The Sauce - A St. Louis Restaurant Show

Lauren Healey
  • 5.0 (1)
  • FOOD

For over 25 years, Sauce Magazine has been the go-to guide for St. Louis’ best culinary experiences. Now, The Sauce podcast is back with a new host and a renewed mission: to take listeners behind the scenes with the incredible people shaping the local hospitality industry – from chefs and restaurateurs to brewers, bartenders, bakers and beyond. Hosted by Sauce Magazine’s executive editor Lauren Healey, who has spent her career honing her writing, editing and photography skills at various media outlets in the Midwest, the show blends insider stories with inspiration on where to eat and drink right now. Since joining Sauce in 2018, Lauren’s passion for St. Louis’ culinary scene has only deepened, fueling her pride in calling the city home and her drive to help you discover your next great meal.

  1. Dave Glover - The Dave Glover Show

    5D AGO

    Dave Glover - The Dave Glover Show

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, mental health struggles, paranormal themes, and substance use that some listeners may find sensitive or distressing. On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with longtime St. Louis radio personality Dave Glover for one of the wildest and most entertaining conversations yet — covering everything from his unexpected journey from lawyer to radio host, to mental health, cannabis, live music, Bigfoot encounters, ghost hunting, aliens, and the St. Louis restaurant scene. Dave reflects on celebrating 25 years on air with The Dave Glover Show and explains how he accidentally fell into radio after a career in law. He shares stories about improvising live radio for four hours a day, building authentic connections with listeners, and how personal tragedy transformed the direction of his show. The conversation also dives into mental health, therapy, and Dave’s experience using cannabis gummies to help manage anxiety and stress. From solo Cardinals games and favorite dispensary finds to live music and performing Beatles covers with his band, the episode balances heartfelt moments with hilarious stories throughout. Then things take a paranormal turn. Dave opens up about his lifelong fascination with Bigfoot, recounting a strange encounter in the Colorado mountains that left both him and a skeptical friend stunned. The conversation continues into aliens, UFOs, haunted houses, paranormal investigations, the infamous Sallie House, the Exorcist house in St. Louis, and unexplained psychic experiences that still stick with him today. Along the way, Dave also shares some of his favorite St. Louis restaurants, talks about the city’s evolving food scene, and reflects on why St. Louis deserves more credit nationally. From radio stories and live music to ghosts and cryptids — this episode truly goes everywhere. In this episode:  - Dave Glover’s accidental path from lawyer to radio host  - Celebrating 25 years of The Dave Glover Show  - Learning to improvise live radio  - Mental health, therapy, and vulnerability on-air  - Cannabis gummies and managing anxiety  - Performing live music and Beatles covers  - Favorite St. Louis restaurants and hidden gems  - St. Louis food culture and restaurant scene growth  - Bigfoot encounters in Colorado  - Aliens, UFOs, and government footage  - Paranormal investigations and haunted houses  - The Sallie House and the Exorcist house  - Psychic experiences and unexplained coincidences  - Playing baseball at 60 and staying creative Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    36 min
  2. Alex & Jeff Henry - El Molino Del Sureste

    MAY 12

    Alex & Jeff Henry - El Molino Del Sureste

    “The Sauce” with Jeff & Alex Henry – Bringing Yucatán Cuisine to St. Louis Through El Molino del Sureste On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with brothers Jeff and Alex Henry — the owners of El Molino del Sureste and Taqueria del Sureste — to talk about their journey from growing up between Missouri and Mexico to building one of St. Louis’ most exciting and celebrated regional Mexican restaurant concepts. The brothers share how their upbringing in Mérida, Yucatán shaped their connection to food, family, and hospitality, and how summers spent cooking with their grandparents inspired Alex’s path into the culinary world. They dive into the evolution from opening inside City Foundry STL to launching their standalone South City restaurant, where they’ve been able to fully showcase the depth and creativity of Yucatán-inspired cuisine. They also break down some of their standout dishes — from handmade masa creations and smoked sweet potatoes to traditional candied squash desserts — while explaining the techniques, ingredients, and philosophy behind their fully scratch-made kitchen. The conversation touches on seasonal menus, farm sourcing, house-grown herbs, and how their James Beard semifinalist recognition helped transform the trajectory of the business. Beyond the food, the episode explores the importance of family, cultural identity, mentorship, and staying deeply connected to both St. Louis and Mexico while building something truly personal. From Yucatán traditions to modern technique, from masa to mezcal cocktails — this episode is all about honoring heritage through food. In this episode: Growing up between St. Louis and Mérida, YucatánFamily traditions and learning to cook from their grandmotherAlex Henry’s path into the culinary worldOpening at City Foundry STL during uncertain post-pandemic timesExpanding into El Molino del Sureste in South CityRegional Mexican cuisine and Yucatán influencesScratch cooking and farm-to-table sourcingHandmade masa dishes and smoked sweet potato preparationsTraditional Mexican candying techniques and seasonal dessertsThe evolving cocktail program and bringing on beverage manager Ben BauerGardening, specialty herbs, and growing ingredients onsiteBecoming James Beard semifinalists and the impact on the restaurantFavorite St. Louis restaurants and exploring the cityWhat’s next for the future of the Sureste restaurantsCome for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    22 min
  3. Bethany Budde-Cohen – SqWires

    MAY 5

    Bethany Budde-Cohen – SqWires

    On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Bethany Budde-Cohen — owner of SqWires Restaurant & Market — to celebrate 25 years of one of Lafayette Square’s most beloved dining destinations and the story behind its lasting success. Bethany shares how she transformed a 130-year-old wire factory into a warm, character-filled restaurant, and the challenges that came with it — from construction setbacks and a major fire to navigating recessions and a global pandemic. Through it all, SqWires has remained rooted in its identity: elevated Midwestern comfort food, local sourcing, and a deep connection to the neighborhood. They talk about what’s kept SqWires thriving for over two decades, including house-smoked staples, a strong relationship with local farmers, and a commitment to consistency while still evolving with the times. Bethany also dives into the return and reinvention of the market concept during COVID, and how it’s become a curated, community-focused space for fresh, local goods. Beyond the food, the conversation highlights the importance of family in the business — including Bethany’s daughter stepping into a leadership role — and what it means to grow something that’s truly part of the fabric of St. Louis. From historic spaces to homemade herbs, from resilience to reinvention — this episode is all about building something that lasts. In this episode:  The story behind SqWires Restaurant & Market  Transforming a historic wire factory into a restaurant  Overcoming a fire, delays, and economic challenges  What defines “elevated Midwestern” cuisine  House-smoked meats, brunch staples, and menu favorites  Sourcing local ingredients and working with farmers  The return and evolution of the SqWires market  Adapting through COVID and changing customer needs  Running a family business with the next generation  Why Lafayette Square is such a special community  Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    29 min
  4. BradenSTL - Foodies Eat First Fest

    APR 28

    BradenSTL - Foodies Eat First Fest

    On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Braden— one of St. Louis’ fastest-growing food influencers — to talk about the highly anticipated Foodies Eat First Fest and how he’s turning the city’s food scene into a national destination. Braden breaks down the vision behind the festival, built “for foodies, by foodies,” and how he’s bringing together some of the most talked-about chefs, restaurants, and creators in one place — all at an accessible price point. From VIP all-you-can-eat experiences to curated vendor lineups and afterparties, this isn’t your typical food festival. But the conversation goes deeper than just the event. Braden shares his journey from corporate America to full-time creator, how he built a following by spotlighting local businesses, and why he believes St. Louis is one of the most underrated food cities in the country. They also dive into the future of Foodies Eat First — including expansion plans, restaurant week, micro festivals, and how content creators are driving real economic impact in cities like St. Louis. From toasted ravioli to Wagyu, from social media to city-building — this episode is all about passion, hustle, and putting St. Louis on the map. In this episode:  - The concept behind Foodies Eat First Fest  - How the festival makes high-end food more accessible  - Featured chefs, restaurants, and unique food experiences  - VIP vs General Admission breakdown  - Expanding into multiple festivals and events  - The rise of the creator economy in St. Louis  - Braden's journey from corporate to content creator  - How influencers are driving tourism and local growth  - Favorite underrated food spots around St. Louis  - The future of Foodies Eat First Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    37 min
  5. Cally & Rich Conyers - Prohibition

    APR 21

    Cally & Rich Conyers - Prohibition

    On this week’s episode of The Sauce podcast, host Lauren sits down with Cally and Rich Conyers, owners of Prohibition, a hidden speakeasy tucked beneath a historic 150-year-old building in St. Louis’ Lafayette Square. They share how a fire-damaged, nearly demolished building was transformed into one of the city’s most immersive nightlife experiences—blending history, design, and storytelling into a moody, jazz-filled escape. But what truly sets Prohibition apart is its mission: honoring the rebellious, trailblazing women of the 1920s who defied the law, ran speakeasies, and helped shape the Prohibition era without recognition. From cocktails inspired by real historical figures to carefully curated artifacts and archives, every detail of the space is designed to bring these untold stories to life. Cally and Rich also dive into the evolution of the concept, the challenges of restoring a historic property, and how they’re creating a one-of-a-kind experience in St. Louis. The conversation explores the rich history of Prohibition, the resurgence of speakeasy culture, and how Prohibition STL is blending past and present through live jazz, curated menus, and interactive storytelling. From hidden entrances to powerful stories, this episode highlights how history, hospitality, and creativity can come together to create something unforgettable. In this episode:  - Transforming a condemned 150-year-old building into Prohibition  - The inspiration behind honoring women of the 1920s  - Real stories of female bootleggers, owners, and activists  - Designing an immersive speakeasy experience  - The hidden entrance and atmosphere behind Prohibition STL  - Jazz nights and bringing music history back to St. Louis  - Expanding the cocktail menu and upcoming food program  - Future plans for tastings, performances, and storytelling Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    19 min
  6. Brennan England – The Cola Lounge

    APR 14

    Brennan England – The Cola Lounge

    On this week’s episode of The Sauce podcast, host Lauren Healey sits down with Brennan England, founder of the St. Louis Cannabis Club and The Cola Lounge—Missouri’s first cannabis consumption space. Brennan shares how his journey from activism and community-building led to creating a platform where cannabis culture meets education, wellness, and entertainment. From launching just before COVID to building a thriving network of events, partnerships, and experiences, he breaks down what it takes to normalize cannabis and create safe, inclusive spaces. The conversation dives into the evolution of the St. Louis cannabis scene, the vision behind the “Greenlight District,” and how experiential events—from comedy shows to wellness gatherings—are helping reshape public perception. Brennan also discusses the rise of cannabis tourism, innovative concepts like the Puff Puff Passport, and how collaboration across local businesses is driving growth in the industry. From grassroots beginnings to city-wide impact, this episode highlights the power of community-first entrepreneurship and redefining what cannabis culture can look like. In this episode:  - Launching the St. Louis Cannabis Club and The Cola Lounge  - Creating safe, social cannabis experiences without alcohol  - The vision behind the Greenlight District  - How events are breaking stigma around cannabis  - The Puff Puff Passport and cannabis tourism  - Building partnerships with local brands like SWADE and 4 Hands  - The future of cannabis culture in St. Louis Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿 ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and St. Louis Union Station. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms. 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday. Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    27 min
  7. Michael and Meredith Shadwick – Honey Bee's Biscuits

    APR 7

    Michael and Meredith Shadwick – Honey Bee's Biscuits

    On this week’s episode of The Sauce podcast, host Lauren Healey sits down with Michael and Meredith Shadwick, the duo behind Honey Bee's Biscuits and a growing collection of beloved businesses in Kirkwood. Michael and Meredith share how their journey started during COVID, experimenting with food and launching at local farmers markets with no expectations—only to be met with overwhelming demand, long lines, and a defining moment that confirmed they had found something special. The conversation explores the rapid growth of Honey Bee's Biscuits, from early pop-ups to a brick-and-mortar success, and the evolution into multiple concepts across Kirkwood. They also discuss what it was like taking over the iconic Spencer’s Grill, balancing tradition with new ideas, and building a brand rooted in community. From sleepless nights and early uncertainty to scaling a multi-business operation, this episode highlights the realities of entrepreneurship and the power of following what you love. In this episode:  - Starting Honey Bee's Biscuits during COVID  - Turning a farmers market concept into a thriving business  - The moment they knew it was going to work  - Expanding into multiple concepts in Kirkwood  - Taking over and evolving Spencer’s Grill  - Building community through food and hospitality Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    37 min
  8. Brandon Cavanagh - SWADE

    MAR 31

    Brandon Cavanagh - SWADE

    On this week’s episode of The Sauce podcast, host Lauren Healey sits down with Brandon Cavanagh, Senior Director of Marketing at SWADE Dispensary, one of Missouri’s leading cannabis brands. Brandon shares his journey from the St. Louis hospitality scene, including owning a popular bar in The Grove, to transitioning into the cannabis industry. He talks about how that background shaped his approach to marketing, community engagement, and creating experiences that connect people in new ways. The conversation explores the growth of SWADE, from early days in Missouri’s medical market to becoming a vertically integrated company with locations across the state. Brandon also dives into the brand’s focus on community partnerships, unique events, and breaking the stigma around cannabis. From restaurant collaborations like the Best Buds series to large-scale activations at festivals and new concepts like The Church on Delmar, this episode highlights how cannabis culture is evolving and becoming more integrated into everyday life. In this episode:  - Brandon’s journey from bar owner to cannabis marketing leader  - The growth of SWADE and Missouri’s cannabis industry  - What it means to be a vertically integrated cannabis company  - Community partnerships and the Best Buds event series  - New concepts like The Church on Delmar  - Breaking the stigma around cannabis use Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 11 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿  ✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.  📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

    33 min
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About

For over 25 years, Sauce Magazine has been the go-to guide for St. Louis’ best culinary experiences. Now, The Sauce podcast is back with a new host and a renewed mission: to take listeners behind the scenes with the incredible people shaping the local hospitality industry – from chefs and restaurateurs to brewers, bartenders, bakers and beyond. Hosted by Sauce Magazine’s executive editor Lauren Healey, who has spent her career honing her writing, editing and photography skills at various media outlets in the Midwest, the show blends insider stories with inspiration on where to eat and drink right now. Since joining Sauce in 2018, Lauren’s passion for St. Louis’ culinary scene has only deepened, fueling her pride in calling the city home and her drive to help you discover your next great meal.

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