Best Exploit Circus Podcasts (2025)

1
Exploit Circus - Episode 4 - Yokai Conundrum and Human Connection - Recently, My Sister Is Unusual (2014) 3:38:44

4h ago3:38:44

3:38:44

Exploit Circus: Yokai Conundrum and Human Connection In this week's episode of the Exploit Circus, hosts Jay and Cee dive into a detailed review of the Japanese film 'My Sister is Unusual.' They discuss the movie's complex plot about a girl, Mitsuki, possessed by a spirit named Hiyori who needs to have sex with Mitsuki's brother to ascend to heaven…

1
Why a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist sees AI ‘learning’ as theft 24:49

15m ago24:49

24:49

As a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist for the last 25 years at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, David Carson knows what makes an excellent photograph. But so does AI. Carson is on leave from the paper as a 2025 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University, and he's spent much of the past year studying the collision of AI and photojourn…

1
Be.Be the NeoSoul and her CVPA students unite for a benefit concert 23:35

4m ago23:35

23:35

Vocalist and songwriter Brianna Brown — known on stage as Be.Be the NeoSoul, has performed on many St. Louis stages during her singing career.By day, she’s the artistic director at her alma mater Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. Next Tuesday, she’s hitting the stage at the Sheldon Concert Hall for something of a full circle moment. T…

1
The Focal Point celebrates 50 years as a gathering space for traditional music, dance 30:13

25m ago30:13

30:13

Since 1975, the Focal Point has played a critical role in promoting and shaping St. Louis’ folk, roots, jazz, blues and world music scene. As the nonprofit celebrates its 50th anniversary with a year-long series of special concerts, we hear from musicians, volunteers and fans who have supported the organization from its humble beginnings — operatin…

1
Historic Illinois places are in danger of demolition or collapse. Here’s the case to save them 20:06

40m ago20:06

20:06

Dilapidated and vacant buildings are more than eyesores for the community. They can lower property value and impact safety. But before starting up the bulldozers, Landmarks Illinois wants property owners and city governments to consider renovation and restoration. Their latest list of endangered historic places includes the Spivey Building in East …

1
Improv team ‘Some Black People’ wins 2024 Cagematch Tournament in St. Louis 9:37

11m ago9:37

9:37

Just a year and a half after forming, the St. Louis-based improv team Some Black People took the championship belt in the Improv Shop’s 2024 Cagematch Tournament. Jessica Nicole, founder of Some Black People, shares what clinched it for them, and how far they’ve come in their goal to encourage more Black folks to get into improv as performers and f…

1
Black baseball players shaped America’s pastime. A new book tells their stories 49:24

3h ago49:24

49:24

In the new book “Play Harder: The Triumph of Black Baseball in America,” Washington University professor Gerald Early traces the powerful impact of Black Americans on the game from the post-Civil War era to today. Written in collaboration with the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the book highlights pivotal figures, defining moments, and the lasting…

1
A researcher traced the music of her Filipino ancestors. It led to St. Louis, and a story of exploitation 28:16

3d ago28:16

28:16

The 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis highlighted the nation's triumphs but it also reveled in public exploitation of indigenous Filipinos, who were put on display to demonstrate the "savagery" of other cultures. In addition to the 47-acre "Philippine Village," the Philippine Constabulary Band was also a popular attraction. Piccolo player Pedro B. Nav…

1
Robert Cohen captured St. Louis in photos. He reflects on 30+ years behind the lens 20:12

1d ago20:12

20:12

Robert Cohen recently retired after a 38-year career, the last 25 years spent at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Cohen was part of a team of Post photographers who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2015 for their work covering the Ferguson protests. Cohen reflects on his famous photo of Edward ‘Skeeda’ Crawford throwing a tear gas canister during the protests, …

1
Exploit Circus - Episode 3 - The Innocence of Exploitation - Picture of Beauty (2017) - Part 2 1:35:05

6d ago1:35:05

1:35:05

The Innocence of Exploitation: A Review of 'Picture of Beauty (2017)' In this episode, hosts Jay and Cee dissect the movie 'Picture of Beauty (2017),' a seemingly innocent exploitation film filled with nudity and sexual content. They discuss the peculiar mix of drama, comedy, and straightforward storytelling that makes the film seem almost kind in …

1
Exploit Circus - Episode 2 - Exploring the Absurdity of 'Dick Shark' and Sexual Enhancements - Dick Shark (2016) 1:41:37

6d ago1:41:37

1:41:37

Exploring the Absurdity of 'Dick Shark' and Sexual Enhancements This was originally episode 1 but due to technical issues was thought to be lost and we were able to recover it. Enjoy! In this episode, titled 'Exploring the Absurdity of 'Dick Shark' and Sexual Enhancements,' hosts Jay and Cee welcome listeners to the 'Exploit Circus' podcast, where …

1
Fairview Heights woman rediscovers her passion for painting after rare diagnosis 21:07

4d ago21:07

21:07

Essence Anthony’s passion for art started when she was a kid, but she stopped painting as she grew older. She was recently diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, which brought her back to her love of painting. She shares what it’s like to live with the disorder, how she navigates her challenges through a creative outlet and how she uses h…

1
Exploit Circus - Episode 1 - The Innocence of Exploitation - Picture of Beauty (2017) - Part 1 1:35:36

10d ago1:35:36

1:35:36

Picture of Beauty (2017) In this episode of the Exploit Circus Podcast, hosts Ring Master Jay and the Dancing Monkey Cee discuss their love for horror and exploitation movies, while reviewing a film called Picture of Beauty. They share their personal experiences with exploitation cinema, dive deep into issues that bothered them this week, and explo…

1
‘We didn't push hard enough’ Tishaura Jones reflects on tenure as St. Louis mayor 22:20

5d ago22:20

22:20

After losing reelection in April, former St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones says she wants to take a break from politics. It’s the first time in the last 20 years that she hasn’t held elected office. Talking with STLPR’s Rachel Lippmann and Jason Rosenbaum, Jones reflects on her four years as mayor and the state of Black leadership in St. Louis and aro…

1
Historic north St. Louis church receives a $500K grant to revive its stained glass windows 27:37

6d ago27:37

27:37

The St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock” Catholic Church in north St. Louis received $500,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to restore its 120-year-old stained glass windows. Acting pastor Rev. Rodney Olive and longtime parishioner Monica Huddleston share what that grant funding means for…

1
ICE restored local students’ visas. An immigration attorney still advises caution 22:51

6d ago22:51

22:51

After the Trump administration revoked thousands of student visas, including over 30 in the St. Louis area, some students prepared themselves for possible deportation and loss of their education. Now that the government has restored those visas, St. Louis immigration attorney Jim Hacking shares his insights from the recent whiplash in legal develop…

1
Linda Lockhart, longtime St. Louis journalist, dies at 72 24:09

7d ago24:09

24:09

Linda Lockhart, a longtime St. Louis journalist, with a more than 40-year career died Sunday. She was 72. Lockhart worked at several St. Louis journalism outlets including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and St. Louis Public Radio. In this episode, we listen back to an interview she did on this show in 2019 reflecting on her career. We also hear from o…

1
Pedestrian deaths are on the rise in St. Louis and St. Louis County, report shows 26:18

7d ago26:18

26:18

In 2024, nearly 60 pedestrians in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County were killed — the deadliest year on record since Trailnet began issuing its annual Crash Report. We discuss the reasons behind these crashes, the effects of traffic violence on the people who experience it, and the solutions being put in place to make our streets safer for…

1
Cornerstone of St. Louis blues Henry ‘Mule’ Townsend to be inducted into Hall of Fame 20:36

8d ago20:36

20:36

St. Louisan Henry “Mule” Townsend is a legend among blues lovers and music historians. Almost 19 years after his death, Townsend is being inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in Memphis, TN. Music manager and Townsend’s youngest son Alonzo, and Kathy Corley, producer of the documentary film “That’s The Way I Do It” which covers Townsend’…

1
Refugees and U.S. veterans in St. Louis reflect on 50 years since the Fall of Saigon 29:55

8d ago29:55

29:55

After the city of Saigon fell to North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975, Tram Anh Nguyen’s family was among the first Vietnamese refugees to make their new home in St. Louis. Nguyen talks about producing "The Fall of Saigon: 50 Years Later,” which explores the impact of the war in Vietnam — and its end — on St. Louis-area based refugees, sponsor…

1
Who is Ed Martin, Trump's polarizing pick to lead DC's US Attorney's Office? 12:49

11d ago12:49

12:49

President Trump’s decision to appoint former Missouri lawyer Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., sparked surprise, befuddlement and virulent opposition. ProPublica investigative reporter Jeremy Kohler discusses how Martin became a high-profile political figure in the Show Me State — in no small part due to his provocative public statem…

1
How President Trump’s policies are shaping the St. Louis region 35:59

11d ago35:59

35:59

President Donald Trump marked his 100th day in office on April 30. St. Louis region residents, politicians and STLPR reporters share how Trump’s actions in office have made a mark on the region so far — including the effects of immigration raids, federal job losses, investment in a St. Louis-based Boeing manufacturing plant, and federal funding cut…

1
Search Party Magazine spotlights diverse local arts and culture creators in STL 18:06

12d ago18:06

18:06

In 2021, Frontenac native Tara Mahadevan decided to fill a longtime void in media coverage of St. Louis music, arts and lifestyle created by Black people or people of colour by founding the print magazine Search Party. Mahadevan, a Chicago-based music journalist who maintains strong ties to St. Louis, talks about the scope and focus of Search Party…

1
With Powell Hall makeover nearly complete, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra prepares its return 21:46

12d ago21:46

21:46

After performing at various venues for its past two seasons, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is gearing up to return to Powell Hall. The $140 million expansion and renovation will include an education and learning center, rehearsal space and places for the community to gather before and after performances. Music director Stéphane Denève and Presid…

1
The St. Louis restaurants that opened and closed in April 9:42

13d ago9:42

9:42

There was no announcement, but the word got out: Grand Bistro had opened. A line of customers snaking down South Grand became a common sight this month, and it harkened back to when its predecessor, Pho Grand, was open in the same location. STLPR’s Jessica Rogen and Abby Llorico discuss April's restaurant openings and closings.…

1
Legal Roundtable takes up KDHX bankruptcy, McCulloch sentencing and more 49:55

14d ago49:55

49:55

A judge's sentence of five month’s probation in the high-profile case of a former cop who opened fire at a Halloween trunk-or-treat is an example of the challenges judges face every day. “Doing sentencing is the most difficult thing I think that trial judges do,” says former Judge Nannette Baker, who discussed the case on this month’s Legal Roundta…

1
The historic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis reopens Saturday 31:49

17d ago31:49

31:49

After being closed for renovations since 2020, the historic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis will reopen to the public on Saturday. It’s the final phase of a $380 million decade-long project to enhance the Gateway Arch National Park grounds. The Old Courthouse is famous as the site where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom in the mid-…

1
Tina Pamintuan reflects on her time leading STLPR — and the future of public radio 18:39

15d ago18:39

18:39

Tina Pamintuan served 3½ years as CEO of St. Louis Public Radio. Now, she’s headed to an NPR member-station in Seattle, Washington. She reflects on her time at STLPR, and the future of public radio nationally.

1
Goth duo Occults took inspiration from their music idols and hit the road for their first tour 25:40

20d ago25:40

25:40

When Emilio Hernandez and Patrick Lawrence started Occults, they had no intention of building a fanbase. The two best friends of nearly 25 years had a very simple goal — create music that they’ve loved as teens as an outlet during the global lockdowns at the start of the pandemic. Now, they are hitting the road and touring across the country with a…

1
Vibe to these new songs from St. Louis artists the next time you have the aux 23:55

21d ago23:55

23:55

Muhammad “Mvstermind” Austin, founder of Mvstercamp, joins producer Miya Norfleet for April’s new music show on St. Louis on the Air. They discuss some of their favorite new songs from St. Louis-area artists, including Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” and “Kerosene” by Lani Rose.

1
Are they sinkholes or cave-ins? Regardless, these holes have St. Louis' attention 21:54

21d ago21:54

21:54

Several St. Louis streets have given way to gaping holes in the past week, exposing a side of our city's built environment most of us have never seen. But are these sinkholes, or cave-ins? Historian Chris Naffziger goes beneath the surface of these definitions to share some of the stories hiding beneath our feet.…

1
National Planned Parenthood president says Missouri provided abortion rights spark 10:07

19d ago10:07

10:07

Missouri provided a spark to the abortion rights movement that’s warily monitoring a GOP-controlled federal government, Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson said Wednesday at an event in Clayton. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum discusses McGill Johnson’s visit.

1
How Jesuit values shaped Pope Francis — and resonated in St. Louis 19:26

21d ago19:26

19:26

Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88, was a trailblazer in many ways. He was the first Latin-American pontiff and the first non-European to lead the Roman Catholic Church in more than 1,000 years. He was also the first Jesuit ever elected pope, a detail that’s often overlooked. That Jesuit background is especially relevant in St. Louis, a…

1
Michael Politte is out of prison, but his battle for exoneration isn't over 49:28

20d ago49:28

49:28

Michael Politte spent 23 years in prison for the murder of his mother — a crime that evidence now suggests he did not commit. He won parole in 2022, but a juror who helped put him in prison won’t rest until his name is cleared. Politte shares what he’s been up to in the three years since his release, and we hear from the juror who’s fighting for hi…

1
Police warn Missouri Republicans against reviving a controversial gun rights law 25:20

23d ago25:20

25:20

Missouri Republican legislators are trying for a second time to prohibit local law enforcement from enforcing federal gun restrictions. Missouri Newsroom investigative reporter Kavahn Mansouri shares the latest development in the saga of the Second Amendment Preservation Act, and why police groups and officials say the law creates the same problems…

1
The Center for Bosnian Studies will continue collecting artifacts, oral histories at SLU 25:18

23d ago25:18

25:18

The Center for Bosnian Studies has a new home base. Two decades after its founding as the Bosnian Memory Project at Fontbonne University, the Center is in the process of moving artifacts to St. Louis University. The Center’s director Adna Karamahic-Oates, Bosnian Memory Project founder Benjamin Moore and Jennifer Nutefall, dean of libraries and mus…

1
Missouri's cannabis industry booms despite recalls and struggling diversity program 28:33

24d ago28:33

28:33

It’s been more than two years since Missouri voters approved the legalization of cannabis for adult recreational use. We explore the two sides of the growing industry — first by checking with several cannabis chefs competing for the approval of hundreds of weed-loving St. Louisans. Then, Missouri Independent cannabis reporter Rebecca Rivas takes us…

1
Tower Grove Farmers’ Market kicks off its 20th season as community staple 21:55

24d ago21:55

21:55

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market is now in its 20th season. Chris Geden, known as its Mayor, has been there since its first Saturday back in 2006. He and general manager Bess Kretsinger Heffernan discuss Tower Grove Farmers’ Market’s rich history and development.

1
St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge says he can work with new Mayor Cara Spencer 22:27

27d ago22:27

22:27

St. Louis went through a major transition this week with the inauguration of Cara Spencer as mayor and Donna Baringer as comptroller. 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldridge discusses the latest elections and what leadership change may mean for the city’s future.

1
New Missouri Children’s Services chief wants to improve abuse investigations 27:55

29d ago27:55

27:55

For years, the agency that oversees Missouri’s foster care system and investigates instances of child abuse and neglect has struggled with high turnover, massive caseloads, and inconsistent rollouts of some key legislative initiatives. Missouri Children’s Division Director Sara Smith is in her first month leading the agency. She shares her plan to …

1
What years of entering Tiny Desk Contest taught two St. Louis musicians 20:15

28d ago20:15

20:15

Tiny Desk Contest launched in 2014 to give unsigned artists a chance to compete for their very own concert at NPR headquarters — and some musicians have entered several years running. Rich Washington, aka Just Rich, and Jorge Valcárcel of Boxcar share their motivations behind entering in the Tiny Desk Contest seven and 11 years, respectively.…

1
STLPR’s Local Favorites from the NPR Tiny Desk Contest 30:36

28d ago30:36

30:36

The 2025 NPR’S Tiny Desk Contest had 51 entries from musicians in the St. Louis area. Producer Miya Norfleet and STLPR’s Visuals Editor Brian Munoz discuss the local favorites and share their thoughts on the entries.

1
A new exhibit spotlights Missouri artifacts. Budget cuts make preserving them harder 17:18

29d ago17:18

17:18

The Missouri Historical Society has flung open a vault of artifacts it’s been collecting since the 1860s. A new rotating exhibition at the Missouri History Museum gives visitors a chance to experience dozens of self-contained stories behind these objects — from a massive bird-hunting rifle to adorable kids' clothing from the last century. Museum to…

1
In north St. Louis, Black parents learn to swim as kids learn to race 33:21

29d ago33:21

33:21

Historical, and cultural barriers have contributed to a disproportionate number of Black Americans’ not knowing how to swim. A 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than a third of Black adults – compared to 15% of all adults – reported they could not swim; and only one in three Black adults said they’d eve…

1
‘Make the River Present’ exhibit encourages St. Louisans to connect with local waterways 27:41

1M ago27:41

27:41

When Michelle Dezember moved to St. Louis five years ago, she assumed that the region would have a significant affinity with the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, the two longest rivers in the U.S. She soon realized that many residents don’t engage with them at all despite their cultural and historical relevance. Dezember — who serves as the Directo…

1
How a baker in Fenton creates cupcake bouquets that look like floral arrangements 16:43

1M ago16:43

16:43

Amie Lepsky has always loved baking, but her passion for creating cupcake bouquets is what inspired her to start her own business. She shares the inspiration behind Bakery Blooms, the process of crafting the hyper-realistic flower cupcakes, and the enjoyment that baking for others brings her.

1
How ranking the top 100 restaurants became a local food critics’ 10-year mission 37:50

1M ago37:50

37:50

Ten years ago, an intrepid restaurant critic at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch decided to put a hefty meal on his food-writing plate: Listing, and ranking, the top 100 restaurants in St. Louis. That effort is still running a decade later. Food critic Ian Froeb discusses this year’s picks and shares his insight and reflections on the St. Louis food and…

1
How downtown St. Louis can get its groove back 11:37

1M ago11:37

11:37

St. Louis’ downtown has its share of well-documented challenges: large-scale vacancies, companies moving their offices and streets that can feel devoid of activity. The city has made progress on two prominent vacant buildings in its downtown the past year, but rebounding from what the Wall Street Journal has described as a “real estate nightmare” w…

1
Physicist Ray Vandiver ready to lead the St. Louis Science Center 19:42

1M ago19:42

19:42

The St. Louis Science Center is nationally recognized among museums and STEM institutions. Its new President and CEO physicist Ray Vandiver shared what he’s most excited for now that he’s at the helm of the Science Center in his hometown. He also reflects on a career dedicated to making science fun and accessible to all.…

1
Amid calls to reform bail, judges in St. Louis embrace ankle monitors 30:15

1M ago30:15

30:15

Over a four year period starting in 2021, St. Louis’ use of electronic monitoring for defendants awaiting trial more than doubled. Advocates say it’s a way to prevent overcrowding in jails and keep people from being imprisoned. But opponents say there have been technological mishaps, privacy concerns, and high costs — and that many people who are f…

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