Saint Louis In Tune

We mark our 400th show by tracing how Saint Louis in Tune began, why we keep going, and what the program has always tried to do: offer fresh perspectives on issues and events by talking with experts, community leaders and everyday people who are making a difference. I recount an early studio anecdote about arriving a minute before our inaugural broadcast and explain why the show’s name — and even the logo — is rooted in my musical background: ‘‘In Tune’’ is a nod to my years as a musician and music educator.

We highlight how the show’s mission translates into practice: we seek credible sources rather than lightweight opinion, invite local nonprofits and cultural institutions to tell their stories, and curate a wide range of topics from history and public policy to arts and health. Brief selections of memorable interviews are played. We explain how we select guests — driven by what interests us and by what will inform or challenge listeners. Throughout, we emphasize that while the program originates in St. Louis, its reach and relevance extend regionally, nationally and internationally via our website and podcast platforms.

A big thank you to our listeners who are encouraged to explore stlintune.com where every episode is catalogued with background material and links so you can follow up on guests and topics.

[00:00] 400th Show Kickoff

[01:25] Thought To Ponder

[02:29] First Show Story

[04:38] Co Host Origins

[05:32] Show Mission Branding

[07:47] Name And Logo Trivia

[08:48] Beatbox Champions Clip

[12:09] Memorable Guests Topics

[14:55] MLK Speeches Spotlight

[16:23] USS Missouri Interview

[24:39] Jokes And Fun Episodes

[26:45] Holiday Gag Gifts

[27:00] Big Issue Interviews

[28:05] True Crime Spotlight

[29:39] Why The Show Works

[31:34] Inspiring Guest Stories

[33:51] Music And Local Flavor

[37:16] Going Deep On Tariffs

[39:06] Jokes And Odd Holidays

[44:44] Website And DIY Team

[46:51] Episode 401 Tease

[47:58] Wrapping Up Show 400

Takeaways:

• We celebrate our 400th episode and reflect on nine seasons of varied, meaningful programming.
• I emphasize our mission to offer fresh perspectives with experts, community leaders, and everyday people shaping society.
• I describe our editorial approach of prioritizing credible experts and factual reporting over lightweight opinions and sensationalism.
• We use the show to amplify local nonprofits and initiatives, including Tiny Superheroes and the Woman's Safe House.
• I remind listeners that our content reaches beyond St. Louis through stlintune.com and major podcast platforms worldwide.
• Listeners are invited to explore episode archives, photos, and guest resources on the website and to leave reviews supporting our work.

Links to Audio Conversations in This Episode

Beatbox Champions

He Served on the USS Missouri

• Saint Louis In Tune - Home Page

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#stlintune #saintlouis #podcast #radiopodcast

We welcomed St. Louis native Jessica Radloff, a New York Times bestselling author, TV host, and podcaster, to discuss her upcoming book, Young Sheldon: The Juicier Than Meemaw’s Brisket Inside Story of the Hit Comedy (releasing October 20, 2026), and her work on The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series and official podcast. Jessica explained she began watching The Big Bang Theory after seeing reruns while sick in St. Louis, then pursued deep, new interviews—over 200 hours—for fresh behind-the-scenes details.

Many cast members recorded their own audiobook portions for the Young Sheldon book, including Reba McEntire. She teased surprises such as Jim Parsons becoming narrator late in development and a recast librarian role, plus end-of-series tensions and spinoff drama. Jessica encouraged preorders and will appear on November 8, at 7:00 PM at the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival with Matt Hobby. She advised aspiring journalists to diversify skills and build relationships amid major media industry changes.

[00:00] Opening

[00:41] Show Welcome Sponsor

[00:52] Meet Jessica Radloff

[02:41] St Louis Roots

[03:03] Big Bang Breakthrough

[04:49] Deep Research Process

[06:16] Cast Reads Audiobook

[07:37] Juicy Book Surprises

[10:35] Naming Young Sheldon

[12:28] Big Bang Universe Updates

[14:31] Sheldon The Cat Story

[15:25] How To Get The Book

[17:48] St Louis Jewish Book Festival Event

[20:16] Why Audiobook Is Special

[25:01] Advice For Media Careers

[30:01] Final Thanks Wrap Up

[30:32] Recap & Outro

Takeaways:

• Jessica spent over 200 hours interviewing cast and crew to ensure new, deeply reported material for the book.
• The oral history format made people more willing to be candid about tensions and surprises behind the scenes.
• She confirmed there are genuine surprises in the book, including narrator choices, casting changes, and spin-off-related tensions.
• Many original actors recorded their own sections, bringing authentic voices to listeners.
• She advised aspiring journalists to diversify skills across multimedia, public speaking, and platform-building to succeed in modern media.
• Jessica emphasized building professional relationships early and maintaining them rather than waiting until you're out of a job to ask for help.
• Listeners were encouraged to pre-order Young Sheldon to secure a copy for the October 20 release and to attend the November 8 event in St. Louis.

• St Louis Jewish Book Festival Speaker Series - Jessica Radloff
• Purchase - Young Sheldon The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw’s-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy
• TikTok - Jessica Radloff
• X - Jessica Radloff
• LinkedIn - Jessica Radloff
• Instagram - Jessica Radloff
• Facebook - Jessica Radloff

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#jessicaradloff #youngsheldon #thebigbangtheory #YoungSheldonbook #YoungSheldonoralhistory #BigBangTheoryoralhistory #StLouisJewishBookFestival

We welcome Angela Ricketts, an author, business owner, and nonprofit founder, ahead of the show’s 400th episode. Angela discusses her son’s diagnosis at age five with choroideremia, an ultra-rare, progressive blinding eye disease affecting boys and men. She contrasts families who wait to accept the disease with her approach of learning, fundraising, and advocacy.

She shares how grief after losing her grandmother and father led her back to clay, inspiring Sight Stones—thumbprinted clay “worry stones” with a center hole symbolizing vision loss and messages about choosing focus. The donated proceeds (100%) of Sight Stones and her August-released book Never Lose Sight fund research for a cure for choroideremia. She highlights growing hope through gene therapy research and describes integrating the “never lose sight” mission into her St. Louis-based cleaning company’s supportive culture.

[00:00] Choosing Hope

[00:34] Show Introduction

[01:41] Meet Angela Ricketts

[03:49] Son’s Diagnosis

[04:28] Understanding Choroideremia

[05:55] Taking Action Path

[08:08] Not Broken Moment

[11:23] What Are Sight Stones

[12:18] Never Lose Sight Message

[15:13] Grief and Finding Focus

[15:50] Hope in Clay Origins

[21:37] Seeds of Happiness Connection

[23:43] Genetics and Gene Therapy

[25:29] Book and Speaking Mission

[26:46] Break and What’s Next

[27:19] Sponsor Break Better Rate

[28:04] Welcome Corps Refugee Program

[28:49] Back With Angela Ricketts

[30:00] Grandma Inspired Cleaning

[32:53] Ripple Effect Culture

[34:21] Funding Vision Research

[36:23] Waiting Room Sightstone

[38:52] Kids Adapting To Vision

[40:41] Family Coping And Travel

[43:26] Story Matters Takeaway

[46:08] Donations And Gift Ideas

[48:32] Closing Thanks

Takeaways:

• I remind listeners that every day we get to choose what to focus on, even amid crushing uncertainty.
• We created Sightstones — small clay worry-stone tokens stamped with a thumbprint and a hole — to fund research and spread a simple, tangible message.
• I started rolling stones from my garage and basically turned grief into purpose by fundraising for choroideremia research.
• We put 100% of the book proceeds toward research and I truly believe gene therapy will halt this disease for future kids.
• I learned that clay and pottery reconnected me to my dad and grandmother, pulling me out of stuck grief and into action.
• We use Sightstones in corporate settings, schools, and hospitals because a tiny, tangible reminder can change how people see their worth and purpose.
• As a mom I watched my son navigate progressive vision loss since age five, and I want listeners to know their stories matter — never lose sight of purpose, consider giving, because every dollar and shared stone moves research and hope forward.

• Home Page - Sight Stones
• Facebook - Sight Stones
• Instagram - Sight Stones
• Linktree - Sight Stones

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#sightstones #choroideremia #visionloss #visiondiseases #rareeyedisease #visionawareness #stlouisnonprofit

Our conversation was like we were on a tour bus with Jefferson Starship original member David Freiberg and current lead vocalist Cathy Richardson. We trace David’s arc from the 60s San Francisco scene (Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Airplane, and yes, the Starship family tree) to being that humble glue-guy who’d rather make the song work than hog the spotlight. Cathy walks in with Broadway chops (she played Janis Joplin in Love Janice) and then casually becomes the modern voice of Jefferson Starship (with Grace Slick’s endorsement at the GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends).

We get behind-the-scenes magic: the Miracles studio night, Pete Sears tracking bass on their new single "Jetpack," and recording in the very rooms where legends were made in Sausalito. Beyond the nostalgia, we also look into the practical stuff: what keeps a decades-old band alive (low ego, real friendship, and a shared mission), how they psych themselves up before stadiums with a ritual we now lovingly call "the clump," and the surprising logistics (yes, sometimes the bass is coming from a keyboard).

The conversation moves from thoughtful nostalgia to the realities of the road, long bus days, the thrill of thousands of voices, and the joy of still having more music left. If you want a warm, honest look at longevity in rock with a side of good-natured ribbing, this is the one.

[00:00] Jefferson Starship Intro

[00:33] Show Welcome and Sponsor

[01:02] Meet David and Cathy

[03:08] Still Touring at 88

[05:16] Band Chemistry and Mission

[07:04] David the Glue and Ego

[08:28] Making of Jane

[09:44] Favorite Moments and Miracles

[11:33] Cathy Journey to Frontwoman

[14:30] Grace Slick and Hall of Fame

[15:46] Tour Energy and The Clump

[19:56] Musical Roots and Training

[23:47] St Charles Show Details

[24:05] Advice for Young Musicians

[26:22] New Single Jet Pack

[28:57] Thanks and Closing

[29:36] Play Jet Pack and Sign Off

Takeaways:

• We’ve kept Jefferson Starship alive by putting egos aside and focusing on the song, not stardom.
• David learned to be the glue by playing whatever fit the song, valuing arrangements and team contributions over personal spotlight every single time on stage and in studio.
• Cathy never imagined fronting Jefferson Starship, but portraying Janis opened doors and taught her to step into historic shoes confidently.
• Tour life is brutal and boring between shows, so JS invented the "clump" ritual to "psych ourselves up and blow each other's lungs out before hitting the stage."
• If you want it, do it: gig constantly, record your songs, hustle smart, and understand success can mean many sustainable musical lives, not just global superstardom.
• We put out "Jetpack" to have new conversation starters on tour, recording in the same Sausalito room where classic Jefferson Starship magic was made.
• Musicians don't retire — we stop when the music's gone; honestly, we still wake up hungry, so we're in it till we drop.

• Home Page - Jefferson Starship
• YouTube - Jefferson Starship
• Facebook - Jefferson Starship
• X - Jefferson Starship

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#jeffersonstarship #rockband #psychedelicrock #stcharlesfamilyarena #graceslick #paulkantner #davidfreiberg #cathyrichardson

Entrepreneur, filmmaker, and novelist Jonathan Bricklin discusses his latest project: reviving the Little People Social Club in New York City. Bricklin, who co-founded SPiN ping pong social clubs and opened a Western-themed pickleball saloon in Texas, explains the club will be designed and scaled for little people but open to everyone, featuring a speakeasy entrance, a low-counter main bar, classic parlor games (billiards, ping pong, shuffleboard, foosball, air hockey, backgammon, chess, darts), duckpin bowling, a disco dance floor, and a curated puppet theater.

Our conversation also focused on inclusion and the lack of accommodations for little people, and Jonathan outlines membership options including founding, annual, and week-long passes priced by height. He partnered with UK creator Fats Timbo in this endeavor and is still deciding between two potential locations and expects clarity closer to December.

[00:00] Meet Jonathan Bricklin

[01:59] Little People Club Origin

[03:38] Designing the Space

[05:58] Open to Everyone

[07:29] Partnering with Fats Timbo

[09:37] From SPIN to Saloon

[11:45] Membership and Pricing

[13:28] Photos and Visual Style

[15:01] Why Physical Connection Matters

[18:50] Dance Floor and Pitch

[20:17] Opening Plans and Pushback

[23:21] Hosts Reflect and Wrap

Takeaways:

• We chatted with Jonathan Bricklin about the Little People Social Club — a practical, scaled social space designed for little people but cheerfully open to everyone.
• The club's quirky features — a speakeasy entrance, very low bar, ping pong, duck pin bowling, puppet theater, and a disco dance floor — all meant to spark real-life conversations.
• A fun bit of serendipity: Jonathan found and partnered with Fat Timbo via ChatGPT to get authentic little-person design input and avoid tokenizing the project.
• The business reality: there simply aren’t huge local populations of little people, so memberships, visitor curiosity, and broader public support are critical for financial sustainability.
• Accessibility and inclusion — designing for little people is like adding curb cuts: it corrects an overlooked everyday barrier and normalizes diverse bodies in public spaces.
• This isn’t a gimmick or exploitation plot — while we hope it succeeds financially, the main aim is to create lasting social connections and celebrate cultural diversity.

• Home Page - Little People Social Club
• X - Little People Social Club
• Instagram - Little People Social Club

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#littlepeoplesocialclub #littlepeople #socialclubs #newyorkcityclubs #jonathanbricklin #inclusion

Arnold Stricker and co-host Mark Langston introduce a special rebroadcast for the 25th remembrance of September 11, featuring remarks from the show’s 20th anniversary guests: photographer Henry Leutwyler and writer Kimberly Rex.

Leutwyler discusses his National Geographic portfolio of recovered 9/11 objects, “Sacred Dust,” created by photographing items from the 9/11 Museum archives with a respectful, “portrait of objects” approach. He describes the selection process, the two-week shoot using respirators due to lingering dust, and the emotional flashbacks and smell encountered when opening containers.

Rex, whose father died on the 104th floor of Tower One, reflects on enduring family grief, therapy, mental health impacts, how 9/11 continues to affect their lives through later illnesses, her writing as a form of honoring her father, her Ground Zero anniversary experience, and her belief that 9/11 is a sacred day that must be honored.

Let us honor the memories of those lost and recognize the profound impact of 9/11 on countless lives. While we may not have the answers to the questions that linger, we can choose to remember, reflect, honor the legacies left behind, and ensure that the stories of those we lost are never forgotten.

[00:00] 25th Remembrance Intro

[01:36] Meet Photographer Henry Leutwyler

[02:55] Portraits of Objects

[04:13] Choosing Museum Artifacts

[08:03] Sacred Dust Reality

[08:53] Manhattan Flashbacks

[11:41] Behind the Shoot

[13:37] Henry Closing Thanks

[13:49] Meet Writer Kimberly Rex

[14:35] Grief That Lingers

[17:48] Writing and Motherhood

[20:43] Telling Kids About Dad

[22:37] Ground Zero Anniversary

[25:35] What Never Forget Means

[27:40] Final Thanks and Close

Takeaways:

• This episode marks 25 years since 9/11, reflecting on loss and remembrance.
• Photographer Henry Leutwyler's work captures the essence of 9/11 through recovered objects.
• Kimberly Rex shares her personal journey of grief after losing her father on 9/11.
• The emotional weight of 9/11 continues to impact families years after the tragedy.
• Henry emphasizes the importance of respecting the items he photographed, calling them sacred dust.
• Both guests highlight the ongoing struggle with grief and how it shapes their lives today.

Listen to the Complete Conversations

9/11 Tribute: Capturing a Privileged Moment by Henry Leutwyler

9/11 Tribute: Relecting on Losing a Father on 9/11 by Kimberly Rex

• Kimberly Rex, Writer - Facebook
• Kimberly Rex - LinkedIn
• Kimberly Rex - Instagram
• Henry Leutwyler: Sacred Dust, photographs by Henry Leutwyler at Foley Gallery
• Press Release Leutwyler SacredDust.pdf
• Henry Leutwyler: Journal
• Henry Leutwyler - Instagram
• Henry Leutwyler Studio - Facebook
• Henry Leutwyler - Threads
• Henry Leutwyler - LinkedIn

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#9/11remembrance #911 #twintowers #nypd #nyfd #september11 #sacreddust #cnn #washingtonpost #griefandrecovery

Character matters, folks! From the office to the classroom, character is the secret sauce that makes everything better. Our conversation is with Mike Park, the CEO of CharacterPlus®, the largest and most successful community-­wide character education initiative in the country. He examines and probes the importance of character in shaping not just individuals, but entire communities. We begin with a thought-provoking quote: 'Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow.' As we unravel this metaphor, we learn that while reputation is what others see, character is the deep-rooted essence of who we really are.

Mike takes us on a journey through his own life, sharing how his experiences as a military intelligence officer taught him the value of kindness and compassion in building relationships. He emphasizes that character isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for families, schools, and workplaces. When people feel trusted and valued, they thrive—hello, happy families and productive workplaces!

So, whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone navigating daily life, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom on how to cultivate character in ourselves and others. Let’s get "characterific", people!

[00:00] Why Character Matters

[01:25] Lincoln Quote and Guest Intro

[02:51] Mike Park Origin Story

[05:24] Defining Character and ABCs

[09:52] Reflection and Social Skills

[13:20] PRIMED and Micro Kindness

[15:26] Character Plus History

[21:46] What Schools of Character Do

[25:00] Integrity Recognition and Equity

[27:00] Character in Hiring and Life

[29:46] Better Rate Mortgage Sponsor

[30:30] Welcome Corps Invitation

[31:14] Businesses Need Character

[32:59] Professional Academy Launch

[36:45] Social Emotional Skills

[40:16] ROI of Character Culture

[46:01] PRIMED Personal Framework

[54:19] Closing Thanks and Signoff

Takeaways:

• Character is like a tree, while reputation is merely its shadow; let's nurture the tree!
• In today's fast-paced world, people often neglect the importance of character in their lives.
• Building positive character traits can significantly improve relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
• Schools that prioritize character education see notable improvements in student performance and behavior.

• Character Education & Resources | CharacterPlus
• CharacterPlus - Facebook
• CharacterPlus | Podcast on Spotify
• CharacterPlus - YouTube
• CharacterPlus® | LinkedIn
• Character.org - Home Page
• Character.org - Facebook
• Character.org (@CharacterDotOrg) / X
• Character.org - Instagram

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#charactereducation #charactermatters #characterintheworkplace #charactertraits #buildingcharacter #characterandleadership

Nestled in the heart of Washington, Missouri, Oxfest has become a staple of the local music scene. We’re joined by Ken Boland, emcee of the event, and he takes us on a journey through the festival's inception. Picture this: a few friends reminiscing about their late brothers, the discussion turns serious, and before you know it, a music festival is born! Fast forward nine years, and the Oxfest Music Festival has transformed from a modest gathering to an exciting full-day festival featuring 14 amazing bands.

From rock to bluesy tunes to country beats that’ll have you two-stepping, this festival is about more than just music; it’s about supporting local charities that focus on helping kids in need. We discuss the various organizations that benefit from the festival, how they work to uplift the community, and why your attendance matters. Ken’s enthusiasm for the festival is contagious, making it clear that this is not just another summer concert venue—it’s a heartfelt mission to create a positive impact for kids through music and camaraderie.

[00:00] Campfire Festival Idea

[01:10] Show Banter Begins

[02:08] Sponsor And Jazz Hands

[03:15] Meet Ken Bolen

[03:32] Why It’s Called Oxfest

[05:34] Festival Growth And Stages

[06:50] Tickets Parking And What To Bring

[08:45] Pro Production And Giving Back

[10:24] Seven Charities Supported

[15:22] Mission And Volunteers

[18:55] Main Stage Lineup

[22:54] Blues Stage Highlights

[26:14] Country Stage Acts

[29:13] Next Up Kids And Food

[29:45] Mortgage Sponsor Break

[30:32] Dred Scott Stamp Petition

[31:46] OxFest Details Recap

[32:25] Kid Zone and Youth Bands

[34:09] Food Drinks and Sponsors

[37:09] Safety and Special Guest Sarah Kraffty

[39:32] Visit Washington Missouri

[40:32] Tickets Donations and Thanks

[43:36] Welcome Corps PSA

[44:25] Banana Split Day Editorial

[45:59] National Days

[49:30] Humor and Final Signoff

Takeaways:

• The Oxfest Music Festival is a heartfelt tribute to lost loved ones, aiming to raise funds for local charities that support children and families.
• This year, the festival will feature 14 diverse bands across multiple stages, including rock, blues, country, and more, making it a must-attend event.
• If you're looking for a family-friendly festival, Oxfest has a Kid Zone with activities like face painting and a petting zoo, so bring the whole crew!
• The festival not only highlights great music but also emphasizes community engagement, showcasing local organizations that support underprivileged children.
• Mark your calendars for September 19th at the Washington Fairgrounds, where gates open at 11:30 AM—don't forget your chairs and good vibes!
• Oxfest is not just about the music; it's about creating a supportive environment for kids and families, with all proceeds going to local charities.

• OxFest Music Festival
• OxFest - Facebook

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#oxfest #oxfestmusicfestival #washingtonmo #sarahkraffty #washingtonfairgrounds #thecoveringhouse #allabilitiesathletics #duanehaddoxmemorialscholarship #casaofmideastmissouri #wingseducationalfoundation #wholekidsoutreach #oneclassroom

Gather around, friends! We’re getting our lawn chairs, walking shoes, and appetite ready for a world of cultural connection through the Festival of Nations. It is a spectacular event that’s more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and delicious food! Imagine this: people from over 90 different cultures come together in Tower Grove Park, setting up booths that are bursting with flavor, rhythm, and tradition.

In this episode, Arnold and Mark chat with Terry Bates from the International Institute of St. Louis, who talks about international retail vendors, food vendors (that will make your taste buds do a happy dance), and performances that bring the entire world to St. Louis, all in one weekend! The Festival of Nations has been a staple since 1932 – yes, that’s almost a century of bringing people together! As Terry explains, this event is not just about sampling exotic dishes (though we will definitely be doing that!), but about creating a spirit of unity where diversity is celebrated, and every culture is cherished.

Whether you're a veteran festival-goer or a curious newbie, you’ll find something that speaks to your heart – and your stomach! Oh, and did I mention the VIP oasis? Because if you want to chill like royalty while munching on some international delights, you’ll want to check that out. So open up your lawn chairs, use your cash-less method to try some empanadas, and join us as we explore the magic that happens when cultures collide in the most delicious way possible!

[00:00] Festival Spirit Intro

[00:33] Show Welcome Setup

[01:27] Quote And Guest Intro

[02:30] Festival History Overview

[03:22] What To Expect

[04:26] Stages And Schedule

[06:26] Food And Shopping Tips

[08:15] Parking Cashless Weather Pets

[11:57] Sponsors And Institute Mission

[14:11] Volunteers And Logistics

[19:11] Getting Involved Year Round

[21:25] Festival Pitch And Wrap

[25:10] Sponsor Ad Break

[25:40] Sponsor Message

[25:54] Dred Scott Stamp Petition

[27:11] Festival of Nations Love

[28:43] National Days

[29:29] Catalog Nostalgia

[31:12] Senior Texting Codes

[32:29] Jokes And One Liners

[34:18] Yogi Berra Explains Jazz

[35:56] Old School Memories

[41:05] Perspective Quote Finale

[41:40] Mark Meets John Mulaney

[45:50] Wrap Up And Credits

Takeaways:

• When diverse cultures come together, we connect through music, food, and traditions, creating lasting friendships.
• The Festival of Nations highlights the beauty of multiculturalism, showcasing over 100 cultures through food and performances.
• Get ready for an epic celebration on August 29th and 30th at Tower Grove Park, featuring tons of food and fun events!
• Our community thrives when we welcome different cultures, reinforcing the idea that no culture is foreign here.
• The festival's cashless payment system means you'll need to bring your cards, so plan ahead to munch on all that delicious food!
• Don’t just show up for half an hour – grab your lawn chair, come hungry, and enjoy a full day of performances and cultural experiences!

• Festival of Nations
• International Institute of St. Louis – Immigrant Services & Community Engagement Hub since 1919
• Festival of Nations - Facebook
• Festival of Nations - Instagram

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#festivalofnations #StLouisculturalfestival #TowerGroveParkevents #communityunity #InternationalInstituteofStLouis #familyfriendlyfestivals #culturalperformances #StLouistourism

There are pressing needs of children with disabilities and their families in our community. Brian Roy, CEO of Variety St. Louis, joins us to shed light on the amazing work the organization does. For over 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been a beacon of hope, providing essential medical equipment, therapy services, and inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities. Brian shares how the organization has evolved from its early days as a social club into a vital service provider that identifies and fills the gaps in support for families.

Variety St. Louis offers various programs, from equipping children with necessary medical devices to providing therapy services that many families struggle to access. Brian discusses the challenges faced by families in affording these vital services and how Variety St. Louis steps in to bridge the gap. With heartfelt stories from families, he illustrates the profound impact of these resources on children’s lives, helping them achieve independence and confidence. He emphasizes the significance of inclusive opportunities that not only help children with disabilities but also enrich the community as a whole.

We touch on the critical aspect of funding and how Variety St. Louis operates primarily through private contributions. Brian shares insights on how the fundraising landscape has evolved and the importance of community support. He candidly discusses the challenges of securing funds while emphasizing the impact that even small donations can have on a child’s life. The ultimate message: together, we can redefine possibilities and create a more inclusive world for all children.

[00:00] Why Variety Matters

[00:30] Show Welcome and Sponsor

[01:27] Thought for the Day

[02:19] Meet Brian Roy

[03:00] Variety History and Shift

[04:51] Who They Serve

[05:51] Equipment and Therapy Help

[08:10] Arts and Camp Programs

[09:25] Adventure Camp Explained

[12:19] Ages and Transition to 21

[14:17] Service Area and Vision

[15:37] Inclusive Theater Spotlight

[18:30] Current Productions Update

[20:18] Impact Stories from Families

[25:03] Break and Sponsor Message

[26:17] Dred Scott Stamp Petition

[27:23] Variety Funding Overview

[28:15] Gala Evolution and Headliners

[31:06] Private Funding and Impact Data

[35:14] Budget and Scaling the Mission

[37:58] How Families Find Variety

[41:03] Program Limits and Eligibility

[44:17] Donation Impact Breakdown

[49:46] Karaoke Banter and Wrap Up

[51:21] Final Credits and Sign Off

Takeaways:

• There's a real need in our community for support systems for children with disabilities and their families.
• Variety St. Louis is stepping up by providing essential medical equipment and therapy services to make life easier for these kids.
• Our programs not only offer tools but also priceless experiences, like summer camps and performing arts, to help kids thrive socially.
• Funding for these programs mainly comes from private donations, which is crucial since there are no federal programs covering these services.

• Variety Kids | Greater St. Louis Region | Supporting Kids with Disabilities
• Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis | Facebook
• Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis | Instagram
• Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis (@VarietySTL) / X
• Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis | YouTube
• Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis | LinkedIn

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#varietystl #childrenwithdisabilities #specialneedssupport #assistivetechnologyforchildren #adaptiveequipmentfordisabilities #specialneedscamps