The 314 Podcast

Diane Lochner and Emily Howard on Building World-Class Attractions

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske [https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/] talks with Diane Lochner and Emily Howard, two longtime employees recently tapped to join the ownership group of PGAV Destinations [https://pgavdestinations.com/]. The St. Louis-based firm is behind many of the biggest aquariums and coolest attractions in the world, and they share how being in the city is actually the firm’s secret weapon. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull [https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/] about their story [https://www.stlmag.com/news/fireworks-lasalle-park-police-detained/] exploring how police failed to tamp down days of rolling fireworks battles in LaSalle Park—and how neighbors say they added insult to injury. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf] and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE], 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-39 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 podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Martha Garcia Kampen on Why St. Louis’ Hispanic Community Keeps Growing

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske [https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/] talks with Martha Garcia Kampen, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis. The Latino community in St. Louis has seen huge growth. Garcia Kampen shares her thoughts on what’s driving that—and why she’s not worried that the federal immigration crackdown will set back the region’s efforts. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull [https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/] about the battle between the state-appointed Police Board and St. Louis city officials. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf] and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE], or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-38 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 Royal Banks of Missouri [https://www.royalbanksofmo.com/] and supported by Cardinals Nation [https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/cardinals-nation]. Elevate your savings strategy this summer at Royal Banks of Missouri. Whether you’re a new grad preparing for college life or ready to start building your retirement fund, their team will partner with you to create a plan that guides you closer to achieving your financial goals. Learn how they can support you. [https://www.royalbanksofmo.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 podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

WashU’s Dr. Tim Miller on his groundbreaking ALS research

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske [https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/] talks with Dr. Tim Miller, co-director of the ALS Center and a professor of neurology at WashU Medicine, on the major breakthrough [https://medicine.washu.edu/news/in-a-milestone-for-a-l-s-a-treatment-helps-some-patients-improve/] his team recently made in their quest to find a cure for ALS—and how it could also portend a cure for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull [https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/] about how a decades’ old infusion of federal cash is now stopping investment [https://www.stlmag.com/news/hud-rehabs-north-city-hyde-park/] into St. Louis neighborhoods. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf] and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE], or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-37 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 podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Saving St. Louis Institutions with Kevin McKernan

In this episode of The 314 Podcast [https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/], host Sarah Fenske [https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/] talks with Kevin McKernan, who went from teaching high school to founding The Improv Shop to owning a portfolio of only-in-St. Louis originals: Epiphany Lanes, Donut Drive-In, Blackthorn Pub, and Cafe Manhattan. Kevin explains how growing up in South City helped inspire his appreciation for these neighborhood businesses—and how he’s been able to innovate even while preserving what made them special. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull [https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/] about the mystery [https://www.stlmag.com/news/central-downtown-garage-adam-layne/] of a downtown parking garage that’s become something of a graveyard for abandoned vehicles.  Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf] and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE], or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-36 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 Royal Banks of Missouri. Are you ready to begin your home purchase journey this summer? The Royal Banks of Missouri mortgage team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Their local lenders offer competitive rates and personalized support so you can focus on creating the space of your dreams. Learn more about how Royal Banks of Missouri can partner with you to unlock the door to your new home in 2026 at http://royalbanksofmo.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 podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Julian Nicks on St. Louis’ Tornado Recovery

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske [https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/] talks with Julian Nicks [https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/profiles/julian-nicks.cfm], St. Louis’ chief recovery and transformation officer, who has spent the past year trying to help the city battle back from the deadly May 16, 2025, tornado. Along with Mayor Cara Spencer, Julian has taken heat for the city’s sluggish response to the devastation. He shares his thoughts on how we got here, what happens next, and how he was personally affected by the disaster. Then, SLM staff writer Ryan Krull [https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/] shares the story behind a wild yarn involving a disgraced chiropractor [https://www.stlmag.com/news/jerry-leech-chiropractor-jamison-stirling/], a lawyer who wasn’t a lawyer, and some of the area’s top political figures. Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf] and listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE], or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. > See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-35 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 podcasts@stlmag.com.  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email advertisting@stlmag.com. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.