Podcasts / The 314 Podcast / Mayor Cara Spencer reflects on first eight months in office

Mayor Cara Spencer reflects on first eight months in office

St. Louis’ new mayor reflects on tornado recovery, surprise November snowfall, and the big-picture vision she believes can bring the city’s mojo back.

by SLM Staff December 11, 2025 at 5:45 AM December 16, 2025

The 314 Podcast with Sarah Fenske ft. Mayor Cara Spencer — Host Sarah Fenske, Mayor Cara Spencer

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Cara Spencer, who’s been on a wild ride in her first year as the mayor of St. Louis. Spencer talks about how she’s working to improve city services even while grappling with tornados, snowfall, and fire. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about how MoDOT’s first snow response of the year has drawn wrath from lawmakers. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

“ I feel very good about where the city is going. I wish we could move faster. That’s been frustrating. But I do feel like we’re moving in the right direction, about as quickly as government can move.” —Cara Spencer

This episode is presented by Gateway Arch Park Foundation and supported by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Through January 11, 2026, Winterfest is bringing back all your favorites, like ice skating, s’mores, and heated igloos. Get more info.

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About The Hosts

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 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.