Prosperity That Works Podcast
Prosperity works best when it works for all. In Prosperity That Works, a podcast from the James S. McDonnell Foundation, we explore bold innovations and real-world actions that can unlock the St. Louis economy for growth and opportunity for everyone.
Hosted by JSMF President & CEO Dr. Jason Purnell, episodes center around clear-eyed conversations with the thinkers, leaders, and doers who are generating insights key to building a prosperity that works for our entire region.
Episode 1 | The Geography of Opportunity: Insights from Raj Chetty
In this conversation with JSMF President & CEO Dr. Jason Purnell, Dr. Raj Chetty discusses the critical role of place in determining economic mobility, emphasizing that the context in which individuals grow up significantly impacts their future success. He highlights key factors influencing upward mobility, including the quality of schools, family structure, and social capital.
Watch or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Episode 2 | The Economics of Opportunity: Why Broad Growth Wins — Insights from Manuel Pastor
In this conversation, Jason Purnell and Manuel Pastor discuss the critical relationship between equity and economic growth, emphasizing that regions with equitable opportunities tend to experience sustainable job growth. They explore the detrimental effects of inequality on economic development, including underinvestment in education and social conflict. Pastor introduces a framework of “data, deliberation, and destiny” to address inequality, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and community collaboration. The discussion also focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities in St. Louis, advocating for a more inclusive growth strategy that benefits all community members.
Watch or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Episode 3 | The Power of Regional Collaboration: Insights from Sherri Chisholm
The conversation explores the transformation of economic mobility outcomes in Charlotte and the lessons that St. Louis can learn from this region’s success. It delves into the wake-up call that Charlotte received, the formation of the task force, the establishment of Leading on Opportunity, and the challenges and strategies for community engagement and leadership representation. The conversation explores the evolution of economic mobility in Charlotte, emphasizing the city’s growth, collaborative efforts, and long-term commitment to progress. It also delves into the development and use of the Opportunity Compass as a tool for accountability and civic imagination. The discussion highlights the importance of effective data utilization and communication in driving positive change.
Watch or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Episode 4 | Cooperation Beyond Crises: Insights from Rebeccah Bennett
St. Louis has dealt with crisis before, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom, shares lessons from how the region has risen to previous challenges in our newest episode of Prosperity That Works. Her conversation with Jason Purnell focuses on how these learnings can be activated to foster cooperative civic infrastructure outside of crises, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous community.
Watch or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
Episode 5 | Introducing the IPP: Insights from John McDonnell
In this month’s episode of Prosperity That Works, Jason Purnell speaks with John McDonnell about why the McDonnell family and the JSMF board chose to focus the Foundation’s resources on St. Louis and why they see that work as an investment in the region’s economic future. Their conversation centers on the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership, a major commitment to help St. Louis build the infrastructure, shared metrics, and cross-sector teamwork needed to create and implement durable solutions.
The IPP is a platform for bringing people together around a larger regional effort, rooted in the belief that St. Louis can thrive when more people are fully included in its economy.
You’ll also hear from the Solution Design Cohort Champions, individuals who are promoting the successful implementation of solutions by securing partnerships, providing thought leadership, and inspiring ambassadorship on behalf of the IPP.
Watch or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.