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, noting Mercy's efforts to navigate insurance gaps and provide cost-effective services. Click here to schedule your appointment at Mercy Hospital.

This episode is sponsored by Swap the Playroom. Clear out the clutter and get toys that keep things fresh and exciting by renting toys through Swap the Playroom!

Tricia McGusty serves as president of Mercy’s St. Louis communities, leading operations and strategy for Mercy’s hospitals and clinics in the St. Louis area. She joined Mercy in 2026, bringing more than 25 years of health care experience, the last 15 of which were in leadership roles at large hospitals. Prior to Mercy, Tricia served in executive leadership roles with HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, most recently as chief operating officer. Tricia McGusty earned her master’s in business administration from the University of Houston Downtown and her bachelor’s in biology and psychology from Houston Baptist University. While with HCA, she completed their executive development program. Learn more about Tricia and her new role at Mercy Hospital.

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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. Tara emphasizes the importance of community and family, balancing work and motherhood. Check out their Father’s Day cookout at Vicia on June 21st!

Tara Gallina is the co-owner and Chief Experience Officer of Take Root Hospitality, recognized as a hospitality-first leader in the St. Louis culinary community. She is dedicated to cultivating deep relationships with Midwest farmers, breeders, and fishers, translating their stories into thoughtful guest experiences at Vicia, Winslow’s Table, and Bistro La Floraison. Tara oversees front-of-house standards and an education-driven service culture, elevating every detail from beverage programs to takeaway offerings while maintaining a core focus on integrity and sustainability. Her path began after leaving a career in HR to study at the International Culinary Center in New York City, followed by a formative F.A.R.M.S. apprenticeship at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. During her tenure there, she gained a grounding in sustainable agriculture and mastered various front-of-house roles, eventually rising to lead bartender and senior service captain. Today, working alongside Michael Gallina, she connects her teams to food sources and ensures the farming community is integrated into every facet of the guest experience.

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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 her current passion for holistic healing. Sam encourages moms to explore sobriety for better health and well-being. You can connect with Sam through her website See Fit Living!

Samantha Lander is a St. Louis-based single mom, entrepreneur, and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) practitioner who has been her own boss for over 20 years. Through her practice, See Fit Living, Sam helps women decode their "whole health story" when they just can’t quite put their finger on why they feel "sick and tired". She moves beyond the standard "sick care" model by using functional lab testing to identify the root cause of common "glitches" like hormonal imbalances, gut issues, and chronic fatigue. Sam is known for her radical authenticity, often sharing her own remarkable journey from addiction and divorce to resilience and healing. An international best-selling author and professional DJ, she is an expert at integrating cutting-edge tools—like precision peptides and environmental protection—into a lifestyle that works for busy parents. Whether she’s speaking at a national conference or raising her son, Jaxson, right here in STL, Sam is dedicated to helping moms fix their internal terrain and reclaim their biological edge.

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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. They also discuss family-friendly activities like the Whitaker Music Festival at the Botanical Gardens and the Muny shows. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for St. Louis Mom’s "Hanging with Heroes" event on August 9th!

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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, especially before and during pregnancy, and stressed the importance of addressing issues early to prevent long-term problems. It is never too late to prioritize your pelvic floor health! Reach out to Legacy Physical Therapy to schedule your appointment today.

This podcast episode is sponsored by Laumeier Sculpture Park. Check out their 39th annual Art Fair May 8-10th!

Dr. Brooke Kalisiak is a pelvic physical therapist and the owner of Legacy Physical Therapy, a leading pelvic health practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Since opening her clinic in 2008, she has grown it to two locations with a team of specialized pelvic PTs dedicated to helping people overcome pelvic health issues like bladder leakage, pelvic pain/pressure, and core dysfunction. Dr. Brooke is passionate about helping women feel strong, confident, and prepared for birth, recovery, and beyond. She specializes in guiding moms through pregnancy and postpartum so they can reduce pain, prevent common complications, and return to the activities they love without relying on medications or surgery. She is also on a mission to change the conversation around pelvic health through education, empowering people to understand what’s normal, what’s not, and what they can do about it. Dr. Brooke earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where she was a Division I athlete on the women’s basketball team. She went on to complete both her Master’s and Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis. She has also contributed to professional research on pregnancy and exercise. She is both a wife and a mother. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and reading. 

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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 exhibits inspired by the 90s and the institution's commitment to creating engaging, educational experiences. Visit https://www.magichouse.org/ to plan your visit!

This podcast episode is sponsored by Arbor Fertility, the best affordability for fertility treatments in the St. Louis, Mid-Missouri, and Southern Illinois regions.

Sara Saul is a St. Louis mom and the Chief Strategy Officer at The Magic House, where she leads strategy and growth initiatives for one of the city's most beloved destinations for kids, including her own. Her work focuses on building partnerships and expanding access to play and hands-on learning across the region, because she believes St. Louis is one of the best places in the country to raise a family. When she's not dreaming up the next big initiative, she's out in the Lou making memories with her family and soaking up every bit of what makes this city so special.

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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 program for eighth and ninth grade students. Samantha emphasizes the importance of maintaining a 90s nostalgia feel, using analog tools, and fostering a sense of community through daily gatherings and intentional activities. They are now enrolling for summer and spots are filling quickly!

A magical summer awaits at Camp Pegnita! We are an old-fashioned day-camp where campers fill their summer days with archery, arts and crafts and classic outdoor sports and games like Volleyball and Capture the Flag. Campers swim daily in our on-site outdoor pool and are given the time to explore our gorgeous six acres of land. They've even been known to build a fort or two! Campers are divided into groups, based on age and gender, with counselors assigned to each group. Our staff undergoes rigorous training to ensure that every one here has a safe and fun summer with a new adventure every day! 

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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 contemporary pressures on mothers, noting the increased intensity due to societal expectations and technology. She recommends using voice and setting boundaries to protect personal peace and fulfillment. To connect with Stacy, you can contact her via Instagram @StacyMcCannLCSW or at Present Moment Counseling Services.

Stacy McCann is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in Edwardsville, Illinois. She owns Present Moment Counseling Services, where she specializes in maternal overwhelm, the mental load, overstimulation and burnout in motherhood, and perinatal mental health. She sees mothers virtually in Missouri and Illinois, and in person in Edwardsville. She received intensive perinatal training from Postpartum Support International, and is a certified Fair Play Method facilitator. She also provides attachment-focused parent coaching services after almost 15 years experience working with families of young children; she is intensively trained in Circle of Security, an attachment-based parenting methodology. Outside of her work, Stacy enjoys time with her daughter and husband: traveling, cooking, gardening, and writing on her Substack - Supermom Dropout Club. 

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 St. Louis Mom. It was recorded and edited by STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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 recommend spending a day at Union Station's attractions and making a day trip out to Grafton, Illinois. Don't forget to check out St. Louis Mom’s 100 Things to Do in St. Louis During Spring Break guide and our March Events calendar for more activities!

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 STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. 

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, lighting, and curb appeal to increase a home's value. You can follow Amanda on Instagram for more real estate information. New to St. Louis? Don’t forget to check out our Moving to St. Louis guide!

Amanda Brandt is a local realtor and mom of three wild and wonderful boys: Noah, Charlie (both 7), and Milo (4, but absolutely convinced he’s 7). She grew up in the St. Louis area, spending her childhood splashing through creeks, hiking wooded trails, and falling in love with the natural beauty of Missouri. That deep-rooted love for this state still shows up in her life every day — whether exploring new hidden gem coffee shops or hiking through the countryside. Amanda & her husband Josh live in Chesterfield, and their days are full of house projects, backyard chaos, and outdoor adventures. You can usually find them covered in sawdust, wrestling in the grass, or chasing their boys through a splash pad. As a working mom, Amanda cherishes the small moments — laughter over dinner, lattes with friends, and a home that feels full of life (and probably Legos). Amanda is so grateful to live in a place that feels like home — surrounded by community, connection, and opportunity. Follow along on Instagram for all things St. Louis, family, and real estate: @amandabrandtrealtor

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 STL Bucketlist Studios in St. Louis, Missouri.