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
Feb 11, 2022 • 18min
Meet Felipe Zapata, botanical adviser for ‘Encanto’
Felipe Zapata credits his time in St. Louis for helping his work as the botanical adviser for “Encanto.” The native of Colombia earned his Ph.D. at UMSL and studied at the Missouri Botanical Garden. He called his time working on the film “amazing.”
Feb 10, 2022 • 32min
‘Athletes always rise to the occasion’: Former Olympic-level competitors reflect on Winter Games
Pauline Lee went from figure skating in the Olympics for Taiwan to teaching at SLU. She and UMSL Anthropology Professor Susan Brownell discuss the 2022 Beijing Games.
Feb 10, 2022 • 21min
Comedian David Cross is over that disastrous St. Louis set — but Florida is dead to him
David Cross discusses his new standup comedy special, his work on “Station Eleven,” why “Arrested Development” is indisputably done and how he got over his negative feelings about St. Louis.
Feb 9, 2022 • 23min
For St. Louis firefighters, comrade’s death spurs attention to 10K homes
After the January death of firefighter Ben Polson, St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson talks about renewed efforts to rate the structural integrity of vacant buildings — and whether more vacant homes should be torn down.
Feb 9, 2022 • 13min
3 new restaurants to try this February
Sauce Magazine Executive Editor Meera Nagarajan explains why Peruvian fine dining, a sweet shop and a wine bar top this month’s hit list — and shares good news for lovers of vegan tacos.
Feb 9, 2022 • 16min
Michael Politte wins parole; will leave Missouri prison this April after 20 years
Michael Politte was convicted of killing his mother as a teen, but has always insisted he didn’t do it. His sister Melonie and attorney Megan Crane discuss the news of his favorable decision from the parole board — and what comes next in his quest for exoneration.
Feb 8, 2022 • 32min
STL Reentry Collective focuses on trauma-informed workshops to keep people out of prison
The STL Reentry Collective is on a mission to reimagine how people adapt to life after prison. The organizers, formerly incarcerated individuals themselves, are focused on addressing the trauma they say often lands people back in prison.
Feb 8, 2022 • 20min
‘Privacy is not dead, but it is under threat,’ says Wash U’s Neil Richards
Wash U law professor Neil Richards discusses how knowledge is power, and what that means for our privacy as tech companies and governments seek to surveil us. He also shares where he sees hope even with privacy’s continued erosion in the digital age.
Feb 7, 2022 • 18min
The Wordle craze won’t last forever. Have fun while it lasts
Atlantic contributor Ian Bogost discusses why Wordle is such a hit, what that tells us about the moment we live in, and the importance games play in society. He also explains how his background as a video game designer fits into his new role as director of Wash U’s film and media studies program.
Feb 7, 2022 • 30min
The hunt for critical minerals is on — in Missouri
Rare earth minerals — the commodities used to manufacture everything from smartphones to missile systems to electric vehicles — are in high demand. Missouri State Geologist Joe Gillman discusses the search for critical minerals in the Midwest.
