The 314 Podcast

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Waller McGuire. The longtime CEO of the St. Louis Public Library talks about what brought him to St. Louis, what’s changed during his tenure, how two library branches survived a direct hit from the May 2025 tornado, and why libraries are more important now than ever. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how a plan to pay for public art around the city was passed by aldermen 16 years ago—only to be completely ignored ever since. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-47

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

This episode is presented by NCJWSTL The Resale Shop and sponsored by Cardinals Nation. The Resale Shop is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, Couturier, October 7–10. For over 60 years, this premier resale event has featured high-quality designer clothing, accessories, and home décor at a fraction of the cost. Proceeds support NCJWSTL programs benefiting local women, children, and families. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Mary Ann Perkins, who’s running to represent the 100th district in the Missouri House. In the last two cycles, Democrats came within 200 votes of winning the seat, which represents Ballwin. Perkins explained what made her run for office for the first time, what she hears talking to voters, and why she has deep sympathy for people who are struggling to leave a party that no longer represents their values. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about why the era of the speed hump is finally coming to an end in St. Louis. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-46

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

This episode is sponsored by NCJWSTL The Resale Shop. The Resale Shop is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, Couturier! For over 60 years, this premier resale event has featured high-quality designer clothing, accessories, and home décor at a fraction of the cost. Visit Couturier October 7–10 at The Resale Shop on N. Lindbergh Boulevard. Proceeds support NCJWSTL programs benefiting local women, children, and families. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Jake Zimmerman. The county assessor recently surprised many people with the margin of his victory in the Democratic primary and now stands as the favorite to be elected St. Louis County executive in November. He shares his view of the race, his vision for the job, and what drew him back home after college in California and Harvard Law. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the scrap recycling facility that has its South City neighbors in an uproar—and what he learned by going undercover to sell scrap. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-45

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Business 500 Live. On September 23, Sarah Fenske will be moderating St. Louis Magazine’s next Business 500 Live, presented by WashU Olin Business School. Hear from three of St. Louis’ leading women executives—Penny Pennington of Edward Jones, Sandra Moore of Advantage Capital, and Alaina Maciá of MTM—to talk leadership, big decisions, and what’s next for St. Louis business. Save your seat.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Amy Marie Yaeger, who was part of the producing team for TLC’s new show “Double Lives of Suburban Wives,” which is billed as featuring St. Louis women who make spicy content. Amy explains what it’s like working on an unscripted show, why you should never believe complaints about cast members saying they were edited to look like villains, and how she’s carving out a TV career in St. Louis. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about his story suggesting a troubling rise in catalytic converter thefts—and one local man’s frustrating experience. 

See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-44

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

This episode is sponsored by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. The Glennon Gallop returns Saturday, September 12, presented by T. Danis Charitable Trust. Cheer on an exciting polo match and take part in the iconic champagne divot stomp, all while supporting a great cause. Best of all, your attendance benefits The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Learn more and reserve your spot.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of The 314 Podcast, business editor Eric Schmid talks to Stephen Westbrooks, who recently took over as head of the St. Louis Development Corporation. The St. Louis native explains how he sees his job facilitating development by making it easy—and reducing the risk for people who might want to invest here. He also previews the challenges ahead. 

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-43.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with the artist Mvstermind, who co-wrote and performs the title track in a new HBO documentary and performed in Los Angeles at a World Cup game. The North City native explains how St. Louis shaped him and how he’s building his career from the Midwest even while raising two young kids. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how a relatively new parking policy is triggering complaints from downtown visitors. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-42

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

This episode is sponsored by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and supported by Saint Louis Science Center. The Glennon Gallop returns Saturday, September 12, presented by T. Danis Charitable Trust. Cheer on an exciting polo match and take part in the iconic champagne divot stomp, all while supporting a great cause. Best of all, your attendance benefits The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Learn more and reserve your spot.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, Ryan Krull fills in for Sarah Fenske and sits down with Peter Hoffman. Through his work with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Peter is doing more than anyone in town to combat the problem of vacant buildings in the City of St. Louis. And that is a problem. As Hoffman details, the city has just shy of 10,000 vacant structures weighing down its neighborhoods. He talks about why this represents an "existential threat" to our town but why nonetheless he's optimistic about the city's future. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-41

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of The 314 Podcast, recorded before a sold-out audience at The Sheldon, host Sarah Fenske talks with Bill McClellan, the legendary columnist at the Post-Dispatch and founding panelist at Nine PBS’ Donnybrook, about his storied career in local journalism. Bill discusses his work as a columnist, his battle with cancer, and some of his greatest journalistic hits. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-40

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Diane Lochner and Emily Howard, two longtime employees recently tapped to join the ownership group of PGAV Destinations. The St. Louis-based firm is behind many of the biggest aquariums and coolest attractions in the world, and they share how being in the city is actually the firm’s secret weapon. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about their story exploring how police failed to tamp down days of rolling fireworks battles in LaSalle Park—and how neighbors say they added insult to injury. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-39

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Martha Garcia Kampen, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis. The Latino community in St. Louis has seen huge growth. Garcia Kampen shares her thoughts on what’s driving that—and why she’s not worried that the federal immigration crackdown will set back the region’s efforts. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the battle between the state-appointed Police Board and St. Louis city officials. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-38

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf 

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 

This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by Cardinals Nation. Elevate your savings strategy this summer at Royal Banks of Missouri. Whether you’re a new grad preparing for college life or ready to start building your retirement fund, their team will partner with you to create a plan that guides you closer to achieving your financial goals. Learn how they can support you.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. 

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.