The 314 Podcast

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.

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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].

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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:

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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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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].

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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].

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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].

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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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.