The STL Bucket List Show

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Kendall Davidson — a St. Louis rapper, producer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur — to talk about his creative journey and the release of his new project, Rise.

Kendall shares how growing up in St. Louis and starting in church music helped shape his creative foundation, eventually leading him into hip-hop, filmmaking, and producing his own music. The conversation explores how he blends multiple influences — from jazz and blues to rock and hip-hop — to create a sound that reflects the diverse musical legacy of St. Louis.

We also dive into the two-year process behind Rise, the discipline it takes to build a project independently, and how Kendall approaches songwriting, production, and storytelling through music. Along the way, he shares the impact of becoming a new father, the importance of creating opportunities for local artists, and why supporting the St. Louis creative community matters.

From studio sessions and music videos to favorite local restaurants and venues, this episode highlights the passion, persistence, and creativity behind one of the city’s emerging artists.

They discuss:

 - Kendall’s journey into music, filmmaking, and production

 - The inspiration behind his new album Rise

 - The two-year process of creating an independent project

 - Blending jazz, rock, blues, and hip-hop influences

 - Balancing music, business, and family life

 - Becoming a new father and finding motivation through creativity

 - Supporting and collaborating with the St. Louis music community

 - Favorite St. Louis restaurants, venues, and artists

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ [email protected]
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Neil Salsich — musician, songwriter, and frontman of The Mighty Pines — to talk about his journey through the St. Louis music scene and the launch of his new podcast, Meet Me In Music, recorded right here at Bucket List Studios.

Neil shares how years of performing, songwriting, and hustling as a working musician led to new creative opportunities — from his experience competing on The Voice to building a platform dedicated to telling the stories of St. Louis musicians. We dive into the reality of balancing creativity with the business side of music, what life is really like as a full-time musician, and why preserving local music history matters now more than ever.

From late-night gigs and iconic St. Louis venues to the moments that shaped his career, this conversation highlights the passion, discipline, and community behind the city’s thriving music culture.

They discuss:

 - Launching the Meet Me In Music podcast

 - Neil’s journey performing on The Voice

 - Life as a full-time working musician

 - The St. Louis music scene and why its stories matter

 - Balancing creativity with the business of music

 - Iconic St. Louis venues and career milestones

 - Collaborating with musicians through live podcast performances

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ [email protected]
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Nathan, the founder of Up Late, to talk about how a late-night food concept turned into one of St. Louis’ most recognizable community staples.

Nathan shares the story behind Up Late’s rapid growth — from early pop-ups and packed block parties to expanding locations, building a brand, and navigating the realities of restaurant ownership. We dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the moments that almost made him quit, and how creating experiences for the city became just as important as the food itself.

From late nights in the kitchen to building culture through events, collaborations, and community, this conversation gives a real look at what it takes to grow something meaningful in St. Louis.

They discuss:

 - Starting Up Late from scratch

 - Growing a restaurant brand in St. Louis

 - The reality of running a late-night business

 - Building community through food & events

 - Expansion plans and future concepts


🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO

Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ [email protected]
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Is workplace culture just perks and pizza… or is it how your team feels on Sunday night before Monday morning?

In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas Farrell sits down with Jamal Cornelious — executive coach, leadership strategist, and host of Gateway to Growth — to talk about what it really takes to build meaningful careers and stronger workplace culture in St. Louis.

From navigating career pivots to launching Mission Defined, Jamal shares how leaders can create environments where people actually want to show up — and why culture isn’t a slogan, it’s a standard.

They discuss:

 - Why “culture” is more than office perks and team happy hours

 - The Sunday night test: how to measure if your workplace is healthy

 - The reality behind career growth (and why social media isn’t real life)

 - How St. Louis professionals can build influence in a relationship-driven city

 - The Show-Me State mindset — and why credibility matters here

This conversation goes beyond business strategy — it’s about leadership, identity, accountability, and building something that lasts in St. Louis.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional, or leading a growing team, this episode challenges you to rethink what culture actually means.

Check out the Gateway to Growth Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fnkGXd8OAH9GZjX3txQKl

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO

Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ [email protected]
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Is Energizer Park home to the best food hall in the country… that just happens to be inside a stadium?

In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas Farrell sits down with STL CITY SC’s Matt Sebek (Chief Experience Officer) and Chef Gerard Craft (Flavor Officer) to break down how they’ve transformed match day into one of the most unique food and fan experiences in the country.

From launching the City Flavor program to generating over $7 million for local restaurants, this conversation dives into how STL CITY SC is redefining stadium dining, sustainability, and community impact.

They discuss:

- The 4 new 2025 food partners: Motor Town Pizza, Taco Buddha, Biscuit Town, and Goshen Coffee

 - How fan feedback shapes the stadium menu (hello breakfast + NA options 👀)

 - The strategy behind 100% local food vendors — and why it’s the “hardest way” to do stadium food

 - Zero waste matches, composting, and eliminating single-use plastics

 - How the stadium drives traffic back to local brick-and-mortar restaurants

This isn’t just about soccer — it’s about culture, community, and creating 17 massive parties a year in downtown St. Louis.

Whether you’re a diehard soccer fan or just here for the biscuits and Detroit-style pizza, this episode shows how STL CITY SC built a stadium experience that feels uniquely St. Louis.

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Megan Brandt, Ryan Brandt, and Bethany Jobe of Stone Reserve, a St. Louis–based stone distribution warehouse redefining how homeowners, designers, and fabricators experience natural stone.

The conversation explores Stone Reserve’s roots as a family business, their deep ties to fabrication, and what sets them apart from traditional distributors. Ryan shares how traveling directly to quarries in places like Brazil and Italy allows the team to hand-select premium slabs, ensuring quality, consistency, and standout materials you won’t find anywhere else.

Bethany brings insight from decades in the stone industry, breaking down common misconceptions about natural stone, durability, maintenance, and how materials like quartzite, marble, and sintered stone actually perform in real homes and commercial spaces. The group also discusses backlit stone, exotic colors, and the artistry behind turning slabs into one-of-a-kind installations.

They reflect on standout projects—from intricate custom fireplaces to restaurants and large-scale commercial work—and what it means to build long-term relationships with designers, builders, and fabricators across St. Louis.

Plus, the team shares their favorite local spots, what inspires them about the St. Louis community, and why they believe natural stone isn’t just a surface—it’s functional art meant to age beautifully over time.

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Lauren Healey, Executive Editor of Sauce Magazine, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to keep a legacy local publication alive, relevant, and growing in 2026.

Lauren shares the honest story of where Sauce was last summer, why the acquisition happened fast, and what the last six months have looked like rebuilding with a small team and a strong freelance bench. They talk about how modern media has changed, why print still matters, what performs online (yes, people love lists), and how Sauce’s work can tangibly move the needle for restaurants and small businesses across St. Louis.

They also get into Lauren’s path into journalism, from small-town life outside Springfield to building a career in magazines, and what she still loves about writing about food: telling stories that feel joyful, meaningful, and community-driven.

Plus: what’s coming next for Sauce in 2026, including upcoming issues, expanded distribution, and the return of Food Truck Friday this spring.

Listen now and stay tuned for a big year ahead for Sauce Magazine.

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

This week, Luke sits down with Bernadette Faasen, owner of Cobalt Smoke & Sea, to talk about what it really takes to run a restaurant, build a loyal community, and create a dining experience that feels “worth it” every single time.

They get into:

• How Cobalt was designed to feel like an experience, not just dinner
• Balancing restaurant life with being a mom of three boys, and never missing a game
• Why the Let’s Get Cupid pop-up exists, and how it turns February into something fun
• What people misunderstand about owning a restaurant, and Bernadette’s advice for women building businesses
• Her STL favorites, from Katie’s Pizza & Pasta and Napoli to women-owned staples like Genovese Jewelers and Ju Ju Bs

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
📍Follow @stlbucketlist for more STL recs.

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

From Vegas mega-resorts to St. Louis entertainment weekends, this episode goes behind the scenes with Mike Jerlecki, Vice President and General Manager for Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino (PENN Entertainment).

We talk about what it’s really like running a casino operation, how the guest experience is built from the ground up, and what’s coming next for sports betting in Missouri.

In this episode, we cover:

• Mike’s path through the casino industry, from valet to leadership, and why hospitality is the whole game
• What’s changing in gaming tech, cashless wallets, mobile betting, and responsible gaming controls
• The vision for new sports books at Hollywood and River City, massive screens, full-service food and drinks, and big-game energy
• How casinos impact St. Louis beyond entertainment, education funding, jobs, scholarships, and community partnerships
• Why live experiences still win, concerts, UFC, packed sports books, and the social “third space” people crave

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this week's episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Justin Mincher (President) and Tyson Cameron (Vice President) from Team St. Louis, a local organization building an inclusive community for LGBTQ+ people and allies through sports, social events, and healthy lifestyle programming.

From volleyball leagues that are at-capacity to pickleball socials that welcome total beginners, Team St. Louis is creating a true “third space” where people can move, meet friends, and feel like they belong.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Team St. Louis is, how it started, and why sports build community differently than typical rec leagues
• Pickleball + volleyball programs, divisions for all skill levels, and how they help newcomers find a team
• Why “third spaces” matter, and how they’re expanding beyond bar-centered social scenes
• Upcoming highlights like the Team St. Louis float trip and new ideas like a hiking club
• Their long-term vision, including building a future facility to support even more programming

✅ Learn more, register, or donate: teamstlouis.org
📲 Follow Team St. Louis on Instagram + Facebook for updates

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO