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 chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the troubling eviction of two young brothers in South City, made possible by a new law that makes critical changes to Misosuri evictions. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Ryan Lawn & Tree and supported by Great Forest Park Balloon Race. For nearly 40 years, Ryan Lawn & Tree has helped families across the area bring their outdoor dream to life with expert lawn care, tree and shrub service, landscaping, and pest control. 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:

• SLSO reaches the halfway point on multi-million-dollar Powell Hall renovation
• St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announces major renovation and expansion of Powell Hall
• St. Louis Business 500: Q&A with Marie-Helene Bernard, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
• New Missouri “squatters law” led to brothers’ wrongful eviction, lawyer says

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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 staff writer Ryan Krull about the bust of an alleged cult that operated out of several mansions in West St. Louis County—including one previously owned by the rapper Nelly. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by STAGES St. Louis. STAGES St. Louis proudly presents the BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical, showing September 19—October 19 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Get tickets.

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:

• Prosecutors bust leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church for “forced labor” call centers
• Felony charges against Page draw surprise—and some legal skepticism
• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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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 to Black residents leaving the city. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the city’s decision to scrap its alley recycling program. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Missouri Historical Society and supported by Cardinals Special Events. Take part in the “New to St. Louis” experience from the Missouri Historical Society and hear from local history experts, explore neighborhoods, oddities, and landmarks. Then, wrap it up with a happy hour featuring iconic STL foods and local beers. Book your tour today.

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:

The tornado that shook the heart of St. Louis
Tangled titles complicate tornado recovery for North St. Louis
As St. Louis waits for FEMA, volunteers continue to do what they can
St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Awards 2025

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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. Louis when he could live anywhere. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about what he learned about a once-cancelled St. Louis company making its comeback—or at least getting back in with the St. Louis County Police. 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 MATI. Make a real impact in your community and boost your business by becoming a corporate partner of the Saint Louis Art Museum. Your investment contributes to strengthening St. Louis. Learn more at slam.org.

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: Q&A with Michael Staenberg, The Staenberg Group
• The Factory celebrates a rocking first year in The District
• Photos of vacant Chesterfield Mall show the end of an era

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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 about why a proposed data center in St. Charles has residents up in arms. 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 Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. Make a real impact in your community and boost your business by becoming a corporate partner of the Saint Louis Art Museum. Your investment contributes to strengthening St. Louis. Learn more at slam.org.

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. Charles residents don’t want a data center city leaders are eyeing
• Hearing to remove St. Louis sheriff gets off to a crackling start
• More from Ryan Krull
• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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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 chats with SLM senior editor Nicholas Phillips about the troubled city jail’s rollout of an “honor dorm” that aims to create a virtuous cycle.

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

This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Nation and supported by Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours & Experiences. Enjoy game day at Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar, just steps away from baseball heaven! With a sports-inspired menu and atmosphere designed for baseball fans near and far, it’s a grand slam experience. Make your reservation.

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:

• Gateway Arch Park Foundation now owns Millennium Hotel
• CityArchRiver project made $572M economic impact in 2024, report says
• A St. Louis city jail known for turmoil launches an “honor dorm”
• More episodes of The 314 Podcast

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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 attorney general and current U.S. senator with a very similar name. 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].

Mentioned in this episode:

• The science behind a leading carbon removal solution comes from St. Louis
• St. Louis workplaces grapple with AI opportunities—and fears
• How downtown St. Louis can get its groove back

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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 shares how he found his calling in St. Louis. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about what he learned about St. Louis’ historic Sumner High School, which has made big gains since nearly being shuttered in 2021, only to face new threats in the tornado’s aftermath. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Westport Plaza and supported by Missouri History Museum. Basso on the Plaza is now open, offering a made-from-scratch menu inspired by rustic Italian flavors. Reserve a 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:

• More episodes of The 314 Podcast
• St. Louis’ LGBTQ magazine has a new owner: Its editor in chief

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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 understand about St. Louis. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about why an autonomous vehicle tech company was in St. Louis this past week, and what self-driving cars could mean on our notoriously wild local streets. 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 Missouri History Museum. Make a real impact in your community and boost your business by becoming a corporate partner of the Saint Louis Art Museum! Through the Corporate Partner Program, you’ll support free year-round programs and help bring over 125,000 people closer to the arts—and to each other. Learn more at slam.org.

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:

• Autonomous vehicle company Nuro gives St. Louis a test drive
• The Muny will receive the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award on June 8

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In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with state Representative Steve Butz (D-St. Louis) about the dramatic end to this year’s legislative session—and what that bodes for tornado relief for St. Louis, as well as Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desire to contribute millions in state funding to keep Kansas City sports teams in Missouri. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about cyclists’ demands for big changes to Gravois Avenue after two recent deaths. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by STAGES St. Louis and supported by Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s MATI. Witness the murderously funny musical: MURDER FOR TWO May 30 through June 29 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Get tickets.

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
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