Ope Cast The Pod

Ep. 62: One dinner. One Chef. BEST Meal of THE YEAR with Chef Grant Gildehaus

In this episode, Braden connects with Executive Chef Grant Gildehaus of 801 Chophouse - his #1 restaurant of 2025 after an unforgettable steak experience. They dive into Chef Grant’s roots in the St. Louis food scene, his love for Wagyu, and what it takes to create a world-class dining experience. Make sure to try Chef Grant's food yourself at 801 Chophouse in Clayton.

Ep. 61: The Best of Both Worlds with Hana Canhasi

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  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCAMio8LVwBlppwQVXzK-nUA] on all platforms

Ep. 60: Every Actors Dream with Kennedy Caughell

Braden recently sat down with Kennedy Caughell, who plays Jersey in Hell’s Kitchen They talked about her journey, the heart behind the character, and what it’s like bringing Alicia Keys’ music to life on stage.Hell’s Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys. Set in 1990s New York City, the story follows a 17-year-old girl growing up in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as she navigates first love, ambition, family struggles, and finding her voice. Powered by Alicia Keys’ iconic songs, the show is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the people and places that shape who we become.Catch Hell’s Kitchen on their national tour at a city near you.

Ep. 59: Roz White of Hell’s Kitchen

We sat down with Roz White, who plays Miss Liza Jane in Hell's Kitchen. We talked about her journey, what it's like bring Miss Liza Jane Alicia Keys' story to life, and why this show hits so close to home.Hell's Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys. Set in 1990s New York City, the story follows a 17-year-old girl growing up in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood as she navigates first love, ambition, family struggles, and finding her voice. Powered by Alicia Keys' iconic songs, the show is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the people and places that shape who we become. Hell's Kitchen is currently touring the country.

Ep. 58: The Outsiders

This week, Braden sat down with Tyler Wesley (Dallas Winston) [https://www.instagram.com/tylerjwesley/]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 [https://www.instagram.com/foxtheatrestl/] through January 18.