St. Louis on the Air

Latest Episodes:

How book recommendations at a barbershop led to an online network to find Black literature Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Inspired by barbershop chats and a brotherly contest over hip-hop facts, the Black Lit Network is a digital resource designed to make African American literature more widely accessible. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville professor Howard Rambsy II co-leads the project. He discusses how a recent $1.6 million grant to SIUE for the project will boost its reach and impact. He also speaks to the significance of investing in efforts to amplify African American writers, works, and ideas – especially through a public higher education institution in the Midwest, and the larger St. Louis region.

The St. Louis region stands at a demographic crossroads, SLU professor says Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

For years, the St. Louis metropolitan area has shown troubling signs when it comes to its population numbers. Preliminary results from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey offer both encouragement and caution for the region’s future. Demographer and St. Louis University Professor Ness Sándoval breaks down the latest census data and shares why elected officials and residents should prioritize the development of single family homes to boost — or at least maintain — the region’s population.

Missouri lawmakers close in on redistricting and ballot initiative changes Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Missouri lawmakers are closing in on the end of one of the state’s most contentious special sessions in recent memory. At stake: a Republican-backed redrawing of the state’s congressional districts that would transform Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-area district into one that’s GOP-leaning — and a push to make it harder for citizens to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum discusses the latest developments in the Missouri Senate, how Democrats are responding and what these changes could mean for the state’s political future.

Keyon Harrold brings his ‘sacred oblivion’ home to St. Louis stages this weekend Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

St. Louis native Keyon Harrold loves coming home, and Music at the Intersection is bringing him back this weekend. Harrold is the only artist to perform at every Music at the Intersection festival since its inauguration in 2021. The Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter and composer discusses his love for St. Louis and how Music at the Intersection has evolved since its inception.

Opera star Patricia Racette brings Edith Piaf to life in St. Louis, with no regrets Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Opera Theatre of St. Louis' incoming artistic director is taking audiences on a journey into the music of legendary French singer Edith Piaf. Although Patricia Racette is known for her work on stage as an opera soprano, her one-woman show "Patricia Sings Piaf" focuses on interpretations of Piaf music and celebrating the career of a performer who attained stardom at the height of World War 2. Racette discusses the October 9 show, her favorite Piaf songs, and her vision as the new artistic director for Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

Hundreds protest at Missouri Capitol as lawmakers advance controversial redistricting plan Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Protesters gathered at the Missouri Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers aim to push through redrawing the state’s congressional districts during a special session called by Gov. Mike Kehoe. The move would eliminate the Democratic-leaning 5th District in the Kansas City area. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum joins us from Jefferson City to break down what’s happening on the ground, why the redistricting fight is contentious and what comes next as the Senate prepares to vote on the proposed map later this week.

STLPR reporters shed light on the mystery behind St. Charles data center proposal Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

A proposal to build a 440-acre data center in St. Charles sparked intense backlash from residents worried about property values, water contamination, energy costs and a lack of transparency. After growing pressure, the developer withdrew its application — and the St. Charles City Council responded with a one-year ban on new data center proposals. STLPR reporters Kate Grumke and Kavahn Mansouri discuss what happened and how their reporting uncovered that the project may have ties to Google.

How a St. Louis nonprofit is fighting childhood malnutrition in Haiti Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

St. Louis–based nonprofit Meds & Food for Kids has treated more than one million malnourished children in Haiti and has gained recognition for its sustainable and locally driven solutions to hunger. Ahead of the organization’s September 18 event at the Courses at Forest Park, we speak with Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, and Meds & Food for Kids CEO Chris Greene about the urgent fight against hunger, the global challenge of malnutrition, and how MFK’s innovative model is making an impact.

Recent St. Louis restaurant openings and closings — plus, the scene's best dumplings Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

The August edition of our new restaurant round-up covers spots in St. Louis, the Metro East, and Rolla: places that serve curries of the Indian, Himalayan, and Thai varieties; Instagram-worthy sandwiches; street-style Peruvian kebabs; and Palestinian beef and lamb burgers. The discussion includes local recommendations for delicious dumplings, and a case is made for dropping “underrated” to describe St. Louis’ food scene.

Tens of millions of birds will migrate through the St. Louis region now through October Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

St. Louis is the sixth most dangerous city in the U.S. for fall migratory birds. Many species of birds are drawn to the light of the region’s urban areas, where their chances of colliding with a building increase. Longtime birder Matt Schamberger and St. Louis Audubon Society conservationist Matt Barton discuss ways to support migratory birds along their journey. They also share tips for unique species to look out for this fall migration season and the best spots for bird watching in the region.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

St. Louis on the Air

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6