St. Louis on the Air
St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis on the Air creates a unique space where guests and listeners can share ideas and opinions with respect and honesty. Whether exploring issues and challenges confronting our region, discussing the latest innovations in science and technology, taking a closer look at our history or talking with authors, artists and musicians, St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 22, 2022 • 22min
How the 211 hotline fails homeless people — and leaves volunteers to pick up the slack
Major St. Louis hospitals rely on one volunteer to place discharged patients who need shelter — instead of United Way’s 211. The hospital has called Nicole Warrington 400 times in the past year. She explains how the unpaid role has affected her life and what local officials need to do to fix the problem.
Mar 21, 2022 • 20min
As West Lake Landfill cleanup gets delayed, Just Moms STL wants answers
The EPA admits that nuclear waste at the West Lake Landfill Superfund site is more extensive than previously stated. Dawn Chapman, a Maryland Heights resident who lives two miles from the site, discusses her frustration with the agency — and her fears over what the tests will reveal.
Mar 21, 2022 • 28min
New energy standards in St. Louis mean changes for 65% of big buildings
Buildings across St. Louis of 50,000 square feet or more must comply with new energy guidelines — or face fines of up to $500 a day beginning in 2025. The manager of the city's new Office of Building Performance explains the new rules, while Cara Spencer, director of the new Building Energy Exchange St. Louis, explains how her organization will help building owners comply.
Mar 17, 2022 • 29min
Sentenced to 15 years for weed, a Missouri mom finally comes home
A Missouri mom was trapped in a 15-year sentence for selling a few ounces of weed – until a commutation from the governor set her free last month. But clemencies can only chip away at the ongoing effects of Missouri’s draconian drug laws. One lawmaker hopes her new bill can do more.
Mar 17, 2022 • 20min
How the Irish found their place in St. Louis — and helped shape the city
The Irish immigrants who flocked to St. Louis in the 19th and 20th centuries faced prejudice and violence — but in many cases also found good fortune.
Mar 16, 2022 • 33min
As Costco construction begins, small U City businesses feel left behind
Easton Romer of De Palm Tree, businessman Max Tsai and barber shop owner Carl Walker share their experiences being displaced by the Costco now under construction in University City. They say they received little, if any, information from city officials.
Mar 16, 2022 • 21min
Sheena Chestnut Greitens analyzes China’s tightrope walk amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Former First Lady of Missouri Sheena Chestnut Greitens, a foreign policy expert, discusses China's response to the war in Ukraine, China’s strategic partnership with Russia and the lessons China and Taiwan are taking from the conflict.
Mar 15, 2022 • 28min
Michael Yochim’s ALS diagnosis didn’t stop his tribute to America’s national parks
Fenton native Michael Yochim refused to let an ALS diagnosis stop him from writing a book-length tribute to the national parks. “Requiem for America’s Best Idea” is out now. Yochim’s dear friend, William R. Lowry, discusses the book and his friend’s life.
Mar 15, 2022 • 25min
How BandTogether has become an important part of LGBTQ culture in St. Louis
BandTogether has been a space for LGBTQ musicians and their allies for 25 years. Their artistic director Gary Reynolds and longtime member Jerry Farris discuss the history of the band, how they’ve cultivated a close-knit community, and how society’s views on LGBTQ folks have changed since BandTogether first started out.
Mar 14, 2022 • 16min
Mister Gary: Behind the crown of St. Louis’ King of Hospitality
For more than eight years, Gary Boyd has donned the crown and scepter of “Mister Gary,” host of the interview show “Them Yo People.” Boyd tells us about his favorite interview subject, the meaning behind “Them Yo People,” and what it takes to be St. Louis’ “King of Hospitality.”
