Education & Community Episodes

As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, we pause to reflect on the stories of resilience and the profound sense of loss experienced by so many. In this special edition of Saint Louis in Tune, hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston revisit poignant discussions with two remarkable guests from the 20th anniversary. Photographer Henry Leutwyler, whose striking portraits entitled "Sacred Dust" of 9/11 recovered objects published in National Geographic's September 2021 issue, shares his journey of capturing these artifacts. And Writer Kimberly Rex provides a deeply personal perspective on 9/11. She lost her father on that fateful day in Tower One and has since expressed her ongoing grief and struggle through her writing.

Character takes center stage in our conversation and why it matters—not just in ourselves, but in our friends, our families, our workplaces, and yes, even in those politicians we elect. Our guest, Mike Park, the CEO of Character Plus, brings some serious insights into how we can all be better individuals and build a better society where kindness, responsibility, and respect reign supreme! So listen up and reflect on the guidance from the largest and most successful community-­wide character education initiative in the country. Oh, I almost forgot; grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s get into it!

Ever found yourself around a campfire and thought, “Hey, let’s throw a music festival!”? Well, that’s exactly what happened, and we’re chatting with Ken Boland, who gives us the inside on this festival that’s all about honoring loved ones and raising money for kid-focused organizations. Picture this: a festival packed with 14 bands, food galore (mouthwatering brisket), and fun kid zones that’ll keep the little ones entertained—all while helping to serve children and youth in our region. Grab your favorite beverage (adult lemonade, anyone?) and let’s get the lowdown on what makes Oxfest a must-attend festival this September 19th—where music, community, and helping kids collide!

The Festival of Nations, a vibrant celebration that showcases the unique flavors, sounds, and traditions of over 100 cultures right in the heart of St. Louis. The connection through art, music, and food will be held in Tower Grove Park August 29–30, showcasing the cultures with over 200 food and retail vendors and more than 30 performance groups across two stages, with VIP options, volunteer opportunities, and maps posted at festofnations.com. The festival is free, parking on the street, is cashless for safety and operations, and goes on whether it is rain or shine.

Brian Roy, CEO of Variety St. Louis (formerly Variety Club) joins us and details how Variety St. Louis helps fill gaps in healthcare and support that many families face of children with special needs. They provide life-changing medical equipment, therapy services, and inclusive opportunities that truly make a difference. For over 90 years Variety St. Louis has been making a difference and now serves 1600 kids in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois.

If you're passionate about the great outdoors and want to make a real impact in your community you need to be a part of the upcoming Gateway Outdoor Summit. The Summit is a pivotal event designed to connect outdoor professionals and enthusiasts alike, tackling everything from inclusivity in outdoor access to economic impacts. Brad Kovach shares the scoop on what attendees can expect, like engaging breakout sessions and a chance to connect with like-minded folks. So grab your gear, and let’s get ready to explore the outdoor side of St. Louis, Missouri, and southern Illinois.

Storytelling in photography? Oh, you bet as we converse with Diana Linsley, a pro photographer who’s got a knack for capturing feelings and messages in her shots. From her adventures traipsing through Missouri’s hidden gems to the magic of light at sunrise, Diana reveals how to convey emotion through images. We get a peek at her collaboration with Don Corrigan on the must-have book, *Scenic Natural Wonders of Missouri*. So grab your camera or just your favorite snack, and let’s explore the world through Diana’s lens—because, you don’t want to miss out on this visual journey!

We are going to romp through the wonders of St. Louis, where we're exploring the 150th anniversary of Forest Park—a treasure trove of history and fun! With over 15 million visitors flocking to this green haven every year, it's no wonder it sits proudly as one of the nation's greatest urban parks. Join us as we chat with authors Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins about their new book, “Forest Park, St. Louis: Gathering Places Since 1876,” and uncover some wild stories and little-known gems that make this park a cherished landmark.

Andre' Mack, rockstar sommelier and winemaker, joins us for a heart-to-heart that’s all about keeping your eyes on the prize and doing what it takes to chase your dreams. From humble beginnings and a wild leap from finance to the culinary world, Andre' shares that sometimes you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and dive into the stuff you don’t want to do to get where you want to be. We’re talking about everything from his time as a sommelier at the legendary French Laundry to crafting his own wines under Mouton Noir. Plus, we’ll get into how wine isn’t just a drink—it’s a condiment to life, enhancing every moment we share with good company and great food. So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready for a chat that’s as rich and delightful as a fine Cabernet!

The phenomenal pianist Brian Woods is here to chat about his new album, "Prokofiev’s Radical Miniatures," which will be released July 24th with a single arriving the first week of July. These piano pieces are short and sweet (perfect for those with attention spans shorter than a TikTok video) with no track longer than three minutes, including some around 30 seconds! Woods explains his approach to telling a story in his performances and his role as classical music director at the World Chess Hall of Fame.

Cheryl Eichar Jett shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women along the legendary Route 66 in her latest book, "Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66", released ahead of Route 66’s 100th anniversary. Drawing on 10 years of research, she describes her criteria and her goal of balancing “visible” roles (motel, restaurant, shops, gas stations) with behind-the-scenes careers, including architects and artists. These are women from all walks of life, race, nationality, and economic means. Highlights include the Green Book, Julia Morgan’s work, muralist Miriam McKinney, St. Louis designer Maisie Georgina Krebs (SS Admiral), and anecdotes about women leaders and entrepreneurs. Join us listening about this fascinating topic, and hear some delightful anecdotes that bring these women's stories to life. You’ll want to buckle up for this enlightening ride!

The world of storytelling with the incredible Dennis Brown, who’s not just any guest—he’s a maestro of narratives! Dennis shares some delightful anecdotes about icons like Gregory Peck and Henry Fonda, giving us a peek behind the curtain of theater and film. We chat about his new book, "Stage Page: Memories of Mostly Marvelous St. Louis Theater," where he captures the essence of the local scene with a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of wit. Join us as we explore what it means to be a critic ("informed subjectivity"), the art of storytelling, and the memories that stick with us long after the curtain falls. So, grab your favorite beverage, turn off your phone (unless you are listening to this by that device), settle in, and let’s get ready to be entertained and enlightened!

Nina Ferrigno, the artistic director of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival, is giving us the inside information on the festival's 16th season. This year, the theme "Hope is the Thing with Music" takes center stage, riffing off Emily Dickinson's timeless poetry. Nina's not just a behind-the-scenes artistic director; she’s also a talented pianist and a founding member of the Calyx Piano Trio, so you know she’s got some serious musical chops! We explore the exciting lineup of world-class performances, the new partnership with the Sheldon Concert Hall, and how the festival is all about weaving together the beauty of music and the power of hope. So grab your earbuds, because we're in for a delightful ride through the rhythms and stories that make this festival a must-see!

Get ready to lace up those running shoes for the Race for Refugees happening on April 18th! This isn't just any run; it's a chance to support an amazing cause that brings awareness and aid to refugees in our community. Joining us is Samson Hillary from the International Institute of St. Louis and we chat about the race's roots, the fun atmosphere, and how it's not just for the speedsters—everyone from families with strollers to competitive runners can join the fun! So, whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned marathoner, join us for a community event that promises to be  fun and a family friendly environment.

Joey Zanaboni joins us today to chat about his book, "St. Louis Sports for Kids," a delightful tapestry of sports history in our beloved city. This isn’t just any sports book; it’s a treasure trove of stories that parents can share with their kids, bridging generations and stirring nostalgia. Joey’s passion for sports and storytelling shines through every page and he’s all about reviving the joy of reading and connecting families over shared sports memories. He’s got some wild anecdotes that'll have you grinning like a Cheshire cat. So get ready for a fun, lively conversation about sports, stories, and a sprinkle of Joey's signature humor!

Get the big screen ready for the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of stories that connect us all! This year, from March 15th to 26th, you can see powerful narratives that bridge generations and perspectives. John Wilson, the cultural arts director over at the Jewish Community Center, is here to get us behind the scenes on what makes this festival a must-visit and it’s not just about the films. So whether you’re a film buff or just looking for a fun night out, grab your popcorn and join us for a cinematic adventure that promises to remind us of our shared humanity.

What exactly is a greenway? Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications and Outreach for the Great Rivers Greenway, sheds light on this topic during a recent conversation. Great Rivers Greenway provides residents and visitors with interconnected greenways throughout the St. Louis region so grab your bike helmet and get ready for some fresh insights along with some laughs along the way!

Rebekah Coste is here to sprinkle some serious mom wisdom you won't want to miss! Whether you're a new mom feeling lost in a sea of diapers or a seasoned pro juggling a mini soccer team, she's got the lowdown on how to thrive in motherhood. Rebekah is the mastermind behind St. Louis Mom, a hub for local resources and community connections that every mom needs. From tips on surviving playdates to tackling that infamous mental load, we're checking in on what it means to be a mom in today's fast-paced world. So, kick back, grab your coffee (or maybe a glass of wine, no judgment here), and let’s chat about the joys and challenges of motherhood with a side of humor and heart!

John C. Guenther takes us on a fascinating journey through the 352-year history of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in this episode. You’ll discover why this stunning structure, with its 83,000 square feet of breathtaking mosaics (largest collection of glass mosaics in the Western Hemisphere) and rich architectural heritage, stands as a true icon in the heart of the city. With stories that weave together the past and present, John highlights the intricate details that make this basilica a masterpiece of art and architecture.

Christopher Alan Gordon joins us to discuss the treasure trove of letters from World War II in his latest book, "Letters Home from World War II: St. Louis." These heartfelt messages reveal the hopes and heartbreaks of servicemen and women from St. Louis on the front lines, shedding light on experiences that often get lost in the dusty archives of history. Did you know that Anheuser Busch was cranking out diesel engines during the war?

The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit, Missouri's leading event for outdoor enthusiasts, will take place at the St. Charles Convention Center on November 14-16. Brad Kovach, the founder of the event and publisher of Terrain Magazine discusses the various activities and attractions at the expo, such as a group run and bike ride on the Katy Trail, FREE public entry/parking, and numerous vendor booths featuring outdoor gear, clubs, and organizations. The event also includes educational presentations, a rock climbing wall, a scavenger hunt, and a photo gallery displaying the winners of a regional photo contest. So grab your gear, mark your calendars, and let’s get ready to celebrate all things outdoorsy together!

Award-winning journalist Jack Fairweather discusses his book, "The Prosecutor" which tells the story of Fritz Bauer, a gay Jewish judge from Stuttgart who emerged as a pivotal figure in post-war Germany, fighting tooth and nail to confront his country’s dark past. Bauer was relentlessly on a quest for justice and he challenged a society eager to forget the Holocaust. It’s a wild ride through history, highlighting how the Holocaust was almost brushed aside in the years following the war, and how Bauer’s courage sparked a reckoning that shaped a new Germany. Join us for this fascinating discussion that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening!

Andrew Leland joins us to converse about the world of blindness and the profound journey he's been on while navigating his own retinal degeneration. His book, "The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight," isn't just an exploration of what it means to lose one’s vision; it's a candid look at the societal perceptions surrounding disability and the misconceptions that often accompany it. Don’t miss his upcoming talk at the Carl and Helene Mirowitz Performing Arts Center on November 2nd—this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

If you're ready to warm your soul and fill your belly, we're ladling into a delicious conversation about soup with the incredible Ann Carpenter. With over 30 years of experience teaching folks how to whip up the best soups on the planet, Ann's here to share her wisdom and tantalizing recipes from her new book, "Soup for You." Forget the notion that soup is just a winter dish; she’s about to change your mind about summer soups, too! We’ll be chatting about everything from bisques and chowders to the magic of using unexpected ingredients like turnips and fortified wines. So grab a spoon and get ready to stir up some culinary inspiration!