Stephen Westbrooks' Vision for Development in St. Louis

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Adam Pearson. The director of the Human Services Department for the City of St. Louis last year launched the Code Blue operation, which works proactively to bring homeless people into shelter when temperatures drop below freezing. He discusses what they learned last year and what’s on his mind as we head into another winter. And speaking of winter, SLM staff writer Ryan Krull shares how the city is preparing to navigate a new complication this winter: miles of traffic-calming infrastructure that snow plows will have to avoid—or risk damage to themselves and the streetscape. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-51 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 This episode is sponsored by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and supported by TEDxStLouis. Downtown Restaurant Week is back November 16–22, with specials at restaurants across Downtown St. Louis. Pick a spot, bring your appetite, and discover somewhere new. See participating restaurants and plan your week at https://greaterstlinc.com/landing-page/downtownstl-restaurant-week/ New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected]. Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected].

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, I sit down with Katy Lee, the powerhouse behind one of St. Louis' most beloved restaurant brands. Katy shares her remarkable journey from battling addiction and homelessness to establishing the successful Katy's restaurants and her new memoir, "Unemployable: The Katy Lee Story." During our live event, Katy opens up about the challenges she faced while launching her business, including a memorable Kickstarter campaign that almost derailed her dreams. We explore her candid reflections on family dynamics, entrepreneurial spirit, and the lessons learned from her past. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights resilience, community, and the power of storytelling as Katy navigates her life as a daughter, restaurateur, and author.

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

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

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

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Mary Ann Perkins, who’s running to represent the 100th district in the Missouri House. In the last two cycles, Democrats came within 200 votes of winning the seat, which represents Ballwin. Perkins explained what made her run for office for the first time, what she hears talking to voters, and why she has deep sympathy for people who are struggling to leave a party that no longer represents their values. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about why the era of the speed hump is finally coming to an end in St. Louis. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-46 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is sponsored by NCJWSTL The Resale Shop. The Resale Shop is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, Couturier! For over 60 years, this premier resale event has featured high-quality designer clothing, accessories, and home décor at a fraction of the cost. Visit Couturier October 7–10 at The Resale Shop on N. Lindbergh Boulevard. Proceeds support NCJWSTL programs benefiting local women, children, and families. Learn more. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected].  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Jake Zimmerman. The county assessor recently surprised many people with the margin of his victory in the Democratic primary and now stands as the favorite to be elected St. Louis County executive in November. He shares his view of the race, his vision for the job, and what drew him back home after college in California and Harvard Law. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the scrap recycling facility that has its South City neighbors in an uproar—and what he learned by going undercover to sell scrap. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-45 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Business 500 Live. On September 23, Sarah Fenske will be moderating St. Louis Magazine’s next Business 500 Live, presented by WashU Olin Business School. Hear from three of St. Louis’ leading women executives—Penny Pennington of Edward Jones, Sandra Moore of Advantage Capital, and Alaina Maciá of MTM—to talk leadership, big decisions, and what’s next for St. Louis business. Save your seat. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected].  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Amy Marie Yaeger, who was part of the producing team for TLC’s new show “Double Lives of Suburban Wives,” which is billed as featuring St. Louis women who make spicy content. Amy explains what it’s like working on an unscripted show, why you should never believe complaints about cast members saying they were edited to look like villains, and how she’s carving out a TV career in St. Louis. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about his story suggesting a troubling rise in catalytic converter thefts—and one local man’s frustrating experience.  See related stories and resources from this episode: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-44 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is sponsored by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. The Glennon Gallop returns Saturday, September 12, presented by T. Danis Charitable Trust. Cheer on an exciting polo match and take part in the iconic champagne divot stomp, all while supporting a great cause. Best of all, your attendance benefits The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Learn more and reserve your spot. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected].  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of The 314 Podcast, business editor Eric Schmid talks to Stephen Westbrooks, who recently took over as head of the St. Louis Development Corporation. The St. Louis native explains how he sees his job facilitating development by making it easy—and reducing the risk for people who might want to invest here. He also previews the challenges ahead.  See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-43. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207 New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected].  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with the artist Mvstermind, who co-wrote and performs the title track in a new HBO documentary and performed in Los Angeles at a World Cup game. The North City native explains how St. Louis shaped him and how he’s building his career from the Midwest even while raising two young kids. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how a relatively new parking policy is triggering complaints from downtown visitors. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe. See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-42 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207  This episode is sponsored by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and supported by Saint Louis Science Center. The Glennon Gallop returns Saturday, September 12, presented by T. Danis Charitable Trust. Cheer on an exciting polo match and take part in the iconic champagne divot stomp, all while supporting a great cause. Best of all, your attendance benefits The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Learn more and reserve your spot. New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email [email protected].  Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Email [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.