Hosted Ravioli podcast: You'll 'flip' over this episode with Ozzie Smith

“I probably caused a lot of people injuries, trying to do that flip!” Ozzie Smith said. Indeed, a generation of St. Louis kids attempted back flips in backyards, pretending it was the ball yard. Few humans touched St. Louis the way Ozzie Smith did. The Cardinals legend sat down with “Hosted Raviol…

Hosted Ravioli: Zip Rzeppa made St. Louis sports fun

He made St. Louis sports fun. Notably on Channel 4 KMOV, Zip Rzeppa delivered the sports broadcasts with flair and flamboyance. And his famous “Zippo Awards” became something of local lore – Rzeppa would give out “awards” for "The best, the worst, and the weirdest performances in the wild and wacky…

Hosted Ravioli: The epitome of a St. Louis on-air personality is Guy Phillips

The epitome of a St. Louis on-air personality is Guy Phillips, who has been on radio and TV since the late 1970s. While he made his mark on Y98, he made his mark with the host of “Hosted Ravioli” thanks to the 1980s kid's game show “DB's Delight.” The show featured local St. Louis middle schoolers …

The Boatmen's guy : Thom Sharp says he's not bald, he outgrew his hair

In St. Louis in the 1990s, Thom Sharp was the funniest guy in St. Louis – even if no one knew Thom Sharp's name. The comedian and actor starred as “The Boatmen's Guy” in numerous clever commercials for Boatmen's Bank. His dry wit while appearing in silly situations made him so popular that when the…

Hosted Ravioli: Oh baby! Former Blues announcer behind the scenes

“Oh baby!!” The signature call of Blues broadcaster Ken Wilson became part of St. Louis sports culture, beginning in the 1980s, all the way into the 2000s. Wilson would holler “Oh baby!” after a goal and it became a catch phrase around town – rumors were that obstetricians would do Ken Wilson imper…

Hosted Ravioli: Catching up with St. Louis icon Becky, Queen of Carpet

She arrived, alas, by car. Famous for flying under the Arch on a carpet, Becky Rothman starred in quirky commercials for decades in St. Louis. She was anointed “queen of carpets,” wore a gown and crown and became a local celebrity. And so, she was a fitting first guest for my new St. Louis-themed…

Coming Soon: Hosted Ravioli Podcast

Hosted Ravioli is a St. Louis-themed podcast hosted by Benjamin Hochman, a columnist for The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Hochman interviews fun and fascinating staples of St. Louis, from celebrities to local cult heroes, such as people from famous TV commercials, news media, sports or pop culture. The…