The 314 Podcast

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Ron Kitchens, who became the CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc. in November and is already making some big changes. He shares his thoughts on the city/county divide and what the city should do with its portion of the Rams settlement funds. He also opens up on why he originally turned down the chance to come to St. Louis—and how he views the region today. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the billionaire taking over the parent company of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Classic Aire Care, St. Louis’ premier heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical contractor. With over 7,000 five-star reviews, they are the experts in making your life more comfortable. They offer membership maintenance plans to extend the life of your system. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected]. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: Ron Kitchens will be Greater St. Louis Inc.’s next CEO Five defining business storylines of St. Louis in 2025 Hoffmann’s takeover of Post-Dispatch parent co. means change—but how much? More episodes of The 314 Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Cara Spencer, who’s been on a wild ride in her first year as the mayor of St. Louis. Spencer talks about how she’s working to improve city services even while grappling with tornados, snowfall, and fire. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how MoDOT’s first snow response of the year has drawn wrath from lawmakers. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is presented by Gateway Arch Park Foundation and supported by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Through January 11, 2026, Winterfest is bringing back all your favorites, like ice skating, s’mores, and heated igloos. Get more info. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected]. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: More episodes of The 314 Podcast ‘Welcome to our city’s next chapter,’ says Mayor Cara Spencer Spencer wants St. Louis to prioritize saying “yes” to development projects Spencer’s tough task: Delivering abundance in a tornado-ravaged St. Louis MoDOT’s snow removal efforts were stymied by legal fight to raise pay MoDOT faces bipartisan wrath for winter storm response See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Alan Greenblatt, former editor of Governing magazine. The Webster Groves-based Greenblatt, who quit his job rather than kill a story criticizing the Trump administration, discusses self-censorship, the national media’s myopia, and the reaction to his decision. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a high-profile incident in South St. Louis County involving a Black police officer and the three construction workers accused of beating him up. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected]. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: New revelations heighten dueling narratives in South County beatdown More episodes of The 314 Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with St. Louis Sports Commission president Marc Schreiber about his nonprofit’s work selling St. Louis to the organizers of sporting events—and an idea they have that would allow the privately funded nonprofit to better compete with their taxpayer-supported rivals in other cities. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the St. Louis Board of Aldermen’s foray into international politics, with a resolution inspired by the war in Gaza that has triggered some skepticism. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Saint Louis Art Museum and supported by the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Don’t miss Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, a monumental exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. As the artist’s first American retrospective in more than 20 years, the exhibit features iconic pieces from Kiefer’s storied career alongside new, massive, site-specific installations. The exhibition is free and on display through January 25. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected]. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: St. Louis Business 500: Marc Schreiber, St. Louis Sports Commission Sports tourism expected to have a major impact on St. Louis this spring St. Louis aldermen pass resolution urging divestment from war, but impact is unclear See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with former state representative Peter Merideth about his family’s decision to move from the city of St. Louis to St. Louis County—and what city leaders could do to prevent the flight of families like his. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a St. Louis prosecutor’s unusual involvement in the criminal case against New York attorney general Letitia James. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar and supported by the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Open year round, Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar is the perfect hangout spot in Ballpark Village. Their menu is a home run, made to satisfy major league appetites. Check out their current menu and reserve your table. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected]. You may also enjoy these SLM stories: St. Louis prosecutor co-leads Virginia prosecution of New York AG 11 helpful education-related organizations in St. Louis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.