How Route 66 connected the world and the Midwest

How Route 66 connected the world and the Midwest

Author: St. Louis Public Radio April 21, 2026 Duration: 22:57
Last month, we recognized 100 years since the commissioning of historic Route 66 by talking about its legacy and notable stops along the highway. We were only able to touch on a small portion of the route’s history, so now, we’re back with another conversation about the Mother Road. Missouri History Museum historian Andrew Wanko talks about the Missourians who were instrumental in marketing the highway and its Missouri-based attractions, what made Route 66 uniquely American, and notable attractions along the roadway. We also hear recollections from Irv Logan. Irv is the grandson of Alberta Ellis, whose hotel along Route 66 was one of the only safe places in Missouri for Black travelers to stay during the Jim Crow era.

Tune in to St. Louis on the Air for the conversations that define our city and region. Produced by St. Louis Public Radio, this daily podcast goes beyond the headlines to foster a genuine dialogue, one where community voices are central. Each episode gathers a range of perspectives-from everyday residents to experts and creators-to thoughtfully examine the issues, challenges, and innovations shaping life here. You might find yourself immersed in a discussion about local history one day and a deep dive into a groundbreaking scientific discovery the next. The program consistently makes space for the artists, musicians, and authors who contribute to the cultural fabric of the area. What you’ll hear is a respectful and honest exchange of ideas, reflecting the complex character of St. Louis itself. It’s a direct line to the stories of the people who live, work, and create in this community. For anyone curious about the forces at play in the region or simply wanting to feel more connected, this podcast serves as an essential, engaging resource. The result is a comprehensive audio portrait of a city in motion, delivered with the depth and nuance you’d expect from public radio.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

St. Louis on the Air
Podcast Episodes
Forest Park habitat restoration efforts are a biodiversity win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:12
New research out of St. Louis shows that removing invasive plant species and planting native ones have gone a long way toward boosting bird populations in Forest Park. Lead study author Stella Uiterwaal is particularly e…
As U.S. refugee cap drops, a St. Louis race takes on new urgency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
Refugee resettlement in the U.S. is at a historic low. At the start of his second term, President Donald Trump set the refugee cap at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, down from 125,000. That reality adds urgency to Race for R…
St. Louis musicians shine in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Over 40 local artists entered into NPR’s 2026 Tiny Desk Contest. “St. Louis on the Air” producer Miya Norfleet and STLPR reporter Chad Davis talk about some of their favorite St. Louis submissions and the artists behind…