St. Louis on the Air

Latest Episodes:

‘Libertarian Rex’ Digs Into Sinquefield’s Political Ambitions — And Failures Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

Rex Sinquefield has had an outsized influence on the St. Louis region — whether he’s pushing a city-county merger or turning the Central West End into a world capital of chess. And for most of that time, fellow St. Louisan Devin Thomas O’Shea has been watching to see what the libertarian billionaire’s next moves might be.

The St. Louis Region Has Seen Huge Leadership Changes In 2 Years. What’s Next? Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

St. Louis has voted new leaders into key offices from county executive to mayor to congresswoman. So what should be on the area's to-do list? UMSL professor Anita Manion and listeners shared their agendas for a transformed region.

People Are Reporting Unusual Periods After Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines — Here’s What We Know Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, some people are reporting heavier menstrual cycles and more cramping. To date, there are no published scientific studies about a possible link, but researchers are looking into it.

St. Louis Lagers Shine Amid Craft Beer Renaissance Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

The lager has a long history in St. Louis — and despite its low-key image, experts say it’s surprisingly difficult to make well. Two local brewers discuss the lager’s local roots, and highlight some new favorites.

Friday Legislative Roundup With The Missouri Independent Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

Missouri Independent editor-in-chief Jason Hancock explains what’s happening in the Missouri legislature. The discussion delves into various topics, including the expulsion of one of its members, and debates about the rights of transgender youth and critical race theory.

MoBot’s Conservation Work In Madagascar Hopes To Combat Deforestation Woes Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

Missouri Botanical Garden ecologist Adam Smith studied the island's deforestation and found that all of Madagascar's rainforests could disappear by 2080. Botanist Jeannie Raharimampionona explains how MoBot's protected sites in Madagascar aim to combat this prediction.

Elijah Lovejoy’s Life And Tumultuous Times Get Their Due In ‘First To Fall’ Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

Abolitionist newspaper editor Elijah Lovejoy became the first American journalist slain for his work when he was murdered by a pro-slavery mob in 1837 Alton. Journalist Ken Ellingwood discusses his life and times.

For The Reverend Michelle Higgins, Activism And Pastoral Care Go Hand-In-Hand Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

For the Reverend Michelle Higgins, pastoral work shares deep ties with social justice activism. The self described “protestor who has become a pastor” is the first Black woman to permanently lead the congregation at Saint John’s Church (the Beloved Community) in north St. Louis.

Reginald Dwayne Betts On Incarceration, Chauvin Verdict — And Poetry Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

Twenty-five years ago, Reginald Dwayne Betts saw his entire life trajectory change in the space of 30 minutes. In what he has since described as “a moment of insanity,” Betts, then a 16-year-old high school junior, carjacked a man. He would serve eight years in prison for the crime.

St. Louis Field House Museum Commemorates 175th Anniversary Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

The Field House Museum's "Momentous Milestones" exhibit highlights the history of the oldest privately-owned residential home in St. Louis.