Podcasts / The 314 Podcast / Explore St. Louis CEO is ready to sell St. Louis

Explore St. Louis CEO is ready to sell St. Louis

Explore St. Louis’ new CEO Brad Dean shares how he plans to address downtown’s challenges, and what it will take to elevate the city’s brand.

by SLM Staff March 13, 2025 at 5:45 AM July 31, 2025

The 314 Podcast with Sarah Fenske featuring Brad Dean — Sarah Fenske (host of The 314 Podcast) and Brad Dean (CEO of Explore St. Louis)

In this episode of The 314 Podcast, host Sarah Fenske talks with Explore St. Louis‘ brand-new president and CEO. Brad Dean shares why he turned down higher-profile jobs to come here, how he plans to address downtown’s challenges, and what it will take to elevate St. Louis’ brand. Then, Sarah chats with SLM staff writer Ryan Krull about the St. Louis mayor’s race. Listen and follow The 314 Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by STAGES St. Louis. From mortgages to treasury management, Royal Banks of Missouri offers a variety of personalized products and services to fit your personal and business banking needs.

Have an idea for a future episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

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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.