History Episodes

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.

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!

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!

What do a rock opera and Nikola Tesla have in common? Well, get ready to find out because we’re charging into the electrifying world of Tesla like you’ve never seen before—through a brand new rock opera titled "Light It Up!" Join us as we chat with the creative masterminds Mark Rodgers and Jason Nelson, who are not just bringing Tesla’s genius to the stage, but also lighting it up with their killer music. We’ll explore how Tesla’s life and inventions are woven into this show, plus the dynamic energy of the band that’s going to make this premiere at Delmar Hall on June 20th a night to remember.

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.

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?

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!

Terry Howell, the Chief Operating Officer of the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, joins us to share the incredible story of one of America's top aviation museums. With over 20 years of dedication to preserving aerospace history, this gem not only showcases iconic aircraft, including the legendary Spruce Goose, SR-71 Blackbird, Titan II rocket, and F-117 Nighthawk (under restoration), but also serves as a vibrant educational hub for all ages. Hear and learn about the museum’s rich history, unique aircraft collections, and the exciting hands-on learning opportunities it offers, like summer camps and robotics programs. Whether you're an aviation buff or just looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone! So, buckle up as we explore the fascinating world of aviation and space right in the heart of Oregon!

If you're all about that sweet spot where art, history, and science collide, then you can't miss the Neon Museum of St. Louis. This episode shines a light on the fascinating journey behind this unique museum, where neon isn’t just a gas—it’s a whole vibe. Our guest, Deborah Katon, the executive director, takes us on a colorful ride through the museum's history, which started as a pop-up gallery and morphed into a permanent fixture on historic Route 66. With a dazzling array of neon art and the science of bending glass, Deborah enlightens us on how these glowing wonders come to life. So grab your shades and tune in for a glow-up in your understanding of neon and its vibrant role in our culture! NOTE: The Neon Museum is open the second and fourth week of each month on Wednesday and Saturday. The hours of operation are 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm. $10 at the door.

We’ve got the ever-knowledgeable NiNi Harris joining us to chat about the second edition of *St. Louis Parks*, which is packed with juicy history, including tales of Union soldiers and Olympic tryouts. Plus, we’ll unravel how our parks connect to the city’s rich past and the ongoing efforts to preserve these green treasures. So grab your picnic basket (or just a comfy chair) and get ready for some fun facts and friendly banter about our favorite outdoor hangouts!

How do you create a work of lasting, positive consequence? Well, Trivers Architecture has been mastering that art for a solid 50 years, and they have some stories to tell! In this episode, Trivers principals Joe Brinkmann, Joel Fuoss, and Amy Gilbertson, let us into their journey of transforming historic buildings into vibrant spaces that serve today's community needs. We’ll explore the magic of adaptive reuse and the challenges of breathing new life into old structures, all while keeping that rich architectural history alive. By the way, what is your favorite building where you live?

Carrie Houk, founder and executive artistic director is back in the spotlight as we dive into the dazzling world of the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, which is celebrating a decade of theatrical magic! This festival has blossomed into one of the top Tennessee Williams festivals in the U.S., and it's all happening right here in St. Louis. With events drawing thousands, from panel discussions to concerts and even a Stella shouting contest, there's something for everyone. Carrie’s passion and a simple grant back in 2014 sparked this incredible journey. Stay in your seats as the curtain is about to rise, because we’re about to uncover the vibrant happenings of this year’s festival, including a fresh take on "A Streetcar Named Desire" that you won’t want to miss!

Meet Dea Hoover, the queen of travel and storytelling, who’s here to sprinkle some magic on our podcast! We put her latest gem under the loupe, *Herman, Missouri: A Walk Through History*, where we uncover the delightful quirks of this charming town, including the claim to fame of having the oldest continually operated concert hall and tavern west of the Mississippi. Seriously, how cool is that? We’ll chat about Dea’s journey from the hustle of retail to running her own tour company, and all the fun stops along the way, like uncovering hidden gems in Herman and the juicy details of its rich German heritage. So, grab your snacks, kick back, and let’s take a playful jaunt through history with Dea on Saint Louis In Tune!

Harry Weber, a master sculptor and storyteller, has been bringing life to bronze for decades, and in this conversation, we wave the wand of magic to see what is behind his creations. He’s not just about the art; he’s about the stories each piece tells, from his early days sketching in New York to his impressive portfolio of over 150 sculptures across the globe. We explore how his background and experiences have shaped his artistic vision, including the challenges of capturing movement and emotion in his work. Plus, we get a glimpse of his process, from the initial sketches to the final bronze castings, and how he manages to keep the spark of creativity alive after all these years. Join us as we share witty banter and insightful nuggets about the art world, creativity, and, of course, the occasional misadventure in the studio!

In this episode of St. Louis In Tune, hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston chat with Miriam Moynihan and Ryan Buckley about their new book 'South Broadway Athletic Club: St. Louis' Home for Boxing, Wrestling, and Cheap Beer Since 1899.' The discussion spans the history of the club, its evolution from an athletic training center to a community hub for social events, and the research that went into documenting its 125-year legacy. The episode also covers the club's significant cultural impact on the South City area and shares upcoming events and ways for new members to get involved.

In this episode of St. Louis in Tune, hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston engage in a comprehensive discussion about immigration and the law with immigration attorneys Kaitlyn M. O'Connor and David J. Harris. Topics covered include employment authorization, temporary and permanent residency, naturalization, and various immigration categories such as H-1B and asylum seekers. The show delves into the complexities and challenges of the immigration system, the impact of political decisions, and the humanitarian aspects of immigration. The conversation also highlights personal stories of immigrants, the legal process, and the role of Congress in shaping and funding immigration laws. The episode aims to clarify misconceptions, provide fresh perspectives, and underscore the urgent need for humane and effective immigration reform.

An engaging conversation about the Field House Museum in St. Louis, highlighting its reopening after a significant water damage incident caused by a burst pipe on Christmas Eve of 2022. Hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston, along with guest Stephanie Bliss, the museum's executive director, discuss the museum's history, its recent renovations, and various exhibits. They delve into the legacies of Roswell Field, an attorney significant to the Dred Scott case, and his son Eugene Field, a famous poet. The conversation also covers community activities, including an upcoming croquet tournament, and the reciprocal museum programs offered by the museum.

Championships, anyone? Today, we hit a home run into the world of the St. Louis Cardinals, and you won't want to miss the juicy tales behind their 12 rings—yes, I said 12! Joining us are the baseball brainiac Bob Tiemann, who’s got the stats and stories that’ll knock your socks off, and the legendary Ron Jacober, who’s not just a hall of fame broadcaster and former voice of the Cardinals, but also a saxophonist extraordinaire. We’re chatting about everything from the glory days of baseball to some wild behind-the-scenes anecdotes that’ll have you laughing and reminiscing. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the banter, we’ve got a home run of a conversation waiting for you! Grab your popcorn; it’s game time!

Jan Jacobi joins us to unravel the fascinating connections between the fable of the tortoise and the hare and the historical figures of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln, the determined tortoise, and Douglass, the speedy hare, had their own race of sorts during a tumultuous time in American history. With Jan's expertise as a long-time educator and author, we explore Lincoln's evolution from a hesitant politician to a steadfast leader, all while having a few laughs along the way. Expect some witty anecdotes about their youthful escapades and insights into how their personal journeys shaped their roles in the fight for freedom. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some playful banter to keep things lively! So, buckle up for a delightful mix of history, humor, and heartfelt reflections!

Ed Wheatley takes us on a nostalgic journey through the rich baseball history of St. Louis, where legends were born and made, and a surprising number of Hall of Famers call home. We delve into the stories of not just the well-known greats like Stan Musial and Bob Gibson, but also the hidden gems that often get lost in the shuffle, like the St. Louis Browns and players from the Negro Leagues who made their mark. It’s a celebration of the players, the fans, and the unique culture that makes St. Louis a top contender for the best baseball town in America. As we chat, we uncover some jaw-dropping facts that might just change how you think about baseball history.

Thaddeus Stevens was a titan of American history, and as one of the fiercest opponents of slavery, he played a pivotal role in shaping key amendments and policies during the Civil War and Reconstruction. You might be surprised to learn he’s often dubbed the "father of the 14th Amendment" and was a hardcore advocate for racial justice—talk about a legacy! But hold onto your hats, because this guy was also known for his radical ideas, like land redistribution for freed slaves, which, spoiler alert, didn’t exactly win him any popularity contests. Join us as we have a conversation with Bruce Levine, author of a gripping biography on Stevens, and explore why this revolutionary figure deserves a spot in the limelight of American history!

Tariffs might sound like a snooze-fest, but they’re the kind of spicy topic that gets the economic gears grinding! John Horn, an economics professor from Washington University, breaks down how tariffs can be both a blessing and a curse for our wallets. It’s all about figuring out if we should be shaking in our boots or throwing a party when it comes to these trade policies. We'll chat about how tariffs can impact everything from your favorite imported T-shirt to the bigger picture of our global economy. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the world of trade, where every twist and turn could affect your bank account!