The 314 Podcast

Sarah Fenske

Join St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske for conversations that dig into why things are the way they are in St. Louis — and how we can make them better. From the stories that inspire us to the challenges that push us, The 314 Podcast is here to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and untangle the complicated.

  1. APR 16

    Amy Shaw on Keeping Nine PBS Strong

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Amy Shaw, CEO of Nine PBS, which is thriving even after public television stations across the country were stripped of all their federal funding. Amy shared what she believes has been the key to the station’s success, why it’s embarking on a major capital campaign now, and why St. Louis has made it the most watched PBS station in the U.S. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about all the drama surrounding the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, including new insight into a deadly 2024 shooting and a lawsuit against its state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners brought by Mayor Cara Spencer. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-34 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by Saint Louis Science Center. Spring into a financial refresh with Royal Banks of Missouri! Whether you’re buying a new home, planning a summer getaway, growing your retirement fund, or anything in between, their local team will guide you closer to achieving your goals with personalized support and focusing on your needs. Discover how Royal Banks of Missouri can partner with you to let your financial future bloom! Learn more at http://royalbanksofmo.com/ and http://slsc.org/ New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  2. APR 2

    How Gabe Gore Is Restoring Trust in St. Louis Justice

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Gabe Gore, the St. Louis circuit attorney widely credited with restoring order to what had been a “rudderless ship of chaos” under predecessor Kim Gardner. Gore talked about what makes prosecution harder than it used to be, his priorities going forward, and his personal story as a kid from Detroit abruptly transplanted as a teen to West County. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a record-setting $37 million jury verdict against St. Louis Police over the non-fatal shooting of a teenager in 2016. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-33. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Library Giving Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to support the St. Louis Public Library. With your gift, you fuel vital programs and resources in a place where everyone is welcome and our community grows stronger. Donate at https://www.slpl.org/  New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  3. MAR 5

    Nahuel Fefer on Fixing St. Louis Government

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Nahuel Fefer, who worked at City Hall under four mayors, most recently as executive director of the Community Development Administration. The native of Argentina explains what’s broken in St. Louis city government—and his ideas for city-county unification. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the city treasurer’s failure to hold people accountable when they rack up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by STAGES St. Louis. STAGES is celebrating 40 years of Broadway-quality musical theatre right here in St. Louis. Join STAGES for a milestone season featuring the hilarious 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the return of the high-rolling charm, Guys and Dolls, and the powerful, heartwarming hit Come From Away. Get tickets. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts. Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: St. Louis treasurer let vehicles rack up $10.7M in unpaid tickets St. Louis treasurer voided his own parking tickets Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch More episodes of The 314 Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  4. FEB 19

    Haliday Douglas on Fighting for SLPS

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Haliday Douglas, CEO of the St. Louis Education Fund, which harnesses private dollars to help St. Louis Public Schools students. Douglas discusses how teachers at SLPS helped change his life—and propel him to Harvard—and the work his nonprofit is doing to give kids a chance at upward economic mobility. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the new legislation in Jefferson City that would create “innovation zones” to help downtown St. Louis and other central business districts. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Discover the excitement of the Opera Theatre’s 2026 Festival Season, running from May 23 to June 28. Tickets start at just $25 for the timeless classic The Pirates of Penzance and the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza. Enjoy unforgettable performances of A Streetcar Named Desire and the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, showcasing artistic excellence you're sure to love. Get your tickets now. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts. Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: Missouri rep proposes ‘innovation zones’ as a cure for downtown’s woes For former St. Louis rep, moving to the county was about the Special School District The turnaround strategy inside St. Louis Public Schools that may be working—and may get discontinued Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch More episodes of The 314 Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  5. FEB 5

    Fred Wellman Takes On Ann Wagner

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Fred Wellman, who is running against six-term U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Ballwin). A U.S. Army veteran, political consultant, and podcast host, Wellman discusses why he thinks this could be Democrats’ year, why his opponent is like a jellyfish, and what brought him back to St. Louis after decades away. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the big raises that the new state-run Board of Police Commissioners just bestowed upon St. Louis police officers—and why Mayor Cara Spencer was a loud “no” vote. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Discover how Royal Banks of Missouri can help you navigate 2026 with confidence! They’re more than a bank; their team will serve as trusted partners at any point in your journey and provide personalized solutions to set you up for financial success. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts. Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: Police board gears up to give St. Louis police another 7 percent raise Ray Hartmann is convinced he can win—and he’ll happily tell you why State control of St. Louis police brings added costs beyond salary increases Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch More episodes of The 314 Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  6. FEB 2

    Introducing St. Louis Magazine’s Economic Mobility Lab

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Nicholas Phillips and Samir Knox, the two reporters anchoring St. Louis Magazine’s new Economic Mobility Lab funded by the James S. McDonnell Foundation. They discuss Nick’s new story about a high-achieving young man who went from a working class background to earning a doctorate—and how social capital played a key role in his journey. They also explain what they plan to focus on as they seek to cover policies, programs, and people trying to achieve a better life for themselves and their kids. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. Keep up with the latest Economic Mobility Lab coverage by subscribing to the St. Louis Daily newsletter. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts. Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com. Mentioned in this episode: Surprise $5M gift will grant some St. Charles Community College students a free 4-year degree Bridge Bread will open a bakery in the Loop, with new opportunities for workers You may also enjoy these SLM stories: Latest Economic Mobility Lab coverage Subscribe to the St. Louis Daily newsletter Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
  7. JAN 22

    The Power of Plant Science in St. Louis ft. Giles Oldroyd

    In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Giles Oldroyd, the British scientist who recently took over as president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. He talks about settling into Missouri, responding to federal cuts hitting the not-for-profit research institute, and St. Louis’ role as an agtech hub. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the hard line the city is taking on a long-vacant historic theater. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Since 1964, Royal Banks of Missouri has been proud to be your local community bank. Visit one of their fifteen convenient locations to discover how they can help you work towards a financial fresh start and achieve your goals in 2026. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts. Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: St. Louis Business 500: Q&A with James Carrington, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Cary Fowler warns of headwinds for global food security—but sees solutions in St. Louis City yanks tax-exempt status for downtown’s Orpheum Theater Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

About

Join St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske for conversations that dig into why things are the way they are in St. Louis — and how we can make them better. From the stories that inspire us to the challenges that push us, The 314 Podcast is here to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and untangle the complicated.

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