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 being cringy is better than staying stuck
• The magic of female friendships (and Babes in Business ✨)

If you need a push to just start, this is your sign. Tune in for laughter, love stories, and a whole lot of girl power.

🎧 Listen now on Jew From The Lou

📸 Connect with Iris:

Website: christinaschmidtphotos.com

Instagram: @christinaschmidtphotos

Facebook: Christina Schmidt Photography

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#JewFromTheLou #TheOneWhoCapturesLove #ChristinaSchmidtPhotography #WeddingPhotographer #RomanticEnergy #JustStart #BabesInBusinessSTL #WomenWithVision #AuthenticityIsHot #CreativeEntrepreneur #PodcastTeaser

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 uniform and bravado was a man learning to face his trauma and regulate his nervous system through breathwork and cold exposure.

What started as a deeply personal tool for managing PTSD became a calling. Josh wanted to become a lighthouse—for his kids, his fellow firefighters, and his brothers in service. In masculine environments, emotional regulation can feel emasculating on the surface, but as Josh shares, it’s actually the most courageous and necessary path to healing.

Seeing a gap in accessible contrast therapy, Josh created Breath & Exposure—a space that brings together breathwork, extremely hot saunas, and ice plunges. These ancient practices may look trendy today, but their impact is timeless. Now he helps others reset, reconnect, and rise.

We also dive into fatherhood, legacy, and the power of being the example you wish to see.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Josh:

• Follow him on Instagram: and @coach_josh_hildebrand @breathandexposurestl
• Check out their website for apparel and classes: Breath & Exposure STL

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#PodcastEpisode #Breathwork #ContrastTherapy #ColdPlunge #SaunaTherapy #PTSDHealing #VeteranStories #MarineVeteran #FirefighterWellness #FatherhoodJourney #LeadByExample #MasculineHealing #EmotionalStrength #MentalHealthAwareness #TheOneWhereShiftHappens #JewFromTheLou #WellnessPodcast #ServiceDriven #BeTheLighthouse #ResilienceAndRecovery #HealingThroughBreath

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 always loved.

In this heartfelt episode, two podcasters who are passionate about storytelling and human connection sit down to talk about the magic of pivoting, the courage it takes to trust your gut, and the beauty that unfolds when women share their truth.

Laura now captures people’s stories through her lens—but even more powerfully, through meaningful conversations like this one.

If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for something more, if you’ve been on the edge of a leap or sitting in the in-between—this one’s for you. Because figuring it out isn’t a failure. It’s the beginning.

Connect with Laura:

• Follow her on Instagram: @laurastansberryphotography

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#WomenWhoCreate #PodcastForWomen #StorytellingMatters #PassionOverPerfect #WomenInBusiness #CreativeJourney #PhotographerLife #LifeAfterCorporate #FindingYourWhy #ChasingPurpose #WomenSupportingWomen #EntrepreneurMindset #StartBeforeYoureReady

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 too.

We talk:

• What it’s like growing up different in the Midwest
• How joining the STL Sabres women’s rugby team changed her life
• Getting in shape for yourself — not social media
• Meeting inspiring women like Sisi at House of Pain Gym
• Embracing both the tomboy and the girly-girl sides
• And why there’s no one right way to be beautiful

This episode is a love letter to every woman learning to love herself louder. To every girl who’s ever felt "too much" or "not enough" — this one’s for you.

Connect with Esther:

• Follow her on Instagram: @esther.wag
• Follow her rugby team: @stlsabresrugby
• Use her Shop See Ham code: ESTHER10

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#GirlTalk #JewFromTheLou #STLSabres #BreakingStereotypes #BodyImageTruths #EmpoweredWomen #StrongIsBeautiful #MidwestGirls #ConfidenceClub #BeautyInDiversity #WomenWhoLift #ShopSeeHam #PodcastEpisode #FeminineStrength #ThisIsWomanhood #RugbyGirls #FashionAndFitness #Episode49

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 the million-dollar question… Would he do it again?

Cody isn’t your average adventurer—he’s a 🌬️ Breathwork Facilitator, 🔥 Contrast Therapy Guide, and 🏋🏼‍♂️ NASM-Certified Personal Trainer. Even in peak condition, he says this was the hardest thing he’s ever done.

This episode is longer than usual—but worth every minute. Whether you’re training for your own mountain (literally or metaphorically), seeking motivation, or curious about breathwork and resilience, this conversation will breathe life into your journey.

🎧 Listen now and tap into Cody’s energy, grit, and grounded wisdom.

Connect with Cody:

@cody_decker._ + @breathandexposurestl

Join his upcoming events: Click here

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#JewFromTheLou #MountKilimanjaro #IntoThinAir #CodyDecker #BreathworkHealing #PodcastEpisode #ClimbYourMountain #MindBodyConnection #BreathAndExposure #AdventureTherapy #PersonalGrowthJourney #ResilienceTools #ContrastTherapy #StLouisWellness #InspiringStories #MotivationPodcast #HealingBreathwork #ChallengeYourLimits #PeakPerformanceMindset

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 and mic, recording his first song… in a car.

Since then, Wayne has been on a mission—staying humble, staying real, and giving flowers to those who helped him along the way. In this episode, we talk about his creative process, what it means to chase your dreams without losing yourself, and the gratitude he holds for the Underground Society that gave him his start.

🎧 Listen to Wayne B on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2sVaq2ccRUWQkgEhjZYJWs?si=T8aqezT_T-C_xfjnfq55UQ

🔗 Connect with Wayne B: https://linktr.ee/WayneB_314

Tap in for a real convo on passion, perseverance, and being unapologetically you.

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#JewFromTheLou #WayneB #StudentOfTheGame #StLouisMusic #UndergroundHipHop #IndieArtist #PodcastEpisode #HipHopJourney #RapCulture #DreamChaser #StayAuthentic #MusicLovers #SpotifyArtist #RisingTalent #CreativeConversation #PassionAndPurpose #RealTalk #ArtistSpotlight #SupportLocalArtists #MusicPodcast

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 generational wealth, Meaghan brings the real talk with tools and truth that are actually helpful (and doable).

Together we explore:

• How to break up with a scarcity mindset
• Navigating money in romantic relationships and friendships
• How your finances shift with different life seasons—and why that’s okay
• Why financial freedom isn’t just about numbers—it’s about knowing your worth
• The mindset shifts that can help you go from stressed to steady

This conversation is honest, judgment-free, and rooted in the belief that we all deserve to feel good about money—no matter where we’re starting.

So whether you're trying to dig out of debt, save your first $1k, or just want to feel less weird about talking money with friends—this episode will meet you where you are and remind you that financial confidence is so possible.

🎧 Tune in to hear Meaghan’s story of mindset, money, and meaningful growth — and discover how financial freedom starts from within.

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Meaghan:

Instagram: @financewithmeaghan

Website: www.financewithmeaghan.com

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#JewFromTheLou #TheMillionaireMaker #MoneyMindset #FinancialFreedom #WomenAndMoney #BudgetingWithoutShame #AbundanceMindset #MoneyTalks #WealthyWomen #PersonalFinanceTips #MoneyHealing #FinanceCoach #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #MindfulMoney #RichInPurpose #MoneyInRelationships #ScarcityToAbundance #ConsciousSpending #FinancialWellness #MoneyWithMeaghan

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 Laurent, Filippa K., and Calvin Klein, traveled to 37 countries, and built a life rooted in love and purpose right here in St. Louis with her husband and two children. But Sisi’s greatest masterpiece is her mission: to empower women from all walks of life to embrace confidence, clarity, and bold self-expression.

As a burn survivor, she’s a passionate advocate, working with organizations that help others heal and thrive. She mentors women through the International Mentoring Program, serves on the Lindenwood Fashion Advisory Council, and recently became a contributing author in the newest Ladies of Little Black Book book, launching soon!

✨ BONUS: As one of Sisi’s proud brand ambassadors, Nechama is sharing a special offer just for you — use code NECHAMA10 at ShopSIHAM.com for 10% off any Misajo apparel or personal transformation coaching!

🔗 Explore More from Sisi: 🌐 Website: https://shopsiham.com/pages/about 📸 Instagram: @sisi.sur | @shopsiham.official

🎧 Tune in to hear Sisi’s story of strength, style, and soulful purpose — and discover what it truly means to live empowered.

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#JewFromTheLou #SisiSurgant #ShopSIHAM #Misajo #NECHAMA10 #BurnSurvivor #EmpoweredWomen #HealingThroughStyle #ConfidenceCoach #FashionWithPurpose #Mentor #Author #AmbassadorPerks

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 what it’s like to go from a life of mission-driven clarity to the fuzzy gray area of civilian life, and how he had to create purpose for himself from the ground up.

We talk about healing, fighting (literally), breathwork, masculinity, fitness, and building spaces that feel safe for people who usually don’t feel at home in traditional wellness culture.

Oh—and did I mention he’s building a mobile sauna van? 🔥❄️

This episode is for anyone on their own hero’s journey… trying to make meaning of it all.

🎧 Now streaming on all platforms

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Tim:

🔗website: ⁠foxcoyoga.com⁠📲 Instagram:⁠ @foxcoyoga⁠

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: ⁠@jewfromthelou⁠ 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: ⁠@jewfromthelou⁠ 📱 YouTube: ⁠@jewfromthelou⁠

#TheHerosJourney #PodcastEpisode #VeteranStories #MentalHealthAwareness #MenWhoHeal #WellnessForAll #Breathwork #AriesEnergy #YogaForMen #VeteranOwnedBusiness #JewFromTheLou #HealingSpaces #PurposeDrivenLife #StLouisPodcast #ResilienceJourney

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 journey—how he got started in music, the stories behind his radio show, and the magic of live performances. We also explore the role of music in storytelling, the impact of radio in an era of streaming, and why live music remains an irreplaceable experience.

🎶 Tune into Get Around Sound: Listen Here 📸 Follow Nick on Instagram: @nickavel

If you love music, this episode is for you. Hit play and let the sounds do the talking! 🎧

This is the Jew From The Lou Podcast, where real stories meet real inspiration.

Connect with Jew From The Lou:

📱 Instagram: @jewfromthelou 📱 TikTok: @jewfromthelou 📱 Twitter: @jewfromthelou 📱 YouTube: @jewfromthelou

#JewFromTheLou #GetAroundSound #MusicSpeaks #Podcast