St. Louis on the Air St. Louis Public Radio

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley’s new novel “Lucky” is set in St. Louis and reflects some of the author’s upbringing. The story follows Jodie Rattler, a folk musician who rises to fame through changing times. Smiley talks about why she set the book in her hometown and how the novel reflects her journey as a writer.

When writer Jamaica Kincaid was informed last year that she’d receive the 2024 St. Louis Literary Award, she thought it was a prank. The author of such works as “Annie John” and “A Small Place” says she’s honored to join a distinguished list of writers to have received the award including Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood and Zadie Smith. In this episode, Kincaid discusses her upbringing and career as a prominent writer.

St. Louis Public Radio audiences have noticed a new voice on our airways — specifically in the morning. Abby Llorico has joined the STLPR team as our morning newscaster and host of “The Gateway.” The former TV news reporter joined the show to talk about what she’s most excited for in her new radio career.

The Eads Bridge is a structure of distinction, not only for its design and materials, but also for its place in regional history and culture. A new exhibit at the Missouri History Museum commemorates the bridge’s 150th year. Amanda Clark, public historian at the Missouri Historical Society and content lead for the “Eads Bridge at 150” exhibit, discusses the legacy of the bridge a century and a half after its completion.

For 17 years Cinema St. Louis has hosted QFest, a film festival highlighting queer storytelling and filmmaking. This year the theme is, simply, “love” — including the romantic, the familial and fictive kinship. Cinema St. Louis’ director of festival curation and education Emmett Williams and artist Jess T. Dugan share their motivations and hopes for QFest and queer storytelling in St. Louis.

The Greater St. Louis Marathon will bring thousands of runners to Downtown and take them on a grand tour of St. Louis’ neighborhoods from Lafayette Square to Old North. Go! St. Louis president Mona Vespa shares what it takes to plot 26.2 miles of marathon route and what’s new this year including an after-party and running through Gateway Arch National Park.