The 314 Podcast

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Martha Garcia Kampen, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis. The Latino community in St. Louis has seen huge growth. Garcia Kampen shares her thoughts on what’s driving that—and why she’s not worried that the federal immigration crackdown will set back the region’s efforts. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the battle between the state-appointed Police Board and St. Louis city officials. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.
See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-38
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207
This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by Cardinals Nation. Elevate your savings strategy this summer at Royal Banks of Missouri. Whether you’re a new grad preparing for college life or ready to start building your retirement fund, their team will partner with you to create a plan that guides you closer to achieving your financial goals. Learn how they can support you.
New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/
Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Dr. Tim Miller, co-director of the ALS Center and a professor of neurology at WashU Medicine, on the major breakthrough his team recently made in their quest to find a cure for ALS—and how it could also portend a cure for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how a decades’ old infusion of federal cash is now stopping investment into St. Louis neighborhoods. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.
See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-37
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207
New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/
Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Kevin McKernan, who went from teaching high school to founding The Improv Shop to owning a portfolio of only-in-St. Louis originals: Epiphany Lanes, Donut Drive-In, Blackthorn Pub, and Cafe Manhattan. Kevin explains how growing up in South City helped inspire his appreciation for these neighborhood businesses—and how he’s been able to innovate even while preserving what made them special. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the mystery of a downtown parking garage that’s become something of a graveyard for abandoned vehicles. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.
See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-36
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207
This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri. Are you ready to begin your home purchase journey this summer? The Royal Banks of Missouri mortgage team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Their local lenders offer competitive rates and personalized support so you can focus on creating the space of your dreams. Learn more about how Royal Banks of Missouri can partner with you to unlock the door to your new home in 2026 at http://royalbanksofmo.com/
New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/
Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Julian Nicks, St. Louis’ chief recovery and transformation officer, who has spent the past year trying to help the city battle back from the deadly May 16, 2025, tornado. Along with Mayor Cara Spencer, Julian has taken heat for the city’s sluggish response to the devastation. He shares his thoughts on how we got here, what happens next, and how he was personally affected by the disaster. Then, SLM staff writer Ryan Krull shares the story behind a wild yarn involving a disgraced chiropractor, a lawyer who wasn’t a lawyer, and some of the area’s top political figures. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.
See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-35
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207
New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/
Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Amy Shaw, CEO of Nine PBS, which is thriving even after public television stations across the country were stripped of all their federal funding. Amy shared what she believes has been the key to the station’s success, why it’s embarking on a major capital campaign now, and why St. Louis has made it the most watched PBS station in the U.S. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about all the drama surrounding the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, including new insight into a deadly 2024 shooting and a lawsuit against its state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners brought by Mayor Cara Spencer. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.
See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-34
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207
This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by Saint Louis Science Center. Spring into a financial refresh with Royal Banks of Missouri! Whether you’re buying a new home, planning a summer getaway, growing your retirement fund, or anything in between, their local team will guide you closer to achieving your goals with personalized support and focusing on your needs. Discover how Royal Banks of Missouri can partner with you to let your financial future bloom! Learn more at http://royalbanksofmo.com/ and http://slsc.org/
New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/
Have an idea for a future episode? Email podcasts@stlmag.com.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.