We’re joined by Mario Iaccarino, the double Michelin-starred owner behind Casa Don Alfonso at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis and Don Alfonso 1890 Hotel and Restaurant in Sant’ Agata, Italy. Mario is a true hospitality ‘hero’ who brought the charm of Italy to Clayton with the same quality ingredients, recipes, and traditions. Casa Don Alfonso opened in 2021 where his vision is found in every aspect from the food, atmosphere, and service. The menu honors the culinary heritage of the Campania region with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the produce harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm.

In this episode we talk with Mario about his families history, growing up around the hospitality business, what St. Louis means to him as a second home and so much more. We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and hope you do as well! 

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

We’re joined by the teams at the Gateway Arch and Gateway Arch at the Riverboats to discuss end of year plans and looking forward to 2025. One of the best parts of our city is the Gateway Arch, this man made monument is special to everyone who calls this city home. 

Pam, the Program Manager, Museum Services and Interpretation at the Gateway Arch National Park talks through 2025 plans and updates on the Old Courthouse, programming at the Arch and more. 

In this two-part episode, we’re also joined by Amber, the Director at the Riverboats. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch is one of our favorite bucket list items. We chat with Amber on future plans and holiday experiences you can enjoy with the whole family. 

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

We’re joined by Randy Girsch, Vice President, Community Development & Event Management: Executive Director of Blues for Kids Foundation. Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, has a mission to positively impact programs and services that improve health and wellness of youth in the St. Louis area.

Thanks to the commitment of Blues players, alumni, volunteers and fans, Blues for Kids has contributed more than $11 million to the St. Louis community.

Blues for Kids focuses on four areas of giving, which include cancer care and awareness, health and wellness, education and youth hockey development.

Through our partnership with First Community Credit Union, we talk with Randy about his background, growing up in South Florida and finding a home with the St. Louis Blues organization. 

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

We hosted our friends at Vetta Sports on the podcast. Vetta Sports was founded in 1988 with the mission of providing high-quality sports programs and facilities to the St. Louis community. Initially starting with indoor soccer, Vetta quickly expanded its offerings to include tennis, volleyball, fitness programs, and more, becoming a multi-sport hub for youth and adults. Over the years, Vetta has grown significantly and now operates multiple locations across the greater St. Louis area.

As of today, Vetta Sports has 11 locations, including:

• Concord x 2 (offering indoor soccer, tennis, and pickleball)
• St. Charles (indoor soccer for kids and adults + camps)
• Manchester (soccer, leagues, and fitness)
• Vetta 70 (soccer, inline hockey, multi-sport programs)
• Soccerdome (indoor soccer)
• Vetta Racquet Sports - West (tennis and pickleball)
• Vetta Sunset - (tennis and pickleball)
• Vetta Gametime - (pickleball, outdoor soccer and volleyball)
• Vetta Woodlands - (indoor soccer and outdoor soccer)
• Frontenac Racquet Club (tennis and pickleball on newly renovated courts)

These locations are dedicated to providing top-notch facilities and a wide range of leagues, classes, and recreational opportunities for all ages and skill levels, making Vetta Sports a staple in the region's sports community.

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Sara McCarty opens up about the inspiration behind the online resource, website, podcast,  community, and magazine, Run Wild My Child. McCarty expresses the importance of getting families outside, and offers a resource of ideas and activities to engage in the outdoors. The community of writers highlights voices from all around the globe. Run Wild My Child’s mission is to emphasize the importance of outdoor play and to inspire, encourage, help, and support parents to prioritize time spent outside. Tune in to learn about the importance of engaging your family in nature.

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

We’re joined by Craig Kaminer of Sophisticated Living Magazine. In this episode we discuss the upcoming SOPHI Awards, his career before the magazine, and more. A native of New York City, Craig has spent the last 35 years developing campaigns for some of the leading consumer/lifestyle brands in St. Louis -- and the world. It was cool to see what goes on behind the scenes to put out a print magazine in 2024, Sophisticated Living is the definition of luxury. Listen to the full episode and visit the link below to get tickets for the upcoming SOPHI Awards.

https://sl-stlouis.cpjam.com/Sophi-Awards-2024

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

For the past 20 years, The Bailey family has been a staple for the St. Louis culinary scene. Dave and Kara Baileys' story began in the early 2000's as they met while Dave was serving tables at Sasha's on Demun. In 2004, they opened the doors to Baileys' Chocolate Bar which has became a classic St. Louis establishment over the next 20 years. It didn't stop with Chocolate Bar, they opened other concepts including Rooster, Baileys' Range, Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar, Small Batch, along with other concepts and wedding venues. 

Dave & Kara have continued to add to their culinary legacy with the announcement of their third Rooster location opening in just a few weeks in Downtown Clayton. In this episode we talk about the journey, entrepreneurship, Baileys' Chocolate Bar 20 Year Anniversary, and so much more.

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Gerard Craft discusses his experience as a business owner and award-winning chef. He attributes his success to his hard-working and dedicated team, as well the ability to overcome the challenges over the last 20 years. Craft started out as a transplant to the St. Louis area and has since built a team of 400 employees with restaurants and businesses and more to come. He addresses his love for the St. Louis community and talks about the change of hospitality over the years and the beauty behind the supportive nature of the St. Louis community.  

Craft has developed many concepts in the St. Louis restaurant industry and  is inspired to keep pushing the envelope. He demonstrates humility, passion, and true craftsmanship in the kitchen. 

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

We're joined by Dustin & Whitney Cole, the married-duo behind Berrybox Superfood Bar at The City Foundry and Clayton. Dustin and Whitney's love story has always been surrounded by entrepreneurship. Before Berrybox, the couple owned a nail salon. During their time living in other states, they quickly fell in love with health and wellness and discovered smoothie bowls. They knew there was a market in STL for a healthy option so they jumped into this with no prior hospitality experience. 

Berrybox has quickly gained success and popularity as their goal is to continue to open new locations while also creating a franchise model to help others launch into business. In this episode, we talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, working with your partner, and more. 

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Evolution Festival is one of the largest music festivals in our region which originally launched in 2023. Joe and the team have a big vision for the event this year headlined by The Killers and Beck. Joe has been in the music industry his entire adult life, we chat with him on the ups and downs of live entertainment, what to expect at this years festival, and more. 

Tickets are still available for Evolution Festival September 28-29 

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO