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
May 6, 2021 • 24min
‘It’s A Reckoning’: Restaurateurs Grapple With Staff Shortages As Customers Return
Restaurants across the metro continue to reopen and expand their service as diners return to restaurants. There’s just one problem: They can’t find enough good help. St. Louis Magazine’s George Mahe and Tom Schmidt of Salt + Smoke join us to discuss what's going on.
May 5, 2021 • 23min
In ‘Snow Blind,’ St. Louisan Finds Path Forward After Losing Sight In Random Shooting
Thirty years ago this summer, an act of random violence stole William Johnson’s eyesight, and the lives of two of his colleagues, during a business trip to Atlanta. Johnson describes what happened — and how he adapted to his new reality in the months and years that followed his return home to St. Louis — in his new memoir.
May 5, 2021 • 22min
Newly Inaugurated Chancellor Discusses Program Cuts, State Of Higher Ed And Why She’s Hopeful About UMSL’s Future
Chancellor Kristin Sobolik joins host Sarah Fenske to share her vision for the University of Missouri-St. Louis as well as her perspective on some of the biggest challenges currently facing UMSL and higher education as a whole.
May 4, 2021 • 21min
How Pickleball Took St. Louis By Storm
Pickleball has seen explosive growth in the St. Louis metro. Certified instructor Mike Chapin explains how he brought the first permanent courts here and why demand shows no signs of lessening.
May 4, 2021 • 30min
Rockwood Controversy Spurs GOP Push To Ban Critical Race Theory In Schools
A proposal introduced by Missouri Republicans — and its roots within a debate raging among teachers, administrators and parents within the Rockwood School District — is the subject of Tony Messenger’s latest column, “Missouri Republicans embrace racism and censorship in trying to ban the 1619 Project.”
May 4, 2021 • 12min
One Year In, St. Louis County Police Chief Barton Defends Her Record On Race
STLPR reporter Rachel Lippmann spoke with Chief Mary Barton about her controversial tenure. Hear most of that conversation.
May 3, 2021 • 25min
Pernicious Effects Of Racially Restrictive Housing Covenants Still Felt Today
Though racially restrictive covenants have been illegal for more than 70 years, their impact can still be felt today. That’s the focus of a new paper by Colin Gordon in the Journal of Urban History.
May 3, 2021 • 14min
How St. Louis Nearly Became The Nation’s Capital
In the 1860s, a plan to move the U.S. Capitol from D.C. to St. Louis garnered substantial support. Journalist Livia Gershon gives a crash course in this long-forgotten history.
Apr 30, 2021 • 31min
How A ‘Small Object With A Large Story’ Traveled From A Concentration Camp To St. Louis
As a 14-year-old imprisoned in a satellite camp to Auschwitz in 1944, Ben Fainer crafted a bracelet engraved with his name, his ID number and some decorative elements. We explore Fainer's story and how the bracelet made it's way to St. Louis.
Apr 30, 2021 • 21min
This Week's Friday Legislative Roundup With The Missouri Independent
Missouri Independent editor-in-chief Jason Hancock explains what’s happening in the Missouri legislature. The discussion delves into various topics, including the decision to not fund Medicaid expansion, COVID-19 liability and vaccine passports.
