What’s New In The Lou with Alexis Zotos

In this honest and inspiring episode, we sit down with Danni Eickenhorst, the powerhouse behind HUSTL Hospitality and some of our favorite restaurants: Steve’s Hot Dogs, The Fountain on Locust, The Fountain on Delmar, and Steve’s Meltdown.

Danni’s path to hospitality wasn’t traditional, she began her career in the nonprofit world, driven by a passion for making St. Louis better. Today, that same mission fuels her work in restaurants, where she’s proving that food can be a catalyst for real, meaningful change.

In this delicious episode, we sit down with Julie Truong Shih, the force behind DD Mau, St. Louis’ beloved fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant — now celebrating the grand opening of its brand-new Webster Groves location!

We caught up with Julie as she and her team were preparing to unlock the doors, and she shares the heartfelt story behind DD Mau: how she grew up in the restaurant world, stepped away, and ultimately found her way back to it with renewed passion and purpose.

Julie talks about creating a modern, welcoming space that introduces Vietnamese flavors to a new generation of diners. And of course, she gives us the inside scoop on the must-order dishes you can’t leave without trying.

A conversation about heritage, hustle, and the joy of feeding a community, this episode will leave you hungry in the best way. The new location is located at 8169 Big Bend Blvd. Find them in Maryland Heights as well! 

In this powerful episode, we sit down with John O’Leary, St. Louis native, bestselling author, nationally acclaimed motivational speaker, and now the inspiration behind a major Hollywood film, Soul on Fire.

John shares his extraordinary journey from surviving a devastating childhood burn accident to becoming a voice of hope for millions around the world. The movie about his life is in theaters now and now streaming. In this episode John opens up about what it’s like to watch his life portrayed in Hollywood, the message he hopes audiences carry with them, and why he believes St. Louis is the perfect place to make a movie. 

In this episode, we take center stage with Erin Prange, Executive Director of Saint Louis Dance Theatre, to explore how this dynamic company is shaping the city’s arts landscape. Ahead of their highly anticipated Fall Series kicking off November 14, Erin shares how the company brings world-class artistry, collaboration, and community engagement together, creating performances that not only entertain but inspire.

From partnerships with emerging and renowned choreographers to educational outreach and senior programs, Saint Louis Dance Theatre is redefining what it means to be an instrument of optimism through movement. This episode celebrates the creativity, vision, and purpose that keep St. Louis’ arts scene dancing forward. Find information on tickets here. 

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee and recorded and produced by Bucket List Podcast Studio

For more than three decades, Schlafly Beer has been synonymous with St. Louis craft brewing. In this episode, Alexis Zotos sits down with the brewery's CEO, David Schlafly to talk about how the city’s first new brewery since Prohibition continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.

We dive into Schlafly’s much-anticipated Full Moon Festival at Bottleworks in Maplewood, a celebration of great beer, live music, and mouthwatering food (yes, there’s a whole hog roast involved). David also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what’s on tap for the season, plus the upcoming debut of a new low-ABV line.

From the early days of craft beer in St. Louis to what’s next for Schlafly, this episode is a perfect pour of history, community, and innovation, all with that unmistakable hometown flavor.

The fourth trimester is something most women don’t hear about until they’re in the thick of it, exhausted, overwhelmed, healing, and wondering if any of it is “normal.” Ali Kochtanek is on a mission to change that.

A certified postpartum doula and founder of Survive and Thrive, Ali just opened the New Mom School in West County St. Louis, the first location in the region dedicated to helping women navigate life after birth with education, community, and real support. In this episode, she shares why she launched the program, what moms actually need in those early weeks, and how creating space for honesty and connection can change maternal health outcomes.

Whether you’re a new mom, a soon-to-be mom, or someone who loves one, this conversation gets real about what happens after birth, and how we can do better. Learn more and sign up here.

What's New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos is presented by Kaldi's Coffee and recorded and produced by Bucket List Podcast Studios.

What started as a pandemic passion project turned into one of St. Louis’ most beloved farmers’ market staples. John Cowan grew up on homemade hummus, the real kind, full of lemon, garlic, and good olive oil, and wanted to bring that same quality to his new home in St. Louis. 

During the pandemic, he went back to his roots and started blending his own hummus again, introducing Mylk and Hummus to customers at the Tower Grove Farmers Market and five years later you can find it on store shelves around the St. Louis (and Illinois!) region. 

In this episode, John shares how his Detroit upbringing, pandemic pivot, and a passion for real ingredients turned a blender-side project into a fast-growing local brand with a cult following. If you’ve ever judged hummus by the glop on top, this conversation will change your mind, and maybe your snack drawer.

• This week, we’re spotlighting innovation that’s making a real impact. Dr. Tish Singer is the founder of Shero Imaging, Missouri’s first concierge breast care practice, and the only place in St. Louis offering a truly pain-free mammogram. After opening in July 2025, Shero Imaging is already changing the way women experience breast health with same-day results, on-site radiologist consultations, and a mission to put women in control of their care.
• Dr. Singer shares why every month should be treated like October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and how she hopes to empower women to be the hero of their own healthcare.

From their beginnings as a college band to becoming one of St. Louis’s most beloved groups, The Mighty Pines have built a loyal following with their soulful, roots-inspired sound. Frontman Neil Salsich joins us to share the band’s journey.  From late nights on campus stages to his own national spotlight moment on The Voice, we talk about the making of their first studio album, the evolution of their sound, and what fans can expect at the upcoming 4th annual Pines Fest at Atomic on October 18. 

For decades, Lion’s Choice has been a beloved St. Louis staple, famous for its roast beef sandwiches, frozen custard, and that signature seasoning. But how does an iconic brand stay fresh while honoring tradition? In this episode, CEO Fred Burmer joins us to talk about what makes Lion’s Choice such a hometown favorite, how they’re introducing new menu items and innovations, and what it takes to keep a classic thriving in today’s competitive food scene.