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 writer Ryan Krull about the big raises that the new state-run Board of Police Commissioners just bestowed upon St. Louis police officers—and why Mayor Cara Spencer was a loud “no” vote. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Discover how Royal Banks of Missouri can help you navigate 2026 with confidence! They’re more than a bank; their team will serve as trusted partners at any point in your journey and provide personalized solutions to set you up for financial success. Learn more.

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Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• Police board gears up to give St. Louis police another 7 percent raise
• Ray Hartmann is convinced he can win—and he’ll happily tell you why
• State control of St. Louis police brings added costs beyond salary increases
• Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch
• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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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 capital played a key role in his journey. They also explain what they plan to focus on as they seek to cover policies, programs, and people trying to achieve a better life for themselves and their kids.

Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. Keep up with the latest Economic Mobility Lab coverage by subscribing to the St. Louis Daily newsletter.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Surprise $5M gift will grant some St. Charles Community College students a free 4-year degree
• Bridge Bread will open a bakery in the Loop, with new opportunities for workers

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• Latest Economic Mobility Lab coverage
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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 line the city is taking on a long-vacant historic theater. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Since 1964, Royal Banks of Missouri has been proud to be your local community bank. Visit one of their fifteen convenient locations to discover how they can help you work towards a financial fresh start and achieve your goals in 2026. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• St. Louis Business 500: Q&A with James Carrington, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
• Cary Fowler warns of headwinds for global food security—but sees solutions in St. Louis
• City yanks tax-exempt status for downtown’s Orpheum Theater
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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 today. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the billionaire taking over the parent company of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Classic Aire Care, St. Louis’ premier heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical contractor. With over 7,000 five-star reviews, they are the experts in making your life more comfortable. They offer membership maintenance plans to extend the life of your system. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• Ron Kitchens will be Greater St. Louis Inc.’s next CEO
• Five defining business storylines of St. Louis in 2025
• Hoffmann’s takeover of Post-Dispatch parent co. means change—but how much?
• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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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 wrath from lawmakers. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is presented by Gateway Arch Park Foundation and supported by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Through January 11, 2026, Winterfest is bringing back all your favorites, like ice skating, s’mores, and heated igloos. Get more info.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• More episodes of The 314 Podcast
• ‘Welcome to our city’s next chapter,’ says Mayor Cara Spencer
• Spencer wants St. Louis to prioritize saying “yes” to development projects
• Spencer’s tough task: Delivering abundance in a tornado-ravaged St. Louis
• MoDOT’s snow removal efforts were stymied by legal fight to raise pay
• MoDOT faces bipartisan wrath for winter storm response

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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 about a high-profile incident in South St. Louis County involving a Black police officer and the three construction workers accused of beating him up. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• New revelations heighten dueling narratives in South County beatdown
• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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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 the St. Louis Board of Aldermen’s foray into international politics, with a resolution inspired by the war in Gaza that has triggered some skepticism. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Saint Louis Art Museum and supported by the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Don’t miss Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, a monumental exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. As the artist’s first American retrospective in more than 20 years, the exhibit features iconic pieces from Kiefer’s storied career alongside new, massive, site-specific installations. The exhibition is free and on display through January 25. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• St. Louis Business 500: Marc Schreiber, St. Louis Sports Commission
• Sports tourism expected to have a major impact on St. Louis this spring
• St. Louis aldermen pass resolution urging divestment from war, but impact is unclear

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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 criminal case against New York attorney general Letitia James. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar and supported by the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Open year round, Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar is the perfect hangout spot in Ballpark Village. Their menu is a home run, made to satisfy major league appetites. Check out their current menu and reserve your table.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• St. Louis prosecutor co-leads Virginia prosecution of New York AG
• 11 helpful education-related organizations in St. Louis

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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’s price-gouging case against Dollar General—and what it tells us about new Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Westport Plaza. Oktoberfest takes over Westport Plaza October 17–18. Enjoy live music, cheer on traditional German dancers, test your grip in the stein-holding competition, and feast on authentic German eats and ice-cold brews. Bring your crew, raise a stein, and make it a Westport weekend! Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• City Foundry visits and tax receipts keep ticking up
• City Foundry goes big on events, booking performers and a Wednesday art market
• New concert venue The Sovereign is coming to Grand Center
• Dollar General’s deceptive pricing has Missouri AG pushing for restitution

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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, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about his coverage of Dara Daugherty, whom the city has accused of running illegal rooming houses, but who continues to hold on to her real estate empire. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Classic Aire Care. With over 4,000 five-star reviews, they are the experts in making your life more comfortable. To learn more about extending the life of your HVAC system with Classic Aire Care’s membership maintenance plans, visit classicairecare.com.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

• Accused slumlord Dara Daugherty files for bankruptcy, complicating the city’s plans
• Benton Park neighbors target slumlord’s nuisance property

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.