The 314 Podcast

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

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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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Christine Byers about the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s move back to state control. Byers, who covered the department for 14 years for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KSDK, discusses why state control offered advantages for transparency—and what to look for during the transition. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about what he learned about the St. Louis rectory where Pope Leo XIV once lived. 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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Vivian Gibson, author of The Last Children of Mill Creek, about her book’s outsized impact. Since debuting five years ago from an indie publisher, the memoir is now in its fifth printing—and everyone from CITY SC to Target is paying attention to the long-forgotten Black enclave that Gibson memorialized. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a pair of out-of-state investment companies wreaking havoc in city neighborhoods. 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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.