'City Insider' Podcast Ep. 3 on Pheasant Run Fire: Listen Now!

Published on October 30, 2025

'City Insider,' the City of St. Charles' podcast, explores the human side of public service through real conversations with City staff and elected officials.

Episodes 1 through 3 are live!

Co-hosted by Lisa Garhan and Kara Silva from the City’s Communications team, episodes bring listeners behind the scenes of essential city services, revealing the stories driving the work that keeps the city running smoothly. Each episode includes two segments: a discussion with staff on a service-centered topic, followed by a segment sharing insights from local elected leaders.

The six-episode limited series will air June 2025 to April 2026 and will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

Episodes

Episode 1 includes a frank discussion about mental health for first responders with Fire Chief Jeremy Mauthe and Police Patrol Commander Rob Vicicondi. This is followed by an interview with newly elected Mayor Clint Hull, who shares insights on leadership and reflects on his first days in office.

Episode 2 dives into major development projects in St. Charles, such as Whole Foods and Fox Haven Square, and explores the challenges of long-vacant sites like Charlestowne Mall and the former Pheasant Run Resort. City Insider hosts sit down with three key leaders at the center of it all: Mayor Clint Hull, City Administrator Heather McGuire and Economic Development Director Derek Conley. Plus, meet Alderpersons Ron Silkaitis and Mark M. Foulkes during theInside City Hallsegment as they talk all things Ward 1.

Episode 3 revisits the 2022 Pheasant Run fire with the St. Charles Fire Department firefighters who faced the City’s largest blaze head-on. Hear the powerful firsthand accounts from Battalion Chiefs Tony Centimano and Dave Chmelar, and Lt. Joe Davila as they recount stories of courage, teamwork, and lessons learned. PLUS: Meet Ward 2 Alderpersons Jayme Muenz and Ryan Bongard in the Inside City Hall segment.

The podcast is recorded in the Sound Studio at the St. Charles Public Library.

Podcast hosts Kara Silva and Lisa Garhan

City Insider co-hosts Lisa Garhan (right) and Kara Silva of the City of St. Charles communications team.