Meet St. Louis

The Fabulous Fox Theatre is an institution in St. Louis. The marquee shines on Grand Avenue and welcomes St. Louisians to experience the best of Broadway right here in the Midwest. Opened as a movie theater almost 100 years ago, and then renovated and reimagined as a theatre in the early 1980s. Now it's one of the premier destinations for live theater across the US. We sat down with John O'Brien, the Vice President of Programming and Marketing, to pull back the curtain and take you backstage. From the history to the future, and how exactly they pick which shows to put on the stage. Take a look at the lineup for the 2025-2026 season. Tickets go on sale later this spring.

This year marks 10 years for St. Louis' micro creamery Clementine's. For the last decade, Tamara Keefe has helped put St. Louis on the map when it comes to ice cream. Award after award, including sweeping the national awards for best ice cream, the local ice cream parlor continues to shine. But for Tamara, it's not about the accolades but the ice cream fans here in St. Louis and beyond. We sat down at their ice cream production facility to talk about expansion plans, the innovations that led to the iconic naughty and nice flavors, plus the origin story of Clementine's and how a girls' weekend started it all.

The spirit of spring is in the air and that means Farm Spirit is busier than ever. Farm Spirit has earned a loyal following over the years at the Tower Grove Farmer's Market, but the brand is much bigger than a stand on Saturday mornings. Between the market, farm dinners and now the food partner at Blue Jay Brewing in Midtown, you can find their famous smash burgers and seasonal offerings most days of the week. Led by Ashley Batist and Ryan McDonald, the team is changing the game when it comes to fast casual, farm-focused food. We sat down with Ryan to talk about his journey from some of St. Louis' best restaurants, including Monarch and Beast Craft BBQ, to fueling his creative culinary passions on his own terms. Where to find Farm Spirit and details on Homie Hospitality farm dinners here: https://www.farmspiritstl.com/

We can't think about the future without first understanding our past. That's the message in this week's episode as we head to Forest Park to the Missouri History Museum. We sat down with Jody Sowel, the President of the Missouri Historical Society and one of the most fascinating interviews I've had in a while. Jody is a transplant of St. Louis but you'd never know it. He has a passion and a deep knowledge of our city that rivals those born and raised here. If you haven't been to the history museum in a while, listen up because you'll be shocked about everything new they have to offer and explore. We chat about it all as they gear up for some pretty big milestones.

Chef Alec Schingel has worked in some of the best restaurants in the US and here in St. Louis. Learning from some of the top chefs, each experience helped shape him as a chef and helped him craft the story he's telling at this first restaurant of his own. Robin, named for his mom, opened in Maplewood this spring. The menu is a prix fixe menu for $75 with a focus on local produce, highlighting Midwestern cuisine. What exactly is Midwestern food? That's a journey the chef has been discovering for years.

If you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle but don't exactly know where to start, this episode is for you. The Green Dining Alliance is a unique program in St. Louis that certifies restaurants who are making the commitment to be more green. They just hit their 100th restaurant and the list includes favorites like 4 Hands, Bailey's Range., Buzz's Hawaiian – many restaurants you've met right here on the Meet St. Louis Podcast. We sat down with the program's manager Gillian Garland to learn about the local spots serving up sustainability and how little changes can make a big difference in protecting our planet. You can check out more information on what restaurants are included in the Green Dining Alliance, as well as information on Earth Day 2025 at https://greendiningalliance.org/

Maxine Clark came up with the idea and opened the first Build a Bear store inside the St. Louis Galleria in under a year. But it wasn't her first experience in retail. The Florida native moved to St. Louis with her job with The May Company and would go on to be president of Payless Shoes. In her career she became an innovator in the retail industry. She joined me on the podcast for an in-depth conversation inside Delmar Divine, the former St. Luke's Hospital turned hub for non-profits. Maxine's passion for life and improving the lives of those around her shines through each of her endeavors and she's got quite the story to share.

314 Day is a day we can all get behind: a day to celebrate our love for St. Louis. That was the goal for the founders almost 20 years ago - take a day in March that signifies our city's iconic area code and turn it into a day to hype our community, small businesses and the people that make it special. We sat down with one of the founders, Tatum Polk, and one of the board members for the 314 Day Foundation, Jami Dolby, to find out why this day is one to circle on the calendar and everything that's in store for this years celebration. List of all 314 Day events: https://tinyurl.com/mrx5n6dm

Ron Himes never intended to spend his life on the stage but when he saw fellow Black students at Washington University left out of productions he wanted to do something. In 1976 he created his own theater company which would eventually evolve into The Black Rep of St. Louis. For nearly 50 years they've put on shows of all sizes and in all forms with the goal of sharing the African American experience through the power of art. As they gear up for their milestone season, we sat down with Ron, the theater's founder to talk about the story behind the company and what the future holds.

If you've ever wanted to play life-size Connect 4 or giant ping pong, then you'll want to listen up. This week's episode is all about the kid inside all of us. We headed to Rec Hall, a huge indoor game spot in St. Charles. Imagine a bar with games and an arcade with good food. That's exactly the vision Chris Honstain had when he quit his corporate life to open a business. Chris shares the journey from his first location in The Grove neighborhood, how they helped create the Armory project and how they continue to grow and expand their destination spot in St. Charles, including the expansion into some high-tech virtual reality.

Bartolino's is a family affair, a generational restaurant group for not just it's owners but it's diners. It all started with a pizza joint on the hill and then the Saracino's opened the first Bartolino's in 1969. Since then they've opened several additional locations including their newest restaurant in Twin Oaks. We sat down with the second generation on this week's podcast, Mike, Bart and Chris, three of the four brothers who help run one of St. Louis' favorite Italian restaurants. While the third generation helps ensure they are keeping things new and fresh, there are several menu items that stood the test of time and date back to the original restaurant. For hours and menus: https://www.bartolinosrestaurants.com/

For more than a decade Cleveland Heath has helped shape the dining scene of downtown Edwardsville. It is now owned by husband and wife duo Evan and Gina Buckholz. Evan is in the kitchen, and Gina is in the front of house. Together they are bringing farm-to-table and beloved comfort food to diners in the Metro East. Their whole goal is to connect with the community and create a space where all are welcome. Learn more about classes, hours and their menu: www.clevelandheath.com/about

For many people, Fast Eddie's Bon Air is a rite of passage. The Metro East bar hosts thousands of 21st birthdays every year. But it's much more than that. It's an institution in Alton, Illinois, and we head there to sit down with co-owners Eddie Scholar and Ross Laux to get the inside story. The history and the future, plus how do they manage to serve up the coldest beer in town?

When Mayra Pacheco moved to St. Louis, she struggled to find a taste of her home country of Venezuela. So she decided to do it herself. She started at the Tower Grove Farmer's Market with the help of her sister. They started with a small menu and then expanded as customers started making requests for things like empanadas. One year ago, she made the big leap to opening her own brick-and-mortar restaurant. We sat down at her restaurant just off of Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis to talk about food, family and the first-year struggles for business owners. Visit their website for hours and menu: amaizingarepabar.com

When Jeff Stevens stopped drinking in the early 90s, there were very few options when he'd go out with friends to a bar. Finally, he decided to change that. In 2017, he founded Wellbeing Brewing Company, a nonalcoholic craft beer brand that's help shaped the way of the category in the beverage business. Now, in 2025, they have several different beer varieties, plus they are expanding into the CBD and, eventually, the THC beverage landscape. Jeff shares the science behind the beer, the growing movement away from alcohol and what excites him most about building a community for the sober and sober curious. You can check out a store locator map on Wellbeing Brewery's website to try them for yourself. Find them at: WellBeingBrewing.com/pages/store-locator During this episode, we discussed an event at Maryland House on January 23. For tickets: TheMarylandHouse.com/event-details/wellraiser

Steve's Hot Dogs is a St. Louis classic. They had a massive year in 2024, opening new locations and serving up their popular hot dogs at St. Louis sporting events and festivals. But when we first talked to founder Steve Ewing on this podcast back in 2018, he was hanging up his hot dog hat, prepared to shut his doors for good. But the community said no way, and after bringing in new partners, the restaurant has seen major success and growth. And to think it all started with a hot dog stand outside a concert venue. We sat down with Steve to talk about how his career as the lead singer for The Urge spurred his second act as a restauranteur. With locations on South Grand, Delmar and now The District in Chesterfield, it's easier than ever to find St. Louis' official hot dog.

2025 is a big year for Downtown St. Louis and Gateway Arch Park Foundation is leading the way to bridge the past and the future of our region. This week on the podcast we sat down with Ryan McClure, the executive director behind the philanthropic partner for our beloved landmark – the Gateway Arch. What exactly does the foundation do, and why is it vital for the continued growth and success of St. Louis? We dig into all of it. Plus, the details on the grand re-opening of the Old Courthouse and the contract to purchase the Millenium Hotel. The new year is looking bright.

Chef Cary McDowell has worked in some of the most iconic restaurants in the country, and here in St. Louis, he's made a name for himself in our city's best kitchens. From The Crossing to Pi Pizza to, most recently, Wright's Tavern, he just joined the culinary team at Katie's Piza and Pasta, which continues to grow at a rapid pace. The veteran chef came to St. Louis in the 90s and, thankfully for our dining scene, never left. We sat down for a conversation at Katie's at Ballpark Village to talk about his journey as a chef, including the way he managed to land his first job in New York. Plus, he shares the St. Louis restaurants he loves and wants to try.

Like so many entrepreneurs, Amy Gamlin started her business in her kitchen. She began making cake pops as a creative outlet, but with the urging of friends and family, she turned a hobby into a business. In 2021, she opened her first storefront, and the business has only continued to grow, including a big partnership with a local grocery store, which allowed her to reach a huge new batch of customers. We sat down in her Webster Groves shop to talk about building a new business during one of the most difficult times for her family's business. Plus, we talk all about her cake pop creations, including one of the craziest requests she ever received. Find hours and information on orders at www.amyscakepopshop.com

This week we are taking you to the heart of the holidays in our area – Main Street St. Charles. This year marks 50 seasons of holiday festivities where you can step into the history of Christmas. From characters to carolers, chestnuts and Santa, there's a little bit of everything. But for the small businesses on Main Street it also makes the holidays especially merry as tens of thousands of people walk the cobblestones streets to finish up their gift buying. We sat down with Lydia Crespo, who owns Cozy Shop on Main Street, as well as Jack Frost (yes, the beloved holiday figure) to talk about the magic of the season and the importance of supporting local. For dates and times of Christmas Traditions, check out their website www.discoverstcharles.com/events/christmas-traditions

Most days of the week you will find Diane and Mike Wood inside their bake shop, Trolley Stop Bakery in Chesterfield. Located in a strip mall, you hear the old-fashioned ding of the bell when you walk in, and you're greeted by the delicious smell of cookies. Mike greets customers while Diane takes charge in the kitchen. The couple could be living the retired life, but instead, they're living out Diane's dream of an old-fashioned bakery. And it all started with a love of baking cookies. Now she shares that knowledge with other bakers who use the kitchen as a co-op. From macarons by The Tipsy Goat and gourmet nuts by Pete's Snack Shop, there's something for everyone's taste buds. Many local businesses have graduated to open their own shops; that's always been the dream for Mike and Diane. Open Tuesday – Sunday at 67 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, Mo.

Tis the season to shop local, a motto more important than ever this holiday season. Many small businesses make up the bulk of their sales over the next few months, and Aaron Park, the owner of Arch Apparel, joined us to talk about building a business and growing it over the last decade. The streetwear inspired clothing brand started in 2016, one of the first to help people rock their love of St. Louis beyond a sports logo. We chat about the ups and downs of retail, the opening and closing of brick-and-mortar stores and how they're working to continue to bring unique and innovative designs to your closet. Shop Arch Apparel in person at their Ballpark Village store or online at archapparel.com

Located in Union, Missouri, Nobletons Distillery may only officially be nine years old. But the tradition of distilling goes back generations for Demetrius Cain and his family. They can trace the beginnings to 1575 with the start of distilling in 1824. If it wasn't for prohibition, they never would have stopped. Demetrius shares his deep family history and knowledge of whiskey and spirits in this week's episode. At Nobletons, they pride themselves on the idea of crafting something from ground to glass and have since expanded beyond whiskey to a lineup that includes vodka and gin. You can visit the distillery in Union and even experience a tour to see the artistry of their craft for yourself. For more information: https://www.nobletons.com/

Like so many, Matt Longueville started his business as a passion project. STL Barkeep started small but has turned into one of the premier cocktail businesses in town. Crafting cocktails for events around town and at their bar, The Vandy, in the Grove neighborhood. That's where we sat down for a conversation about spirits, the changing hospitality industry and the opening of his new bar in Webster Groves Off Elm. Off Elm will open on November 21.

If you walk down Euclid in the restaurant-filled Central West End, you might miss one of the city's most popular new restaurants. Mainlander is a bit hidden. Tucked away in an intimate space that transports you when you walk through the door. Chef Blake Askew and his partner Gordon Chen opened the restaurant in 2023, hoping to create an intimate dinner party vibe. With a prix fixe menu, they hope to take the decision-making out of the dining process and allow guests to sit back and enjoy. We dive into a lot in this episode from the inspiration, the fun twists on classic Midwest dishes and the restaurant's big move to a larger space in the coming months. Mainlander received a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant. Reservations open the first of the month and can go quickly. The Central West End restaurant is open Tuesday-Saturday.

For a milestone episode, we needed to take you to a landmark location. This week's marks our 300th episode of the Meet St Louis Podcast. We are honored and grateful you join us each week to hear the stories behind the places that make the St. Louis region such a special place. There is no shortage of people to meet in our city. And this week we're introducing you to the man behind a St Louis institution. 43 years ago, Charlie Gitto's opened on The Hill. The space once housed another St. Louis historic spot - Angelo's. It was in that restaurant Charlie Gitto Jr first got the taste of the hospitality business. Growing up in the kitchen of the restaurant, he took the step to open his own in 1981. He shares it wasn't an immediate success. But 43 years later, they continue to share their family recipes and continue the tradition.

The question seems simple: what do you want to do with your life? For Natalie Van Hee, it wasn't simple until she realized her love of candles could be the career path she was looking for. She opened Glow Candle Company a decade ago, and the hand-poured, small-batch candle company based in Webster Groves has a loyal following. In this week's episode, we dive into the story behind the brand, life as a parent and entrepreneur and how important it is to shop local this upcoming holiday season.

One decade ago, the Larson family opened a small little coffee shop in Maplewood. Living Room consisted of a kitchen, their roastery and a few tables. Quickly, it found its groove in the neighborhood, and now, 10 years later, they've expanded to 100 seats and a much larger roaster. Brother and sister Nate and Hannah Larson work together to bring an inclusive, welcoming and warm environment for people to gather, drink coffee and eat food. A menu crafted by the siblings and their employees, their café is a team effort and one they don't take for granted. Living Room is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch.

A long-time music venue in The Grove neighborhood is back. Atomic Cowboy shuttered during the pandemic, but new life and new music is happening inside, thanks in part to Drew Jameson. Drew joined us on this week's episode of the podcast to talk about his life in the music industry locally and across the country. His passion for music started young, and it brought him back to his hometown of St. Louis where he started Jamo Presents, an independent concert promotor. Bringing musicians and bands of all sizes to venues across town, he knew there was a need for smaller venues. So he decided Atomic needed to make a comeback. We talk about the ins and the outs of the music business here in St Louis and what the future holds for St. Louis popular entertainment district The Grove.

Imagine being a kid in a candy store. That was Dan Abel Jr's real-life childhood. His father, Dan Abel, started Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate in 1981. The name was for his three children. Now those children are part of the 2nd generation running the business. A business that has grown in recent years after they purchased legendary chocolate company Bissengers in 2019. A sweet partnership in St. Louis. We sat down with Dan Abel Jr. to talk about it all. From the ins and the outs of the candy business to the expansion coming down the road and, of course, the favorite items you love.

It's year two of St. Louis CITY SC and they continue to bring a fan experience beyond the game. We will let the sports folks dive into the wins, losses and ties. Instead, we're focusing on the fan experience, food and more in this week's episode. We sat down with Matt Sebek, the team's Chief Experience Officer to dive into how year two differed from the incredible inaugural season and what's to come. New partnerships, increased efforts to make the game and team more accessible to all fans and a bit of a battle of the BBQ between CITY SC and rivals Sporting KC. For a deep dive into the food and flavors at CITY Park, take a listen to Ep. 208 where we introduce you to some of the chefs behind the restaurants including Gerard Craft, Steve Ewing and more.

We can't all hop on a plane and head to Hawaii when the craving for authentic poke calls but you can make the drive to the Tower Grove East neighborhood of St. Louis City and find a pretty great alternative. That was the entire goal behind Buzz's Hawaiian. Thomas Moore, better known to everyone as Buzz, started with a food truck after retiring from a career in aviation. After moving back to St. Louis after years in Hawaii, he missed the food of the islands. He shares the story behind the business, which has expanded to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, including the can't miss items on the menu that will have you taking a vacation via your taste buds.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 145th season this month, and this week on the podcast, we sat down with Music Director Stéphane Denève. This season is a bit unique as it's a nomadic season, and historic Powell Hall is undergoing a major expansion and renovation. Stéphane shares his excitement for the upcoming season, which includes shows for everyone, including movie lovers, families and kids, and the most enthusiastic symphony fans. The season kicks off with their free concert in Forest Park on September 19. For more information and the full schedule of shows for the season, visit slso.org and if you haven't seen the renderings for the future of Powell Hall, head to our Meet St. Louis Instagram and Facebook pages.

Located in West County, The Wolf is a neighborhood gathering spot serving up organic food with a heavy focus on sustainability. It's the kind of place owners Bob and Denise Birbin want to visit, which is why they created a restaurant they felt was missing in their community. The two met in the restaurant industry in 1978, and when they got the chance to take over The Wolf, they only wanted to do it if it could be exactly what they wanted in a restaurant. It's become a staple in Ballwin, known for their healthy options, but it's much more than a lunch spot. It's a pizza spot, a place to see live music and a spot to sneak away for a late-night bite or drink in their lounge area.

With two locations, both in residential areas, Sasha's Wine Bars are your quintessential neighborhood spot. A lengthy but approachable wine list is what makes it such a popular place. We sat down with owner Alexandra Richman, also known as Sasha, as well as the restaurant groups program coordinator Denise Mueller to talk all about wine and community. From their location in Clayton Demun to the St. Louis City Shaw neighborhood, both restaurants offer a little something for everyone, and that's always been their goal to make everyone feel welcome and to learn to enjoy a great glass of wine.

If you're a fan of breakfast all day, stick around because we have an interview for you. UKRAFT started as a food truck and has since evolved to restaurants in Chesterfield and Downtown St. Louis. Their newly expanded and much larger Downtown location is where we sat down with co-owner Matt Ratz to talk about the concept, their growth and the love of creating a space for locals and tourists to grab a bite. The new Downtown location is open at Peabody Plaza Mon-Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and weekends, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Louis is full of great breweries. We've taken you behind the scenes of most of them here on the Meet St Louis Podcast, sharing the brewing secrets, the collaborations and the camaraderie. This week we headed up to North St. Louis County to sit down with Robb Wiesen at Ferguson Brewing Company. Robb took over as owner a few years ago but has been with the brewery since they opened their doors in 2010. The brewery has been through some tough times, including protests and unrest in the Ferguson community and a bad fire, but through it all, they've stood fast as more than just a brewery but a community gathering spot. We sat down with Robb during the busy lunch hour to talk about 14 years in business.

This week we're taking you inside one of our city's greatest treasures: The St. Louis Zoo. Established in 1910 the zoo holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors. It started with the giant birdcage and has grown decade after decade, and the growth continues. With new animals, new exhibits and soon a new park in North St Louis County, we sat down with Zoo Director Michael Macek and Director of Conservation Education Jared Bixby to get the inside scoop of our beloved attraction.

Located in a historic mansion in Bellville, Grafted Wine Bar brings something unique to the Metro East town known for its German heritage. The wine bar brings a European feel with wines not found in many other spots in town. Magda Gilpin discovered her love of wine several years ago – learning to be a sommelier and then bringing that knowledge to Belleville when their family moved here from Washington, DC. We sat down to talk about wine, travel and the charm of Belleville in this week's episode. Grafted Wine Bar is open Wednesday-Sunday

This month marks six years of the Meet St Louis Podcast. With more than 280 episodes, it has been the biggest joy to share the stories of our city's local businesses. To mark six years – we thought we'd chat with one of St Louis' best – Loryn Nalic – the chef and owner of Balkan Treat Box and the recently opened Telva at the Ridge. We first sat down with Loryn back in 2018 – our first year of the podcast as she prepared to open their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Webster Groves. Fast forward, and the growth and success has been incredible. Balkan Treat Box has landed on numerous best-of lists both locally and nationally, and Loryn has been named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest multiple times – basically the Oscars of the food world. I sat down with Loryn at their new café Telva for a revisited conversation about bringing Balkan food to the forefront of the restaurant world, plans for expansion and the biggest risks and rewards over the years as a restaurant owner. You can try these dishes and experience the Balkan food for yourself Wednesday - Sunday at Telva and Tuesday - Saturday at Balkan Treat Box. You heard Loryn mentioned plans for dinner, stay tuned to their social media for the official launch date of weekend dinner service.

Comet Coffee is a coffee lover's dream located in St. Louis City, right next to the beautiful Forest Park. They don't have their own roastery but instead source beans from around the world, bringing some of the best coffee to St. Louis. Plus, they have a bakery program that rivals Paris, France. The cafe opened in 2012 and now is under new ownership, with a bit of a new look, a few new ideas but the same great coffee and croissants. This week on the Meet St. Louis Podcast, we sat down with general manager David Varwig, who moved back to St. Louis with the hope of working at Comet. We talk coffee beans, what excites him about running a cafe in a coffee-loving city and more of what's to come in the future.

St. Louis loves to wear it's pride on it's sleeve – or chest. Walk around a CITY SC game or a nice day in Forest Park, and you'll see so many people rocking a St. Louis-inspired shirt or tee. For Ashley Blair, when they're wearing one of her designs she finds that sense of validation that she made the right choice starting her apparel company back in 2016. Ashley started Sweet Momma Blair as a way to earn a bit of income after deciding to stay home with her kids. Now her designs are in shops around St. Louis and at pop up markets. We sat down to talk about the process of starting a business, how she evolved it and expanded it and the advice she has for entrepreneurs.

Ono Ikanone always knew he wanted to bring a taste of his home county of Nigeria to his new home in St. Louis. As a teenager growing up in the Midwest, it was hard to find connection to West Africa but he learned to cook and that turned into a passion for sharing his recipes and culture with friends. In 2023 he finally opened a restaurant he says showcases the beauty and food of Nigeria. Levels is located in Downtown St. Louis. With traditional menu items and an art gallery upstairs Ono wanted to bring something different to the St. Louis restaurant scene. We sat down ahead of the one year anniversary to talk about food, family and the lessons learned in his first year as a restaurant owner.

A new shop for a beloved bakery is now open in Maplewood. Prioritized Pastries made a name for itself, first at the Tower Groves Farmer's Market and then with a storefront in South St. Louis City. The bakery has a huge following because they are 100 percent vegan and gluten-free. Nothing excites owner Alex McDonnell and assistant pastry chef Shane Clasby more than the face of someone who walks in with an allergy or food sensitivity, and they realize they can pick anything in the shop. We chat about how the bakery was born and how they develop recipes, plus we dive into what this new space means for the future of the business, including an expansion of menu items. Let's meet Alex and Shane. Right now, the bakery is open Friday through Sunday with the plans to expand their hours in the future.

Mike Evans didn't start off with the dream of running a cookie empire, but that's the goal he's currently building on each and every day. He grew up surrounded by the food world but it wasn't the path he took originally. But a desire for entrepreneurship and a discovery on the internet about the possibility of warm cookies straight from a vending machine launched his company, Alibi Cookies. It started with that unique idea. A vending machine that serves up the perfect cookie for your snacking needs. Then it grew to a brick-and-mortar, the first location in Dogtown. And from there it continues to grow – all within just a few short years. We sat down with Mike to talk about the journey and the advice he has for other young entrepreneurs. Hope you're hungry because there's a lot of cookie chatter in this conversation. Locations in Dogtown, Kirkwood, Edwardsville and Statesville, NC. You can find the vending machine in Dogtown and Rolla, Mo.

A lot of times, we're taking you inside the best spots around town, but this week we're heading outside. At least in terms of the topic of the conversation. Have you heard of Great Rivers Greenway? If not, you've likely experienced and enjoyed their work without possibly knowing the story. Started in the year 2000 the public agency is working to connect St. Louis through a series of greenways. So far, they have created 135 miles with an ultimate goal of 600 miles. From rural trails and bike paths to urban walking paths, the goal is to make our city and region a more vibrant place to live and work. We sat down with Shaughnessy Daniels and Emma Klues with the organization to talk all about it – from the basics of what even is a greenway to what the future holds for some of your favorite parts of town. This episode lets us dive deep into the plans of connection, the importance of engaging the community and some of the new trails you don't want to miss. There are so many events happening every day on the greenways. From yoga to adventures for families and kids, check out their website greatriversgreenway.org to learn more.

Growing up in St. Louis, the taste of a Dad's Original Scotch Oatmeal cookie is one of those classic flavors. The crispy, crunchy cookies have been around for more than a century but now the company based out of South St. Louis City is celebrating a new milestone. We sat down with Chad Huber, one of the three brothers who purchased the long-standing business last year. Chad, just like so many of us, has memories of growing up with Dad's Cookies. He shares the history and the plans for the future in this episode. Something you might not know, Dad's Cookies isn't originally from St. Louis. It started off in California and became a franchise, but now St. Louis is the only place baking the classic cookies, and they're shipped around the country every day. If you haven't visited the storefront, you should take a drive down to Louisiana Avenue in South St. Louis to step inside the building that's stood the test of time. The storefront is open Monday -Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Located in a storefront on Cherokee Street in South St. Louis City is a place where Reginald Quarles says all are welcome. Teatopia is a tea shop and café serving up nearly 100 varieties of tea. The business came out of tragedy, Reginald says he soon realized life is too short not to chase your dreams. So with the love of tea, and passion to create a safe space for all, he opened his doors in 2017. Seven years later and he's still learning. But it's all with the mission to serve his mission, brewing better lives one leaf at a time. https://www.teatopiastl.com/

When Steph Hampton started hiking with her kids, she never imagined she'd create an entire community of people who just want to get outside and explore. But that's exactly what has happened. Her friends called her the park lady, now she inspires thousands to explore St. Louis and beyond. Her Instagram is Explore STL Parks, and she vividly remembers hitting 100 followers. Now she's at almost 100K. We sat down with Steph, a mom of four, to talk about getting outdoors, the vast number of parks to explore in Missouri and Illinois and how to get over the fear or apprehension of taking your kids on a hike. You can learn more about the parks we discuss in this episode and how to join the family hiking group by heading to Steph's Instagram page, @explorestlparks

Step inside Casa Don Alfonso at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton and your eyes are instantly drawn to the open kitchen. Inside, you'll watch them craft and create fresh made pasta, on the walls are hand painted tiles. It's all part of Mario Laccarino's mission to bring you to his homeland of Italy. To his family. The Italian restauranteur is in town from his home in Positano to visit his one and only restaurant in the US. And it's right here in St. Louis. The Michelin-starred restauranteur sat down with us on the Meet St Louis podcast to share how he came to open Casa Don Alfonso in Missouri, where the recipes come from, and his favorite thing to hear from his customers when he visits.

Chef Mike Risk heads up the kitchen at Clover and the Bee and O + O Pizza in Webster Groves. He's part of the O + O Hospitality family that's found huge success with some of the best restaurants in town. But Mike got his story early in life, starting off in his first kitchens as a teenager. It was the iconic Trattoria Marcella that changed his life. Italian is his passion, and it's what inspires his work at O + O. But a recent diagnosis with multiple sclerosis is changing everything. We sat down with Mike to talk about what it means for him in the kitchen, how he's found balance over the years as a chef and a father and why food sparks so much joy for him.