STL SproutCast

Get ready for a wagonload of fun! In this week’s STL SproutCast, we’re talking with Bailie Kleekamp, programming assistant at Purina Farms, about what’s new this spring down on the farm.

If you’re thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, this week’s guest has tips to make sure your experience is “pawsome.” JoEllyn Klepacki, director of education for the Humane Society of Missouri, talks about choosing the “purrrrfect” companion for your family.

If you ask a local what to do on a trip to St. Louis, chances are, one of the first stops they’ll recommend is the City Museum. With its whopping slides, winding caverns and whimsical sculptures, it’s little wonder this “weirdly wonderful” attraction has become a wildly popular destination. Katy Enrique, director of Sales & Marketing for the City Museum, shares tips for visiting with your family.

Living in the Midwest, there’s rarely enough snow for winter sports, but if your family dreams of hitting the slopes this winter, you’re in luck. A resort right here in St. Louis provides the snow, as well as the slopes, the skies, the tubes, and lots and lots of fun! In this week’s STL SproutCast, we’re talking with Tony Santora, general manager of Hidden Valley Ski Resort, about a hidden gem nestled in nearby Wildwood.

Listeners, get ready to unwrap a very special holiday episode of STL SproutCast! We’re talking with two popular St. Louis destinations about their plans for the season. You’ll hear from The National Museum of Transportation about the return of a beloved holiday train display and the arrival of a very special North Pole VIP. We’ll also be talking with the Missouri Botanical Garden about the popular Garden Glow experience, Chanukah and Kwanzaa events, and more.

Few things capture the magic and enchantment of the holidays quite like “The Nutcracker.” Each year, the Saint Louis Ballet brings this classic tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann to life with spectacular sets, opulent costumes and breathtaking performances. In this week’s STL SproutCast you’ll hear from Amy Herchenroether, a dancer with the Saint Louis Ballet, about what it’s like to be part of this cherished St. Louis tradition.

Each year, the Missouri History Museum hosts a “spirited” celebration of Latin American culture. The museum’s annual Día de los Muertos event honors the lives and spirits of those who have passed away, as well as celebrating Latin American art, culture, music, dancing and traditions. In this week’s STL SproutCast, Elisa Bender, board member with Hispanic Festival Inc., and Lindsay Newton, Director of Education & Community Engagement for the Missouri History Museum, talk with us about Día de los Muertos and what families can look forward to at this special celebration.

More than 15 million guests have passed through the doors of The Fabulous Fox Theatre in downtown St. Louis to watch everything from Broadway hits to Vegas performers. . . and some believe, a few of those spirits might still be lingering in the afterlife. In this week’s STL SproutCast we’re talking with Arlene Cerbie, Fox Club Manager for the Fabulous Fox, about reports that some otherworldly patrons still roam the theater.

As the haunting season is creeping up, we’ve summoned … Baba Yaga. An icon of Slavic folklore, this enigmatic woman can be your best friend or your worst nightmare, depending on her mood. While you’ll usually find her in her hut deep in the forest, Baba Yaga emerges each October to join a cast of other macabre characters at Legends & Lanterns, a free Halloween celebration on Main Street in St. Charles.

Scooby Doo, where are you? Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the Mystery Machine gang recently rolled into a popular children’s museum in St. Louis. Joining us today is Marissa Lorance, Director of Marketing for The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum. Marissa is here to talk with us about the museum’s newest exhibit, “Scooby Doo Mansion Mayhem,” upcoming fall events and more.

In addition to art projects, notes from teachers, homework assignments, dirty gym socks and the other miscellaneous items kids will soon be toting home from school, chances are, they’ll also be bringing home the occasional sore throat, sniffle, cough and sneeze. Dr. John Cole, a Washington University Clinical Associates Pediatrician, shares tips to help parents navigate cold and flu season.

The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the nation, with its roots tracing all the way back to 1880. In addition to being one of the world’s preeminent orchestras, the SLSO is known for its commitment to education and community outreach, hosting a wide variety of performances designed to make the symphony accessible to all audiences. Jessica Ingraham, director of education for the SLSO, and Maureen Byrne, SLSO vice president of education and community partnerships, share tips for introducing children to the magic and wonder of the symphony.

With families preparing to embark upon a new school year, we’re chatting with the Saint Louis Science Center about fun ways to launch our children’s interest in STEM and STEAM fields. In this week’s STL SproutCast we talk with Liz Senzee, Associate Director of Gallery Programs for the Saint Louis Science Center, and Siinya Williams, Senior Director of Community Science and Programs for the museum.

This week’s STL SproutCast guest is a true “Josh” of all trades. In addition to being a physical comedian, he’s also a magician, juggler, hypnotist, sideshow performer and acrobat, as well as a writer and professional speaker. He attended the Clown Conservatory, performed with several circuses, co-founded Circus Kaput and even wowed a United States President with a magic trick. Hear from Josh Routh, aka Oh My Gosh Josh, about a career that is truly magical.

With the Fourth of July just a few days away, our thoughts are turning to those symbols of Americana … baseball, apple pie, and, of course, the bald eagle. Roger Holloway, Executive Director/CFO of World Bird Sanctuary, talks with us about the eagle that inspired the nation.

Chuck Simms with the Alliance for Astronomy shares tips for taking up a stellar new hobby this summer in St. Louis. Learn more about his favorite stargazing spots and find out about upcoming Star Parties.

Few activities lend themselves to teaching the virtues of patience and perseverance quite like fishing. It’s also a natural choice for families looking for an excuse to unplug and reconnect. Dan Zarlenga, St. Louis Regional Media Specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Sabrina Hansen, local coordinator of MDC’s Discover Nature Fishing program, share tips to help families discover the “al-lure” of fishing in this week’s STL SproutCast.

Thumbing through a comic book while relaxing in a hammock, staying up past bedtime to finish a page turner by flashlight, huddling together in a tent reading ghost stories … the lazy days of summer provide plenty of opportunities to pick up a great book. This week’s guest,  Sarah Wood, assistant manager of youth services for St. Louis County Library, is sharing resources to keep children reading throughout the summer.

Lights! Cameras! Arthropods! The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is rolling out the red carpet this summer to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Located in Faust Park, the Butterfly House is home to a conservatory that houses more than 60 tropical butterfly species. Hear from Butterfly House Director Jennifer Mullix about upcoming educational programming, special events, date night ideas, and a new exhibit that’s sure to open to rave reviews.