St. Louis on the Air

Visual storytellers and creatives like filmmaker Cami Thomas are breathing life into the region’s TV and film industry by drawing in the attention of larger production companies. With her narrative short “Keenelan,” Thomas hopes to foster the region’s economic growth and civic pride, and introduce St. Louis to a national audience. Thomas and “Keenelan” editor Jazzy Kettenacker share a behind-the-scenes look into the romantic comedy ahead of its showing at this year’s St. Louis International Film Festival.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Jesse Bogan from The Marshall Project sheds light on the harrowing backlog of over 500 defendants in Missouri deemed mentally unfit for trial. He delves into the alarming case of Megan Jolly, who has spent nearly two years behind bars, caught in a system lacking adequate treatment beds. Bogan explains the lengthy evaluation processes, discusses the stark consequences of such delays, and illustrates the emotional toll on families as he uncovers the systemic neglect facing these vulnerable individuals.

In the 1930s, the St. Louis sky was frequently darkened with coal smoke so dense that it could block out the sun for days at a time. Many cities in the country faced some form of this problem, but none of them solved it until 1941 — when St. Louis showed off its clear, blue skies. Journalist Bob Wyss, author of “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign and Fall of American Coal,” takes us inside St. Louis’ fight against coal. Joining the talk is local historian Andrew Theising to share insight on the role of Raymond Tucker, who became a key opponent of coal in the years before he became the city’s mayor. Theising is the author of the 2024 book, "Mid-Mod Mayor: How Raymond Tucker Shaped St. Louis."

As the federal government shutdown continues, people in the St. Louis region are stepping up to get food into people’s homes. Yet even with strong community support, local organizations can only fill a fraction of the gap left by suspended federal aid. Operation Food Search CEO Kristen Wild shares how she and her partners have prepared for an influx of clients seeking their help and what she wants more people to understand about food insecurity in the region.

American politics is littered with trends, coincidences, and dare we say … curses? Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg discuss those that seem to plague Missouri politics, including the curse of the Missouri House Speaker’s office, the Missouri Democrats 41.7% curse, why a woman has never won the Missouri governorship, and more.

When Missouri Republicans made a bid to redraw the state’s congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, many of them didn’t expect the logistical nightmare that has ensued. The map is being challenged by lawsuits and a petition to bring it to a statewide vote. That effort is making headway — and it’s looking increasingly likely that enough signatures will be gathered. Jason Rosenbaum speaks with Missouri lawmakers and activists about how this unexpectedly complex redistricting plan might shake out on “The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.”

Witchcraft is where former St. Louis County councilwoman Kelli Dunaway found empowerment. Soon after stepping down as councilwoman in 2024, she launched Legal Witchcraft. The new venture combines her experiences as an attorney and witch to provide personal development counseling through tarot card readings, moon phase classes and shadow work. Dunaway shares how she found witchcraft before leaving her position as a lawmaker, and how she helps people find magic and power in their own lives.

In September, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided a St. Peters restaurant and arrested more than a dozen workers.They have now spent weeks detained and awaiting deportation. Attorney Jim Hacking, who represents ten of the workers, discusses the lead-up to the raid, the legal process so far, and why authorities are detaining people even though they have pending asylum cases and work authorizations.

We revisit our May conversation with Mary Lacanlale, an ethnomusicologist at California State University, about the role of the Philippine Constabulary Band at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Lacanlale’s great-grandfather, Pedro B. Navarro was a key member of the band during the monthslong event. Lacanlale’s book, “Instruments of Empire,” detailed the experiences of the band members. They were among hundreds of Filipinos who took part in the World’s Fair, though many were put on display for attendees to demonstrate the “savage” culture of the Philippines. Lacanlale also shares a new story from Pedro Navarro’s time in St. Louis — involving an incident when the lights went out in the middle of a performance.

Día de Muertos traditions can be seen as macabre, but in actuality, Day of the Dead observances are joyous celebrations of life. The practice of remembering loved ones after they have passed is also one that resonates with people everywhere. In this episode, we learn about the rich history of Día de Muertos from historian and Latinos en Axión STL podcast host Leticia Seitz and actress Carmen García. STLPR Engagement Producer Paola Rodriguez also describes the first digital ofrenda, which launches Friday, October 31.