Four people riding a trolley, one person taking notes, another taking photos, one speaking into a mic, and one holding the mic. The trolley is marked “Next Gen Radio” “St. Louis”

NEXT GEN RADIO IS A FIVE-DAY, AUDIO FOCUSED DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECT

OUR THEME FOR THIS PROJECT: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF “HOME”?

A roller derby player in gears is falling. The background is a colorful water scene that is going to embrace her gently.

ROLLER DERBY: BROKEN BONES AND SENSE OF HOME

by DARRIOUS VARNER

Gabe Montesanti moved to St. Louis to further her education as a writer. Little did she know she would find so much more in the world of roller derby.

 

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A family of five looking into the blue sky. The father is holding a yellow flower in one hand. The petals are blown into the air and gone with the wind.

FINDING SANCTUARY AS REFUGEES: A FAMILY’S JOURNEY TO KEEP HOME CLOSE

by SYED ALI

The Naichuk family was forced to flee after Russia attacked their hometown. Olha and Mikhailo juggle multiple jobs in St. Louis to raise their three kids while dreaming of their native Ukraine.

 

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A kitchen scene with the fridge slightly open showing a gooey butter cake on the top shelf. The fridge is decorated with a To-do list that says “Learn everyone’s names! (again) and memorabilia of Andrew’s life in St. Louis: a St. Louis style pizza, the Gateway Arch, and a photo of Andrew and his partner.

TRAVEL NURSE GETS THE BEST OF BOTH COASTS BUT MISSES TASTES OF HOME

by HANNAH ARTMAN

For St. Louis native Andrew Ring, food has always been more than just physical sustenance, it’s also comfort. After leaving his hometown to become a travel nurse, he realized it was more than the Gateway’s gooey cheese and iconic sweets that were calling him back home.

 

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Elvira is looking very content as she holds a dish and a ladle, cooking a steaming stew. Customers can be seen behind her smelling the food, and the entire piece is filled with warmth.

REFUGEE’S ST. LOUIS RESTAURANT OFFERS TASTE OF BOSNIA

by JACOB WIEGAND

Thirty years after fleeing her home country because of the Bosnian War, Elvira Ahmetspahic is sharing a “Taste of Bosnia” with St. Louis.

 

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A profile of DJ Jeff Perkins wearing headphones and extending one hand forward, in tune with the music. Electric blue shapes spill from his headphones and mind along with purple music notes and squiggles. We see an airplane drifting through the air behind him, along with music equipment and a younger version of himself singing. Vinyl records are flying through the space, adding some purple and red on a pink background.

DJ PBNJEFFY LEANS ON COMMUNITY, AFFIRMATIONS TO HONE CRAFT

by ROSHAE HEMMINGS

Jeff Perkins’ life-long love for music inspired the Kansas City native to teach himself how to DJ in 2020. That same year, he moved to St. Louis and used his love of music to connect with others and build community.

 

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