Ope Cast The Pod

In this episode, Braden sits down with Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway, to talk about the vision behind connecting St. Louis through trails, parks, and green spaces.Great Rivers Greenway is leading the charge to make St. Louis a more connected, vibrant, and healthy region. From building and maintaining over 130 miles of greenways to creating spaces that inspire recreation, transportation, and community connection, their impact can be seen across the city and beyond.Emma shares how the organization collaborates with local partners, residents, and businesses to transform the way people interact with their environment, making St. Louis a place where everyone can explore and thrive.Tune in to learn how green spaces build stronger communities, the exciting projects on the horizon, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of St. Louis.Learn more at www.greatriversgreenway.org

This week Braden sits down with Hana Canhasi for an open conversation about her journey as a rising artist and the experiences that have shaped her sound. From her early beginnings to finding her voice in R&B and pop, Hana opens up about vulnerability in music, navigating personal growth, and turning real-life moments into art.The two dive into her upbringing, creative process, and what it means to have a supportive community. They also discuss what it means to build a following as an independent artist rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through music.You can follow Hana at  @HANACANHASI  on all platforms

This week, Braden sat down with Tyler Wesley (Dallas Winston) and Bonale Fambrini (Johny Cade) from The Outsiders Musical at Stage Left Grille, right next to The Fabulous Fox, to talk about what audiences can expect when they see the show. The Outsiders is a powerful new musical based on the iconic novel by S.E. Hinton, bringing the story of brotherhood, class divide, and coming-of-age to the stage. Set in 1960s Oklahoma, it follows Ponyboy Curtis and the Greasers as they navigate loyalty, identity, and what it means to belong in a world stacked against them. With emotionally charged performances, movement-driven storytelling, and a score that hits hard, the show feels both timeless and deeply relevant. It is the winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Outsider is now playing at @foxtheatrestl through January 18.

This week, Braden caught up with Robert Crenshaw, who’s currently traveling with The Wiz. You might catch him stepping in as a swing or understudy for the Tin Man. They also dive into some of the places that shaped his acting career like COCA & The Black Rep. It wouldn't be an interview with Braden if they didn't talk about food You can follow Robert's journey on Instagram at @_RobertCrenshaw or www.rcrenshaw.com

On this episode, Braden meets with Danny Wicentowski & Martin 'Mac' McNally.. The conversation dives into the life of Martin McNally, who hijacked a plane in 1972 and spent 37 years in federal prison. It explores themes of regret, freedom, and the impact of his actions on aviation security. The discussion also highlights the storytelling process behind the documentary 'American Skyjacker', as Danny was the driving force behind getting the movie made and an expert in Martin's life. This movie is definitely a must see!For more information on the film visit www.AmericanSkyjacker.com

On this episode, Braden sits down with Beau Bommarito - a St. Louis native, former college basketball player, and rising actor where he shares his journey from the court to the camera.We dive into his upbringing, love for basketball, and how that led to co-founding Da Guys with his brother and friends - a digital community built around fun, hoops, and good vibes. Beau shares what it was like leaving the corporate world to chase his passion for acting, the importance of family support (especially his dad), and how he's building a name for himself in the industry. His IMDB credits include: Lovesick, Armor, Connection, Gambling Man, and Alarum. You can follow Beau on Instagram @Beaushow30 or Da Guys on all platforms at @DaGuys

In this episode, Braden sits down with Anthony “Redd“ Williams who brings significant performance, choreography & teaching experience to the world of Commercial Hip Hop Dance. A Saint Louis native, Redd Williams has traveled all over the world teaching thousands of students. He has performed & choreographed on tours, movies, music videos, live stage & national television/commercials for the likes of Beyonce, JLO, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Daddy Yankee, Lil Kim, Nelly, Bia, Sza, Pepsi, Starbucks, Uncle Drew The Movie, American Soul, Disney Channel Games, and much more. Redd’s choreography has also been performed on the legendary “Showtime At The Apollo”.  Redd served as Artistic Director of the Hip Hop Crew at the Center Of Creative Arts “COCA” in Saint Louis Mo for 15 years. He now owns his own Commercial Hip Hop Studio, Kode Redd Dance Studio.This deeply inspiring episode takes listeners through Redd’s personal and professional journey—marked by perseverance, purpose, and passion. With candid insight and grounded wisdom, Redd shares how he turned his creative ideas into action, why authenticity is his currency, and what it means to lead with heart in both business and life.You can follow Redd at:Website: anthonyreddwilliams.comInstagram: @redd818Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KodeRedd818

In this milestone 50th episode of Ope Cast host Braden collaborates with the team from the Mostly Superheroes podcast for their first-ever crossover episode. The Mostly Superheroes crew includes host Logan Janis, along with co-hosts Andy "The Giggler" and Scotty Scoop. They dive into the origins of their podcast, their shared enthusiasm for community, and their interests spanning movies, books, wrestling, and more.​ Mostly Superheroes is a talk show and video podcast that features fans reviewing movies and TV shows, celebrating music, and pursuing great stories. Don't miss this engaging conversation and be sure to check out Braden's guest appearance on Mostly Superheroes, where he shares an exclusive recap of his time at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, discusses potential upcoming projects, and more. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OecidYuNqY4You can follow them at  @mostlysuperheroes  on all platforms or visit their website at www.mostlysuperheroes.com

On this episode, Braden sits down with A-Game shares his St. Louis upbringing, journey into HipHop, work ethic, passion for pursuing his dreams, and more. His show stopping performances have led him to receive many achievements, like winning Revolt Summit's "Be Heard" competition. A-Game has performed with many well-known artists, including Ella Mai, J. Cole, Jhene Aiko, Saweetie, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, and many others. In February 2025, he hosted the "St. Louis Super Bowl" which was an unforgettable night for St. Louis Hip Hop with 10 plus acts. A-Game is truly a rising star in the industry. You can follow A-Game on Instagram & Youtube at @Agamestl. You can purchase his new album by searching for "Middle Class Raps" on www.even.biz Note: In middle class fashion, the camera used on Braden was a GoPro which is why it's a little more pixelated than you're used to seeing.

On this episode, Braden sits down with Chef Liz Schuster of Tenacious Eats to explore her journey into the hospitality industry, her deep passion for films, and how she merges the two through her immersive "dinner and a movie" experiences. She shares insights into her creative process, the importance of doing things the right way, and the dedication it takes to be a pioneer in her craft. Chef Liz's commitment to storytelling through food make this a conversation you won't want to miss. You can follow Chef Liz on Instagram at @Tenacious_eats or visit her website www.tenaciouseatsstl.com to see a full list of events.

On this episode, Braden sits down with James Beard Award winning chef and culinary visionary, Gerard Craft. They discuss his upbringing, expressing his creativity through graffiti art, early days as a photographer, his unexpected pivot to the culinary world, and his latest venture, Expat BBQ-a 16,000 sq ft, globally inspired concept at City Foundry STL. They recorded the episode on all three stories of the restaurants, while trying several dishes. Expat BBQ reimagines traditional American BBQ by infusing it with flavors from around the world, including China, Vietnam, Brazil, Afghanistan, and more. The expansive venue features a full service dining room, cocktail bar, private event space, and terrace. They are open Wednesday-Sunday. You can follow him at @gerardcraft on Instagram. For more information on Expat, visit ww.expatstl.com

On this special episode, Braden takes you to the red carpet of Nelly's Black & White Ball that took place on December 15, 2024 in Downtown St. Louis. This incredible night of giving back supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Harris-Stowe State University. Braden caught up with the all-star lineup of guests including Nelly, Ashanti, Murphy Lee (Lunatics), Jermaine Dupri, Kyjuan (Lunatics), Slo Down (Lunatics), Mason Wynn (Cardinals), Mikayla Mcghee (Miss Missouri), Sydney Thomas (Influencer/Model), Richard Fortus (Guns N Roses), Michael Claiborne (Hall of Fame Broadcaster), Blanco Brown (Country Singer), Brian Michael Cox (Grammy Award Winning Producer), and more. Nelly and Metro Boomin announced that they will be having the "Smoking Hayride Festival" coming to St. Louis which will be half country and half hip hop.

On this episode, Braden sits down with Mario Iaccarino, behind Casa Don Alfonso at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Mario shares the captivating story of his family’s culinary heritage, rooted in the traditions of Naples, Italy, and how they’ve brought their authentic flavors to the Midwest. From the art of creating dishes steeped in love and tradition to the inspiration behind Casa Don Alfonso’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, Mario reveals the secrets to crafting a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a foodie, a lover of Italian culture, or someone who appreciates the fusion of tradition and innovation, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired—and maybe a little hungry. You can book your reservation to Casa Don Alfonso at https://www.casadonalfonsostlouis.com/

On this episode, Braden goes on a walk around Kennedy Forrest with Amy Witt, Forest Park Ecologist. She gives us an inside look on the work the dedicated team at Forest Park does to enhance the park for millions of visitors every year. Braden has recently announced his partnership with Forest Park Forever where he'll give you all an inside look on the incredible work they do on his @BradENSTL platform. Follow www.forestparkforever.org as they celebrate everything Forest Park means to us and look forward to sustaining it for the generations ahead.

In this special episode, Braden reconnects with Matt Menietti from STL Startup Week 2024. Returning from Season 1, Episode 4 of Ope Cast, Matt recaps last year’s event, shares exciting new highlights for this year, and dives into what’s next. STL Startup week is taking place November 11-15 around St. Louis. For more details, visit stlstartupweek.com

Ope Cast is BACK! Braden kicks off Season 3 with Larry Kirchner of Scarefest and Blacklight Attractions. Larry is a prominent figure in the haunted house industry and the mastermind behind several renowned attractions in St. Louis, including The Darkness, Creepyworld, and Lemp Haunted House. Known for his innovative approach, he also runs Blacklight Attractions, which specializes in designing themed attractions, and heads Scarefest, a company producing events and resources for the Halloween and haunt industry. His work has transformed St. Louis into a hotspot for immersive haunted experiences, drawing locals and visitors alike. The Darkness, in particular, is famous for its intense, movie-quality sets, 3D elements, and high-tech scares, making it one of the top-rated haunted houses in the country. Larry's s annual involvement with the TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show also drives him and his team to innovate and revamp these attractions yearly. This dedication not only fuels his success but also sets a high bar within the industry, attracting other haunt professionals worldwide to witness his latest designs and creation You can follow Larry on all socials at @Scarefest or his website www.scarefest.com

On this episode, Braden sits down with one of the most notable names in St. Louis sports, Tom Ackerman. Tom is the Director at KMOX in St. Louis, the flagship station for the Cardinals (MLB) and Saint Louis University (NCAA), hosting radio shows for both teams. He's also a co-host of Total Information A.M., the top-rated show at the station, providing listeners with news, traffic, weather, business and sports each weekday morning. In addition to radio, he calls college basketball play-by-play on TV for the Missouri Valley Conference and host on the video board at Scottrade Center during Blues home games. I’m also the play-by-play broadcaster for SLU women’s basketball. He shares his journey into media, love for St. Louis, integrity in his role, involvement in UCP Heartland, love for food, and much more. You can follow Tom on X at @ackerman1120

On this episode, Braden sat down with Polo Ascencio of the St. Louis Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network. Polo shares his Tijuana upbringing, love for baseball, the journey of broadcasting Cardinals games in Spanish alongside Bengie Molina. Over the years, Ascencio and Molina have expanded their reach, beginning with just two games in 2016 and now covering all home games and playoffs. Their broadcasts have brought the excitement of Cardinals baseball to Spanish-speaking fans worldwide, adding a vital voice for the Hispanic community in St. Louis and beyond. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, their passion and impact remain strong, connecting listeners from across the globe to their favorite team. This season, Polo partnered with the Cardinals Museum on Viva Los Cardenales. This takes you from the present day all the way back to 1913 detailing the Latin and Hispanic players who paved the way for the next generation. He shares his joy of bringing this exhibit to life. You can follow Polo on Instagram at @polosview or tune into the Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network WIJR 880 AM La Tremenda

On this episode, Braden spoke with actor, producer, and comedy legend, Guy Torry. Guy shares his St. Louis upbringing, time at SEMO, moving to Hollywood, Phat Tuesday's, movies, and much more. For 10 years, Guy had the hottest comedy night in the country. Originally called Phat Comedy Tuesday, he later changed the name to The Guy Torry Comedy Show. The night would attract A list comedians and celebrities from around the country. Stars like Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Prince, Charlie Pride, Shaq, Jay Z, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Joe Torry, Bernie Mac, Kobe, Shaq, Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and many more. Hollywood scouts and producers used Guy’s room as a means to scout talent. Braden's curiosity leads to him asking questions about guests like Tupac and Kobe. In his acting career, Guy has starred in critically acclaimed movies such as American History X, “Pearl Harbor”, “Life”, “Runaway Jury”, “Don’t Say A Word”, and the NBC mini series “The 70’s”.  You can learn more about Phat Tuesday by watching it on Amazon Prime. You can follow Guy Torry on Instagram at @Guytorry or www.guytorry.com

On this episode, Braden sat down Christopher of Field Club Media. Christopher shares how his upbringing led to him wanting to move to a bigger city like St. Louis. He shares the importance of building a community where all are welcome to be their authentic selves. He launched Profield Reserve in St. Louis in 2020 where he offers an array of premium. durable everyday staple items that are inspired by timeless simplicity. He has expanded his platform to include Field Club Media to provide artists and creators with an opportunity to showcase their talents. Christopher has curated the "Inside/Outside" exhibit at Sophie's Artist Lounge where he has provided forty local artists with an opportunity to showcase their exhibit. You can follow Christopher's work on Instagram at @fieldclubmedia & @profieldreserve or at www.FieldClubMedia.com