Moms of the Lou

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 museum education. She discusses her transition to freelance work, focusing on early childhood art education through her business, Start with Art. Colleen offers tips for parents on encouraging creative activities at home without the mess, emphasizing the importance of making art accessible and enjoyable for both children and parents. Check out Colleen's blog post on A Guide to Visiting Art Museums with Kids.We are so grateful to Foss Swim School for sponsoring this episode. At FOSS swim lessons are more than strokes and kicks. They're about building water safety, confidence and love of water that lasts a lifetime, whether your kiddo is just getting started, or looking to level up their skills. It's easier than ever to fit swim lessons into your family's routine. Find the class that fits your family or schedule your free preview lesson today!A native of St. Louis, Colleen lives in Clayton with her husband, two kids, and rescue dog. She has worked in museum and art education for the past ten years and is the founder of Start With Art, which provides early childhood art workshops and classes around town. She is passionate about helping children discover their own creative processes while building community through art. When she's not lesson planning, teaching, or momming, you can find her baking treats for her family, visiting the farmers' market, or checking out all the amazing art exhibitions and performances St. Louis has to offer. Visit startwithartstl.com or follow on Instagram @startwithartstl!We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Rebekah sits down with Racquel Frisella, a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetic medicine and wellness, in this latest episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast. Racquel discusses her passion for helping people feel beautiful and build confidence in her business, Raquel Aesthetics. She emphasizes the importance of personalized skin care and aesthetic treatments, including medical-grade skincare products and various in-office treatments. Racquel also highlights the significance of maintaining skincare routines and sun protection during summer. She offers complimentary consultations and encourages busy moms to prioritize self-care and wellness while aging gracefully. We are so grateful to Foss Swim School for sponsoring this episode. At FOSS, swim lessons are more than strokes and kicks. They're about building water safety, confidence and love of water that lasts a lifetime, whether your kiddo is just getting started, or looking to level up their skills. It's easier than ever to fit swim lessons into your family's routine. Find the class that fits your family or schedule your free preview lesson today!Racquel is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and the Founder & CEO of Racquel Aesthetics & Wellness and RFA Medical Grade Skincare. With over 16 years of experience in aesthetics, Racquel is devoted to empowering individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Her commitment to the latest aesthetic innovations, combined with her personable approach, makes her a sought-after provider nationwide. As a nationally recognized trainer for Galderma and Allergan, along with her training program, The RA Way, she has the privilege of sharing her extensive knowledge and expertise with fellow professionals across the aesthetic field. Her philosophy of "look good, feel good" emphasizes the importance of confidence in all aspects of life. By fostering long-term relationships with her patients and offering customized facial rejuvenation treatments, Racquel is passionate about helping others achieve their beauty and wellness goals.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast, Rebekah sits down with Katy Ferguson, a St. Louis mom and founder of Strong as a Mother. Katy discusses her journey of empowering women through fitness and nutrition. She also emphasizes the importance of proper form and technique in her local fitness group, Strong Her Everyday, and offers nutrition coaching. She also launched an online fitness program called Build and hosts fitness retreats. Katy shares her personal experience with ADHD, navigating her diagnosis in her 20s, and how medication has helped her manage her symptoms, improving her focus and productivity as a mom and business owner. To learn more about Katy's experience with ADHD in Motherhood, check out Part One and Part Two of her blog posts on St. Louis Mom.We are so grateful to Bite Sized Wellness for partnering with us in this episode. Ready for stress-free mealtimes? Visit BiteSizedWellness.com to get started and mention ST LOUIS MOM for 15% off any service.Katy is on a mission to squash every fitness and nutrition myth out there! As a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, she believes in the power of fueling your body to thrive in the busyness of motherhood. Katy is a St. Louis native and a former Kindergarten teacher. Her love of fitness and nutrition runs deep – she has been in the fitness industry as an athlete for 10+ years and has owned a women's only fitness business since 2018. As a busy mom of two littles (ages 4 & 6), she understands the struggle to find balance in life: workouts, nutrition, motherhood, relationships, social connections, and inner peace. “Let's face it, results come from actions, not intentions. And I LOVE helping women find balance in this.” REAL change with nutrition and fitness happens when you ditch the all-or-nothing mindset. A great week for her would include: an early morning workout, a steaming hot shower, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, kisses & snuggles from her littles, a good burger, being outside, doing aerial silks, day dates with her husband, lifting weights, hiking, lazy evenings in front of the TV. Connect with Katy via Instagram : @strong.as.a.mother.stlWe hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Rebekah Coste welcomes Sara Lesire, a St. Louis mom and content creator behind Midwest Nomad Family, to the Moms of the Lou podcast! Sara shares her journey from rural Illinois to St. Louis, her transition from hiking for fun to documenting local adventures, and the growth of her family's content creation business. She highlights popular local spots like the City Museum, Forest Park, and Tower Grove Park, and discusses the shift from photo-based content to storytelling through reels on Instagram. Sara emphasizes the importance of starting small with outdoor activities and offers advice for families looking to explore more. To find more places to explore outside the St. Louis area, check out https://midwestnomads.com/!We are so grateful to Chelsey Huff Design for sponsoring this episode. Chelsea creates beautifully custom printed designs that bring your vision to life without the stress. Plus, as a St Louis mom listener, enjoy 10% off your order with code STLMOMS at checkout! Chelsea Huff Design, where every detail tells your story.Sara is a mom of two who has lived in the St. Louis area for over 30 years. While she continues to work part-time as a civil engineer, she uses her love for travel, adventure, and the outdoors to help other families explore through her blog and social media accounts. Sara shares family-friendly attractions, hikes, parks, and day trips around the St. Louis area and beyond. She loves writing family-friendly hiking and travel guides so that other families know what to expect. Her goal is to show that you don't have to spend a lot of money or travel far to find a new adventure. Favorite Parks with Playgrounds: Forest Park, Brentwood Park, Indian Camp Creek, O'Day Park, Wildwood Community Park, Watson Trail Park, Vago Park, Jake's Field of Dreams, Schranz Park, Turtle ParkGreat Family Hikes or Walks: Forest Park, Tower Grove, Powder Valley Conservation Center, Castlewood State Park, Pickle Springs, The Nature Institute (Olin Preserve), Kress Farm Garden Preserve, Rockwoods Reservation, Elephant Rocks, Hughes MountainWe hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of the “Moms of the Lou” podcast, Rebekah Coste chats all about food, fitness, & fun with Natalie Kalmar, who discusses her journey from New York to St. Louis and her transition from a corporate job to a fitness and food blogger. Natalie shares her experiences of motherhood in New York and St. Louis, her favorite family-friendly activities and restaurants, and her passion for group fitness. She also highlights her fitness events guide, which includes free and low-cost classes on fitnessfoodiestl.com. She shares her love of Gooey Butter cake, and tells us which bakery makes her favorite! Natalie also worked on St. Louis Mom's Guide to Health & Wellness, which highlights so many wonderful gyms in St. Louis.We are so grateful to Legacy Physical Therapy for sponsoring this episode. Call 636-225-3649 for a FREE pelvic health discovery session and speak with a pelvic floor expert today. Because moms deserve to feel strong, healthy, and pain-free at every stage of life!Natalie Kalmar was born and raised in St Louis, but then took a 17 year hiatus –attending college in New Orleans and then building her career and starting her family in New York City. Natalie has always been a St. Louis girl at heart and is thrilled to be home in the LOU and raising her family. Natalie lives in Chesterfield, MO and is a wife & mom to 3 children, including 5 year old boy/girl twins and a 7 year old son. After working in the Skincare & Cosmetics Industry for 17 years, Natalie has spent the last 1.5 years focused on her family, home and community. She is thrilled to be a part of St Louis Mom and contribute to their mission of helping women navigate motherhood. In her free time, Natalie loves to break-a-sweat at various group fitness studios across St Louis and indulge in the local restaurant scene. If you like to eat-out and work-out, follow Natalie's blog www.fitnessfoodiestl.com or on IG @fitnessfoodiestl.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

On today's episode of “Moms of the Lou” podcast, Rebekah welcomes Kalyn Harris, a former events director and current project manager for St. Louis Mom, to discuss Spring Break plans. Kalyn shares her family's upcoming trip to New York City for her daughter's fifth birthday, including activities like visiting the American Girl store and Rockefeller Center. They also discuss local family-friendly destinations in St. Louis, such as the Ferguson Farmer's Market, the Magic House, and various libraries. Additionally, they mention staycation options like Union Station and Innsbrook, and day trips to nearby cities like Cincinnati, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Chicago, Louisville, Nashville, and Branson. If you are traveling to Branson anytime soon, check out the Top of the Rock Golf Cart Tour mentioned in this episode. If you are staying in St. Louis during spring break, check out St. Louis Mom's 100 Things to Do in St. Louis During Spring Break guide!Kalyn, a St. Louis native, lives in Ferguson with her husband and two daughters. She earned her BA in Marketing and Hospitality Management from Southeast MO State University as well as an MBA from Webster University. After completing her degree, Kalyn set off on a huge adventure, teaching English to elementary school children in South Korea! During this year abroad she truly tapped into her adventurous side and her passion for traveling and exploring new cultures grew larger! Once back in the states, Kalyn relocated to Dallas, TX. Fast forward five years, Kalyn had her first daughter 2 weeks into the pandemic! She and her family decided to move back to St. Louis to be closer to family and friends at the end of 2020 and it was the best decision that they could've made! Kalyn loves being back in St. Louis and learning the city all over again through a new lens. Her family enjoys visiting new parks, restaurants and doing family friendly activities around town. There is literally always something going on here!We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of the "Moms of the Lou" podcast, Rebekah and Lauren discuss coping with the winter blues and seasonal depression. They share their own personal experiences, noting that winter's lack of light and warmth can lead to low motivation and social isolation. Lauren and Rebekah also highlight the benefits of community support, like accepting help from neighbors and engaging in simple, fun activities with family. They encourage us all to prioritize mental health, stay connected, and to not be afraid of seeking professional help if needed. For more winter activities, check out our Mom's Guide to the Winter Season in St. Louis.Lauren lives in Kirkwood with her husband, Eric, and their two daughters, Claire and Frances. Both she and her husband are transplants, Lauren originally from San Diego and her husband, Charleston, SC. They've called St. Louis their home since 2013. Lauren taught both first and third grade for 10 years before becoming a full-time stay at home mom. Moving to a new city without friends or family forced her to get outside her comfort zone and establish friendships and discover all that St. Louis has to offer families. She understands the immense value of community which is what brought her to St. Louis Mom.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Rebekah Coste hosts the Moms of the Lou podcast, and this episode features journalist & KMOV reporter, Alexis Zotos. Alexis, a mother of two boys, discusses her love for St. Louis and her career in journalism. She shares her transition from full-time to part-time work to balance motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community and support for working moms. Alexis highlights her favorite date night spots for Valentine's Day and family-friendly restaurants in St. Louis. She also talks about the challenges of covering breaking news and the balance between work and family life, advocating for flexibility in the workplace. To learn more about Alexis and her work, you can go to https://www.alexiszotos.com/!Alexis Zotos is a mom, journalist and St. Louis native. As a reporter, she spends her days chasing stories, meeting interesting people, and working to keep her community informed. But life isn't all about breaking news! When she's not in front of the camera, she's at home juggling motherhood, discovering local gems in St. Louis, and figuring out how to balance it all. Her goal is to inspire, inform, and create a space where we can all connect. Whether you're a fellow mom, a St. Louis enthusiast, or someone curious about the world of journalism, she hopes you find something in St. Louis that resonates with you.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Kira Andersen sits down with Rebekah on the Moms of the Lou podcast and highlights the challenges and triumphs of her husband Kyle's battle with pancreatic cancer. Initially, Kyle's treatment was denied, but Kira persisted, eventually securing FDA approval for an experimental drug. The drug showed promise, reducing Kyle's tumor markers to normal levels. However, the cancer resurged, leading to Kyle's death in April 2023. Kira emphasizes the need for more funding and research into gastrointestinal cancers. She also discusses the emotional toll of her family's journey, the importance of community support, and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.To learn more about Kira and her work, you can visit her website at https://www.kiraandersen.com/.Kira is a devoted mom to three young children, all under the age of 7. As a health and wellness coach and podcast host, she is passionate about inspiring growth—mentally, physically, and spiritually—in both her clients and herself. After losing her spouse to pancreatic cancer, Kira has embraced the role of a solo parent with strength and determination. She is deeply committed to raising awareness and critical funds for cancer research. Guided by a positive outlook, Kira strives each day to be the best mom, friend, and individual she can be.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of Moms of the Lou, Rebekah sits down with Kira Andersen, a St. Louis mom and health and wellness coach. Kira shares her family's journey with her husband Kyle's stage four pancreatic cancer diagnosis in October 2021. Despite initial misdiagnoses and a dire prognosis, Kira relentlessly advocated for advanced treatments. She raised funds to access a promising drug in order to help her husband. Kyle underwent treatment, including chemo and immunotherapy, but faced numerous challenges, including hospitalizations and blood transfusions. Kira's story highlights the importance of being a health advocate for your family and the complexities of accessing innovative cancer treatments. To learn more about Kira and her work, you can visit her website at https://www.kiraandersen.com/.Kira is a devoted mom to three young children, all under the age of 7. As a health and wellness coach and podcast host, she is passionate about inspiring growth—mentally, physically, and spiritually—in both her clients and herself. After losing her spouse to pancreatic cancer, Kira has embraced the role of a solo parent with strength and determination. She is deeply committed to raising awareness and critical funds for cancer research. Guided by a positive outlook, Kira strives each day to be the best mom, friend, and individual she can be.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In the final episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast for 2024, Rebekah Coste chats with Meg Smidt, a champion, coach, and consultant for small businesses. They discuss the importance of shopping local in St. Louis this holiday season! Meg, who has worked in retail and as a business coach, emphasizes the significant impact of supporting local businesses, which are crucial for community vibrancy and the livelihoods of their owners. Rebekah & Meg highlight various local shops and products in Webster Groves, Clayton, and beyond. Meg also shares insights into the life of a small business owner, stressing the passion and dedication required to succeed. Meg & Rebekah remind us of the unique experiences and personal connections that local businesses offer, which often surpass those of large corporations. Check out St. Louis Mom's Holiday Guide for more local shops to support this holiday season!Meg Smidt is a confetti-throwing life and business coach, mother, grandmother, sister, devoted friend and love-spreader. She is super passionate about helping driven and compassionate women create balanced, joy-filled, intentional lives that they love (and that love them back). She spends her days strategizing with and encouraging women all over the world to be their very best. YourCoach Meg lives in Benton Park/ St Louis with her husband, one of her five adult kids and 2 silly dogs. Connect with Meg on her website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Rebekah Coste is back to host the Moms of the Lou podcast! In this episode, Rebekah welcomes Diana Waldman, a St. Louis native and mother of three, to discuss the holiday season. Diana shares her love for the holidays, highlighting traditions like attending the Nutcracker and making cinnamon cookies. They discuss various holiday activities in St. Louis, including Zoo Lights, Winter Wonderland, and the Missouri Botanical Garden's Glow. Diana emphasizes the importance of having mom friends and balancing holiday activities with rest of family life. Check out St. Louis Mom's Holiday Guide and don't forget to check out St. Louis Mom's annual Donuts with Santa event!A native St. Louisan, Diana lives in Clayton with her husband, young son, two daughters, and two dogs. She has her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, which she uses as an excuse to be nosy regarding other people's lives. She left a career in legal marketing to work part-time from home and focus on her babies (furry and otherwise). Her current parenting mantras are: “I can do it all, just not all at once,” and “It will probably be fine?” Diana gets her kicks by going for long runs, reading a mix of high-brow and low-brow literature, and seeking out activities her whole family (including the puppies!) can enjoy around town.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast, Trina Harger, the podcast manager, sits down with Angelica Mitchell and discusses her journey from Southern California to St. Louis. Angelica - a teacher for over 25 years, works at the International Welcome Center in the Ritenour School District and supports new students adjusting to life in the United States. In this episode, Angelica reflects on the challenges and rewards of raising her two children, now 20 and 17, through the empty nesting phase. She emphasizes the importance of presence and intentionality in parenting older children, the complexities of the college search process, and the emotional dynamics of having children who are becoming independent adults. Check out Angelica's blog post about “Mommy Get-Tos.”Wife. Mom. Educator. Explorer. Angelica is an L.A. born girl who embraces the slower rhythms of the Midwest. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from DePauw University and a master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She moved to St. Charles, Missouri, in June 2016 with her college sweetheart, Milton Mitchell, and her two children, Lea, 20, and Benji, 17. Angelica loves people and has a heart for healthy connections and community. Her desire is to be a safe space for other women and to share the joys and complexities of this life journey.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month! In this episode of Moms of the Lou, Trina sits down with Caitlin Ladd, a contributing writer for St. Louis Mom since 2020. They discuss their shared experience with type one diabetes. Caitlin's husband was diagnosed with type one diabetes at 17, and their son, Harrison, was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of mental health and community support, particularly through organizations like JDRF. She details the daily challenges of managing Harrison's diabetes, including balancing blood sugars, packing supplies, and dealing with the anxiety and responsibility it brings. Check out Caitlin's blog post to learn more about type one diabetes.Caitlin Ladd is mom to two boys, Harrison (2014) and Anderson (2019) and wife to George living in St. Charles, Mo. A St. Louis transplant who came to the area for college and never left, Caitlin is continuously busy exploring community philanthropic and cultural diversity efforts which has truly made St. Louis her hometown. As a working mom, she's eager to discuss balance, embracing a full life in this mommin' season and what it means to “have it all.” With that, she tries to layer in opportunities for self-care, sanity checks, some Shiraz and most importantly, SLEEP as a mom of two littles.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Get ready for Halloween! In this episode, Trina sits down with Kristi Denner, the sales director of St. Louis Mom and they chat about all the fun Halloween activities in St. Louis. Kristi talks about her family's low-key Halloween traditions, such as making chili, s'mores, and doing fun Halloween STEM activities. Trina and Kristi mention local Halloween events like Boo at the Zoo and Union Station's Halloween activities. Kristi explains the local tradition of telling a joke to get candy while trick-or-treating. Trina and Kristi both share their favorite jokes to get ready for Halloween. Check out St. Louis Mom's Fall Season Guide for all the fun Halloween activities!Kristi, a small-town IL farm girl, finally feels she can call St. Louis “home” after 12 years. She and her husband Dan have four boys – Carson, Harrison (who happens to be rocking an extra chromosome), Nelson, and Dawson. A former Parkway teacher, Kristi now stays home with her boys and leads a local MOPS group. A ripple of life changes quickly taught her that adapting and pivoting is the name of the game: starting over in a new state, full-time working mom to stay-at-home mom, battling PPD, navigating Down syndrome and Autism diagnoses, and most recently walking the painful road of grief after the loss of her brother. Her faith roots have been her lifeline, and she always seeks to be a voice of truth, compassion and hope, especially in the messy. We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Trina Harger, podcast manager of the Moms of the Lou Podcast, sits down with Anna Beck to discuss the importance of getting to know neighbors. Anna, a part-time attorney and blogger, shares her experiences of connecting with her neighborhood through casual conversations, spontaneous gatherings, and creating a private Facebook group for local women to connect. She emphasizes the value of involving children in neighborhood activities and the significance of intergenerational connections. Anna also highlights the challenges of busyness and the importance of making time for neighborly interactions, which can foster a sense of community and support. Check out Anna's blog post on How to Form a Mom Community in Your Own Neighborhood for more ways to get connected.Anna Beck lives in University City with her three young children and husband. She is an attorney and journalist and maintains the blog, urbanapronblog.com. Anna loves visiting kid-friendly spots around the city and can also be found baking in her kitchen with her toddlers. She loves connecting with other moms around St. Louis and talking about motherhood, work-life balance, and healthy living.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast, Rebekah talks about all the fun fall activities in St. Louis with contributing writer and content creator, Candice Meyer. Candice, a mom of two, shares her journey with St. Louis Mom and her family life, highlighting the challenges and joys of parenting children in the “middle” season of childhood. She recommends top fall activities in St. Louis, such as visiting Art Hill, City Garden, and Castlewood State Park for the best autumn leaves, and mentions her favorite apple and pumpkin picking spots like Eckert's Family Farms and Braeutigam's Orchards. Candice also suggests fall festivals like Legends & Lanterns and Ghouls in the Garden, and recommends day trips to Shawnee National Forest and Elephant Rocks State Park. Want to follow more adventures Candice recommends? Go give her a follow over on Instagram. And don't forget to check out our St. Louis Mom Fall Season Guide for more fall fun. Candice is a St. Louis native and loves exploring the amazing parks, museums, and restaurants that the city has to offer. She is married to her college sweetheart, and they have two children, Olivia and Ryan. Her passions include all things arts and crafts, planning special events, hiking trails sprinkled throughout the area, and documenting the beauty of everyday adventures with her family. In between shuffling her kids to school and various activities, you will likely find her drinking a cup of coffee, gathering ideas on Pinterest, researching destinations for their next family trip, listening to parenting podcasts, or dreaming up her next design project!We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Rebekah sits down with Danielle Sawyer as they discuss IEPs (Individual Education Plans) for students in St. Louis. Danielle, a special education teacher for 14 years, emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teachers and the role of advocates in IEP meetings. Danielle shares her personal experience with her son, who has hearing aids and other medical concerns, and highlights the importance of celebrating all the progress a child makes in their IEP journey. To learn more about IEPs, check out Danielle's blog post IEP 101: How to Prepare and Be Ready to Advocate.Here are local resources for families in the St. Louis area: Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, State of Missouri Disability Portal, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Easterseals, and VarietySTL. You can also go to your local school district for further resources.Danielle resides in O'Fallon with her husband Devon, two boys, Harrison and Nolan, and three dogs! Danielle is a local Autism Teacher, who advocates for all abilities. Danielle and her son are both deaf/ hard of hearing— they're a hearing aid/ cochlear implant household. Danielle's hobbies include baking, riding four wheelers, exploring their property, sitting around a campfire, board games, and pinteresting crafts she most likely will never do! You can find The Sawyers at some of their favorite spots: Magic House, Big Joel's Safari, and Indian Camp Creek!We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In today's episode, Rebekah chats with Jen Cowan, writer of the blog And Hattie Makes Three! They discuss the joys and challenges of motherhood in the digital age and the exciting evolution of the blogging scene in St. Louis. Both share their experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between technology use and spending quality time as a family, staying up-to-date with digital trends, while also prioritizing health and emotional well-being. We are so grateful to Siteman Cancer Center for sponsoring this episode. Listen to the stories of cancer survivors in season 3 of their "This is Cancer" podcast, available on all platforms. It will be sure to inform, uplift, and inspire you!Jen Cowan is the owner and founder of And Hattie Makes Three. It has always been her vision as a mom to help make long-lasting memories. She grew up in St. Louis and graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in Marketing. After graduating in '04, she spent her time around the St. Louis Metro area in a recruitment capacity for a few Fortune 500 Companies. In 2012, she was recruited away to her dream job, to manage the Internship Program for MasterCard. She had so much fun building a strong program and becoming an employer of choice at Universities. So now, instead of lunch meetings and quick flights out to colleges, she spends her time as a part-time Girl Scout Leader, PTO Parent, Cheer Mom and focusing on Miss H. Her family has a pretty action-packed social calendar so she created this blog to document life and what they do, where they go, new things they try and what they love. We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Yasmine Fehr joins Rebekah on this episode of Moms of the Lou as they discuss the significance of mental health in children, particularly as they return to school. They also talk about the significant mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents today, including the impact of technology and social media, and how to recognize signs of distress in early intervention. Both highlight the need for creating an open and non-judgmental environment to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.We are so grateful to Siteman Cancer Center for sponsoring this episode. Listen to the stories of cancer survivors in season 3 of their "This is Cancer" podcast, available on all platforms. It will be sure to inform, uplift, and inspire you!Yasmine Fehr is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is board certified for the whole lifespan, but she specializes in pediatric and adolescent psychiatry. Check out Yasmine's blog post about Back to School Stress: How Can We Navigate This? Wondering about your child's mental health? Check out Yasmine's blog post about How Do I Know if My Child or Teen Needs Help with Mental Health. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is a great resource for keeping children safe and building stronger families.Originally from Memphis, TN, but St. Louis has been home since 2002 when she attended college at Washington University. She currently lives in Ellisville with her husband, Chris, son, Samuel, and their dog, Whitney B. She loves watching and streaming shows (favorites include “The Golden Girls,” “Seinfeld,” “Bob Hearts Abishola,” and “Only Murders in the Building), reading, walking, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to continue to learn from other St. Louis moms as a new mother and is equally excited to share insights that can benefit children and adolescents.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Rebekah and Haley discuss ways to combat summer boredom before the back-to-school season starts. Haley shares her favorite St. Louis hidden gems, events, and festivals to enjoy with the family. She also gives us some creative ideas for getting out of the house by visiting cat cafes and trying some boba tea! Want ideas for a date night or looking for a night out with your girlfriends? Check out Haley's blog post Eating Through the STL Top 100 - 2024 Edition. Are you feeling adventurous and wanting to take a weekend trip to Chicago before school starts? Get some ideas from our Chicago Family Summer Destination Guide. Don't forget to join the St. Louis PBS Facebook Group now so you can join their activities for next summer! Haley was born and raised in small town Kansas. She moved to St. Louis after graduating from the University of Kansas to attend graduate school at Lindenwood. Her 2 year plan to live in St. Louis turned into 12 when she met her husband. They were married on home plate at Busch Stadium in 2015 and are parents to two girls, Presley and Piper, Haley started her career as a Certified Athletic Trainer working at high schools all throughout St. Louis. After returning to nursing school she was a Trauma ICU nurse for 5 years before taking on her current role as the Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Outside of work Haley blogs about local food and businesses as part of the Yelp Elite Squad, volunteers for Make-A-Wish MoKan, and loves strength training and self care. Haley considers herself a “wrangler of tiny females”. She loves raising a strong willed preschooler who both challenges and amazes her. Haley loves living in St. Louis and feels it has so much to offer to inspire children and foster creativity. You can follow her at @mamastrebs.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode of “Moms of the Lou,” Amy and Jessica sit down with Rebekah to discuss their children's involvement in youth sports. They talk about their experiences with busy schedules, financial costs, and the importance of balance between youth sports and other aspects of life. Amy & Jessica also have spouses who coach and encourage us all to break the ice to start a carpool with other families! Rebekah chats with Amy and Jessica about finding the right balance between family life and managing extracurricular activities for their children. Interested in signing up and getting your child on the team? Check out our Youth Sports Guide, and read our blog posts about Choosing Kids Activities Wisely and Sportsmanship: Reclaiming the Love of the Game.Amy Sanders is in her thirties with three kids, so her kitchen is always stocked with coffee, wine, and goldfish. She works part-time, tries to keep up with her book club, and is fluent in sarcasm. She loves raising her family in St. Louis and couldn't get by without her tribe (or Netflix).Jessica Hendricks lives in Glendale, Missouri, with her husband Josh, and three kids Stella (2010), Graham (2012), and Mia (2015). She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky but was raised mostly in Irmo, South Carolina. After earning a BS Degree in Sociology at The University of Kansas she moved to Phoenix, Arizona and during her 15 years there she met her husband and started their family. In 2014, they moved back to her husband's hometown of St. Louis and have loved exploring all the city has to offer for families. We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In today's episode, Rebekah chats with Kelly Stumpe, also known as The Car Mom! Kelly shares her motherhood journey with us and how she has grown The Car Mom business into a national brand while raising kids. Kelly gives advice to moms pursuing a side hustle and emphasizes the importance of building an online presence and connecting with other moms. Get tickets for The Car Mom Auto Show, happening right here in St. Louis on July 20th at Queeny Park!Kelly is a mom of three (& pregnant with her fourth!), car salesperson, Child Safety Passenger Technician (CPST) and of course, The Car Mom. With over 1 million views since the launch of her YouTube channel in November 2020, Kelly's informative and fun reviews have captured the attention of women across the country looking to upgrade their vehicle needs. Her reviews focus on what mothers really care about - everything from the car seat set up to the cup holders. All of her unique content is shared weekly across multiple media channels. Kelly graduated from William Woods University with a degree in Communications & Equestrian Studies. Kelly hosts The Carpool Podcast with her sister, Lizz, every Tuesday & Thursday available wherever podcasts can be found.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode, Lauren Cappell shares her experience as a transplant mom in St. Louis,  and she emphasizes the importance of building a supportive village beyond immediate family members. Lauren & Rebekah talk about the challenges of finding time and energy to build relationships while managing parenting demands. They encourage us all to “just say ‘hi' to the mom you see at the park.”Lauren & Rebekah also share their favorite places in St. Louis, including restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor attractions, and other fun spots to visit! You can read Lauren's blog post “A Village to Call My Own” here.Lauren lives in Kirkwood with her husband, Eric, and their two daughters, Claire (8) and Frances (6). Both she and her husband are transplants, Lauren originally from San Diego and her husband, Charleston, SC. They've called St. Louis their home since 2013. Lauren taught both first and third grade for 10 years before becoming a full-time stay at home mom. Moving to a new city without friends or family forced her to get outside her comfort zone and establish friendships and discover all that St. Louis has to offer families (you can find her sharing her adventures on her Instagram account @littleloupstl). She understands the immense value of community which is what brought her to St. Louis Mom.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom Collective. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

In this episode, Rebekah & Jennedy talk about their shared experiences as St. Louis natives. They address the challenges of motherhood and working full-time while also emphasizing the importance of connecting with other moms through St. Louis Mom. Both express gratitude for the support they've received from their villages, which has given them the confidence to reach out to other moms in the greater St. Louis area.Jennedy Lombard grew up in West County, attended Mizzou, and now works as a full-time School Counselor. At home, her life moves along at a quick pace to a lovely soundtrack of music provided by her husband, Kyle, who is a classical musician and her two young sons. When time allows, Jennedy loves a project- whether it be tiling a bathroom, decorating, gardening, meal planning, learning to sew, or finding new and efficient ways to manage her household. Jennedy is hoping to figure out the magic formula of work, life, and self-care balance. She'll be sure to write a blog for St. Louis Mom Collective when she does.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom Collective. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.

Join Rebekah Coste as she introduces the Moms of the Lou podcast! This podcast will be a space for St. Louis moms to share their experiences of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of community while fostering a sense of belonging, and learning from each other's perspectives. We are excited to embrace authentic narratives in uniting and creating a supportive community for St. Louis moms.Rebekah Coste is the founder and owner of St. Louis Mom. Born and raised in St. Louis, she loves the city for its rich history and small-town feel, Cardinals baseball, and toasted ravioli! Rebekah has a bachelor's degree in Magazine Journalism and a minor degree in French from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her time at Mizzou, she completed  internships with Associated Press Television News in Brussels, Belgium, Standard & Poors in New York, New York, and Alive Magazine in St. Louis. She returned to St. Louis where she worked in corporate communications for five years. She then moved to Paris, France to teach English in a French high school, where she remained for three years. She is thrilled to be home in St. Louis. She is a full-time stay at home mom to two beautiful daughters and a son (one born in France, and two born in STL!) She is married to Jean-Christophe and is currently outnumbered as the only non-French citizen in her household! They reside in Rock Hill.We hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! To learn more about Moms of the Lou you can go to stlouismom.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify. And don't forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! This episode was produced by the St. Louis Mom Collective. It was recorded and edited by Half Coast Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Music composed by Trina Harger.