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
Jan 12, 2022 • 23min
For SLU prof Rachel Greenwald Smith, compromise is not a virtue
The St. Louis University professor discusses her provocative new book of essays “On Compromise: Art, Politics, and the Fate of an American Ideal,” how she handles strange bedfellows and how her free-wheeling childhood left her wanting more.
Jan 11, 2022 • 30min
Cars dominate a key St. Louis transit hub — but a different Grand Boulevard is possible
Midtown St. Louis is seeing big developments. But the Grand MetroLink Station functions as a car-centric “doughnut hole” in its center. Kim Cella of Citizens for Modern Transit and traffic engineer Chris Beard discuss the problems — and a new report urging improvements.
Jan 11, 2022 • 19min
Zamzama Safi fled Kabul for suburban St. Louis. She’s found freedom — and anxiety
Afghan refugee Zamzama “ZZ” Safi loves her life in St. Peters, Missouri, but remains terrified for her family that remains in Afghanistan. The former linguist for U.S. forces gives an update on her life in Missouri, five months after fleeing the Taliban.
Jan 10, 2022 • 28min
What the EPA’s accelerated Superfund cleanups mean in a region with a long legacy of contamination
For those concerned about Superfund sites in Missouri and Illinois, the EPA’s newly announced cleanup plans for 49 sites across the U.S come as great news. But community members say it’s also a reminder of just how much work still needs to be done.
Jan 10, 2022 • 24min
Alzheimer’s studies to include more Black people
Washington University recently received millions of dollars in grant money that researchers hope will turn the tide on Alzheimer’s research. Dr. John Morris and professor Joyce Balls-Berry explain the work they’re doing.
Jan 7, 2022 • 20min
Seniors debunk myths about assisted living with new murder mystery
For residents of Arrow Senior Living communities, writing a mystery novel together proved to be the perfect pandemic project. A resident co-author and the organization’s editor and archivist discuss the creation of “The Old and the Beautiful.”
Jan 7, 2022 • 33min
Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman sees Texas as a model in her quest to end abortion in Missouri
Missouri state representative Mary Elizabeth Coleman discusses her controversial new abortion bill, modeled after the one introduced in Texas last year, and why she believes banning abortion empowers women.
Jan 6, 2022 • 29min
Omicron spike has St. Louis health director promising more tests, new strategies
Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis digs into the region’s recent huge wave of COVID-19 cases and her approach to combating the pandemic. She also opens up about what keeps her going in a job and a field that has been incredibly challenging of late.
Jan 6, 2022 • 24min
Al Watkins on fighting for the ‘QAnon Shaman’: ‘There’s method behind the madness’
Clayton attorney Al Watkins discusses his representation of Jacob Chansley, the Arizona man who became the face of the Jan. 6 insurrection — and how going viral helps his legal advocacy.
Jan 5, 2022 • 18min
Americans’ anger over politics threatens democracy, WashU professor finds
Political anger leads to polarization, and that has Washington University professor Betsy Sinclair worried. She explains what's driving the anger, and how it puts the nation's future at risk.
