Ope Cast The Pod
Ope Cast The Pod
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.
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 innovations in ensuring food safety around the world. He shares how growing up in Overland helped shape him, his love for futbol, being in Forbes 30 Under 30, and more. To learn more about Tyler's work, visit: ASI: https://www.asifood.com/ CSQ: https://csqcertification.com/ Show Me Food Safety: https://showmefs.org/
Apr 25, 2024
31 min
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 skills and passion for the arts and cultural institutions. In 2011, Kwofe made history by forming The Muny’s first digital communications department, showcasing his innovative approach to modernizing traditional platforms. His strategic vision and leadership led to significant milestones, including the creation of The Muny's Second Century Strategic Plan and the successful $100 million Second Century Capital Campaign. As the Managing Director of The Muny since 2018, Kwofe has demonstrated his commitment to preserving the institution's unparalleled history while fostering growth and evolution for its second century. His impact extends beyond The Muny, serving as the president-elect on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and actively contributing to various community organizations and advisory councils. Kwofe's achievements have been recognized through awards such as the St. Louis American’s Salute to Young Leaders Award in 2015 and inclusion in the St. Louis Business Journal 40 under 40 list in 2020. This season The Muny will feature shows like Les Miserables, Dreamgirls, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Fiddler on the Roof, Waitress, In The Heights, & Anything Goes. You may see Kwofe there!
Apr 18, 2024
46 min
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 aspects of the business and eventually opening Videira Wine Shop & Bar. Mykel discusses the unique concept of combining retail wine sales with a bar setting, offering customers a diverse selection of wines, craft cocktails, and locally sourced small plates. During the podcast, Mykel highlights the distinctive offerings at Videira, the importance of inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for all patrons, breaking away from traditional wine bar stereotypes. As the conversation unfolds, Mykel shares their passion for wine and the cultural aspect surrounding it, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to St. Louis's wine and dining scene. You can follow Videira at @Videirawinebar or visit at 2702 Locust St in St. Louis, MO.
Apr 12, 2024
46 min
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 iconic backflips on the field to his unwavering love for St. Louis, Ozzie's passion for the game and the city shines through as he reminisces about cherished memories and experiences. But the conversation doesn't stop at baseball. Ozzie delves into his involvement with the PGA and his perspectives on the intersection of sports, leadership, and community engagement. Adding another layer of excitement, Ozzie introduces his new beverage creation, "Backflip," and discusses its inspiration, flavors, and journey from concept to reality. And of course, no discussion with Ozzie would be complete without exploring his culinary interests and favorite foods, providing a well-rounded look into the life and interests. Tune in to discover the stories behind the legend as Ozzie Smith shares his wisdom, passions, and remarkable journey both on and off the field. You can follow Ozzie on social media @Ozziestlwizard and enjoy his drink at Busch Stadium, Ball Park Village, Schnucks, Dierbergs, Dirt Cheap, and more.
Mar 28, 2024
37 min
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 along the way.In this podcast, Brian delves into his captivating journey into music, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, offering valuable lessons and perspectives for listeners. His experiences as a minister and family man add depth to his narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of his various roles. Brian is not only a dynamic individual but also a driving force behind the contemporary music series at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Through this series, he connects communities with a rich tapestry of music, showcasing Saint Louis talent and beyond. From classical compositions to soulful R&B performances, Brian's influence resonates across genres, uniting audiences in musical appreciation. Listeners can explore Brian's upcoming show on August 21, 2024, as part of the WCHOF Music Series, by visiting worldchesshof.com for the full lineup. To stay connected with Brian Owens and his impactful work, visit his website at Brianowenssoul.com. Join us as we unravel the layers of Brian Owens' journey, filled with passion, creativity, and a profound dedication to uplifting communities through music and mentorship.
Mar 21, 2024
32 min
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 Vashon High School in north St. Louis, Missouri. The project emerged from a school swap experience that underscored the disparities in educational opportunities, igniting a desire among Vashon students for equal access to international learning experiences. The inaugural chapter, aptly named "The Show Me Costa Rica Project," symbolized its Missouri roots while aligning with the biology state standards through an enriching trip to Costa Rica. The project's success and growing demand from schools led to the establishment of a 501c3 non-profit organization. In May 2019, Sylvester Chisom, Samantha Lurie, and Boahemaa Adu-Oppong joined forces to co-found The Show Me the World Project. Through their tireless efforts, The Show Me the World Project aims to empower young individuals by broadening their global perspective and unleashing their full potential. You can join their journey by following them on Instagram at @showmetheworldproject or visiting their website at www.showmetheworldproject.org. Additionally, you can support their mission by purchasing their coffee, available on their website, at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, and Latte Lounge. For those who prefer to contribute directly, donations can be made online. Join us in championing this incredible initiative and making a difference in the lives of youth worldwide.
Mar 14, 2024
43 min
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, we explored Murphy Lee's creative process and the elusive flow that guides his music-making journey. As an industry veteran, he provided invaluable perspectives on how streaming platforms are reshaping the music landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges for artists navigating this digital era. With humility and gratitude, he reflected on the symbiotic relationship between artist and audience, highlighting the importance of authenticity and genuine connection in building a lasting bond. Beyond his musical endeavors, he shares his journey as a father, offering heartfelt reflections on the joys and responsibilities of raising the next generation. Listeners will be left inspired by Murphy Lee's wisdom, authenticity, and infectious passion for his craft. To stay updated on his latest endeavors, be sure to follow him on social media @Murphderrty or visit his website at www.newmurph.com
Mar 14, 2024
22 min
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 the conversation, we dive into Simonne's experiences balancing her various projects with the demands of motherhood. She candidly discusses the challenges and joys of navigating these roles while pursuing her passions in the media landscape. In a lighthearted moment, Simonne reminisces about her pregnancy cravings, revealing a particular fondness for pizza during that special time. We also get a sneak peek into the pizza panel she moderated with BradENTL and JBarzz where they offered a unique perspectives on everyone's favorite comfort food. Follow Simonne on Instagram at @xosimonne_, @94xotv, and @relationship.ish for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tune in to the latest episode to discover more about Simonne's fascinating journey and the exciting projects she has in store!
Mar 8, 2024
55 min
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 success has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Nathan recounts the pivotal moments that led to the creation of UpLate, the city's hottest late-night destination. With its irresistible offerings and vibrant atmosphere, UpLate has quickly become a beloved staple of St. Louis' late night scene, captivating the taste buds and imaginations of locals. Nathan shares his sights on expansion, both within the city and beyond. In an exciting update, listeners will be thrilled to learn that since our recording, UpLate has celebrated the grand opening of its second location on the iconic Delmar Loop. Follow Nathan's journey on Instagram at @Nathanzwright and keep up with UpLate's latest adventures at @UpLateSTL.
Feb 29, 2024
1 hr 23 min
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 sweetheart, and much more. You follow Alex at @gioiasdeli on Instagram and TikTok. Make sure to visit Gioia's Deli the next time you're near St. Louis.
Feb 23, 2024
1 hr 9 min
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