PODCAST · society
Ope Cast The Pod
by Ope Cast The Pod
Ope Cast brings you the finest of the Midwest. Join us each week for insightful conversations with influential guests who are shaping the city's landscape. From community leaders to cultural icons, we're dedicated to showcasing those making a positive impact. Tune in every Thursday as we redefine your St. Louis experience, one engaging episode at a time.
Episodes
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Ep. 62: One dinner. One Chef. BEST Meal of THE YEAR with Chef Grant Gildehaus
In this episode, Braden connects with Executive Chef Grant Gildehaus of 801 Chophouse - his #1 restaurant of 2025 after an unforgettable steak experience. They dive into Chef Grant’s roots in the St. Louis food scene, his love for Wagyu, and what it takes to create a world-class dining…
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Ep. 61: The Best of Both Worlds with Hana Canhasi
This week Braden sits down with Hana Canhasi for an open conversation about her journey as a rising artist and the experiences that have shaped her sound. From her early beginnings to finding her voice in R&B and pop, Hana opens up about vulnerability in music, navigating personal growth, and...
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Ep. 60: Every Actors Dream with Kennedy Caughell
Braden recently sat down with Kennedy Caughell, who plays Jersey in Hell’s Kitchen They talked about her journey, the heart behind the character, and what it’s like bringing Alicia Keys’ music to life on stage.Hell’s Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of...
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Ep. 59: Roz White of Hell’s Kitchen
We sat down with Roz White, who plays Miss Liza Jane in Hell's Kitchen. We talked about her journey, what it's like bring Miss Liza Jane Alicia Keys' story to life, and why this show hits so close to home.Hell's Kitchen is a coming-of-age Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of Alicia...
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Ep. 58: The Outsiders
This week, Braden sat down with Tyler Wesley (Dallas Winston) and Bonale Fambrini (Johny Cade) from The Outsiders Musical at Stage Left Grille, right next to The Fabulous Fox, to talk about what audiences can expect when they see the show. The Outsiders is a powerful new musical based on the…
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Ep. 57: From STL to The Emerald City
This week, Braden caught up with Robert Crenshaw, who’s currently traveling with The Wiz. You might catch him stepping in as a swing or understudy for the Tin Man. They also dive into some of the places that shaped his acting career like COCA & The Black Rep. It wouldn't be an interview with…
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Ep. 56: American Skyjacker
On this episode, Braden meets with Danny Wicentowski & Martin 'Mac' McNally.. The conversation dives into the life of Martin McNally, who hijacked a plane in 1972 and spent 37 years in federal prison. It explores themes of regret, freedom, and the impact of his actions on aviation security. The...
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Ep. 55: How Great Rivers Greenway is Connecting St. Louis Communities
In this episode, Braden sits down with Emma Klues, Vice President of Communications & Outreach at Great Rivers Greenway, to talk about the vision behind connecting St. Louis through trails, parks, and green spaces. Great Rivers Greenway is leading the charge to make St. Louis a more connected,...
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Ep. 54: From Ramen Dreams to National Recognition with Steven Pursley
This week, Braden sat down with Steven Pursley, the chef and visionary behind Menya Rui, for an inspiring episode. He opens up about his upbringing, Japanese-American identity, and the early inspirations that drew him into the culinary world. We dive into his journey building one of the most...
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Ep. 53: Basketball, Brotherhood, and Blockbusters: Beau Bommarito's Leap From Corporate to Creative
On this episode, Braden sits down with Beau Bommarito - a St. Louis native, former college basketball player, and rising actor where he shares his journey from the court to the camera. We dive into his upbringing, love for basketball, and how that led to co-founding Da Guys with his brother and...
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Ep. 52: How Anthony "Redd" Williams Built a Global Dance Legacy from St. Louis
In this episode, Braden sits down with Anthony “Redd“ Williams who brings significant performance, choreography & teaching experience to the world of Commercial Hip Hop Dance. A Saint Louis native, Redd Williams has traveled all over the world teaching thousands of students. He has performed &...
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Ep. 51: Brooklyn Saint - A Fusion of Cities and Sound
In this episode, Braden sits down with Emanuel Harrold and Shareef Keyes, the dynamic duo behind Brooklyn Saint. Brooklyn Saint is a genre blending music group rooted in jazz, rap, and house. Recorded just before their Festival of Nations performance, the conversation dives into their musical...
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Ep. 50: Inside the Epic Universe of Mostly Superheroes
In this milestone 50th episode of Ope Cast host Braden collaborates with the team from the Mostly Superheroes podcast for their first-ever crossover episode. The Mostly Superheroes crew includes host Logan Janis, along with co-hosts Andy "The Giggler" and Scotty Scoop. They dive into the origins…
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Ep. 49: Your Passport to Global Eats with Shayn Prapaisilp
On this episode, Braden sat down with Shayn Prapaisilp of United Provisions. Shayn shares his journey into the hospitality industry, working in the family business, favorite international snacks, and more. His family has been a longstanding force in St. Louis' food industry, owning multiple local...
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Ep. 48: I'm Not in a Rush, I'm in a Hurry w/ A-Game
On this episode, Braden sits down with A-Game shares his St. Louis upbringing, journey into HipHop, work ethic, passion for pursuing his dreams, and more. His show stopping performances have led him to receive many achievements, like winning Revolt Summit's "Be Heard" competition. A-Game has...
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Ep. 47: Tenacious Eats - Where Food Meets Film w/ Liz Schuster
On this episode, Braden sits down with Chef Liz Schuster of Tenacious Eats to explore her journey into the hospitality industry, her deep passion for films, and how she merges the two through her immersive "dinner and a movie" experiences. She shares insights into her creative process, the...
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Ep. 46: Inside One of America's Largest BBQ Joints w/ Gerard Craft
On this episode, Braden sits down with James Beard Award winning chef and culinary visionary, Gerard Craft. They discuss his upbringing, expressing his creativity through graffiti art, early days as a photographer, his unexpected pivot to the culinary world, and his latest venture, Expat BBQ-a...
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Special Episode: Nelly's Black and White Ball
On this special episode, Braden takes you to the red carpet of Nelly's Black & White Ball that took place on December 15, 2024 in Downtown St. Louis. This incredible night of giving back supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Harris-Stowe State University. Braden caught up with the all-star…
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Ep. 45: Casa Don Alfonso w/ Mario Iaccarino
On this episode, Braden sits down with Mario Iaccarino, behind Casa Don Alfonso at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Mario shares the captivating story of his family’s culinary heritage, rooted in the traditions of Naples, Italy, and how they’ve brought their authentic flavors to the Midwest. From the...
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Ep. 44: Forest Park Forever
On this episode, Braden goes on a walk around Kennedy Forrest with Amy Witt, Forest Park Ecologist. She gives us an inside look on the work the dedicated team at Forest Park does to enhance the park for millions of visitors every year. Braden has recently announced his partnership with Forest…
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Special Episode: STL Startup Week with Matt Menietti
In this special episode, Braden reconnects with Matt Menietti from STL Startup Week 2024. Returning from Season 1, Episode 4 of Ope Cast, Matt recaps last year’s event, shares exciting new highlights for this year, and dives into what’s next. STL Startup week is taking place November 11-15 around...
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Ep. 43: Building Nightmares with Larry Kirchner
Ope Cast is BACK! Braden kicks off Season 3 with Larry Kirchner of Scarefest and Blacklight Attractions. Larry is a prominent figure in the haunted house industry and the mastermind behind several renowned attractions in St. Louis, including The Darkness, Creepyworld, and Lemp Haunted House.…
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Ep. 42: "It all started with a love for sports" w/ Tom Ackerman
On this episode, Braden sits down with one of the most notable names in St. Louis sports, Tom Ackerman. Tom is the Director at KMOX in St. Louis, the flagship station for the Cardinals (MLB) and Saint Louis University (NCAA), hosting radio shows for both teams. He's also a co-host of Total...
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Ep. 41: Viva Los Cardenales w/ Polo Ascencio
On this episode, Braden sat down with Polo Ascencio of the St. Louis Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network. Polo shares his Tijuana upbringing, love for baseball, the journey of broadcasting Cardinals games in Spanish alongside Bengie Molina. Over the years, Ascencio and Molina have expanded…
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Ep. 40: Bringing the Hood to Hollywood w/ Guy Torry
On this episode, Braden spoke with actor, producer, and comedy legend, Guy Torry. Guy shares his St. Louis upbringing, time at SEMO, moving to Hollywood, Phat Tuesday's, movies, and much more. For 10 years, Guy had the hottest comedy night in the country. Originally called Phat Comedy Tuesday, he...
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Ep. 39: Field Club Media w/ Christopher
On this episode, Braden sat down Christopher of Field Club Media. Christopher shares how his upbringing led to him wanting to move to a bigger city like St. Louis. He shares the importance of building a community where all are welcome to be their authentic selves. He launched Profield Reserve in...
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Ep. 38: "Don't Tell Me No, Tell Me How" w/ STL Girl Network
On this episode, Braden spoke with Hope and Sydne of STL Girl Network. They share how their community got started, the impact, and much more. Their vision for the STL Girl Network is to create a supportive and empowering space for women in the St. Louis area, fostering connections, collaboration,...
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Ep. 37: The Mother of Black Hollywood w/ Jenifer Lewis
On this episode, Braden sat down with movie, television, and Broadway actor Jenifer Lewis. Jenifer was born in Kinloch in St. Louis County and attended Webster University. Lewis starred on ABC’s Black-ish for eight seasons as the hilarious grandmother Ruby Johnson. Lewis has appeared in more than...
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Ep. 36: It's a Beautiful Day w/ Keyon Harrold
On this episode, Braden spoke with musician, activist, and Ferguson native, Keyon Harrold. The McCluer High School alum left Ferguson for New York City to enroll in The New School. In New York, he landed his first major gig with Common, an audition he secured on the recommendation of his New…
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Ep. 35: Quitting Was Never an Option for Me w/ Lisa Ramey
On this episode, Braden spoke with Lisa Ramey, who is known as a St. Louis-born and New York-based vocal powerhouse and artist. Lisa caught national attention on NBC’s hit music competition show, The Voice, where she performed on Team Legend. She shares her journey from being home schooled,...
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Ep. 34: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats w/ Jaye
On this weeks episode, Braden spoke with Content Creator and St. Louis Enthusiast, @JayeSoExtra. Jaye shares how her upbringing and world travels helped shape the way she finds the beauty in St. Louis. Jaye uses her platform to give out tips and tricks to make navigating around St. Louis a lot...
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Ep. 33: Honoring the History of Missouri's First Black Resort w/ Brendalyn King
On this episode, Braden spoke with Brendalyn King of Reparations Project 40. Brendalyn is a St. Louis native who shares her journey to New York where she spent several years in education and tech before making her way back to the Midwest. She dives into the history of Reparations Project 40...
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Ep. 32: Becoming The Best Emcee In The World w/ Dre'Co
On this episode, Braden caught up with Dre'Co, an emcee, musician, event host, father, and more. Dre'co shares his approach and journey into hosting some of the biggest events in St. Louis and beyond. Dre'co understands the importance in his role to make people forget their troubles and have a…
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Ep. 31: If you want to know a good movie, I’m the guy! w/ Swerve
On this weeks episode, Braden caught up with Swerve, a podcaster and movie critic out of St. Louis, MO. Swerve recently relocated up to St. Louis from Farmington to connect with more creatives, brands, and businesses with creatives. Swerve hosts the Swervinn Podcast where he interviews a wide…
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Ep. 30: I Accept Death In The Cage
On this weeks episode, Braden as he dives into the captivating story of Joaquin Buckley, an American professional mixed martial artist with a remarkable journey in the world of combat sports. Coming from St. Louis, Missouri, Buckley's passion for martial arts ignited at a young age, shaping his...
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Ep. 29: Clementine's Naughty or Nice Creamery w/ Tamara Keefe
On today's episode, host Braden delves into the inspiring journey of Tamara Keefe, CEO of Clementine's Naughty or Nice Creamery. With 8 thriving locations, nationwide shipping, and expanding regionally, Tamara shares invaluable insights into the art of building a successful ice cream brand. From...
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Ep. 28: From Overland to Forbes 30 Under 30
On this episode, Braden dives into the world of food safety and auditing with Tyler Williams, CEO of ASI Food Safety. From his journey as a manager to leading the company's global standards implementation, including in emerging industries like cannabis, Tyler shares insights on the challenges and...
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Ep. 27: Meet Me at The Muny w/ Kwofe Coleman
On this episode, Braden spoke with The Muny's President and CEO, Kwofe Coleman. Kwofe proud St. Louis native with a rich background in theatre management and community service. Kwofe is a graduate of St. Louis University High School and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he honed his...
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Ep. 26: Crafting a New Wine Experience in St. Louis w/ Mykel McIntosh
On this weeks episode, we are joined by Mykel McIntosh, the owner of Videira Wine Shop & Bar in St. Louis. Mykel's journey into the food industry that started unexpectedly while attending college. Despite initial challenges, Mykel persevered through the blessing of her late mother, learning all...
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Ep. 25: Can Ozzie Smith Still Do a Backflip?
Join us as we dive deep into the captivating world of MLB Hall of Famer, Ozzie Smith. In this episode, Ozzie shares insights into some of the most monumental moments of his illustrious baseball career, offering a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. From his...
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Ep. 24: Faith, Family, and Ferguson Are What Matter w/ Brian Owens
On this weeks episode, Braden sat down with Brian Owens, a remarkable community leader who wears many hats with grace and passion. As a husband, father, minister, singer, producer, director, and hype man of all creators, Brian shares profound insights into his diverse roles and the wisdom gained...
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Ep. 23: Show Me The World Project w/ Sylverster Chisom
On this inspiring episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvester Chisom, the Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Co-Founder of the Show Me The World Project. The journey of this impactful initiative began in 2012 with the founding of The Show Me Costa Rica Project (SMCRP) at...
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Ep. 22: So St. Louis, Ask Your Tattooist w/ Murphy Lee (314 Day Special)
In this 314 Day BONUS episode, we had the privilege to dive deep into the life of Murphy Lee, a Grammy Award winner and revered legend from St. Louis. He shares his St. Louis upbringing, offering listeners a vivid glimpse into the roots that have shaped his artistry. Throughout our conversation…
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Ep. 21: For the Love of Pizza w/ Simonne Kimble
On this week's episode, we sit down with the multi-talented Simonne Kimble, known for her roles as a mother, media personality, podcast host, producer, marketer, community leader, and more. Simonne joins us to share insights the inspiration behind her journey into the media industry. Throughout…
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Ep. 20: The Next Food Empire is out of Saint Louis - Nathan Wright
Join us as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Nathan Wright, the visionary behind St. Louis' newest culinary sensation, UpLate. From humble beginnings managing Fritz's Frozen Custard at the tender age of 17 to serving as a coaching assistant at Saint Louis University, Nathan's path to...
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Ep. 19: America Loves Hot Salami
We're kicking Season 2 off by featuring the owner of one of the most iconic delis in America, Alex Donley. Alex shares the story of Gioia's Deli, how his family purchased the deli, entrepreneurial journey, winning the James Beard Award in 2017, growing up in St. Louis, marrying his high school...
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Ep. 18: Year in Review w/ Producer Jason
It's exactly what it sounds like! Jason the producer joins Braden and asks the fun retrospective questions about everything we've been up to this year! thanks to everyone for listening, whether this is your first time or you've been here since day 1! Please leave a review and share with friends &...
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Ep. 17: Comedian Caleb Hearon
Caleb Hearon is a fantastic comedian & actor, and has deep roots with Host Braden from their college days. They get into college antics, pickup basketball, getting casted into movies, SNL auditions, and more, on this episode of OpeCast.
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Ep. 16: Creator, Sam of FoodByStern
Sam of @FoodByStern sits down and leads us on an incredible journey this week, talking us through east coast lifestyle, moving to St Louis post college, what qualifies as pizza, being a food creator, starting a restaurant, and how to make a viral song out of your kitchen. Sam is a great friend of...
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Ep. 15: Youtuber Grace Smith
Youtube creator & St. Louis City resident Grace Smith joins us this week! Grace is a fun and positive creator whos been publishing to Youtube since 2015, and has attracted an audience with content about being a student, thrift hauls, hair and beauty, daily routines, and more. Today BradEN and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ope Cast brings you the finest of the Midwest. Join us each week for insightful conversations with influential guests who are shaping the city's landscape. From community leaders to cultural icons, we're dedicated to showcasing those making a positive impact. Tune in every Thursday as we redefine your St. Louis experience, one engaging episode at a time.
HOSTED BY
Ope Cast The Pod
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ope Cast The Pod have?
Ope Cast The Pod currently has 65 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ope Cast The Pod about?
Ope Cast brings you the finest of the Midwest. Join us each week for insightful conversations with influential guests who are shaping the city's landscape. From community leaders to cultural icons, we're dedicated to showcasing those making a positive impact. Tune in every Thursday as we redefine...
How often does Ope Cast The Pod release new episodes?
Ope Cast The Pod has 65 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Ope Cast The Pod?
You can listen to Ope Cast The Pod on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ope Cast The Pod?
Ope Cast The Pod is created and hosted by Ope Cast The Pod.
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