft beer scene, this episode is packed with insights for beer lovers, entrepreneurs,...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 70
In this episode of Talkin' St. Pete , we sit down with Phillip Ingram, the passionate owner of Lonni’s Sandwiches and Trip’s Diner, two beloved local staples that have become a part of St. Pete’s culinary identity. Phillip shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind his mouthwatering menus, and the key ingredients that have made his restaurants a favorite among locals and visitors alike. He also discusses his dedication to preserving the historic charm and unique identities of...
Jan 23, 2025•54 min•Ep. 69
St. Pete Athletic Club | Nathan, Jarrett, Graham, and Reuben | EP. 68 In this episode of Talkin' St. Pete , we sit down with four visionary entrepreneurs shaping the future of St. Pete's community: Nathan Stonecipher, co-owner of Green Bench Brewing, Jarrett Sabatini, owner of Intermezzo, Graham D’Amico, owner of Florida Smash (a professional pickleball team), and Reuben Pressman, founder and managing operator of the upcoming St. Pete Athletic Club. We dive into their exciting new project, the S...
Oct 01, 2024•49 min
In this episode of Talkin' St. Pete, we sit down with Jenna Stock Wunsch, a key member of Leadership St. Pete (LSP). LSP plays a vital role in shaping the future of our growing city by developing and inspiring the next generation of community leaders. We dive into the mission of LSP, Jenna's personal journey with the organization, and the impact it's making in the St. Pete community. Discover how Leadership St. Pete is driving positive change and preparing local leaders to meet the challenges of...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 67
In this episode of Talkin' St. Pete, we sit down with Pablo Mardones, Founder of The Crumb Factory. The Crumb Factory is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to build a restaurant with unique, handmade baked goods and a sustainable work culture that is the go-to bakery in the thriving St. Pete community. We explore Pablo's journey, the inspiration behind his creations, and how The Crumb Factory is setting a new standard for sustainability and quality in the local bakery scene. ➜ Follow The Crumb ...
Jul 24, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 66
In this episode of Talkin' St. Pete, we sit down with Jonathon Waterman, Owner and CEO of Estate Cigars & Social. Estate Cigars & Social was established out of a love for cigars and the sense of community they foster. Located in the heart of downtown, the lounge offers a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere for all cigar enthusiasts. Emphasizing social connections, the venue encourages conversations and camaraderie among guests. Jonathon shares his journey of establishing the lounge, i...
Jul 17, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 65
In this exciting episode of Talkin' St. Pete, we sit down with Meghan O'Keefe, the dynamic Executive Director of Tampa Bay Tech. For over 23 years, Tampa Bay Tech has been a cornerstone of the local technology community, engaging and uniting tech enthusiasts through memberships and partnerships. Meghan shares her insights into the ever-evolving tech landscape of Tampa Bay and the organization's mission to create a radically connected, thriving tech hub where opportunities abound for everyone. Fr...
Jul 10, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 64
In today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast, we talk with Kristin and Jim, Managing Partners of Foodie Labs. We dive into their innovative restaurant incubator kitchens that offer aspiring culinary entrepreneurs a low-cost entry into the food business with services similar to fast-casual dining. Foodie Labs also supports these startups with a robust mentoring and marketing program, including certifications, licensing, classes, and networking opportunities. Beyond that, Foodie Labs delight...
Jun 19, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Welcome to today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast. We're thrilled to sit down with Willie and Anna Cameron, the dynamic duo behind Wheel Paradise. They specialize in personalizing vehicles with a wide range of services, from custom wheels and tires to complete suspension installs and custom lighting. They have even more to offer and are eager to help with all your vehicle customization needs. Let's dive into the world of vehicle customization and learn more about their journey and exper...
Jun 12, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Welcome to today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast. We're thrilled to sit down with Todi Garay, the innovative owner of the Crisp Waffle Company. Join us as we explore Todi's unexpected journey into the world of waffles, the challenges and triumphs of building a beloved local business from the ground up, and the unique recipes that have made Crisp Waffle Company a staple in our community. Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good success story, this episode i...
May 29, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 61
Welcome to today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast! In this episode, we sit down with your host, Ryan Bogden. Listen as Dominique, the guest coordinator of Talkin' St. Pete, asks him some insightful questions about his journey, experiences, and the future of the podcast. Get ready for an engaging conversation full of interesting stories and valuable insights. Let's dive in! ➜ Follow Ryan Bogden on IG https://www.instagram.com/ryan.bogden/ Subscribe to Talkin’ St Pete on YouTube https://w...
May 22, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 60
Welcome to today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast. We're thrilled to sit down with Dr. Michelle Ellena, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Take MAR. Join us as we explore their vision of a world where our environment and communities are interconnected, balanced, and healthy. In this episode, we'll discuss Take MAR's mission to regenerate our environment and communities, emphasizing the vital connection between a healthy natural world and personal well-being. Discover how they are work...
May 15, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Welcome to today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast, where we dive into the heart of our city's vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Jonathan and Angie Bryan, the passionate owners of Golden Isles Brewing Co., a beloved local brewery right here in St. Pete. Join us as we explore their unique offerings, from refreshing "Coldies" and innovative zero-proof cocktails to functional oldies and a diverse range of non-alcoholic options inclu...
May 08, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In today’s episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast, we're excited to chat with DJ Meeshy, a local DJ here in St. Petersburg. DJ Meeshy is bringing the divine feminine to the dance floor, infusing her sets with a unique blend of sounds that honor both tradition and innovation. She's known for her eclectic mixes that span genres from house to tropical, and her ability to create an electrifying atmosphere that keeps the crowd moving all night long. Join us as we dive into her journey through the mu...
May 01, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In today’s episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast, we're excited to chat with Colette Dulangre, the innovative and passionate owner of Rare Body Studio. Having recently relocated her studio from the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, Colette has quickly established Rare Body Studio as a premier wellness destination. Impressively, it's currently ranked as the #1 Pilates and Yoga Studio in Tampa Bay on Google. Rare Body Studio distinguishes itself w...
Jan 31, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 55
In today's episode of the Talkin' St. Pete podcast, we're excited to chat with Mike Fox, the President and founder of Fox Building Group. Joining him is Jonathan Coroneos, the senior project manager. They share their unique skills, varied backgrounds, and experiences, marking a new era in tackling the complex issues of the building industry. With many capable builders out there, Fox Building Group stands out as true professionals. We dive into Mike's journey from arriving in St. Petersburg to es...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 54
