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

In this episode, Braden sits down with Anthony “Redd“ Williams who brings significant performance, choreography & teaching experience to the world of Commercial Hip Hop Dance. 

A Saint Louis native, Redd Williams has traveled all over the world teaching thousands of students. He has performed & choreographed on tours, movies, music videos, live stage & national television/commercials for the likes of Beyonce, JLO, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Daddy Yankee, Lil Kim, Nelly, Bia, Sza, Pepsi, Starbucks, Uncle Drew The Movie, American Soul, Disney Channel Games, and much more. Redd’s choreography has also been performed on the legendary “Showtime At The Apollo”.  Redd served as Artistic Director of the Hip Hop Crew at the Center Of Creative Arts “COCA” in Saint Louis Mo for 15 years. He now owns his own Commercial Hip Hop Studio, Kode Redd Dance Studio.

This deeply inspiring episode takes listeners through Redd’s personal and professional journey—marked by perseverance, purpose, and passion. With candid insight and grounded wisdom, Redd shares how he turned his creative ideas into action, why authenticity is his currency, and what it means to lead with heart in both business and life.

You can follow Redd at:

Website: anthonyreddwilliams.com

Instagram: @redd818

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KodeRedd818

In this episode, Braden sits down with Emanuel Harrold and Shareef Keyes, the dynamic duo behind Brooklyn Saint. Brooklyn Saint is a genre blending music group rooted in jazz, rap, and house.

Recorded just before their Festival of Nations performance, the conversation dives into their musical upbringings, growing up in families full of artists, and navigating the ever-evolving music industry. Together, they share the story of how Brooklyn and St. Louis came together to create a sound that’s as soulful as it is fresh.

Since the recording, Brooklyn Saint lit up the stage on 314 Day, a beloved celebration of St. Louis culture—further cementing their status as hometown heroes with a global vibe.

Tap in to hear the full story, and follow their journey on Instagram @brooklynsaintmusic

In this milestone 50th episode of Ope Cast host Braden collaborates with the team from the Mostly Superheroes podcast for their first-ever crossover episode. The Mostly Superheroes crew includes host Logan Janis, along with co-hosts Andy "The Giggler" and Scotty Scoop. They dive into the origins of their podcast, their shared enthusiasm for community, and their interests spanning movies, books, wrestling, and more.​ Mostly Superheroes is a talk show and video podcast that features fans reviewing movies and TV shows, celebrating music, and pursuing great stories. Don't miss this engaging conversation and be sure to check out Braden's guest appearance on Mostly Superheroes, where he shares an exclusive recap of his time at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, discusses potential upcoming projects, and more. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OecidYuNqY4You can follow them at  @mostlysuperheroes  on all platforms or visit their website at www.mostlysuperheroes.com

On this episode, Braden sat down with Shayn Prapaisilp of United Provisions. Shayn shares his journey into the hospitality industry, working in the family business, favorite international snacks, and more. His family has been a longstanding force in St. Louis' food industry, owning multiple local businesses. They run United Provisions—a specialty grocery store in the Delmar Loop featuring international foods. They've also have other ventures like Global Foods Market in Kirkwood, Chao Baan, King and I (St. Louis' first Thai restaurant), Oishi Sushi in Creve Coeur, and Oishi Sushi and Steakhouse in Chesterfield. Suchin Prapaisilp heads the family’s enterprises as president and CEO of STJ Group Holdings LLC, the umbrella company for their various businesses.Make sure to visit United Provisions the next time you're near the Delmar Loop and follow them at @unitedprovisions