On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Tatyana Telnikova of Handlebar and Josh Smith of Neon Greens — two of the Grove neighborhood's most iconic business owners — to explore what makes this stretch of Manchester Avenue one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and exciting neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Tatyana shares her unlikely journey from Moscow to St. Louis at age 16, how she fell in love with the city on a bicycle, and how a chance encounter during a bike race on Manchester Avenue led her to open Handlebar in 2010. Josh opens up about leaving a career designing sets for Broadway, Netflix, and HBO to move back home and build a queer-owned farm-park-restaurant rooted in food transparency, visibility, and community.

The conversation digs into the Grove's full history — from its working-class roots in the 1880s and the rise and fall of St. Louis's streetcar system, to the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who reclaimed and reinvested in the neighborhood starting in the 1990s. They reflect on what it means to run businesses that stand for something bigger than food and drinks, the power of a truly inclusive neighborhood, and what's coming next for the Grove.

From cycling and community to set design and salads, this episode is a celebration of the people and places that make the Grove — and St. Louis — unlike anywhere else.

They discuss:

• Tatyana's journey from Moscow to St. Louis and opening Handlebar in 2010

• How a bike race on Manchester Avenue sparked the concept for Handlebar

• The origin of the name "Handlebar" — and why Tatyana didn't come up with it

• Josh's career in Broadway and Hollywood set design and what brought him home

• Building Neon Greens as a queer-owned, farm-forward restaurant concept ]

• Why visibility matters for queer business owners in today's climate

• The Grove's history from the 1880s through its LGBTQ+ revival in the 1990s

• How the loss of St. Louis's streetcar system shaped the neighborhood's decline

• Creating truly inclusive spaces in the hospitality industry

• The CID and what makes the Grove such a supportive business community

• Favorite spots in the Grove — from Everest and Oni to Damn Good People and La Finca

• New businesses opening and what the future of the Grove looks like

• What it means to run a business that stands for something beyond the bottom line

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with St. Louis author, columnist, and novelist Debbie Baldwin to discuss her latest thriller, The Architect of Deception, a high-society murder mystery filled with secrets, privilege, and unexpected twists.

Debbie shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis and attending Princeton and law school to building a career as a novelist. She reflects on her background as a speechwriter, television writer, marketing executive, and newspaper columnist, and explains how a passion project during the pandemic turned into an eight-book publishing career.

The conversation explores the creative process behind writing suspense novels, the challenges of constructing a compelling mystery, and why plotting a thriller often means deleting as much as you write. Debbie also discusses the inspiration behind The Architect of Deception, her love of classic mystery writers like Agatha Christie, the future of storytelling in the age of AI, and the surprising resurgence of physical books and independent bookstores.

From publishing and creativity to reading, storytelling, and the enduring appeal of St. Louis, this episode is an engaging conversation about following your passion and building a creative life on your own terms.

They discuss:
• Debbie's journey from St. Louis to Princeton, law school, and professional writing
• How a pandemic passion project became an eight-book career
• The creation and success of the Bishop Security series
• The inspiration behind The Architect of Deception
• Writing compelling mysteries, twists, and suspenseful storylines
• The difference between "plotters" and "pantsers" in the writing world
• Why word-of-mouth remains the most powerful form of book marketing
• The role of AI in creative writing and storytelling
• Building disciplined writing habits and routines
• Classic thriller influences including Agatha Christie and Dan Brown
• The resurgence of physical books, bookstores, and reading culture
• Debbie's favorite St. Louis coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores
• Why St. Louis continues to inspire her work and creativity

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Michael Alter, owner and founder of Fitz’s, to discuss the story behind one of St. Louis’ most iconic brands and how a small soda startup grew into a regional institution recognized across generations.

Michael shares the history of Fitz’s, from its roots as a legendary St. Louis drive-in restaurant to relaunching the brand in 1992 with a vision of creating a craft soda microbrewery long before the craft beverage movement became mainstream.

The conversation explores the evolution of the Delmar Loop, the importance of building a strong company culture, and how Fitz’s has remained relevant for more than three decades while staying true to its identity. Michael also discusses the company’s commitment to real cane sugar, product innovation, and the launch of Fitz’s newest mixer line featuring club soda, tonic water, and zero-calorie tonic water.

They also dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, collaboration, and the challenges of navigating changing consumer trends while preserving the nostalgic experience that has made Fitz’s a St. Louis favorite.

From family businesses and community impact to product development and local partnerships, this episode highlights what it takes to build a lasting brand and why Fitz’s continues to be woven into the fabric of St. Louis.

They discuss:

• The history and relaunch of Fitz’s in 1992
• Building a craft soda company before craft beverages were mainstream
• The story behind the iconic Fitz’s Root Beer brand
• The growth and evolution of the Delmar Loop
• Leadership lessons from 33 years of entrepreneurship
• Building company culture and retaining great employees
• Why Fitz’s remains committed to real cane sugar
• Product innovation and launching the new mixer line
• Collaborations with local brands and organizations
• Working with 4 Hands Brewing Co. and the Gateway Arch
• Creating memorable family experiences through the restaurant
• The future of Fitz’s and evolving consumer trends
• Favorite St. Louis restaurants, parks, and local businesses
• Supporting local entrepreneurship and community growth

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Katie of May’s Place and May’s Night Market to talk about building one of St. Louis’ most influential vintage brands and transforming a small local market into a citywide cultural event drawing more than 10,000 people.

Katie shares the story behind launching May’s Place in South City, leaving the corporate fashion world behind, and creating a business rooted in sustainability, vintage fashion, and community. From signing a storefront lease in a single day to growing a nationally recognized vintage destination, this episode explores the evolution of one of St. Louis’ most beloved creative brands.

The conversation dives into the environmental impact of fast fashion, the rise of vintage culture in the Midwest, and how May’s Night Market exploded from a small indoor gathering at The Ready Room into one of the region’s biggest shopping and community events at City Foundry.

They also discuss balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, building a business with family values, curating vendors with intention, and how local partnerships and community support helped the event grow year after year.

From fashion and sustainability to small business and creative culture, this episode highlights how May’s Night Market has become one of St. Louis’ premier community-driven events while helping shape the city’s growing vintage and maker scene.

They discuss:

- The origin story behind May’s Place
- Leaving corporate fashion to start a vintage business
- Sustainability and the impact of fast fashion
- Growing St. Louis’ vintage and creative community
- How May’s Night Market began
- Expanding from 800 to 10,000+ attendees
- Curating vendors and building community-driven events
- Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood
- Social media, photography, and creative branding
- Favorite St. Louis restaurants, shops, and family activities

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketli...
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/ab...

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Ross Chaifetz and Andrew Haines of the St. Louis Shock to talk about building one of the fastest-rising franchises in professional sports and why St. Louis has become one of the biggest pickleball markets in the country.

Ross shares the origin story behind the St. Louis Shock—from identifying pickleball as an emerging investment opportunity during the pandemic to launching an expansion franchise in just two weeks and transforming it into one of Major League Pickleball’s premier teams.

The conversation dives into the explosive growth of professional pickleball, why St. Louis was chosen as the home market, and how the Shock are building much more than a team through investments in facilities, technology, apparel, media, and nationwide player development programs.

They also discuss bringing Major League Pickleball back to Chaifetz Arena, creating a world-class fan experience, the rise of young professional players, and how social media and content have helped redefine what a modern sports franchise can look like.

From sports innovation to community impact, entrepreneurship to entertainment, this episode explores how the St. Louis Shock are helping shape the future of pickleball while putting St. Louis on the national stage.

They discuss:

• The founding of the St. Louis Shock and Major League Pickleball expansion
• Why St. Louis became a top pickleball market
• Investing in the future of pickleball beyond the team itself
• Building a professional sports franchise in just two weeks
• Bringing MLP events to Chaifetz Arena
• Youth athletes and the future of the sport
• Growing the Shock nationally through player programs
• Shock & Awe and building a sports content brand
• Social media, fan engagement, and modern sports marketing
• The future of professional pickleball and MLP Saint Louis

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Ryan and Eleni, founders of The Quarter Butcher, to talk about building one of the most unique food businesses in Saint Charles County and bringing whole animal butchery to Dardenne Prairie.

Ryan shares his journey from culinary school and fine dining kitchens—including time at Bulrush, Pastaria, and The Last Hotel—to discovering a passion for butchery and eventually opening a family-owned butcher shop focused on local sourcing, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

The conversation dives into how COVID reshaped their priorities, pushing them to leave the restaurant world behind and build something of their own while balancing marriage, parenthood, and entrepreneurship. They open up about the realities of running a family business together, learning how to separate work from home life, and building systems that protect both the business and their family.

They also break down what makes The Quarter Butcher different—from bringing in whole sides of beef and utilizing every part of the animal to creating house-made sausages, deli meats, pet products, tallow goods, and launching an entirely new sandwich menu.

From local farms to community building, sustainability to small business growth, this episode is about creating something meaningful while building a life around family and food.

They discuss:

• Leaving fine dining and transitioning into butchery
• Opening The Quarter Butcher in Dardenne Prairie
• Whole animal butchery and sustainable sourcing
• Working directly with Missouri farms and producers
• Balancing marriage, kids, and entrepreneurship
• Building a family business together
• Launching the new sandwich program and deli menu
• House-made sausages, tallow products, and pet food
• Community growth in Saint Charles County
• Supporting local makers and businesses
• The future vision for classes, dinners, and events

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:

Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO

Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:

Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram

Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST

Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?

Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com

Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Sean Hamlin, co-founder of VHS Group and Race Haus, to break down how a home services and technology company unexpectedly evolved into one of the most exciting new motorsports experiences in St. Louis.

Sean shares how VHS Group began with smart home installations, home theaters, and custom tech builds before expanding into golf simulators—and eventually stumbling into the idea that would become Race Haus after a client requested a custom racing simulator setup. That single project quickly snowballed into a fully immersive racing lounge in Webster Groves, where guests can compete on professional-grade simulators, experience real racing dynamics, and build a growing community around motorsports.

He walks through the early days of experimentation, the rapid viral growth on social media, and how Saint Louis embraced the concept far faster than expected. From weekends packed with high-end cars outside the building to competitive leagues forming inside, Race Haus has quickly become a destination for both casual fans and serious racing enthusiasts.

The conversation also dives into what it’s like building multiple businesses at once—balancing leadership, family life, a full-time career, and entrepreneurship—plus the importance of building the right team, embracing technology, and learning when to step back and let systems scale.

From smart homes to simulators, from local experiments to national ambitions, this episode is about turning passion, technology, and community into a completely new kind of entertainment business.

They discuss:

- Building VHS Group and smart home technology services
- The origins of Race Haus and the first simulator build
- Golf simulators and early tech innovation
- Creating an immersive racing experience in Webster Groves
- Viral growth and St. Louis car community support
- Scaling multiple businesses simultaneously
- Leadership, burnout, and entrepreneurial discipline
- The role of AI, automation, and technology in growth
- Building leagues and competitive racing experiences
- Expansion plans and the future of Race Haus
- Creating a new entertainment category in St. Louis


🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO
Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO