Saint Louis In Tune

We welcome Angela Ricketts, an author, business owner, and nonprofit founder, ahead of the show’s 400th episode. Angela discusses her son’s diagnosis at age five with choroideremia, an ultra-rare, progressive blinding eye disease affecting boys and men. She contrasts families who wait to accept the disease with her approach of learning, fundraising, and advocacy. She shares how grief after losing...

Our conversation was like we were on a tour bus with Jefferson Starship original member David Freiberg and current lead vocalist Cathy Richardson. We trace David’s arc from the 60s San Francisco scene (Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Airplane, and yes, the Starship family tree) to being that humble glue-guy who’d rather make the song work than hog the spotlight. Cathy walks in with Broadw...

Entrepreneur, filmmaker, and novelist Jonathan Bricklin discusses his latest project: reviving the Little People Social Club in New York City. Bricklin, who co-founded SPiN ping pong social clubs and opened a Western-themed pickleball saloon in Texas, explains the club will be designed and scaled for little people but open to everyone, featuring a speakeasy entrance, a low-counter main bar, classi...

Arnold Stricker and co-host Mark Langston introduce a special rebroadcast for the 25th remembrance of September 11, featuring remarks from the show’s 20th anniversary guests: photographer Henry Leutwyler and writer Kimberly Rex. Leutwyler discusses his National Geographic portfolio of recovered 9/11 objects, “Sacred Dust,” created by photographing items from the 9/11 Museum archives with a respect...

Character matters, folks! From the office to the classroom, character is the secret sauce that makes everything better. Our conversation is with Mike Park, the CEO of CharacterPlus®, the largest and most successful community-­wide character education initiative in the country. He examines and probes the importance of character in shaping not just individuals, but entire communities. We begin with...

Nestled in the heart of Washington, Missouri, Oxfest has become a staple of the local music scene. We’re joined by Ken Boland, emcee of the event, and he takes us on a journey through the festival's inception. Picture this: a few friends reminiscing about their late brothers, the discussion turns serious, and before you know it, a music festival is born! Fast forward nine years, and the Oxfest Mus...

Gather around, friends! We’re getting our lawn chairs, walking shoes, and appetite ready for a world of cultural connection through the Festival of Nations. It is a spectacular event that’s more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and delicious food! Imagine this: people from over 90 different cultures come together in Tower Grove Park, setting up booths that are burstin...

There are pressing needs of children with disabilities and their families in our community. Brian Roy, CEO of Variety St. Louis, joins us to shed light on the amazing work the organization does. For over 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been a beacon of hope, providing essential medical equipment, therapy services, and inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities. Brian shares how the org...

If you’re looking for a little inspiration to get off the couch and into the great outdoors, you’ve hit the jackpot with this episode! Join us as we chat with Brad Kovach, about the upcoming Gateway Outdoor Summit—an event that’s not just a gathering but a movement to foster collaboration among outdoor professionals. Brad highlights the importance of connecting over shared passions for nature and...

Ever thought about the whirlwind world of music promotion? Well, we explore the dynamic life of Pam Lewis, the powerhouse behind PLA Media. Pam shares her colorful journey from the hustle and bustle of MTV to co-managing legends like Garth Brooks. If you’ve ever wondered how a music star gets their big break, Pam’s your person! She takes us through the ups and downs, the strategic moves, and the s...

As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, we explore the multi-faceted world of the United States Air Force Band of Mid America. Our guest, Technical Sergeant Brian Logan, shares insights into the unique role of military bands in today’s society. From concerts that honor veterans to community outreach programs that aim to connect and inspire, we learn how these musicians are m...

Diana Linsley, a seasoned photographer with a flair for capturing the essence of Missouri's natural beauty, joins us in a delightful chat about her latest collaboration with Don Corrigan titled Scenic Natural Wonders of Missouri. Diana shares how her passion for photography blossomed during her childhood on a strawberry farm. From her early days of snapping photos with a Kodak Instamatic to her cu...

One month after Loryn and Edo Nalic opened Balkan Treatbox in 2019, I had the privilege of sitting down with Loryn and getting her take on the success of the restaurant. Now Loryn is a culinary superstar being recently crowned the James Beard Best Chef Midwest. She takes us on a delightful journey through her culinary roots and the evolution of her restaurant, Balkan Treatbox. From her childhood m...

Forest Park, a vibrant gem in St. Louis, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and let me tell you, it's got quite the backstory! We get right into the heart of the park's history, where we explore its origins and the myriad of events that have taken place since 1876. From hosting Olympic events to being the backdrop for Janis Joplin's free concert that had hippies dancing under the star...

This episode is a delightful glance into the world of classical music as we sit down with the charismatic pianist Brian Woods. We celebrate the genius of Sergei Prokofiev, particularly focusing on his lesser-known works. Brian’s upcoming album, 'Radical Miniatures,' serves as the backdrop for our lively discussion. Brian reveals how he’s taken these short pieces, which clock in at under three minu...

Andre' Mack joins us to discuss his incredible journey through the world of wine and opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career and life. He shares his initial inspiration which came from watching a television show and the “aha” moment tasting three different wines side by side. Eighteen months later he become a sommelier at The French Laundry and later run a major New York program...

When you think of Route 66, images of classic cars and diners may come to mind, but hidden within its asphalt is the rich tapestry of women’s history. In this episode, we chat with Cheryl Eichar Jett, author of 'Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66,' who shares her journey of uncovering these often-forgotten stories. Cheryl brings a fresh perspective to the highway’s legacy, highlighting the pivo...

If Dennis Brown were a weather report, today’s forecast would be: 50% wisdom, 50% experience, accompanied with a strong chance of storytelling. What a privilege to converse with Dennis as we explore his incredible journey through the world of theater and literature, from rubbing elbows with Hollywood legends like Gregory Peck and Jessica Tandy to sharing the stage with up-and-coming talent in St....

With the Missouri Chamber Music Festival’s 16th season on the horizon, Nina Ferrigno, the festival's dynamic executive director and a talented pianist, takes center stage in this episode. The theme for this year, 'Hope is the Thing with Music,' reflects a beautiful synergy between music and the poetic words of Emily Dickinson. Ferrigno passionately discusses how the festival aims to weave together...

Welcome to a world where age is just a number and the fun never stops! The Legends Games, formerly known as the Senior Olympics, is a vibrant showcase of athleticism and community spirit for those aged 50 and up. This episode shines a spotlight on the incredible lives of Scott Schwartz and Roger Scherck, who not only participate in but also help orchestrate these inspiring games. With over 90 even...

Our conversation flows like a smooth blues riff as Scott Holt dives into the core of his musical journey. He isn’t just a guitarist; he’s a storyteller, weaving tales of his experiences with legends like Buddy Guy and the camaraderie he shares with his bandmates in Foghat. It's refreshing to hear how he transitioned from a young musician to a seasoned performer, and his insights into the music ind...

Rebecca Scallet, the artistic director of the New Jewish Theater, joins us for a conversation that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining. We kick things off by discussing the theater's impressive accolades, including a staggering 31 nominations and 14 wins at the St. Louis Theatre Circle. But it’s not all about the awards; it’s about the passion and commitment to telling unique stories that reso...

Samson Hillary joins us to talk about the Race for Refugees, an event that’s not just about running but about community and compassion. This year’s 5K race takes place in the beautiful Tower Grove Park. Race for Refugees connects to the larger mission of the International Institute of St. Louis, which aims to support and uplift refugees and immigrants. Samson shares his inspiring journey from Sout...

Get ready for a whirlwind of stories and laughs as we sit down with Joey Zanaboni to discuss his latest venture, "St. Louis Sports for Kids Forever Lore." Joey’s infectious personality shines through as he shares his journey from being a kid with dreams of calling sports to becoming a vibrant voice in the world of sports commentary. We explore how his experiences in independent baseball and soccer...

Buckle up for an electrifying ride as we charge into the innovative world of Nikola Tesla with your favorite hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston. This episode shines a spotlight on the highly anticipated Nikola Tesla "Light it Up" An Original Rock Opera featuring the creative minds of Mark Rodgers and Jason Nelson. The discussion weaves together Tesla's fascinating life story—from his groundbr...