The 314 Podcast

In this special bonus episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Dennis Hancock. The St. Louis County councilman faces an uphill battle as the Republican nominee for county executive—but he explains why he believes his message is resonating even in an overwhelmingly Democratic county. He shares his ideas for tackling the county’s budget woes and shares what he learned as mayor of Fenton. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-49 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Bree Maniscalco. The executive director of Cinema St. Louis discusses how the St. Louis International Film Festival is grappling with the changes wrought by artificial intelligence, how a miraculous gift helped get the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre back to good after the 2025 tornado, and the unique path that took her from Utah to Siteman Cancer Center to a film nonprofit. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how scammers are using Bitcoin ATMs to target unsuspecting Missourians—and what attorney general Catherine Hanaway is doing in response. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-48 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 This episode is sponsored by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and supported by Royal Banks of Missouri. Greater St. Louis, Inc. is the civic leadership organization that focuses on growing jobs and investment in the St. Louis region. Growth. People. Place. Prosperity. Discover what’s next at https://greaterstlinc.com/ New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Fred Wellman, who is running against six-term U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Ballwin). A U.S. Army veteran, political consultant, and podcast host, Wellman discusses why he thinks this could be Democrats’ year, why his opponent is like a jellyfish, and what brought him back to St. Louis after decades away. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the big raises that the new state-run Board of Police Commissioners just bestowed upon St. Louis police officers—and why Mayor Cara Spencer was a loud “no” vote. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Discover how Royal Banks of Missouri can help you navigate 2026 with confidence! They’re more than a bank; their team will serve as trusted partners at any point in your journey and provide personalized solutions to set you up for financial success. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing! Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts. 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: Police board gears up to give St. Louis police another 7 percent raise Ray Hartmann is convinced he can win—and he’ll happily tell you why State control of St. Louis police brings added costs beyond salary increases Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch More episodes of The 314 Podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this debut episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with longtime St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green. The city’s chief financial officer talks about her high-profile call for private operators to help the city deal with icy streets, why St. Louis voters are in a cranky mood these days, and why she isn’t willing to cede her seat—yet. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how fallout from snowstorm that hit the city on January 5 may affect the mayoral race in March. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Cardinals Special Events. Looking for an exciting event space for a rehearsal dinner, fundraiser, corporate function, or something in between? Bring your group to Busch Stadium for a uniquely St. Louis venue. Visit cardinals.com/events for more information. 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]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Waller McGuire. The longtime CEO of the St. Louis Public Library talks about what brought him to St. Louis, what’s changed during his tenure, how two library branches survived a direct hit from the May 2025 tornado, and why libraries are more important now than ever. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how a plan to pay for public art around the city was passed by aldermen 16 years ago—only to be completely ignored ever since. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-47 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is presented by NCJWSTL The Resale Shop and sponsored by Cardinals Nation. The Resale Shop is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, Couturier, October 7–10. For over 60 years, this premier resale event has featured high-quality designer clothing, accessories, and home décor at a fraction of the cost. Proceeds support NCJWSTL programs benefiting local women, children, and families. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected].  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.