The 314 Podcast

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].

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In this debut episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with longtime St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green. The city’s chief financial officer talks about her high-profile call for private operators to help the city deal with icy streets, why St. Louis voters are in a cranky mood these days, and why she isn’t willing to cede her seat—yet. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how fallout from snowstorm that hit the city on January 5 may affect the mayoral race in March. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Special Events. Looking for an exciting event space for a rehearsal dinner, fundraiser, corporate function, or something in between? Bring your group to Busch Stadium for a uniquely St. Louis venue. Visit cardinals.com/events for more information.

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].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.