Jew From The Lou

This week we dive into the journey of self-discovery with Allison Chrisman as we talk about what it means to decenter men , stop shrinking yourself, and trust your vision especially when no one else can see it yet. We open up about the loneliness that comes when you know you’re meant for more but haven’t quite found your purpose, and how to lean into that uncertainty with curiosity instead of fear...

This week, we dive into the sweet side of struggle with Kramer Eggemeyer , founder of Ready Fitness Training in St. Louis. Kramer shares his journey from falling in love with fitness in a small-town gym to building his own powerhouse training facility—literally from the ground up. We talk about the thrill of entrepreneurship, the grind of starting from scratch, and what it takes to stay the course...

What happens when you turn your family’s land into a legacy? For Samantha Williford, it wasn’t just about building a business, it was about building a sanctuary. In this episode, Samantha and I dive into the story behind Lost Hill Lake , a 200-acre oasis her family has cultivated for over five decades. What started as a single wedding on their farm blossomed into a full-scale destination for glamp...

What drives someone to climb a mountain? For some, it’s adventure. For others, it’s purpose. For Sam and I...it was both. In this episode, Sam and I dive into the wild, humbling, and life-changing journey of conquering our own mountains. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as a self-proclaimed girly girl and princess, while Sam, a true force of nature, climbed Mount Cotopaxi with the ROMP team for their 1...

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Borman , the powerhouse behind The Selfie Room STL , to talk about reinvention, reflection, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. Heather’s journey is nothing short of transformational. From working in casinos to leading global training programs for Boeing, to selling two Bitcoin to buy The Selfie Room*,* her story is one of grit, self-discovery, and...

Sometimes life hands us an invitation, subtle at first, disguised as a trip, a conversation, or even a name. In this episode, I sit down with Lunna , who opens up for the very first time about the story behind her chosen name and what it represents. Our conversation isn’t just about names, though. It’s about identity, about listening to that inner voice that tells you there’s more to life than the...

In this episode of Jew From The Lou , I sit down with the multi-talented Jeremy Genin, comedian, musician, and former fighter, who proves it’s never too late to pivot, pursue your passions, and monetize your art with purpose. We talk about: Learning piano in his 30s (and trading kickboxing lessons to do it) The difference between talking about your dreams and doing the actual work The realities of...

From religious cult to marketing guru, Nick Demos joins Jew From The Lou to share his wild story and his genius insights. Nick breaks down what influence really means—and how you already have it. Whether you're building a brand, running a business, or just figuring out your voice, this episode is a goldmine.✨ 🎙️ We talk: Personal vs. professional branding Storytelling that sells The psychology be...

Meghan is a childhood cancer survivor, but that’s not her whole story. In this episode, we talk about what it means to rebuild your identity after trauma, how PTSD from illness can follow you into adulthood, and why walking away from your “dream job” might be the most honest thing you ever do. We also talk about love, divorce, and the courage it takes to put yourself out there again. Now, Meghan i...

In this vibrant and heart-centered episode of Jew From The Lou , I sit down with Andrea Spadafora (He/Him) — a Licensed Massage Therapist, Board-Certified Bodyworker, Yoga Teacher (RYT200), multilingual educator, and founder of Yogaphora, LLC. Together, we dive deep into the fascinating contrasts between American and Italian culture. We explore: Why Americans romanticize Italy (hello, Eat. Pray. L...

William Swofford — aka Will — wears a lot of hats: software engineer, Navy veteran, owner of @postalcoffeeco, and co-owner of CrossFit Ready 2 Live. But no matter the role, one mission ties it all together: he's here to serve and build community . That mission was deeply affirmed during his time in Ethiopia. While on a service trip, locals who had almost nothing roasted coffee beans by hand to ser...

What if your job was spending every day in an adult playground — aka, the gym? Dr. Curtis Weldon, founder of Pride Rehab Performance , made that dream a reality. In this episode, we dive deep into fitness, discipline, and the mental strength it takes to pursue a path most wouldn’t dare. Curtis shares how he went from powerlifting to bodybuilding after an injury, the mindset shift that came with it...

This episode is for the romantics, the dreamers, and those building something beautiful from scratch. 💕 Meet Iris Schmidt —wedding photographer, marathon runner, mom of two, and full-time believer in starting before you’re ready. We dive into: How a DSLR and a little courage changed everything The moment she shot her first wedding solo Balancing business, motherhood, and being seen online Why bei...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh Hildebrand, founder of Breath & Exposure , to hear the story behind his mission of healing, resilience, and service. We met one of his coaches, Cody Decker, back in Episode 48—now it’s time to meet the man behind the movement. A former Marine and current firefighter, Josh was, in his own words, a walking stereotype of toughness. But beneath the u...

After 15 years in the corporate world, Laura made a bold move—leaving her HR career to be closer to family. What she didn’t expect was that this decision would not only lead her to her husband, but also back to herself. Just six months later, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, she had a moment of clarity: she was grounded, fulfilled, and finally ready to do something with the camera she alw...

Esther Wagner is the definition of duality — strong and soft, athletic and stylish, fierce and nurturing. In this ultimate Girl Talk episode, Esther joins us to share her journey of standing out, showing up, and breaking down every box society tried to put her in. As a fellow Shop Siham brand ambassador, she proudly reps both her power and her softness — and she’s here to remind you that you can t...

Strap in for an epic journey—because in this episode, we’re heading into thin air. 🏔️ Cody Decker just summited Mount Kilimanjaro this past January, and in this inspiring, raw, and wisdom-packed conversation, he takes us on the trek of a lifetime. We talk about: How he trained for the climb The why behind his journey The charity he supported along the way The mental + physical highs and lows And t...

Wayne B isn’t just a rapper—he’s a student of the game. Born in St. Louis and raised in the rural outskirts, his journey into music started young. At just five years old, his brother introduced him to Country Grammar by Nelly, and from that moment, hip hop had him hooked. Influences like Eminem and Tech N9ne helped shape his love for the genre, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he picked up the pen an...

This week on Jew From The Lou , I’m joined by Meaghan Keeven—a financial educator, money coach, and the kind of woman who makes talking about money feel empowering instead of overwhelming. We go way beyond budgets and break down what it really means to have financial freedom—especially as women navigating love, friendships, and big life transitions. From splitting the check to building generationa...

In this deeply inspiring episode of Jew From The Lou , Nechama sits down with the radiant and resilient Sisi Surgant — burn survivor, fashion designer, image coach, speaker, mentor, author, and founder of ShopSIHAM and the exclusive Misajo collection. Sisi is living proof that with resilience, vision, and a heart for others, anything is possible. She’s worked with fashion legends like Yves Saint L...

This week, I sat down with Tim Appelbaum—a Marine veteran whose path has taken him from combat zones overseas to classrooms in Tower Grove, the kickboxing gyms of Thailand, and now, a yoga studio in Wildwood, MO. But this isn’t just a story about switching careers. It’s about what happens when your nervous system is fried, your identity is stripped, and you’re left asking… Now what? Tim shares wha...

What happens when words can’t fully capture a feeling? Music steps in. In this episode, I sit down with Nick Avel , a DJ, radio host, and marketing force behind St. Louis’ live music scene. From curating the sounds of Get Around Sound on KDHX 88.1 FM to shaping the way audiences experience live music, Nick has dedicated his life to amplifying artistry and community through sound. We dive into his...

Teaching is more than just lesson plans—it’s an act of service that often comes at the cost of personal well-being. The reality? A culture of burnout, especially post-COVID. In this episode of Jew From The Lou , I sit down with Sarah Bland , a former public school teacher turned wellness entrepreneur and mindfulness coach . After a decade in the classroom, she saw firsthand how unsustainable educa...

In this episode, we invite you into a heartfelt conversation with Angela Berra, LSW — a therapist, master certified life coach, and founder of Arcana Collaborative. Angela helps people navigate life transitions, build confidence, and create meaningful lives. Together, we delve into the raw realities of entrepreneurship and what it truly means to follow your heart. Angela shares how having a bold v...

What would you do if you could do anything? That question changed Jennifer Ayeni’s life, leading her from 15 years as a teacher and counselor to owning Fizz Facial Bar in St. Louis. Inspired by a love for skincare and self-care, she took a leap of faith and built a business that blends beauty, community, and purpose —all while staying true to her values. We dive into taking risks, trusting faith i...