We mark our 400th show by tracing how Saint Louis in Tune began, why we keep going, and what the program has always tried to do: offer fresh perspectives on issues and events by talking with experts, community leaders and everyday people who are making a difference. I recount an early studio anecdote about arriving a minute before our inaugural broadcast and explain why the show’s name — and even the logo — is rooted in my musical background: ‘‘In Tune’’ is a nod to my years as a musician and music educator.

We highlight how the show’s mission translates into practice: we seek credible sources rather than lightweight opinion, invite local nonprofits and cultural institutions to tell their stories, and curate a wide range of topics from history and public policy to arts and health. Brief selections of memorable interviews are played. We explain how we select guests — driven by what interests us and by what will inform or challenge listeners. Throughout, we emphasize that while the program originates in St. Louis, its reach and relevance extend regionally, nationally and internationally via our website and podcast platforms.

A big thank you to our listeners who are encouraged to explore stlintune.com where every episode is catalogued with background material and links so you can follow up on guests and topics.

[00:00] 400th Show Kickoff

[01:25] Thought To Ponder

[02:29] First Show Story

[04:38] Co Host Origins

[05:32] Show Mission Branding

[07:47] Name And Logo Trivia

[08:48] Beatbox Champions Clip

[12:09] Memorable Guests Topics

[14:55] MLK Speeches Spotlight

[16:23] USS Missouri Interview

[24:39] Jokes And Fun Episodes

[26:45] Holiday Gag Gifts

[27:00] Big Issue Interviews

[28:05] True Crime Spotlight

[29:39] Why The Show Works

[31:34] Inspiring Guest Stories

[33:51] Music And Local Flavor

[37:16] Going Deep On Tariffs

[39:06] Jokes And Odd Holidays

[44:44] Website And DIY Team

[46:51] Episode 401 Tease

[47:58] Wrapping Up Show 400

Takeaways:

• We celebrate our 400th episode and reflect on nine seasons of varied, meaningful programming.
• I emphasize our mission to offer fresh perspectives with experts, community leaders, and everyday people shaping society.
• I describe our editorial approach of prioritizing credible experts and factual reporting over lightweight opinions and sensationalism.
• We use the show to amplify local nonprofits and initiatives, including Tiny Superheroes and the Woman's Safe House.
• I remind listeners that our content reaches beyond St. Louis through stlintune.com and major podcast platforms worldwide.
• Listeners are invited to explore episode archives, photos, and guest resources on the website and to leave reviews supporting our work.

Links to Audio Conversations in This Episode

Beatbox Champions

He Served on the USS Missouri

• Saint Louis In Tune - Home Page

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#stlintune #saintlouis #podcast #radiopodcast

We welcome Angela Ricketts, an author, business owner, and nonprofit founder, ahead of the show’s 400th episode. Angela discusses her son’s diagnosis at age five with choroideremia, an ultra-rare, progressive blinding eye disease affecting boys and men. She contrasts families who wait to accept the disease with her approach of learning, fundraising, and advocacy.

She shares how grief after losing her grandmother and father led her back to clay, inspiring Sight Stones—thumbprinted clay “worry stones” with a center hole symbolizing vision loss and messages about choosing focus. The donated proceeds (100%) of Sight Stones and her August-released book Never Lose Sight fund research for a cure for choroideremia. She highlights growing hope through gene therapy research and describes integrating the “never lose sight” mission into her St. Louis-based cleaning company’s supportive culture.

[00:00] Choosing Hope

[00:34] Show Introduction

[01:41] Meet Angela Ricketts

[03:49] Son’s Diagnosis

[04:28] Understanding Choroideremia

[05:55] Taking Action Path

[08:08] Not Broken Moment

[11:23] What Are Sight Stones

[12:18] Never Lose Sight Message

[15:13] Grief and Finding Focus

[15:50] Hope in Clay Origins

[21:37] Seeds of Happiness Connection

[23:43] Genetics and Gene Therapy

[25:29] Book and Speaking Mission

[26:46] Break and What’s Next

[27:19] Sponsor Break Better Rate

[28:04] Welcome Corps Refugee Program

[28:49] Back With Angela Ricketts

[30:00] Grandma Inspired Cleaning

[32:53] Ripple Effect Culture

[34:21] Funding Vision Research

[36:23] Waiting Room Sightstone

[38:52] Kids Adapting To Vision

[40:41] Family Coping And Travel

[43:26] Story Matters Takeaway

[46:08] Donations And Gift Ideas

[48:32] Closing Thanks

Takeaways:

• I remind listeners that every day we get to choose what to focus on, even amid crushing uncertainty.
• We created Sightstones — small clay worry-stone tokens stamped with a thumbprint and a hole — to fund research and spread a simple, tangible message.
• I started rolling stones from my garage and basically turned grief into purpose by fundraising for choroideremia research.
• We put 100% of the book proceeds toward research and I truly believe gene therapy will halt this disease for future kids.
• I learned that clay and pottery reconnected me to my dad and grandmother, pulling me out of stuck grief and into action.
• We use Sightstones in corporate settings, schools, and hospitals because a tiny, tangible reminder can change how people see their worth and purpose.
• As a mom I watched my son navigate progressive vision loss since age five, and I want listeners to know their stories matter — never lose sight of purpose, consider giving, because every dollar and shared stone moves research and hope forward.

• Home Page - Sight Stones
• Facebook - Sight Stones
• Instagram - Sight Stones
• Linktree - Sight Stones

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#sightstones #choroideremia #visionloss #visiondiseases #rareeyedisease #visionawareness #stlouisnonprofit

We welcomed St. Louis native Jessica Radloff, a New York Times bestselling author, TV host, and podcaster, to discuss her upcoming book, Young Sheldon: The Juicier Than Meemaw’s Brisket Inside Story of the Hit Comedy (releasing October 20, 2026), and her work on The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series and official podcast. Jessica explained she began watching The Big Bang Theory after seeing reruns while sick in St. Louis, then pursued deep, new interviews—over 200 hours—for fresh behind-the-scenes details.

Many cast members recorded their own audiobook portions for the Young Sheldon book, including Reba McEntire. She teased surprises such as Jim Parsons becoming narrator late in development and a recast librarian role, plus end-of-series tensions and spinoff drama. Jessica encouraged preorders and will appear on November 8, at 7:00 PM at the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival with Matt Hobby. She advised aspiring journalists to diversify skills and build relationships amid major media industry changes.

[00:00] Opening

[00:41] Show Welcome Sponsor

[00:52] Meet Jessica Radloff

[02:41] St Louis Roots

[03:03] Big Bang Breakthrough

[04:49] Deep Research Process

[06:16] Cast Reads Audiobook

[07:37] Juicy Book Surprises

[10:35] Naming Young Sheldon

[12:28] Big Bang Universe Updates

[14:31] Sheldon The Cat Story

[15:25] How To Get The Book

[17:48] St Louis Jewish Book Festival Event

[20:16] Why Audiobook Is Special

[25:01] Advice For Media Careers

[30:01] Final Thanks Wrap Up

[30:32] Recap & Outro

Takeaways:

• Jessica spent over 200 hours interviewing cast and crew to ensure new, deeply reported material for the book.
• The oral history format made people more willing to be candid about tensions and surprises behind the scenes.
• She confirmed there are genuine surprises in the book, including narrator choices, casting changes, and spin-off-related tensions.
• Many original actors recorded their own sections, bringing authentic voices to listeners.
• She advised aspiring journalists to diversify skills across multimedia, public speaking, and platform-building to succeed in modern media.
• Jessica emphasized building professional relationships early and maintaining them rather than waiting until you're out of a job to ask for help.
• Listeners were encouraged to pre-order Young Sheldon to secure a copy for the October 20 release and to attend the November 8 event in St. Louis.

• St Louis Jewish Book Festival Speaker Series - Jessica Radloff
• Purchase - Young Sheldon The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw’s-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy
• TikTok - Jessica Radloff
• X - Jessica Radloff
• LinkedIn - Jessica Radloff
• Instagram - Jessica Radloff
• Facebook - Jessica Radloff

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#jessicaradloff #youngsheldon #thebigbangtheory #YoungSheldonbook #YoungSheldonoralhistory #BigBangTheoryoralhistory #StLouisJewishBookFestival

Adam Wayne stands out in a way in which his photography ties him to St. Louis and its people. Adam sees the city as a network of connections: the Arch not only as landmark but as a motif woven into leaves, puddles and architecture. He discusses personal coincidences like shared birthdays that deepen his sense of place and the way a photograph can freeze the sound and feeling of a moment.

We talked about photography as memory-making; how a single image can return him to the exact feeling he had when he pressed the shutter—and how that enduring link is central to his ambition to create "legendary" shots. Adam’s advice for aspiring photographers is find your own style, focus on what excites you, and practice relentlessly. We discussed how framing, timing and attention to surroundings matter more than expensive gear, and how persistence leads to opportunities—commissions, gallery residencies, and repeat buyers. Follow Adam on Instagram at @adamwayne_arts, visit his displays at local galleries and the Arch Store, and consider supporting local artists who help people see familiar places in new ways.

[00:00] Opening Tease

[00:22] Intro

[01:18] Sponsor And Quote

[02:09] Adam Returns

[02:41] Butcher Shop Life

[03:17] Dog Food Side Business

[05:31] Photography Philosophy

[07:53] Short Frame Explained

[09:31] Fine Art Identity

[12:26] Where To Buy Prints

[13:21] Why Metal Prints

[14:17] Arch Obsession

[16:36] Studio Wall Stories

[19:56] No Filters Old Camera

[23:57] Break And Sponsors

[25:56] Editing App Workflow

[27:25] Quick Photo Editing Tricks

[28:05] Phone vs Camera Settings

[29:26] Competitive Creative Mindset

[31:02] Arch Reflection Heart Shot

[32:39] Where to See His Work

[33:59] Advice for New Photographers

[38:19] Selling Prints and Classics

[41:00] Break and Sponsor Messages

[43:03] Days of the Day

[46:10] Funny Signs and Wrap Up

Previous Conversation on Saint Louis In Tune-The Brilliance is in the Simplicity

Takeaways:

• I manage Max's Deli and Butcher Shop in Florissant and balance that work with photography as a serious, ongoing creative side hustle.
• I focus my photography on short-frame compositions, using angle and light to highlight unique St. Louis details rather than broad landscape shots.
• We talked about how reflections, water patterns, and small framing windows produce emotionally resonant images that invite viewers to pause and study details.
• I prefer metal prints for original work because they offer a high-gloss, durable, frameless presentation that preserves sharpness and color vibrancy.
• We discussed practical workflow improvements like syncing my Canon to a phone, using the Photo Editor app, and editing quickly on mobile for faster publishing and sharing.
• I recommend that photographers find a niche, practice consistently, and develop a signature style rather than trying to replicate someone else’s work.
• We highlighted commercial strategies: exhibiting at local galleries, participating in art fairs, placing work in retail outlets like the Arch store, and accepting commissions.
• I shared that certain images can become perennial best-sellers, and that focused effort on composition and presentation has resulted in meaningful sales and gallery interest.

• Adam Wayne Arts - Instagram
• Adam Wayne Arts - Home Page
• Adam Wayne - Soulard Art Gallery

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#adamwayne #adamwayne_arts #soulardgallery #gatewayarch #localphotography

Entrepreneur, filmmaker, and novelist Jonathan Bricklin discusses his latest project: reviving the Little People Social Club in New York City. Bricklin, who co-founded SPiN ping pong social clubs and opened a Western-themed pickleball saloon in Texas, explains the club will be designed and scaled for little people but open to everyone, featuring a speakeasy entrance, a low-counter main bar, classic parlor games (billiards, ping pong, shuffleboard, foosball, air hockey, backgammon, chess, darts), duckpin bowling, a disco dance floor, and a curated puppet theater.

Our conversation also focused on inclusion and the lack of accommodations for little people, and Jonathan outlines membership options including founding, annual, and week-long passes priced by height. He partnered with UK creator Fats Timbo in this endeavor and is still deciding between two potential locations and expects clarity closer to December.

[00:00] Meet Jonathan Bricklin

[01:59] Little People Club Origin

[03:38] Designing the Space

[05:58] Open to Everyone

[07:29] Partnering with Fats Timbo

[09:37] From SPIN to Saloon

[11:45] Membership and Pricing

[13:28] Photos and Visual Style

[15:01] Why Physical Connection Matters

[18:50] Dance Floor and Pitch

[20:17] Opening Plans and Pushback

[23:21] Hosts Reflect and Wrap

Takeaways:

• We chatted with Jonathan Bricklin about the Little People Social Club — a practical, scaled social space designed for little people but cheerfully open to everyone.
• The club's quirky features — a speakeasy entrance, very low bar, ping pong, duck pin bowling, puppet theater, and a disco dance floor — all meant to spark real-life conversations.
• A fun bit of serendipity: Jonathan found and partnered with Fat Timbo via ChatGPT to get authentic little-person design input and avoid tokenizing the project.
• The business reality: there simply aren’t huge local populations of little people, so memberships, visitor curiosity, and broader public support are critical for financial sustainability.
• Accessibility and inclusion — designing for little people is like adding curb cuts: it corrects an overlooked everyday barrier and normalizes diverse bodies in public spaces.
• This isn’t a gimmick or exploitation plot — while we hope it succeeds financially, the main aim is to create lasting social connections and celebrate cultural diversity.

• Home Page - Little People Social Club
• X - Little People Social Club
• Instagram - Little People Social Club

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#littlepeoplesocialclub #littlepeople #socialclubs #newyorkcityclubs #jonathanbricklin #inclusion

Our conversation was like we were on a tour bus with Jefferson Starship original member David Freiberg and current lead vocalist Cathy Richardson. We trace David’s arc from the 60s San Francisco scene (Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jefferson Airplane, and yes, the Starship family tree) to being that humble glue-guy who’d rather make the song work than hog the spotlight. Cathy walks in with Broadway chops (she played Janis Joplin in Love Janice) and then casually becomes the modern voice of Jefferson Starship (with Grace Slick’s endorsement at the GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends).

We get behind-the-scenes magic: the Miracles studio night, Pete Sears tracking bass on their new single "Jetpack," and recording in the very rooms where legends were made in Sausalito. Beyond the nostalgia, we also look into the practical stuff: what keeps a decades-old band alive (low ego, real friendship, and a shared mission), how they psych themselves up before stadiums with a ritual we now lovingly call "the clump," and the surprising logistics (yes, sometimes the bass is coming from a keyboard).

The conversation moves from thoughtful nostalgia to the realities of the road, long bus days, the thrill of thousands of voices, and the joy of still having more music left. If you want a warm, honest look at longevity in rock with a side of good-natured ribbing, this is the one.

[00:00] Jefferson Starship Intro

[00:33] Show Welcome and Sponsor

[01:02] Meet David and Cathy

[03:08] Still Touring at 88

[05:16] Band Chemistry and Mission

[07:04] David the Glue and Ego

[08:28] Making of Jane

[09:44] Favorite Moments and Miracles

[11:33] Cathy Journey to Frontwoman

[14:30] Grace Slick and Hall of Fame

[15:46] Tour Energy and The Clump

[19:56] Musical Roots and Training

[23:47] St Charles Show Details

[24:05] Advice for Young Musicians

[26:22] New Single Jet Pack

[28:57] Thanks and Closing

[29:36] Play Jet Pack and Sign Off

Takeaways:

• We’ve kept Jefferson Starship alive by putting egos aside and focusing on the song, not stardom.
• David learned to be the glue by playing whatever fit the song, valuing arrangements and team contributions over personal spotlight every single time on stage and in studio.
• Cathy never imagined fronting Jefferson Starship, but portraying Janis opened doors and taught her to step into historic shoes confidently.
• Tour life is brutal and boring between shows, so JS invented the "clump" ritual to "psych ourselves up and blow each other's lungs out before hitting the stage."
• If you want it, do it: gig constantly, record your songs, hustle smart, and understand success can mean many sustainable musical lives, not just global superstardom.
• We put out "Jetpack" to have new conversation starters on tour, recording in the same Sausalito room where classic Jefferson Starship magic was made.
• Musicians don't retire — we stop when the music's gone; honestly, we still wake up hungry, so we're in it till we drop.

• Home Page - Jefferson Starship
• YouTube - Jefferson Starship
• Facebook - Jefferson Starship
• X - Jefferson Starship

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#jeffersonstarship #rockband #psychedelicrock #stcharlesfamilyarena #graceslick #paulkantner #davidfreiberg #cathyrichardson

Arnold Stricker and co-host Mark Langston introduce a special rebroadcast for the 25th remembrance of September 11, featuring remarks from the show’s 20th anniversary guests: photographer Henry Leutwyler and writer Kimberly Rex.

Leutwyler discusses his National Geographic portfolio of recovered 9/11 objects, “Sacred Dust,” created by photographing items from the 9/11 Museum archives with a respectful, “portrait of objects” approach. He describes the selection process, the two-week shoot using respirators due to lingering dust, and the emotional flashbacks and smell encountered when opening containers.

Rex, whose father died on the 104th floor of Tower One, reflects on enduring family grief, therapy, mental health impacts, how 9/11 continues to affect their lives through later illnesses, her writing as a form of honoring her father, her Ground Zero anniversary experience, and her belief that 9/11 is a sacred day that must be honored.

Let us honor the memories of those lost and recognize the profound impact of 9/11 on countless lives. While we may not have the answers to the questions that linger, we can choose to remember, reflect, honor the legacies left behind, and ensure that the stories of those we lost are never forgotten.

[00:00] 25th Remembrance Intro

[01:36] Meet Photographer Henry Leutwyler

[02:55] Portraits of Objects

[04:13] Choosing Museum Artifacts

[08:03] Sacred Dust Reality

[08:53] Manhattan Flashbacks

[11:41] Behind the Shoot

[13:37] Henry Closing Thanks

[13:49] Meet Writer Kimberly Rex

[14:35] Grief That Lingers

[17:48] Writing and Motherhood

[20:43] Telling Kids About Dad

[22:37] Ground Zero Anniversary

[25:35] What Never Forget Means

[27:40] Final Thanks and Close

Takeaways:

• This episode marks 25 years since 9/11, reflecting on loss and remembrance.
• Photographer Henry Leutwyler's work captures the essence of 9/11 through recovered objects.
• Kimberly Rex shares her personal journey of grief after losing her father on 9/11.
• The emotional weight of 9/11 continues to impact families years after the tragedy.
• Henry emphasizes the importance of respecting the items he photographed, calling them sacred dust.
• Both guests highlight the ongoing struggle with grief and how it shapes their lives today.

Listen to the Complete Conversations

9/11 Tribute: Capturing a Privileged Moment by Henry Leutwyler

9/11 Tribute: Relecting on Losing a Father on 9/11 by Kimberly Rex

• Kimberly Rex, Writer - Facebook
• Kimberly Rex - LinkedIn
• Kimberly Rex - Instagram
• Henry Leutwyler: Sacred Dust, photographs by Henry Leutwyler at Foley Gallery
• Press Release Leutwyler SacredDust.pdf
• Henry Leutwyler: Journal
• Henry Leutwyler - Instagram
• Henry Leutwyler Studio - Facebook
• Henry Leutwyler - Threads
• Henry Leutwyler - LinkedIn

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#9/11remembrance #911 #twintowers #nypd #nyfd #september11 #sacreddust #cnn #washingtonpost #griefandrecovery

Character matters, folks! From the office to the classroom, character is the secret sauce that makes everything better. Our conversation is with Mike Park, the CEO of CharacterPlus®, the largest and most successful community-­wide character education initiative in the country. He examines and probes the importance of character in shaping not just individuals, but entire communities. We begin with a thought-provoking quote: 'Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow.' As we unravel this metaphor, we learn that while reputation is what others see, character is the deep-rooted essence of who we really are.

Mike takes us on a journey through his own life, sharing how his experiences as a military intelligence officer taught him the value of kindness and compassion in building relationships. He emphasizes that character isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for families, schools, and workplaces. When people feel trusted and valued, they thrive—hello, happy families and productive workplaces!

So, whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone navigating daily life, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom on how to cultivate character in ourselves and others. Let’s get "characterific", people!

[00:00] Why Character Matters

[01:25] Lincoln Quote and Guest Intro

[02:51] Mike Park Origin Story

[05:24] Defining Character and ABCs

[09:52] Reflection and Social Skills

[13:20] PRIMED and Micro Kindness

[15:26] Character Plus History

[21:46] What Schools of Character Do

[25:00] Integrity Recognition and Equity

[27:00] Character in Hiring and Life

[29:46] Better Rate Mortgage Sponsor

[30:30] Welcome Corps Invitation

[31:14] Businesses Need Character

[32:59] Professional Academy Launch

[36:45] Social Emotional Skills

[40:16] ROI of Character Culture

[46:01] PRIMED Personal Framework

[54:19] Closing Thanks and Signoff

Takeaways:

• Character is like a tree, while reputation is merely its shadow; let's nurture the tree!
• In today's fast-paced world, people often neglect the importance of character in their lives.
• Building positive character traits can significantly improve relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
• Schools that prioritize character education see notable improvements in student performance and behavior.

• Character Education & Resources | CharacterPlus
• CharacterPlus - Facebook
• CharacterPlus | Podcast on Spotify
• CharacterPlus - YouTube
• CharacterPlus® | LinkedIn
• Character.org - Home Page
• Character.org - Facebook
• Character.org (@CharacterDotOrg) / X
• Character.org - Instagram

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#charactereducation #charactermatters #characterintheworkplace #charactertraits #buildingcharacter #characterandleadership