In this special episode, Braden reconnects with Matt Menietti from STL Startup Week 2024. Returning from Season 1, Episode 4 of Ope Cast, Matt recaps last year’s event, shares exciting new highlights for this year, and dives into what’s next. STL Startup week is taking place November 11-15 around St. Louis.

For more details, visit stlstartupweek.com

Ope Cast is BACK! Braden kicks off Season 3 with Larry Kirchner of Scarefest and Blacklight Attractions. Larry is a prominent figure in the haunted house industry and the mastermind behind several renowned attractions in St. Louis, including The Darkness, Creepyworld, and Lemp Haunted House. Known for his innovative approach, he also runs Blacklight Attractions, which specializes in designing themed attractions, and heads Scarefest, a company producing events and resources for the Halloween and haunt industry.

His work has transformed St. Louis into a hotspot for immersive haunted experiences, drawing locals and visitors alike. The Darkness, in particular, is famous for its intense, movie-quality sets, 3D elements, and high-tech scares, making it one of the top-rated haunted houses in the country.

Larry's s annual involvement with the TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show also drives him and his team to innovate and revamp these attractions yearly. This dedication not only fuels his success but also sets a high bar within the industry, attracting other haunt professionals worldwide to witness his latest designs and creation You can follow Larry on all socials at @Scarefest or his website www.scarefest.com

On this episode, Braden sits down with one of the most notable names in St. Louis sports, Tom Ackerman. Tom is the Director at KMOX in St. Louis, the flagship station for the Cardinals (MLB) and Saint Louis University (NCAA), hosting radio shows for both teams. He's also a co-host of Total Information A.M., the top-rated show at the station, providing listeners with news, traffic, weather, business and sports each weekday morning. In addition to radio, he calls college basketball play-by-play on TV for the Missouri Valley Conference and host on the video board at Scottrade Center during Blues home games. I’m also the play-by-play broadcaster for SLU women’s basketball.

He shares his journey into media, love for St. Louis, integrity in his role, involvement in UCP Heartland, love for food, and much more.

You can follow Tom on X at @ackerman1120

On this episode, Braden sat down with Polo Ascencio of the St. Louis Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network. Polo shares his Tijuana upbringing, love for baseball, the journey of broadcasting Cardinals games in Spanish alongside Bengie Molina.

Over the years, Ascencio and Molina have expanded their reach, beginning with just two games in 2016 and now covering all home games and playoffs. Their broadcasts have brought the excitement of Cardinals baseball to Spanish-speaking fans worldwide, adding a vital voice for the Hispanic community in St. Louis and beyond. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, their passion and impact remain strong, connecting listeners from across the globe to their favorite team. This season, Polo partnered with the Cardinals Museum on Viva Los Cardenales. This takes you from the present day all the way back to 1913 detailing the Latin and Hispanic players who paved the way for the next generation. He shares his joy of bringing this exhibit to life. You can follow Polo on Instagram at @polosview or tune into the Cardinals Spanish Broadcasting Network WIJR 880 AM La Tremenda

On this episode, Braden spoke with actor, producer, and comedy legend, Guy Torry. Guy shares his St. Louis upbringing, time at SEMO, moving to Hollywood, Phat Tuesday's, movies, and much more.

For 10 years, Guy had the hottest comedy night in the country. Originally called Phat Comedy Tuesday, he later changed the name to The Guy Torry Comedy Show. The night would attract A list comedians and celebrities from around the country. Stars like Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Prince, Charlie Pride, Shaq, Jay Z, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Joe Torry, Bernie Mac, Kobe, Shaq, Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and many more. Hollywood scouts and producers used Guy’s room as a means to scout talent. Braden's curiosity leads to him asking questions about guests like Tupac and Kobe.

In his acting career, Guy has starred in critically acclaimed movies such as American History X, “Pearl Harbor”, “Life”, “Runaway Jury”, “Don’t Say A Word”, and the NBC mini series “The 70’s”.

You can learn more about Phat Tuesday by watching it on Amazon Prime. You can follow Guy Torry on Instagram at @Guytorry or www.guytorry.com

On this episode, Braden sat down Christopher of Field Club Media. Christopher shares how his upbringing led to him wanting to move to a bigger city like St. Louis. He shares the importance of building a community where all are welcome to be their authentic selves.

He launched Profield Reserve in St. Louis in 2020 where he offers an array of premium. durable everyday staple items that are inspired by timeless simplicity. He has expanded his platform to include Field Club Media to provide artists and creators with an opportunity to showcase their talents.

Christopher has curated the "Inside/Outside" exhibit at Sophie's Artist Lounge where he has provided forty local artists with an opportunity to showcase their exhibit.

You can follow Christopher's work on Instagram at @fieldclubmedia & @profieldreserve or at www.FieldClubMedia.com

On this episode, Braden spoke with Hope and Sydne of STL Girl Network. They share how their community got started, the impact, and much more.

Their vision for the STL Girl Network is to create a supportive and empowering space for women in the St. Louis area, fostering connections, collaboration, and personal growth. Whether you're new to the area or a STL native who wants to connect with like-minded women, you're now part of a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and ambition!

You can learn more about them by visiting www.stlgirlnetwork.com or by following them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @STLGirlNetwork

On this episode, Braden sat down with movie, television, and Broadway actor Jenifer Lewis. Jenifer was born in Kinloch in St. Louis County and attended Webster University.

Lewis starred on ABC’s Black-ish for eight seasons as the hilarious grandmother Ruby Johnson. Lewis has appeared in more than 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 40 animations, and four Broadway shows. Credits include: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends, A Different World, Twenties, Cast Away, What’s Love Got to Do With It, Think Like a Man, The Princess and the Frog, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Rugrats, Cars I, II and III, American Dad, and Hairspray. She is known as the “Mother of Black Hollywood.”

They discussed how The St. Louis Walk of Fame and Hollywood Walk of Fame are equal in her eyes, being immortalized on the new 'Tiana's Bayou Adventure' and Walt Disney World, her tragic fall in the Serengeti, favorite dishes, and more.

You can follow Jenifer on Instagram at @JeniferLewisforreal and check out the full list of her work on Wikipedia.