The 314 Podcast

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Dr. Tim Miller, co-director of the ALS Center and a professor of neurology at WashU Medicine, on the major breakthrough his team recently made in their quest to find a cure for ALS—and how it could also portend a cure for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how a decades’ old infusion of federal cash is now stopping investment into St. Louis neighborhoods. 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-37

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 Kevin McKernan, who went from teaching high school to founding The Improv Shop to owning a portfolio of only-in-St. Louis originals: Epiphany Lanes, Donut Drive-In, Blackthorn Pub, and Cafe Manhattan. Kevin explains how growing up in South City helped inspire his appreciation for these neighborhood businesses—and how he’s been able to innovate even while preserving what made them special. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the mystery of a downtown parking garage that’s become something of a graveyard for abandoned vehicles.  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-36

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. Are you ready to begin your home purchase journey this summer? The Royal Banks of Missouri mortgage team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Their local lenders offer competitive rates and personalized support so you can focus on creating the space of your dreams. Learn more about how Royal Banks of Missouri can partner with you to unlock the door to your new home in 2026 at http://royalbanksofmo.com/

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 Julian Nicks, St. Louis’ chief recovery and transformation officer, who has spent the past year trying to help the city battle back from the deadly May 16, 2025, tornado. Along with Mayor Cara Spencer, Julian has taken heat for the city’s sluggish response to the devastation. He shares his thoughts on how we got here, what happens next, and how he was personally affected by the disaster. Then, SLM staff writer Ryan Krull shares the story behind a wild yarn involving a disgraced chiropractor, a lawyer who wasn’t a lawyer, and some of the area’s top political figures. 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-35

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 Amy Shaw, CEO of Nine PBS, which is thriving even after public television stations across the country were stripped of all their federal funding. Amy shared what she believes has been the key to the station’s success, why it’s embarking on a major capital campaign now, and why St. Louis has made it the most watched PBS station in the U.S. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about all the drama surrounding the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, including new insight into a deadly 2024 shooting and a lawsuit against its state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners brought by Mayor Cara Spencer. 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-34

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 Saint Louis Science Center. Spring into a financial refresh with Royal Banks of Missouri! Whether you’re buying a new home, planning a summer getaway, growing your retirement fund, or anything in between, their local team will guide you closer to achieving your goals with personalized support and focusing on your needs. Discover how Royal Banks of Missouri can partner with you to let your financial future bloom! Learn more at http://royalbanksofmo.com/ and http://slsc.org/

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 Gabe Gore, the St. Louis circuit attorney widely credited with restoring order to what had been a “rudderless ship of chaos” under predecessor Kim Gardner. Gore talked about what makes prosecution harder than it used to be, his priorities going forward, and his personal story as a kid from Detroit abruptly transplanted as a teen to West County. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a record-setting $37 million jury verdict against St. Louis Police over the non-fatal shooting of a teenager in 2016. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-33.

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 Public Library Foundation. Library Giving Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to support the St. Louis Public Library. With your gift, you fuel vital programs and resources in a place where everyone is welcome and our community grows stronger. Donate at https://www.slpl.org/ 

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 Lúcia G. Lohmann, president and director of the Missouri Botanical Garden. A native of Brazil, Lohmann explains her vision to make the garden provide more education to locals—and what drew her back to St. Louis after more than 20 years away. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a controversial group of home rehabbers who are now in legal jeopardy. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-32.

This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. A library is more than just books. It’s a place that invests in people, ideas, and opportunities that shape and improve lives. With your support this Library Giving Day, you can help change a neighbor’s life with every borrowed book, every meaningful conversation, and every new opportunity. Donate here.

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].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Nahuel Fefer, who worked at City Hall under four mayors, most recently as executive director of the Community Development Administration. The native of Argentina explains what’s broken in St. Louis city government—and his ideas for city-county unification. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the city treasurer’s failure to hold people accountable when they rack up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets. 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 is celebrating 40 years of Broadway-quality musical theatre right here in St. Louis. Join STAGES for a milestone season featuring the hilarious 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the return of the high-rolling charm, Guys and Dolls, and the powerful, heartwarming hit Come From Away. Get tickets.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Haliday Douglas, CEO of the St. Louis Education Fund, which harnesses private dollars to help St. Louis Public Schools students. Douglas discusses how teachers at SLPS helped change his life—and propel him to Harvard—and the work his nonprofit is doing to give kids a chance at upward economic mobility. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the new legislation in Jefferson City that would create “innovation zones” to help downtown St. Louis and other central business districts. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Discover the excitement of the Opera Theatre’s 2026 Festival Season, running from May 23 to June 28. Tickets start at just $25 for the timeless classic The Pirates of Penzance and the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza. Enjoy unforgettable performances of A Streetcar Named Desire and the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, showcasing artistic excellence you're sure to love. Get your tickets now.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.