This episode of the Moms of the Lou podcast features Loryn Nalic, owner of Balkan Treat Box and Telva at the Ridge. She just won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest. Loryn discusses her journey in the restaurant industry, starting with her Bosnian husband and learning to cook Balkan cuisine. She highlights the difficulties of balancing work and motherhood, the importance of flexibility for working mothers, and the emotional rewards of celebrating achievements and milestones with her children. She also includes recommendations for dining & Balkan cuisine at some of her favorite restaurants in St. Louis!

This episode is sponsored by St. Luke’s Hospital. St. Luke’s is a trusted partner in every phase of your family’s health journey. Connect with St. Luke’s Hospital on Facebook and Instagram and schedule your appointment today!

Chef Loryn Nalic is the chef and co-owner of Balkan Treat Box and Telva at the Ridge in St. Louis, Missouri. What began as a bold little food truck in 2017 has grown into one of the country’s most celebrated restaurants, known for its soulful, wood-fired interpretation of Balkan cuisine. In 2023, Loryn and her family expanded their vision with the opening of Telva at the Ridge, a restaurant and café inspired by the rich culinary traditions and evolving flavors of the Balkans. Loryn’s culinary journey began long before Balkan Treat Box. She spent years baking bread, working in pastry, cooking, serving, and managing events at some of St. Louis’ most respected restaurants. Her path took a transformative turn when she met her husband, Edo, a Bosnian refugee. Through his memories of home, Loryn discovered the cuisine and culture of the Balkans. Together, they traveled throughout the region, learning traditional techniques, tasting regional specialties, and recreating the dishes he missed most.

Today, Balkan Treat Box and Telva remain true family businesses. Edo, his brother Emir, and their father Fadil work alongside Loryn every day. Together, they honor the traditions of Balkan cooking while bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to every dish, creating food that celebrates culture, craftsmanship, and community.

In 2026, Chef Loryn Nalic received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest, one of the highest honors in American dining. Prior to her win, she earned four James Beard Award semifinalist nominations and one finalist nomination in the same category, reflecting years of national recognition for her culinary excellence.

Her restaurants have also received numerous national and regional accolades, including:

• Food & Wine – Best Bites of the Year

• Bon Appétit – Top 50 Restaurants in America

• St. Louis Business Journal – Best Food Truck

• Feast Magazine – Best New Restaurant

• St. Louis Magazine A-List – Best Food Truck

• Ian Froeb’s 100 Best St. Louis Restaurants – #1 Best Restaurant

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Best New Restaurant

• Sauce Magazine – Best New Restaurant and People's Choice Award

Loryn’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, The Drew Barrymore Show and The Splendid Table. She has served as a guest chef aboard the Windstar James Beard Cruise through the Balkans and is a sought-after speaker at culinary, hospitality, and entrepreneurship conferences. Recognized as one of America’s leading voices on Balkan cuisine, Loryn combines personal storytelling with deep culinary expertise to share the traditions, history, and evolving flavors of the region with audiences around the world.

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, hosts of the Moms of Lou podcast, kick off their third season by introducing themselves and their mission to support St. Louis moms. Rebekah founded St. Louis Mom in 2018 after moving back to St. Louis from Paris, aiming to help new moms find resources. Lauren joined as the social media manager in 2021. Both emphasize the unique and shared experiences of motherhood in St. Louis and highlight local events, resources, and family-friendly activities, aiming to promote the city's cultural offerings and support for families. The Moms of the Lou podcast releases biweekly on Thursdays, available on various platforms!

This episode is sponsored by St. Luke’s Hospital. St. Luke’s is a trusted partner in every phase of your family’s health journey. Connect with St. Luke’s Hospital on Facebook and Instagram and schedule your appointment today!

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 gooey butter cake! 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, client proposals, and sales and account management communications at Express Scripts for five years. She then moved to Paris, France for three years to teach English in a French high school. She met and married her husband, Jean-Christophe, in France, and became a mom there, too! She is thrilled to be home in St. Louis. She is a full-time stay at home mom to three beautiful daughters and a son. She proudly became a French citizen in the summer of 2024! The Costes reside in Kirkwood. Rebekah is passionate about encouraging and equipping mothers on their motherhood journey. Her hope for St. Louis Mom is that it will be a powerful tool for building community between mothers and a space where mothers know how powerful their role is in raising up the next generation.

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

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.