Nestled in the heart of Washington, Missouri, Oxfest has become a staple of the local music scene. We’re joined by Ken Boland, emcee of the event, and he takes us on a journey through the festival's inception. Picture this: a few friends reminiscing about their late brothers, the discussion turns serious, and before you know it, a music festival is born! Fast forward nine years, and the Oxfest Music Festival has transformed from a modest gathering to an exciting full-day festival featuring 14 amazing bands.

From rock to bluesy tunes to country beats that’ll have you two-stepping, this festival is about more than just music; it’s about supporting local charities that focus on helping kids in need. We discuss the various organizations that benefit from the festival, how they work to uplift the community, and why your attendance matters. Ken’s enthusiasm for the festival is contagious, making it clear that this is not just another summer concert venue—it’s a heartfelt mission to create a positive impact for kids through music and camaraderie.

[00:00] Campfire Festival Idea

[01:10] Show Banter Begins

[02:08] Sponsor And Jazz Hands

[03:15] Meet Ken Bolen

[03:32] Why It’s Called Oxfest

[05:34] Festival Growth And Stages

[06:50] Tickets Parking And What To Bring

[08:45] Pro Production And Giving Back

[10:24] Seven Charities Supported

[15:22] Mission And Volunteers

[18:55] Main Stage Lineup

[22:54] Blues Stage Highlights

[26:14] Country Stage Acts

[29:13] Next Up Kids And Food

[29:45] Mortgage Sponsor Break

[30:32] Dred Scott Stamp Petition

[31:46] OxFest Details Recap

[32:25] Kid Zone and Youth Bands

[34:09] Food Drinks and Sponsors

[37:09] Safety and Special Guest Sarah Kraffty

[39:32] Visit Washington Missouri

[40:32] Tickets Donations and Thanks

[43:36] Welcome Corps PSA

[44:25] Banana Split Day Editorial

[45:59] National Days

[49:30] Humor and Final Signoff

Takeaways:

• The Oxfest Music Festival is a heartfelt tribute to lost loved ones, aiming to raise funds for local charities that support children and families.
• This year, the festival will feature 14 diverse bands across multiple stages, including rock, blues, country, and more, making it a must-attend event.
• If you're looking for a family-friendly festival, Oxfest has a Kid Zone with activities like face painting and a petting zoo, so bring the whole crew!
• The festival not only highlights great music but also emphasizes community engagement, showcasing local organizations that support underprivileged children.
• Mark your calendars for September 19th at the Washington Fairgrounds, where gates open at 11:30 AM—don't forget your chairs and good vibes!
• Oxfest is not just about the music; it's about creating a supportive environment for kids and families, with all proceeds going to local charities.

• OxFest Music Festival
• OxFest - Facebook

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

#oxfest #oxfestmusicfestival #washingtonmo #sarahkraffty #washingtonfairgrounds #thecoveringhouse #allabilitiesathletics #duanehaddoxmemorialscholarship #casaofmideastmissouri #wingseducationalfoundation #wholekidsoutreach #oneclassroom

Character matters, folks! From the office to the classroom, character is the secret sauce that makes everything better. Our conversation is with Mike Park, the CEO of CharacterPlus®, the largest and most successful community-­wide character education initiative in the country. He examines and probes the importance of character in shaping not just individuals, but entire communities. We begin with a thought-provoking quote: 'Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow.' As we unravel this metaphor, we learn that while reputation is what others see, character is the deep-rooted essence of who we really are.

Mike takes us on a journey through his own life, sharing how his experiences as a military intelligence officer taught him the value of kindness and compassion in building relationships. He emphasizes that character isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for families, schools, and workplaces. When people feel trusted and valued, they thrive—hello, happy families and productive workplaces!

So, whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone navigating daily life, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom on how to cultivate character in ourselves and others. Let’s get "characterific", people!

[00:00] Why Character Matters

[01:25] Lincoln Quote and Guest Intro

[02:51] Mike Park Origin Story

[05:24] Defining Character and ABCs

[09:52] Reflection and Social Skills

[13:20] PRIMED and Micro Kindness

[15:26] Character Plus History

[21:46] What Schools of Character Do

[25:00] Integrity Recognition and Equity

[27:00] Character in Hiring and Life

[29:46] Better Rate Mortgage Sponsor

[30:30] Welcome Corps Invitation

[31:14] Businesses Need Character

[32:59] Professional Academy Launch

[36:45] Social Emotional Skills

[40:16] ROI of Character Culture

[46:01] PRIMED Personal Framework

[54:19] Closing Thanks and Signoff

Takeaways:

• Character is like a tree, while reputation is merely its shadow; let's nurture the tree!
• In today's fast-paced world, people often neglect the importance of character in their lives.
• Building positive character traits can significantly improve relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
• Schools that prioritize character education see notable improvements in student performance and behavior.

• Character Education & Resources | CharacterPlus
• CharacterPlus - Facebook
• CharacterPlus | Podcast on Spotify
• CharacterPlus - YouTube
• CharacterPlus® | LinkedIn
• Character.org - Home Page
• Character.org - Facebook
• Character.org (@CharacterDotOrg) / X
• Character.org - Instagram

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

#charactereducation #charactermatters #characterintheworkplace #charactertraits #buildingcharacter #characterandleadership

Gather around, friends! We’re getting our lawn chairs, walking shoes, and appetite ready for a world of cultural connection through the Festival of Nations. It is a spectacular event that’s more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and delicious food! Imagine this: people from over 90 different cultures come together in Tower Grove Park, setting up booths that are bursting with flavor, rhythm, and tradition.

In this episode, Arnold and Mark chat with Terry Bates from the International Institute of St. Louis, who talks about international retail vendors, food vendors (that will make your taste buds do a happy dance), and performances that bring the entire world to St. Louis, all in one weekend! The Festival of Nations has been a staple since 1932 – yes, that’s almost a century of bringing people together! As Terry explains, this event is not just about sampling exotic dishes (though we will definitely be doing that!), but about creating a spirit of unity where diversity is celebrated, and every culture is cherished.

Whether you're a veteran festival-goer or a curious newbie, you’ll find something that speaks to your heart – and your stomach! Oh, and did I mention the VIP oasis? Because if you want to chill like royalty while munching on some international delights, you’ll want to check that out. So open up your lawn chairs, use your cash-less method to try some empanadas, and join us as we explore the magic that happens when cultures collide in the most delicious way possible!

[00:00] Festival Spirit Intro

[00:33] Show Welcome Setup

[01:27] Quote And Guest Intro

[02:30] Festival History Overview

[03:22] What To Expect

[04:26] Stages And Schedule

[06:26] Food And Shopping Tips

[08:15] Parking Cashless Weather Pets

[11:57] Sponsors And Institute Mission

[14:11] Volunteers And Logistics

[19:11] Getting Involved Year Round

[21:25] Festival Pitch And Wrap

[25:10] Sponsor Ad Break

[25:40] Sponsor Message

[25:54] Dred Scott Stamp Petition

[27:11] Festival of Nations Love

[28:43] National Days

[29:29] Catalog Nostalgia

[31:12] Senior Texting Codes

[32:29] Jokes And One Liners

[34:18] Yogi Berra Explains Jazz

[35:56] Old School Memories

[41:05] Perspective Quote Finale

[41:40] Mark Meets John Mulaney

[45:50] Wrap Up And Credits

Takeaways:

• When diverse cultures come together, we connect through music, food, and traditions, creating lasting friendships.
• The Festival of Nations highlights the beauty of multiculturalism, showcasing over 100 cultures through food and performances.
• Get ready for an epic celebration on August 29th and 30th at Tower Grove Park, featuring tons of food and fun events!
• Our community thrives when we welcome different cultures, reinforcing the idea that no culture is foreign here.
• The festival's cashless payment system means you'll need to bring your cards, so plan ahead to munch on all that delicious food!
• Don’t just show up for half an hour – grab your lawn chair, come hungry, and enjoy a full day of performances and cultural experiences!

• Festival of Nations
• International Institute of St. Louis – Immigrant Services & Community Engagement Hub since 1919
• Festival of Nations - Facebook
• Festival of Nations - Instagram

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

#festivalofnations #StLouisculturalfestival #TowerGroveParkevents #communityunity #InternationalInstituteofStLouis #familyfriendlyfestivals #culturalperformances #StLouistourism