In this bonus episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske sits down with St. Louis Magazine’s new business editor Eric Schmid. The former economic development reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, Eric discusses his vision for SLM’s business coverage and daily business newsletter, what sold him on St. Louis, and what it’s like being mistaken for Eric Schmitt—the former Missouri attorney general and current U.S. senator with a very similar name. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com.

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com.

Mentioned in this episode:
The science behind a leading carbon removal solution comes from St. Louis
St. Louis workplaces grapple with AI opportunities—and fears
How downtown St. Louis can get its groove back

In this bonus episode of&nbsp;The 314 Podcast, host&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/">Sarah Fenske</a>&nbsp;sits down with&nbsp;St. Louis Magazine&rsquo;s new business editor Eric Schmid. The former economic development reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, Eric discusses his vision for&nbsp;SLM&rsquo;s business coverage and daily&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/slm-updates/subscribe-to-the-st-louis-business-newsletter/">business newsletter</a>, what sold him on St. Louis, and what it&rsquo;s like being mistaken for Eric Schmitt&mdash;the former Missouri attorney general and current U.S. senator with a very similar name. Listen and follow&nbsp;The 314 Podcast&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf">YouTube</a>, or wherever podcasts are available.
New to podcasts?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/">Follow these instructions</a>&nbsp;to start listening to our shows, and hear what you&rsquo;ve been missing!
Have an idea for a future&nbsp;episode?&nbsp;Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcasts@stlmag.com">podcasts@stlmag.com</a>.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor?&nbsp;Contact Lauren Leppert at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lleppert@stlmag.com">lleppert@stlmag.com</a>.
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/business/mati-carbon-enhanced-rock-weathering/">The science behind a leading carbon removal solution comes from St. Louis</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/business/st-louis-jobs-ai-artificial-intelligence/">St. Louis workplaces grapple with AI opportunities&mdash;and fears</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stlpr.org/economy-business/2025-04-14/downtown-st-louis-turnaround-million-incremental-steps-vacancy">How downtown St. Louis can get its groove back</a></li>
</ul>

Join St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske for conversations that dig into why things are the way they are in St. Louis — and how we can make them better. From the stories that inspire us to the challenges that push us, The 314 Podcast is here to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and untangle the complicated.

Join St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske for conversations that dig into why things are the way they are in St. Louis &mdash; and how we can make them better. From the stories that inspire us to the challenges that push us, The 314 Podcast is here to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and untangle the complicated.

The 314 Podcast

Join St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske for conversations that dig into why things are the way they are in St. Louis — and how we can make them better. From the stories that inspire us to the challenges that push us, the 314 podcast is here to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and untangle the complicated.

Join St. Louis Magazine executive editor Sarah Fenske for conversations that dig into why things are the way they are in St. Louis &mdash; and how we can make them better. From the stories that inspire us to the challenges that push us, the 314 podcast is here to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and untangle the complicated.

Meet SLM’s New Business Editor Eric Schmid

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Lúcia G. Lohmann, president and director of the Missouri Botanical Garden. A native of Brazil, Lohmann explains her vision to make the garden provide more education to locals—and what drew her back to St. Louis after more than 20 years away. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about a controversial group of home rehabbers who are now in legal jeopardy. Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-32.

This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Public Library Foundation. A library is more than just books. It’s a place that invests in people, ideas, and opportunities that shape and improve lives. With your support this Library Giving Day, you can help change a neighbor’s life with every borrowed book, every meaningful conversation, and every new opportunity. Donate here.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com.

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host <a href="https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/">Sarah Fenske</a> talks with L&uacute;cia G. Lohmann, president and director of the <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/">Missouri Botanical Garden</a>. A native of Brazil, Lohmann explains her vision to make the garden provide more education to locals&mdash;and what drew her back to St. Louis after more than 20 years away. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer <a href="https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/">Ryan Krull</a> about a controversial group of home rehabbers who are now in legal jeopardy. Watch on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf">YouTube</a> and listen on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE">Spotify</a>, or wherever podcasts are available.
See related stories and resources from this episode at <a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-32">https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-32</a>.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="http://slpl.org/">St. Louis Public Library Foundation</a>. A library is more than just books. It&rsquo;s a place that invests in people, ideas, and opportunities that shape and improve lives. With your support this Library Giving Day, you can help change a neighbor&rsquo;s life with every borrowed book, every meaningful conversation, and every new opportunity. <a href="http://slpl.org/">Donate here.</a>
New to podcasts? <a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/">Follow these instructions</a> to start listening to our shows, and hear what you&rsquo;ve been missing!
Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/">podcasts</a>.
Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at <a href="mailto:lleppert@stlmag.com">lleppert@stlmag.com</a>.

Lúcia Lohmann on MOBOT’s Future

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Nahuel Fefer, who worked at City Hall under four mayors, most recently as executive director of the Community Development Administration. The native of Argentina explains what’s broken in St. Louis city government—and his ideas for city-county unification. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the city treasurer’s failure to hold people accountable when they rack up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by STAGES St. Louis. STAGES is celebrating 40 years of Broadway-quality musical theatre right here in St. Louis. Join STAGES for a milestone season featuring the hilarious 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the return of the high-rolling charm, Guys and Dolls, and the powerful, heartwarming hit Come From Away. Get tickets.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com.

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com.

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:
St. Louis treasurer let vehicles rack up $10.7M in unpaid tickets
St. Louis treasurer voided his own parking tickets
Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch
More episodes of The 314 Podcast

In this episode of&nbsp;The 314 Podcast, host&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/">Sarah Fenske</a>&nbsp;talks with&nbsp;<a href="https://nahuelfefer.com/">Nahuel Fefer</a>, who worked at City Hall under four mayors, most recently as executive director of the Community Development Administration. The native of Argentina explains what&rsquo;s broken in St. Louis city government&mdash;and his ideas for city-county unification. Then, Sarah chats with&nbsp;SLM&nbsp;staff writer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/author/ryan-krull/">Ryan Krull</a>&nbsp;about the city treasurer&rsquo;s failure to hold people accountable when they rack up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets. Listen and follow&nbsp;The 314 Podcast&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf">YouTube</a>, or wherever podcasts are available.
This episode is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="http://stagesstlouis.org/">STAGES St. Louis</a>.&nbsp;STAGES is celebrating 40 years of Broadway-quality musical theatre right here in St. Louis. Join STAGES for a milestone season featuring the hilarious&nbsp;25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the return of the high-rolling charm,&nbsp;Guys and Dolls, and the powerful, heartwarming hit&nbsp;Come From Away.&nbsp;<a href="http://stagesstlouis.org/">Get tickets.</a>
New to podcasts?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/">Follow these instructions</a>&nbsp;to start listening to our shows, and hear what you&rsquo;ve been missing!
Want more?&nbsp;Check out all of&nbsp;St. Louis Magazine&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/">podcasts</a>.
Have an idea for a future&nbsp;episode?&nbsp;Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcasts@stlmag.com">podcasts@stlmag.com</a>.
Interested in being a podcast sponsor?&nbsp;Contact Lauren Leppert at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lleppert@stlmag.com">lleppert@stlmag.com</a>.
You may also enjoy these&nbsp;SLM&nbsp;stories:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/news/adam-layne-treasurer-unpaid-tickets-boots/">St. Louis treasurer let vehicles rack up $10.7M in unpaid tickets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/news/st-louis-treasurer-voided-parking-tickets/">St. Louis treasurer voided his own parking tickets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://store.stlmag.com/">Shop&nbsp;The 314 Podcast&nbsp;and St. Louis Daily merch</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/">More episodes of&nbsp;The 314 Podcast</a></li>
</ul>

Nahuel Fefer on Fixing St. Louis Government

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Haliday Douglas, CEO of the St. Louis Education Fund, which harnesses private dollars to help St. Louis Public Schools students. Douglas discusses how teachers at SLPS helped change his life—and propel him to Harvard—and the work his nonprofit is doing to give kids a chance at upward economic mobility. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the new legislation in Jefferson City that would create “innovation zones” to help downtown St. Louis and other central business districts. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.



This episode is sponsored by Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Discover the excitement of the Opera Theatre’s 2026 Festival Season, running from May 23 to June 28. Tickets start at just $25 for the timeless classic The Pirates of Penzance and the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza. Enjoy unforgettable performances of A Streetcar Named Desire and the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, showcasing artistic excellence you're sure to love. Get your tickets now.



New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!



Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.



Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing podcasts@stlmag.com.



Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com.



You may also enjoy these SLM stories:


Missouri rep proposes ‘innovation zones’ as a cure for downtown’s woes
For former St. Louis rep, moving to the county was about the Special School District
The turnaround strategy inside St. Louis Public Schools that may be working—and may get discontinued
Shop The 314 Podcast and St. Louis Daily merch
More episodes of The 314 Podcast

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host <a href="https://www.stlmag.com/author/sarah-fenske/">Sarah Fenske</a> talks with Haliday Douglas, CEO of the St. Louis Education Fund, which harnesses private dollars to help St. Louis Public Schools students. Douglas discusses how teachers at SLPS helped change his life&mdash;and propel him to Harvard&mdash;and the work his nonprofit is doing to give kids a chance at upward economic mobility. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the new legislation in Jefferson City that would create &ldquo;innovation zones&rdquo; to help downtown St. Louis and other central business districts. Listen and follow&nbsp;The 314 Podcast&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-314-podcast/id1793192207">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0mJtCTOoiTpN2Jjc2VW0eE">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGme7iXhvDnXB6ZTWV-1RtWf">YouTube</a>, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://opera-stl.org/">Opera Theatre of St. Louis</a>. Discover the excitement of the Opera Theatre&rsquo;s 2026 Festival Season, running from May 23 to June 28. Tickets start at just $25 for the timeless classic The Pirates of Penzance and the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza. Enjoy unforgettable performances of A Streetcar Named Desire and the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, showcasing artistic excellence you're sure to love. <a href="http://ExperienceOpera.org">Get your tickets now.</a>
 
New to podcasts?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/">Follow these instructions</a>&nbsp;to start listening to our shows, and hear what you&rsquo;ve been missing!
 
Want more?&nbsp;Check out all of&nbsp;St. Louis Magazine&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/">podcasts</a>.
 
Have an idea for a future&nbsp;episode?&nbsp;Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcasts@stlmag.com">podcasts@stlmag.com</a>.
 
Interested in being a podcast sponsor?&nbsp;Contact Lauren Leppert at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lleppert@stlmag.com">lleppert@stlmag.com</a>.
 
You may also enjoy these&nbsp;SLM&nbsp;stories:
 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/news/brad-christ-missouri-improvement-zones/">Missouri rep proposes &lsquo;innovation zones&rsquo; as a cure for downtown&rsquo;s woes</a></li>

<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/news/peter-merideth-special-school-district/">For former St. Louis rep, moving to the county was about the Special School District</a></li>

<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/news/solutions/balancing-the-equation-SLPS-consortium-partnership-network-CPN-autonomy/">The turnaround strategy inside St. Louis Public Schools that may be working&mdash;and may get discontinued</a></li>

<li><a href="https://store.stlmag.com/">Shop&nbsp;The 314 Podcast&nbsp;and St. Louis Daily merch</a></li>

<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/">More episodes of&nbsp;The 314 Podcast</a></li>
</ul>

Meet SLM’s New Business Editor Eric Schmid

In 1 playlist(s)

The 314 Podcast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips