Education & Community Episodes

Jessica Hentoff, Artistic and Executive Director for Circus Harmony discusses and explores the vibrant and supportive community Circus Harmony creates. She talks about Circus Harmony's upcoming show 'Nocturne', along with its variety of classes aimed at all ages. Jessica also sheds light on Circus Harmony's engagement with schools and communities, their efforts to teach crucial life skills through the medium of circus, and their numerous successful alumni. [00:00] Introduction to Circus Harmo...

Dive into the cool world of ice carnivals and ice sculpting as we find out about the 17th Annual Loop Ice Carnival happening in the U. City Loop. Jessica Buehler, discusses the schedule of the carnival and reveals the exciting attractions, which include over 50 handmade ice sculptures, an ice carving demonstration, free hayrides, a penguin crossing, and so much more. Sean Leahy, owner of Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures, shares his professional journey as an ice sculptor, the intricate process of cr...

In this episode, guest Dr. Roseanne Leipzig, an internationally recognized physician in geriatric medicine, discusses her approach to transforming aging individually and as a society over her 40-year career. She talks about her recent book 'Honest Aging: An Insider's Guide to the Second Half of Life', and addresses popular questions and misconceptions about aging. Dr. Leipzig will be appearing at the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. [00:00] Introduction and Guest Presentation [02:54] Understand...

Social worker, artist, and photographer Lindy Drew is the co-founder and lead storyteller of Humans of St. Louis, where she combines photography with oral history to create intimate, revealing snapshots of St. Louis locals. The interview delves into the process and philosophy behind the project, highlighting specific interactions with St. Louis's residents and the release of a hardcopy compilation of Drew's work called 'Humans of St. Louis.' She discusses the inception of the project, her approa...

In this compelling discussion, Sandy Cummings, acclaimed journalist, and Charity Woodrum, aspiring astrophysicist, share the process of creating a documentary about Woodrum's life, Space, Hope, and Charity: The Remarkable Story of Charity Woodrum. The film follows Woodrum's journey from growing up in poverty in rural Oregon to pursuing her dreams of studying astrophysics, surviving personal tragedy, and finding strength from unexpected support from mentors, old friends, and complete strangers. ...

Lea Rachel comes from a literary background, with published authors on both sides of her family tree. She has been writing short stories since the time she was a little girl. Her first novel The Other Shakespeare earned an honorable mention in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Lea’s most recently published book, Seeking Forgiveness, tells the story of interracial adoption from the standpoint of a white woman who adopts a Black son and finds that she has no idea what in the world she is doing. A se...

Kirk Sharp, the Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum, discusses his background and involvement with the museum. He shares becoming the Executive Director and highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth. The conversation then shifts to the impact of Gordon Parks on the community, focusing on his approach to photography and his use of the camera as a weapon against poverty, racism, and discrimination. We also discuss Parks' personal connection to Fort Scott and his accomp...

150 years ago, Susan Blow opened the first public kindergarten in the United States at the Des Peres School in the Carondelet area of St. Louis. Author and historian NiNi Harris and Esley Hamilton, architectural historian and retired preservation historian for Saint Louis County Parks & Recreation discussed their upcoming talk on Susan Blow, the first kindergarten, and the historic Des Peres School. It was the site of the experimental kindergarten class conducted by St. Louisan Susan E. Blow, th...

In this podcast episode, Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston interview Jordan Gonzales, the owner and founder of Big Fitness. They discuss the importance of staying healthy and cover various topics related to fitness and personal growth. Jordan emphasizes the significance of clarity, discipline, and focus in achieving goals. He shares practical tips for setting specific goals, staying consistent, and changing one's environment to support behavioral change. He also discusses the role of neuroscien...

Charles Fuszner, DMD has been a dentist for over 40 years and was a professor at Washington University-Saint Louis dental school and currently is associate professor of comprehensive care at A.T. Still University dental school. He provided some valuable information on dental health applicable to anyone at any age. Key points are listed below. Take care of your teeth! [00:00] Introduction [01:52] Return to Civility [02:34] Interview with Charles Fuszner, DMD Background Dental Schools and How...

Carlos Suarez, Community Support Manager at the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) joined us to discuss his role in helping immigrants get settled in the St. Louis area and the importance of donations to assist in making their settlement possible. In addition, information on Welcome Corps and the World Refugee Day Celebration was discussed. The International Institute of St. Louis has more than 100 years of welcoming newcomers to the St. Louis area. This is Season 6! For more episodes...

Gloria: A Life embodies Steinem’s philosophy that conversation is a catalyst for change as it celebrates one of the most inspiring women of our time. Lizi Watt, one of the actors discusses the production and the difference between the two acts of the play. Lizi Watt is a native of St. Louis and is the Managing Director of Tennessee Williams as well as a freelance performer, director, and educator. The production is at the New Jewish Theatre. Tickets This is Season 6! For more episodes, go to stl...

When you think of a community what do you see? Need a community event to kick off your family's Juneteenth Celebration? The Pre-Juneteenth Celebration 2023 in the East Delmar Loop will be an active community gathering celebrating Juneteenth with music, food, art, health assistance, and just an old fashion sit down and talk. The date is Saturday, June 10 from Noon to 6 PM at Delmar & Hamilton (5900 Delmar) and St. Louis Artworks (5959 Delmar). Celeste Grayer, event manager for the celebration di...

Problem properties, liquor licensing, unhoused populations, cruising/general traffic lawlessness, and surface parking lots are issues that contribute to general disorder in cities like St. Louis. Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis has proposed some solutions to these issues in their Five-Point Safety Proposal. Les Sterman from Citizens, details what is in the proposal and comments on the Citizens' draft city ordinances for short-term rentals and surface parking lots. [00:00] Introduction...

The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline explores the planning, growth, and evolution of St. Louis and its riverfront. St. Louis’ central location has been key to US history, serving as the “Gateway to the West.” Author and architect, John C. Guenther seeks to “connect the dots” of history and take readers through the key events which led to the building of the Gateway Arch, assisted by historic images and primary sources. Enjoy a chronological look at the historic foundations of the Jeffers...

[01:00] Introduction and weather issues [01:30] Anna Foster, Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator for the International Institute of St. Louis/St. Louis County Police Department, and Sgt. Brian Shanika of the Special Investigations Unit at St. Louis County Police Department answers questions about human trafficking in general, the impact in our area, training, what you can do to stop it, and survivors. Let's put a stop to trafficking! Stay with this interview through two commercial breaks. ...

[01:50] Return to Civility [03:40] 13th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Finals Interview with Lee Anne Matthews On April 8 at 7:30 pm, 14 acts (22 students) will participate in the finals of the 13th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The final competition is FREE and open to the public. General Admission tickets are required and are available now at no charge through Metrotix online at metrotix.com and the Fox Box Office. The Finals production will be directed...

[00:00] Intro [00:58] Return to Civility [02:15] Brad Kovac, Gateway Outdoor Expo director and editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine discusses the 2023 Gateway Outdoor Expo that has been announced for Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1, at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis. The FREE event will showcase new outdoor gear, services, and resources, as well as interactive demos and experiential attractions — all in a festive, family-friendly environment. The Gateway Outdoor Expo will highlight a...

[01:50] Return to Civility [02:29] Interview with Michelle Hand Playwright Heidi Schreck’s highly impactful and timely memoir, What the Constitution Means to Me, winner of Best American play, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, opens Max & Louie Productions upcoming 2023 theatrical season, running at The Marcelle Theatre, April 6-23rd in Saint Louis, Missouri. Michelle Hand* (Heidi) recent stage appearances include Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, S...

[00:00] Intro [01:44] Thought for the Day [02:28] Interview with Will Bonfiglio What do you do when you are six years old and your mother is in the hospital for attempting suicide? You start a list of everything that is beautiful and fills you with wonder about the world. And then you leave it on your mother’s pillow for her to read. That is the story that sets Every Brilliant Thing into motion, the next play in the New Jewish Theatre’s 2023 season. Will Bonfiglio is the director of COCAbiz ...

Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, and all the great tales of Christmas, author Rachel Browdy explains the goal for Journey Through the Advent Calendar was to create a story that brought the elements of the Advent season to life in a fun and epic way. The story begins in the modern-day United States, but the main character, Zach, is quickly transported into the mysterious and magical world within his Advent Calendar filled with hidden dangers a...

The St Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum will open on November 2! The new 35,000-square-foot building is designed to provide a 21st-century experience with a greatly enhanced space for numerous interactive and experiential learning opportunities; digital and traditional media; workshops, community discussions, and traveling exhibits; survivor galleries; preservation/display of rare and valuable artifacts; and a learning center for school groups. Helen Turner, Director of Education and Interp...

A coast-to-coast Happy Hour celebrating Women’s Equality Day with special guests representing nearly 3 centuries of the women's movement! Special guests spanning the women's rights movement will join the event! From the 19th century, we'll welcome Coline Jenkins, the great-great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Stanton was the primary organizer of the first Woman's Rights Convention held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York - the event which launched the women's suffrage movement! Tickets ...

Protecting our children from abuse and neglect is an important role for every community. Jessica Seitz, Executive Director for Missouri KidsFirst shares some legislative highlights from 2022 for child protection and safety in Missouri. Missouri KidsFirst empowers adults to protect children from abuse and neglect through community education, professional training, and child advocacy. They do this through: SAFE-CARE: Missouri KidsFirst manages the SAFE-CARE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination-C...