Episodes

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!

Get ready to unravel a delightful mystery with us as we dive into the whimsical world of Circus Harmony! Someone's done the unthinkable and lifted the cookie from the cookie jar, sparking a wild whodunit that’s set to unfold in their latest show, "Mysterioso." We’re chatting with the incredible Jessica Hentoff, who not only leads this amazing circus but has also just been named the World Circus Federation Ambassador for 2026. How cool is that? We’ll explore everything from the artistry of circus performance to the heartwarming mission behind Circus Harmony, which connects kids through the power of circus arts. So grab your trench coats and maybe a cookie or two, because you won’t want to miss this fun-filled episode!

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!

What do you get when you mix an electrical engineer with an entrepreneur? You end up with Carlos Bedoya, a guy who's not only designed amps for big names like Ampeg and Crate but also strums a mean guitar and croons his way through the St. Louis music scene. In this conversation, Carlos discusses his musical journey, including his work with the tribute band Grand Illusion that pays homage to Styx, and the magic behind those iconic sounds. Alongside him is Scott Marlin, who brings his vocal talents to the table, giving us a peek into the world of tribute bands and the camaraderie that comes with making music. Grab your headphones and get ready for some laid-back banter packed with stories and insights from two passionate musicians who are all about keeping the music alive and kicking!

Gordon Meyer takes center stage in this episode, sharing some seriously cool stories from his wild ride in the entertainment industry, starting from when he was just a kid at 12! We follow his journey, from his first celebrity interview with the legendary Hal Holbrook to producing the epic "Hollywood Master Storytellers" series, where he rubbed elbows with everyone from writers to Oscar-winning visual effects artists. It’s like a backstage pass to Hollywood magic, folks! Gordon also spills the beans on his recent adventures with the Criterion Collection, which includes his interview with the late Paul Reubens making the cut in the 40th-anniversary edition of "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure." So grab your popcorn, kick back, and join us as we explore the glitz, the glam, and the real stories behind the scenes of Tinseltown!

The closest thing we can get to a party with bad Christmas sweaters, forced karaoke, and fruitcake for dessert. Reflecting on our shows from 2025 and ending with some laughter (bad Christmas songs and funny jokes).

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!

Tim Waurick is not just your average singer; he’s practically a vocal wizard with a range that could give any superhero a run for their money! Kicking off his musical journey at the tender age of four and stepping into a barbershop quartet by twelve, he’s transformed a childhood passion into a full-blown career. Tim’s accolades are impressive, including an induction into the Barbershop Harmony Society's Hall of Fame and a treasure trove of albums under his belt. But it’s not just about the accolades—he’s also dedicated to educating the next generation of singers through his music production company, Tim Tracks. Get ready to dive into a playful and enlightening conversation as we unpack Tim’s journey, his vocal techniques, and the magic of barbershop harmony!

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!

We welcome Chef Rick Lewis, a culinary expert recognized as a James Beard Rising Star semi-finalist. Rick shares his journey from working at small, family-owned restaurants to becoming a celebrated chef with multiple accolades in renowned magazines and shows. He recounts his progression through various notable kitchens, the inception of his own restaurant endeavors, including the famed Grace Meat + Three, the establishment of his food truck, and new venture Grace Chicken + Fish. Rick reflects on the transitions within his career and the importance of stewardship and character development in the culinary industry. The conversation also highlights the unique offerings and culinary philosophy behind Rick's restaurants, emphasizing Southern comfort food, particularly his renowned fried chicken and catfish. Grab a snack (and a napkin), kick back, and join us as we explore Rick's flavorful adventures!

Stuttering is more common than you might think. It affects about 3 million adults in the U.S. alone! We are joined by some incredible guests: Christine Rose, a speech-language pathologist; Jamie Saunders-Anglin, a licensed social worker and advocate; and Molly Porzel, a parent navigating the world of stuttering with her kids. They share insights into the prevalence of stuttering, its genetic basis, and the challenges faced by those who stutter. Highlights include: The National Stuttering Association's efforts in supporting individuals who stutter and reducing stigma, personal stories, the importance of self-advocacy, support for families, and innovative initiatives like a driver's license alert for stutterers.

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!

Hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston delve into the history and evolution of Ox Fest, a music festival in Washington, Missouri. Their guest, Ken Boland, the festival's MC, shares how the festival started as a barbecue in memory of his cousins Doug and Dwayne Haddocks, who passed away due to diabetes. Now in its ninth year, Ox Fest features nine bands spanning genres from classic rock to blues, all performing on a million-dollar stage. The discussion highlights the festival's role in supporting multiple charities, including those focused on children, special-needs education, and victims of sex trafficking. Won't you come to the festival and enjoy music, food, and community while supporting meaningful causes.

Nick Gusman is back in the studio, and trust me, you don't want to miss this one! He’s gearing up for a performance at Joe's Cafe on August 28, and we’re delving into the creation of his new double album, “Plenty of Room.” In our conversation, Nick shares the scoop on his solo endeavors, reveals how his recent adventures in England inspired his songwriting, and even dishes on his unique approach to booking shows across the pond. We also get a taste of his new sound, blending heartfelt Americana and folk vibes that'll have you tapping your toes in no time. So get ready for a sneak peek at new tunes, and a whole lot of fun!

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!

Get ready to rock into the electrifying world of Mr. Blue Sky, A Tribute to Electric Light Orchestra, with none other than Jeff Faulkner himself. This episode is all about the upcoming concert on August 1st at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, where Jeff promises a night brimming with nostalgia and a few surprise twists to keep us on our toes. We chat about the magic of recreating ELO’s iconic sound, the thrill of performing with a stellar light show, and what makes this concert a must-see for music lovers of all ages. Plus, we’ll get some juicy tidbits SPOILER ALERT .... Well, just listen and join us for music, laughter, and all the good vibes!

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!