St. Louis on the Air

St. Louis Public Radio’s Jonathan Ahl delves into changes that new County Executive Sam Page has made since being sworn in with reporters Chad Davis and Jason Rosenbaum and politics editor Fred Ehrlich.

St. Louis Public Radio’s Jonathan Ahl discusses what the legalization of medical marijuana means for Missouri and the process of how physicians prescribe it as dispensaries start opening up.

On Jan. 1, St. Louis resident Andy Magee embarked on an unusual adventure with a goal to visit all 418 National Park Service units around the U.S. within the course of a single year. He’s now five months into that journey – and back in St. Louis this week for a pit stop. He gives an update on his travels, which began during the federal government shutdown.

More and more people are experiencing the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that one in three seniors die with dementia, and by 2050 nearly 14 million Americans are expected to be living with it. Those growing numbers are spurring innovative efforts to treat dementia, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, a non-drug treatment that is the focus of a conference taking place Monday and Tuesday at St. Louis University. John Morley and Martin Orrell are among CST’s proponents, and both doctors join St. Louis Public Radio’s Jonathan Ahl to talk about what they and their peers have described as a common-sense approach to treating dementia.

Communities along the Mississippi River are getting used to record flood levels lately. As the water creeps higher, residents and business owners are filling sandbags and holding their breath. Science reporter Eli Chen discussed what kind of impact the flooding has left on the region.

As Planned Parenthood awaits St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Michael Stelzer’s decision on whether the center is able to renew its abortion clinic license, St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin went behind the headlines with health reporter Sarah Fentem to discuss developments in the case this week.

In the wee hours of a Saturday morning in the summer of 1969, nine New York City police officers entered Greenwich Village’s small Stonewall Inn. Police raids of gay bars were a frequent occurrence at the time, but this particular instance was different. This time, people around the Stonewall fought back, and the ensuing several days of confrontation between police and activists greatly accelerated the growth of the gay rights movement. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin talks with Steven Louis Brawley, Paul Thiel and Miranda Rectenwald, reflecting on the Stonewall uprising of 50 years ago and what was happening among the local LGBTQ community at that time.

Circus Flora is a longstanding tradition for many St. Louisans and is back in action this month for its 33rd season. This year’s show is bringing audiences to an unlikely place for an adventure – a grocery store. Schnucks, to be exact. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin delves into how “The Caper in Aisle 6” takes a usually mundane trip to the store and turns it into an exciting visual performance for circusgoers.

While traveling in Europe for events related to the 75th anniversary of the Allied forces' pivotal invasion of northern France during World War II, John McManus talks with St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin, delving into what occurred on June 6, 1944, why it still resonates and what people today can learn from studying and reflecting on the tragedy of war.

There is a movement growing among health advocates to better understand how more nutritious food can help combat chronic illnesses and pharmaceutical drug dependency. Susan Benigas of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Plantrician Project and local nutritionist Ghaida Awwad of Nature’s Clinic, based in O’Fallon, Missouri, are among those advocates.

Before she became a celebrity, a war hero and civil rights activist, Josephine Baker was a girl growing up in early 20th-century St. Louis. Historical fiction writer Sherry Jones has a new book out inspired by Baker’s remarkable life and is headed to her late heroine’s hometown this week to discuss it at Left Bank Books. Jones talks about the book, “Josephine Baker’s Last Dance,” and the woman behind it, with St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin.

Tussles over abortion rights are nothing new in the Show-Me State, and St. Louis Public Radio's Jo Mannies has observed many political and legal battles over the years since Roe v. Wade. She looks back with STLPR's Jeremy D. Goodwin.

For the 23rd year in a row, Twangfest is gathering musicians from around the country in St. Louis this week for a four-day-long celebration of Americana music. Described by its all-volunteer organizers as “the big top of a musical three-ring circus,” the nonprofit festival is this time around bringing in everyone from the Columbia, Missouri-based Burney Sisters and The Delines of Portland, Oregon, to the rock band Superchunk.

Tan France is best known for his role as fashion expert on the hit Netflix series “Queer Eye,” where he and the rest of “the Fab 5” transform people’s lives – and bridge social divides – with inspiring lifestyle makeovers. Now France has a brand-new memoir out titled “Naturally Tan.” St. Louis Public Radio’s Kae Petrin discusses it with France ahead of his sold-out event this weekend at St. Louis County Library headquarters.

Phish, the Vermont-spawned jamband will open its summer tour with two shows at Chaifetz Arena this month. For a band that’s one of the country’s top touring acts, Phish remains strangely misunderstood. St. Louis Public Radio reporter Jeremy D. Goodwin explores the popularity and nuances of Phish with musicologist Jake Cohen, who presented at the first-ever Phish Studies Conference at Oregon State University.

In conversation with executive producer Alex Heuer, Charles Glenn looks back on many fond memories singing the national anthem before St. Louis Blues home games.

Krister Ungerböck often works with high-profile CEOs, coaching them on best practices when it comes to leadership, communication and employee engagement. But his efforts to help people lead well extend beyond the upper echelons of organizational management and into everyday workplaces as well as family life. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin talks with Ungerböck ahead of his appearance at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Since 2007, the Muslim Community Services of St. Louis have annually put together a Memorial Day barbecue to serve patients and staff at the Jefferson Barracks Division of the VA Medical Center in south St. Louis County. They aim to create an environment where there is mutual learning and understanding in efforts to dispel potential misconceptions on both sides. Producer Lara Hamdan talks with some of the organizers and participants.

The 18th annual Green Living Festival returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden this weekend and offers patrons expertise on making links between sustainability and a healthy environment. Guest host Jim Kirchherr talks with Jean Ponzi, green resources manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden, to expand on the importance of sustainability and green living.

St. Louis Public Radio reporter Sarah Fentem joins "St. Louis on the Air" for analysis of the licensing situation at the state's only remaining abortion clinic and related topics.

Cancer in its many forms has plagued humanity for millennia, and it’s still taking a relentless toll in the 21st century. The hope that scientists will eventually find a cure can feel like a long shot. But one Washington University scholar is making the case that cancer researchers are on the cusp of a breakthrough. In his latest book, “The End of the Beginning: Cancer, Immunity, and the Future of a Cure,” Michael Kinch offers readers a history of cancer research and treatments, as well as a view toward what’s ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

May is Older Americans Month, and senior citizens currently make up the fastest-growing age group in the U.S. Expanding along with their numerical ranks is a movement among older adults committed to enabling people to age in place – in communities of their choosing. Producer Evie Hemphill talks with three St. Louisans who are deeply invested in efforts to help seniors thrive right where they are.

St. Louis Public Radio executive editor Shula Neuman discusses current issues pertaining to the law with a panel of legal experts. Topics include the recent wave of anti-abortion bills passed in Missouri, Alabama and other states; last week's espionage indictment of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange; and the legal implications involving the indictment of former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger.

Producer Lara Hamdan talks with Alyson Thompson, founder of the Mixed Feelings group dedicated to creating a community for multiracial people seeking community among other multiracial and multiethnic individuals. It relaunches in June and will include events that center on community building in various ways through private meetups, including themed discussions, low-key parties and film screenings, as well as informational talks for people who don’t identify as mixed-race but would like to learn more.

From French colonial architecture in Ste. Genevieve and “levee-high pie” in Kimmswick to Civil War history in Bonnots Mill, Missouri is home to plenty of fascinating travel destinations –many of them off the beaten path. Bill Hart gives readers a roadmap for exploring them in “Historic Missouri Roadsides.” He talks with St. Louis Public Radio editor Holly Edgell.

The 28th annual St. Louis African Arts Festival will return to the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park this weekend. Running Saturday through Monday, the festival aims to educate people in St. Louis about the wide ranges of cultures among African nations and the African diaspora. A couple of the festival’s organizers discuss what patrons can expect at the event, such as an African marketplace, movies, food, various cultural demonstrations, kids’ activities and more.

St. Louis Public Radio's Kae Petrin talks with guest host Sharon Stevens about the allegations of sexual misconduct involving the head of Webster University's game design program.

The 28th annual St. Louis African Arts Festival will return to the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park this weekend. Running Saturday through Monday, the festival aims to educate people in St. Louis about the wide ranges of cultures among African nations and the African diaspora. A couple of the festival’s organizers discuss what patrons can expect at the event, such as an African marketplace, movies, food, various cultural demonstrations, kids’ activities and more.

St. Louis resident Harold Crawford is among many local college graduates who are celebrating major academic milestones this spring. The path he traveled to get to his University of Missouri-St. Louis degree was an unusual one – and far from easy. Crawford lived through tough times to make ends meet and left a life of crime and gang involvement about a decade ago.

Poet and author Jason Reynolds talks with former “We Live Here” podcast co-host Kameel Stanley at an event at University City High School. Reynolds writes books for middle grade and young adult audiences.

St. Louis Public Radio reporter Rachel Lippmann talks with guest host Sharon Stevens as the St. Louis Blues head back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 49 years.

Guest host Sharon Stevens explores parts of the new “Flores Mexicanas: A Lindbergh Love Story” exhibit at the Missouri History Museum with the exhibit’s content lead and public historian Adam Kloppe. The exhibit illustrates the couple’s celebrity status as ambassadors for aviation and America.

English rock band The Who first released “Tommy,” the wildly successful rock opera, on May 23, 1969 – exactly 50 years ago this Thursday, when Missouri-based bluegrass band The HillBenders are set to open for The Who at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. It might seem an unlikely concert pairing, except that The HillBenders’ 2015 album is a full-length Tommy tribute, bluegrass-opry style. "St. Louis on the Air" producer Evie Hemphill talks with Jim Rea, the group’s guitarist and musical director, as he and the rest of the HillBenders anticipate sharing a stage with The Who.

A three-day-long dance extravaganza gets underway later this week as Spring to Dance takes over the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Considered to be Dance St. Louis’ signature festival of the year, this 12th annual event will feature everything from tap, ballet and clogging to hip-hop and aerial performances Thursday through Saturday.

Missouri is home to 22 of the 100 puppy mills on the Humane Society's most recent list of known problem dealers, topping the list for the seventh year in a row. Released last week, the “Horrible Hundred” report highlights animal-welfare issues including high puppy death rates, underweight dogs, neglected health needs and other problems. Guest host Sharon Stevens discusses the topic with Sarah Javier, president and executive director of the Animal Protective Association of Missouri, and John Goodwin, senior director of the Humane Society's Stop Puppy Mills Campaign.

In April, St. Louis lawyer Elizabeth “Liz” Heller took a break from the office and spent some time racing on a velodrome – an arena for track cycling – in Aguascalientes, Mexico. At the International Cyclists Union competition, she broke two world records: one in the women's over-50 category in the one-hour ride and the other in the individual two-kilometer pursuit. She joined guest host Sharon Stevens to talk about how she got hooked on the sport.

This month’s Sound Bites segment with Sauce Magazine features Nicola Macpherson of Ozark Forest Mushrooms, an immigrant from the UK who runs a mushroom farm and supplies many of the restaurants in the St. Louis area with mushrooms. Macpherson and Sauce's managing editor Catherine Klene expand on how people get their start in mushroom farming and what all goes into it.

St. Louis Public Radio's Rachel Lippmann and Jason Rosenbaum talk with guest host Sharon Stevens on the heels of Missouri's latest legislative session in Jefferson City.

Producer and director Michael Dalton-Smith’s early passion for volcanoes has followed him throughout his career. His film “Volcanoes: Fire of Creation” takes viewers on an IMAX adventure to the boiling lava lakes of the world, grasslands and the depths of the oceans, all where volcanoes help shape vibrant ecosystems. He delves his interest in volcanoes, the theory of how they developed billions of years ago and what it’s really like getting up close to a boiling lava lake.

St. Charles-based Lindenwood University made the decision that it will cease its daytime undergraduate academic programs at its Belleville campus following the 2019-2020 academic year. Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert talks about what the consolidation means for the community.

Doyle Murphy discusses his latest feature for the Riverfront Times, which digs into the question of what constitutes just punishment. In the piece, he juxtaposes the sentence a former Webster University administrator received after stealing about $375,000 from the institution with the sentences handed down in other specific crime cases in the region.

The Luminary Arts Center “Counterpublic” exhibition is scaled to a neighborhood “set to animate the everyday spaces of Cherokee Street” with expansive artist commissions, performances, processions and more. Local artists José Guadalupe Garza and Miriam Ruiz talk about why they installed a mobile library in El Chico Bakery, a family owned and operated Mexican bakery in south St. Louis. The Luminary’s Katherine Simóne Reynolds, one of the curators for the “Counterpublic” exhibit, also takes part in the conversation to expand on the project’s impact in the south-city neighborhood.

St. Louis-area residents Rachel Webb and Jossalyn Larson come from different walks of life, but they have at least one path in common: They’ve both in recent years developed breast cancer – and have chosen to open up online about their experiences living with it. While they now have intensive treatments and surgeries behind them, their respective journeys are far from over. The two women join guest host Ruth Ezell to discuss some of the surprises and challenges they’ve been encountering lately.

As the U.S. population grows more ethnically diverse, many historians and educators are becoming more aware of changing demographics and are keen on ensuring that diversity is reflected in the way the nation’s history is presented in classrooms. Guest host Ruth Ezell of the Nine Network delves into how educators are developing more well-rounded approaches to teaching history in an inclusive way.

After many months of planning and construction, the owners of a unique project in north St. Louis are now calling the completed space home. Gina and Travis Sheridan moved into their house, which is made out of nine steel shipping containers and located in the Old North neighborhood, several weeks ago. In this episode of "St. Louis on the Air," they discuss what went into the effort and share what they’re enjoying most about their distinctive new abode.

Like many urban and rural areas around the U.S., the St. Louis region has seen a shortage of veterinarians, and it's affecting clinic hours, staffing and wait times in some communities. Guest host Ruth Ezell talks with three people deeply invested in the profession and in seeing both veterinarians and the animals they care for thrive.

A little over a year ago, Benjamin Akande was tasked with a big job: strengthening and expanding Washington University’s efforts in Africa. He was appointed as director of the Africa Initiative, which aims to strategically enhance a wide range of institutional activities connected to the African continent. He gives an update on the initiative, offers his perspective on the demise of Better Together proposal that sought to consolidate St. Louis and St. Louis County and also addresses other topics.

Guest host Ruth Ezell of the Nine Network talks with St. Louis County Library Director Kristen Sorth about the final projects in the Your Library Renewed campaign, which includes the new library branch openings in the region, among other initiatives.

Residents of towns along the Mississippi River are all too familiar with the effects of flooding on their communities. The disasters happen again and again, and people are eager for a path forward – and for solutions that look beyond levees. Guest host Ruth Ezell talka with Jo Anne Smiley, the mayor of Clarksville, Missouri, and Phil Stang, the mayor of Kimmswick, Missouri, about their goals moving ahead. Colin Wellenkamp, executive director of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative, also participates in the discussion.

CC Ice talks with producer Evie Hemphill about working on the Marvel movies, the intense and inherently risky nature of her chosen profession – and how growing up in Missouri has influenced her life and career.