As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, we explore the multi-faceted world of the United States Air Force Band of Mid America. Our guest, Technical Sergeant Brian Logan, shares insights into the unique role of military bands in today’s society. From concerts that honor veterans to community outreach programs that aim to connect and inspire, we learn how these musicians are more than just entertainers; they’re ambassadors of goodwill, bridging cultures through the universal language of music.

Technical Sergeant Logan takes us behind the scenes of the Air Force Band, explaining how he juggles his dual responsibilities as a musician and logistics coordinator. He recounts fascinating experiences while stationed in Europe and Africa, where music served as a powerful tool for diplomacy and cultural exchange. Listeners get an inside understanding of the Air Force’s mission through music, with Sergeant Logan articulating how they honor, connect, and inspire both service members and civilians alike.

Whether it’s performing at a parade or collaborating with local communities, the band’s impact is profound, and this episode celebrates the artistry and dedication of those who wear the uniform. Don’t miss the chance to catch them live at their upcoming concerts around St. Louis—because who wouldn’t want to see a bunch of talented military musicians rocking out for freedom?

[00:00] Show kickoff and intro

[01:03] Sponsor and quotes

[02:20] Meet Sergeant Logan

[02:45] Rank and career path

[04:23] Military band logistics

[07:20] Why Air Force bands exist

[09:40] Angola diplomacy story

[12:51] Mid America region and events

[14:04] Concert schedule and tickets

[16:11] Rock band and recruiting

[17:46] More dates and ensemble sizes

[20:11] Ceremonies And Parades

[20:44] Favorite Deployments

[21:08] Mauritania Border Guard Concert

[23:03] Music As Diplomacy

[24:31] Show Dates And Tickets

[27:35] Sponsor Mortgage Break

[28:26] Recap

[29:22] National Days

[31:18] Onion Burger Recipe

[32:36] Air Force Band History

[34:18] Humor And Sign Off

Takeaways:

• The United States Air Force Band of Mid America is a key player in celebrating the nation's 250-year journey, showcasing the rich history of military music.
• Technical Sergeant Brian Logan emphasizes the multifaceted role of military musicians, who not only perform but also handle logistics and coordination for events.
• The Air Force bands serve as cultural ambassadors, bridging gaps with international communities through music, fostering goodwill and understanding.
• The band is set to perform at several locations in the St. Louis area, including the Missouri Botanical Gardens, which is an exciting opportunity for the community.
• One of the most memorable experiences for the band was playing for Mauritanian border guards, showcasing how music can transcend cultural barriers and foster connections.
• Military bands, like the Air Force Band, play crucial roles in honoring veterans and serving as a source of inspiration and community engagement.

Concerts:

Wed, July 1st: Missouri Botanical Gardens, 7:00 PM CST (St. Louis, MO) Concert Band

Thurs, July 2nd: Old Post Office Plaza, 7:00 PM CST (St. Louis, MO) Concert Band

Fri, July 3rd: Bond County 4th Festival, 5:00 PM CST (Greenville, IL) Starlifter Rock/Pop Ensemble

Sat, July 4th: Celebrate St. Louis Parade, 4:00 PM CST (Downtown St. Louis, MO)

Tues, July 7th: Faust Park, 3:00 PM CST (Chesterfield, MO) Concert Band

• U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America
• USAF Band of Mid-America TICKETS
• Facebook - USAF Band of Mid-America
• X - USAF Band of Mid-America
• Instagram - USAF Band of Mid-America
• YouTube - USAF Band of Mid-America

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#usaf #usafband #usafbandofmidamerica #concertband #militarybands #freedom250 #bandconcerts

Diana Linsley, a seasoned photographer with a flair for capturing the essence of Missouri's natural beauty, joins us in a delightful chat about her latest collaboration with Don Corrigan titled Scenic Natural Wonders of Missouri. Diana shares how her passion for photography blossomed during her childhood on a strawberry farm. From her early days of snapping photos with a Kodak Instamatic to her current practice with a Canon R5, she navigates through the evolution of photography, both technically and artistically.

We shift towards the importance of storytelling in photography. Diana artfully discusses how capturing a moment goes beyond just the click of a shutter; it’s about conveying emotions and narratives through visuals. With anecdotes about her experiences at various stunning locations, such as the Loess Bluffs during the migratory season for snow geese, she explains how the right lighting and timing can elevate a photograph from mundane to magical. You are treated to a peek behind the curtain of professional photography, complete with tips on how to see the world through a lens and the sometimes-serendipitous nature of finding the perfect shot.

Our conversation humorously highlights Diana’s experiences researching and photographing lesser-known spots in Missouri, such as the quaint Castor River Shut-Ins. The episode wraps up with details on where to find Diana's book and upcoming book signings, hoping we leave you inspired to explore the natural wonders of Missouri! It’s a delightful blend of education, laughter, and photographic inspiration that’s sure to resonate with nature lovers and aspiring photographers alike!

[00:00] Storytelling Through Photos

[00:41] Host Intros and Trivia

[01:43] Thought to Ponder on Seeing

[02:59] Meet Diana Linsley

[03:27] Strawberry Farm Roots

[04:46] Falling for Photography

[06:32] Missouri Wonders Book

[07:07] Hidden Gems and Research

[08:14] Shooting the Whole State

[09:02] Collaboration and Favorites

[10:37] Book Signings Schedule (see below)

[12:08] Who the Book Serves

[13:17] Missouri Landscapes and Caves

[15:51] Emotion and Light

[17:39] Digital Gear and Ethics

[19:59] Finding Shots in the Field

[21:24] Tripods and Photo Volume

[22:25] Phones Versus Pro Cameras

[23:48] Break And Sponsor Spots

[26:13] Favorite Missouri Wildlife

[29:29] Hidden Public Lands

[30:28] St Louis Area Nature

[31:38] Route 66 And Times Beach

[33:09] Photography Career Advice

[36:32] Print Versus Screen Viewing

[37:26] Book Tips And Signings

[41:25] Closing Trivia And Signoff

Takeaways:

• Storytelling is key in photography; it's all about conveying feelings through images, folks!
• Diana Linsley emphasizes how capturing the right light can transform a photograph into something magical.
• The scenic wonders of Missouri are not just beautiful; they tell a story that connects us to nature.
• Exploring lesser-known areas in Missouri can reveal hidden gems perfect for hiking and photography.

Book Signings

• July 10-Dutzow Winery: 7-8:30 pm
• August 18-Powder Valley: Register at the MO Dept of Conservation
• September 12-Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort in Columbia, MO: 9am-4pm
• September 13-Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort in Columbia, MO: 10am-3pm

• Scenic Natural Wonders of Missouri
• Linsley PhotoStL
• Facebook - Diana Linsley
• Instagram - Diana Linsley
• LinkedIn - Diana Linsley
• Pinterest - Diana Linsley

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#missouriparks #scenicwonderofmissouri #missourinature #naturephotography #photographingnature #hikinginmissouri

One month after Loryn and Edo Nalic opened Balkan Treatbox in 2019, I had the privilege of sitting down with Loryn and getting her take on the success of the restaurant. Now Loryn is a culinary superstar being recently crowned the James Beard Best Chef Midwest. She takes us on a delightful journey through her culinary roots and the evolution of her restaurant, Balkan Treatbox. From her childhood memories of cooking with family to the whirlwind of opening a food truck and now a full-fledged restaurant, Loryn shares the ups and downs of her culinary career. She recounts the transformative moments that shaped her passion for food, like her early days busing tables and her leap into pastry chef roles. We get into the intricacies of running a food truck, the challenges of sourcing ingredients, and the creativity that fuels her menu, which is inspired by the rich flavors of the Balkan region.

As we celebrate her recent accolades, we also reflect on how community support and a team effort has been vital to her success, emphasizing the collaborative spirit among local chefs in St. Louis. Loryn and Arnold explore the vibrant food scene in St. Louis, highlighting how the city is gaining recognition on a national scale. They discuss the camaraderie among local chefs and how this interconnectedness strengthens the culinary landscape.

Loryn's anecdotes about her experiences, from baking bread in a food truck to managing the demands of a bustling restaurant are engaging and give us a behind the scenes view. Listeners get a taste of the mouthwatering dishes served at Balkan Treatbox, like the beloved wood-fired bread and the unique flavors of cevapi, and how every dish tells a story. This conversation is not just about food; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the joy of bringing people together through delicious meals.

[00:00] Meet Loryn Nalic

[00:13] Early Food Roots

[00:55] Pastry Breakthrough

[01:46] From Sysco to Pappy's

[03:21] Launching the Truck

[04:49] Food Truck Reality

[08:35] From Truck to Restaurant

[09:16] Balkan Menu Tour

[12:19] Design and Identity

[15:12] Opening Challenges

[18:47] Lunch Only Growth

[23:03] Precision and Pastry

[24:10] St Louis Food Community

[27:37] How to Visit and Follow

[28:47] What is Next and Farewell

Takeaways:

• Loryn Nalic's journey from culinary dreams to James Beard Best Chef accolade is truly inspiring!
• Building a food truck is not just grilling and cash registers, it's a complex culinary adventure!
• The St. Louis food scene is thriving, with chefs supporting each other like one big happy family!
• Every dish served is crafted with love, using fresh ingredients and traditional Balkan recipes!
• Transitioning from a food truck to a full-fledged restaurant has its challenges, but the rewards are worth it!
• Social media is the lifeblood of food trucks – it’s how they keep their hungry fans in the loop!

• Balkan Treat Box - St. Louis
• Instagram - Balkan Treatbox
• Facebook - Balkan Treatbox

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#balkantreatbox #jamesbeardaward #stlouisfood #foodtrucks #balkanfood #streetfood #balkancuisine #woodfiredcooking #handmadebread