From OKC to Indy… Is This the Midwest’s New Era?

I sat down with Oklahoma City mayor, David Holt, recapping a city once overlooked into now one of the most talked-about places in the country.

We cover OKC’s rise as a cultural and economic force, from the legacy of the MAPS initiative to the city’s booming food, music, and sports scenes.

Mayor Holt's unique approach to leadership, his connection with younger generations, and his bold urban planning efforts have caught national attention—and might just be the blueprint for other mid-sized cities.

We dive into the identity of the “New OKC,” what’s drawing people in, and why it feels like a city on the brink of something major.

You are going to learn about:

• How Mayor Holt is Reshaping Oklahoma City’s Future

• The Cultural and Economic Revival of OKC

• What Other Cities Can Learn from the MAPS Initiative

Thank you to our partner:
Keller & Keller

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:12 Why We’re in OKC and What’s Going On
03:38 The Underdog Energy Behind the City’s Momentum
05:15 Meet Mayor David Holt: The Man With a Plan
08:47 Local Culture Is Booming — And People Are Noticing
12:02 What Is MAPS and Why It Changed the Game
16:35 How Holt Uses Social Media and Pop Culture in Politics
20:29 The NBA, Tech, and What’s Attracting National Attention
25:10 Community-Driven Change and What’s Coming Next
30:03 Final Thoughts: OKC’s Role in the American Comeback