Saint Louis In Tune

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...

The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival is not just about watching films; it’s a tapestry of community connection and storytelling that transcends generations. Kicking off from March 15th to 26th, this festival is a celebration of diverse narratives that remind us of our shared humanity. John Wilson, the festival's cultural arts director, reveals the heart and soul behind this year’s lineup. This marks...

Sandy Weltman, a harmonica virtuoso with an impressive backstory, graces the podcast with his lively tales and musical insights. He kicks things off with a delightful connection to St. Louis sports legend Stan Musial, sharing how both he and Musial have a shared love for the harmonica. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the world of his love for musical instruments and their personal signific...

Emma Klues, joins us to talk about the Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), a regional public agency which helps connect St. Louis City, County, and St. Charles County with a network of scenic greenways. From lush trails perfect for biking, walking, and running to the history, partnerships, and community engagement, Emma explains the mission of the Great Rivers Greenway and how it came to life in 2000. Ur...

A vibrant circus mystery unfolds at Circus Harmony, where somersaulting sleuths are hot on the trail of a cookie caper! It’s not just any cookie, folks; someone’s pilfered the precious chocolate chip treat from the cookie jar, and the show titled 'Mysterioso' promises a whirlwind of acrobatics and intrigue as performers fly through the air and twist on wheels to solve this delicious whodunit. Jess...

Rebekah Coste, the founder of St. Louis Mom, shares her inspiring journey of motherhood and community building. She opens up about her unique experiences, starting from her days as a new mom in France to her current mission of supporting moms in St. Louis. Rebekah reminisces about the challenges of motherhood – from diaper changes to school drop-offs – and how important it is to have a support sys...

Carlos Bedoya and Scott Marlin bring the St. Louis music scene to life in this engaging episode, where they share their experiences as part of Grand Allusion, a tribute band dedicated to the iconic Styx. With a background as an electrical engineer, Carlos has an interesting perspective on how technology intersects with music, giving listeners a unique glimpse into the world of sound design and liv...

Gordon Meyer is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, and his journey from a 12-year-old voice actor to the mastermind behind Hollywood's Master Storytellers is nothing short of inspiring. He started his career early, voicing Buster Brown for a commercial, and quickly transitioned into interviewing big names in Hollywood. One of the highlights of his career was creating and hosting Hollyw...

In this episode of Saint Louis in Tune, hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston review shows from the past year, share Christmas songs you may want to avoid, and highlight some of the best jokes of the year. The hosts reflect on the community-driven aspects of their show, celebrating some of their top episodes on topics like tariffs, local festivals, personal stories of loss, and historical figure...

Christopher Alan Gordon takes us on a captivating journey through time as he unveils the poignant stories captured in his latest book, "Letters Home from World War II: St. Louis, Messages of Hope and Heartbreak from the Front Lines." We get to peek into personal correspondence that emerged from one of history's most tumultuous periods. Gordon's exploration isn't just about the letters; it's a reve...

Exploring the grand tapestry of St. Louis history, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis emerges not just as a sacred space but as a monument to time itself. Our conversation with John C. Guenther dives into the architectural marvel that is the Cathedral Basilica, weaving through its 352-year history—from its early log church days in 1770 to the stunning mosaics that now grace its walls. We remini...