Ope Cast The Pod

On this episode, Braden sat down Christopher of Field Club Media. Christopher shares how his upbringing led to him wanting to move to a bigger city like St. Louis. He shares the importance of building a community where all are welcome to be their authentic selves. He launched Profield Reserve in St. Louis in 2020 where he offers an array of premium. durable everyday staple items that are inspired...

On this episode, Braden spoke with Hope and Sydne of STL Girl Network. They share how their community got started, the impact, and much more. Their vision for the STL Girl Network is to create a supportive and empowering space for women in the St. Louis area, fostering connections, collaboration, and personal growth. Whether you're new to the area or a STL native who wants to connect with like...

On this episode, Braden sat down with movie, television, and Broadway actor Jenifer Lewis. Jenifer was born in Kinloch in St. Louis County and attended Webster University.   Lewis starred on ABC’s  Black-ish  for eight seasons as the hilarious grandmother Ruby Johnson.  Lewis has appeared in more than 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 40 animations, and four Broadway shows. Credits include...

On this episode, Braden spoke with musician, activist, and Ferguson native, Keyon Harrold. The McCluer High School alum left Ferguson for New York City to enroll in The New School. In New York, he landed his first major gig with Common, an audition he secured on the recommendation of his New School classmate Robert Glasper, and an experience which he says broadened his musical horizons beyond jazz...

On this episode, Braden spoke with Lisa Ramey, who is known as a St. Louis-born and New York-based vocal powerhouse and artist. Lisa caught national attention on NBC’s hit music competition show, The Voice, where she performed on Team Legend. She shares her journey from being home schooled, performing at The Muny, the decision to leave St. Louis, her experience on The Voice, traveling with the cir...

On this weeks episode, Braden spoke with Content Creator and St. Louis Enthusiast, @JayeSoExtra. Jaye shares how her upbringing and world travels helped shape the way she finds the beauty in St. Louis. Jaye uses her platform to give out tips and tricks to make navigating around St. Louis a lot easier. Her passion for our city will make you fall in love it. You can follow Jaye on Instagram at @Jaye...

On this episode, Braden spoke with Brendalyn King of Reparations Project 40. Brendalyn is a St. Louis native who shares her journey to New York where she spent several years in education and tech before making her way back to the Midwest. She dives into the history of Reparations Project 40 (#RepProject40) which is a trailblazing destination, proudly holding the distinction of being 244 acres of M...

On this episode, Braden caught up with Dre'Co, an emcee, musician, event host, father, and more. Dre'co shares his approach and journey into hosting some of the biggest events in St. Louis and beyond. Dre'co understands the importance in his role to make people forget their troubles and have a good time at events. He takes his craft very serious and is always looking for ways to become...

On this weeks episode, Braden caught up with Swerve, a podcaster and movie critic out of St. Louis, MO. Swerve recently relocated up to St. Louis from Farmington to connect with more creatives, brands, and businesses with creatives. Swerve hosts the Swervinn Podcast where he interviews a wide range of guests from athletes, creatives, musicians, entrepreneurs, and more. He also hosts 3rd Eyee Revie...

On this weeks episode, Braden as he dives into the captivating story of Joaquin Buckley, an American professional mixed martial artist with a remarkable journey in the world of combat sports. Coming from St. Louis, Missouri, Buckley's passion for martial arts ignited at a young age, shaping his path towards becoming a prominent figure in the sport. Currently training in St. Louis for his upcom...

On today's episode, host Braden delves into the inspiring journey of Tamara Keefe, CEO of Clementine's Naughty or Nice Creamery. With 8 thriving locations, nationwide shipping, and expanding regionally, Tamara shares invaluable insights into the art of building a successful ice cream brand. From her humble beginnings in southern California to becoming a self-made entrepreneur, Tamara's...

On this episode, Braden dives into the world of food safety and auditing with Tyler Williams, CEO of ASI Food Safety. From his journey as a manager to leading the company's global standards implementation, including in emerging industries like cannabis, Tyler shares insights on the challenges and innovations in ensuring food safety around the world. He shares how growing up in Overland helped...

On this episode, Braden spoke with The Muny's President and CEO, Kwofe Coleman. Kwofe proud St. Louis native with a rich background in theatre management and community service. Kwofe is a graduate of St. Louis University High School and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he honed his skills and passion for the arts and cultural institutions. In 2011, Kwofe made history by forming The...

On this weeks episode, we are joined by Mykel McIntosh, the owner of Videira Wine Shop & Bar in St. Louis. Mykel's journey into the food industry that started unexpectedly while attending college. Despite initial challenges, Mykel persevered through the blessing of her late mother, learning all aspects of the business and eventually opening Videira Wine Shop & Bar. Mykel discusses the...

Join us as we dive deep into the captivating world of MLB Hall of Famer, Ozzie Smith. In this episode, Ozzie shares insights into some of the most monumental moments of his illustrious baseball career, offering a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. From his iconic backflips on the field to his unwavering love for St. Louis, Ozzie's passion for the game and...

On this weeks episode, Braden sat down with Brian Owens, a remarkable community leader who wears many hats with grace and passion. As a husband, father, minister, singer, producer, director, and hype man of all creators, Brian shares profound insights into his diverse roles and the wisdom gained along the way. In this podcast, Brian delves into his captivating journey into music, entrepreneurship,...

On this inspiring episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvester Chisom, the Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Co-Founder of the Show Me The World Project. The journey of this impactful initiative began in 2012 with the founding of The Show Me Costa Rica Project (SMCRP) at Vashon High School in north St. Louis, Missouri. The project emerged from a school swap experience tha...

In this 314 Day BONUS episode, we had the privilege to dive deep into the life of Murphy Lee, a Grammy Award winner and revered legend from St. Louis. He shares his St. Louis upbringing, offering listeners a vivid glimpse into the roots that have shaped his artistry. Throughout our conversation, we explored Murphy Lee's creative process and the elusive flow that guides his music-making journey...

On this week's episode, we sit down with the multi-talented Simonne Kimble, known for her roles as a mother, media personality, podcast host, producer, marketer, community leader, and more. Simonne joins us to share insights the inspiration behind her journey into the media industry. Throughout the conversation, we dive into Simonne's experiences balancing her various projects with the dem...

Join us as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Nathan Wright, the visionary behind St. Louis' newest culinary sensation, UpLate. From humble beginnings managing Fritz's Frozen Custard at the tender age of 17 to serving as a coaching assistant at Saint Louis University, Nathan's path to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Nathan recounts the pivotal...

We're kicking Season 2 off by featuring the owner of one of the most iconic delis in America, Alex Donley. Alex shares the story of Gioia's Deli, how his family purchased the deli, entrepreneurial journey, winning the James Beard Award in 2017, growing up in St. Louis, marrying his high school sweetheart, and much more. You follow Alex at @gioiasdeli on Instagram and TikTok. Make sure to v...

It's exactly what it sounds like! Jason the producer joins Braden and asks the fun retrospective questions about everything we've been up to this year! thanks to everyone for listening, whether this is your first time or you've been here since day 1! Please leave a review and share with friends & family!

Caleb Hearon is a fantastic comedian & actor, and has deep roots with Host Braden from their college days. They get into college antics, pickup basketball, getting casted into movies, SNL auditions, and more, on this episode of OpeCast.

Sam of @FoodByStern sits down and leads us on an incredible journey this week, talking us through east coast lifestyle, moving to St Louis post college, what qualifies as pizza, being a food creator, starting a restaurant, and how to make a viral song out of your kitchen. Sam is a great friend of the show, and of Braden as well, and we cant wait to see these Sam grow and gain the following & f...

Youtube creator & St. Louis City resident Grace Smith joins us this week! Grace is a fun and positive creator whos been publishing to Youtube since 2015, and has attracted an audience with content about being a student, thrift hauls, hair and beauty, daily routines, and more. Today BradEN and Grace discuss: Making content for students, creating post grad, honesty and transparency, relationship...