Ope Cast The Pod

In this episode, Braden connects with Executive Chef Grant Gildehaus of 801 Chophouse - his #1 restaurant of 2025 after an unforgettable steak experience. They dive into Chef Grant’s roots in the St. Louis food scene, his love for Wagyu, and what it takes to create a world-class dining experience.

Make sure to try Chef Grant's food yourself at 801 Chophouse in Clayton.

This week Braden sits down with Hana Canhasi for an open conversation about her journey as a rising artist and the experiences that have shaped her sound. From her early beginnings to finding her voice in R&B and pop, Hana opens up about vulnerability in music, navigating personal growth, and turning real-life moments into art.The two dive into her upbringing, creative process, and what it means to have a supportive community. They also discuss what it means to build a following as an independent artist rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through music.You can follow Hana at  @HANACANHASI  on all platforms

Braden recently sat down with Kennedy Caughell, who plays Jersey in Hell’s Kitchen They talked about her journey, the heart behind the character, and what it’s like bringing Alicia Keys’ music to life on stage.Hell’s Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys. Set in 1990s New York City, the story follows a 17-year-old girl growing up in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as she navigates first love, ambition, family struggles, and finding her voice. Powered by Alicia Keys’ iconic songs, the show is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the people and places that shape who we become.Catch Hell’s Kitchen on their national tour at a city near you.

We sat down with Roz White, who plays Miss Liza Jane in Hell's Kitchen. We talked about her journey, what it's like bring Miss Liza Jane Alicia Keys' story to life, and why this show hits so close to home.Hell's Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys. Set in 1990s New York City, the story follows a 17-year-old girl growing up in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood as she navigates first love, ambition, family struggles, and finding her voice. Powered by Alicia Keys' iconic songs, the show is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the people and places that shape who we become.

Hell's Kitchen is currently touring the country.

This week, Braden sat down with Tyler Wesley (Dallas Winston) and Bonale Fambrini (Johny Cade) from The Outsiders Musical at Stage Left Grille, right next to The Fabulous Fox, to talk about what audiences can expect when they see the show.
The Outsiders is a powerful new musical based on the iconic novel by S.E. Hinton, bringing the story of brotherhood, class divide, and coming-of-age to the stage. Set in 1960s Oklahoma, it follows Ponyboy Curtis and the Greasers as they navigate loyalty, identity, and what it means to belong in a world stacked against them. With emotionally charged performances, movement-driven storytelling, and a score that hits hard, the show feels both timeless and deeply relevant. It is the winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Outsider is now playing at @foxtheatrestl through January 18.

This week, Braden caught up with Robert Crenshaw, who’s currently traveling with The Wiz. You might catch him stepping in as a swing or understudy for the Tin Man.

They also dive into some of the places that shaped his acting career like COCA & The Black Rep. It wouldn't be an interview with Braden if they didn't talk about food

You can follow Robert's journey on Instagram at @_RobertCrenshaw or www.rcrenshaw.com

On this episode, Braden meets with Danny Wicentowski & Martin 'Mac' McNally.. The conversation dives into the life of Martin McNally, who hijacked a plane in 1972 and spent 37 years in federal prison. It explores themes of regret, freedom, and the impact of his actions on aviation security. The discussion also highlights the storytelling process behind the documentary 'American Skyjacker', as Danny was the driving force behind getting the movie made and an expert in Martin's life. This movie is definitely a must see!

For more information on the film visit www.AmericanSkyjacker.com

In this episode, Braden sits down with Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway, to talk about the vision behind connecting St. Louis through trails, parks, and green spaces.

Great Rivers Greenway is leading the charge to make St. Louis a more connected, vibrant, and healthy region. From building and maintaining over 130 miles of greenways to creating spaces that inspire recreation, transportation, and community connection, their impact can be seen across the city and beyond.

Emma shares how the organization collaborates with local partners, residents, and businesses to transform the way people interact with their environment, making St. Louis a place where everyone can explore and thrive.

Tune in to learn how green spaces build stronger communities, the exciting projects on the horizon, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of St. Louis.

Learn more at www.greatriversgreenway.org

This week, Braden sat down with Steven Pursley, the chef and visionary behind Menya Rui, for an inspiring episode. He opens up about his upbringing, Japanese-American identity, and the early inspirations that drew him into the culinary world.

We dive into his journey building one of the most celebrated ramen spots in the country, the feeling of being recognized by Forbes and Food & Wine, his obsessive attention to detail, the possibility of a second location, and so much more. If you're into food, creativity, or the behind-the-scenes of building something meaningful, this one's worth a listen. Menya Rui is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5-10pm.

You can follow Steven on Instagram at @Menyarui_stl

#OpeCastThePod #Podcast #StevenPursley #MenyaRui #FoodPodcast #FoodAndWineBestNewChef #StLouisFood

On this episode, Braden sits down with Beau Bommarito - a St. Louis native, former college basketball player, and rising actor where he shares his journey from the court to the camera.

We dive into his upbringing, love for basketball, and how that led to co-founding Da Guys with his brother and friends - a digital community built around fun, hoops, and good vibes. Beau shares what it was like leaving the corporate world to chase his passion for acting, the importance of family support (especially his dad), and how he's building a name for himself in the industry.

His IMDB credits include: Lovesick, Armor, Connection, Gambling Man, and Alarum.

You can follow Beau on Instagram @Beaushow30 or Da Guys on all platforms at @DaGuys