St. Louis on the Air
St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis on the Air creates a unique space where guests and listeners can share ideas and opinions with respect and honesty. Whether exploring issues and challenges confronting our region, discussing the latest innovations in science and technology, taking a closer look at our history or talking with authors, artists and musicians, St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region.
Episodes
Songs to get through heartbreak and real life horrors — all by St. Louis musicians
It got moody and introspective in month’s new music round up. Ryan Brown, also known as Big Esco, joined producer Miya Norfleet and host Elaine Cha to talk about their local favorites for the month including the funky sounds of singer/songwriter Frankie DoWop, post-grunge stylings of Yuppy and more. Check out our new music roundup playlist.
Lizzie Weber’s ‘Wraiths in the Wake’ is a haunting journey of lingering loss and release
The emotional weight of loss and isolation and resilience are the hallmark of singer-songwriter Lizzie Weber’s new album “Wraiths in the Wake.” The darker tones, haunting vocals, and expressive lyrics tell the tale of Weber’s life experiences during the pandemic and suffering a miscarriage. She joins the show to talk about the origin of “Wraiths in the Wake,” “how she uses her music to express her emotions, and why the mythological “wraith” is the perfect image to conjure when listening to the album.
How orange groves and a tiger attack inspired two sisters to launch Golden Gems in St. Louis
Ten years ago, sisters Susan Logsdon and Amanda Helman founded Golden Gems. What started as a “side hustle” family business venture turned into a successful brand that celebrates being authentic and unapologetic. Logsdon and Helman share how family lore and their Florida upbringing show up in their work — and what they’ve learned in the decade since going all in on their own business.
St. Louis helped create public bathrooms. There's still room for improvement
Bryant Simon’s new book "For Customers Only" explores the history of public bathrooms in the U.S. It’s a story marked by inequality — with several St. Louis ties throughout the centuries. Simon talks about past and present bathroom discrimination, the golden age of public restrooms in the late 1800s, and how those facilities declined in quality, or outright disappeared, during a wave of disinvestment in public amenities in the latter half of the 20th century.
How a WashU student opened a vending machine for textured hair products on campus
A Washington University student has opened TheHairVault, a vending machine selling textured hair products, with the help of a beauty shop owner. TheHairVault fills a gap on campus, where students have limited access to products for textured hair. Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts fashion design senior Zariah Taylor and Lake St. Louis Beauty Supply owner Tam King-Krolik discuss how the business came to be and their future goals.
Young St. Louis performers take on a professional opera production
Young St. Louis performers are getting a firsthand look at professional opera through a new production of “Joshua’s Boots,” a story about a Black teenager who leaves the South after the Civil War to build a new life in the West. The cast, ages 14 to 22, includes students from throughout the region, many of whom are performing in an opera for the first time. In this episode, we hear from director Adam Flores and from two young cast members — Éamon Ewing and Thomas Chatman.
Why millions have watched a hot dog touch a radio tower in St. Charles
A father and son's experiments involving a hot dog and a 12,000-watt AM radio tower in St. Charles have captivated the internet. Radio engineer Joe Geerling and his son, Jeff Geerling, who has more than a million followers on his tech-focused YouTube channel, discuss their fascination with AM radio towers and the arcs of plasma produced by objects that get too close to RF energy. They also talk about the moment that made this experiment go viral: When an audio signal could be heard playing out the hot dog's burning flesh as it touched the AM radio tower.
New exhibit explores baseball’s impact on St. Louis — and St. Louis’ impact on the sport
From St. Louis’ first known baseball game in 1860 to the Cardinals’ legendary 2011 World Series victory, the new Missouri History Museum exhibit “St. Louis at Bat: 100 Moments in Baseball History” explores the ways America’s pastime has shaped St. Louis culture — and how the region’s teams, players, and fans have impacted the sport. Exhibit curator and public historian Adam Kloppe and Terry Lemons, author of the new book “The Year St. Louis Became A Baseball Town,” discuss artifacts, athletes, moments and traditions featured in the exhibit. “St. Louis at Bat” is up now through September 7, 2027.
St. Louis County Police Chief Juan Cox on the promotion he never planned to seek
Metro East native Col. Juan Cox started his career with the St. Louis County Police Department 30 years ago. He’s now a few months into his tenure as the department’s chief. Cox recently sat down with STLPR justice reporter Rachel Lippman to talk about why he decided to apply for the position instead of retiring, what it’s been like so far to lead the department, and how he hopes to make the department a national leader.
Lincoln University alumni and students sue Missouri alleging nearly $362M underfunding
Students and alumni of Lincoln University are suing Missouri, alleging the state has illegally underfunded the historically Black university for years. The lawsuit argues Missouri failed to provide Lincoln with funding required under the federal Morrill Act. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum spoke with former state Rep. Don Calloway, one of the attorneys behind the suit, about why he got involved and what he hopes the case will mean for the university’s future.
Here’s what St. Louis restaurants opened and closed in September 2026
Across the St. Louis region, restaurants are popping up, holding grand openings, and, in some cases, making drastic changes to their locations and even menus. It's a sign of a food scene where things are always changing, from downtown St. Louis, to O'Fallon Illinois. On this episode, STLPR digital editor Jessica Rogen and morning news anchor Abby Llorico talk about the latest restaurant openings and closings, including a look inside the downtown expansion of Coffeestamp and saying goodbye to Chao Baan in the Grove.
Retiring Ritenour leader Chris Kilbride reflects on challenges facing St. Louis area schools
Almost 30 years ago, Chris Kilbride started his career as a teacher at the Ritenour School District. He's spent the last 15 years as the district's superintendent. Next year, his retirement will mark the end of one of the longest serving superintendents in the St. Louis region. In this episode, Kilbride sits down with STLPR education reporter Hiba Ahmad to reflect on his nearly three-decade career as an educator and administrator. He talked about the changing landscape of public school funding and accreditation standards; his experience guiding the district through the COVID-19 pandemic; and what it's like standing by families as they faced increased immigration enforcement.
As Missouri scrutinizes prediction markets, Kalshi says it’s different from sportsbooks
Prediction markets have become prominent in the last couple years, especially as they enlist sports stars to advertise their products. But greater scrutiny is also coming with the increased notoriety. Many states, including Illinois and Missouri, contend companies like Kalshi are effectively gambling platforms that should be regulated similarly to sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel. Kalshi’s Nicole Kagan joins “The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air” to discuss how she differentiates Kalshi from sports betting platforms.
Top takeaways from Missouri’s long, frustrating and confusing redistricting push
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered an unambiguous ruling last week: Missouri has to use a congressional map passed in 2022. That decision was a stunning blow to a Donald Trump-backed effort to draw Congressman Emanuel Cleaver out of office before the 2026 midterm elections. STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg analyze the big takeaways over Missouri’s messy redistricting effort on “The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.”
Latvian composer visits St. Louis for a world premiere — and to visit a famous poet’s grave
The St. Louis Chamber Chorus opens its 71st season Sunday, Oct. 4, with the world premiere of a work by renowned Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds at the 2nd Baptist Church in Richmond Heights. Ešenvalds has written for the chorus three times, but this is his first visit to St. Louis for a premiere. While he’s in St. Louis, Ešenvalds is also visiting the grave of St. Louis native and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sara Teasdale, whose poetry inspired his new suite, “Oh Day of Fire.”
How tree advocates and trauma informed healers seek to improve St. Louis’ relationship with trees
Last year’s May tornado displaced hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of trees in St. Louis’ north side — an area with predominately Black neighborhoods where the tree canopy is historically thin. The devastation highlighted a disconnect between the Black St. Louisans and trees due to tree-related violence like lynchings, and disinvestment in north St. Louis. Black Healers Collective founder Rebeccah Bennett and Forest ReLeaf’s Kelly Hicks-Holloway have collaborated with other organizations to guide tornado victims through the process of healing tree trauma. They share how they are working with affected community members and what healing from tree trauma can look like.
Legal Roundtable: The collapse of Missouri’s election map was a ‘stress test’ for rule of law
A three-time losing streak at the U.S. Supreme Court has turned Missouri’s upcoming election into national news — and a disappointment to President Trump. On this Legal Roundtable edition of the show, a panel of expert attorneys discuss the rulings, counter-rulings and controversies — including why so many people are now suing Missouri’s secretary of state.
‘Meet Me’: Why choosing a school in St. Louis is so complicated
About half of the school-aged kids in St. Louis don’t attend the city’s public school district. St. Louis parents face an overwhelming number of school options: magnet, neighborhood, gifted, charter, parochial, private or homeschool. In the latest episode of our “Meet Me” podcast, host Luis Antonio Perez walks to school with a family in Ellisville, then sits down with three parents. Each chose different educational paths for their kids: moving to a school district in St. Louis County, sticking with public schools in the city and homeschooling. In a candid conversation they talk about why they love their choices, what they wish they had from the other options, and how people react when they find out. And, STLPR education reporter Hiba Ahmad explains how a new proposal to close 14 schools next year might affect students and families.
Extra: Listeners share their Forest Park memories
Last week, we talked with Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins, co-authors of the new coffee-table book, “Forest Park: St. Louis’s Gathering Place Since 1876.” Our phone lines were full, so after the show, we kept the conversation going. Hear listeners share their favorite memories of spending time in Forest Park.
Tips on taking photos of wildlife from a Missouri nature photographer
You don’t have to go far to experience awe for the beauty and power of nature. That’s what wildlife photographer Noppadol Paothong takes away from his more than 25 years spent in the field. Ahead of his Oct. 9 talk in St. Louis, “Conservation in Focus: Lessons from a Life in Photography,” the Missouri photographer recalls his encounters with prairie chickens, raptors, eastern hellbenders, and the biggest moth in North America. He also shares practical tips for capturing incredible nature and wildlife photos with an everyday smart phone.
Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer draws on his St. Louis roots in new book
St. Louis native and Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped his career in restaurants, from growing up in the St. Louis area to a conversation with his uncle that changed the course of his life. Ahead of his book launch event at St. Louis County Library for “What Could Possibly Go Right?,” Meyer discussed his approach to hospitality, why he believes employees come before customers and what St. Louis taught him about taking care of people. Meyer also shared some of his St. Louis restaurants.
New book traces the 150-year history of Forest Park as St. Louis’ crown jewel
For 150 years, Forest Park has been many things to many St. Louisans: a place to walk, play, gather, escape the heat, visit a museum, see an animal at the zoo or simply find a quiet place to read. But the history of the park also tells a larger story about the city itself. Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins talk about their new coffee table book, “Forest Park: St. Louis’s Gathering Place Since 1876,” that traces the park's history from its origins through the present day.
How MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance works with communities to rid waterways of plastic waste
The St. Louis-based nonprofit MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance aims to reduce plastic pollution — from food and beverage containers to tires — along the Mississippi River. Executive director Jennifer Wendt and community engagement specialist Caran Hanks talk about their community-driven approach to reduce plastic waste in local neighborhoods and waterways from St. Paul, Minnesota down to the Mississippi Delta.
Redistricting saga continues as the US Supreme Court considers Missouri’s congressional maps
A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that Missouri must use a congressional map passed last year for this November’s election. That order goes against what the Missouri and U.S. Supreme Courts ordered earlier this month. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum shares the various legal issues at play and what may happen next.
An attempt to stop water from going to homeless people sparks protest, reflection and action
A now-retracted letter asking some St. Louis businesses to stop giving water to homeless people elicited significant backlash last week. The letter highlighted ongoing gaps in the region’s shelter and social safety support system. To explore what happened on South Grand, why the letter drew outrage, and how city officials and advocates are responding, we talk with the director of the continuum of care at Peter and Paul Community Services, an Arch City Defenders attorney, and the director of the Department of Human Services for the City of St. Louis.
Why workers at Union Loafers and Alamo Drafthouse want to unionize
Service industry professionals across St. Louis are fighting to make their voices heard by filing for unionization. In 2022, local Starbucks workers filed to form a union. Now two more groups of employees have joined their ranks. Within days of each other, workers at Alamo Drafthouse and Union Loafers announced they’re intent to file for unionization in a growing effort for transparency, fair wages and, above all, consistency. Logan Allgood from Alamo Drafthouse and Nelle Kate McPherson from Union Loafers discuss the intent behind their filing and why their efforts shouldn’t be seen as detrimental to a company.
Proposal to provide subsidies to at-home parents misses the mark, St. Louis sociologist says
The Trump administration is weighing a policy change that would redirect federal childcare funds from low-income, working parents to married couples with a stay-at-home parent. Washington University sociologist Caitlyn Collins says the move doesn’t reflect the will or needs of the American people. Collins, who authored the book “Making Motherhood Work: How Women Manage Careers and Caregiving,” shares insight on public policies that are proven to support both working parents and stay-at-home parents and discusses her latest research on how families in the St. Louis area navigate the childcare market.
New poll shows Donald Trump’s popularity taking a hit throughout Missouri
For nearly a decade, President Donald Trump’s popularity in Missouri was a boon for the state’s Republican Party. But new poll numbers from St. Louis University and YouGov show that the GOP chief executive is on shaky ground, especially as concerns about the economy and the Iran War are on voters’ minds. St. Louis University’s Steven Rogers joins “The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air” to talk about the poll results and what they could mean for the Nov. 3 elections.
Missourians mobilizing again for fight over future of abortion rights
Two years ago, Missourians legalized abortion — and repealed one of the strictest bans on the procedure in the country. Now, Missouri Republicans who oppose abortion rights are hoping voters will take to a proposal, known as Amendment 3, that places a near-total ban into the constitution. Abortion rights proponents say that the proposal is misreading what voters want. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum dives into the Amendment 3 battle on “The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.”
Missouri Supreme Court faces GOP wrath after redistricting decision
The Missouri Supreme Court made a number of precedent-setting decisions this year when it comes to congressional redistricting. And they’ve also held the state’s GOP secretary of state in contempt for disobeying one of their rulings. These actions have prompted blowback from Missouri Republicans, including more than a dozen who called for impeachment hearings for Supreme Court judges. Former Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael Wolff discusses whether these threats are just talk or a sign that Republicans may want to target a plan that selects key judges in the state.
Smidley’s Conor Murphy blends ABBA and Broken Social Scene in new album 'Murphy Horse'
A year after the St. Louis post-hardcore band Foxing announced its indefinite hiatus, singer/songwriter Conor Murphy is making music inspired by what he listens to, in his spare time, in his other band, Smidley. The optimistic tunes and oftentimes melancholy lyrics of “Murphy Horse” — Smidley’s third album — reflect changes in Conor’s life, and the evolution of his relationships with the people closest to him. STLPR’s Chad Davis sat down with Murphy ahead of the album’s September 25th release. They discussed what the last year has looked like for Murphy since Foxing started its break and Smidley has taken on new life.
Prepare for ‘Free4All’ with this month’s new music roundup
Free4All Music Showcase returns to Grand Center in November, and on this month’s new music round up, we share a teaser of the lineup. Free4All co-creator Joe Hess joins music show originator Miya Norfleet and host Elaine Cha to share his favorite new releases from just a few of the 100 artists performing in this year’s showcase. Among them are Piracy’s “Debounce,” Space Quaker’s “Nothing Left” and Hana Canasi’s “No Problem.” After listening to this episode, be sure to check out our new music roundup playlist.
Why people raise monarch butterflies in captivity — and why scientists advise against it
Populations of migratory monarch butterflies have declined by an estimated 90% since the mid-1990s due to the loss of their natural habitat along their migration route. As monarchs fly through St. Louis on their way to Mexico, we hear from a St. Clair, Missouri, resident who is attempting to boost monarch populations by rearing them in enclosures in her backyard. We also talk with an entomologist who is concerned that captive breeding programs may produce weaker, disease-prone butterflies that aren’t equipped to complete the journey. And, a Missouri Botanical Garden botanist shares the best ways to support monarch butterflies, including when to plant milkweed, which is the only host plant on which monarchs lay their eggs.
A new ingredient will be in U.S. sunscreens soon. Here’s what to know
For years, Americans have been prevented from buying sunscreen with bemotrizinol, a chemical that’s long been an ingredient in sun protection lotions and creams in Europe, Asia, and Australia. This summer, an FDA approval put an end to those restrictions. Dr. Aubriana McEvoy, professor of dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Washington University, explains the skin science behind sunscreen, bemotrizinol and what the FDA’s recent approval means for U.S. suncare products.. She also dispels myths about sunscreen and shares tips for how it should be applied and what to look for in ingredients.
New photobook provides a ‘peculiar’ view of Forest Park
Jessica Page grew up behind the camera, following in her mother’s footsteps as she got older. Now, the portrait photographer has expanded her skillset to include nature photography. Her new book “Silver Lining” features up close photos of plants and plantscapes in Forest Park. Page talks about how her background in portrait photography informs her approach to nature photography and what it was like to capture the “peculiar” parts of Forest Park up close.
With 911 dispatch center delayed, St. Louis faces slow response times
Although it was initially planned to open this year, a $45 million 911 dispatch center in St. Louis that will combine fire, police and EMS services will open after it finishes construction in “late fall” 2027. The announcement of the delay comes as the city’s 911 system is under scrutiny. We talk with Jia Lian Yang, communications and storytelling director at Forward Through Ferguson, who authored a recent report that analyzed 1.3 million 911 calls made in St. Louis. This region is far from the only one struggling to improve 911 response times: We also talk with journalist Byard Duncan, who obtained data from 911 systems from some 60 American cities, including St. Louis. He found that St. Louis answered just 78% of its 911 calls by the 15-second standard set by the National Emergency Number Association.
STL-Style marks 16 years celebrating St. Louis — and poking fun at it
Twin brothers Jeff and Randy Vines have spent 16 years turning St. Louis pride into a business. The co-owners of STL-Style, the Cherokee Street shop known for its St. Louis-themed shirts, hoodies, hats and stickers, are celebrating their Sweet 16 after surviving Amazon, the pandemic, increased competition, tariffs and inflation. The brothers discuss how the business got its start, their love for St. Louis and what they’ve done to keep STL-Style going.
To explore 1530s England, a St. Louis professor turned history into a game
In 1500s England, King Henry VIII was a force of disruption and reform. But in the classroom of UMSL professor Maureen Quigley, the king is a “non-playable character” in a game called Dissolution. Quigley designed the game as a way for players to experience the conflicts and decisions that followed Henry VIII’s decision to marry a new wife by starting a fight with the Catholic Church. Quigley, a professor of art history, shares her insight into designing a “serious game,” and how students who have grown up with video and roleplaying games relate to history, and the connections she sees between St. Louis today and England 500 years ago.
Missouri Botanical Garden’s rare book collection levels up with first edition Catesby texts
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Peter H. Raven Library is home to roughly 8,000 rare books dating back to 1464, including Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” and Carl Linnaeus’ “Species Plantarum 1st Edition.” In late August, the library added two more rare texts to their collection: the first edition of Mark Catesby’s “The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands etc. 1731-1743.” This work by Catesby, who was the first naturalist to illustrate birds in their natural habitat, represents the science world’s first documentation of the flora and fauna of any part of North America. Peter H. Raven Library director Holly Hubenschmidt shares the scientific, historic and cultural impact of Catesby’s work, and the Garden’s mission to collect books from around the world that capture new plant species.
A growing St. Louis restaurant empire is taking root in the Grove
Three new restaurants have opened in St. Louis’ Grove business district in the last three months, bringing diners Mexican flavors at Chico Bueno and Malo and a taste of the Italian Riviera at Baia. All three restaurants are backed by the same person: Jordan Goodman. STLPR’s Jessica Rogen talks with Goodman about the latest additions to a growing restaurant group that began with Good Company.
Hoskins agrees to use 2022 congressional map as Missouri Supreme Court finds him in contempt
Missouri’s redistricting battle took another turn Thursday as the U.S. Supreme Court halted a federal order allowing the state to use a Republican-backed 2025 congressional map, meaning the 2022 map will be used in the November election. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins faced a contempt hearing before the Missouri Supreme Court over his handling of the competing orders. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum explains the twists and turns of the court proceedings.
Flock cameras escalate the battle between privacy and safety in St. Louis
More than 1,000 Flock cameras and automated license plate readers are spread across the St. Louis area. We dig into how police departments are using the cameras and the reaction of community members to their use — and, at times, misuse. We also explore the broader implications of surveillance technology, what to know about your rights, and privacy protection in the digital age.
Clancy case highlights need for perinatal mental healthcare, says WashU psychiatrist
The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy has driven curiosity about postpartum psychosis, a rare mental health condition that can put parents and children at risk for violence and suicide. Dr. Mary Kimmel, a perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist and researcher at WashU Medicine, shares what families should know about the condition and other signs of mental distress. She also dispels misconceptions about the “baby blues,” and the biological, psychological and social factors that can affect the postpartum period.
To explore St. Louis’ illegal scrap trade, a reporter went undercover
Metal and scrap thieves are at work in St. Louis, frustrating residents and public officials. St. Louis Magazine reporter Ryan Krull recently investigated a recycling company in south St. Louis, where the steady stream of scrap is raising concerns that people are being incentivized to scavenge the neighborhood for parts. Krull discusses his reporting on St. Louis’ illegal scrap trade, including his attempt to go undercover selling his own scrap. His effort led to an unexpected revelation and even more questions.
Analysis: Missouri Supreme Court deals blow to Trump-backed redistricting efforts
Missouri voters will get a chance to weigh in on the state’s new congressional map after the Missouri Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a referendum challenging the map belongs on the November ballot. The ruling also means the congressional districts drawn in 2022 — including a district that has been held by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver — will remain in effect for the November election. In this episode of “The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air,” we hear from People Not Politicians executive director Richard von Glahn, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and STLPR statehouse and politics reporter Sarah Kellogg.
St. Louis restaurant openings and closings in August
August was a rough month for area restaurants, with several longtime favorites shuttering their doors. But not all is lost. The beloved Asian fusion spot, Lona’s Lil Eats, opened up a second location in Kirkwood. The Grove got a new Italian restaurant. And many locally owned bakeries and cafes opened last month, including Uhuru Bakery & Cafe in north St. Louis. STLPR’s Jessica Rogen and Abby Llorico join Elaine Cha to discuss the latest in the St. Louis region food scene.
How plant science is taking root in East St. Louis
There’s something growing in East St. Louis. In greenhouses and hydroponic farms, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Innovation Center is bringing scientists, researchers and students together. In this episode, we meet two people pushing the boundaries of plant science in East St. Louis. Vertigreens founder Tova Feinberg shares her experiences growing lettuce in hydroponic farms stacked to the ceiling in shipping containers. Then we meet plant scientist Antonio Brazelton, who has spent years growing and studying different heirloom varieties of collard greens at the JJK FAN Center.
Metro East Literacy Project puts books in the hands of young readers and their parents
Reporting about literacy rates typically centers on children and the concerning trend of students not reading at their grade level. Linda Mitchell believes the best way to help students have higher literacy is to get the entire family involved. Her nonprofit Metro East Literacy Project offers bags of books for kids and their parents to foster a “culture of reading” within their households. She shares what it took to get Metro East Literacy Project started and the stories from families that have grown to appreciate reading by way of her organization.
St. Louis Zoo's endangered American red wolf pups join wild pack in North Carolina
The American red wolf is one of the world’s most endangered mammals, with fewer than 40 remaining in the wild and found only in northeastern North Carolina. This spring, three pups born at the St. Louis Zoo were transported there at about a week old and placed with a wild wolf family — a first for the zoo and a rare opportunity to add genetic diversity to the critically endangered population. STLPR’s Brian Munoz talks with Regina Mossotti, the St. Louis Zoo’s vice president of animal care and program director for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ American Red Wolf SAFE program, about the effort and how she came to specialize in wolves.
St. Louis shooting survivor shares story of trauma, community and healing
The traumatic experience of being shot is often just the beginning of the challenges facing those with bullet-related injuries. Keisha Blanchard was shot in the back by an unidentified person in January 2024. In this encore episode, Keisha tells the story of what happened next and the painful, confusing experience of being told by a physician that, “We are not in the business of removing bullets.” Along with Keisha, we hear from trauma surgeon and Bullet Related Injury Clinic founder, Dr. LJ Punch, and Licensed Professional Counselor Tammy Kuykendoll.