Episodes

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!

Caitlin Yager joins us about the colorful world of small towns in Missouri, and trust me, it’s not just about cornfields and cows! We kick things off by exploring her book, "Small Town Missouri," where she uncovers the hidden gems, unique stories, and vibrant communities that often fly under the radar. From quirky festivals to unexpected historical tidbits, Caitlin paints a picture that’s both charming and enlightening. It turns out, small towns are bursting with personality and intrigue, and they're not just pit stops on the way to bigger destinations. So, grab your road map (or just your podcast app), because we’re about to take a delightful journey through the Show Me State that you won’t want to miss!

Jack Marsh, the Artistic and Executive Director of Circus Flora shares his unique journey from growing up in the circus to earning a law degree from Harvard, and ultimately returning to the Circus Flora. The discussion delves into Circus Flora's history, its impactful community outreach programs like Clowns on Call and Share the Circus, and an overview of their 39th season show 'Urban Legend.' The episode highlights the blend of world-class performances, storytelling, and local St. Louis culture that Circus Flora epitomizes.

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.

Nina Ferrigno is back in the studio, and she’s bringing the scoop on the upcoming Missouri Chamber Music Festival, happening June 9th to 20th in St. Louis! This festival is a musical feast featuring high-quality concerts, nationally recognized artists, and a whole lot of chamber music magic. We browse the lineup and reveal a seriously compelling world premiere, “Hey, Mr. Drum Machine Man,” a piece that’s as lively as it sounds. Nina spills the tea on the inspiration behind the festival's theme of “spirit,” plus we chat about the unique pieces being performed and the amazing musicians involved. So, if you’re ready to jazz up (or chamber music up) your calendar with some fantastic live chamber music, you won't want to miss this episode!