What’s New In The Lou with Alexis Zotos

Who says car shopping can’t be fun — and family-friendly?

In Episode 42, Alexis sits down with Kelly Stumpe, creator of The Car Mom, to talk about how she built a trusted platform helping moms navigate cars, motherhood, and everyday life. Through social media and the popular Carpool Podcast, Kelly has created a community where women feel informed, empowered, and confident when it comes to finding the right vehicle for their family.

We also dive into the upcoming Car Mom Auto Show, a one-of-a-kind event featuring more than 20 family-friendly vehicles all in one place. It's all happening June 13 at Queeny Park Rink. Grab tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-car-mom-auto-show-presented-by-capital-one-auto-navigator-tickets-1984481580829

It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood with business, and building a brand that resonates with women across the country.

Few brands are as deeply tied to St. Louis as Budweiser,  and this year, the King of Beers is celebrating 150 years.

In Episode 41, I sit down with Tracy Lauer, Director of Archives for Anheuser-Busch, to take a look back at the history behind one of the most iconic beer brands in the world. From its St. Louis roots to its global reach, Tracy shares stories from the archives, how Budweiser became a household name, and the moments that helped shape its legacy.

We also talk about the upcoming 150th anniversary celebration happening May 17, and how the company is honoring its past while looking ahead to the future.

Tickets for the celebration can be found here: 

https://us.budweiser.com/celebration

For 25 years, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation has offered St. Louis a one-of-a-kind space where art, architecture, and ideas come together, and the best part? It’s always free to visit.

In Episode 40, we sit down with Cara Starke, Executive Director of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, to celebrate this milestone anniversary and talk about the museum’s lasting impact on St. Louis’ cultural landscape. We also discuss the newly opened exhibition, Dialogues & Conversations. Cara shares how the Pulitzer continues to make contemporary art accessible to all, why free cultural spaces matter, and what it means to reach this exciting milestone while continuing to evolve for the future.

Information and events: https://pulitzerarts.org/art/dialogues-and-conversations/

A St. Louis classic is finding new life in a legendary space, and one year in, the momentum is only growing.

In Episode 39, we sit down with Matthew Fuller, co-owner of STL Toasted, to talk about bringing their version of toasted ravioli to The Hill inside the former home of Mama Toscano’s. After launching at City Foundry in 2022, Matthew and his wife, Brittany Abernathy, have now spent the past year building their presence in one of the city’s most iconic food neighborhoods.  At STL Toasted it's all about honoring tradition while adding their own creative spin.

From carrot cake gooey butter toasted ravioli to an iconic collab with 4 Hands Brewing Co, STL Toasted takes the St. Louis classic to a whole new level. 

What started as a passion for sharing great food has turned into one of St. Louis’ most exciting new culinary events.

In Episode 38, Alexis sits down with Branden Tewolde, content creator and founder of Foodies Eat First Fest, to talk about building a platform that celebrates the city’s food scene in a big way. His festival is bringing together some of St. Louis’ top restaurants and chefs for a weekend of incredible bites, community, and connection.

We talk about how Branden turned content into a real-life experience, what you can expect at the first festival happening May 2–3, and why he’s already planning a second round this August. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and creating spaces where the St. Louis food scene can truly shine.

Tickets: https://posh.vip/e/foodies-eat-first-fest-21

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

St. Louis is getting more connected, one trail at a time.

In Episode 37, we sit down with Emma Klues of Great Rivers Greenway to talk about the exciting grand opening of the Brickline Greenway and what it means for the future of our region. With more than 140 miles of greenways (and counting) across St. Louis and St. Charles counties, these trails are transforming how we explore, commute, and connect with our community.

Emma shares the vision behind the Brickline Greenway, how these spaces are designed to bring people together, and what’s next as the network continues to grow. From outdoor access to economic impact, this conversation highlights how greenways are shaping a more connected and vibrant St. Louis.

Map: https://greatriversgreenway.org/visit-greenways/map/
Events: https://greatriversgreenway.org/events/

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

Style is more than what you wear, it’s how you show up.

In Episode 36, we sit down with Darryl Tyler, owner and certified clothier of Tailored Gents, to talk about the power of dressing with intention and building a brand rooted in confidence and authenticity. With more than two decades in banking and finance, Darryl learned early on how personal style can shape perception, and ultimately, opportunity.

What started as a passion for custom clothing turned into a business in 2013, and by 2016, Darryl launched Tailored Gents full-time. We talk about his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the art behind custom tailoring, and why how you dress can impact how you move through the world.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

For three decades, Jazz St. Louis has been at the heart of the city’s music scene, bringing world-class talent, unforgettable performances, and a deep love of jazz to St. Louis.

In Episode 35, we sit down with Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Co-Interim Executive Director, to celebrate this milestone 30th anniversary season. We talk about the evolution of Jazz St. Louis, the impact it’s had on the local arts community, and how it continues to elevate voices, especially during Women’s History Month, with performances highlighting the artistry and influence of women in jazz.

This episode is a celebration of legacy, music, and the next chapter of jazz in St. Louis.

Presented by Kaldi’s Coffee.

Jazz St. Louis calendar: https://my.jazzstl.org/events?view=calendar

A beloved St. Louis institution is getting a new chapter.

Brothers Berto and Ivan Garcia are the team bringing new life to Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, one of the city’s most iconic late-night and breakfast spots. The restaurant has long been a staple along South Kingshighway Boulevard, and the Garcia brothers are determined to honor its legacy while helping lead a new era for the neighborhood.

It's part of their continued effort to shape that stretch of South St. Louis. From real estate to restaurants, the Garcia family has a deep love for the city. We dive into it all in this week's episode of What's New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos. 

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

No passport? No problem. Spring Break in St. Louis is such an underrated family-friendly destination! This week two moms share all the fun! We're joined by Rebekah Coste, founder of St. Louis Mom, to help families plan the ultimate Spring Break staycation. From free museums and outdoor adventures to special events and hidden gems, Rebekah shares her go-to ideas for keeping kids engaged (and parents sane) all week long.

Whether you’re filling a full week off school or just looking to sprinkle in a few memorable outings, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you make the most of Spring Break right here in St. Louis.

It’s proof that you don’t have to leave town to make lasting family memories.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee.