The 314 Podcast

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Fred Wellman, who is running against six-term U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Ballwin). A U.S. Army veteran, political consultant, and podcast host, Wellman discusses why he thinks this could be Democrats’ year, why his opponent is like a jellyfish, and what brought him back to St. Louis after decades away. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff write...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Nicholas Phillips and Samir Knox, the two reporters anchoring St. Louis Magazine’s new Economic Mobility Lab funded by the James S. McDonnell Foundation. They discuss Nick’s new story about a high-achieving young man who went from a working class background to earning a doctorate—and how social capita...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Giles Oldroyd, the British scientist who recently took over as president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. He talks about settling into Missouri, responding to federal cuts hitting the not-for-profit research institute, and St. Louis’ role as an agtech hub. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the hard...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Ron Kitchens, who became the CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc. in November and is already making some big changes. He shares his thoughts on the city/county divide and what the city should do with its portion of the Rams settlement funds. He also opens up on why he originally turned down the chance to come to St. Louis—and how he views the region toda...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Cara Spencer, who’s been on a wild ride in her first year as the mayor of St. Louis. Spencer talks about how she’s working to improve city services even while grappling with tornados, snowfall, and fire. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how MoDOT’s first snow response of the year has drawn wr...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Alan Greenblatt, former editor of Governing magazine. The Webster Groves-based Greenblatt, who quit his job rather than kill a story criticizing the Trump administration, discusses self-censorship, the national media’s myopia, and the reaction to his decision. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull&nb...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with St. Louis Sports Commission president Marc Schreiber about his nonprofit’s work selling St. Louis to the organizers of sporting events—and an idea they have that would allow the privately funded nonprofit to better compete with their taxpayer-supported rivals in other cities. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with former state representative Peter Merideth about his family’s decision to move from the city of St. Louis to St. Louis County—and what city leaders could do to prevent the flight of families like his. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a St. Louis prosecutor’s unusual involvement in the cr...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Steve Smith, CEO of development firm New + Found, about his efforts to bring vibrancy to downtown and Midtown—and why Smith is worried that the two big data centers proposed for sites near his thriving City Foundry project could slow the neighborhood’s momentum. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about Missouri...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert, who shares how growing up with autism and enduring bullying at some top St. Louis prep schools helped prepare him for the “viper pit” of TV journalism in Washington, D.C.—and discusses being let go from Fox News over his aggressive questioning of President Donald Trump’s administration. Then...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Marie-Hélène Bernard, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, on the eve of its return to Powell Hall after a $140 million renovation. A native of Quebec who moved here from Boston, Marie-Hélène explains how the SLSO pulled off the project on time and on budget—and what made her fall in love in St. Louis. Then, Sarah ch...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with state Senator Brian Williams. The University City Democrat explains how he’s been able to forge connections with people far different from him, how he’d run the county differently than County Executive Sam Page, and what he sees as a big missed opportunity during Kansas City’s interstate stadium battle. Then, Sarah chats with SLM&...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Dara Eskridge and surprises her with this year’s Visionary Award. The CEO of Invest STL discusses how she immediately got to work helping North City in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado, what it will take to get enough resources to make tornado victims whole, and why it’s imperative that St. Louis address the factors leading...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Michael Staenberg about his ambitious development now under construction in Chesterfield. Downtown Chesterfield will bring city-style living to the acreage that previously held Chesterfield Mall. The founder and President of The Staenberg Group explains his vision for the project, what drives his generosity, and what keeps him committed to St....

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, guest host Ryan Krull talks with Conner Kerrigan about his Substack publication, Show Me Last Week. For several years, Kerrigan ran St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ communications operation and now uses his experience from the belly of the City Hall beast to explain city government, the media, and more. Then, Ryan chats with SLM business editor Eric Schmid&...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Gateway Arch Park Foundation executive director Ryan McClure about the organization’s big plans for downtown—which include not just redevelopment of the long vacant Millennium Hotel, but also jumpstarting a conversation about removing the highway that cuts through the heart of the neighborhood. Other cities are doing it; why not St. Louis? Then, Sarah...

In this bonus episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske sits down with St. Louis Magazine’s new business editor Eric Schmid. The former economic development reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, Eric discusses his vision for SLM’s business coverage and daily business newsletter, what sold him on St. Louis, and what it’s like being mistaken for Eric Schmitt—the former Missouri...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Chris Andoe about the new and retooled Out in STL. Andoe recently purchased the 8-year-old LGBTQ magazine Out In STL for $1 and relaunched it under a nonprofit board. He explains why he’s optimistic about the venture even when local media is struggling and corporations have turned their back on the LGBTQ community—and also sha...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Mike Isaacson, artistic director and executive producer of The Muny, the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, which this month was awarded the Tony Award for regional theatre. Isaacson discusses what’s kept The Muny going strong after 106 years, his own circuitous path to the theatre, and what native St. Louisans don’t under...