Washington Post book critic Ron Charles is not only one of the most influential people in the literary world, he is also a St. Louis native, a former teacher at John Burroughs (and colleague of Jon Hamm), and Eric's former college professor. He brings a joy and enthusiasm to the craft (and to everything) that is nothing short of pure delight! Ron and Eric discuss AI, publishing, where readers have gone, and the rise of Romantasy. You'll love it!

In this spooky Halloween edition of the pod, Eric talks to two St. Louis County Council members: Lisa Clancy and Kelli Dunaway. Lisa is a social worker who has dedicated her life to helping her community. Kelli is a real-life witch, who tells a harrowing story of encountering Eric (nee Mark) in a past life, 500 years ago. It's a hell of a ride! Happy Halloween, everybody!

Eric speaks with Congressional candidate Fred Wellman and a dozen protesters in West St. Louis County, including a two-time Trump voter who took a stand to protest Donald Trump's authoritarianism. Make sure to listen to the end for important takeaways!

Joshua David Stein is in from NYC to sample fare for Esquire's Best New Restaurants feature and Gerard Craft is celebrating 20 years of Niche Food Group. We talk about Gerard's amazing path from reform school graffiti writer to James Beard Award winner, we talk about St. Louis's vibrant food scene and why it beats NYC and LA, and we talk single dad stuff. This is one you don't want to miss!

A politico, a minstrel, a farm boy, and a mensch—Truman Kennedy joins the pod to regale Eric with music and tales of Tulsa larceny. Meet the man who has demonstrated that progressive causes can win in rural Missouri.

St. Louis's best barber is also a reformed church kid, a punk singer and guitarist, and a tireless activist for colorectal cancer awareness and policy. Go deep with Cranford the Barber!

A very nuanced and in-depth look at the Muslim experience in America: from growing up between St. Louis and Syria to getting married at 18 to a unique perspective on US politics. This is an eye-opening interview with Islamic Center of Greater St. Louis Vice-Chair Maysa Albarcha.

Join Tamara Keefe, founder of AMERICA'S BEST ICE CREAM (several times over), Clementine's Ice Creamery as she talks about quitting her corporate job to chase her passion, building a business in St. Louis's small but supportive environment, and how she views her mission to make sure everyone gets good ice cream.

Get ready to go real deep real fast with Rabbi Daniel Bogard. He is Rabbi of the Central Reform Congregation, co-founder of Camp Indigo Point, a summer camp for gender queer youth, and one of Missouri's fiercest and most tireless advocates for trans rights, fighting for justice and acceptance for his own son as well as a community of other families.

The ST. LOUIS Will Smith is President of New + Found, the development firm that brought us City Foundry, Angad Arts Hotel, and a wide range of current and future defining pieces of St. Louis community and culture. He is also a former D-I football player, a motorcycle racer, and a hell of a good guy. Enjoy this episode.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra trumpeter Michael Walk joins to talk about a life in music and his experiences as a fierce protector and advocate for his trans daughter. It's a don't-miss episode!

St. Louis Public Radio's Political Correspondent Jason Rosenbaum joins the pod today to talk about a career covering Missouri and St. Louis's fast-changing political landscape. And social media and kids and all those other things.

Former State Rep and Congressional candidate Trish Gunby joins the pod to talk about her life and childhood in St. Louis County, the work she has done to help St. Louis families and her hopes for the future.

Hear from author, improv guru and USMNT World Cup coach Travis Thomas about how resilience ＞ confidence

Jeff Jarrett is a big ol' piston in the engine that drives St. Louis's cultural and music scene. As a partner at Contemporary Productions, Jeff is largely responsible for the Evolution Fest, and he has had a hand in putting on just about every great live music event to happen in St. Louis for the past two decades. Loved hanging with this icon!

On this episode, we hear from Mandy Johnson and Richard Hein. Mandy lives in rural, conservative Marthasville, MO. Recently, a friend of Mandy's who is a legal resident of Honduran descent, and mother of two natural born citizens, was arrested on trumped up charges and slated to be deported. Mandy recounts her struggle to get this friend released, and some details about her treatment under ICE custody. St. Louis immigration attorney Richard Hein joins to talk through what he's seeing up in St. Louis.

Meidas Touch podcaster FP Wellman talks about his experience in the Army, at Harvard Kennedy School, and what Democrats need to do better to win red districts like Missouri’s 2nd District, represented by Ann Wagner.

The father of St. Louis's favorite daughter (or is she our secret girlfriend?) joins Eric to discuss fatherhood, his career in music, his passion for combating climate change, and of course the journey from cringing at his daughter Nikki Glaser's standup to joining her onstage for iconic duets.