In this episode of Saint Louis in Tune, hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston review shows from the past year, share Christmas songs you may want to avoid, and highlight some of the best jokes of the year. The hosts reflect on the community-driven aspects of their show, celebrating some of their top episodes on topics like tariffs, local festivals, personal stories of loss, and historical figures.

They also provide a humorous take on often-overlooked Christmas tunes and share a plethora of puns and jokes to keep listeners entertained. The episode also acknowledges their sponsor, Better Rate Mortgage, and encourages listeners to listen, like, and share Saint Louis In Tune with their friends.

[00:00] Introduction and Show Overview

[00:41] Santa Claus Stories and Jokes

[03:14] Top Shows of 2025

[06:04] Memorable Interviews and Guests

[16:15] Worst Christmas Songs

[25:34] Fruitcake Memories and Heavy Metal Christmas

[25:56] Hilarious Christmas Song Reactions

[29:07] Jokes Galore: From Neighbors to Teachers

[33:29] Misquotes and Famous Lines

[35:03] Language Fun and Puns

[44:32] Van Gogh's Family Tree and More Jokes

[50:30] Wrapping Up with Christmas Cheer

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we review our 2025 show lineup, reminiscing about our favorite moments and guests, and trust me, there were some real gems!
• We share our least favorite Christmas songs, which you absolutely do not want to hear while sipping your eggnog, because some of them are just plain awful!
• The podcast reflects on the importance of community, highlighting various local events and discussions that shape our society—it's all about staying connected!
• We also dish out some wonderfully cheesy jokes that will make you groan, laugh, or maybe even both, proving that humor is still alive and well in St. Louis!
• There's a heartfelt segment discussing coping with loss, showcasing how sharing experiences can foster healing and connection among people.
• We get into the nitty-gritty of our top episodes from the past year, from talking tariffs to the vibrant music scene in Washington, Missouri—there's something for everyone here!

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#stlintune

Exploring the grand tapestry of St. Louis history, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis emerges not just as a sacred space but as a monument to time itself. Our conversation with John C. Guenther dives into the architectural marvel that is the Cathedral Basilica, weaving through its 352-year history—from its early log church days in 1770 to the stunning mosaics that now grace its walls. We reminisce about the old cathedral, which was built in the early 19th century, and how it all ties into the rich narrative of St. Louis's founding.

Did you know that the Cathedral Basilica boasts the largest collection of glass mosaics in the Western Hemisphere? That's right! With over 83,000 square feet covered in vivid colors and intricate designs, it’s a visual feast that tells the story of faith and community. John shares the creative process behind the mosaics, revealing how artisans captured the light with their craftsmanship, making each piece of glass come alive in a dance of brilliance. This isn't just architecture; it's a living, breathing story that continues to unfold with every visitor who steps inside.

We reveal the significance of the Cathedral Basilica being a pilgrimage site and a testament to the faith of the people of St. Louis. John passionately recounts how the Basilica was designed to bring heaven to earth, a sentiment echoed in the stunning architecture and the historical events that have taken place within its walls. This episode isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the heart of a city, the stories of its people, and the enduring spirit that has shaped St. Louis.

[00:00] Introduction to St. Louis in Tune

[00:39] Weather Talk and Show Introduction

[01:24] Guest Introduction: John Gunther

[04:31] History of the Old Cathedral

[06:08] The New Cathedral and Its Significance

[21:15] The Mosaics of the Cathedral Basilica

[27:06] Creating the Mosaics: An Artistic Journey

[30:17] The Mosaic Installation Process

[31:44] The Artists Behind the Mosaics

[33:53] Architectural Marvels and Comparisons

[37:36] Renovations and Maintenance

[41:11] Historical Anecdotes and Personal Stories

[46:55] Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Takeaways:

• The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a masterpiece that took years to create, and it showcases 83,000 square feet of stunning mosaics that truly leave you in awe.
• Did you know that the old cathedral is actually the only piece of property that has remained under the same ownership since the founding of St. Louis? Talk about history!
• John C. Gunther’s new book dives deep into 138 key moments in the cathedral's development, intertwining the history of St. Louis with the architectural marvel itself.
• The cathedral's mosaics are made of 41.5 million pieces of glass and come in 7,000 shades of color, making it the largest collection of mosaics in the Western Hemisphere!
• Archbishop Glennon’s vision for the cathedral combined Romanesque and Byzantine styles, which is a unique architectural blend not commonly seen in America.
• The process of creating these mosaics is nothing short of miraculous, involving thousands of individual pieces carefully placed to catch the light just right, turning the interior into a sparkling wonderland.

• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis – Reedy Press
• John C Guenther - LinkedIn

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#cathedralbasilica #stlouis #stlouisarchdiocese #catedralbasilicastlouis #johncguenther #reedypress...

Christopher Alan Gordon takes us on a captivating journey through time as he unveils the poignant stories captured in his latest book, "Letters Home from World War II: St. Louis, Messages of Hope and Heartbreak from the Front Lines." We get to peek into personal correspondence that emerged from one of history's most tumultuous periods. Gordon's exploration isn't just about the letters; it's a revealing of the emotions and experiences of those who fought in the war, as well as their loved ones back home.

With witty banter and insightful commentary, our hosts Arnold and Mark guide us through the fascinating world of military correspondence, highlighting the unique challenges of censorship that shaped the way soldiers communicated. The episode shines a light on the human side of history, showing how these letters reveal not just the realities of war, but the profound connections that endure despite the distance and danger.

We also touch on the importance of historical preservation and the role of institutions like the Missouri Historical Society, where Gordon serves as Director of Library and Collections. From tales of love and longing to the grit of wartime realities, Gordon's book encapsulates a moment in time, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.

[00:00] Surprising Historical Facts

[00:39] Introduction to St. Louis in Tune

[02:07] Meet Christopher Allen Gordon

[02:51] The Making of 'Letters Home from World War II'

[03:51] Archival Research and Collection

[14:06] The Role of Women and Social Movements

[18:19] The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

[22:02] William Chesney Martin's Military Service

[26:16] Navigating the Home Buying Process

[27:02] Welcome Back to St. Louis In Tune

[27:12] Interview with Christopher Allen Gordon

[27:38] St. Louis' Role in World War II

[31:09] Writing and Researching the Book

[34:54] Upcoming Book Signings and Events

[39:05] Fun Facts and Lighthearted Banter

[43:57] Closing Remarks and Credits

Takeaways:

• Did you know Anheuser Busch was cranking out diesel engines during World War II? Who knew beer could fuel both battles and vehicles?
• Christopher Alan Gordon's book, 'Letters Home from World War II', dives into the emotional roller coaster of soldiers' letters, revealing heartfelt stories and hidden humor.
• The military censorship during World War II was intense, with letters often looking like Swiss cheese due to heavy redactions—talk about a twist on communication!
• Gordon’s research highlights how individuals from St. Louis played significant roles in the war, showcasing a fascinating blend of local history and global impact.

• Letters Home from World War II: St. Louis – Reedy Press
• Christopher Alan Gordon - LinkedIn

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#ww2 #wII #warletters #ww2stlouis #warstories #firsthandaccounts #reedypress #WorldWarIIhistory #Warletters #MissouriHistoricalSociety