The STL Bucket List Show: Recent Episodes
Lucas Farrell & Marissa Thomas
Co-hosted by couple Lucas Farrell and Marissa Thomas, the founders of the popular Instagram account STL Bucket List. Lucas and Marissa discuss all things St. Louis with some of the cities most influential people. This weekly show highlights guest speakers with a passion for serving the community through talents, businesses, entrepreneurship, and influence. Tune in every Wednesday for real conversations with compelling minds in and around St. Louis.
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Gesler and Chloe Joya, the husband-and-wife team behind Casero — the Salvadoran food truck that's become one of St. Charles County's most talked-about bites, one carne asada plate at a time.
Their story starts with nothing. After Gesler lost his dream job during an immigration process and was sent back to St. Louis, the couple moved into an empty apartment with no furniture, no jobs, and only a couple of borrowed forks. With Gesler unable to legally work but able to cook, and Chloe able to legally own a business, they bet everything on the one recipe he knew by heart — his mom's carne asada from El Salvador — and started selling it out of the Ballpark Village dog park with a borrowed grill and tent. From there it was a failed homemade trailer, a hand-painted Penske truck shipped in from out of state, run-ins with the health department, and years of prepping in borrowed kitchens at 4:30 in the morning before Casero became the truck people now line up for.
The conversation covers what it actually took to get there: the human side of food truck hospitality, sourcing from Orlando's and local farmers instead of distributors, the community of St. Louis restaurant owners — Elliot, Lauren, Balkan Treat Box's Loryn and Edo — who mentored them along the way, and the couple's refusal to raise prices or cut corners even as demand exploded. They dig into the chaos of selling out of handmade tortillas in 30 minutes flat, their faith as the driving force behind every turning point, and the brick-and-mortar restaurant they're now building toward — one with its own prep kitchen, its own tortillas, and its own walk-in cooler.
It's a conversation about betting everything on a single recipe, staying ethical when it would be easier not to, and what happens when a community decides to root for you.
They discuss:
• Losing a dream job to immigration issues and starting over with an empty apartment
• Betting everything on one carne asada recipe from Gesler's mom in El Salvador
• Selling out of the Ballpark Village dog park with a borrowed grill and tent
• The night the line wrapped around Ballpark Village and GM Marcus jumped in to help
• A failed homemade food trailer and the hand-painted Penske truck that followed
• Constant run-ins with the health department before doing it "the right way"
• The relentless persistence it took to get a spot at Frankie Martin's
• Sourcing meat, produce, and now local chicken from Orlando's, El Morelia's, and Maninos
• Faith, getting the truck blessed, and God's timing through years of failed attempts
• Selling out of handmade tortillas in 30 minutes and the scramble to keep up with demand
• Mentorship from Balkan Treat Box's Loryn and Edo and St. Louis's uniquely supportive food scene
• Their "we don't want buts" philosophy and refusing to raise prices to chase profit
• Building content and storytelling around the truck instead of traditional advertising
• The brick-and-mortar restaurant dream — their own prep kitchen, walk-in cooler, and tortillas
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Mitch Baden, President and CEO of Royal Banks of Missouri, to discuss what it takes to lead one of St. Louis' longest-standing community banks in an industry that's constantly evolving.
Mitch shares his remarkable 50-year journey in banking—from his memorable first day on the job to leading Royal Banks through rapid technological change, digital banking, and strategic expansion across Missouri and Illinois. He reflects on the lessons learned from working alongside his older brother, how community banking has changed over the decades, and why Royal Banks continues to invest in both technology and neighborhood branches despite the industry's shift toward digital-first banking.
The conversation explores what makes community banks different from national institutions, the importance of building relationships with local businesses, and why reinvesting in St. Louis remains at the core of Royal Banks' mission. Mitch also shares his passion for supporting local nonprofits, preserving the independence of the bank, and helping strengthen the communities it serves for generations to come.
From entrepreneurship and leadership to philanthropy and the future of community banking, this episode is a conversation about investing in people, places, and the future of St. Louis.
They discuss:
Mitch Baden's 50-year career in banking and the story behind his unforgettable first day
How Royal Banks of Missouri was founded more than 60 years ago
The evolution of banking from paper records to mobile-first digital banking
Why community banks continue to matter in an increasingly digital world
The technology investments that helped Royal Banks serve customers through COVID-19
Expanding into Illinois and rural Missouri while staying rooted in St. Louis
Why Royal Banks continues investing in neighborhood branches and local communities
Mitch's relationship with his older brother and the mentorship that shaped his career
The importance of supporting local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations
What makes St. Louis a unique place to live, work, and build a business
Mitch's vision for keeping Royal Banks independent for generations to come
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Luke and Jim Beattie, the father-and-son team behind Fox's Finest Market, to talk about bringing a historic Kirkwood storefront back to life and building a business centered around family, quality food, and community.
Luke and Jim share how their journey began in the automotive industry before taking an unexpected leap into hospitality. They discuss why they believed Kirkwood needed a neighborhood fine foods market, the story behind restoring an 1875 building, and what it's been like building a business together across generations.
The conversation dives into their vision for sourcing fresh seafood, premium meats, locally raised pork, imported specialty foods, and chef-prepared meals—all while creating a welcoming neighborhood market where customers can shop, learn, and gather. They also reflect on the challenges of renovating a historic building, working alongside local businesses, and creating a company they hope will serve the Kirkwood community for generations to come.
From entrepreneurship and family business to great food and small-town community, this episode is a conversation about building something designed to last.
They discuss:
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Why Luke and Jim left the automotive industry to launch Fox's Finest Market
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The inspiration behind opening a neighborhood fine foods market in Kirkwood
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Restoring a historic 1875 building in the heart of downtown Kirkwood
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What it's really like working together as a father-and-son business
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Bringing in fresh seafood, premium steaks, and Missouri-raised pork
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Building an in-house kitchen with chef-prepared meals, pastries, and seasonal specialties
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Curating local products alongside imported gourmet foods
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The importance of customer service and creating a true neighborhood market
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Supporting and collaborating with other Kirkwood small businesses
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Their vision for making Fox's Finest a multi-generational St. Louis institution
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Future plans for catering, e-commerce, and expanding the Fox's Finest concept
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Dr. Tayler Onion—host of the Hang Time podcast, professor at UMSL, former Division I volleyball player, and advocate for women in sports—to discuss one of the fastest-growing movements in athletics today.
Tayler shares her journey from growing up on a small farm in rural Illinois to competing at the University of Illinois, earning her doctorate studying women in sports leadership, and launching Hang Time, a podcast dedicated to telling the stories of women who are changing the sports industry. She reflects on the unexpected story behind becoming the Outback Bowl's famous "Bloomin' Onion" mascot, how that experience inspired her first podcast, and why she ultimately rebranded to focus exclusively on women's sports.
The conversation explores the incredible rise of women's athletics, the lasting impact of Title IX, why representation in coaching and leadership matters, and how media coverage, fandom, and athlete-driven storytelling are creating opportunities that didn't exist just a few years ago. Tayler also shares her vision for building a stronger community for women working in sports throughout St. Louis, the lessons she's learned as both an athlete and educator, and why she believes the city is ready for even more investment in women's professional sports.
From unforgettable championship moments to the future of sports media, this episode is an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the people helping shape the next generation of sports.
They discuss:
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Growing up on a farm in Industry, Illinois, and playing volleyball at the University of Illinois
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Winning the "Be the Bloom" contest and becoming the Bloom and Onion mascot at the 2019 Outback Bowl
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Launching the Bloom Pod during the pandemic and its focus on everyday people with big ideas
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Finishing a doctorate on women's self-perception of power in sports leadership during Title IX's 50th anniversary
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The decision to rebrand and relaunch as Hangtime, focused solely on women in sports
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Interviewing ESPNW founder Laura Gentile and what it took to build a media category from scratch
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The Deloitte projection of $3 billion in women's sports revenue for 2026
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Why traditional brands still don't know how to market to women's sports fans
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Growing up without girls' sports and finding a North Star in local player Sam Quiggle
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The 1999 U.S. Women's World Cup and Brandi Chastain as formative childhood moments
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Reaching the national championship match with Illinois volleyball in 2011
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Teaching in UMSL's Sports Management program and getting students into the Super Bowl, Final Four, and NFL Draft
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Hangtime's first in-person event at Urban Chestnut and the upcoming membership launch on August 1st
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Bringing more pro women's sports — WNBA, NWSL, PWHL — to St. Louis
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Tre G, founder of WerQfest, to explore how a festival that started as a last-minute virtual event during the pandemic has grown into one of St. Louis's most important celebrations of Black queer art, music, and community.
Tre shares his journey growing up in St. Louis, performing from a young age, studying at Berklee College of Music, and ultimately shifting from the stage to building opportunities for other artists. He opens up about coming out publicly, the challenges and freedom that followed, and how that experience inspired him to create a platform where Black queer creatives could be seen, celebrated, and supported.
The conversation dives into the origins of WerQfest, the process of curating emerging local talent alongside nationally recognized artists, and the realities of building a grassroots festival in today's cultural and political climate. Tre reflects on creating safe spaces, navigating funding challenges, expanding WerQfest beyond St. Louis, and why investing in artists is about much more than putting on a great show.
From community building and creative entrepreneurship to representation and the future of St. Louis, this episode is a celebration of the people creating culture and proving that meaningful change starts with showing up for one another.
They discuss:
• Tre's journey from growing up in St. Louis to studying at Berklee College of Music
• How coming out publicly changed his career and inspired the creation of WerQfest
• The pandemic origin story behind launching WerQfest in just two weeks
• The meaning behind the name "WerQfest" and its connection to Black queer culture
• Building a festival that uplifts Black queer artists while welcoming everyone
• How emerging local artists are selected to perform alongside national headliners
• Why representation, visibility, and safe spaces matter now more than ever
• Moving WerQfest to The Grove and the neighborhood's significance to the LGBTQ+ community
• Running WerQfest alongside his husband and balancing creativity with business
• Expanding WerQfest beyond St. Louis while keeping the city at its core
• Grassroots fundraising, community support, and the challenges of sustaining an independent festival
• Tre's favorite St. Louis restaurants, neighborhoods, and local spots to experience during WerQfest weekend
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
In our first edition of 'At the Table', Brittany Dwyer and Sauce Magazine sit down with James Beard Award-winning chef Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box to talk about her journey, her love for St. Louis, and the story behind one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants coming off her 'Best Chef Midwest' James Beard Award. Loryn shares how family, culture, hard work, and community shaped the food she creates, while reflecting on what it means to bring national recognition back home to St. Louis.
From the early days of building Balkan Treat Box to earning one of the highest honors in the culinary world, this conversation is a look at passion, persistence, and the people who make the St. Louis food scene so special.
Cover Image by Whiskey & Soba
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Tatyana Telnikova of Handlebar and Josh Smith of Neon Greens — two of the Grove neighborhood's most iconic business owners — to explore what makes this stretch of Manchester Avenue one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and exciting neighborhoods in St. Louis.
Tatyana shares her unlikely journey from Moscow to St. Louis at age 16, how she fell in love with the city on a bicycle, and how a chance encounter during a bike race on Manchester Avenue led her to open Handlebar in 2010. Josh opens up about leaving a career designing sets for Broadway, Netflix, and HBO to move back home and build a queer-owned farm-park-restaurant rooted in food transparency, visibility, and community.
The conversation digs into the Grove's full history — from its working-class roots in the 1880s and the rise and fall of St. Louis's streetcar system, to the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who reclaimed and reinvested in the neighborhood starting in the 1990s. They reflect on what it means to run businesses that stand for something bigger than food and drinks, the power of a truly inclusive neighborhood, and what's coming next for the Grove.
From cycling and community to set design and salads, this episode is a celebration of the people and places that make the Grove — and St. Louis — unlike anywhere else.
They discuss:
• Tatyana's journey from Moscow to St. Louis and opening Handlebar in 2010
• How a bike race on Manchester Avenue sparked the concept for Handlebar
• The origin of the name "Handlebar" — and why Tatyana didn't come up with it
• Josh's career in Broadway and Hollywood set design and what brought him home
• Building Neon Greens as a queer-owned, farm-forward restaurant concept ]
• Why visibility matters for queer business owners in today's climate
• The Grove's history from the 1880s through its LGBTQ+ revival in the 1990s
• How the loss of St. Louis's streetcar system shaped the neighborhood's decline
• Creating truly inclusive spaces in the hospitality industry
• The CID and what makes the Grove such a supportive business community
• Favorite spots in the Grove — from Everest and Oni to Damn Good People and La Finca
• New businesses opening and what the future of the Grove looks like
• What it means to run a business that stands for something beyond the bottom line
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with St. Louis author, columnist, and novelist Debbie Baldwin to discuss her latest thriller, The Architect of Deception, a high-society murder mystery filled with secrets, privilege, and unexpected twists.
Debbie shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis and attending Princeton and law school to building a career as a novelist. She reflects on her background as a speechwriter, television writer, marketing executive, and newspaper columnist, and explains how a passion project during the pandemic turned into an eight-book publishing career.
The conversation explores the creative process behind writing suspense novels, the challenges of constructing a compelling mystery, and why plotting a thriller often means deleting as much as you write. Debbie also discusses the inspiration behind The Architect of Deception, her love of classic mystery writers like Agatha Christie, the future of storytelling in the age of AI, and the surprising resurgence of physical books and independent bookstores.
From publishing and creativity to reading, storytelling, and the enduring appeal of St. Louis, this episode is an engaging conversation about following your passion and building a creative life on your own terms.
They discuss:
• Debbie's journey from St. Louis to Princeton, law school, and professional writing
• How a pandemic passion project became an eight-book career
• The creation and success of the Bishop Security series
• The inspiration behind The Architect of Deception
• Writing compelling mysteries, twists, and suspenseful storylines
• The difference between "plotters" and "pantsers" in the writing world
• Why word-of-mouth remains the most powerful form of book marketing
• The role of AI in creative writing and storytelling
• Building disciplined writing habits and routines
• Classic thriller influences including Agatha Christie and Dan Brown
• The resurgence of physical books, bookstores, and reading culture
• Debbie's favorite St. Louis coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores
• Why St. Louis continues to inspire her work and creativity
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with filmmaker, storyteller, and My Friends and I founder Cami Cruz Thomas to discuss the making of Red Brick, Blue Tarp, a powerful new documentary examining the aftermath of the May 16 tornado and the ongoing recovery efforts across North St. Louis.
Cami shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis and working for companies like Tesla and Red Bull to becoming one of the city's most influential documentary filmmakers. She reflects on how the Ferguson uprising shaped her approach to storytelling, the creation of her acclaimed Smoke City series, and why documenting community experiences has become the driving force behind her work.
The conversation explores the making of Red Brick, Blue Tarp, the importance of preserving stories before they're lost to history, and how artists, organizers, and everyday residents have stepped up to support neighborhoods impacted by the tornado. Cami also discusses the role of community-led recovery, the future of North St. Louis, and why she believes St. Louis continues to shape some of the country's most impactful creatives.
From filmmaking and activism to community healing and civic responsibility, this episode is a powerful conversation about storytelling, resilience, and the future of St. Louis.
They discuss:
• Cami's path from St. Louis to Tesla, Red Bull, and documentary filmmaking
• How the Ferguson uprising inspired her storytelling career
• The creation and impact of the Smoke City documentary series
• Building My Friends and I into a purpose-driven production company
• The making of Red Brick, Blue Tarp and documenting tornado recovery efforts
• Why preserving local stories and community history matters
• The challenges facing North St. Louis one year after the tornado
• Organizations leading recovery and mutual aid efforts across the city
• The role artists can play in crisis response and community building
• Why St. Louis continues to attract and shape creative talent
• Community screenings and the future of Red Brick, Blue Tarp• The vision for a stronger, more connected St. Louis
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketli...
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/ab...
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Michael Alter, owner and founder of Fitz’s, to discuss the story behind one of St. Louis’ most iconic brands and how a small soda startup grew into a regional institution recognized across generations.
Michael shares the history of Fitz’s, from its roots as a legendary St. Louis drive-in restaurant to relaunching the brand in 1992 with a vision of creating a craft soda microbrewery long before the craft beverage movement became mainstream.
The conversation explores the evolution of the Delmar Loop, the importance of building a strong company culture, and how Fitz’s has remained relevant for more than three decades while staying true to its identity. Michael also discusses the company’s commitment to real cane sugar, product innovation, and the launch of Fitz’s newest mixer line featuring club soda, tonic water, and zero-calorie tonic water.
They also dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, collaboration, and the challenges of navigating changing consumer trends while preserving the nostalgic experience that has made Fitz’s a St. Louis favorite.
From family businesses and community impact to product development and local partnerships, this episode highlights what it takes to build a lasting brand and why Fitz’s continues to be woven into the fabric of St. Louis.
They discuss:
• The history and relaunch of Fitz’s in 1992
• Building a craft soda company before craft beverages were mainstream
• The story behind the iconic Fitz’s Root Beer brand
• The growth and evolution of the Delmar Loop
• Leadership lessons from 33 years of entrepreneurship
• Building company culture and retaining great employees
• Why Fitz’s remains committed to real cane sugar
• Product innovation and launching the new mixer line
• Collaborations with local brands and organizations
• Working with 4 Hands Brewing Co. and the Gateway Arch
• Creating memorable family experiences through the restaurant
• The future of Fitz’s and evolving consumer trends
• Favorite St. Louis restaurants, parks, and local businesses
• Supporting local entrepreneurship and community growth
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Katie of May’s Place and May’s Night Market to talk about building one of St. Louis’ most influential vintage brands and transforming a small local market into a citywide cultural event drawing more than 10,000 people.
Katie shares the story behind launching May’s Place in South City, leaving the corporate fashion world behind, and creating a business rooted in sustainability, vintage fashion, and community. From signing a storefront lease in a single day to growing a nationally recognized vintage destination, this episode explores the evolution of one of St. Louis’ most beloved creative brands.
The conversation dives into the environmental impact of fast fashion, the rise of vintage culture in the Midwest, and how May’s Night Market exploded from a small indoor gathering at The Ready Room into one of the region’s biggest shopping and community events at City Foundry.
They also discuss balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, building a business with family values, curating vendors with intention, and how local partnerships and community support helped the event grow year after year.
From fashion and sustainability to small business and creative culture, this episode highlights how May’s Night Market has become one of St. Louis’ premier community-driven events while helping shape the city’s growing vintage and maker scene.
They discuss:
- The origin story behind May’s Place
- Leaving corporate fashion to start a vintage business
- Sustainability and the impact of fast fashion
- Growing St. Louis’ vintage and creative community
- How May’s Night Market began
- Expanding from 800 to 10,000+ attendees
- Curating vendors and building community-driven events
- Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood
- Social media, photography, and creative branding
- Favorite St. Louis restaurants, shops, and family activities
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketli...
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/ab...
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Ross Chaifetzand Andrew Haines of the St. Louis Shock to talk about building one of the fastest-rising franchises in professional sports and why St. Louis has become one of the biggest pickleball markets in the country.
Ross shares the origin story behind the St. Louis Shock—from identifying pickleball as an emerging investment opportunity during the pandemic to launching an expansion franchise in just two weeks and transforming it into one of Major League Pickleball’s premier teams.
The conversation dives into the explosive growth of professional pickleball, why St. Louis was chosen as the home market, and how the Shock are building much more than a team through investments in facilities, technology, apparel, media, and nationwide player development programs.
They also discuss bringing Major League Pickleball back to Chaifetz Arena, creating a world-class fan experience, the rise of young professional players, and how social media and content have helped redefine what a modern sports franchise can look like.
From sports innovation to community impact, entrepreneurship to entertainment, this episode explores how the St. Louis Shock are helping shape the future of pickleball while putting St. Louis on the national stage.
They discuss:
- The founding of the St. Louis Shock and Major League Pickleball expansion
- Why St. Louis became a top pickleball market
- Investing in the future of pickleball beyond the team itself
- Building a professional sports franchise in just two weeks
- Bringing MLP events to Chaifetz Arena
- Youth athletes and the future of the sport
- Growing the Shock nationally through player programs
- Shock & Awe and building a sports content brand
- Social media, fan engagement, and modern sports marketing
- The future of professional pickleball and MLP Saint Louis
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
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Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Ryan and Eleni, founders of The Quarter Butcher, to talk about building one of the most unique food businesses in Saint Charles County and bringing whole animal butchery to Dardenne Prairie.
Ryan shares his journey from culinary school and fine dining kitchens—including time at Bulrush, Pastaria, and The Last Hotel—to discovering a passion for butchery and eventually opening a family-owned butcher shop focused on local sourcing, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
The conversation dives into how COVID reshaped their priorities, pushing them to leave the restaurant world behind and build something of their own while balancing marriage, parenthood, and entrepreneurship. They open up about the realities of running a family business together, learning how to separate work from home life, and building systems that protect both the business and their family.
They also break down what makes The Quarter Butcher different—from bringing in whole sides of beef and utilizing every part of the animal to creating house-made sausages, deli meats, pet products, tallow goods, and launching an entirely new sandwich menu.
From local farms to community building, sustainability to small business growth, this episode is about creating something meaningful while building a life around family and food.
They discuss:
- Leaving fine dining and transitioning into butchery
- Opening The Quarter Butcher in Dardenne Prairie
- Whole animal butchery and sustainable sourcing
- Working directly with Missouri farms and producers
- Balancing marriage, kids, and entrepreneurship
- Building a family business together
- Launching the new sandwich program and deli menu
- House-made sausages, tallow products, and pet food
- Community growth in Saint Charles County
- Supporting local makers and businesses
- The future vision for classes, dinners, and events
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Sean Hamlin, co-founder of VHS Group and Race Haus, to break down how a home services and technology company unexpectedly evolved into one of the most exciting new motorsports experiences in St. Louis.
Sean shares how VHS Group began with smart home installations, home theaters, and custom tech builds before expanding into golf simulators—and eventually stumbling into the idea that would become Race Haus after a client requested a custom racing simulator setup. That single project quickly snowballed into a fully immersive racing lounge in Webster Groves, where guests can compete on professional-grade simulators, experience real racing dynamics, and build a growing community around motorsports.
He walks through the early days of experimentation, the rapid viral growth on social media, and how Saint Louis embraced the concept far faster than expected. From weekends packed with high-end cars outside the building to competitive leagues forming inside, Race Haus has quickly become a destination for both casual fans and serious racing enthusiasts.
The conversation also dives into what it’s like building multiple businesses at once—balancing leadership, family life, a full-time career, and entrepreneurship—plus the importance of building the right team, embracing technology, and learning when to step back and let systems scale.
From smart homes to simulators, from local experiments to national ambitions, this episode is about turning passion, technology, and community into a completely new kind of entertainment business.
They discuss:
- Building VHS Group and smart home technology services
- The origins of Race Haus and the first simulator build
- Golf simulators and early tech innovation
- Creating an immersive racing experience in Webster Groves
- Viral growth and St. Louis car community support
- Scaling multiple businesses simultaneously
- Leadership, burnout, and entrepreneurial discipline
- The role of AI, automation, and technology in growth
- Building leagues and competitive racing experiences
- Expansion plans and the future of Race Haus
- Creating a new entertainment category in St. Louis
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with David Stine and Stephanie Abbajay—owners of Stine Woodworking—to talk about their journey from Washington, D.C. to building one of the most respected custom woodworking brands in St. Louis.
David shares how he went from practicing law to pursuing woodworking full-time, while Stephanie breaks down how their partnership—both in marriage and business—helped turn a side hustle into a nationally recognized company. From early struggles breaking into the St. Louis market to working with some of the city’s top restaurants and designers, their story is all about persistence, craftsmanship, and betting on yourself.
We talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up, the importance of relationships, and how they’ve stayed relevant for nearly 30 years. They also dive into working as a husband-and-wife team, setting boundaries, and why staying in your lane is key to long-term success.
Plus, they share insights on the future of handmade craftsmanship in an AI-driven world, the power of the St. Louis community, and how their work continues to shape some of the city’s most iconic spaces.
From career pivots to building a legacy, this episode is packed with perspective for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone chasing meaningful work.
They discuss:
- Leaving a law career to pursue woodworking
- Building a business from a Midwest farm
- Breaking into the St. Louis market
- Working with top restaurants and local brands
- The power of relationships and networking
- Running a business as a married couple
- Setting boundaries between work and life
- Staying relevant in a digital and AI-driven world
- The future of craftsmanship and skilled trades
- Why “staying in your lane” matters
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Sarah Fenske—journalist, podcast host, and writer at St. Louis Magazine—to talk about her journey through the ever-changing world of media.
She shares how she fell into journalism, built her career through traditional newsrooms, and adapted as the industry shifted from print to digital. From leading the Riverfront Times to launching a daily newsletter, Sarah has experienced every era of modern media firsthand.
We talk about how journalism has evolved, the pressure of digital metrics, and what it takes to stay relevant in a world dominated by social media and constant content.
She also opens up about the challenges of keeping quality storytelling alive, the rise of AI in media, and why she still believes in the future of local journalism—especially in St. Louis.
The conversation highlights how media is changing, but also where real opportunity still exists for creators, journalists, and storytellers willing to adapt.
From career pivots to industry insights, this episode is packed with perspective for anyone building something in media.
They discuss:
- Falling into a career in journalism
- The evolution from print to digital media
- Lessons from the Riverfront Times era
- Building a daily newsletter from scratch
- The role of social media and content creation
- AI’s impact on journalism and storytelling
- The future of local media in St. Louis
- Balancing creativity with business and advertising
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with the creator behind Ope Outdoors to talk about his journey to building a creative brand in St. Louis.
He shares how studying chemistry led to a career he didn’t love, and how picking up a camera changed everything. What started as a creative outlet turned into photography, video work, and eventually Ope Outdoors, a brand inspired by the Midwest and the outdoors.
We talk about building a business from scratch, finding a unique visual style, and learning through trial and error. He also opens up about pitching his brand to retailers, facing rejection, and staying consistent.
The conversation highlights how Ope Outdoors has grown beyond apparel into a community-focused brand, hosting cleanups and bringing people together across St. Louis.
From creative risk to real impact, this episode is full of insight for anyone building something of their own.
They discuss:
- Transitioning from a chemistry career to creativity
- Starting and growing Ope Outdoors
- Photography, video, and creative style
- Turning content into a business
- Learning from rejection and taking risks
- Building community through outdoor events
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with NHL legend Chris Pronger to talk about his new book Earned and the mindset that shaped one of hockey’s most dominant careers.
Pronger breaks down what “earned” really means to him — from making it to the NHL, to becoming a leader, to sustaining success through discipline, accountability, and consistency. He reflects on his early career struggles, including being booed on home ice, and how adversity helped build the resilience that defined his legacy.
We also dive into his deep connection to St. Louis, a city he’s called home for over two decades, and why the Midwest culture and community continue to make it special for athletes long after their playing days.
Beyond hockey, Pronger opens up about his transition into life after the NHL — from working in front offices, to entrepreneurship, broadcasting, public speaking, and ultimately finding purpose in teaching others through real-life lessons. He shares how his book came together through storytelling, speeches, and years of lived experience.
This episode is packed with leadership insights, mindset shifts, and practical lessons on accountability, failure, and betting on yourself.
They discuss:
- What “earned” means in sports and life
- Overcoming early career adversity in the NHL
- Leadership, standards, and accountability
- Life and community in St. Louis
- Transitioning out of professional hockey
- Entrepreneurship and finding purpose post-career
- Writing Earned and lessons from the book
- Betting on yourself and handling failure
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Ricky—founder of Run Crew—to talk about how running, community, and purpose are transforming lives across St. Louis.
Ricky shares his journey from growing up in Jennings and pursuing sports and music, to facing depression during the pandemic—and how a simple decision to start running changed everything. What began as a personal outlet quickly evolved into Run Crew, a movement focused on inclusivity, connection, and showing people that fitness is for everyone.
We dive into how Run Crew has grown from just a handful of people to hundreds across the city, creating a space where running is secondary to community. Ricky also opens up about breaking stereotypes around fitness, the importance of representation, and why movement can be a powerful tool for mental health.
The conversation highlights how Run Crew is activating spaces all across St. Louis, supporting local businesses, and building a culture that brings people together—no matter their background or ability level.
From personal transformation to citywide impact, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to get moving and get connected.
They discuss:
- Ricky’s journey from athletics and music to Run Crew
- How running helped him overcome depression
- Building an inclusive and diverse fitness community
- Breaking myths and stereotypes around running
- The growth and impact of Run Crew in St. Louis
- Creating spaces for connection, wellness, and community
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Halley Moore of GeekPack to explore how community, technology, and connection are helping women build stronger, more scalable businesses.
Halley shares how GeekPack is redefining entrepreneurship by making tech more accessible and less intimidating for everyday business owners. From freelancers to established founders, the organization is helping women embrace digital tools and grow with confidence.
We also dive into the upcoming GeekPack IRL Tour stop in St. Louis — a full-day experience designed to help entrepreneurs step out of their day-to-day operations and focus on strategy, growth, and meaningful connections.
The conversation highlights the power of in-person events, the importance of representation in business, and why creating space for women to collaborate is more important than ever.
From navigating entrepreneurship to building a support system that lasts, this episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to grow their business.
They discuss:
- What GeekPack is and who it serves
- Making tech and digital tools more approachable
- The power of community in entrepreneurship
- Inside the GeekPack IRL Tour experience
- Building confidence as a business owner
- The impact of women-led businesses in St. Louis
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Alex — a St. Louis real estate developer and investor — to talk about the transformation of Wash Ave and what it takes to build a thriving urban neighborhood.
Alex shares his journey from engineering into real estate and how nearly two decades of investing in St. Louis led him to focus on the opportunity along Wash Ave. The conversation explores the history of the district — from its roots as a booming garment hub to its evolution into a modern mixed-use neighborhood — and what makes it one of the most walkable areas in the city.
We dive into the strategy behind revitalizing a neighborhood, including the importance of residential density, local businesses, and creating a true live-work-play environment. Alex also discusses the challenges of working with historic buildings, the vision behind new developments like a food hall, and how thoughtful investment can bring long-term stability to downtown.
Along the way, he highlights the role of entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners in shaping the culture of Wash Ave, and why a strong, vibrant downtown is critical to the future of St. Louis as a whole.
From walkability and community-building to development strategy and local impact, this episode offers an inside look at the people and ideas driving one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods.
They discuss:
- Alex’s journey into real estate and development in St. Louis
- The history and evolution of Wash Ave
- What makes a neighborhood truly walkable and vibrant
- The importance of residential density and mixed-use development
- Supporting local businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs
- The vision behind new projects like a Wash Ave food hall
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Kendall Davidson — a St. Louis rapper, producer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur — to talk about his creative journey and the release of his new project, Rise.
Kendall shares how growing up in St. Louis and starting in church music helped shape his creative foundation, eventually leading him into hip-hop, filmmaking, and producing his own music. The conversation explores how he blends multiple influences — from jazz and blues to rock and hip-hop — to create a sound that reflects the diverse musical legacy of St. Louis.
We also dive into the two-year process behind Rise, the discipline it takes to build a project independently, and how Kendall approaches songwriting, production, and storytelling through music. Along the way, he shares the impact of becoming a new father, the importance of creating opportunities for local artists, and why supporting the St. Louis creative community matters.
From studio sessions and music videos to favorite local restaurants and venues, this episode highlights the passion, persistence, and creativity behind one of the city’s emerging artists.
They discuss:
-
Kendall’s journey into music, filmmaking, and production
-
The inspiration behind his new album Rise
-
The two-year process of creating an independent project
-
Blending jazz, rock, blues, and hip-hop influences
-
Balancing music, business, and family life
-
Becoming a new father and finding motivation through creativity
-
Supporting and collaborating with the St. Louis music community
-
Favorite St. Louis restaurants, venues, and artists
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Neil Salsich — musician, songwriter, and frontman of The Mighty Pines — to talk about his journey through the St. Louis music scene and the launch of his new podcast, Meet Me In Music, recorded right here at Bucket List Studios.
Neil shares how years of performing, songwriting, and hustling as a working musician led to new creative opportunities — from his experience competing on The Voice to building a platform dedicated to telling the stories of St. Louis musicians. We dive into the reality of balancing creativity with the business side of music, what life is really like as a full-time musician, and why preserving local music history matters now more than ever.
From late-night gigs and iconic St. Louis venues to the moments that shaped his career, this conversation highlights the passion, discipline, and community behind the city’s thriving music culture.
They discuss:
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Launching the Meet Me In Music podcast
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Neil’s journey performing on The Voice
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Life as a full-time working musician
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The St. Louis music scene and why its stories matter
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Balancing creativity with the business of music
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Iconic St. Louis venues and career milestones
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Collaborating with musicians through live podcast performances
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Nathan, the founder of Up Late, to talk about how a late-night food concept turned into one of St. Louis’ most recognizable community staples.
Nathan shares the story behind Up Late’s rapid growth — from early pop-ups and packed block parties to expanding locations, building a brand, and navigating the realities of restaurant ownership. We dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the moments that almost made him quit, and how creating experiences for the city became just as important as the food itself.
From late nights in the kitchen to building culture through events, collaborations, and community, this conversation gives a real look at what it takes to grow something meaningful in St. Louis.
They discuss:
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Starting Up Late from scratch
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Growing a restaurant brand in St. Louis
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The reality of running a late-night business
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Building community through food & events
-
Expansion plans and future concepts
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
Is workplace culture just perks and pizza… or is it how your team feels on Sunday night before Monday morning?
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas Farrell sits down with Jamal Cornelious — executive coach, leadership strategist, and host of Gateway to Growth — to talk about what it really takes to build meaningful careers and stronger workplace culture in St. Louis.
From navigating career pivots to launching Mission Defined, Jamal shares how leaders can create environments where people actually want to show up — and why culture isn’t a slogan, it’s a standard.
They discuss:
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Why “culture” is more than office perks and team happy hours
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The Sunday night test: how to measure if your workplace is healthy
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The reality behind career growth (and why social media isn’t real life)
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How St. Louis professionals can build influence in a relationship-driven city
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The Show-Me State mindset — and why credibility matters here
This conversation goes beyond business strategy — it’s about leadership, identity, accountability, and building something that lasts in St. Louis.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional, or leading a growing team, this episode challenges you to rethink what culture actually means.
Check out the Gateway to Growth Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fnkGXd8OAH9GZjX3txQKl
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
Is Energizer Park home to the best food hall in the country… that just happens to be inside a stadium?
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas Farrell sits down with STL CITY SC’s Matt Sebek (Chief Experience Officer) and Chef Gerard Craft (Flavor Officer) to break down how they’ve transformed match day into one of the most unique food and fan experiences in the country.
From launching the City Flavor program to generating over $7 million for local restaurants, this conversation dives into how STL CITY SC is redefining stadium dining, sustainability, and community impact.
They discuss:
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The 4 new 2025 food partners: Motor Town Pizza, Taco Buddha, Biscuit Town, and Goshen Coffee
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How fan feedback shapes the stadium menu (hello breakfast + NA options 👀)
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The strategy behind 100% local food vendors — and why it’s the “hardest way” to do stadium food
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Zero waste matches, composting, and eliminating single-use plastics
-
How the stadium drives traffic back to local brick-and-mortar restaurants
This isn’t just about soccer — it’s about culture, community, and creating 17 massive parties a year in downtown St. Louis.
Whether you’re a diehard soccer fan or just here for the biscuits and Detroit-style pizza, this episode shows how STL CITY SC built a stadium experience that feels uniquely St. Louis.
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Megan Brandt, Ryan Brandt, and Bethany Jobe of Stone Reserve, a St. Louis–based stone distribution warehouse redefining how homeowners, designers, and fabricators experience natural stone.
The conversation explores Stone Reserve’s roots as a family business, their deep ties to fabrication, and what sets them apart from traditional distributors. Ryan shares how traveling directly to quarries in places like Brazil and Italy allows the team to hand-select premium slabs, ensuring quality, consistency, and standout materials you won’t find anywhere else.
Bethany brings insight from decades in the stone industry, breaking down common misconceptions about natural stone, durability, maintenance, and how materials like quartzite, marble, and sintered stone actually perform in real homes and commercial spaces. The group also discusses backlit stone, exotic colors, and the artistry behind turning slabs into one-of-a-kind installations.
They reflect on standout projects—from intricate custom fireplaces to restaurants and large-scale commercial work—and what it means to build long-term relationships with designers, builders, and fabricators across St. Louis.
Plus, the team shares their favorite local spots, what inspires them about the St. Louis community, and why they believe natural stone isn’t just a surface—it’s functional art meant to age beautifully over time.
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Lauren Healey, Executive Editor of Sauce Magazine, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to keep a legacy local publication alive, relevant, and growing in 2026.
Lauren shares the honest story of where Sauce was last summer, why the acquisition happened fast, and what the last six months have looked like rebuilding with a small team and a strong freelance bench. They talk about how modern media has changed, why print still matters, what performs online (yes, people love lists), and how Sauce’s work can tangibly move the needle for restaurants and small businesses across St. Louis.
They also get into Lauren’s path into journalism, from small-town life outside Springfield to building a career in magazines, and what she still loves about writing about food: telling stories that feel joyful, meaningful, and community-driven.
Plus: what’s coming next for Sauce in 2026, including upcoming issues, expanded distribution, and the return of Food Truck Friday this spring.
Listen now and stay tuned for a big year ahead for Sauce Magazine.
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
This week, Luke sits down with Bernadette Faasen, owner of Cobalt Smoke & Sea, to talk about what it really takes to run a restaurant, build a loyal community, and create a dining experience that feels “worth it” every single time.
They get into:
- How Cobalt was designed to feel like an experience, not just dinner
- Balancing restaurant life with being a mom of three boys, and never missing a game
- Why the Let’s Get Cupid pop-up exists, and how it turns February into something fun
- What people misunderstand about owning a restaurant, and Bernadette’s advice for women building businesses
- Her STL favorites, from Katie’s Pizza & Pasta and Napoli to women-owned staples like Genovese Jewelers and Ju Ju Bs
🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
📍Follow @stlbucketlist for more STL recs.
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
From Vegas mega-resorts to St. Louis entertainment weekends, this episode goes behind the scenes with Mike Jerlecki, Vice President and General Manager for Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino (PENN Entertainment).
We talk about what it’s really like running a casino operation, how the guest experience is built from the ground up, and what’s coming next for sports betting in Missouri.
In this episode, we cover:
- Mike’s path through the casino industry, from valet to leadership, and why hospitality is the whole game
- What’s changing in gaming tech, cashless wallets, mobile betting, and responsible gaming controls
- The vision for new sports books at Hollywood and River City, massive screens, full-service food and drinks, and big-game energy
- How casinos impact St. Louis beyond entertainment, education funding, jobs, scholarships, and community partnerships
- Why live experiences still win, concerts, UFC, packed sports books, and the social “third space” people crave
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this week's episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Justin Mincher (President) and Tyson Cameron (Vice President) from Team St. Louis, a local organization building an inclusive community for LGBTQ+ people and allies through sports, social events, and healthy lifestyle programming.
From volleyball leagues that are at-capacity to pickleball socials that welcome total beginners, Team St. Louis is creating a true “third space” where people can move, meet friends, and feel like they belong.
In this episode, we cover:
- What Team St. Louis is, how it started, and why sports build community differently than typical rec leagues
- Pickleball + volleyball programs, divisions for all skill levels, and how they help newcomers find a team
- Why “third spaces” matter, and how they’re expanding beyond bar-centered social scenes
- Upcoming highlights like the Team St. Louis float trip and new ideas like a hiking club
- Their long-term vision, including building a future facility to support even more programming
✅ Learn more, register, or donate: teamstlouis.org
📲 Follow Team St. Louis on Instagram + Facebook for updates
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
On this week's episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Nick Sansone of Sansone Group.
Nick is a St. Louis real estate leader with deep family roots in the region, and a huge passion for supporting local businesses, restaurants, and the community. In this conversation, Nick shares what it’s like building a family business where the company name is also the family name, and why relationships, trust, and showing up in real life still matter more than ever.
We cover:
- Nick’s St. Louis roots, Italian heritage, and early memories that still shape the family today
- The Sansone family approach to business, culture, and carrying a legacy forward
- Why relationship building is still the real “secret weapon” in real estate
- The old-school habits that stand out now, handwritten notes, follow-ups, and in-person meetings
- Nick’s favorite St. Louis staples, from The Hill to Carl’s Drive-In
- Advice for the next generation trying to break into real estate and stand out in an AI-heavy world
🎙️ New episodes drop every Wednesday.
📍 Follow STL Bucket List for more people, places, and stories that make St. Louis special.
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
From North County and Jennings to film, music, and cinematic short-form storytelling, Eric “Remrod” Mayes has been using creativity to spotlight St. Louis for years.
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Remrod shares how his early passion for music, photography, and film led to building a platform rooted in positivity, consistency, and community impact. We talk about what it really takes to stay creative long-term, why giving back to local businesses matters, and how he approaches short-form video in a way that feels both cinematic and authentic.
You’ll hear:
- How growing up in STL shaped his creative path
- Why spotlighting local businesses is bigger than content
- His process for shooting, scripting, and editing short-form videos
- The balance between creativity, family, and consistency
- A first look at Half Order, his upcoming documentary exploring Chinese cuisine and Black culture in St. Louis
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone who loves discovering the stories behind STL’s hidden gems, Remrod’s perspective offers a thoughtful look at how culture, community, and creativity intersect.
🔗 Connect with Remrod: www.remrod.com | @remrod
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
From Dallas to downtown St. Louis, from corporate banking to coaching and community building, Britteney Ofodile has been quietly shaping spaces that help women lead with confidence and grow with purpose.
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Britteney shares how moving to a city where she knew no one became the catalyst for building Her Move, a digital community for mompreneurs and ambitious women, and how she ended up consulting for one of downtown’s buzziest spots, The Moniker. We also get into the difference between customer service and true hospitality, what it takes to build social capital in St. Louis, and why moms deserve more than a “thank you” text.
You’ll hear:
- How a stay at home season pushed her to reinvent herself
- The story behind Her Move and creating community for mompreneurs
- What she’s learned helping build The Moniker into a downtown staple
- The real difference between customer service and hospitality
- How to show up for the moms in your life in small but powerful ways
- Why collaboration and “bringing something to the table” matters in STL
Whether you are a mom, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to find your lane in St. Louis, Britteney’s story is a reminder that you can start over, build something new, and still honor your values and your family.
🔗 Connect with Britteney:
http://britteneythecoach.com/
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a city of neighborhoods, and for Maryann Vitale Alles, home is where everything starts.
In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Maryann, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties, to talk about growing up on The Hill, building a 500 agent company, and why values and culture matter just as much as sales volume.
From first time buyers and luxury homes to tornado recovery and hyper local neighborhood expertise, Maryann shares how her team helps families make one of the biggest decisions of their lives and why St. Louis is still one of the most affordable and underrated markets in the country.
We talk about:
- Growing up on The Hill and what home means to Maryann
- How she went from agent to CEO and co-founding Select Properties
- Building teams, mentoring agents, and creating micro leaders
- Why affordability, schools, and walkable neighborhoods set STL apart
- How agents support neighborhoods like Benton Park, Cottleville, Edwardsville, Kirkwood, Webster, and more
- Practical advice for first time homebuyers in today’s market
- The new Neighborhood Series partnership with STL Bucket List
If you love St. Louis, are thinking about buying or selling, or just want to understand our market a little better, this conversation will give you a new appreciation for the place we call home.
🌐 Learn More: bhhsselectstl.com
Support the show
🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔
🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS
🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com
🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
Saving lives with one small case.
This week on The STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell sits down with Dani Wilder and Matt Bitner-Glindzicz, the founders of nCase Technologies — a St. Louis startup on a mission to make carrying naloxone (Narcan) as simple as carrying your keys.
What began as a tragic loss in college led to an idea that could change public health nationwide. Their patented naloxone keychain case is waterproof, discreet, temperature-resistant, and designed to increase the likelihood that people carry lifesaving medication with them.
In this episode, we cover:
- The opioid epidemic in America — and why young adults are the most impacted
- How a medical student and an engineer teamed up to rethink harm reduction
- The design process behind the nCase keychain and their early product testing
- Winning Arch Grants and scaling a mission-first startup
- The realities of building a company as partners (and fiancés)
- Why education, stigma reduction, and accessibility matter more than ever
- How St. Louis can support harm-reduction work right now
🔗 Learn more: ncasetechnologies.com
🔗 Order a case: ncasetechnologies.com/shop
Support the show
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
🚘 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
Belonging, big stages, and brave voices with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs
This week on The STL Bucket List Show, Luke sits down with Ben Nordstrom (Executive Director) and Dr. Alyson Moore (Artistic Director) of the St. Louis Children’s Choirs, an iconic program that has been shaping young singers and leaders for 48 seasons.
They talk about how SLCC blends musical excellence with character growth, why belonging is at the heart of every rehearsal, and what happens when 400 kids from across the region step on stage at places like Powell Hall and Carnegie Hall.
We cover:
🎵 How singing in a choir builds confidence, discipline, and communit
🧠 Why music education boosts language, curiosity, and overall learning
🎤 The audition process, tuition assistance, and making sure cost is never a barrier
🎄 A look inside Illuminate, their December 7 holiday concert at Powell Hall
🏙️ Why children’s voices are one of the brightest stories in St. Louis
Learn more, donate, or grab concert tickets at slccsing.org.
Support the show
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
🚘 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, joins The STL Bucket List Show to talk leadership, community impact, and how collective giving and volunteer power support more than a million neighbors each year.
We cover:
- Her path from corporate leadership to the nonprofit sector, and what carries over
- How the region’s community campaign works, and why it matters
- 211, what to call it for, and connecting to 28,000+ resources
- United for Families, a two-generation approach that lifts entire households
- Volunteer power and how to plug in at stlvolunteer.org
- Leadership lessons, mentors, and choosing harmony over balance
- STL favorites, from Forest Park lunches and Balloon Glow to Leono and Turn
🖥️ Learn more or support: helpingpeople.org • stlvolunteer.org
Support the show
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
🚘 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
St. Louis comedian Greg Warren joins host Luke Farrell ahead of a huge month — performing seven hometown shows at the St. Louis Funny Bone (Nov. 6–9, including a Sunday family matinee) and appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Dec. 15.
Greg shares stories from his early days at Mizzou and The Funny Bone, his decade-long career at Procter & Gamble before taking the leap into comedy full-time, and what it takes to stay sharp in an ever-changing industry.
We cover:
- Getting the call to perform on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
- Transitioning from corporate life to stand-up
- How consistency, writing, and “morning pages” shape great comedy
- Social media’s role in modern success — from Facebook Reels to YouTube specials
- Growing up in Kirkwood and representing STL on the national stage
- Barbecue favorites, Mizzou wrestling memories, and life on the road
🎟️ Tickets: stlouisfunnybone.com
📲 Follow Greg: @grockwarren | gregwarrencomedy.com
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
—
The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
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🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO
🚘 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
Roughly 79 million people worldwide stutter. In St. Louis, the National Stuttering Association (NSA) is building connection, confidence, and community — so no one has to navigate it alone.
On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Chad Mannisi (Chair of the NSA Board of Directors) and Christine Rose (Regional Chapter Coordinator & speech-language pathologist at SLU) to talk about creating safe spaces, advocacy, and resources for people who stutter and their families.
We cover:
- Why “you are not alone” matters: chapters, conferences, and everyday community
- The shift from “fixing” stuttering to acceptance + effective communication
- Self-advocacy for kids/teens (and how parents & teachers can help)
- Local resources: monthly STL chapters, rotating family/teens meetups, and SLU’s free speech clinic
- Practical tools: back-to-school guides, mock interviews, employer resources
- A new Missouri driver’s license note (“Speech Impair”) to help in first-responder interactions (rolling out)
🖥️ Get connected & resources: westutter.org
SLU clinic info: Search “SLU Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic”
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
🚗 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group
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The Old Orchard Fall Festival is back—and bigger.
This week on The STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell sits down with Madeleine Wiering, of Papillon Press, and Lexie Toomey, of First House, to share how Webster Groves’ Old Orchard District is turning Big Bend into a two-day neighborhood celebration.
Festival at a glance:
- 🗓️ Oct 25–26 • 10 AM–6 PM both days
- 📍 Old Orchard, Webster Groves (Big Bend Blvd between East Dale & Summit)
- 🎟️ Free to attend — RSVP encouraged
What to expect:
- Live music all day both days
- 30+ local makers and vendors
- Food trucks + neighborhood restaurants
- Kids’ make-and-take pumpkin crafts
- Petting zoo (12–3 PM behind Civil Alchemy)
- Saturday Night Market (4–9 PM) with drinks, a DJ, and late-night shopping
We cover:
- How a pre-pandemic neighborhood event is returning as a true community festival
- What families can expect (parking, layout, kids’ area, petting zoo times)
- The vendor experience (overnight tent security, easy load-in)
- How local sponsorships make it possible
🔗 More Details: Old Orchard Fall Festival
🖤 Presented by the Merchant & Business Association of Old Orchard with support from the City of Webster Groves.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
🚘 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
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From North City & North County to the NFL and back home to lead, Brandon Williams’ journey has always been about team—and today that team is the 6–18-year-olds served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.
On this week’s episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Brandon (Hazelwood East alum, Wisconsin Badger, former 49er/Ram/Steeler) to talk about why out-of-school time matters and how BGCSTL is helping kids feel safe, seen, and supported across the region.
We cover:
- Growing up in STL: Ascension → Hazelwood/Parkway (DSEG) → Normandy → Hazelwood East (Hall of Fame)
- Wisconsin football, the NFL, and lessons carried into leadership
- Early athlete-tech efforts (Venture Draft) and a pivot into business (wealth management, AB, MBA, Battlehawks)
- Why 3–7pm is critical—and how Clubs meet needs with Power Hour homework help, mentorship, sports, arts, and STEM/STEAM
- Entry points: summer camp, after-school, and teen leadership (Keystone) that keep kids engaged through graduation
- How local businesses and neighbors can plug in: partnerships, volunteering, and support
🌐 Learn more / support: bgcstl.org
The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
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This week we sat down with Amee Colvin from the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) and Steve Crider, owner of 2nd Shift Brewing, to talk about Brew in the Lou, one of St. Louis’ favorite fall festivals celebrating local beer, food, music, and community.
Brew in the Lou returns this weekend at Francis Park, featuring more than 40 local breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and food trucks. The event supports scholarships and educational programs for local Lutheran schools.
Amee shares the story behind the event and its impact, while Steve talks about 2nd Shift Brewing’s role and what makes St. Louis such a great beer city.
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Jarrett Young, Head of School at City Academy, joins The STL Bucket List Show to share how a small independent school in North St. Louis is transforming opportunities for kids and families through access, love, and education.
We cover:
- Jarrett’s journey: North STL → St. Louis Public Schools → MICDS (DSEG) → Bowdoin → Harvard → back home to lead City Academy
- Why 100% of students receive financial aid, with families paying ~$3,900 toward a $28,000 education
- The City Academy model: no buses, daily meals, extended day, and parents as true partners
- Alumni success stories: a WashU tenure-track professor, an NYU student in urban planning, and rising leaders at MICDS
- Growth plans: expanding early childhood while staying “small & special”
- The $2.8M+ raised annually to keep the doors open and accessible
🖥️ Learn more / support: cityacademystl.org
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🚗 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group
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At 16 years old, Joshua “Mr. Fresh” Danrich has taken a garage-born idea and turned it into a shelf-ready product now sold in 100+ Walmart stores across Missouri — plus Schnucks, Dierbergs, and Mobile On The Run.
On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell digs into Joshua’s journey from science-loving kid to CEO of Mr. Fresh, an air freshener & deodorizer brand made with 100% essential oils.
We cover:
- Pitching at Walmart Open Call (and landing the golden ticket)
- Formulating a product with a chemist + building in public
- Balancing school, sports, and a growing company
- Why his acronym F.R.E.S.H. = Faith to Rescue Every Soul from Hurt
- The mantra that fuels him: “I do it anyways”
🧴 Shop & learn more: befreshnow.com
📲 Follow: @mrfreshglobal
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🚘 The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group
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On this episode, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Latoya Thompson, the force behind Bougie Bites—the plant-based, fast-casual spot turning non-vegans into regulars with smashburgers, fries, and big hospitality.
Latoya opens up about the real journey: from personal styling and home-care entrepreneurship to a food truck, a ghost kitchen, and now a brick-and-mortar in Overland. We dig into radical transparency (yes, she posts payroll), why guest experience beats hype, and how to “stand on business” while building a brand with purpose.
We also talk:
- How she built Bougie Bites to win over non-vegans (and why that’s the point)
- Pivoting hours, staffing, and SOPs based on real-time feedback
- Pricing, margins, and the truth about running a restaurant in 2025
- Inspiration from Miami, plus content that actually starts conversations
- Why she’s not chasing location #2—and what she is dreaming up for the truck
- Advice for young women: have the receipts, then stand on it
If you’re into food, brand-building, or honest entrepreneurship, this one’s for you.
Learn more about Bougie Bites: 👉 bougiebitesstl.com
Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio in St. Louis, MO.
The STL Bucket List Show is driven by Bommarito Automotive Group.
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Frizz Fest is back! On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Tee Parks—festival MC, media host, and arts educator—along with Kendra & Steven Hunt of With Love Skincare, a Blooming Business that started as a DIY solution for their son’s eczema.
We dive into:
- What “safe, seen, and celebrated” looks like at Frizz Fest
- How the festival uplifts 80+ Blooming Businesses year-round
- This year’s highlights: hair show competition, youth zone, Black-owned farmers market, food + drinks, and headliner Melanie Fiona
- With Love Skincare’s journey from kitchen creations to community favorite
📅 Frizz Fest: Sat, Sept. 20 • 12–7pm • Tower Grove Park
🎟️ Free to attend — RSVP on Eventbrite
🛍️ With Love Skincare: withlovebody.com
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🚘 Driven by Bommarito Automotive Group
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Elliott Brown and Brandon Panosh, the duo behind The Biscuit Joint in Midtown, to talk about their next chapter — Scouts, a fine dining concept rooted in community, hospitality, and the spirit of their early pop-ups.
What began as intimate Dinner at the Loft evenings has grown into a neighborhood-driven food group, blending creativity, culture, and a love for St. Louis.
We dive into:
- How a loft supper club during the pandemic evolved into The Biscuit Joint
- The vision for Scouts — living room to dining room to kitchen — and why it should feel like home
- Building teams, culture, and consistency across concepts
- Balancing family, business, and legacy as entrepreneurs in STL
- Pre-theatre plans for The Fox and creating a true neighborhood spot
- Their STL Bucket List picks and who inspires them locally
This episode is a look at craft, community, and the courage to level up right here in St. Louis.
🎙️ @thebiscuitjointstl @_icook_ @urbaneyes_bp @dinnerattheloft @bucketlistpodcasts
🔗 thebiscuitjoint.toast.site
Driven by Bommarito Automotive Group 🚗💨
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In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas welcomes Discover Downstate Illinois and LongStory Coffee for a conversation all about the heart of Southern Illinois and the growing coffee culture that is connecting communities across the region.
We explore the Discover Downstate Illinois Coffee Trail, a curated path that takes you through locally owned coffee shops and roasters who are passionate about their craft. LongStory Coffee shares how they started, the values that guide their business, and what it means to be part of a movement that is helping people experience small towns in a new way.
Listeners will hear stories about the people behind the beans, the unique flavors you can expect to find along the trail, and how coffee has become a bridge for community, connection, and local pride. This episode is an invitation to slow down, try something new, and explore the charm of Downstate Illinois one cup at a time.
Plan your own trip and see the full Coffee Trail at downstateil.org.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Tasha Mueller, founder of R&R Farms 1904 in Wentzville, MO.
Tasha shares her powerful journey from battling unexplained seizures as a young adult to finding healing through intentional living—and how that personal experience eventually inspired her to start growing hemp and creating CBD products right on her family’s century-old farm.
What started with 11,000 hemp seeds and zero farming experience has since become a mission-driven business rooted in sustainability, wellness, and preserving farmland for future generations.
We dive into:
- How Tasha transitioned from the corporate event world to full-time farmer and entrepreneur
- Why sleep became the heart of R&R Farms and how her products are formulated without melatonin
- The challenges (and rewards) of farming in Wentzville while raising two kids
- How yoga in the hemp fields, community education, and clean ingredients set her apart from white-labeled CBD brands
- Her favorite STL Bucket List picks, from Tuesday night Tower Grove markets to STL City SC matches
This episode is a reminder that sometimes your passion and purpose can be found right in your own backyard.
📍 Learn more at rrfarms1904.com and follow along on Instagram @randrfarms1904
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On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we’re joined by Riya Kurian, the founder of Next Horizon —a boutique travel planning company that curates personalized, meaningful trips across Europe and beyond.
Riya shares how a spontaneous year teaching in France ignited her passion for cultural connection and solo travel, eventually leading her to leave the corporate world and launch her own business. From planning once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons to advising on credit card points, Riya walks us through her unique process, her niche as a travel advisor who only books places she’s personally experienced, and what it means to travel intentionally, not just widely.
We also talk:
- How to avoid travel burnout and plan the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity
- Why Santorini might not be your favorite Greek island (and where to go instead)
- Underrated European destinations that deserve your bucket list
- How Riya is rediscovering STL one coffee shop at a time
Whether you’re planning your dream honeymoon, thinking about solo travel, or just looking to make your next trip smoother, Riya’s story and insights are packed with helpful tips, laughs, and inspiration.
📍 Learn more or book a consultation at: nexthorizontravel.com
Recorded at the Bucket List Podcast Studio in St. Louis.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Dr. Alex Garza, Chief Community Health Officer at SSM Health, to talk about the intersection of healthcare, community impact, and leadership in St. Louis.
Dr. Garza shares powerful insights from his career as an emergency physician, former head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, and Army veteran. We dive into his mission at SSM Health to create healthier communities through innovation, compassion, and access to care, especially for underserved populations.
From the importance of mental health to lessons learned from leading through COVID-19, this conversation highlights how local healthcare leaders are shaping a better future for all St. Louisans.
Topics covered include• Dr. Garza’s path from emergency rooms to public health leadership
• How SSM Health is addressing health equity across the region
• Reflections on leading during the COVID-19 pandemic
• What makes St. Louis special and how we can all help enhance community health
Whether you're in healthcare or simply passionate about the wellbeing of your neighbors, this episode will leave you inspired.
Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio in St. Louis MO
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This week, Lucas sits down with Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge and host of one of the top fatherhood podcasts in the world. Larry is a St. Louis native, a father of four boys, and a guy who’s made it his mission to help men become better husbands, stronger fathers, and more grounded leaders.
Lucas, a dad of two under two, gets real with Larry about the ups and downs of parenting, the pressure men feel to have it all together, and why creating community around fatherhood matters more than ever.
Larry shares the story of how The Dad Edge started from a place of personal struggle and turned into a global movement with millions of listeners. They talk about everything from being present with your kids to keeping your marriage strong through the chaos of raising a young family.
This episode is honest, motivating, and full of moments that any parent will relate to. Whether you’re a new dad, a seasoned parent, or someone just trying to grow, this one will hit home.
Recorded at the Bucket List Podcast Studio in St. Louis.
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This week on The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with two of St. Louis’s most influential tastemakers: Gerard Craft, James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of Niche Food Group, and David Wolfe, co-founder of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company.
Recorded at STL Bucket List Studios, this episode dives into their exciting new partnership: a permanent Fordo's Killer Pizza location inside the Urban Chestnut taproom in The Grove.
From the art of wood-fired pies to the evolution of Urban Chestnut as a community hub, Gerard and David share their vision for creating authentic, elevated, and accessible food and drink experiences in the heart of St. Louis. They also dive into their shared values, the power of local collaboration, and what’s next for this powerful STL duo.
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On this week’s episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Chris Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffman Brothers, one of St. Louis’ most respected family-owned companies. Chris shares his personal journey from Kirkwood kid to Marine Corps officer to business leader, opening up about lessons from the military, leadership growth, and what it means to scale a business while staying rooted in values.
We dive into:
- Hoffman Brothers’ rapid growth from 45 to 650+ employees
- The launch of Hoffmann Brothers University, a tuition-free trades training program
- Their $100K tornado relief donation and ongoing community partnerships
- What it’s like building a legacy business with family
- Chris’s favorite STL spots for family fun, date nights, and getting outdoors
Plus, we officially announce our new show This Week in St. Louis, powered by Hoffmann Brothers, dropping every Thursday to spotlight local events, concerts, openings, and hidden gems.
This is a feel-good, purpose-driven conversation that celebrates what makes STL so special.
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This week on The STL Bucket List Show, we're joined by award-winning journalist and local storyteller Alexis Zotos to talk about her brand new podcast, What’s New in the Lou — recorded right here at Bucket List Podcast Studio.
After years on your TV screens reporting the biggest stories in St. Louis, Alexis is taking her deep community knowledge and unmatched storytelling skills to the mic. We dive into what inspired her to launch this new project, the future of local media, and how she’s continuing to spotlight the people, places, and stories that make St. Louis so special.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The vision behind What’s New in the Lou
- The transition from TV anchor to podcast host
- Favorite hidden gems and STL go-to spots
- Why local storytelling still matters
- What’s next for Alexis and how she’s evolving her brand
Follow @alexiszotos on Instagram and tune in to What’s New in the Lou wherever you get your podcasts.
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This week on The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Andrew Haines, the Chief Operating Officer of St. Louis Shock Pickleball, the city’s brand-new professional pickleball team making waves both locally and nationally.
In this episode, Andrew shares how pickleball has exploded across St. Louis, what it takes to launch a pro sports team in this fast-growing space, and what fans can expect from their first major event happening July 17–20 at Chaifetz Arena. Whether you're a longtime player or just hearing about pickleball for the first time, this conversation dives into the excitement, community, and strategy behind building something big in STL.
🎾 Get tickets and info: stlshock.com
📍 Event Dates: July 17–20, 2025
📍 Location: Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, MO
Tap in to hear how the St. Louis Shock is putting our city on the national pickleball map.
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In this special episode, host Lucas Farrell welcomes two of the minds behind one of St. Louis’ most celebrated coffee brands—Eric Peters and Conor VanBuskirk, the crew behind Upshot Coffee and the Official Coffee Partner of STL Bucket List.
This conversation is personal. Upshot isn’t just another local business to Lucas, it’s part of his weekly routine. From brewing his daily espresso to bringing his family into the shops on the weekends, Upshot has been a staple in his life for years. Their commitment to intentional coffee, warm hospitality, and community-first culture is exactly what STL Bucket List was built to celebrate.
Eric and Conor share their journey from launching a tiny shop in Cottleville to becoming a defining name in St. Louis coffee culture. They talk about how their friendship shaped the brand, how they balance creativity and growth, and what it means to serve something more meaningful than just coffee. This one is full of heart, hustle, and love for all things St. Louis.
In This Episode, We Cover
What makes Upshot different in a city full of great coffee
Lucas’ personal love for the brand and his weekly visits
How Upshot became the Official Coffee Sponsor of STL Bucket List
The power of community and creating experiences beyond the cup
What’s next for the Upshot team in 2025 and beyond
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Laurie and Dodie - two friends who didn’t see menopause coming and definitely didn’t expect it to feel this overwhelming. When the symptoms showed up (and no one had warned us), we went looking for answers and came up short on anything that felt truly supportive.
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This week on The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Brent Labovitz, a dedicated personal injury attorney and lifelong St. Louisan who’s made it his mission to fight for justice on behalf of everyday people. From his early days in law school to becoming a trusted name in injury law, Brent shares what drives his passion, how he connects with clients, and why giving back to the local community matters just as much as winning in the courtroom.
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In this episode, we sit down with Rick Leach, a 44-year aviation veteran whose career helped shape the regional airline industry—and much of it was built right here in St. Louis. From early roles at Air Illinois and Jet America to leading Trans States Airlines from its St. Louis base, Rick’s leadership fueled decades of growth and innovation in the skies.
He later founded GoJet Airlines in St. Louis and developed the game-changing CRJ-550, the world’s first 50-seat jet with true first-class seating. Tune in for a conversation about vision, legacy, and how one St. Louis leader changed regional aviation forever.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Jack Marsh, Executive and Artistic Director of Circus Flora—a beloved St. Louis tradition that blends world-class circus performance with rich storytelling. Jack shares his incredible journey from performing in the ring as a toddler to studying law at Harvard and eventually returning to the circus world full-time. Recorded under the big top, this episode dives into the evolution of Circus Flora, the importance of community engagement, and how Jack continues to honor the circus’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of modern performance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the magic, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain of one of St. Louis’ most unique cultural institutions.
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In this empowering episode, Lucas Farrell sits down with St. Louis SLAM head coach Quincy Davis and star player Kerri McMahan to talk all things women’s football—and the dynasty being built right here in St. Louis.
Fresh off their 5th national championship win, the SLAM is proving that professional women’s tackle football deserves the spotlight. Coach Davis dives into the evolution of the team since 2003, the grind behind game day, and the mission to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Kerri shares what it means to be a leader on and off the field, how she balances life and football, and her favorite moments wearing the SLAM jersey.
Whether you're a sports fan or a local St. Louis supporter, this conversation is packed with passion, purpose, and the kind of community pride that defines our city.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Marlin Bonds—Founder & CEO of Hypno Loops, and a name you might recognize from the music world. Marlin is a 7x platinum, 2x Grammy-nominated, BMI award-winning producer and songwriter from St. Louis whose work has been featured everywhere—from Grey’s Anatomy and ESPN to K-pop chart-toppers and Netflix’s Love Is Blind.
But Marlin’s latest chapter is something completely different—and deeply personal. After the loss of both his father and newborn son, he began using affirmations and meditation to heal. When the tools available didn’t quite connect, he took his experience in the studio and created something new: a sound-based wellness tool designed to rewire your mindset through rhythm and repetition. That idea became Hypno Loops, a mindful tech platform that’s helping people break negative thought cycles and tap into self-growth through personalized audio experiences.
We dive into his journey from the music industry to mental health innovation, the science behind rhythmic looping, and how St. Louis continues to shape his story.
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In this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, Luke welcomes Jen Garnica, Chief Nursing Officer at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital. A St. Louis native and proud leader in local healthcare, Jen shares her story — from growing up in the city to leading one of its most advanced and mission-driven hospitals.
Located in the heart of downtown, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a teaching hospital affiliated with Saint Louis University. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art facilities and plays a pivotal role in delivering life-saving care to the most critically ill patients in the region.
Jen talks about the unique culture of the hospital, where learning and growth happen every day alongside residents, and why people love to work there — it’s the best of the best.
Interested in learning more or joining the team? Follow @SSMHealthJobs on social media, slide into their DMs on any platform, or visitjobs.ssmhealth.com to explore career opportunities.
Tune in to hear how Jen’s deep St. Louis roots continue to inspire care, leadership, and community impact.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Javia Gilliam-Sanford and Kaje Sanford, the husband-and-wife team behind Pour Decisions, one of the most creative mobile bars in St. Louis.
Their story started back in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, when Javia—an experienced sommelier—lost her job. Instead of backing down, they found a new path forward. They noticed how people’s relationships with alcohol were changing and decided to create a space where education, quality, and good vibes came first. From curated tastings and crafted cocktails to sharing the history and culture behind the drinks they love, Pour Decisions quickly became a community favorite.
Fast forward to today: not only do they run a thriving mobile bar business, but they’ve also opened The Passport Cocktail Bar, a spot that brings the flavors of the world to St. Louis, and they’re launching their first big event—The Art of Alcohol—happening June 14–15.
We get into all of it—the risks, the wins, the lessons, and what it really means to build something special for your city. Check out more about their upcoming event at theartofalcohol.com.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Reggie Son—formerly known as Shorty Da Prince. A lifelong entertainer and proud St. Louis native, Reggie got his start on the radio at just 12 years old and went on to host national platforms like BET’s 106 & Park and The Radio One Network. Now back in his hometown, Reggie reflects on his journey through music, television, and personal growth. From industry highs to real-life lessons, this conversation is a deep dive into resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your roots.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Michael Woods—a St. Louis native, certified personal trainer, published author, entrepreneur, mentor, and co-founder of Dream Builders 4 Equity. Michael shares his inspiring journey growing up in North City, the driving force behind his passion for unifying communities, and the powerful work he's doing to create opportunities for youth and underserved neighborhoods. From personal development to community transformation, this conversation dives deep into purpose, equity, and building a brighter future for St. Louis.
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In this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell sits down with the incredible Nico Marie, a talented DJ, yogi, and content creator. Nico shares her unique journey from childhood dreams of becoming a professional dancer to evolving into a well-respected DJ and yogi with over 190,000 followers on YouTube.
Throughout the conversation, Nico opens up about the powerful connection between music, movement, and mindfulness, and how she's managed to merge her passions into a successful career. She talks about the importance of self-expression through music, the joy of teaching yoga, and her mission to inspire others to live their best, most balanced lives.
Plus, Nico just released an album. Listen to the episode for the full interview.
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In this episode, we’re joined by Brett Apted, a real estate entrepreneur and the founder of Western Provisions Company, a tallow-based skincare brand based in Defiance, MO. What began as a personal solution for Brett and his brothers’ children has since evolved into a popular wellness trend, making Tallow Balm one of the most sought-after skincare solutions of 2025. Known for its honest, trustworthy approach to skincare, Western Provisions is reshaping the industry.
We dive into Brett’s journey through real estate, the rise of the health and wellness industry, and much more in this engaging conversation. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration!
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In this episode, host Lucas Farrell chats with Sherelle Speed, also known as The Art Doll, a St. Louis-based surrealist painter. Sherelle's artistic journey began in 2015 following a traumatic experience that led her to create an alternative reality through her art. A self-taught artist, she draws inspiration from renowned painters like Basquiat and Picasso, incorporating their bold strokes and vibrant color palettes into her own unique style.
Known for her signature faceless portraits set against skeleton flower backgrounds, The Art Doll’s work invites viewers to see themselves in the art, while leaving space for the painting's personality to shine through. Sherelle has been featured in over 100 showcases, festivals, and galleries, and dreams of seeing her artwork in stores and movies. Join us as we explore her creative process and vision for the future.
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In today’s episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell is joined by Myrina "Renaissance" Otey-Myton, the creative force behind the Her Eminent Reign Series. Myrina is a talented fashion, portrait, and event photographer from St. Louis, MO, and since 2018, she has been curating powerful Women’s History Month events that celebrate BIPOC women. Starting at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Myrina’s vision has grown into an incredible platform, showcasing inspiring women like Vice President Kamala Harris.
Myrina's portfolio is as impressive as it is diverse, including collaborations with icons like Janelle Monáe during the Age of Pleasure Tour in both the U.S. and Italy in 2023 and 2024. As a mother of six and a passionate advocate for women in the arts, Myrina continues to create stunning visual stories that speak to the power, beauty, and resilience of women everywhere.
In 2024, Her Eminent Reign received a special proclamation from the City of St. Louis, designating the week of March 25th-31st as Her Eminent Reign Week. To celebrate the inaugural year of this official recognition, Myrina and her team will premiere the project’s first film, She Believed, from March 28-30, 2025, along with a series of exciting events!
Tune in to hear Myrina’s inspiring journey and how she's using her art to honor and uplift women in our community.
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On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell goes through his top 25 things to add to your Spring Bucket List. With great weather on the horizon, this is the perfect short listen to get fun ideas on what to do in St. Louis this Spring.
1. See the Cherry Blossoms at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Spring transforms the Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden into a stunning display of cherry blossoms. Wander through peaceful walkways, enjoy the serene koi ponds, and take in the breathtaking colors. Learn more.
2. Visit the St. Louis Zoo and See the Spring Baby Animals
Spring is baby season at the St. Louis Zoo! Spot adorable newborns like lion cubs, penguin chicks, and giraffe calves while enjoying the mild weather. Plus, admission is free! Plan your visit.
3. Ride the St. Louis Wheel at Union Station
Get a bird’s-eye view of downtown St. Louis from this 200-foot-high Ferris wheel. Go at sunset for an unforgettable skyline experience. Book tickets.
4. Enjoy Patio Season at 4 Hands Brewing Company
Soak up the sun with a cold City Wide or seasonal brew at 4 Hands Brewing Company's patio. A perfect spot for happy hour or a weekend hangout. Check out their beer list.
5. Hike at Castlewood State Park
Take in stunning river views and lush greenery while hiking the scenic trails at Castlewood. It’s a local favorite for both hikers and mountain bikers. Explore more.
Listen to the episode to hear the full list or visit our website!
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On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell chats with Russ Clark, the founder of St. Louis Kolache and American Kolache. Russ shares how he turned a passion for the traditional Czech pastry into a thriving business, starting in St. Louis and now expanding to multiple franchise locations across the country.
From classic flavors to creative new takes, kolaches have become a go-to favorite for breakfast and beyond. Russ talks about the journey of growing the brand, the challenges of the food industry, and what’s next for American Kolache as it spreads nationwide. Tune in to hear how a simple pastry is making a big impact!
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On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell sits down with Jody Sowell, President and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, to discuss the organization’s ambitious campaign to preserve and share St. Louis history. With a goal of raising $36 million, this initiative is already funding groundbreaking projects, including the 1904 World’s Fair exhibit, the upcoming Collected exhibit in 2025, and the citywide St. Louis Birthday Bash in 2026. The campaign will culminate in 2027 with Gallery STL, a transformative 12,000-square-foot exhibit that will immerse visitors in St. Louis’ history like never before.
Jody shares his passion for storytelling and his vision for how history can strengthen the community. From Thursday Nights at the Museum to the innovative New to St. Louis program, MHS is making history accessible and engaging for all. Tune in as we explore the past, present, and future of this incredible city and how these projects are shaping its next chapter.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, host Lucas Farrell sits down with Gabe Angieri, the Executive Director of Arch Grants, to talk about the game-changing work they’re doing for St. Louis entrepreneurs. Arch Grants isn’t just cutting checks—they’re building a community of bold thinkers and doers who are shaping the future of our city.
Gabe shares stories about the incredible founders they’ve supported, why St. Louis is the perfect place to grow a business, and what makes this city so special. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a supporter of local businesses, or just love hearing about the people making a difference, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.
Hit play and find out how Arch Grants is making St. Louis a startup powerhouse—one big idea at a time.
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In this episode we look back at our very first podcast, Brock Seals touched on his upbringing in St. Louis, style of art and who truly inspires him. Brock’s work has been seen all over St. Louis and
even by Nipsey Hussle, Dapper Dan, Harrison Bader & Erykah Badu. Brock wants to change the narrative around St. Louis and he believes through Art, Music & Culture he can achieve just that.
BROCKSEALS.COM
@SEALSBROCK – INSTA
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We’re joined by a legend in the St. Louis hospitality scene, many of you may know Adam from the face behind the local favorite Mission Taco Joint. In 2024, Mission was hit with a lawsuit and had to go through a new rebrand to Session Taco in 2025. With 7 locations, the group is still bringing that same west coast vibe with some fun new additions to menu.
We talked with Adam about his childhood, entrepreneurship, future of Session Taco, and more.
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Fresh off the Golden Globes, Nikki Glaser has been on a remarkable run in comedy over the past 12 months. We wanted to highlight Nikki and re-run one of our all-time favorite episodes.
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Katie Lee, of Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria has quite the story to tell. A STL native, pillar, friend to many, mother, restaurateur, creative, and now writer, Katie’s story is being written each day. During her youthful years she struggled with addiction until a moment of clarity came to her to embark on a path of success and purpose. Now, a successful business owner of three locations, a new one on the way, and a series release of her new book and life story, Katie Lee embodies the true meaning of the comeback story.
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**It’s officially wedding planning season. If you just got engaged over the holidays, you need to give this episode with Carol from Bride St. Louis a listen.
Bride St. Louis is the premier wedding event company in the region, trusted by over 12,000 brides. As the leading force in St. Louis and beyond, they host 7 spectacular wedding shows each year across St. Louis, Columbia, Missouri, and Southern Illinois, connecting brides and grooms-to-be with the best vendors and inspiration to make their dream day a reality.**
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SSM Health nursing leaders Amy Wilson, Chief Nurse Executive, and Seth Lovell, System Vice President of Nursing Transformation and Innovation, sit down with STL Bucket List in an exciting new podcast episode! We dive deep into the current state of nursing and explore transformation for the future through innovative technology and strategies being implemented at SSM Health. Listen and learn more about how SSM Health is meeting nurses where they are and inspiring the next generation to thrive in a fulfilling healthcare career.
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Happy holidays from our bucket list family to yours. We are so grateful for the listens that tune in each week to hear from our special guests, experiences, and insight into all things St. Louis. This episode is a special winter ABC bucket list of things to do during this holiday season. As the year comes to a close, it’s so important to slow down and make time to spend with family and friends. St. Louis is offering so many opportunities to get together, enjoy the spirit of the city, plan a date night, gather with friends or colleagues, or have a family night out and about. This list was curated with some of our favorite things that are happening in the city during the month of December. With so many events and pop ups happening, it’s nearly impossible to plan out a list. We hope you enjoy and can check some of these items off your winter ABC list.
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We’re joined by Kirven, the multi-talented Artistic Director behind Saint Louis Dance Theatre, formerly Big Muddy Dance Company. began his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy in 1999 and as a member of Boston Youth Moves under the artistic direction of Jeannette Neil and Jim Viera. He began his professional career as a member of Ailey II from 2002–2004 and performed at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival as a member of Battleworks Dance Company in 2003. In June 2004, Mr. Douthit-Boyd joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing both nationally and internationally for 11 years. During his tenure with the company, he performed leading roles in works choreographed by Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Ron K. Brown, Geoffrey Holder, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Camille A. Brown, Ulysses Dove, Christopher Wheeldon, Hofesh Shecter, Twyla Tharp, Wayne McGregor and Ohad Naharin. He joined COCA-Center of Creative Arts in 2015 as Co-Artistic Director of Dance with his husband Antonio Douthit-Boyd. In 2016, Mr. Douthit-Boyd joined Ron K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company as a guest artist.
Saint Louis Dance Theatre, formerly The Big Muddy Dance Company, is a dynamic arts organization dedicated to providing world-class contemporary dance performances and exhilarating theatre experiences in our great city. Their 24-25 (RE)Imagine Season is sure to astound, with an exceptional repertoire created by celebrated artists from around the globe, and intentional efforts to pull audiences closer to our movement. Every moment behind the curtain is sure to captivate, every step is sure to inspire, and they will take every bow in celebration of the manifestation of their dreams. Come lose yourselves in this art!
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We’re joined by the legendary lawyer crew behind one of St. Louis’ most beloved law firm, Brown & Crouppen. Terry, Andy, and Ed host a podcast of their own so it was cool to host them to learn about their story and the impact they have on our city. It’s a lot of fun to get to see what goes into being a lawyer and we of course went on a few other tangents throughout the episode.
Brown & Crouppen is a experienced, top-rated law firm in the Midwest. Since 1979, our personal injury attorneys in St. Louis and Kansas City have helped our clients recover over $1 Billion in compensation.
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We’re joined by Mario Iaccarino, the double Michelin-starred owner behind Casa Don Alfonso at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis and Don Alfonso 1890 Hotel and Restaurant in Sant’ Agata, Italy. Mario is a true hospitality ‘hero’ who brought the charm of Italy to Clayton with the same quality ingredients, recipes, and traditions. Casa Don Alfonso opened in 2021 where his vision is found in every aspect from the food, atmosphere, and service. The menu honors the culinary heritage of the Campania region with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the produce harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm.
In this episode we talk with Mario about his families history, growing up around the hospitality business, what St. Louis means to him as a second home and so much more. We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and hope you do as well!
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We’re joined by the teams at the Gateway Arch and Gateway Arch at the Riverboats to discuss end of year plans and looking forward to 2025. One of the best parts of our city is the Gateway Arch, this man made monument is special to everyone who calls this city home.
Pam, the Program Manager, Museum Services and Interpretation at the Gateway Arch National Park talks through 2025 plans and updates on the Old Courthouse, programming at the Arch and more.
In this two-part episode, we’re also joined by Amber, the Director at the Riverboats. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch is one of our favorite bucket list items. We chat with Amber on future plans and holiday experiences you can enjoy with the whole family.
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We’re joined by Randy Girsch, Vice President, Community Development & Event Management: Executive Director of Blues for Kids Foundation. Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, has a mission to positively impact programs and services that improve health and wellness of youth in the St. Louis area.
Thanks to the commitment of Blues players, alumni, volunteers and fans, Blues for Kids has contributed more than $11 million to the St. Louis community.
Blues for Kids focuses on four areas of giving, which include cancer care and awareness, health and wellness, education and youth hockey development.
Through our partnership with First Community Credit Union, we talk with Randy about his background, growing up in South Florida and finding a home with the St. Louis Blues organization.
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We hosted our friends at Vetta Sports on the podcast. Vetta Sports was founded in 1988 with the mission of providing high-quality sports programs and facilities to the St. Louis community. Initially starting with indoor soccer, Vetta quickly expanded its offerings to include tennis, volleyball, fitness programs, and more, becoming a multi-sport hub for youth and adults. Over the years, Vetta has grown significantly and now operates multiple locations across the greater St. Louis area.
As of today, Vetta Sports has 11 locations, including:
- Concord x 2 (offering indoor soccer, tennis, and pickleball)
- St. Charles (indoor soccer for kids and adults + camps)
- Manchester (soccer, leagues, and fitness)
- Vetta 70 (soccer, inline hockey, multi-sport programs)
- Soccerdome (indoor soccer)
- Vetta Racquet Sports - West (tennis and pickleball)
- Vetta Sunset - (tennis and pickleball)
- Vetta Gametime - (pickleball, outdoor soccer and volleyball)
- Vetta Woodlands - (indoor soccer and outdoor soccer)
- Frontenac Racquet Club (tennis and pickleball on newly renovated courts)
These locations are dedicated to providing top-notch facilities and a wide range of leagues, classes, and recreational opportunities for all ages and skill levels, making Vetta Sports a staple in the region's sports community.
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Sara McCarty opens up about the inspiration behind the online resource, website, podcast, community, and magazine, Run Wild My Child. McCarty expresses the importance of getting families outside, and offers a resource of ideas and activities to engage in the outdoors. The community of writers highlights voices from all around the globe. Run Wild My Child’s mission is to emphasize the importance of outdoor play and to inspire, encourage, help, and support parents to prioritize time spent outside. Tune in to learn about the importance of engaging your family in nature.
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We’re joined by Craig Kaminer of Sophisticated Living Magazine. In this episode we discuss the upcoming SOPHI Awards, his career before the magazine, and more. A native of New York City, Craig has spent the last 35 years developing campaigns for some of the leading consumer/lifestyle brands in St. Louis -- and the world. It was cool to see what goes on behind the scenes to put out a print magazine in 2024, Sophisticated Living is the definition of luxury. Listen to the full episode and visit the link below to get tickets for the upcoming SOPHI Awards.
https://sl-stlouis.cpjam.com/Sophi-Awards-2024
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For the past 20 years, The Bailey family has been a staple for the St. Louis culinary scene. Dave and Kara Baileys' story began in the early 2000's as they met while Dave was serving tables at Sasha's on Demun. In 2004, they opened the doors to Baileys' Chocolate Bar which has became a classic St. Louis establishment over the next 20 years. It didn't stop with Chocolate Bar, they opened other concepts including Rooster, Baileys' Range, Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar, Small Batch, along with other concepts and wedding venues.
Dave & Kara have continued to add to their culinary legacy with the announcement of their third Rooster location opening in just a few weeks in Downtown Clayton. In this episode we talk about the journey, entrepreneurship, Baileys' Chocolate Bar 20 Year Anniversary, and so much more.
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Gerard Craft discusses his experience as a business owner and award-winning chef. He attributes his success to his hard-working and dedicated team, as well the ability to overcome the challenges over the last 20 years. Craft started out as a transplant to the St. Louis area and has since built a team of 400 employees with restaurants and businesses and more to come. He addresses his love for the St. Louis community and talks about the change of hospitality over the years and the beauty behind the supportive nature of the St. Louis community.
Craft has developed many concepts in the St. Louis restaurant industry and is inspired to keep pushing the envelope. He demonstrates humility, passion, and true craftsmanship in the kitchen.
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We're joined by Dustin & Whitney Cole, the married-duo behind Berrybox Superfood Bar at The City Foundry and Clayton. Dustin and Whitney's love story has always been surrounded by entrepreneurship. Before Berrybox, the couple owned a nail salon. During their time living in other states, they quickly fell in love with health and wellness and discovered smoothie bowls. They knew there was a market in STL for a healthy option so they jumped into this with no prior hospitality experience.
Berrybox has quickly gained success and popularity as their goal is to continue to open new locations while also creating a franchise model to help others launch into business. In this episode, we talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, working with your partner, and more.
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Evolution Festival is one of the largest music festivals in our region which originally launched in 2023. Joe and the team have a big vision for the event this year headlined by The Killers and Beck. Joe has been in the music industry his entire adult life, we chat with him on the ups and downs of live entertainment, what to expect at this years festival, and more.
Tickets are still available for Evolution Festival September 28-29
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We’re joined by Nicky Slices Pizza, a local pizza concept that has gained huge success slangin’ slices on IG. Nicky has had a passion for food that sprouted from his father, who used to own a slice shop in St. Louis when he was a child. With an emphasis on creative specials and high quality Detroit-style pies, Nicky Slices is a weekly staple for many St. Louis families.
Fresh off the news of his first concept opening soon on The Hill, Nicky plans to bring his unique specials to this historic neighborhood. In this episode we talk about his new restaurant, living in New York City, and more.
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The prolific chef behind Indo and Sado, Nick Bognar joins us on the show. James Beard Rising Star, Food & Wine Best New Chef, GQ’s Best New Restaurant are just a few of Nick’s career accomplishments. We chat with Bognar on his early career learning from some of the best chefs in the country to working alongside his family restaurant here in St. Louis. Nick just celebrated 5 years at Indo, opened Sado on The Hill last year and will be opening his Omakase concept ‘Pavilion’ in the Fall of 2024.
Nick is truly molding the next generation of culinary professionals here in St. Louis. In this episode you will learn more about what makes him special, the story behind his concepts, and more.
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UMSL Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center Executive Director Scott Morris has a background in mergers and acquisitions. He began his second career in higher education to help business owners learn strategy and business development, build strong networks, and gain access to resources for growth. UMSL EIC's work to boost the local economy starting with Founders is part of the University of Missouri-St. Louis' mission as an anchor institution.
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Josh Allen has been the founder and owner of Companion Baking since 1993. In a previous work environment he experienced the joy of baking bread with simple ingredients. Knowing that no loaf is perfect, Josh found a love in the craft, which he shares with his family, companions, and community.
Today’s episode highlights the upbringing and background of Josh Allen. What started out as a family business has since grown and become a home and staple to many families of St. Louis. With many changes throughout the years of business, Allen discusses the importance of doing the right thing, the right way. Companion bakery is a partner to many, located in the heart of Ladue, takes strides to combat product waste, and brings community together with not only bread and pastries, but also events to support meaningful causes. Tune in to hear about the stories and dedication that make Companion Bakery such a treat.
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Today’s episode is about all things frizzy and fabulous. Tune in to hear from creators of St. Louis’s major event, the voices behind the nonprofit, Frizz Fest, Leslie and Val Hughes.
With the 7th annual Frizz Fest in Tower Grove park quickly approaching September 21st, this episode unlocks the inspiring story behind Frizz Fest. The natural beauty festival encourages all walks of life to celebrate their confidence and promote self-love. The event specifically offers the space for members of the Black community to feel safe, seen, and celebrated while experiencing the opportunity to shop and support 70+ vendors, enjoy live music, and build connection within the St. Louis community. Listen to the episode to get hint about the day of joy, culture, and celebration, in one of Stl’s best park neighborhoods. The event is free and open to all ages and families.
You can support Frizz Fest by listening to the heart behind the program, donating on their website, or attending the event Sep 21st. By coming together in a space to appreciate black beauty and confidence, you are also nurturing the wellbeing of our St. Louis home.
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Introducing our newest podcast partners, we're beyond excited to work with Birch Tree Recovery. Wherever you are on your journey, Birch Tree Recovery can work alongside you to create a healthier life, establish self-connection, instill effective coping mechanisms, eliminate anxiety, depression and further the path of your individual success in recovery.
Today, we speak from Leslie on the work that Birch Tree does for the St. Louis community. In upcoming episodes, we will be introducing the 'Mental Health Minute' with each guest.
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Today we have special guests, Perri and Alyssa, co-founders of the company Brown Skin Bride. This episode embraces the not only the fun energy of Perri and Alyssa, but underscores their brilliance and sympathy. Brown Skin Bride is a company that gives women of color the opportunity to celebrate their momentous wedding occasions. Upon seeing a lack of representation of brown and black shades within party supplies for weddings and bachelorette celebrations, BSB was born. Working as a strong duo, this episode gives BSB owners the stage to shed light on their dedication, success story, and the intention behind curating a collection of bachelorette supplies and party favors that speak to the audience about under-served brides. In January 2024, the BSB girls have created something that has never been done in the wedding industry and they’re just getting started. Tune in to this very special episode to listen to the voices behind the excellent and inclusive company, Brown Skin Bride.
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Kennedy's love for wine blossomed in 7th grade French class, igniting a lifelong passion that led him to become a Certified Sommelier after college. His career flourished at Ritz-Carlton properties, culminating in the founding of Component Wine Company and Fraîche Wine Group. Recognized as a rising star in the industry, Kennedy splits his time between Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and St. Louis with his wife and three sons. Join us on The STL Bucket List Show as we uncover Kennedy's journey from a classroom fascination to a prominent figure in global wine culture.
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We’re joined by Anastasia AKA Stazi, a popular local DJ, community activator, and more. Anastasia grew up in St. Louis but spent her college years and early adulthood on the East coast and Chicago. A few years ago, Stazi moved back to St. Louis and fell in love with the city and the people in it, this is home to her.
As a DJ, Stazi plays stages all over the city including match day block parties at CITYPARK. Anastasia stays busy with her full-time job, music, and her new project ‘Run it Back.’ which is a community-focused adult track meet that is quickly gaining attention. In this episode we dive deep on Anastasia and her story.
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We’re back with a special episode this week, Luke & Marissa give you their ABC summer bucket list! Marissa curated a list of things to do this summer that we’re checking off our own family bucket list this summer!
A- arch, aquarium,
B-boathouse, butterfly house
C-cardinals game
D-drive in & Driving range forest park
E-elephant rocks hike
F-food truck Friday, farmers markets, feed the giraffes at the zoo
G-gelato do riso, grants farm
H-hot air balloon festival
I-first ice cream at Ted drewes
J-just keep swimming at the four seasons pool,
K-Katy trail biking — bike stop st Chas
L-laumer sculpture park
M-movie art hill, mysuem, music with Krista, magic house
N-night market
O-ffalon Fourth of July parade
P-picnic in park, pottery hollow
Q-quail ridge
R-Russell’s brunch and Rudy’s flower truck
S-soulard farmers market, Shakespeare in park
T-tower grove Tuesdays, transportation museum
U-Union station
V-grow a veggie garden
W-walk around St. Louis art museum, Whitaker music festival
X-cross over to Illinois for a day
Y-yoga at kiener plaza
Z-zoo
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We had the honor and privilege to host local legend and Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson. Dawn is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 100-meter hurdles. She was the gold medalist in the event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the silver medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2017 World Championships.
Originally from East St. Louis, Dawn continues to build a successful life as a mother, wife, speaker, and now NBC Olympic analyst. We’re beyond excited to watch Dawn during the Olympics in Paris. In this episode, Luke talks with Dawn about the life of an Olympic athlete, transition into motherhood, mindset, and more.
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Join us as we chat with St. Louis-based musician Steve Ewing, best known as the powerful voice behind The Urge. Formed in high school in the late 1980s, The Urge created a unique blend of reggae, hip hop, ska, and punk, shaking up the Midwest music scene. Their independent releases caught the attention of Immortal/Epic, leading to three albums and hits like "All Washed Up," "Brainless," "Jump Right In" featuring Nick Hexum of 311, and more. Beloved for their intense live shows, The Urge shared stages with Korn, Incubus, and 311.
Today, Steve Ewing remains active in music with The Urge, the Steve Ewing Band, and more. He also owns Steve's Hot Dogs, a celebrated St. Louis eatery featured on Food Network, Travel Channel, and Cooking Channel. Tune in to hear about Steve's musical journey and his iconic hot dog venture.
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We’re joined by sisters Angie Geis and Christine Newbold, the duo behind Noboleis Vineyards. In March of 2005, their parents Bob & Lou Ann purchased 84 acres in Augusta, MO which has transformed into the winery you see today. The business has grown as they’ve expanded the tasting room in Augusta, launched wholesale products, and continue to add to a line of 30+ Missouri-made wines.
In this episode we learn the story behind the winery, new and exciting plans, working with your family, and more.
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We’re joined by Jordan & Christine of Discover Downstate Illinois to discuss our new 2024 partnership. Discover Downstate Illinois covers more ground than any other Convention and Tourism Bureau in the state of Illinois. They represent 21 counties stretching the Mississippi River east of St. Louis to the Wabash River west of Vincennes, IN. They are both rural and urban, allowing guests to enjoy the big city life and simply country treasures all in one place.
In this episode, we talked about our upcoming content partnership, the unique bucket list finds in their bureau and everything that makes this region special. Our takeaway is, become a tourist in your own city!
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We’re joined by Sisi Surgant, the fearless leader behind Shop Siham. Sisi is a burn survivor, mentor, author, entrepreneur, mother, wife, and advocate. Raised in Germany to an immigrant parents of Moroccan and Tunisian descent, Sisi journey is filled with triumph and adversity. Sisi suffered a near traumatic burn accident as a toddler and faced many challenges growing up as an immigrant.
Sisi met the love of her life on a backpacking trip in Thailand and made the move to the United States in 2018. Starting a family and a fashion business in America has came with it’s own set of challenges. In this episode we learn more about Sisi’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, childhood, Shop Siham, and more.
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We’re joined by Tony Frisella Jr., a dynamic entrepreneur and integral part of a family business that has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis community for over 60 years. Join us as we delve into Tony's illustrious career, explore the legacy of the Frisella Nursery, and uncover invaluable entrepreneurial tips. Whether you're a budding business owner or simply curious about the secrets behind a successful family enterprise, this episode is sure to inspire and enlighten. Tune in now to gain insights from Tony Frisella Jr. and discover the keys to longevity and success in business.
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We’re joined by Danny Define, co-founder of Bye Blue Light, a local eyewear brand changing the way we experience blue light. Bye Blue Light is a major force in High School & Collegiate E-Sports with an emphasis on protecting your vision while enhancing a brighter future.
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We’re joined by Executive Director Meera Nagarajan and Digital Creative Director Michelle Volansky of Sauce Magazine. Sauce has told St. Louis food stories since 1999 and it was an honor to host 2 longtime team members of the beloved local publication. Sauce Magazine, now in its 24th year delivering the most relevant insights and stories on dining in STL. Meera and Michelle are also the co-hosts of ‘The Sauce’, a St. Louis restaurant podcast.
The two veterans in hospitality journalism share insights on what the job entails, favorite bites in the Lou, the reality of journalism in 2024, and more.
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In this episode, we sit down with Ham Hamrah, a successful entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. Ham shares his inspiring journey of taking a personal risk that paid off big. From moving to the US at a young age to navigating through the mortgage industry, Ham eventually found his niche in the cannabis industry in Missouri.
We discuss Ham's upbringing, his drive to succeed, and his strategy for being the first in the market with his business, Root 66. With 5 locations in the St. Louis area, Ham's business has flourished, and he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, the future of the cannabis industry, and more.
Join us as we dive into a conversation with Ham about his journey, his successes, and what the future holds for him and Root 66.
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Dr. Justin Firth joins us on the podcast today. Justin is one of the owners of Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics, a locally owned and operated Orthodontist in St. Louis. Bankhead & Firth has served St. Louis families for the past 50 years and now have 5 locations in the metro.
In this episode we talked about Justin’s upbringing, career, and what the future holds for Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics.
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Marcus is a legend in the fitness community here in St. Louis. In this episode, we talk with Marcus about his journey, upbringing, what it takes to compete, and more.
Marcus Seidel is a Contest Prep coach and Personal Trainer from St. Louis, Missouri. He has studied nutrition and training for nearly two decades and has always had a fascination with bodybuilding and fitness. In addition to his accolades as a coach, he’s an NPC national-level competitor and former collegiate basketball player himself. His first competition was a Heavyweight Class win at the 2011 NPC Southern Indiana, and he has gone on to achieve several more wins, including a class win at the 2017 Junior USAs. With high-level experience both as a competitor and coach, in addition to his certifications from both the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the International Fitness Academy, he’s among the most qualified coaches in the country.
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Caiti is a friend, mother, wife, and successful business owner of the Jasper Paul PR & Marketing firm. During this episode Caiti discusses the dream team in her personal life and work life. She shows appreciation for her family and gives gratification to her JP team. The firm, which recently celebrated seven years in business, dedicates time to building successful relationships with a variety of major hospitality clients in the St. Louis region. Tune in to hear how Caiti pays homage to the love of her family, and has curated a team of hard working and like-minded partners that deliver results with their clientele. Keep an eye out for the amazing connections and work done by the Jasper Paul team.
Also, Marissa is BACK for this special episode :)
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In light of his unprecedented success in commercial real estate, Michael Staenberg considers philanthropy his greatest achievement in life. His commitment to creating quality communities and “paying it forward” is second to none. His core business strategy is making a difference in the community. Michael is the driving force behind St. Louis’ newest entertainment district, The District of St. Louis.
Michael leads with passion and it’s on full display in this episode. He sits down with Host Luke Farrell to talk about his upbringing in Nebraska, entrepreneurship, giving back, and what the future looks like in Chesterfield.
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We’re joined by former St. Louis Cardinal and 2011 World Series Champion, Jon Jay. Baseball is everything in St. Louis and it was interesting to learn about Jon’s upbringing, professional career, and what he’s up to after baseball.
Philanthropy is a huge part of Jay’s mission, once he retired he launched The Jay Family Foundation. The foundation focuses on 3 pillars: Youth Development, Community, and Scholarship. It’s exciting to learn more about the charity and we look forward to attending his Golf Tournament in St. Louis on April 5th.
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Firaol Ahmed is a student athlete at SLU that launched Moii Coffee in his dorm room at 20 years old. Born in Ethiopia, Firaol came to the United States at 14 years old with his family. Moii which means ‘CONQUER’ started with a big dream in a small college apartment. Coffee was always in his family dating back generations when his Great Grandfather achieved success in a small Ethiopian village selling coffee to Arab merchants.
Firaol has became successful while still being a student athlete and running his business in between sports and class. Ahmed is on a mission to bring the true essence of Ethiopian coffee to the world and give people an unforgettable coffee experience. In this episode, Firaol makes coffee for our host Luke and talks all things entrepreneurship, coffee, and his upbringing.
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Doug Auer, co-owner of Third Degree Glass Factory, MADE, and the Delmar Makers District. Over 20 years ago, Doug founded Third Degree on a strip of Delmar between Union and Kingshighway which is now known as The Delmar Makers District. The DMD has quickly become one of St. Louis’ hottest neighborhoods with 8 new restaurants opening in 2024 including concepts from Ben Poremba, HuSTLe Hospitality, and Alpha Brewing.
Doug has big plans for the district and aims to bring people together to celebrate the rich history of this neighborhood through crafts, food, and entertainment. On this episode we learn a little more about what’s coming soon and what to expect over the next 12 months.
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Shalie Dahl Moore was born in Southeast Alaska, her family harvested wild salmon, halibut, and shrimp. Growing up, Shalie spent most of her free time outside of school on her families fishing boat. Wheelhouse Fish Co. is inspired by her upbringing and the unique lifestyle of Alaskan fishermen and families.
After ending up in the Midwest through college, Shalie is bringing wild Alaskan seafood to farmers markets across St. Louis and now a permanent pop-up location inside Ubran Eats. Wheelhouse Fish Co is passionate about connecting people with sustainably caught wild seafood that is sourced directly from the fishermen.
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If you are from St. Louis, there’s a strong chance you’ve been to the famous Gioia’s Deli. Originally founded on The Hill back in 1918, Gioia’s has stood the test of time as a legit community staple. In 1980, the Gioia’s family sold the business to the Donley’s. In 2016, Alex Donley took over the brand from his mother with his wife and quickly began to grow the business to multiple locations.
Gioia’s now has 4 St. Louis area locations and plans to continue the growth within St. Louis. Known for their famous Hot Salami, there’s really something special about a lunch trip to the famous Deli. In this episode, Luke Farrell chats with Alex about the journey, future plans, community, and more!
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We’re joined by Nurse Mel, Caitlyn, and Darrien for a fun filled episode from the team at SSM Health. These three nurses are “influencers” with a goal to recruit, educate, and of course make you laugh. Luke Farrell sits down with the group to talk all things nursing, SSM Health, and more.
Follow on IG:
@ssmhealthcareers
@nurse.dare
@nursemel226_
@nurse.caitlynn
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This episode is THE big one! Thank you to our listeners for following along with us for 100 episodes, guests, and special stories from the people of St. Louis. Not only is this a milestone podcast episode, but also a milestone life moment for hosts Lucas and Marissa Farrell, who have finally welcomed the birth of their first born, baby Mila!
Episode 100 is welcomed by Rebekah Coste, owner of St. Louis's Premier Resource for Motherhood, the St. Louis mom group. In this episode, hosts Marissa and Lucas discuss the back story of Rebekah, and how she came to bring a reliable resource to families within the Stl region. St. Louis mom, is a news and media website and resource built by mothers, for mothers. The group offers multiple perspectives of family life and highlights experiences, events, and advice on family matters. Rebekah discusses the power of community and importance of family and friendships in the journey of parenthood.
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On this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Luke & Marissa chat with Jake from Fête Booth Fête Booth is St. Louis’ premier Photo Booth and Multimedia experience. Each weekend you will catch Fête Booth at countless events around St. Louis ranging from corporate gatherings, weddings, mitzvahs, wedding showers, and more.
Jake absolutely loves the event industry and is truly the LIFE of the party. On this episode we take a deep dive on the business behind Fête and how they plan to continue to grow in St. Louis and beyond. This one was special for us, as we’ve had Fête at our wedding and multiple business events.
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In this episode of The STL Bucket List, we chat with Cory Jobe, the President & CEO of Great Rivers and Routes. Explore the unique intersection of two iconic American roadways and the confluence of three mighty rivers in the Southwest Illinois region. Learn about the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, representing counties like Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun, Greene, and the City of East St. Louis. Discover the evolution of the bureau from its roots as the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1985 to its expanded identity as Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau in 2018.
In this episode Lucas & Marissa Farrell chat all things events and tourism with Cory from GRR.
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In this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, host Luke Farrell sits down with Patrick Huck, the co-founder of Advanced Training & Rehab. As a local and family-owned business, Advanced Training & Rehab has become a staple in the St. Louis community with over 20 locations.
Patrick shares the essence of why people choose Advanced Training and Rehab for their physical therapy needs. The foundation lies in their unique culture, shaped by a clear vision, strong values, and a purpose that directs their daily actions. Since their establishment in 2000, they have been dedicated to delivering top-notch physical therapy services, aiding patients in recovering from sports injuries, orthopedic conditions, surgical procedures, and more.
Having expanded across the St. Louis area, Advanced Training & Rehab brings their commitment to excellent care to communities far and wide. Their patient-centric approach prioritizes individual needs, offering customized treatment plans to help each person achieve their maximum recovery potential.
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Welcome to the STL Bucket List Show! In this episode, hosts Luke & Marissa Farrell, joined by Sam Moore, Director of Public History at the Missouri Historical Society (MHS), explore the dynamic history of St. Louis. Discover MHS's founding mission in 1866, with over half a million annual visitors to the Missouri History Museum and a vast artifact collection supported by 4,500 members.
Uncover MHS's core components: the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library & Research Center. Soldiers Memorial, downtown, currently features the evocative exhibit "Vietnam at War & at Home." Meanwhile, the Missouri History Museum, nestled in Forest Park, is a nationally accredited institution showcasing local and regional history.
Explore how the museum keeps history alive with rotating exhibits like "Coloring STL" and "Soccer City." Join Luke & Marissa and their guest, Sam Moore, for an engaging journey through St. Louis' past. Experience the stories that have shaped the city, with a glimpse into the vibrant present and exciting future.
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In this episode, Ann and Chris, not twins but the next best thing, share their journey. Having successfully managed their first shop 13 years ago, the sisters took a break to ideate their next venture. Fueled by chardonnay and cheese boards, Project 2 emerged. At their "GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS" in St. Louis, MO, they invite you to explore their curated selection, showcasing their sophisticated style.
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Welcome to another episode of STL Bucket List Show! Today, we're joined by Jan Marson and Darren Jackson, the driving forces behind Food City. This initiative is on a mission to revolutionize the St. Louis Metro Area's food scene, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Jan and Darren walk us through Food City's approach of supporting diverse stakeholders, from food entrepreneurs to farmers, policy advocates, and more. The common thread? A relentless commitment to "Food For All."
Tune in as we explore how Food City acts as a catalyst for positive change, providing funding, resources, and mentorship. Discover the transformative power of accessible opportunities and how Food City is creating an environment where everyone can not just survive, but thrive. Join us for an inspiring journey through the STL food landscape!
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Forest Park holds a special place in the heart of St. Louis residents, especially us. It’s the place we got engaged, enjoy day dates on art hill, ice skate at Steinberg, and so much more.
We had the honor to host Roman Fox, the Horticulture Superintendent to celebrate A Day 4 Forest Park. This day will focus on our region’s greatest civic treasure – a place of beauty and joy for millions of visitors each year! Tune into KMOV Today, December 6th from 7am-6pm.
Forest Park Forever is a private nonprofit conservancy that partners with the City of St. Louis to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park. At 1,300 acres and filled with historic structures and expansive greenspace, Forest Park is expensive to care for. Your donations are crucial and help maintain our park – planting trees and flowers, maintaining the popular recreation path, adding visitor amenities, maintaining iconic sites like the Emerson Grand Basin and the World’s Fair Pavilion and so much more.
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Biltong Billy, a thriving small business based in St. Louis, MO, is the brainchild of husband and wife, Giovanni and Olivia Falco. Originating from South Africa, Giovanni's nostalgia for authentic biltong led him to handcraft a drying machine, sparking curiosity among friends and family. The irresistibly delicious snack quickly gained popularity, transforming Biltong Billy into an FDA-approved venture meeting nationwide demand. Tune in to discover the journey from homemade creation to becoming the go-to source for top-notch nutritional biltong across the USA.
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St. Louis radio legend joins us in the studio. Tim McKernan has been a radio personality in St. Louis for over 20 years. Starting his journey in TV, and quickly falling in love with radio. Tim is the host/owner of The Morning After which has been a successful local show in St. Louis for almost 2 decades.
In this episode we talk about life, entrepreneurship, family, and his newest journey with SoundStory. SoundStory was conceived under the premise that every person has a unique story to be told. Be it a story of great success, overcoming challenges or just one of simple pleasures – what better gift can you give than forever documenting the story of the lives of loved ones? Listen to the full episode to learn more!
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Brittany is the definition of a St. Louis entrepreneur. After quitting her job in 2021, she set out to solve the difficult process of booking group experiences. Disco! partners with premium local businesses to grant access to top group experiences for both corporate and individual planners.
Disco! gives personal recommendations and allows you to book group events with just 3 clicks. After recently winning an Arch Grant, Brittany plans to continue to build her business and support the St. Louis community. Listen to this episode to be inspired by her journey.
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Get ready to embark on a delectable adventure with Bold Spoon Creamery, a certified Minority and Women Business Enterprise. Picture this: Rachel's backyard ice cream experiments in 2017 turned into a tasty dream come true. Supported by her fantastic friends, known as "The Spoons," and college students who couldn't resist her creations, Bold Spoon Creamery was born. From a shared kitchen in St. Louis to their very own farm in Park Hills, Missouri, their "Farm to Bowl" ice cream is now a sensation, available in over 120 fine grocers across Missouri and Illinois. Tune in on all streaming platforms and join us on this sweet, fun, and personal journey!
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Lauren, co-founder of Old Bakery Beer in Alton, IL joins us on The STL Bucket List Show. The Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery with a full line-up of beers and delicious seasonal bites. Community plays a big part in what Lauren and her team are building.
Listen to the full episode to dive deep on how the business was brewed, Lauren’s Alton Bucket List, and more.
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Emily Frisella is a mission-driven entrepreneur who has been building businesses since the age of 20. She has spent her career cultivating effective teams and inspiring leadership in multiple ways, including founding the wildly popular Women in Business Workshop. Frisella is the best selling author of two cookbooks, as well as her most recent business book, Relationships First: People, Passion, & Profits. She is the CEO of The Paper & Plan Co and is the Chief Operating Officer of 44Seven Media and Arete Syndicate.
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Today's episode features a full table of guests from the Normal Brand. Hosts Lucas and Marissa share a mic to give one up for the family that works together. Brothers Jimmy, Conrad, and Lan Sansone are entrepreneurs who started the popular clothing brand for women and men. With now nine shops open since the start of their business in 2015, the trio has excelled in family and success. The owners grew up with an understanding of hard work and family values, which is a leading factor in the shopping experience with the Normal Brand. This episode is built on shared experiences of brotherly love that will motivate, inspire, and captivate each listener.
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GroveFest is one of the largest block parties in all of STL. We hosted Abdul-Kaba Abdullah, executive director of Park Central Development, who put on GroveFest every October.
For the past 17 years, GroveFest has brought thousands of St. Louis residents to the Grove to celebrate our community. This annual street festival, which takes place on the first Saturday of October, is free and packs a ton of fun into one amazing day! Our Merchant Village, Food Village (featuring restaurants in the Grove), family area, street performers, and main stage performances provide enough excitement to entertain all ages.
Tune in to hear more about what makes this festival so special to our city, Abdul’s meaningful work, and more.
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Tim Parker, MLS Allstar, teammate, friend, husband, recent father, and the STL Bucket List show’s first major athletic guest appearance.
Episode 82 scores major talking points with STL City’s center-back. We got to kick it with Tim and his growing family on today’s episode learning about one of the leagues major leaders. Parker is as genuine and authentic as one could imagine.
He works hard to balance life between his professional soccer career, education, and tag teaming parenthood with his supportive wife, Kelsey. Listeners will learn about the Parker path and the strides made to get Tim from the NYC to the STL.
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If you’ve been to the STL Bucket List HQ recently, you’ve seen the incredible work of JOVITE on our wall. Jovite Labonte is one of St. Louis’ most talented artists and his work is just starting to pop up all over the city.
Jovite expresses himself through his work and we’re honored to have him bless our workspace with this statement piece.
Tune into this weeks episode of the podcast as Luke & Marissa dive deep with @jovitelabonte. Witness the bigger picture on all streaming platforms.
stlbucketlist
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We host one of St. Louis’ most established entrepreneurs, Jennifer Williams on the show fresh off of the VIRAL @stlbucketlist Dream Closet giveaway.
Jennifer took a leap into entrepreneurship while she was still in grad school at SLU. As a St. Louis native, Williams believes in taking care of her customers and community. St. Louis Closet Co. is St. Louis’ premier custom closet company that goes far beyond the build.
Listen to the full podcast to learn more about Jennifer’s journey, entrepreneurship, giving back, and more.
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Jia Lian Yang - Justice for All (Forward Through Ferguson)
We hosted Jia Lian Yang, director of storytelling and communications at Forward Through Ferguson. Jia believes that real, trusting relationships are the first step toward building power for systemic change.
Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) was established as a 501(c)3 to be a catalyst for lasting positive change in the St. Louis region as outlined in the Ferguson Commission Report. Embracing the Commission’s mandate, FTF centers impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure all people in the St. Louis region can thrive.
In this episode we spoke with Jia about the impact of FTF, Transforming 911, and more.
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Today’s episode stars Zach Mione, a family man with a sales background in apparel, and owner of a men’s lifestyle brand in downtown Webster. The brick and mortar known as Webster Dry Goods, has nearly been in business for a year. Mione’s goal is to bring brands the opportunity to be showcased in the St. Louis community, and build up that community through personal relationships built in house. With the support of his wife, family, and the STL community, he hopes to bring a unique shopping experience to both new and familiar faces.
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Darren & Charlene Young - The Family Behind the Caf (The Fattened Caf)
It all starts with family. Darren & Charlene turned their backyard foodie adventures into a popular business in St. Louis. Both Darren & Charlene are from California. After moving to St. Louis for love and work, Charlene saw an opportunity to introduce Filipino BBQ to the city.
The couple behind The Fattened Caf have seen extreme success in St. Louis by being awarded an Arch Grant, UMSL Accelerator and more. The vision continues to expand as their business grows and continues to support the St. Louis community.
In this episode we chat with Darren & Charlene about moving to St. Louis, working with your spouse, entrepreneurship, and more.
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Hey friend is a catchphrase used by Mabry to connect with community. This episode, we hear from Keisha who gives appreciation to her mother and Kentucky upbringing for helping her strive towards success.
As a wife, mother, and businesswoman, Keisha will inspire listeners who want to do more for their St. Louis community. She discusses the vision behind Heyday headquarters on Olive, and how she works to create meaningful connections with people and resources to fill gaps in business opportunities.
Her passion project is a place and resource for members of the community to build, grow, and do it all. #TakeUpSpace
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Ryan McClure, executive director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation joins us on the show today in celebration of 6/30 day. As Executive Director, McClure has led the transition of the organization from its inception as the CityArchRiver project — a $380 million public-private project to renovate the Arch grounds and surrounding areas — to the official conservancy and philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park.
Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservancy and the official philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis.
The Foundation was initially formed in 2009 as part of the public-private partnership to fund and coordinate the development of the CityArchRiver Project, which transformed and enhanced the Arch experience for everyone
In this episode we chat with Ryan about events happening this year, 6/30 day, upcoming projects, and more.
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The Monster Truck Version of Pink Floyd! Dave Farver and Bill Reiter join us on the show ahead of their July 8th show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. El Monstero is a St. Louis based Pink Floyd Tribute Band, they’ve rocked stages all over the Midwest and put on one hell of a show.
Learn more about what goes into being a musician and what it’s like to experience the show!
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A celebration of Culture and Community:
Many St. Louisians have gone to the annual Festival of Nations year after year. This episode invites guest speaker Arrey Obenson, who discusses the important mission behind the well known festival and the well loved International Institute of St. Louis. Obesnson meaningfully introduces the variety of opportunities provided to immigrants and refugees in the St. Louis region. This episode dives into the importance of community, acceptance, and the possibilities that can make St. Louis a strong community. Arrey addresses some major changes and sneak peaks as to what to expect from the 2023 Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park this August.
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The Open Highway Music Festival will be hosted at the Chesterfield Amphitheater Friday, June 16th and Saturday, June 17th. Today’s episode features John Henry, festival coordinator as he talks us through the vendors, lineup, and changes to the festival this year during the 12th anniversary. Henry shares about the work that goes into planning the festival, partnering with vendors, and choosing the lineup. Grab your GA tickets and tune in for a special time.
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City Greens Market exists to provide access to fresh, quality, and affordable produce to all the community. This will help promote healthy living in the community, and to provide a welcoming and comfortable space for City Green Market members to interact.
City Greens Market is MORE than a grocery store:
“We make no profit from food sales because we think good food should be affordable and not a luxury item. Selling at cost also lets us support local farmers by doing the work of selling their food for them, so they can get back to farming”
Executive Director Lacy Cagle joins us on the show today to talk about the mission, future goals, and more. Listen wherever you get your podcasts today.
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We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Mattress Direct. Pat & Lux join us on the show to talk about the history of Mattress Direct in the St. Louis area. Everyone sleeps somewhere and we’re excited to work together with Mattress Direct.
Stay tuned to social media as we collaborate with Lux and other local businesses around STL.
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St. Louis’ most influential foodie gives us an authentic taste of her story that’s years in the making with popular instagram account, STLfoodies. Ashley, a transplant to Saint Louis has been ahead of the game in the food scene for years. What started as a high school hobby and interest in taking beautiful photos of food, eventually turned into a large following of 32thousand foodie followers. Ashley’s account goes beyond the plate.
She independently chooses a restaurant to highlight and serves up not just photos, but tells the story of the magic in the kitchen. Ashley shares the stories from the chefs who create authentic cuisine, and informs foodies about the art that they eat. She also works to bring the community together through self-produced events to support new and upcoming businesses. Follow along with Ashley on her guide through the STL neighborhoods as they that are dishing out the best bites.
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Today’s episode focuses on a new produce company coming to St. Louis. Josh Smith, owner of the establishment is changing the way we consume produce. Returning home to St. Louis to lay roots in the well loved grove neighborhood, Smith shares his journey of experimenting with hydroponic plots. Smith has curated a form to produce healthy, quality, and sustainable herbs and greens. This episode sheds light on the benefits of consuming products that are both nutritional for the consumer and healthy for the environment. Stay tuned for the opening of the brick and mortar coming this summer. We can’t wait to see this business flourish.
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We’re keeping it simple this week. After a last minute cancellation, Marissa interviews her husband Luke on Episode 62.
Luke is a dedicated St. Louis supporter and serial entrepreneur. As the owner of Mango Marketing, STL Bucket List, and St. Louis Gram, Luke dedicates his work to building a digital community here in St. Louis.
Learn more about Luke’s story in this weeks episode of the STL Bucket List Show.
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Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box joins us on the show. Hear about Loryn’s childhood, her love story, and the passion that goes into one of St. Louis’ hottest restaurants. The success in the kitchen comes as no surprise, the majority of Loryn’s childhood revolved around cooking extravagant and fun meals for her family. When Loryn met Edo, she developed a love for Balkan food as she would cook to help him feel a little less homesick.
The trajectory of Loryn’s career changed on an intensive R&D trip to the Balkans. She quickly picked up on traditions that she could take home to St. Louis. After running a successful food truck, Balkan Treat Box found its home in Webster Groves in 2019. Nalic has been featured in Food & Wine, James Beard Finalist, St. Louis Business Journal, along with many other publications.
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Rick Lewis, Grace Meat + Three co-founder serves up the story behind the Meat + Three restaurant located in the grove at 4270 Manchester Ave. Alongside his wife Elisa, the couple has built an environment for customers to eat and feel right at home.
Todays episode highlights the story of Rick’s upbringing, his culinary path, and the love that goes into making home cooked meal. Lewis is a believer in faith, hospitality, and family, all values in which the brick and mortar is founded on. This episode gives a little taste of what Rick Lewis and his family are cooking up at Grace Meat + three.
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Today we hosted Chris of Profield Reserve, a popular street wear and clothing company based in St. Louis since 2020. Profield Reserve has taken the city of St. Louis by storm, it’s hard to go out and not see that iconic “P” around town. With over 20+ years of experience in the fashion industry, Chris brings his unique style to St. Louis.
In his early years, Chris grew up in a small town outside of St. Louis in Southern Illinois. Chris has always been fascinated by sports, shoes, and fashion. From working at a shoe retailer to running a large e-commerce business for athletes and musicians, Chris knows his way around the business.
Living in St. Louis for the last 10 years, Chris has became inspired by the community and built Profield Reserve off of those same values. Chris aims to continue to build his brand in St. Louis while also expanding into the sports world by curating leagues for sports that often are under represented in the city.
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In this episode we talk with Allison Cousins about her transition out of education and into the entrepreneur role. Cousins is the founder of both Approach, an app to connect singles within the St. Louis region, and City League, a non-profit to develop the next generation of youth through sports and extracurriculars. Her passion and dedication to helping youth in need started in the classroom but, will carry onto the field of dreams for years to come. Between both businesses, she offers the opportunity to build connections within St. Louis. She is focused, determined, and compassionate to all. Cousins took a shot at the entrepreneurial life, and won’t stop until all of her goals are achieved.
This episode is underscores the focus on sports and love. Be on the lookout for how to support cousins throughout her journey.
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B3 Festival is an annual event that celebrates the three B's - Blues, Brews, and Bites. It brings together some of the best musicians, breweries, and food vendors in the region for a weekend of fun and entertainment. The festival is held in the historic Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, known for its lively music scene, delicious food, and thriving craft beer culture. It is the perfect location to showcase the best of the three B's.
At the B3 Festival, you can expect to hear some of the best blues music from local and national artists, ranging from traditional blues to modern interpretations. You can also taste a wide variety of beers from the top breweries in the area, from light lagers to dark stouts and everything in between. And, of course, there will be plenty of delicious food to satisfy your cravings, with a diverse selection of bites from local vendors.
In this episode, we chat with Dave Beardsley. Dave has been a vital part of the Blues scene here in St. Louis. From creating stlblues.net, founding The National Blues Museum and more. Dave’s passion for Blues led him the the organization SHARE ( Soulard Heritage Arts Revitalization and Education) which focuses on promoting the music and culture of Soulard and other communities in St. Louis.
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Tom Ridgely, the Producing Artistic director of the non-profit organization, The St. Louis Shakespeare festival shares all things Shakespeare. Not only does Ridgely and podcast co-host, Marissa, drop fun facts about the one and only bard, but he also gives listeners insight into what makes the show go on! From Shakespeare in the park, to Shakespeare in the streets, this organization provides an accessible and entertaining experience for a variety of neighborhoods within the St. Louis area. Listeners learn what shows to attend during the 23rd season, how to appreciate the language and performance, and how to support the non profit. So make haste St. Louis! The show is about to begin!
Directed by Lisa Portes (Chicago, IL), Twelfth Night, will begin public performances in Shakespeare Glen on Wednesday, May 31. Opening night is set for Friday, June 2, at 8:00 p.m.; it will run Tuesday - Sunday nights through June 25.
THE FULL 2023 SEASON INCLUDES:
-CONFLUENCE NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
-TOURCO MERRY WIVES
-WORLD PREMIERE “SHAKESPEARE IN THE STREETS: SOCCER IN STL”
-THE HIP-HOP HOLIDAY SHOW Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL
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Lindy is the co-founder, co-author, and lead storyteller for Humans of St. Louis. As someone who once traveled Latin America as a documentary photographer, she now spreads awareness, voice and truth of the St. Louis common folk. The lead storyteller honors the experience of knowing your neighbor and befriending someone new. She sheds light on the importance of valuing the lives and stories of the real people in St. Louis. After dedicating years of time to familiarize herself with the everyday St. Louisan, the digital composition has been published and is ready to order. HOSTL gives over 130,000 social media followers an intimate look into the lives and struggles of the people of St. Louis, one photo and story at a time.
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Counterpublic is a civic exhibition that weaves contemporary art into the life of St. Louis for three months every three years in order to reimagine civic infrastructures towards generational change. Counterpublic’s second edition will run from April 15 to July 15, 2023.
Counterpublic 2023 is one of the nation's largest public art platforms, bringing 30+ new artist commissions to life in public parks, gardens, historic houses and museums around the city. Free art installations, performances, screenings, conversations and parties will animate the six miles of Jefferson Avenue with art and stories.
In this episode we speak with James McAnally, the founder and Artistic Director of Counterpublic. McAnally is the co-founder and executive director of The Luminary, an expansive platform for art, thought, and action based in St. Louis, MO, as well as the co-founder and editor of MARCH: a journal of art and strategy (formerly Temporary Art Review). He also serves as a founding member and chairperson of Common Field, a national network of artist organizations and organizers.
McAnally goes through the process of bringing Counterpublic to life, his vision for the project, along with the lasting impact it will have on the community.
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52 episodes!!! Thank you so much for following along this year with your hosts Lucas and Marissa Farrell as they spoke with the people who make St. Louis great.
This episode is a compilation of some of Lucas and Marissa’s favorite podcast moments and episodes over the past year. Lucas and Marissa listen and reflect on a variety of episodes that inspired them and helped give greater meaning to Bucket List mission. Every week a new guest was featured, sharing their story of artistry, entrepreneurship, and a love for the community of the St. Louis area.
We want to thank all of our listeners for subscribing and following along with us. The continued support allows us to have these conversations and share the truth behind well-known success stories. It has been a joy to connect with St. Louis’s influential people and we look forward to highlighting more people that are doing good for the Lou.
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As our presenting podcast sponsor, Jay Scherder & Chloe Smith of RAC STL join us on the podcast to help educate the community on the Artist Grant process. Grantmaking is the cornerstone of RAC’s work.
St. Louis is an arts town. As the biggest public funder of the arts in St. Louis, RAC’s top priority has always been supporting the diverse collective of artists and arts organizations that make our world-class arts and culture community so vibrant. Since 1985, they have provided more than 7,000 grants worth over $100 million.
2023 Grants opened up Monday, February 13th. Listen to this episode for more information on how to apply for a grant.
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Good friends of the show, Elliott & Jordy joined us for an episode about their extremely popular pop-up ‘Dinner at The Loft’ and news about the opening of Scout’s in late 2023.
During the pandemic, the service industry took a huge hit. Brown & Logan decided to do something about it by hosting intimate loft dinners at Browns apartment. In less than 2 years, the team has done 100+ dinners alongside their other partner Brandon Panosh. The dinners have evolved into offsite catering, pop-ups at local venues, and even brunch.
Over the past 10 years, Elliott knew his mission was to open a restaurant. The future home of Scouts will be located in a building that has been in Brown’s family for 40 years. Listen to the full episode to learn more.
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Zach Conley, co-founder of Una Vida Tequila joins us on the STL Bucket List Show. Conley, originally from the St. Louis area graduated college and began working in the alcohol industry in Colorado. He quickly fell in love with the business side behind big brands and eventually came across his business partner Bryce, where they decided to partner in 2018 to create Una Vida Tequila.
Una Vida’s mission is to build a culture and community around tequila. They are more than just another tequila brand and it goes way beyond liquid in a glass. We only have One Life, and it is meant to be lived to the fullest, with purpose, surrounded by good people, and most importantly with a good drink.
In this episode, we talk with Zach on building a brand in a competitive industry, entrepreneurship, future goals & more.
https://unavidatequila.com
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Marcus Howard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness, a radically inclusive, culturally responsive pharmacy focused on providing quality patient-centered care to St. Louis residents. Marcus is a St. Louis native and Metro High School graduate. The flagship location of his pioneering pharmacy is located on the ground floor of the Delmar DivINe, and is committed to revolutionizing the way we approach, talk about, and treat healthcare in St. Louis. Marcus is working hard so that all residents, specifically those from historically marginalized backgrounds, achieve greater health and a greater quality of life.
Marcus has watched is Pharmacy Start-up come to life right here in his hometown of St. Louis. In this episode we chat with Howard about his childhood, career changes, and also navigating entrepreneurship. We are excited to welcome GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness to the neighborhood.
Follow @GreaterHealthPharmacy on Instagram to stay up-to-date with their Grand Opening event.
You can also visit their website below if you are interested in learning more about the mission or switching your prescriptions over
www.greaterhealthpharmacy.com
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Russell Ping is the owner & chef of Russell’s Cafe (Fenton & South City) and Lola Jean’s Pizza. In fourth grade, Russell began his entrepreneurial journey selling cookies in his local neighborhood, even getting the nickname ‘The Cookie Chef’.
At 22, Russell opened his flagship cafe in Fenton with his mom. In 2006, Russell’s Cafe was elevating the baking game by selling delicious hand-crafted sweets. Ping mentioned that he wanted Russell’s Sweets to be at the center of everything you celebrate in life.
Living in the South Hampton neighborhood, Russell was shortly led to opening up a second location on Macklind. With this larger location, they were able to expand their cafe into a hot-spot for brunch and dinner hours. In 2023, Russell and Em Ping came out hot by re-opening a pizza pickup concept called Lola Jeans, which is open 3 days a week for pre-order only.
Russell’s also has an extensive line of wholesale sweets & gooey butter cake that is sold at local grocery stores and also available to ship nationwide for those missing the St. Louis staples. In this episode we chat with Russell about his childhood, entrepreneurship, being in business with the family, and more.
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Kevin Lashley - More Than a Soup Kitchen
In 2023, we made a commitment to highlight one non-profit each month with our new ‘Bucket List Gives’ initiative. We kick it off with Kevin Lashley from St. Patrick Center, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2023.
St. Patrick Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in 1983 to combat homelessness in the City of St. Louis and surrounding area. With a Housing First emphasis, SPC works collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government and other service providers to solve homelessness for individuals and families in the St. Louis region.
Along with this podcast episode, we will be volunteering with SPC while also helping promote their anniversary initiatives in the month of January. In this episode we chat with marketing & communications director Kevin Lashley about the impact St. Patrick Center provides to the St. Louis community.
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Mother, Wife, Pastry Chef, Empress Trainor, Model, Fashionista and Lifestyle blogger.
She is Executive Pastry Chef for La Patisserie, a French-Asian fusion Cake and Pastry Shoppe in Florissant, Missouri. She is also CEO of Empress Consulting LLC, a Human Resource Training and Development Firm which was established in 2014 together with her husband, Ken Corbin.
Her life mission is to bring out the best in every individual who accepts her in their life path and inspire others to be the best that they can be as they pay the good deed forward.
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Ben Poremba is the founder of Bengelina Hospitality Group which boasts St. Louis staples like Olio, Elaia, Nixta, Benevolent King, AO&Co, and newly opened Bar Moro.
Originally from Israel, Poremba began his culinary career in the states as a private chef, and then transitioned his experience into launching a catering company while still in college, Taste Fine Catering. Poremba is moved by how food plays a central role in celebrations, rituals, holidays, and virtually every ceremony humans are engaged in. In this episode we learn more about Ben’s upbringing, entrepreneurship, and more.
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Brad Sowers, President & CEO of Jim Butler Auto Group. On this episode, we speak with Brad about their $100,000 giveback initiative called ‘Good Taste’. Brad has a unique story that led him to the auto industry, follow along this entrepreneurial journey for a wonderful episode on The STL Bucket List Show.
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Larry Bommarito AKA Sekondtry is known as one of St. Louis’ most talented photographers. Larry truly takes photography to new heights, scaling some of the tallest buildings in the city to get images unlike anyone has seen before. It all started in 2016 after a bad breakup, Larry picked up a go-pro and started driving downtown to take photos. Bommarito immediately became obsessed with capturing frames and angles from the tops of buildings in St. Louis. Flash forward 6 years later, Larry (Sekondtry) has became one of St. Louis’ most known photographers and worked with some of the biggest brands in our city.
In this episode, we chat with Larry about his upbringing, what drives him, and goals for his career in photography.
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**It truly is more than comedy. In this episode, Luke & Marissa sit down with globally known comedian Nikki Glaser. Nikki is a stand-up comedian, actress, podcaster, TV host and more. Since the early 2000’s Nikki has performed on The Tonight Show, Conan, Comedy Central Roasts, and most recently her own HBO Special & E! Reality Series ‘Welcome Home Nikki Glaser’ which was filmed at her parents house in St. Louis.
In this episode Nikki opens up about her childhood, career, and what keeps her motivated.**
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In this episode we talk with Langford Cunningham about hope, adversity, and purpose. We hear from Langford about his upbringing in St. Louis and what the city means to him. He touches on points important to him about changes he wants to see in our community. Langford, a man who became blind in his adult life, created a podcast known as Blind City Podcast, to speak passionately about these issues.
He gets vulnerable with us sharing the adversity faced when he began to lose his eye sight. Feeling hopeless, Langford leaned into the struggling voices in his head, which eventually led him to a road of purpose. After signs from God to persevere, he now uses his challenges as motivation to help those in the community. As his mission would say: “I had to lose my sight, to find my vision” and he shares that vision with our listeners on this episode.
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Introducing our new theme song - 'Bucket List Anthem' Alex Rich
In this episode Alex Rich shares how he is man of different trades. He follows the path that presents him the greatest opportunity for personal growth. You may have heard his voice on Y98’s The Wake up with Brett and Julie, or singing live music a STL pregame event.
Alex shares how the path chosen isn’t always the path taken. He radiates positive energy and a love for the Saint Louis community. By using his rising social platform as a chance to connect and do things for the greater good of Saint Louis, Alex Rich promotes philanthropic work through the power of voice.
Rich explains how music has impacted him through his years of growing up, and how he hopes to use his talents to connect more with the people of St. Louis.
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It was pleasure to have Marc Connor on the show, Co-Founder of Rootberry, a popular plant-based food service here in St. Louis. Marc's story is inspiring, growing up with his Father in the food industry and also following dreams of being apart of early Start-ups all across the nation. Marc's mission with Rootberry is simple, eat more plants more often.
Rootberry keeps it fresh and simple by offering delicous plant-based options that are also convenient. Marc has had a unique journey to land himself into the industry, his health playing a key role in pursuing a life with vegan and vegetarian options. Rootberry is only 16 months old, but with extreme innovation they have their sights set on becoming a leader in the wellness world.
Dive deep into Marc's story to learn more about entrepreneurship, Rootberry, his story, and more.
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On this episode, special guests Christina Weaver and Lindsay Skredenske share the hard work that goes into growing their business, while helping creatives build theirs.
This episode addresses how the Women’s Creative got its start, and has continually built connections within the St. Louis up and coming businesses. From discussing the value of joining the membership, vendor markets, to networking opportunities and workshops, the Women’s Creative works hard to mentor new business owners so that their experience of growth is a celebratory one.
This is a group that continues to push the limits and supports the community that make up St. Louis. They represent all things growth, diversity, and opportunity.
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Sami Maurer, founder of Series Six, has quite the story to becoming one of St. Louis’ leading apparel brands. What started as a project in college, quickly led to creating a staple brand in St. Louis.
Sami’s love for sports, the city, and fashion started when she was young. She mentions going to local sporting events with her family and supporting local businesses all over town. In high school, she was always the first to design the themed t-shirts and that momentum carried into college where she saw apparel brands popping up in the south.
Sami’s story is truly inspiring. From stacking countless boxes and orders in her home to signing a lease for a storefront and warehouse, she represents the determination every entrepreneur should have. In this episode we chat with the Series Six founder about entrepreneurship, St. Louis, favorite local spots to dine, and more.
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Bucket List Gives is an initiative of the STL Bucket List mission, dedicated to serving the people that make St. Louis special. With Bucket List Gives, we are committed to highlighting the work of 1 Non-Profit each month. Our team will focus on working in the community, to help build with the community. A podcast episode will be dedicated to interviewing the organization, along with digital and media support provided based on the organization's needs.
The St. Louis region offers a range of opportunities to build up those in need. As a team, our priority is to use the bucket list platform to lend a helping hand, while also encouraging our community the chance to get involved.
There are issues to be addressed, awareness to be made, and opportunity to grow as an active member in our city. Bucket List Gives offers a chance to not only recommend non-profits, but invite the community to invest their time to making St. Louis a greater place, for the greater good. We can’t wait to see how the committed community comes together.
Learn more here: https://stlbucketlist.com/bucket-list-gives
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Angela Ortmann is a Jill of all trades. She has conquered the hospitality industry by working back of house, to front of house, and all things in between. Her curiosity has led her to other major cities across the country to indulge in the learning opportunities of wineries, breweries, organic farms and creameries.
After returning to STL a few years back, she has become a close friend to those in the industry. She is dedicated to understanding the art that happens in the kitchen, and appreciates what is served on the plate in the dining room.
Angela jumps at presented opportunities to bring together her passion for food and community. Through her non-profit organization, Love to eat, eat to love, she puts a focus on crucial social issues and raises awareness to support those in need.
This episode we learn how embracing the path unplanned can be sweet, and how we can promote change when life is savory. Listen to how Angela’s entrepreneurial journey has led her to raise not just a glass, but raise the stakes for others to give back to the community.
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Gregory Bowdry, better known by his stage name Stringz EMB, is a St. Louis-born, award winning American singer, songwriter, record producer, national performer, entrepreneur, and community advocate.
The most unique part about Stringz story is that he fell back in love with music after he was already married with children back in 2014. Dating back to his early days in North St. Louis, Stringz became fond of R&B & Soul Music, even singing ‘Lean on Me’ in his grade school graduation.
In this episode Luke Farrell chats with Stringz EMB about his music influences, family, future aspirations, and even his dream collab.
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Mike & Ben are quite the power duo here in St. Louis. You may know of staple fast-casual restaurants like Sugarfire, Hi-Pointe, and Chicken Out. These guys are professionals at creating unique concepts and scaling to different markets around the area.
With goals of expansion and a key focus on building a strong team, this team is just getting started. In this episode we talk with Mike & Ben about entrepreneurship, building a strong team, creating quality concepts, and more.
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Malik Wilson, former D1 football player, always had a special gift to entertain the people around him. Malik is a multi-skilled journalist for Show Me St. Louis. With being new to St. Louis, we chat with Malik on his journey to getting here today and the impact he is making in the community.
Originally from North Carolina, Malik landed his first journalism job in North Dakota. Eventually making his way to St. Louis, Malik had made a splash in the city by making connections all over town and using his platform with KSDK to entertain and educate our community.
In this week's episode, Malik sheds light on his childhood, faith, football, and future aspirations.
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In this episode, we get to talk with Dr. Mike Gibson about his start up and process of creating his non-profit, The Young Professionals Academy. Dr. Gibson has a passion for education and continues down his own path of educational excellence. Holding an MBA, as well as Doctorates degree, he focuses on mentorship, leadership, and provides opportunities to the youth of the Saint Louis Community.
As a high school business teacher, Dr. Gibson discovered a need in his students. He developed a program to help tutor students so they could improve their grades. Within the program, he focused on teaching students life skills and mentors them by showing them the ways of professionalism. With a background in higher education, he works with students and families to find the best scholarships to support the financial burden that comes with going to college.
Mike Gibson works hard to reform education by intersecting the community of Saint Louis with the school systems. He opens doors for students across the Saint Louis region and is growing his non-profit with the help of sponsors and inspiring entrepreneurs within the area.
This episode is full of passion and lessons about how to help set the youth up for success, so that there is open opportunity and wealth for the young professionals of Saint Louis.
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We’re excited to announce our 2nd Annual Local’s Choice winners live on the podcast. Marissa and Luke go through all 56 categories along with the generous sponsors that helped make this years event a reality. We’re extremely grateful for the support from the entire city of St. Louis.
Enjoy! View all the winners below:
Food and Dining
Bakery:
Russell’s Cafe and Bakery
Coffee Shop:
Kaldi's
Brunch:
Russell’s Cafe & Bakery
Overall Dining Experience:
Olive & Oak
Patio:
Rockwell Beer Garden
Brewery:
4 Hands Brewing Company
BBQ:
Salt + Smoke
Ice-Cream & Frozen Custard:
Ted Drewes
Donut Shop:
Donut Drive-in
Happy Hour:
Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria
Cocktail Bar:
Planter’s house
Wine Bar:
Sasha’s on Shaw
Winery:
Cedar Lake Cellars
Asian Fusion:
Seoul Taco
Sandwich/Deli Shop:
Gioia’s
Tacos:
Mission Taco
Italian Restaurant:
Charlie Gittos
Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant:
SweetArt
Pizza:
Imo’s Pizza
Food Truck:
Balkan Treat Box
Mexican Restaurant:
La Catrina
Seafood Restaurant:
Broadway Oyster Bar
Sports Bar:
Paddy O’s
Thai Restaurant:
King & I
Hot Wings:
Sybergs
Burger:
Hi Pointe
Rooftop Bar:
Three-Sixty
Arts/Culture & Retail
Art Gallery:
Contemporary Art Museum
Clothing Store:
Arch Apparel
Gift Shop:
STL Style House
Best Park:
Forest Park
New Business of the Year:
Bar K
Book Store:
Left Bank Books
Non-Profit Organization:
Stray Rescue
Person of the Year
Michelle Li
Artist:
Maxine Thirteen
Tattoo Shop:
Iron Age
Medical Dispensary:
Swade
STL Hair Salon/Barber shop:
Union Barbershop
Entertainment & Influencers
STL Insta Influencer:
(@bradenstl)
Photographer:
Tori Rose (helloimtoriii)
Vlogger:
Epic Eats STL
STL Foodie:
Ashley STL Foodies (stlfoodies)
Band/Artist or Rapper:
Funky Butt Brass Band
Radio Host:
Courtney Landrum
Radio Show:
Rizzuto Show
Podcast:
Eat me in STL Podcast
Bartender:
Tim Wiggins (Yellowbelly & Lazy Tiger)
STL Mom/Family Blogger:
St. Louis Mom (@stlouis_mom)
Hotel Staycation:
Four Seasons
Concert Venue:
The Pageant
Chef:
Jessica Mendica (Olive + Oak)
Family Activity:
The Saint Louis Zoo
Yoga Studio:
Brick City Yoga
Gym:
Club Fitness
Golf Course:
Forest Park
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Jayvn Solomon is a St. Louis based artist, designer and brainchild behind the concept ‘Loutopia’. LouTopia, an art experience that envisions a more creative, sustainable, & mindful version of St. Louis.
You may have seen Jayvn’s recent mural projects all around town. In this episode Lucas & Marissa chat with Jayvn about his creative process, mindset, favorite projects, and more.
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Maxine leads with heart in every business adventure. She encourages the curious mind and welcomes the opportunity for growth. With a passion for education and philanthropy work, she uses her success to reform neighborhoods, businesses and support underserved communities. Clark has accomplishments such as Chief executive Bear, KIPP Inspire Academy, Blueprint4, The Fox-Clark Foundation, and The Delmar DivINe to name a few. This episode tells Maxine’s journey of growing up in Miami, Florida during the late 50’s and 60’s and how she took the leap of putting the heart back into the community.
She reminds us to stay open-minded, ask questions, and find your passion.
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Akeem Shannon embodies the definition of not “sticking” to the safe route. Growing up in the St. Louis area, Akeem headed off to college with big plans to make his family proud. Quickly into his college career, Akeem found himself struggling to make the grades and eventually landed on the academic probation list. He was embarrassed to tell his family and tried to hide the fact that he was flunking out of school.
Quickly after coming home, Akeem found himself in the cellphone industry working his way up the ladder with his success in sales. Although he was earning more than most his age, he didn’t feel fully fulfilled and ended up leaving the job. Akeem’s enthusiasm led him to a role at Square as a business consultant but he always felt like he wanted to pursue his own business, he quit Square a year later.
After a late night conversation with his uncle, Akeem came up with the idea of a “sticky phone” which is now called Flipstik. Flipstik is a phone accessory that allows you to stick your phone on almost any surface. Akeem’s determination shows through the trials of building a start-up and flying all over the country to get his product in the hands of celebrities and business leaders. After an interaction with Snoop Dogg, Akeem made it onto Shark Tank to pitch his product.
Akeem Shannon is an example of a true American entrepreneur. In this episode, Lucas & Marissa chat with Akeem about the struggles of building a start-up, his early life, and having the mindset to be successful.
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Chef Tony Nguyen has returned to his roots in St. Louis to serve as the chef and owner of snō. In partnership with his wife Jessica, they will be opening in August of 2022. Tony has worked in kitchens across the U.S, including Da Lat Rose in Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood, and Bluestem. Tony has also appeared on Food Network’s Bobby Flay, Guys Grocery Games and more.
Jessica brings a unique twist to the hospitality industry with over 20 years of experience and a background in Marine Biology. Her love for sustainable seafood shows in the concept of snō and working as a private chef for A-list celebrities. Chef Jessica fuses the world of culinary and Marine Science together to bring ethical and ecological sustainable seafood programs to St. Louis.
Paying tribute to Tony’s mother by naming snō after her. Tuyet translates to “snow” in Vietnamese.
In this episode Luke & Marissa spoke with Tony & Jessica about working with your spouse, opening a new restaurant concept, their travels, and more.
snō is one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings in St. Louis this year.
More info: www.snostl.com
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Co-Owner: Yellowbelly, Retreat Gastropub, and Lazy Tiger
Tim is more than a bartender or mixologist. He’s a restaurant owner (3 actually), father, husband, and caring leader. We originally met Tim a few years ago at one of his restaurants, we immediately saw his deep passion and desire to provide an unforgettable dining experience, every time. Tim has navigated his businesses through covid while retaining almost all of his staff, which if you know the restaurant industry, is unheard of.
Tim truly cares about his craft, studying the greats and continuing to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode we talk about more than just cocktails, restaurants, and entrepreneurship. We dive deep on the family, caring for your staff, and more.
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Julie from Alpaca Picnic embodies everything it takes to make a serious pivot during the pandemic. Julie worked in entertainment previously and was even a flight attendant for the St. Louis, traveling to all the team games.
In November 2020 after cancelling event planning gigs, Julie moved back home to start her new venture planning luxury picnic pop-ups around the St. Louis area. With the help of her team (parents) she’s created beautiful, IG-worthy picnics for couples and friends to celebrate life’s special moments.
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Mike & Meredith Shadwick, owners of Honey Bee’s Biscuits + Good Eats join us on The STL Bucket List Show. Mike & Meredith's relationship originated from the dating app Bumble, hints their name ‘Honey Bee’. What started during the pandemic, Honey Bee has become a Farmers’ Market sensation turned brick and mortar.
Their mission is simple, BEE Kind. In this episode, we chat with Mike & Meredith about building a successful business, believing in yourself, working with your spouse, and more.
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Morgan & Donnah, founders of Date Ideas & Things To Do have had quite the journey together. From being born in the same hospital, on the exact day and reconnecting while planning their 10 year high school reunion.
Now engaged, the couple's love story has blossomed into a successful company. Date Ideas & Things To Do is a media/community platform that’s mission is to provide date night ideas, restaurant recommendations, local events and more. Starting in St. Louis, the company has grown to 16 cities totaling nearly 600k members.
In this episode, Marissa & Lucas relate with Morgan & Donnah on being in the public eye on social media, the ups & downs of business, and working with your partner.
Date Ideas & Things To Do website is releasing soon. In the meantime you can stay up-to date with all the links below:
IG: @dateideasandthingstodo
FB: Date Ideas & Things To Do in STL
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Mac Curran, Creative Marketing Director at LSL Management (Kind Goods) has a story to tell. In his life, Mac has battled through depression, anxiety, and severe drug addiction. In this episode, we speak on overcoming adversity, his new career, St. Louis, and more.
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The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis envisions a region where every resident has the freedom, resources, and opportunities to enjoy a creative life – to share and celebrate their stories, art, and culture and feel a sense of belonging wherever they live, work, or play.
In this more equitable world, every culture is valued, supported and enabled to grow and thrive. A person’s well-being and success in life are not determined by race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, ability, class, or status.
We’re excited to continue to highlight the people, places, and events that make St. Louis special and with the help of RAC STL, we plan to do that on a bigger scale.
In this episode we spoke with Vanessa Cooksey (President & CEO) and Jay Scherder (Senior Communications Manager) about RAC STL’s mission, recently awarding over $1 million in grants, the great art programs in our city, and more.
Support The Mission - RACSTL.org
Follow Along on IG - @regionalartscommission
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Braden aka BradENSTL is a Digital Content Creator that is "changing the way people see St. Louis, one bite at a time." He created his platform in April 2020 to help the local businesses of St. Louis throughout the pandemic, while showcasing everyday life in St. Louis. He uses food, music, and laughter to inspire people to "vacation in their own city." He has changed the way people see mini-vlogs after announcing he would be releasing at least 13 original mini-vlog series over 3 years beginning in Fall 2021; all of which feature St. Louis restaurants. He has many more projects in the works and constantly says "I'm just getting started."
Follow @BradenSTL on Instagram
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Dante aka Original Dante embodies everything St. Louis into his brand on social media and YouTube. When it comes to highlighting our great city, you can find Dante documenting his way through the events that make St. Louis special.
Follow Dante: @originaldante
Subscribe: https://goo.gl/z8JHQv
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Mikala has had quite the accomplished career from athletics, multi-media, and now her journey to become Miss USA. Mikala recently left Fox 2 as a reporter to chase the crown as Miss Missouri, and she won! Her life has been full of accolades including Suburban North Conference Player of the Year, Suburban North Athlete of the Year, St. Louis Cardinals Athlete of the Year, Larry Hughes Athlete of the Year, and Riverfront Times Best High School Athlete of 2012.
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Tamara Keefe, CEO and self-proclaimed ‘Flavor Temptress’ of St. Louis based Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery®, has always had a deep passion for not only ice cream itself, but also what ice cream represents, especially in the context of her own life. Her journey from a girl born into a poor family, growing up on the beaches of southern California to self-made ice cream entrepreneur is animated throughout by the “moments of connection,” in her words, that ice cream can facilitate.
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Kevin Lemp is the President and CEO of 4 Hands Brewing Co., 1220 Artisan Spirits and Withered Oak. Kevin began his career in the beverage industry with Gallo Wines in the early 2000s before going on to start three of Missouri’s most successful craft beverage brands. Now the owner of 4 Hands Brewing Co. (est. 2011), 1220 Artisan Spirits (est. 2018), and the recently launched aged spirits line Withered Oak (est. Oct. 2021), Kevin Lemp has masterfully traversed the beverage landscape and has no plans of stopping soon. Kevin was driven by a desire to make high-quality, approachable craft beer, but his primary motivator was to build a community around beer and spirits that gives back to its employees and the city of St. Louis. Kevin took everything he learned about macro-level brand creation, team building, and wholesale relationship management from Gallo Wines and applied it.
From the very beginning, he has offered healthcare to employees and offered a 401K by year four. In 2016, Kevin launched “City Wide,” a giveback beer that has raised more than $250,000 for over 20 different St. Louis non-profit organizations. In 2018, Kevin expanded the 4 Hands Brewing Co. brand for the first time with the launch of 1220 Artisan Spirits, and again in 2021 with the launch of Withered Oak, an aged spirits line. Kevin’s philosophy is to provide a customer with whatever they're feeling like drinking at that moment within the 4 Hands family of brands portfolio, whether it's a canned cocktail or a gin and tonic, a bourbon on the rocks, a hazy IPA or something nonalcoholic, coming soon with their new line of nonalcoholic, CBD beverages launching this summer called “Free Space.”
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Mai Lee, a first generation American was introduced to music during her childhood by her parents and siblings. She received an early music education by attending a performing arts school right here in St. Louis.
Growing up, she experienced trouble fitting in. While other kids were out at the mall, she was working inside her family’s restaurant - Mai Lee, which was the first Vietnamese restaurant in St. Louis. There, she learned the fundamentals of hard-work and realized that she could do anything she put her mind too.
In this episode, we touched on her music career, album “FRIENDZ” which is releasing this summer, her motivation, and more.
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Mike Romer is a street photographer in St. Louis. Born and raised in St. Louis, he enjoys photographing things that are important. Whether it’s taking photos of people in passing or documenting weddings, current events happening within St. Louis.
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Sisters, Amanda Helman and Susan Logsdon, are the co-founders of Golden Gems, a badass brand and storefront located in St. Louis, MO. The sisters grew up on Golden Gem Road in Apopka, Florida among the orange groves.
While bringing a bit of Florida to the Midwest, the Golden Gems ladies make products that inspire and empower. Their products have been seen all over the world, most recently being featured in Urban Outfitters. In St. Louis, they have a beautiful storefront in Midtown off Locust and a Disco Edit pop-up in The City Foundry.
Susan, 3 years older than Amanda, is a lover of the creative process designing new Golden Gems products. Amanda, younger sister, is the one behind the fun @goldengems Instagram and brings attitude to the brand.
Together, Susan & Amanda have created an iconic brand and empower people all over the region. In this episode we touch on their family dynamic, coming up with new designs and more.
Golden Gems operates on the idea that there is a badass inside of everyone. One that sparks creativity, pushes us forward, and gives us confidence. They exist to inspire that inner badass to unapologetically be who you are, take up space, and live life on your own terms.
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At 20 years old, Juwan Rice is an award winning chef, content creator, food photographer, personal brand curator, technology engineer and just an overall creative.
JR has been in the kitchen since he was 6 years old. His passion and creativity led him to launch JR’s gourmet in 2014, later starting his photography business and most recently launching JRice Spice which is a creative spice company that will take the guesswork out of cooking.
Growing up in North St. Louis, Juwan has aspirations to effect change in his neighborhood by ‘Spicin’ Up Tha Block’. Juwan Rice has been featured only many national and local publications like Food Network. His goals are to inspire people that came from the same background he did. In the future, you will see JR open unique restaurants, events, and other brands.
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Jeff & Mary Clarke have had a global presence discovering, developing, and managing top models, through their company, Mother Management for over two decades. They are active mother agents supporting and nurturing models throughout their entire career.
Their unique approach to the modeling industry has gained international media attention in The Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, E! Scouted to Stardom, Vogue, Entertainment Tonight, ABC’s Night Line, and now The STL Bucket List Show.
Jeff & Mary are responsible for the discovery of top stars Ashton Kutcher, Karlie Kloss, Grace Hartzel, Alanna Arrington, Jay Wright & Myla Dalbesio, to name a few. They also represent a strong roster of many more successful models working globally for the top clients and magazines in the world. Over Mother Model Managements twenty five year history, includes having 50 models & counting walk the top runways of the world in New York, London, Milan, & Paris.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stlbucketlist)
Jason Bockman is the owner of Strange Donuts, a popular donut shop in the St. Louis area. Jason’s story is extremely inspiring, from facing 20 years in prison as a teenager, studying abroad in China, owning a hot dog stand in St. Louis, leading up to what he is today.
Bockman spent his youth growing up in group homes surrounded by guns, drugs, and violence. Jason claims his humble beginnings make him the man he is today through using his business resources to drive change in our city.
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Joe Edwards is one of St. Louis’ most influential visionaries of the last 50 years. Joe’s creative vision, risk-taking, and leadership have helped transform The Delmar Loop into one of the most vibrant restaurant, shopping, arts & entertainment districts in the United States.
Nationally renowned restaurant and music club Blueberry Hill was the first of a new era of unique owner-operated businesses in the area. Joe’s subsequent attractions include the beautiful Tivoli Movie Theatre, the non-profit St. Louis Walk of Fame, The Pageant concert nightclub, the Pin-Up Bowl, the sensational Moonrise Hotel with the Eclipse Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace Bar, Peacock Diner and Delmar Hall Concert Club.
Joe Edwards has made it his mission to highlight all genres of music throughout the last 50 years with a key on diversity and inclusion. In this episode Joe touches on his relationship with Chuck Berry, his favorite spots to eat on The Loop, St. Louis Walk of Fame, and more.
Read Joe’s full bio - https://blueberryhill.com/joes-bio/
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/stlbucketlist)
For 10 years, SK8 Liborius has been a sanctuary for skateboarders, BMX riders, quad skaters, artists & musicians. Born out of a historic cathedral, St. Liborius was the oldest Neo Gothic Cathedral west of the Mississippi River. Since the transformation 10 years ago, SK8 Liborius has since launched their non-profit Liborius Urban Arts Center, LUAS (501c3) which will be an educational center designed to give people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to improve themselves and the community through new skills, vocations, and art.
Donate & Support SK8 Liborius & Liborius Urban Arts Center - https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-sk8-liborius
Follow on Instagram: @sk8liborius
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Jillian is the founder and CEO of Fit Flavors, the largest meal prep service in the Greater St. Louis area. Jillian has been in the fitness, culinary and nutrition industry for nearly 20 years. In this episode we spoke on Jillian’s upbringing, family, fitness and the release of her book ‘Owning The Wait’ which is available for pre-order now!
Many sell promises of a ‘quick fix’ but the truth is there is no end point to achieving a healthy lifestyle. Jillian embodies what it looks like to be an American Entrepreneur through her business. In this episode you will feel motivated, inspired and entertained as we walk through her journey.
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The Macc Boyz have been flipping homes in St. Louis since 2013. Willie, a comedian that resides in Los Angeles and Jonathan, a contractor and realtor here in St. Louis. Willie has been gaining success doing shows and commercials in LA & Jon asked him what he’s doing to invest that extra income, eventually convincing him to invest in real estate here in St. Louis.
Growing up, Jon & Willies father was into real estate and would bring them and their brothers out to help out. Jonathan touches on how his Father plays a huge role in his own work ethic to this day. ‘My Flipping Family’ premiered on HGTV February 16th.
@myflippingfamilyhgtv - IG
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Brian embodies the ideas and images of heart and soul wholeheartedly in his music and life. Brian is passionate about investing in Ferguson and empowering young men and women to mold them into inspiration leaders in their communities.
Exclusive Live Performance from Brian Owens on an upcoming project later this year.
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Michelle Li’s life changed on January 1st, 2022 when a woman called KSDK to complain about Michelle’s segment saying what Americans eat for New Years. After reading the segment, Li adlibbed, “I ate dumpling soup. That’s what a lot of Korean people do." The woman called Michelle #VeryAsian, annoying and she can “keep her Korean to herself”.
Since then, Michelle has created The Very Asian Foundation and is inspiring people all over the globe to be proud of who they are. In this episode, we talk with Michelle on her family, career and what happened on January 1st.
IG: @michellelitv
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In this episode, Brock Seals touched on his upbringing in St. Louis, style of art
and who truly inspires him. Brock’s work has been seen all over St. Louis and
even by Nipsey Hussle, Dapper Dan, Harrison Bader & Erykah Badu. Brock wants
to change the narrative around St. Louis and he believes through Art, Music &
Culture he can achieve just that.
BROCKSEALS.COM
@SEALSBROCK – INSTA
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