History Episodes

Film director, Wendy Sachs and festival director John Wilson chat about the 30th Annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival, and let me tell you, it's a big deal! This year, the festival is showcasing a powerhouse lineup of films, with Wendy's documentary, "October 8th," taking center stage. It stands out for its unapologetic dive into the surge of antisemitism and extremism in today's society. John emphasizes the thematic layering of the festival, offering everything from comedy to films centered on historically significant events. The curated selection serves as a vehicle for fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of community, encouraging moviegoers to engage in meaningful conversations long after the credits roll.

The remarkable story of John Andrew Jackson, a fugitive slave whose life inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's iconic novel, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'. Our conversation with Dr. Susanna Ashton, Professor of English at Clemson University and author of 'A Plausible Man: The True Story of the Escaped Slave Who Inspired Uncle Tom's Cabin', explores Jackson's harrowing escape from slavery, his interactions with Stowe, and his lifelong efforts to advocate for freedom and justice. The discussion also touches on Ashton's extensive research methods, the enduring importance of uncovering historical narratives, and the relevance of these stories in contemporary society.

Derek Black, American former white supremacist and son of Don Black, founder of the Stormfront online community. Derek discusses the personal transformation from white nationalism to anti-racism, highlighting the differences between white nationalism and white supremacy, and the historical and social contexts of race. The journey, marked by internal conflict and growth, culminates in a public renouncement of white nationalism. The episode underscores the gradual and complex nature of changing deeply held views and the significant role of personal relationships and open conversations in this process.

Karen Kirsten, an Australian-American writer and Holocaust educator, discussing her book 'Irena's Gift' and her discovery of hidden family truths. She shares her experience of learning about her grandmother's Holocaust survival, the silence surrounding her family's past, and the secrets revealed through her investigation. Kirsten's mother, raised by Holocaust survivors, received a shocking letter revealing her true parentage and the Nazi officer who saved her. Kirsten's book aims to inspire with stories of courage and kindness during the Holocaust.

Guests Robert L. Tiemann and Ron Jacober, delve into Cardinals baseball history. Highlighted are Tiemann's and Jacober's collaborative work on 'Immortal Moments in Cardinals History,' a comprehensive account of famous and forgotten St. Louis Cardinals highlights. The episode also explores player recollections, changes in baseball dynamics, and the evolution of broadcasting, with personal anecdotes about legends like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Lou Brock. The show concludes with reflections on how modern factors like economics and media have reshaped the sport.

True stories of high-stakes negotiations involving Americans held abroad, such as Brittney Griner and Otto Warmbier, from a former IDF officer who worked alongside Bill Richardson. Mickey has spent the past decade freeing Americans from some of the most complex and insulated countries on earth, including Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela, Syria, Gambia and Sudan.

The evolving landscape of antisemitism in America, particularly emphasizing its shift from being predominantly a right-wing issue to manifesting within progressive circles. Ginsberg argues that contemporary antisemitism often disguises itself as anti-Zionism among leftist groups, especially on college campuses, complicating the understanding of its roots and implications. He encourages listeners to critically examine their beliefs and recognize the complexities surrounding modern political ideologies related to Israel and antisemitism.

The 1964 season of the St. Louis Cardinals, a pivotal year that not only saw the team break an 18-year championship drought but also witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions, from management turmoil to exhilarating victories. Bob Thieman shares personal anecdotes, such as the thrill of witnessing his first Stan Musial home run and the nostalgia of listening to games on a transistor radio. The episode reveals the rich tapestry of baseball history intertwined with the social changes happening during the 1960s, including the Cardinals' unique approach to integration and team dynamics. Thieman's insights offer a detailed portrait of how the Cardinals became a symbol of resilience and unity, setting the stage for their triumph in the World Series against the formidable New York Yankees.

This conversation delves into the complex geopolitics of the Middle East, focusing particularly on Israel's covert operations and diplomatic efforts to counteract Iran's nuclear ambitions. Through an insightful discussion with Ilan Evyatar, the program highlights the secretive and intricate measures employed by Israel, including sabotage, cyber warfare, and intelligence collaborations, while also addressing the broader implications of such actions on regional stability and international relations. The conversation also touches on the evolving dynamics with Arab states through agreements like the Abraham Accords, as well as the influence of global powers in these matters.

Our guest, Joe Sonderman, a radio personality and author, talks about his new book, 'This Day in St. Louis History,' which highlights significant, outrageous, and interesting events in St. Louis' past. Topics include historical dates, the significance of the 'Great Divorce' of St. Louis City and County, unique stories about Route 66, and Sonderman's passion for historical preservation. The episode features a detailed conversation about the impact of local history, the charm of Route 66, and events like the 1904 World's Fair and significant sports moments. The hosts also share humorous anecdotes and discuss local cultural events and history, emphasizing the power of conversation in understanding and appreciating local heritage.

Explore the fascinating history of St. Louis through the lens of unique and rare maps in this engaging podcast episode. Arnold Stricker and co-host Mark Langston sit down with Andy Hahn, the author of "Mapping St. Louis: A History of the Gateway City in 40 Rare Maps." Hahn shares his lifelong fascination with maps, detailing how they reveal the evolution of the city from its early days to the present. The discussion highlights the significance of various historical maps, including a powerful redline map that illustrates the enforced segregation in St. Louis. Listeners will gain insights into how maps serve not only as navigational tools but also as vital historical documents that tell the stories of the places we inhabit.

This segment of 'Saint Louis In Tune' explores the historical significance and local impact of the 1944 All-St. Louis World Series, known as the Trolley Series or Streetcar Series, involving the St. Louis Browns and the St. Louis Cardinals. Hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston, along with guest Ed Wheatley, discuss the unique context of the series during World War II, the dynamics between the Browns and Cardinals, and the broader cultural and community implications. They highlight key moments, players, and the legacy of this rare event where both teams played in the same stadium, Sportsman's Park. The discussion also touches on the significant figures, events, and memorabilia that continue to celebrate St. Louis' rich sports history. Special activities and events related to the Browns fan club are also mentioned, underscoring the enduring passion for baseball in St. Louis.

An in-depth discussion with historian James T. Patterson on the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision, Brown v. Board of Education. Patterson, an expert on the topic, delves into the historical context and significance of the case, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. He elaborates on the arguments presented by Thurgood Marshall's legal team, including the inherent inequality of segregated schools, their psychological impact on African American students, and the challenge to the 'separate but equal' doctrine. Patterson also discusses the broader civil rights movement and reflects on both the positive changes and ongoing challenges in achieving educational and racial equality since the decision. The episode concludes with insights into Patterson's career and his thoughts on the role of historians in understanding the past.

Ed Wheatley, an award-winning author, film producer, and sports historian, joins us to delve into the rich history of baseball in St. Louis. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the legacy of the St. Louis Browns, notable baseball figures who recently passed away, and the impact of luminaries like Whitey Herzog and Kenny Holtzman. The episode also touches on the 80th anniversary of the 1944 World Series between the Cardinals and the Browns, and the significance of baseball in the city. Throughout, Ed shares fascinating anecdotes and insights, celebrating St. Louis as America's best baseball town.

Celeste Grayer, a social worker and artist, shares insights into the significance of Juneteenth and her efforts to organize community events in the Delmar Loop area. Activities include a 5k race for reconciliation, a vendor fair, and a jam session with live music and a car show. The conversation also touches on the historical background of Juneteenth and the importance of community engagement, especially for the youth. Local Juneteenth events in the region are highlighted and host Arnold Stricker engages Grayer in a conversation about her work and the impact of community involvement.

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Eads Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning the Mississippi River in St. Louis. We have a conversation with Dr. John Brown, author and professor emeritus, who shares insights about the bridge's designer, James Eads, and his innovative techniques that revolutionized bridge construction. The discussion delves into Eads' background, challenges during construction, and fascinating anecdotes like the controversial involvement of Andrew Carnegie and the unique test involving an elephant to ensure the bridge's safety. Dr. Brown's new book, 'Spanning the Gilded Age: James Eads and the Great Steel Bridge', further explores these topics, providing a detailed account of this iconic structure.

Explore the world of chamber music with internationally acclaimed musicians Nina Ferrigno and Benedetta Orsi. They discuss the upcoming Missouri Chamber Music Festival, the challenges and joys of performing, their unique musical experiences with personal anecdotes, and insights into the musical pieces that have shaped their careers.

Ste. Genevieve: oldest settlement West of the Mississippi, unique French architecture, connections to Stephen Austin and John James Audubon. Unique history of this town in Missouri.

Discover the intricate world of Jewish cinema through a discussion on the eminent 29th St. Louis Jewish Film Festival. From the meticulous process of film curation for the festival to the impactful stories awaiting attendees, delve deeper into the diverse range of films, from documentaries to dramas, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes journey of bringing Jewish stories to the screen.

This episode features Patrick Murphy, a renowned author, television producer, and media personality, discussing his latest book Prelude to a Century: The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair; aka the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Murphy shares insights into the World's Fair's historical significance, including its architectural marvels, technological innovations, and cultural impact. The fair, celebrated for its grand scale and achievements, attracted 22 million visitors and showcased inventions that fo...

St. Louis, Missouri, an emblematic American city, is globally known for its famous Gateway Arch. But in terms of its history, among the riches are untold stories of the African American contributions that undoubtedly shaped St. Louis. The recent radio interview on St. Louis in Tune, featuring authors Calvin Riley and NiNi Harris, reveals the detailed narrative written on their latest book, Black St. Louis.

We explore the 'Lost Treasures of St. Louis', a comprehensive book showcasing unique historical sites, memorable events, and objects related to the city's rich history. Our special guest, Dennis Dillon, a retired sports writer and co-author of the book, reveals intriguing stories behind these treasures. He discusses how he worked to complete the book and the interesting historical discoveries he made, such as the existence of a vibrant Chinatown in St. Louis, and surprising stories about popular...

Marlene Trestman provides a deep insight into the history of the Jewish Orphan's Home of New Orleans and the lives of those who grew up there. As a former client of the Jewish Children's Regional Service, Marlene discusses her personal journey from being orphaned at a young age to becoming a successful academic and legal professional. Her new book Most Fortunate Unfortunates: The Jewish Orphans' Home of New Orleans serves as a comprehensive history of the orphanage and profiles hundreds of form...

Director Rebekah Scallet and actor Bryn McLaughlin joined St. Louis In Tune to discuss the upcoming play, The Immigrant. Based on the true story of Haskell Harelik, the playwright Mark Harelik’s grandfather, who came to America in 1909 - it focuses on his grandmother’s family photo album which documented his grandparents and father’s lives growing up as a Jewish family in the tiny town of Hamilton, Texas. Taken in by a local couple, over the next 30 years, he makes a home and raises a family in ...