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...

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....

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&...

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...

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...

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 sha...

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 under...

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 Ry...

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 st...

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&n...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Blues president and CEO of business operations Chris Zimmerman about hockey’s exponential growth in St. Louis, a strong downtown’s importance to the team, and whether the Blues are ready to make peace with Mayor Cara Spencer. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about Spencer’s wild week, which started...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Aldermanic President Megan Green about how the city’s convoluted structure holds back the delivery of basic services, how her thinking on Rams settlement funds has changed, and why she’s convinced the progressive movement is still alive and kicking—despite some big recent losses. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer R...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Clayco founder and executive chairman Bob Clark about his six-figure donation to mayoral challenger Cara Spencer, his fears for the region’s future, and his plans to get more involved in tackling civic issues. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the tragic tale of a St. Louis native who flew high,...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Explore St. Louis‘ brand-new president and CEO. Brad Dean shares why he turned down higher-profile jobs to come here, how he plans to address downtown’s challenge, and what it will take to elevate St. Louis' brand. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the St. Louis mayor’s race. Listen and follow The ...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, Sarah Fenske talks with Alex Oliver, who’s making a big bet on downtown St. Louis even as other developers pull out of the market. He discusses why he’s bullish on Wash Ave, the simple change that could help make downtown safer, and what he thinks city leaders got wrong in the Rams settlement fund debate.

Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull...

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, Sarah Fenske talks with former Gov. Jay Nixon. Missouri’s governor from 2009 to 2017 shares his thoughts on what the state could do to tackle crime in St. Louis and Kansas City, opens up on the future of the Democratic Party in a state where it’s largely no longer competitive, and discusses the challenges ahead for new Gov. Mike Kehoe. He also shares his thoughts o...

In this debut episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with longtime St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green. The city’s chief financial officer talks about her high-profile call for private operators to help the city deal with icy streets, why St. Louis voters are in a cranky mood these days, and why she isn’t willing to cede her seat—yet. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writ...