Moms of the Lou

Tricia McGusty, the new president of Mercy Hospital, discusses her transition from Houston to St. Louis, her background in hospital administration, and her goals for Mercy. She emphasizes the need to improve patient access and mentions ongoing renovations, including a new patient tower and emergency department expansion. Tricia highlights the importance of preventive care and affordable healthcare...

This episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast features Tara Gallina of Take Root Hospitality. She talks about her journey from South Florida to New York City, where she attended culinary school and worked for Blue Hill at Stone Barns. She met her husband, Michael, at Blue Hill and they moved back to St. Louis in 2015 and eventually opened Vicia in 2017. In 2019, they acquired Winslow's Table. T...

Sam Lander is a functional diagnostic nutritionist and local mom. In this episode of Moms of the Lou, she talks about her transition from addiction to sobriety, which improved her life and health significantly. Sam emphasizes the importance of addressing mental and emotional aspects alongside physical health. She currently creates sober wellness events in St. Louis, bridging her past as a DJ with...

Rebekah and Lauren discuss summer plans in St. Louis, highlighting the importance of libraries for their summer reading programs and activities like bowling and indoor play places for kids. They announce specific events such as the Summer Park Hop series this year at Jaycee Park, Millennium Park, and Shaw Park. For moms, they suggest events like Mom's Yoga Night and Movies Under the Stars. Th...

This episode features Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health. She owns Legacy Physical Therapy , which has been operating for 17 years in St. Louis. Dr. Kalisiak emphasizes the pelvic floor's role in urinary control, sexual function, and support, and notes the lack of awareness and access to care in the U.S. She advocates for proactive pelvic health management...

Sarah Saul, the new Chief Strategy Officer at the Magic House, discusses her work through encouraging St. Louis families to have fun and play together. A St. Louis native, Sarah transitioned from a corporate career at Purina to a non-profit role at the Muny Theater. She then joined the Magic House, emphasizing the importance of play and learning for children. Sarah highlights upcoming summer exhib...

Samantha Clark, a mother and artist, discusses her role as camp director of Camp Pegnita , a beloved summer camp in St. Louis. Established in 1947, the camp focuses on child development and interpersonal skills, with a six-acre campus featuring a pool, playground, and natural trails. The camp operates for nine weeks, serving children from kindergarten to seventh grade, with a counselor-in-training...

This episode features Stacy McCann, a licensed mental health therapist in the Metro East. She discusses the unique challenges faced by modern mothers and highlights common struggles such as feeling invisible, overwhelmed, and losing personal identity. Stacy emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, valuing one's time, and setting boundaries. She also discusses the historical and contemporar...

In this episode, Rebekah and Lauren discuss spring break activities in St. Louis. They highlight the opening of Urban Fort at The City Foundry soon and Go Play's new location in Lake St. Louis. They recommend Little Diggers, an indoor sandbox, and Animals Aglow at the St. Louis Zoo. Grant's Farm, Ryze Adventure Park, and Sunflower Hill Farm are also mentioned for family fun. They also re...

Rebekah and Lauren, hosts of the Moms of the Lou podcast, interview Amanda Brandt, a St. Louis realtor and mom of three. Amanda discusses her transition from teaching to real estate and highlights the current real estate market's volatility, noting a shift towards a buyer's market with fewer multiple offers and more negotiation power for buyers. Amanda recommends upgrades like painting,...

Rebecca and Lauren sit down with Brittany Ofodile, a transplant from Dallas who now runs a business coaching and online community for women in St. Louis and beyond. Brittany discusses her transition to St. Louis, highlighting the city's homegrown atmosphere and the welcoming community. She emphasizes the importance of showing up with confidence and kindness to build connections. Brittany also...

This episode of Moms of the Lou features Kristen Smith, owner of TotSpot Social in Clayton. She shares her journey in creating a family-friendly space for St. Louis parents. She talks about the success of their first year in business, including popular events like Tot Time, Tools & Tales, and Tot Toast. At TotSpot Social, Kristen goes above and beyond in making it easy for parents when they vi...

In this episode of Moms of the Lou, Rebekah & Lauren rehash all the incredible happenings for local families in St. Louis this year! From new indoor play spaces, park renovations, new support resources for moms, we chat through it all. And we chat about what weʼre excited about thatʼs coming in 2026! Thanks for letting St. Louis Mom be a resource to you yet again this year, we are grateful for...

In this episode of Moms of the Lou, Rebekah & Lauren sat down with Olivia Tischler, owner of Teleo Coffee in Kirkwood! They talked about how she launched her business, what she’s learned running a small local business, how she’s managing motherhood, the heart and mission of her business, and how they give back to the community. We know you’ll love hearing Olivia’s story! Olivia Tischler is the...

Episode 35: A Very Merry St. Louis Holiday Rebekah & Lauren chat about the best time of year in St. Louis - THE HOLIDAYS! They highlight various local fine arts performances, their favorite light displays, tips regarding the Polar Express, places to shop local, pop-up bars and so much more! Need more ideas for holiday fun in St. Louis? Check out the St. Louis Mom Holiday Guide ! We hope you en...

In this episode of Moms of the Lou, Rebekah & Lauren spend time with Michelle Li, an anchor for KSDK Channel 5. Michelle shares her journey of overcoming infertility and raising her son, who turns seven soon. Michelle also talks about her morning routine, the challenges of working in news, and the impact of social media on journalism. She highlights her foundation, The Very Asian Foundation ,...

Rebekah and Lauren interview Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin, co-founder of Summersalt, a global swimwear brand. Reshma shares her journey from Mumbai to St. Louis, highlighting her eventual love for the city. She emphasizes the strong sense of community in St. Louis, particularly in the Central West End, and how motherhood has deepened her connections. Reshma discusses Summersalt’'s mission to i...

Rachel Cliffe, Community Outreach and Partnerships Manager at Siteman Cancer Center, discusses her role in cancer prevention and community education. She highlights the importance of healthy habits like eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking to reduce cancer risk. Rachel shares her experience with recent partnerships with local businesses in St. Louis to help raise cancer awareness. Check o...

Rebekah & Lauren chat about their favorite fall activities in St. Louis, emphasizing the need to manage expectations and avoid overwhelm. They highlight events like the Art Hill Film Series showing ET on 10/10 and the Not So Haunted Magic House event every weekend in October. They also mention the Powell Hall Family Concert on 10/19, which includes interactive elements and encourages costumes....

Marissa Farrell, a high school English teacher in the Parkway School District, discusses her busy life as a mother of two daughters. She also runs a mentorship program for young girls called the Sister Project. Marissa and her husband, Luke, started a local business called Bucket List , which has grown to 230,000 followers on Instagram. They enjoy affordable family activities, such as the Magic Ho...

Rebekah & Lauren sit down with Mimō Davis, co-founder of Urban Buds . Mimō shares her journey from being a social worker in New York City to a flower farmer in Missouri. Inspired by her mother's greenhouse, she moved to Missouri in 1989 and bought a 15-acre farm. Urban Buds, located in St. Louis, grows 80 varieties of cut flowers year-round and sells them at the Tower Grove Farmers Market...

Rebekah Coste hosts a discussion with Michelle Hanna, a St. Louis mom, sourdough baker and events director in this latest episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast. Michelle shares her challenges of moving during the pandemic, closing her event planning business, and adapting to life in St. Louis. She highlights the differences in family-friendly activities and the importance of community. Michelle a...

In this latest episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast, Rebekah chats with stylist & seamstress, Merrick White. Merrick discusses her move from Dallas to St. Louis, noting the similarities that eased the transition. She highlights the support from friends and a new community that helped her and her family quickly settle in and feel welcomed. Merrick also talks about her business, focusing on In...

Rebekah Coste hosts the "Moms of the Lou" podcast, and features Leah Longueville of Polished Prints in this latest episode. Leah, an Illinois mom, discusses her business journey - starting with onesies for her daughter and evolving into a brand offering gender-neutral clothing and mom-friendly items. She highlights the challenges of balancing business growth with family life and emphasiz...

This latest episode of the "Moms of the Lou" podcast features local St. Louis mom and art educator, Colleen Fitzsimmons-Wiviott. Colleen shares her journey from being a St. Louis native, studying on the east coast, and then returning to St. Louis as an art educator. Colleen highlights her experience with the St. Louis Art Museum's teen assistant program and her subsequent career in...