Ope Cast The Pod

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 St. Louis. For more details, visit stlstartupweek.com

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. Known for his innovative approach, he also runs Blacklight Attractions, which specializes in designing themed attractions, and heads Scarefest, a company producing events and resources for the Halloween and haunt industry. His work has transformed St. Louis into a hotspot for immersive haunted experiences, drawing locals and visitors alike. The Darkness, in particular, is famous for its intense, movie-quality sets, 3D elements, and high-tech scares, making it one of the top-rated haunted houses in the country. Larry's s annual involvement with the TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show also drives him and his team to innovate and revamp these attractions yearly. This dedication not only fuels his success but also sets a high bar within the industry, attracting other haunt professionals worldwide to witness his latest designs and creation You can follow Larry on all socials at @Scarefest or his website www.scarefest.com

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 Information A.M., the top-rated show at the station, providing listeners with news, traffic, weather, business and sports each weekday morning. In addition to radio, he calls college basketball play-by-play on TV for the Missouri Valley Conference and host on the video board at Scottrade Center during Blues home games. I’m also the play-by-play broadcaster for SLU women’s basketball. He shares his journey into media, love for St. Louis, integrity in his role, involvement in UCP Heartland, love for food, and much more. You can follow Tom on X at @ackerman1120

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 their reach, beginning with just two games in 2016 and now covering all home games and playoffs. Their broadcasts have brought the excitement of Cardinals baseball to Spanish-speaking fans worldwide, adding a vital voice for the Hispanic community in St. Louis and beyond. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, their passion and impact remain strong, connecting listeners from across the globe to their favorite team. This season, Polo partnered with the Cardinals Museum on Viva Los Cardenales. This takes you from the present day all the way back to 1913 detailing the Latin and Hispanic players who paved the way for the next generation. He shares his joy of bringing this exhibit to life. You can follow Polo on Instagram at @polosview or tune into the Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network WIJR 880 AM La Tremenda

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 later changed the name to The Guy Torry Comedy Show. The night would attract A list comedians and celebrities from around the country. Stars like Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Prince, Charlie Pride, Shaq, Jay Z, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Joe Torry, Bernie Mac, Kobe, Shaq, Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and many more. Hollywood scouts and producers used Guy’s room as a means to scout talent. Braden's curiosity leads to him asking questions about guests like Tupac and Kobe. In his acting career, Guy has starred in critically acclaimed movies such as American History X, “Pearl Harbor”, “Life”, “Runaway Jury”, “Don’t Say A Word”, and the NBC mini series “The 70’s”.  You can learn more about Phat Tuesday by watching it on Amazon Prime. You can follow Guy Torry on Instagram at @Guytorry or www.guytorry.com

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 St. Louis in 2020 where he offers an array of premium. durable everyday staple items that are inspired by timeless simplicity. He has expanded his platform to include Field Club Media to provide artists and creators with an opportunity to showcase their talents. Christopher has curated the "Inside/Outside" exhibit at Sophie's Artist Lounge where he has provided forty local artists with an opportunity to showcase their exhibit. You can follow Christopher's work on Instagram at @fieldclubmedia & @profieldreserve or at www.FieldClubMedia.com

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, and personal growth. Whether you're new to the area or a STL native who wants to connect with like-minded women, you're now part of a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and ambition! You can learn more about them by visiting www.stlgirlnetwork.com or by following them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @STLGirlNetwork

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 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 40 animations, and four Broadway shows. Credits include: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends, A Different World, Twenties, Cast Away, What’s Love Got to Do With It, Think Like a Man, The Princess and the Frog, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Rugrats, Cars I, II and III, American Dad, and Hairspray. She is known as the “Mother of Black Hollywood.” They discussed how The St. Louis Walk of Fame and Hollywood Walk of Fame are equal in her eyes, being immortalized on the new 'Tiana's Bayou Adventure' and Walt Disney World, her tragic fall in the Serengeti, favorite dishes, and more. You can follow Jenifer on Instagram at @JeniferLewisforreal and check out the full list of her work on Wikipedia.

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 School classmate Robert Glasper, and an experience which he says broadened his musical horizons beyond jazz to include funk, Afrobeat, R&B, and hip hop. Harrold was soon performing with stars like Common, Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Mac Miller, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, and Chaka Khan. He has spent the last 3 years as Creative Director of Jazz St. Louis. Harrold has been key in advancing community engagement and broadening our organization’s audience of ardent jazz appreciators.  You can follow Keyon at @KeyonHarrold on Instagram or visit his website at www.keyonharroldmusic.com

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, performing at The Muny, the decision to leave St. Louis, her experience on The Voice, traveling with the circus, and more. Lisa is excited to have a few upcoming shows in her hometown, as well as highlighting The Festival of Nations which brings in a crowd of over 100k in two days. You can follow her on all socials at @LisaRameyMusic or visit her website at LisaRameyMusic.com

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 easier. Her passion for our city will make you fall in love it. You can follow Jaye on Instagram at @Jayesoextra

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 (#RepProject40) which is a trailblazing destination, proudly holding the distinction of being 244 acres of Missouri's very first black-owned resort known as Lake Placid, Missouri. They offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature, history, and healing in a space designed to honor our heritage and promote unity. They are more than just a retreat. Reparations Project 40 is dedicated to proposing and supporting 40 Reparations Projects that meet a criteria created by their members. They strive to foster a conversations around each project that are examples of Reparations; starting by restoring the nature of the the 244 acres. You can follow Brendalyn at @reparationsproject40 or www.ReparationsProject40.com

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 good time at events. He takes his craft very serious and is always looking for ways to become the best emcee not only in St. Louis but in the world. This was a full circle moment for Braden as Dre'co was one of Braden's first Instagram Live interviews in 2022. You can follow Dre'Co on Instagram at @Dre_co

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 range of guests from athletes, creatives, musicians, entrepreneurs, and more. He also hosts 3rd Eyee Review where he shares his knowledge and passion of cinematography by reviewing new and old movies. Swerve has a lot of exciting projects in the works, including an all new season of his podcast. You can follow Swerve on IG @swerve__o, his podcast @swervinnpodcast, and a @3rdeyeereview

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 path towards becoming a prominent figure in the sport. Currently training in St. Louis for his upcoming fight, Buckley boasts an impressive record of 18 wins and 6 losses in his fighting career. However, it was his iconic knockout that catapulted him into the spotlight, earning recognition as one of the most unforgettable moments in UFC history. His viral knockout video became the most-watched Instagram video in UFC history, garnering over 17.8 million views and sparking global attention. Competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Buckley's professional career spans back to 2014, where he showcased his skills in organizations like Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance before making his mark in the UFC. As of April 2, 2024, Buckley holds the impressive #11 spot in the UFC welterweight rankings, a testament to his dedication and prowess in the Octagon. Buckley is preparing to headline in his hometown of St. Louis on Saturday, May 11, showcasing his talent and resilience to a local audience. Follow his journey and stay connected with Joaquin Buckley on Instagram at @newmans94 as he continues to inspire and make waves in the UFC.

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 her humble beginnings in southern California to becoming a self-made entrepreneur, Tamara's story is a testament to perseverance and passion. Growing up in a family that initially couldn't afford outings for ice cream, Tamara's world transformed when her mother bought a $2 hand-crank ice cream machine. This simple act ignited Tamara's love for creating unique and delicious flavors, leading to her renowned small-batch ice creams celebrated across the nation. Her flavors have earned accolades from CBS This Morning, Food & Wine, Eater, Good Morning America, and more, solidifying Clementine's reputation as a leader in the industry. In 2014, Tamara took a leap of faith, leaving her high-profile corporate job to turn her lifelong dream into reality. Today, Clementine's stands as a symbol of family, community, and the joyous connections that ice cream can foster. Tune in as Tamara shares her remarkable journey and the secrets behind her award-winning ice cream creations. You can follow Clementine's at @clementinescreamery or follow Tamara Keefe on LinkedIn.

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/

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!

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.

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.