Collateral Damage: Recent Episodes
KDHX
Collateral Damage is a news and chat show produced by KDHX Community Media in St. Louis, MO dealing with local and state politics, how national issues affect the region and what role the media plays in determining how reality is perceived in Metro Saint Louis. Veteran journalist D.J. Wilson is your host and guests include members of the mainstream media as well as bloggers, politicians and activists.
Host DJ Wilson sits down with Alderwoman Megan Green, discussing her plans for the future of St. Louis.
Host DJ Wilson discusses the upcoming Board of Alderman elections with regular guest Virvus Jones, former comptroller of the Board of Alderman, and Assessor for the City if St. Louis.
Dj Wilson talks with long time colleague Byron Kerman, writer for St. Louis Magazine and the RFT, and photographer, writer, blogger, and musician Toby Weiss about plots and plans for St. Louis City and County reunification.
Dj Wilson talks with lime time colleague Byron Kerman, writer for St. Louis Magazine and the RFT, about the year in Missouri politics, and healthy dose of holiday humor.
DJ Wilson speaks with Virvus Jones, former comptroller of the Board of Alderman, and Assessor for the City if St. Louis - topics include city issues such as the proposed privatization of the STL airport, water, and the move to bring a new Major League Soccer stadium and franchise to the area.
DJ Wilson talks with Alderman Cara Spencer about various issues including airport issues and about her experiences as an Alderman.
Host DJ Wilson and Les Sterman, former Executive Director of The East - West Gateway Council of Governments, discuss previous efforts to raise funds through the gas tax and otherwise to repair the roads. Other issues are discussed as well.
Mike Jones, member of the State Board of Education joins DJ in studio to talk about various issues of the day, including the proposed new soccer stadium.
Host DJ Wilson talks with former St. Louis City former comptroller Virvus Jones and about his new novel "Stalking Horse."
DJ Wilson sat down with Dr. Jian Campian from the Siteman Cancer Center to discuss immunotherapy and how it has helped DJ in his own battle with brain cancer. The two talk about the ways in which immunotherapy and its awareness has progressed and the ways in which it differs from chemotherapy. Throughout the discussion, they explore the idea of everyone's journey with cancer being unique.
DJ Wilson talks with Jason Sibert, Executive Director of the Peace Economy Project, about his letter to the editor in the Post Dispatch, and about the Peace Economy Project in general.
St. Charles County Executive Director Steve Ehlmann has been involved in local and state politics in numerous roles, and wrote the book Crossroads: A History of St. Charles County, Missouri.
DJ Wilson hosts this conversation about the similarities and differences between St. Louis and St. Charles, historically and currently, and the state of public schools, in the region.
DJ hosts this conversation with Harvey Ferdman, chair of the West Lake Landfill Community Advisory Group (CAG), and Susan Folle, also with the CAG and STL Toxic Aware.
Ferdman and Folle are actively working for public awareness of the multitude of problems related to top secret Manhattan Project work, conducted in the St. Louis area, and the lack of toxic waste management in area landfills and dump sites.
After years of CAG pressure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has published the proposed plan and initiated a public comment period for the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site, located in Bridgeton, Missouri. Comment via this EPA link.
Recommended documentary films on Atomic Waste:
First Secret City
Atomic Homefront
The Safe Side of the Fence
Roland Klose's first paid writing gig was right here in St Louis in the early days of the Riverfront Times; he is now the Enterprise Editor for the St Louis Post-Dispatch. Working inside and out of the St Louis area over the course of his career has provided Klose with great insights into the business of media and journalism.
The conversation went a little something like this: Chapter 1. Journalism has been in a state of decline for 30-40 years, but so have other industries. The media has been in a constant state of restructuring for decades. (0:00-14:45)
Chapter 2. Cable news is a "poor imitation of news." The consolidation of media companies and the public's insatiable appetite for so-called "breaking news" has changed the way we consume information. While today's papers may be thinner than they were last century, there's still good content in there. (14:45-35:00)
Chapter 3. In the age of Facebook and Twitter, journalists feel the need to cover all of the big stories, but "how do you pick and choose?" Klose also takes a look at the transformation of journalists into psuedo-celebrities with their own personal brands. (35:00-44:30)
Chapter 4. Where's media going and what's the outlook for aspiring journalists? As long as newsmen keep asking "how did things get this way?" there will be hope for modern media. (44:30-54:00)
Thanks again to DJ's family who have helped him get back into the studio after several months away. Also, many thanks to Hank Thompson, who has been keeping Wilson's seat warm. Look for a new show from Thompson coming out in late March 2018 - right here at Podcasts.KDHX.org.
Andy Heaslet is the engineer for Collateral Damage.
After some 5 months battling brain cancer, DJ Wilson returns to the studio with a friend of the show, Professor Todd Swanstrom.
DJ starts his interview by discussing a conversation he had with Swanstrom just hours before the St Louis region learned that there would be no trial for Officer Darren Wilson (no relation), who had killed Mike Brown in Ferguson some three months earlier.
You can read a piece DJ wrote the next day, reflecting on the protests and his recorded conversation with Swanstrom right here.
These two old friends go on to speak for about an hour about race, politics, economics, and if St Louisans should feel bad about the state of the region when comparing themselves to other urban areas.
Here's a look at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. "Same DJ Wilson as before, just sittin' in a wheelchair." DJ briefly explains his health and jumps into a familiar topic, Ferguson, and whether we've learned or done anything to improve the region since that tragedy and subsequent uprising. (0:00-9:45)
Chapter 2. The poor have been unable to accumulate wealth while the already wealthy have been profiting off of "unearned increments." Thankfully, the professor explains this all very clearly. (9:45-15:30)
Chapter 3. DJ asks Swanstrom to take out the metaphorical yardstick to compare St Louis to other cities and regions. Sprawl, Prof Swanstrom explains, is related to segreation and inequality. (15:30-31:30)
Chapter 4. Can urban areas improve on their own or is Federal and State intervention and empowerment necessary? Yes. (31:30-39:00)
Chapter 5. A look at the political landscape: There's a new police chief in town, we're in the middle of a race for County Executive, Expresscripts has been bought out, and more. (39:00-60:00)
Thanks to DJ's family who have been helping him heal and a huge shoutout to Hank Thompson, who has been keeping Wilson's seat warm in the studio these past several months. Look for a new show from Thompson coming out in late March 2018 - right here at Podcasts.KDHX.org.
"I have some great guests this evening," host Hank Thompson texted to Collateral Damage Engineer Andy Heaslet. "Richard Gaines of the SAB for the St Louis Public Schools and Pat Washington, former aid to Charlie Dooley and mayor Freeman Bosley Jr, and a candidate for the University City School Board of Directors."
This lively, fast-paced, and educational conversation will change the way you look at urban schools in the St Louis Region.
Vocabulary for the day, psychometrist - a professional who uses their training and/or experience in psychology to specialize in tests and measurements
Here's a glance at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. A week after a 19-year-old killed 17 people at a high school in Florida, Washington and Gaines discuss safety in our schools - especially in our urban context. (0:00-18:45)
Chapter 2. Hank wanted to have a linear conversation about how schools today are becoming more segregated. Gaines and Washington entertained the subject, but they both emphasized that perceptions of our urban schools may not match the reality on the ground. (18:45-38:00)
Chapter 3. Solution sharing. While our schools face a great deal of problems, there are solutions that are already making improvements. (38:00-47:00)
This is Hank's last week filling-in as host of Collateral Damage - he will be returning in mid-March with a brand new KDHX podcast called Tangazo. Until then, you can also catch Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
If you're wondering why Hank keeps talking to an "Andy" throughout the podcast, that would be Andy Heaslet, the show's engineer who joins the host and his guests in-studio each week.
We're hoping to have DJ Wilson back in the studio very soon!
While Hank reads much of these bios within the show, it's worth checking out the full bios of both Ronald and Hattie Jackson (Click on each name to read more about their backgrounds).
From civil rights to poverty to education to black empowerment, the Jackson's have spent their lives fighting for those in need.
As Hank likes to say, these are, undoubtedly, two of St Louis' Finest.
Here's a glance at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. Background and inspiration for a lifetime of dedicated and disciplined activism and work. (0:00-11:30)
Chapter 2. A power-couple is formed. (11:30-16:45)
Chapter 3. Understanding the difference between internal and external control. If you're poor, the world seems to control you. With enough socioeconomic capital, you can have the confidence that comes from your own, internal control of yourself and the world around you. (16:45-24:00)
Chapter 4. Convincing children that they could. "I want excellence [from students] because that's how I made it out of poverty." (24:00-28:00)
Chapter 5. "Being poor is hard as hell," explains Ronald. "Unpredictability in life has a powerful influence on people." (28:00-32:30)
Chapter 6. A common theme: Children. "Children respond to parental expectations" (33:00-39:30)
Chapter 7. 1,000 Ron & Haddie Jacksons, PLUS a special recounting of putting her life on the line during the civil rights movement of the 60's to integrate an Alabama theater. (39:45-50:30)
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
If you're wondering why Hank seems to be talking to a character named Andy, that would be Andy Heaslet, the show's engineer who joins the host and his guests in-studio each week.
Hope you're back on your feet soon, DJ Wilson!
As the City of St Louis' website explains, "Judge Edwards earned an undergraduate degree in 1978 and a law degree in 1982 from St. Louis University. He rose through private and public legal positions to the legal staff of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1990. From there he was appointed to the St. Louis Circuit Court. He was the Administrative Judge of the Family Court and Chief Juvenile Court Judge from 2007 to 2012."
Edwards was appointed as Public Safety Director by Mayor Krewson in the fall of 2017.
Here's a glance at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. "It's what you do for others that matters most." How Edwards came to be a judge appointed to the distinguished role of Public Safety Director. (0:00-8:15)
Chapter 2. Judge Edwards says he has "High expectations... for all of the 3600 people that work for [him]..." and they're not the only ones; Judge Edwards has earned respect from police and "crooks" alike. (8:15-11:30)
Chapter 3. "Our City is basically safe." While this may be the case, Judge Edwards understands that we "have to be smarter about how we utilize our [police] officers," if we want citizens to feel safe. (11:30-19:15)
Chapter 4. But 205 murders last year! The public must be a part of public safety and this will require courage from citizens. (19:15-24:15)
Chapter 5. Edwards envisions "A community where your grandkids can walk to the corner store without the fear of being hurt." When it comes to better crime fighting, Edwards says, "It is my job to root out the bad police officers, but I also need help from the police officers on the inside." Similarly, he needs the support of the community to keep criminals off the streets. (24:15-29:00)
Chapter 6. "We're not going to incarcerate our way out of crime" in our communities. Plus a surprising reality-check looking at white-on-white vs black-on-black crimes. (29:00-34:30)
Chapter 7. Dating back to the Dred Scott trial held here, the City of St Louis has been on the cutting edge of changing America and Edwards sees us as continuing to lead when it come to police relations as well. At the end of the day, "Reducing Crime is [Edwards'] number one goal..." and it's what he knows best. (34:30-41:20)
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Andy Heaslet is the show's engineer.
Wishing you well, DJ Wilson!
Alderwomen Green, according to the website that bears her name, "first was elected in represent the 15th Ward in a Special Election in October of 2014 and was later re-elected in March of 2016."
"Since assuming office, her bio continues, "Alderwoman Green has become the progressive champion of St. Louis, fighting for a $15 minimum wage, civilian oversight of our police department, reproductive rights for women, and responsible development with community benefits. She has been an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement to address racial disparities that exist within the St. Louis Community, and nation. She also currently sits on the Continuum of Care to end homelessness in the St. Louis Region."
Here's a glance at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. It can be scary, standing up to bullies. How Megan became an activist and politician. (0:00-7:30)
Chapter 2. "What if we invested in the people who live here?" imagines Green. "We could grow the next fortune 500 company" instead of hoping to recruit a silver bullet company to come and save us. (7:30-12:15)
Chapter 3. Green knows who got her elected and those are the same folks who hold her accountable in her quest to push for progressive policies. (12:15-21:00)
Chapter 4. "The power comes from us working together." Green discusses playing a role in elevating women and people of color in the St Louis political scene. (21:00-29:15)
Chapter 5. A different look at crime. "Your budget is your values statement," says Green; she thinks we should be spending more to help people rather than criminalizing them. (29:15-39:00)
Chapter 6. What makes young progressives tick? "We're about the work," explains Green in a closing conversation that covers the city-county merger, racial bridge building, theories of change, and a final look at what makes St Louis a great place to live. (39:00-48:30)
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
You may have heard Hank chatting with an Andy during the course of the show - that would be Andy Heaslet, the show's engineer.
Wishing you well, DJ Wilson!
Jamala Rogers, according to the website bearing her name, grew up in a working class neighborhood Kansas City, MO, coming "of political and cultural age during the tumultuous 60’s... She’s been organizing and raising hell ever since."
"Jamala currently resides in St. Louis, MO where she has devoted all of her adult life to creating a child-centered, family-oriented community–one that embraces, celebrates and protects human rights for all citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation or religion...
"Jamala is a featured columnist for the award-winning St. Louis American newspaper [this is her 25th year]... and is on the editorial boards of BlackCommentator.com and The Black Scholar. She has authored many articles for both local and national publications on issues that she is passionately involved in."
Rogers is married to legendary St Louis activist Percy Green and is one of the founders of the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS). OBS is celebrating its 38th anniversary on Saturday Jan 27, 2018.
Here's a glance at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. A 15 minute introduction crammed into 5. (0:00-5:00)
Chapter 2. Not asking for permission. Hank asks Jamala how she came to be a leader in the black community. (5:00-11:45)
Chapter 3. Malcom X or Dr. King? Garvey or DuBois? Green or Rogers? Getting to systemic change isn't an either/or proposition. (11:45-16:45)
Chapter 4. Bringing along people to help them learn about empowerment. Not everyone understands the reasoning behind protests, Rogers asks you to imagine the society we're trying to create. (16:45-26:00)
Chapter 5. The fight for local control of the St Louis City Police Dept. After a 30 year fight, this may be one of the brightest feathers in Rogers' cap. (26:15-31:00)
Chapter 6. Protest vs Activist vs Organizer. You should have seen Jamala glaring at Hank over her glasses when he described her as never having been loud. "I can get loud if I need to," she retorted. (31:00-43:00)
Chapter 7. Highs, lows, and legacies. The first black mayor in St Louis, Reggie Clemons, Frankie Freeman, and what lies ahead for Rogers. (43:00-51:00)
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Andy Heaslet engineered the show.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, DJ Wilson!
According to his bio, Mike Claiborne is "a 30-year market veteran, including more than 10 years at KMOX, has done pre- and post-game shows for the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues over the years."
Mike shares great stories about Cardinals heroes including Bob Gibson, Willie McGee, Mike Shannon, and Tommy Pham. But he also talks about what it was like growing- and coming-up in St Louis. Here's a glance at how the conversation went: Chapter 1. "Volunteered to take a pay-cut..." Mike has been a staple on St Louis sports radio for 30 years and he's paid his dues. (0:00-13:00)
Chapter 2. Black men in the big leagues and in the booth. (13:00-22:22)
Chapter 3. Is KMOX really "The Voice" of St Louis? (22:30-27:30)
Chapter 4. Drinks with Bob Gibson and Willie McGee lead to a memorable story. (27:30-31:30)
Chapter 5. "Make sure you take care of the next guy." An invaluable lesson learned from the legendary Mike Shannon. (31:30-38:00)
Chapter 6. A broader look at the state of the African American community today. (39:00-45:15)
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
Liner notes from the album, When Lions Roar read: "Classrooms & clubs, symphony & social halls, workshops & record shops... all are part of the Bosman's dossier of elegance... in pursuit of their aim: 'educate to elevate.'" - Dr. Eugene Redmond
This is one of the liveliest conversations featured on Collateral Damage in some time. You'll get a sneak peak into the lives of these musical geniuses and into several of the tracks on their latest album, which, by the way, you've got to pick up.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
Chapter 1. "We had to work at it hard." Before becoming one of the most accomplished jazz duos in St Louis, Dwight and Dwayne were raised in a musical household (0:00-10:15)
- Track 3 - "Pootie"
Chapter 2. How do you raise talented children? "Give them the opportunity to fall in love with music." (10:15-21:30)
- Track 8 - "My Daddy Was a Horn Player"
Chapter 3. A talented family. The Bosman Twins' mother worked for two governors and a president. Their sister performs poetry on one of their tracks - and she holds her own. (21:30-26:00)
Chapter 4. What's it like for twins to record an album? "In the studio, time is money," explains Dwayne as Dwight makes faces behind his younger twin brother. (26:00-33:15)
- Track 13 - "Tuned In"
Chapter 5. Progressive activism begets progressive music. The inspiration behind the music. (33:15-39:00)
- Track 9 - "When Lions Roar"
Chapter 6. Grammys bound! (technically). A walk through a few of the tunes on the album. (39:00-47:35)
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Track 3 - "Pootie"
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Track 6 - "Seclusion"
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Track 12 - "DB Blues"
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Track 1 - "Manifestation"
Hank and the guests occasionally mention an "Andy" through the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet.
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
As described by his church, "The Reverend Starsky D. Wilson is a pastor, philanthropist and activist pursuing God’s vision of community marked by justice, peace and love. He is president & CEO of Deaconess Foundation, pastor of Saint John’s Church (The Beloved Community) and former co-chair of the Ferguson Commission."
To learn more about the ongoing work of the Ferguson Commission, now called "Forward Through Ferguson," check out this organization's impressive, dynamic report.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
Chapter 1. Get to know Rev. Wilson and the causes he has been called to serve. (0:00-8:30)
Chapter 2. "I don't think much s going to happen... We're in St Louis." At first, Wilson didn't expect much to change following the death of Mike Brown. He would go on to serve as a co-chair of the Ferguson Commission. (8:30-18:30)
Chapter 3. "Kinda like apartheid, huh?" Laying the groundwork to move away from the minority rule of a majority population. (18:30-24:45)
Chapter 4. "A terrific drive to be resilient." Thompson struggles with some of the philosophical differences within the black community. (24:45-32:00)
Chapter 5. "We put a lot into programs, but not into policy." Rev. Wilson helps walk Thompson through a systems analysis of building power for the black community to create a more equitable world. (32:00-41:15)
Chapter 6. "We've all been on a learning journey." Articulating the difference between equity and equality and how Rev. Wilson came to recognize the difference. (41:15-50:30)
Like most weeks, Hank occasionally refers to an "Andy" through the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet.
You can also catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
Ron Himes founded The Black Repertory Theater Company in 1976 and he continues to serve as the company's Producing Director.
Linda Kennedy has been an accomplished actor for 40 years, spending much of that time performing with the Black Rep.
Get tickets for the next performance by calling the Box Office: 314-534-3810.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
Chapter 1. "How do you compete with the instant gratification of social media?" asks Kennedy. Get to know the guests and the Black Rep. (0:00-10:15)
Chapter 2. "A responsibility to lead our audience." Director Himes discusses the Black Rep's place in the community. (10:15-18:45)
Chapter 3. Seeing yourself represented on stage. Every performance at the theater is different - and each show has the power to change a life. (18:45-25:00)
Chapter 4. "The place to be on a Saturday night." More about the stages where the Black Rep has performed including Washington University's Edison Theater. (25:00-30:00)
Chapter 5. "What's your favorite production?" asks Hank. "Generally the next one," responds Himes. (30:00-36:45)
Chapter 6. How the St Louis Black Rep compares to its peers. Hint: Your presence is requested at the next performance. (36:45-45:15)
Hank refers to an "Andy" a handful of times in the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet.
You can catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
This week on DJ Wilson's Collateral Damage, Hank Thompson and his guests tackle the difficult topic of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Dr. Malaika Horne, is the founder and Director of the Executive Leadership Consortium at the University of Missouri, St Louis (UMSL). The consortium seeks "to prepare students and a cross-section of career professionals to become effective leaders to meet current and future demands in response to regional, state, national and international needs."
Art Perry is a retired pharmacist, current Democratic Committeeman for St Louis' 28th Ward, and he serves on multiple boards across the city.
Join the conversation and grow with Hank and his guests.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
Chapter 1. "Citizen Busybody." Meet Dr. Horne and Mr. Perry and catch up on the context leading up to this conversation. (0:30-8:45)
Chapter 2. "I don't think most women were surprised." Rape culture is being exposed; we learn this behavior comes from the desire to dominate women. (8:45-20:00)
Chapter 3. "We hate that... that's what airhead men think." Hank poses a question and gets set straight, eventually noting, "To some extent, we're all guilty." (20:00-26:45)
Chapter 4. "Now we have a voice." Women have never liked being sexually harassed, what's changed is the ability to make frustrations heard (26:45-34:30)
Chapter 5. You need all types. From boycotts to marches, there are a number of strategies being deployed to work towards a vision of equality before the law for black folks. (34:30-39:00)
Chapter 6. From protest to politics. While a new crop of political leaders are standing up for a more just local government, as Art Perry explains, citizens have been organizing to protect themselves for decades. (39:00-48:31)
Hank refers to an "Andy" a handful of times in the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet.
You can catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
This week on DJ Wilson's Collateral Damage, Hank Thompson sits down with education activist Bill Monroe who shares decades worth of stories of shaking up the status quo.
In addition to an animated guest, we're trying a a couple new things this week. First, you may notice some smokey saxophone interludes - those are simply to break up the conversation a bit. Also, you'll notice that Hank will be calling this program "DJ Wilson's Collateral Damage."
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
Chapter 1. "Brother! Brother! Don't Leave Me!" Monroe discusses the experiences that lead him to be an activist who wasn't afraid to literally fight back. (1:15-15:00)
Chapter 2. "Sounds like a good time to retire." Monroe made it through his time on the force with the help- and in spite-of his friend Marvin Boone. (15:00-27:15)
Chapter 3. Getting kicked out of the Stockley trial. (27:15-32:45)
Chapter 4. Marvin strikes again (literally again). Monroe got his friend a well-paying job and the friend got him fired - but it makes for a great story. (27:15-37:00)
Chapter 5. "Let me talk about Thurgood." Monroe sold his soul to try and set up one of the first charter schools in St Louis--then it was sabotaged. (37:00-45:30)
Chapter 6. "We've been poked, prodded, studied, and misdirected for a long time." Monroe isn't satisfied with that state of public schools in St Louis and he isn't done trying to make it better. (45:30-54:43)
Hank refers to an 'Andy' a handful of times in the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet.
You can catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
Hank Thompson hosts Collateral Damage once again while DJ Wilson is away.
Guests this week are Rev. Dinah Tatman and Minister Donald Muhammad, leaders from the No Justice No Profits movement, a non-violent community action coalition seeking to gain equal justice under the law for African Americans across the St Louis community and, indeed, the world.
Learn more about the movement here: https://www.nojusticenoprofit.us
Can a broad economic boycott of several major brands and economic centers like the Delmar Loop and the Galleria create the change that these religious leaders are calling for?
Here's how the conversation went:
0:00-13:00 - Framing the boycott: "How can we redistribute that pain?"
13:00-25:00 - "A volcano has erupted..." People have been galvanized, how the boycott can guide their actions.
25:00-29:00 - Implementation of "No Justice No Profits" in the pews.
29:00-35:30 - Who's being boycotted, who should be supported, and why. "You're asking people to turn their backs on their universe," protests Thompson. "You have to give yourself justice," responds Muhammad.
35:30-42:30 - "What should the Galleria do?" asks Thompson. "These are your power brokers" who can change policies, explains Muhammad.
42:30-55:15 - Speaking to the white liberal/progressive and wrapping up. "This is not a 'hate-white' movement, this is a 'love black' movement."
Rev. Tatman references a hit James Brown song with the lyrics, "I'm not looking for a handout. Just open the door, and I'll get it myself." Listen to it here.
Hank refers to an 'Andy' a handful of times in the course of the conversation, that would be KDHX volunteer engineer/producer, Andy Heaslet.
You can catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Get well soon, DJ Wilson!
Everyone at 88.1 KDHX is wishing DJ Wilson a speedy recovery from his illness.
Alderwoman Heather Navarro was elected this July to fill the seat left open following Lyda Krewson's victory in the river city's mayoral election last spring.
Navarro, a licensed attorney, is also the Executive Director of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, an organization that seeks to "educate, organize, and advocate in defense of Missouri's people and their environment."
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
0:00-6:30 - Introduction. "I don't know if anything can prepare you" for serving on the Board of Aldermen (BoA).
6:30-12:30 - Joining the BoA during a tumultuous time. "My role as a white person is to say 'Black Lives Matter'" and support the board's Black Caucus.
12:30-24:45 - Prop P. Navarro is glad the decision is ultimately in the hands of the voters.
24:45-25:45 - City-County merger.
25:45-28:45 - Public Education.
28:45-31:30 - Shrinking the BoA. Navarro serves on the legislative committee, the body who will decide how the new lines are drawn.
31:30-37:45 - What encourages Navarro? Passing a resolution calling on the city to get their power from 100% Renewable Energy certainly gives this environmentalist hope.
37:45-45:00 - Tax Abatements and wrapping up. "I have two dream jobs right now!"
You can catch guest host Hank Thompson on the air Sunday nights at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
Hank Thompson is back in the host's chair this week as DJ Wilson tackles some health issues. Check out Thompson's usual show, "Voices," Sundays at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE.
James Clark is the VP of Community Outreach for Better Family Life, a 31-year-old St. Louis-based organization looking "To establish social, cultural, artistic, youth, economic, housing, and educational programs that help promote positive and innovative changes in the lives of individuals and their families."
Clark navigates what he calls the "thick web of violence in our city," treating families' front porches as the front line in the struggle to end violence in St. Louis.
This community outreach professional keeps his phone on 24/7 and shares some of the stories that keep him up at night and the strategies that get him up and moving each morning.
One of those strategies is Peace Fest, coming up on Saturday Oct 28th 11am-8pm in Forest Park's Aviation Field.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
0-11:15 - Why Better Family Life? "There's no problem that a strong black family can't handle," says Thompson.
11:15-19:45 - Showing youth a better trajectory. There aren't brick-and-mortar or policy solutions to violence in our city streets.
19:45-25:15 - The neighborhood alliance model. Outreach workers go door to door within a specific "handprint" (don't say footprint) performing family assessments.
25:45-36:00 - Protests of police violence vs responses to street violence in our city. "They just came by and shot us," cried a young man to Clark during a late-night phone call.
36:00-47:30 - What can well-meaning white people do? Don't get stuck in "analysis paralysis," we know that poverty is the root of the problem.
48:00-55:53 - Peace Fest, "Packing Forest Park with peace loving people."
This week's guest host, according to DJ Wilson, "has the best voice in radio." Hank Thompson usually hosts the weekly show "Voices," Sunday evenings at 6pm on 88.7 WSIE, but this week he's also recording at the KDHX studios with guest Virvus Jones.
Jones, a frequent guest on Collateral Damage, and Thompson have known each other for years. This week's podcast is a front row seat for a lively conversation between two wise men who have been living and breathing St Louis history, politics, and activism for decades.
Here's a very rough look at how the conversation goes:
1:30-15:45 - What's up in St Louis... Jones: Police may say they own downtown streets, but they don't own the streets up in Walnut Park.
16:00-23:00 - How did we get here? A history of politics, voting rights, urban renewal (aka "black removal" according to Jones), and blight.
23:00-27:00 - Do single parent households have a role to play in the state of unrest? Thompson: "You've got to have standards," Jones: "You've got to have money!"
27:00-30:30 - What can change? Thompson: You paint a bleak picture, what can change? Jones: Stop the incremental BS.
30:30-41:15 - Prop P sales tax and more on newly appoint Director of Public Safety, Judge Jimmie Edwards. Jones references this piece in the St Louis American.
41:15-52:45 - Thompson: "I want to get something out of this though..." Jones offers some thoughts including initiatives implemented by his daughter (city Treasurer Tishaura Jones). PLUS: a great debate about the recent town hall with Mayor Krewson and Representative Bruce Franks.
In 2014, Valerie Dent lost her two youngest sons, ages 24 and 31, to gun violence. That same weekend, Edith Williams lost her great nephew. A few months later, her pastor asked her to help start a local chapter of Mothers in Charge.
Nationally, this organization is known as "a violence prevention, education and intervention-based organization, which advocates and supports youth, young adults, families and community organizations affected by violence."
Locally, Williams and Dent help grieving families cope when violent tragedies strike.
Get in touch via the St Louis Mothers in Charge Facebook page.
Here's a look at how the conversation goes:
1:15-10:30 - Mothers in Charge in St Louis. The tough stories that brought Williams and Dent to this important work.
10:30-13:45 - Working with the police and how Mothers in Charge helps grieving families.
13:45-20:00 - "Structure to give back..." How Edith and Valerie make this work happen.
20:00-23:30 - "When I call them, I want them to show up..." more on working with the police.
23:30-27:00 - The nuts and bolts of reaching out to a grieving family.
27:00-32:30 - "Think before you react." "Retaliation needs to stop." The best ways to decrease violence.
32:30-40:00 - "Show children love... and that they can trust you." Wrapping up and what gives Dent and Williams hope.
Here is a rough breakdown of how the conversation went.
Stockley Trial= 3:00-35:00
Amazon in St.Louis? = 36:35-42:00
Scottrade renovations= 42:01-45:00
Metro Link Crime= 45:22-49:22
For 15 years, four hours every morning, Lizz Brown woke up the St Louis region with her WGNU show, "The Wakeup Call."
The title of her talk radio program was more than a witty double entendre, it was a way of life for the firebrand host who wasn't afraid to declare that she was "liberal and lovin' it."
Adella Jones is a public information specialist who worked for the St. Louis Police Department and sometimes went toe to toe with the radio host while Brown was in her prime with "The Wakeup Call." Jones has since left the SLPD and now works in the private sector.
Jones and DJ Wilson are both full of respect and admiration for the radio personality who passed away on Sept 6, 2017 after battling cancer for some time.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
2:30-8:30 - Reporting from the back of a paddy wagon. Brown obviously talked the talk, but she walked the walk, too.
8:30-14:15 - A voice for North St. Louis. "The Wakeup Call" provided a voice for the otherwise unheard.
14:15-15:45 - Multiple dimensions. While Brown was known for her fiery on-air personality, she had some surprises in store.
15:45-23:30 - "She'd make you sharpen up your game..." Brown made local government better by holding them accountable.
23:30-37:00 - Media is lame now. Not only did Brown host her own show, she influenced the rest of the St Louis media market.
37:30-48:00 - "Talking releases pressure." No one is doing what Lizz did anymore... "disengagement is not to our advantage.
48:30-54:20 - Lizz at her best and the media landscape today.
Jeanette Mott Oxford is the executive director of Empower Missouri, an organization that "envisions Missouri becoming a more just, equitable and democratic society that assures every person’s health, safety, security, independence, human rights, dignity and the opportunity to reach full potential."
DJ and Jeanette's conversation follows Mott Oxford's career in politics, the work of Empower Missouri, and, of course, our state and nation's political climate.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
0:00-15:00 - Who is J-MO and what does Empower Missouri do? "Why should workers live in poverty?"
15:00-22:00 - How does EmpowerMO help children and combat structural barriers to overcoming poverty? "It's in everyone's interest to solve housing and hunger."
22:00-28:15 - Toxic stress and kids. Some children are growing up with PTSD - what can we do about it?
28:15-32:00 - What's it like working with our state and federal representatives? Missouri is #2 in hunger and misconceptions are holding us back from making a change.
32:00-36:30 - EmPOWer Missouri's upcoming conference. POW stands for "Persisting in Organizing to Win."
36:30-40:30 - How has the MO house of representatives changed since J-MO left office? Mott Oxford's hope is in people, not party.
40:30-43:00 - Mott Oxford is a plaintiff in a lawsuit to prevent city funds going to support upgrades to the ScottTrade Center, something DJ has discussed with Cara Spencer (episode 108) and Fred Lindecke (episode 107).
43:00-49:00 - Why Trump is president and wrap-up. No president can just make things happen, that's why organizations like Empower Missouri are needed to advocate for change.
With the passing of comedian, civil rights activist, and cultural icon Dick Gregory, d.j. pays homage to the life of the St. Louis native, by reading excerpts of Gregory's 1964 autobiography, "nigger." Gregory attended Cote Brilliante elementary school, graduated from Sumner High School, and attended SIU-Carbondale before becoming a comedian. he was active in the Civil Rights struggle, and ran as a write-in candidate for president in 1968.
What follows is a rough breakdown of how the conversation went down.
What inspired you to stat this academy? (3:00-8:00)
Soccer in STL (9:00-10:30)
The Field (10:40-13:00)
Youth Soccer in STL (14:00-17:30)
How to get a coach (17:45-19:00)
Why Soccer? (19:30-30:00)
Challenges of soccer (36:15-42:00)
Fifa Fair Play (42:10-47:00)
Popularity of the sport (47:00-49:30
How to get this field (49:45-66:00)
If the name Bosley rings a bell, that's because the new 3rd Ward alderman is the son of Freeman Bosley Sr. who served the third for 39 years. Brandon's brother served as the city's first black mayor from 1993 to 1997.
The young alderman was narrowly elected in April of 2017, inspired by the mobilization in Ferguson that showed Bosley that his community is ready for change. He wants to help find realistic ways to make that change happen.
Here's a look at how the conversation went:
0:00-16:00 - Who is the new Alderman Bosley? Where Brandon comes from, who he serves, what inspires him, and his governing philosophy.
16:00-19:15 - A divided community? Bosley discusses building realistic credibility in his neighborhoods.
19:15-26:45 - "Building our own blocks..." Tax incentives, the LRA, and alternative development models.
26:45-31:30 - Understanding crime and the people who commit crime: Discussing a new police chief and the city workhouse.
31:30-35:00 - Alliances on the BoA? Dynamics at City Hall.
35:00-43:15 - The 3rd Ward: What Alderman Bosley's constituents (aka neighbors) are telling him.
43:15-48:30 - What's the role looking like four months in? What's next?
Collateral Damage is hosted by veteran journalist Dennis (DJ) Wilson.
Kathleen Henry and Bruce Morrison from the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center join D.J. in the KDHX studios to discuss a variety of federal, state, and local environmental issues and what they mean to us here in the St. Louis region.
Here's a glance at how the conversation goes:
1:30-8:15 - What does the GRELC do and why?
8:15-21:00 - What does the Trump administration mean for the environment in St. Louis? Streamlining the development process isn't very good for Missouri and Illinois streams.
21:15-26:30 - How are things at the state level? What can the average citizen do to help?
26:30-35:00 - What's going on closer to home? Development in St. Louis County parks, in particular, is not being done to promote outdoor recreation.
35:00-47:00 - Putting it all in perspective. Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy and seeing if there's any reason for hope.
Surprisingly, DJ ends on an optimistic note!
John Amman, SLU law professor, and Catherine Frizell, staff attorney for Children's Rights, discuss the federal class action suit against Missouri to stop the over-prescription of psychotropic drugs to the state's foster children.
Virvus Jones stopped by to speak with DJ about many issues facing the city of St. Louis, including crime, the budget, the national economy, the guaranteed annual income, and many other topics effecting the entire country on this episode of Collateral Damage.
4th of July : 3:00
VP Fair : 5:20
Gina Scott : 8:40
Veteran Life : 14:00
Housing : 20:00
Green Housing : 22:00
Universal Basic Income : 25:38
Crime : 33:30
City Budget : 36:55
Confederate memorial removal : 57:00
Daniel Durchholz from the St. Louis Post Dispatch stopped by the studio to share stories of what it is like to review music, how he believes people should behave at a concert, and a variety of tales from his decades covering music and doing concert reviews.
The Riverfront Times (3:50)
Reviewing Music (4:35)
How to Prepare (11:30)
Note taking (13:00)
Set Lists (16:00)
Deadlines (17:25)
How to choose a concert to review (22:18)
Tom Petty (23:42)
Concert Etiquette (24:50)
Neil Young (34:10)
B.B. King (45:25)
Chris Cornell (49:00)
Worst Interviews (57:50)
Band you most want to see (61:40)
The Great Guns N Roses Riot of 91 (63:00)
DJ speaks with the conveners of the local chapter of the Online News Association.
Nguyen is the Newsroom Developer at the St Louis Post-Dispatch.
Moffitt is an Online Producer with St Louis Public Radio.
Here's a rough summary of how the conversation went:
1:00-5:00 - What is the Online News Association? (It's the largest group of digital journalists in the world!)
5:15-13:00 - Why can't DJ find that article from his print edition of the Post online? What are the differences between online platforms and their traditional partners?
14:00-19:45 - What drives people to digital platforms? "We're all just testing the waters constantly," says Moffitt.
19:45-24:30 - What's a Newsroom Developer? How did a journalist from Toronto find his way into writing code for the Post-Dispatch?
24:30-27:00 - How do our local publications compare to national media brands? Learning about what we're great at.
27:00-37:00 - How is this medium being monetized? Publications ask "Can we tackle this?"
37:00-50:00 - Changing expectations for journalists and publications. Why are newspapers hiring SnapChat Editors?
50:00-end - How can people get involved in the ONA? Upcoming events July 13 and again in August.
Swanstrom joins DJ Wilson to talk professorially about the idea of middle neighborhoods and how approaching community development with a public health lens -- as opposed to that of an ICU -- can be a better model for sustaining diverse neighborhoods.
This sweeping conversation seamlessly covers an awful lot of ground, but here's a rough outline of how it went:
1:30-24:00 - What is a Middle Neighborhood? Swanstrom discusses housing policy, race, economic diversity, and why focusing on these diverse neighborhoods is vital to sustaining strong communities.
24:00-31:00 - The G-word: Gentrification is "a slippery term," says Swanstrom.
31:00-37:15 - Institutionalizing Collaboration: DJ and Professor Swantsrom discuss the fractured nature of the St Louis region and how we can move forward together.
37:15-end - How St Louis Compares Nationally: Of course DJ has to discuss media, but he and his guest also talk about the region's strengths and weaknesses as they compare to the rest of the US.
Links:
There were a couple of mentions of DJ's conversation with 20th Ward Alderman Cara Spencer. Here's a link to that program.
While discussing regional issues, DJ mentions a recent article focusing on "Better Together" initiatives. Here's a link to "Krewson, Stenger back latest push for city-county coordination."
Towards the end of the program, DJ mentions Richard Florida, who writes for the Atlantic Magazine. Here's a link to the City Lab author's credits.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer joined DJ in the studio following his conversation with Coalition Against Public Funding for Stadiums' Fred Lindecke to discuss her opposition to the city authorizing spending $67.5 million for renovations to the Scottrade Center.
Here's a rough glance at how the conversation went:
1:30-7:15 - How things are going in Spencer's 20th Ward
7:15-21:45 - Background on the $67.5 million allocated for renovations to the Scottrade Center. "This was never meant to be a bargaining chip."
21:45-37:00 - The grounds for a lawsuit against this financing model and the cities unmet needs. "I certainly haven't seen the lease."
37:00-44:00 - Lots of legislating still going on in city hall.
This week, DJ talks to a retiree from the Post-Dispatch, Fred Lindecke, who played a big roll in getting referendums passed requiring public votes to approve financing Coalition Against Public Funding of Stadiums.
Lindecke appeared on Collateral Damage in 2015 and returns to discuss the aftermath of the Rams leaving town, the proposed soccer stadium, and the city funding upgrades to the Scottrade Center, where the Blues play.
Here's a rough breakdown of how the conversation went:
3:00-6:30 - How the referendums got passed and "A stupid judge's decision"
6:30-15:00 - The Rams and the proposed soccer stadium
15:00-23:00 - Funding renovations to the Scottrade Center and its implications
23:00-25:00 - What's next and a timetable for pending lawsuits
25:00- end - Reflecting on the state of media and Fred's time at the Post
Tune-in to our follow-up to this conversation with Alderwoman Cara Spencer who is questioning the constitutionality of $67.5 million in public funds being used to pay for renovations to the Scottrade Center
A 2015 graduate of Washington University, Nahuel Fefer met with DJ Wilson at the end of his undergraduate career. The Collateral Damage host encouraged the bright young man to get a look at how policy is made in the sausage factory of City Hall rather than going straight to graduate school. After two years of following DJ's advice, Fefer is headed to Law School at NYU.
DJ and Nahuel talk about the minimum wage, public transportation, the mayoral election, economic policy, and regionalism -- they even find a few moments to discuss India and Nepal, too.
See if you can count how many times Fefer uses the word "Externalities."
Here's how the conversation went -- roughly:
3:00-11:30 - StL Minimum Wage: Why Fefer likes this policy and what state politics have to say about it.
12:00-19:00 - Props 1 & 2: Slay's big initiatives in his final year in office
19:00-25:00 - Metrics: What tools should we use to make decisions in City Hall?
25:00-27:00 - A New Mayor: Is there reason for hope?
29:00-39:00 - Looking Ahead: Opportunities and threats for StL
39:00-45:00 - What's Next for Nahuel: Law school, international travel, "Cultural Whiplash"
Doug Moore has spent 17 years with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Moore recently interviewed the new St. Louis City mayor, Lyda Krewson, in an article titled, "New St. Louis mayor on her to-do list, political foes and getting 'remarried' to the county."
Here's a quick, approximate breakdown of the interview if you'd like to skip around:
2:30-8:00 - Regional Flooding: The newsroom's responsibility
8:10-25:00 - New Mayor Lyda Krewson: The race, her team, and her prospects
25:00-33:30 - Homelessness in St. Louis: Closing the NLEC, opening of the Biddle House, and how we got here
33:45-38:15 - NGA: What it took to move the spy agency to the North Side
38:20-50:30 - The Newsroom: Changes at hand and headlines on the horizon
Jenna Bauer is an artist, arts educator, and breath of fresh air in St Louis. She talks this week about her work with the Colorbridge Arts Collective, a "grassroots arts collective dedicated to providing inspired thematic curricula and studio art education opportunities for individuals, schools, families and community groups."
Colorbridge Arts is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the Colorbridge Studio at 5832 Macklind Ave, 63109.
Jenna helped found SCOSaG, now known as Artscope, which is based in Tower Grove Park.
Ms Bauer's work isn't limited to visual arts and arts education, she is an artist in residence at Cherokee Street's Yaquis restaurant and bar, where she sings jazz standards on Tuesday evenings.
Former SLU Urban Affairs Professor George Otte along with his wife, Françoise Otte, who worked in St Louis City Hall before joining Southwestern Bell and then IBM, return for their annual conversation with Collateral Damage to discuss the recent French presidential elections, the present state of Europe, and how Trump is viewed abroad.
Jason Rosenbaum of St. Louis Public Radio and Maria Keena of KMOX join DJ in studio to discuss the latest election, the failed soccer stadium, safety concerns on the metro and the state of radio.
Virvus Jones, former comptroller and alderman as well as father of recent mayoral candidate Tishaura Jones, joins DJ in studio to talk about national, state and local news. He also discusses the recent city election.
Tim O'Neil, recently retired from the Post Dispatch, talks about his time at the paper, where journalism could be headed and something about losing a bit of his finger.
Matthew Carroll-Schmidt, with Team TIF, talks the downside of Proposition 2, the April 4th ballot proposal, which supports a soccer stadium and why he thinks St. Louis shouldn't use public money for the stadium.
Former mayoral Chief of Staff Jeff Rainford explains the upside of Proposition 2, the April 4th ballot proposal, which supports a soccer stadium and why he thinks its passage would be good for the city and the region. Tom Michler of New Dimensions Soccer talks about how his non-profit is bringing the game to underserved urban youth and how it helps them both on and off the field.
Andrew Jones, Republican candidate for mayor of St. Louis, joins DJ in studio to talk about why he decided to run, his plans to combat crime in the city and updating the city's way of creating economic development.
Stacy Ross and Alvin Willis of Neighbors4StableSTL.org join DJ in studio to talk about Prop NS (neighborhood stabilization) and how it can help St. Louis take care of its vacant building problem. Funds from the bond issue, up to $6 million per year, would be used to stabilize vacant residential buildings and increase the chances that they would be rehabbed and re-used.
City Treasurer Tishaura Jones talks about her school days in the desegregation program, her two terms in Jefferson City as a state representative, taking over for Larry Williams as city treasurer....and her decision to run for mayor -- why she's doing it, what she wants to do and how she hopes to pull it off.
Ald. Antonio French discusses why he's running for mayor of St. Louis in the March 7 primary and what he thinks needs to be done to improve public safety, neighborhoods, and economic opportunities in disadvantaged neighborhoods. And he talks about Fergustan, yes.
Jeffrey Boyd has been alderman from the 22nd Ward for 14 years. The father of three spent 23 years in the Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He is running to be mayor of the city of St. Louis and is a candidate in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, March 7.
Gloria Muhammad, aldermanic candidate in St. Louis's Third Ward, and Megan Betts, aldermanic candidate in the 5th Ward discuss their campaigns and the issues in preparation for the upcoming elections.
Aldermanic candidates, Dan Guenther of the 9th Ward and Lindsay Pattan of the 19th, discuss their campaigns leading up to the March 7 election.
local bon vivants Byron Kerman and Toby Weiss join DJ in studio to take a look at the past year and what we have in store for us in 2017. Crikey.
Molly Metzger and Nay'Chelle Harris of Team TIF (Tax Increment Financing) join DJ in studio to talk about tax incentives in St. Louis and moving towards more equitable outcomes for all parts of St. Louis. Team TIF emphasizes the need for transparency and racial equity.
Two of the mayoral candidates, Pastor Jimmie Matthews and Bill Haas, join DJ in studio to discuss their campaigns.
DJ is joined by Mark Kasen and Charlie "Tuna" Edwards (KFNS 590 AM) to talk about the life of St. Louis radio personality, Richard "Onion" Horton, who was on local AM radio for decades bringing his pungent and insightful views on race, politics, and sports, in that order. Horton died the week before this episode.
Mickey Cohen discusses his ongoing struggle against a Walgreens effort to move across Southwest Avenue in the city to open a new store behind the old Southwest Bank building at Kingshighway and Southwest. the city Preservation Board meeets Nov. 28 to consider the issue.
Hank Thompson, long time African-American radio host and political consultant, joins DJ in studio to analyze and empathize about the recent national and local elections.
Paul Schankman joins d.j. in studio to discuss his 33 years on local TV at KTVI, exploring how electronic media has changed over that time and what (gasp) the future holds. He also describes being attacked by a llama while on camera.
Virvus Jones, former city comptroller and alderman and longtime political raconteur and campaign manager, joins DJ to talk about the upcoming election and what will be on the ballot.
Montague Simmons of the AFL-CIO joins DJ in studio to discuss Amendment 6, and its impact on voters. This amendment would create stricter requirements on what types of identification would be needed to vote in Missouri, disproportionately affecting the poor and elderly.
Veteran child activist Ruth Ehresman of Vision for Children at Risk breaks down the pros and cons of Amendment 3 to raise the cigarette tax. She comes down clearly and firmly in favor of it passing. it's not a perfect solution, yet progress.
Doug Moore, journalist with the Post-Dispatch, joins DJ in studio to talk about his recent work with Stephen Deere, taking a look at the recent absentee ballot situation that led to Bruce Franks Jr. winning the 78th district State Rep. position in a revote.
Alex Ihnen, the man behind Next STL and the podcast, Future Great City, joins DJ in studio to talk about his work on these platforms, his day job with the Duchtown South Community Corporation, and what he thinks St. Louis needs.
Susan Sneed and Brittini Gray join DJ to talk about Metropolitan Congregations United work around the breaking the School to Prison Pipeline campaign.
Mike Jones, member of the State Board of Education and the Editorial Board of the St. Louis American, joins DJ in studio to talk about public education in St. Louis, his recent article on how the GOP has lost its soul, and how black athletes have always been on the cutting edge of politics in America.
Bruce Franks Jr., candidate for State Representative for the 78th district, joins DJ in studio to talk about the close results of his recent primary race against Penny Hubbard. He discusses the possibility of a recount or revote of the ballots and the reasons he believes there were voter irregularities. He also talks about why he is running, his work in the community, and the importance of involving the disenfranchised voters of his district. (recorded Aug. 15)
Virvus Jones stops by Collateral Damage to break down the national, state, and local elections results from Aug. 2. the former city comptroller and alderman also discusses next March's mayoral primary where his daughter Tishaura Jones, the city treasurer, is a likely candidate. Virvus says he wants her to run, but that it's up to Tishaura.
Reverend Susan Sneed and Jim Sahaida from Metropolitan Congregations United, Yaphett El-Amin of MOKAN, and Aldophus Pruitt, local NAACP President, discuss what they see as the failure of the Metropolitan Sewer District to follow their Community Benefits Agreement as it relates to minority contracts.
Matthew Carroll-Schmidt joins DJ in studio to talk about his bid for Committeeman in the 6th Ward. He also discusses how the August 2 vote is the election for Democrats, and how grassroots dissatisfaction with the party has led to a more contested primary. Also, near the end, he tells how he protested the appearance of a speaker at an Archon science fiction-fantasy confab, due to the speaker's racist views.
Jason Rosenbaum of St. Louis Public Radio joins DJ Wilson to talk about upcoming primaries in Missouri, how national conventions are no longer impactful, the possibility of a Dubie vs. Blunt race, and why Michael Jordan is not worthy of adulation.
D.L. Thornton, former Vice President of the Federal Reserve bank of St. Louis, joins DJ in studio to talk about the role of the Federal Reserve, cronyism in the U.S. tax code, and how change in our economic system is unlikely. Thornton, who continues his research on his own website, points to the dot.com and housing bubbles as warnings for the future, as some of the same conditions persist.
William Powell, outgoing Senior Editor for St. Louis Magazine, sits down with DJ to talk about his departure from St. Louis for New Haven, Connecticut to attend Yale Law School. He talks about his move from rural Pennsylvania to the New York Times and Esquire, to city magazines. Powell also goes over his past work with St. Louis Magazine , which includes covering competitive eating in the sports section, Bob Costas, Larry Rice, and his final article with the magazine: a look at the shootings of Vonderrit Meyers and Kajieme Powell.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch City Hall reporter Nick Pistor joins DJ in studio to talk about the upcoming mayor's race and possible candidates. He also discusses crime in downtown and St. Louis's struggle with regionalism.
DJ is joined in studio by Jim Nesbitt, author and former editor of the Riverfront Times. Jim talks about his new book, The Last Second Chance, his leap from journalism to fiction, nights of poker with St. Louis politicians, and his tumultuous time at the Riverfront Times.
George Otte, who grew up in south city, taught Urban Affairs at St. Louis University before moving to France more than 30 years ago with his wife Francoise, who is a native of France. The Ottes return to St. Louis about once a year and visit Collateral Damage to give their account of life in Europe and the view of America (and Trump) they get from their homes in Orleans and Paris.
Elisa Crouch, reporter from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, joins DJ in studio to talk about her newest piece, looking into racial disparities in AP classes in the area. She also discusses the lack of opportunity and access to educational resources as well as the structural barriers to getting ahead when you're already behind.
Sean Thomas joins DJ in the KDHX studio to talk about his time with Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. He talks about the great progress the neighborhood has seen since he joined in 2003, what attracted him to the area, and how he thinks other St. Louis neighborhoods can replicate their success
DJ is joined in the KDHX studio by Thomas Crone. RFT contributor and co-owner of the Tick Tock Tavern, Thomas talks about his recent work, including a piece on the former owner of the Broadway Oyster Bar, and his look into graffiti artists in St. Louis. Also discussed — the chemical indifference between Natty Light and Bud Light as well as the meaning behind a certain graffiti tag we probably can’t say here.
Stephen Houldsworth joins DJ Wilson in the KDHX studio to talk about the St. Louis music scene, as well as his own work on stage,most recently with the spoken word piece Protests and Punk Shows: Musings of a Grumpy Old Gay Man. He also talks about changing the narrative of what success looks like in our society, how protest movements lose their radical side, perfecting the literary form of the Facebook post, and why basements are the best place to catch local music.
Tonight, DJ is joined by Josh Wiese, Senior Staff Member for Mayor Slay. John talks about Slay’s recent announcement that he wouldn’t be running in the next election, growing up in a political, and musical, family, and finding out the ugly truth behind how city government runs. He also talks about his own past running neighborhood associations, musical endeavors, and tattoos.
Adam Frick, of Webster University and StlVernacular.com 'splains pod casts for us: what they are, why they're growing in popularity, who does them, and where you can find local versions (at his stlvernacular website). Frick breaks down their appeal and what works, and what doesn't.
Megan Ellyia Green (Ald.15th Ward), joins D.J. in studio to talk about her recent dust-up at the Trump rally at the Opera House, reflections on the failed stadium deal, and her ideals as an elected official in the city. Topics include Trump's rhetoric, what she overheard at the rally, her arrest for her protest, the static and slurs during the stadium controversy, and her hopes for participatory budgeting and transparency in government.
Lana Stein, Chairman Emeritus of Political Science at UMSL, and author of St. Louis Politics: The Triumph of Tradition, drops by the KDHX studio to discuss the national presidential race, her surprise at Sanders' close results in Missouri, how voting can be illogical, and local ballot measures.
Lyda Krewson has been the alderwoman for the 28th Ward since 1997. During her visit to KDHX, she talks about recent development in her Central West End ward, and discusses the importance of the continuation of the city's earnings tax, which is a ballot issue on April 5th. Krewson has no plans for retiring and hopes to continue on the board when it is reformulated to just 14 aldermen after the 2020 census.
Dylan Hassinger drops by the KDHX studio to talk about his newly announced candidacy for the 5th District State Senate Seat against Jamilah Nasheed. He talks about his work on previous campaigns and activism in St. Louis, his belief in the 50-state strategy, and how he intends to reach across the aisle to get bipartisan work done in Jefferson City.
Long-time Collateral Damage guest, and member of the State Board of Education, joins DJ to exchange sports analogies about St. Louis public schools, how businessmen and civics do not mix, and the civic purpose and meaning behind sports, particularly in regards to the recent departure of the Rams.
Ken Warren, SLU Political Science professor and pollster, talks about the survey he and a colleague conducted, collecting citizen feedback on how people in the system view the St. Louis County Municipal Court system. It doesn't get good reviews. Warren also discusses the current state of the presidential primaries.
Jack Gardetti joins DJ in studio to discuss New Approach Missouri's efforts in changing the Missouri Constitution to make marijuana legal for medical purposes. Gardetti talks about their May deadline to gather 167,000 signatures, Missourians' support for medical marijuana, and how the measure would support veterans' causes in the state.
Former City Comptroller and Alderman Virvus Jones explains why he's backing Bernie Sanders, why the Rams leaving town is no big deal, how St. Louis County is more fractured than ever, and what needs to be done to address the problem of poverty, crime, troubled schools, and a growing number disadvantaged people.
Veteran Collateral Damage guest, Bill Haas, joins DJ to talk about his new book “Pink Collar Blue,” a story about love and politics. He also talks about his past and future political aspirations in St. Louis, money in politics, education, and the lifelong pursuit to achieve your dreams.
Tony Messenger, columnist from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, joins DJ in studio to talk about his recent move within the paper, and developing a voice among his readers. He also discusses how the NGA is not as “sexy” as the stadium, but has a bigger potential for growth in the region, the area’s failed river policy as it pertains to recent flooding, and his optimistic outlook on the future of journalism.
Globalization is no longer a vague concept on the horizon. It's here. As St. Louis copes with the global market, its effect on racial equity is the topic of a discussion at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the Central Library, Downtown, at 13th and Olive streets. John Robertson of Employment Connection and John Posey of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments discuss the effects of globalization on racial disparity in St. Louis.
Todd Swanstrom, the Des Lee Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at UMSL, describes how private and public institutions continue to oppress the poor through predatory lending, predatory policing and an oppressive court system. Swanstrom contends that North County suburban lives are increasingly brittle and difficult, but those lives could improve through stronger and better government.
Photographer, Writer, Blogger, and Musician Toby Weiss joins DJ Wilson for a review of 2015, looking back in angst not in anger at their likes and dislikes of 2015 in politics, media, urban affairs, and culture.
Toby's blog B.E.L.T. Built Environment in Laymen's Terms, recently marked a 10th anniversary with B.E.L.T.
Journalist and longtime Collateral Damage guest Byron Kerman returns to break down quotes by and about everyone from Willie Nelson to Noam Chomsky.
Susan Sneed, community organizer with Metropolitan Congregations United, comes by the KDHX studio to talk with DJ about MCU’s efforts in faith based community action. She discusses St. Louis public officials who have, and have not, responded to MCU’s invitations to their public meetings, and how this organization of churches and congregations aim to to do more than simply fill food pantries.
Regular panelist on Donnybrook and original co-host of Collateral Damage, Alvin Reid, drops in studio to talk with DJ Wilson about the failed downtown music festival, the intersection of activism and football at Mizzou, and issues with the Ferguson Commission. Reid talks bluntly about race, and calls the Ferguson Report “Vanilla” and wishes it had been more “Rocky Road,” inferring it needed more substance and defined goals.
Kevin Killeen drops by the KDHX studio to talk about his new novel, “Snow Globes and Hand Grenades.” Dealing with youth and live munitions, Killeen paints a reminiscent portrait of Catholic school with the cunning young character, Mimi Maloney. He also has the chance to talk about telling unique stories at KMOX, ranging from a destructive Grateful Dead fan, to our own host assisting a stranger’s birth in a car.
Virvus Jones, former Comptroller of the City of St. Louis, visits Collateral Damage to talk about Donald Trump feeding American fears, the mistakes leading up to Timothy Wolfe’s resignation from Mizzou, and how the stadium deal could have changing conditions once the team comes to the table.
Longtime St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce visits to discuss the roots of crime, why she became a prosecutor, and her 20+ years working for the Circuit Attorney's Office.
Nick Pistor, City Hall reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, talks with DJ about stadium financing, what's being done about crime in St. Louis, and the state of journalism in 2015.
Broadcaster Hank Thompson returns to the show to share unfiltered thoughts on racial disparities in St. Louis, education, the EBT system, who is and isn't stepping up in local government, and more.
C.D. Stelzer and Alison Carrick join DJ Wilson in studio to discuss their documentary, “The First Secret City.” This film takes a look at St. Louis' role in the production of uranium decades ago, and how this history has a continuing impact on our community.
“The First Secret City” will be screening at the Tivoli on November 15, and you can view the trailer on Vimeo.
Jeff Rainford, Francis Slay's former chief of staff, discusses his next move after leaving the mayor's office, and the debate surrounding funding the new stadium.
Julia Ho and Deborah Castillo from Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE) discuss their direct action efforts, the power behind the police, and how their organization draws attention to and works to change systematic racism in the region.
What are the roots of problems like stagnant teacher salaries, underfunded public school budgets, and low test scores? Elisa Crouch, reporter for the Post Dispatch, discusses the state of education in Saint Louis, and what roadblocks are holding the public school system back.
Recently in St. Charles, a black woman and her teenage sons moved into a predominantly white neighborhood, and were faced with their new neighbors calling the police about there being “people that don’t belong” on their block. Doug Moore discusses investigating injustices like this as the Diversity and Demographics reporter for the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Mary Rocchio and Medora Kealy discuss East West Gateway’s strategic assessment of the St. Louis Region, a analysis that takes a look at how we rank against the rest of the country in fields like crime, health, and education.
St. Louis Public Radio reporter Jason Rosenbaum recently covered the minimum wage hike in the city, disputes over stadium funding, Ferguson and its aftermath, and state and local politics. He's also the host of KWMU's Politically Speaking pod cast.
Virvus Jones, fromer city comptroller, returns to the show to analyze St. Louis' "triage development strategies", the need for government safety nets, and the current proposals to raise minimum wage.
Reporter Craig Cheatham discusses leaving KMOV, stories from his 30-year career and what he would have done differently, and reporting on corrupt officials in St. Louis.
Veteran journalist and broadcaster Hank Thompson discusses the ways that government leadership has fallen short when it comes to addressing race relations in Saint Louis.
Ruth Ehresman, Advocacy Coordinator for Vision For Children at Risk, and Jeanette Mott Oxford, Executive Director of Empower Missouri, discuss the minimum wage debate, the vicious cycles that keep people entrenched in poverty, and the misperception that wealth is based on a meritocracy.
UMSL Professor Todd Swanstrom discusses “rebound” neighborhoods in St. Louis and how the decline of mixed income neighborhoods is a growing concern.
Executive Director of the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, Melanie Sheetz, talks about the current state of foster care in the st. louis region and how people can get involved.
Tom Michler discusses his outreach program New Dimensions, which helps underserved children develop character, community, and life skills with organized soccer games that are managed significantly differently than typical children's soccer leagues. Michler, also a counselor, discusses how aspects like the 4 vs 4 playing style and lack of mid-game instruction from coaches helps kids evolve in ways that the way that the current "pay-for-play" children's soccer world cannot.
Public education in Missouri is in trouble, and nobody knows that better than Mike Jones, a member of the state’s board of education. Mike visits this week’s Collateral Damage to talk about why Governor Nixon vetoed the school transfer bill, why he turned down an offer to be president of the board, and what needs to be done to improve public education.
Is marijuana going to be legal in Missouri? John Payne of Show Me Cannabis visits Collateral Damage to talk about the upcoming ballot issue in November 2016. Payne says Show Me Cannabis is looking to put medical marijuana on the ballot instead of full legalization, because close to 70 percent of Missourians support medical marijuana.
Tom Villa, Longtime city alderman and state representative, and Les Sterman, former head of the East West Gateway sit down for a chat about Metro Link, crime, Paul McKee, minimum wage, and why state government has no “empathy” for the city.
Former City Comptroller Vivus Jones talks about his $7 electric bill last month (thanks to solar panels) and why he’s against the stadium, against the upcoming bond issue, and why he thinks fighting poverty should be government’s top priority.
Donald Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American, and Don Marsh, of St. Louis Public Radio (KWMU-FM 90.7) talk about the changing dynamics of media, how media handled Ferguson, and what St. Louis can and should do in a post-Ferguson world.
After 14 years on-air, Collateral Damage morphs exclusively to podcast. Host DJ Wilson discusses what that is, and what that ain’t.
What amounts to the Paris Bureau of Collateral Damage returns to St. Louis from the city on the Seine to discuss life and politics on the Continent, how France is dealing with immigrant backlash and what the Euros think of the United States. George grew up in South City and was an Urban Affairs professor at St. Louis University before moving to France. Francoise lived and worked in St. Louis before returning to her native France with George. They come back once a year, then not surprisingly, return to France.
Kathy Corley, professor and chair of the Department of Electronic and Photographic Media at Webster University, discusses changes and trends in higher education, including the cost of college, and the recent recent conflicting views on the value of college and the role and pay of professors and adjunct instructors.
Virvus Jones, a former alderman, was the comptroller for the city when he opposed the construction of the dome and the lease given to the Rams back in the '90s. On Collateral Damage he discusses the problems with the current financing scheme for the new stadium and gives his take on the new civilian review board for the police, the school transfer dilemma, and other issues affecting the metro area.
Tim Fitch, former St. Louis County Police Chief returns to KDHX for his fourth interview since 2010, this time looking at the ongoing turmoil in North County. Back in 2010 on Collateral Damage Fitch discussed how the multiplicity of police departments and small municipalities in the county led to strained citizen-police relations due to underpaid police writing tickets to bolster municipal budgets.
Jeff Rainford, chief of staff for Mayor Francis Slay for the last 14 years, visits KDHX to talk about race, crime, schools, a new stadium, downtown, the recent suicide of State Auditor Tom Schweich, what the city and region need to do, and what he plans to do now that he's left City Hall. Rainford was a guest on the first Collateral Damage in July 2001.
Jay Swoboda started What's Up, a publication sold by the homeless, he runs EcoUrban homes and does recycling "audits" for companies. His biggest venture recently is being CEO of Dabble, an on-line marketplace for connecting people with classes in the community. Swoboda explains how he's invested a $50,000 Arch Grant into Dabble and how well it's doing.
Britini Gray is a community organizer for Metropolitan Congregations United, a multi-denominational church-based organization dedicated to advocating for the disadvantaged through various lobbying efforts and awareness raising activities. Its social justice causes include Medicaid expansion, better resources and support for public schools, and limitations on payday loan outlets.
John Payne of Show-Me Cannabis discusses the apparent success of marijuana legalization in Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon and decriminalization in the District of Columbia. Plans are on track for a 2016 ballot proposal to legalize marijuana in Missouri, and Payne says polling remains around 50-50 for approval. He thinks as more young voters turn 18 by November 2016, votes in favor of legalization will increase.
Jason Purnell is with For the Sake of All, a multi-disciplinary approach to improving the health of African Americans in St. Louis. Purnell, an assistant professor in the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, has done research into how socioeconomic and cultural factors affect health. In this interview, Purnell tells how For the Sake of All puts an emphasis on early childhood intervention because it improves the health of the children and makes sound economic policy.
Veteran journalist C.D. Stelzer gives an update on recent projects, including his work on a documentary film about the disposal of radioactive waste in the St. Louis area.
Steve Potter has been on-air at St. Louis Public Radio for the last 10 years, as the host of Cityscape on Fridays and as a fill-in host on other shows. Potter, from Granite City, also has a television talk show on the city's public access channel. He discusses how "coming out" as a gay man surfaced on KWMU.
Nick Pistor, a native of Milstadt, covers city hall for the Post-Dispatch. In this interview he discusses his work covering the turmoil of Ferguson, as well as the the changing face of the Slay administration in City Hall.
Tom Villa is an alderman, and previously was a state representative and mayoral candidate. Villa, who represents the area around Carondelet Park, is known for his legislative skills, political moxie and astute historical perspective on city government and social problems.
Steve Patterson, writer for urbanreviewstl.com, discusses the Larry Rice homeless shelter, further developments with the Edward Jones Dome and the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.
Citizen activist Fred Lindecke talks about his efforts to prevent public funding for sports stadiums in St. Louis. He also expounds upon the news of the Rams owner's plans to build a new stadium in Los Angeles.