Episodes

Jessica Hentkoff, the Executive Artistic Director and founder of Circus Harmony discusses the unique social circus organization that focuses on using circus arts to foster social change and bring together children from various backgrounds. The conversation highlights the 'Peace Through Pyramids' partnership which involves collaborative performances with international circus groups, including a recent partnership with Stuttgart, Germany. Jessica shares anecdotes from past partnerships in Israel and Puerto Rico and emphasizes the upcoming events featuring Circus Harmony and Circus Circuli from Stuttgart. The discussion also delves into the historical aspects of the circuses, the diverse acts they perform, and the importance of community support for such initiatives.

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, Scholar in Residence, discuss their contributions, the festival's history, and upcoming events like 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' 'Lie Upon the Wicked Stage,' scholars' panels, and a walking tour. The discussion covers Tennessee Williams' literary contributions, his inspirations, and his impact on contemporary theater.

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.

Intriguing conversation on a new children's opera titled, 'The Secret of the Gold Queen' which revolves around the conflict between gold and silver chess kingdoms and imparts lessons on kindness, dignity, and respect. Guests Nika Leone, the composer, and Mark Freiman, a lyric bass and stage director discuss their backgrounds, the creative process behind composing an opera, and the significance of exposing children to the arts.

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.

An engaging interview with Rick Schuler, a singer, songwriter, adventurer, and John Denver tribute artist. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, and raised in St. Louis, Schuller shares his journey from growing up resembling the famous musician to becoming a John Denver tribute singer admired by Denver's original band members. We delve into Schuller's music career, his connection to John Denver's music, and his performances, including upcoming shows at the Westport Playhouse. Additionally, Schuller disc...

Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Leatherman, superintendent and saxophone player for the United States Air Force Band of Mid America discusses the band's mission, upcoming concerts, and hear fascinating insights about performing for distinguished personalities and international tours.

An insightful conversation featuring Kelvin Adams, CEO of St. Louis Community Foundation, discussing the Foundation's strategic pillars of economic stability, youth connections, and education innovation to uplift marginalized communities. The conversation also touches on the importance of community collaboration, transparency in nonprofit funding, and the upcoming Give STL Day to support local nonprofits.

This episode of 'Saint Louis In Tune' podcast highlights Amy Jo Jackson's cabaret performance and the Tennessee Williams Festival in St. Louis. The conversation delves into Jackson's creative process, the cabaret scene in New York, and community engagement efforts.

Eckert's Orchard, a generational family-owned business blending agriculture, innovation, and community. From the evolution of farming practices to the creation of engaging cookbooks, the discussion captures the essence of Eckert's commitment to family, quality produce, and immersive experiences for visitors.

Filmmaker Kevin Coleman-Cohen's journey in addressing youth in need who are homeless and being exploited, through the impactful narrative of the film 'Pretty Boy'. He also delves into his views on the power of storytelling in shedding light on human trafficking issues, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and taking action.

Katie Rhodes of Healing Action, a survivor and the organization's founder, shares her journey and the services provided to survivors. The conversation emphasizes the need for community and governmental interventions in combating trafficking while highlighting the upcoming event during National Crime Victims Awareness Week to raise awareness in St. Louis.

Explore 'Best Mom St. Louis' book with Tara Smith, delving into family-fun activities in St. Louis, both free and paid. From interviews to event details, discover a comprehensive guide encompassing the essence of family bonding, outdoor adventures, and unexpected finds like a hidden skate park, catering to all seeking memorable experiences with children in St. Louis.

We delve into the vibrant theater scene in St. Louis, highlighting an in-depth interview with Gary Wayne Barker, a prominent figure in the industry. Discussions range from the challenges of modern theater to the significance of adaptability in the arts. It also features insights from a theater director on the collaborative process and offers valuable advice for aspiring artists in the industry.

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 of Saint Louis In Tune features an insightful discussion on the fusion of various music genres, including jazz, classical, rap, R&B, Indian music, and more. Seema Kasthuri, a practitioner, performer, and teacher of Carnatic Classical music from St. Louis, Missouri discusses the upcoming event, 'Harmony in Music', set to showcase the collaborative blending of Carnatic classical music with Western jazz improvisation, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians. The dialogue explores the interconnectedness of music, community, and culture.

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...

In this episode of "Saint Louis In Tune," hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston interview James Fishback, the founder of Incubate Debate. They discuss the significance of debate in education, the problems with high school debate formats, and the inception of Incubate Debate to offer a nonpartisan platform for students. Fishback addresses the challenges of judges' biases and the need for diverse viewpoints in school libraries. The episode also touches on the importance of open communication, un...

In this episode of Saint Louis In Tune, Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston delve into the world of barbecue, exploring the nuances between grilling and smoking. The highlight of the show is Freddie Lee, the creator of Freddie Lee's Gourmet Sauce, who shares his inspiring journey from making sauces as a hobby to becoming a staple in over a thousand stores across the United States and Jamaica. His sauces, free from high fructose corn syrup and vegan-friendly, have made a name for themselves, ini...

A conversation with Peter Hoffman, Managing Attorney for the Neighborhood Advocacy at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. The program is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid in eastern Missouri, focusing on neighborhood advocacy. The interview discusses the program's work, including addressing vacant and abandoned properties, engaging with volunteer lawyers, and focusing on community development. Also included are local attractions in St. Louis area.

Join Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston of the Saint Louis In Tune Radio Show as they welcome Peggy Ray, Project Manager for St. Louis Storytell. Listen in as they discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of keeping the core meaning intact, the role of structure and creativity in narrative, as well as a detailed portrayal of what St. Louis Storytell is all about. Also, get a sneak peek into their upcoming event 'Crime and Punishment'. Tune in for the splendid highlight of the show whe...