Devin O'Shea

Author Devin O’Shea, a St. Louis expert, dives into the captivating yet troubling history of the Veiled Prophet Society. He discusses its origins tied to the KKK and how it emerged during a time of labor unrest and racial tensions. The conversation highlights the intersection of elite power, societal control, and the impact of segregation in St. Louis, including significant protests against these inequalities. O’Shea's insights reveal a fascinating and complex narrative surrounding the city’s cultural landscape and its enduring struggles for justice.

Journalist and writer Devin O'Shea discusses a conspiracy theory about a Japanese ultra-nationalist gang uniting African Americans in 1930's St. Louis. They touch on the flourishing proletarian literature scene, FBI involvement, and societal madness. The episode explores the transition from rural to urban life, Communist poet H. H. Lewis, the rise and fall of American proletarian literature, the life of Jack Conroy, literary clashes in the 1930s, and the struggles of the working class amidst political tensions.