Podcasts / The 314 Podcast / Leland Vittert on surviving Burroughs—Trump

Leland Vittert on surviving Burroughs—Trump

From St. Louis prep schools to the Washington newsroom, author and news anchor Leland Vittert opens up about autism, bullying, and the stories behind his new memoir.

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert, who shares how growing up with autism and enduring bullying at some top St. Louis prep schools helped prepare him for the “viper pit” of TV journalism in Washington, D.C.—and discusses being let go from Fox News over his aggressive questioning of President Donald Trump’s administration. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about his coverage of Dara Daugherty, whom the city has accused of running illegal rooming houses, but who continues to hold on to her real estate empire. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

 [My dad] knew I wasn’t gonna be good at school. He knew I was not gonna be good at making friends. He knew I wasn’t gonna be good at athletics, but I could control my character and I could control my work ethic is what he taught. And the Born Lucky book is the story of how he did. —LV

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About The Hosts

Sarah Fenske

Sarah Fenske

Sarah Fenske is St. Louis Magazine‘s executive editor. She manages news and business coverage and edits The Daily newsletter. She’s been a reporter, columnist, newspaper editor, and radio host, and she is currently host of the monthly Legal Roundtable on St. Louis Public Radio and a panelist on Nine PBS’ Donnybrook. She lives in the city, where she attempts to juggle herding her kids to sports practice and swapping political gossip over a good martini.

Ryan Krull

Ryan Krull

Ryan Krull is a staff writer at St. Louis Magazine, writing for the The Daily newsletter. A graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, he taught there for many years before joining the staff of the Riverfront Times, where he was a reporter for the last years of the paper’s life. He lives near Tower Grove Park in the city with his wife and son.