Literary Arts Episodes

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) …

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 experie…

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…

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 loo…

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.,…

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 …

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, discu…

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 Am…

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 t…

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 …

Brian Joseph, author of 'Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America' shares insights from his investigative journalism career, discussing how American society often fails survivors of sex trafficking. The conversation touches on the operations of sex trafficking rings, the…

Anne Carpenter shares insights from her book 'You Had Me at Pie.' She gives tips for both novice and experienced bakers, and explores tools and techniques essential for successful pie-making including: pie crust techniques, various pie types including fruit pies, meringue pies, and custard pies.

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 soci…

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 th…

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 r…

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, in…

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 coll…

Missouri's diverse food culture is fun and delicious. The authors discuss their collaborative book on Missouri comfort foods which highlights local dining spots, recipes, and culinary traditions influenced by various ethnicities. The conversation delves into the authors' backgrounds, the evolution …

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 measure…

The essence of this conversation revolves around Jaime Mowers' journey through immense personal grief after a traumatic family tragedy. It highlights the transformative power of love, community support, and kindness in overcoming adversity. Throughout the discussion, there's a focus on the impact o…

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 Co…

The Missouri Book Festival takes place on September 13th and 14th, 2024, in Washington, Missouri. Hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston, along with guest Amanda Doyle, discuss the festival's events, including author readings, book-related activities, food demonstrations, and live performances. Th…

This show spotlights the Tennessee Williams Festival in St. Louis, featuring readings, panels, concerts, and exhibitions. The festival, founded in 2015, has gained national acclaim and won 13 awards from the St. Louis Theater Circle. Carrie Houk, Executive Artistic Director, and Tom Mitchell, …

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 revolut…