South Bay Buzz: The South Bay LA Storytelling Podcast

Money is about so much more than numbers. It's about freedom. Security. Opportunity. And ultimately, creating a life that reflects what matters most. In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with financial planner, Liv Shin, for a thoughtful conversation about building wealth with intention, navigating life's financial milestones, and making confident decisions for your future wi...

The Midlife Chrysalis: Why So Many Women Are Reimagining Their Lives with Ashley Chaney & Samantha Warner of The Unfiltered Life Co. What if midlife isn't a crisis at all? What if it's a chrysalis? This week on South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with Ashley Chaney and Samantha Warner, founders of The Unfiltered Life Co ., for an honest conversation about the season so many women find them...

As we approach Juneteenth 2026, this conversation invites us to reflect on a question that feels both timely and timeless: What kind of community do we want to be? In this episode, Megan sits down with Allison Hales, founder of Culture Club South Bay, at the historic site of Bruce's Beach to talk about belonging, identity, resilience, and the power of creating spaces where people feel seen and...

What makes people feel truly connected? In this special anniversary episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with podcast producer, host, and storyteller, S teven Ray Morris , whose work helped shape some of the most influential podcasts of the last decade, including the hit shows My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark and Ologies with Alie Ward . The See Jurassic Right po...

What if healing isn't about becoming someone new, but remembering who you were before the world told you who you should be? In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Megan sits down with psychologist, meditation teacher, and Wellspring co-founder Dr. Kelly Waggoner for an exploration of healing, authenticity, purpose, and the journey back to self. Together, they discuss why insight alone doesn&#...

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with returning guest and brand designer, Jo Delgado of The Creative Inka , for a no frills conversation about AI, branding, creativity, and the future of human connection for businesses. They discuss: why AI-generated brands often feel “off” how small businesses can use AI as a helpful tool the difference between strategy and aesthetics why imperf...

What if jewelry is more than something we wear? What if it becomes a living thread connecting generations, memories, love, and human connection? In this heart-led episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with internationally recognized jewelry designer Kimio Fukutani, Creative Designer and Co-Founder of Kimitake Inc., for a deeply personal conversation about the emotional stories behind his work...

This week on South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Hanna Bauer, intuitive holistic healer and founder of Holisticly Hanna , for a conversation about healing from the inside out. Hanna shares her journey from years of feeling disconnected in her own body to discovering the power of somatic healing, nervous system regulation, breathwork, reiki, and intuitive connection. Together, they talk about roo...

This week on South Bay Buzz, Megan is joined by Mike Ashworth, Team USA duathlete, lifelong cyclist, and founder of Yellow Jersey Patisserie , the Hermosa Beach café and garden space that has quickly become one of the South Bay’s favorite gathering spots. After years competing around the world as part of Team USA, Mike found himself craving something deeper: connection, hospitality, creativity, an...

In this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Chef Scott Cooper , founder of Nomad Eatery , to explore how a lifetime of travel, culture, and curiosity turned into one of the South Bay’s most unique dining experiences. From playing tennis across Europe to sharing meals with locals in small towns, Chef Scott’s journey shaped his belief that food is a universal language—one that connects...

What does it really mean to show up for your daughter—and how can those everyday moments shape the woman she becomes? In this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Madeline Anderson , founder of Girl Dad Network , to talk about the powerful dynamic between fathers and daughters and why it matters more than ever. From leaving a finance career after her body quite literally said “this isn...

In this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Sammy Sleman, Regional Chef at North Italia , at their El Segundo location to talk about his journey from line cook to leadership—and what it actually takes to grow within one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country. But this conversation goes beyond the kitchen. They talk about the moments happening behind the scenes and how...

This week on South Bay Buzz: The South Bay LA Storytelling Podcast , Megan is joined by the founders -Molly, Jasmin, and Megan- of Mom's Millennial Mix, a South Bay-based Dance Party creating fun nights out for moms/women through 90s and early 2000s music, dancing, and connection. What started as a ladies night night and a shared playlist turned into something much bigger: a space where women...

Jacqueline Da Mata, founder of Jackie Brows & Beyond, shares her powerful journey from Brazil to becoming a leading permanent makeup artist in Redondo Beach. In this inspiring episode of South Bay Buzz, we explore how beauty goes far beyond aesthetics—diving into confidence, healing, and personal transformation. Jackie opens up about her journey as an immigrant, overcoming language barriers, a...

On this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Cara Martinez , founder and CEO of Peach Sky Bookkeeping , a Redondo Beach–based firm supporting female service-based business owners. Known as a “numbers bestie,” Cara helps entrepreneurs understand their finances, build profitable businesses, and feel confident paying themselves. In this conversation, Cara shares her journey as an entrepre...

What does it take to build a thriving fitness community in the South Bay? In the Season 3 premiere of South Bay Buzz , host Megan Lebre sits down with Danielle Spangler , founder of Beach Life Fitness Boutique , in Redondo Beach to talk about Pilates, women’s wellness, and the power of community-centered fitness. With over 3 decades in the fitness industry, Danielle shares how her journey—from tea...

What makes a house feel like home ? In this episode of South Bay Buzz , host Megan Lebre sits down with Upasana , founder of Urban Nest & Nook , a South Bay–based home and lifestyle brand rooted in handmade design, cultural heritage, and intentional living. Upasana shares her journey as an immigrant entrepreneur, how growing up surrounded by color and craftsmanship in India shaped her creative...

In this episode of South Bay Buzz , host Megan Lebre sits down with Natalie Bernacchi and Emily Collins , the women behind The CEO Besties and the Rocketship Mastermind , for a powerful, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a business that supports your life — not the other way around. Natalie and Emily share their journeys as entrepreneurs, mothers, and business partners, unpac...

In this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with South Bay criminal defense attorney, Mona Afrashteh, to explore what justice really looks like from the inside. Mona shares her journey from growing up in the South Bay to 12 years as a public defender, her transition into private practice, and the human stories behind the cases she’s fought. Together, they unpack false confessions, jury dut...

In this joy filled and emotional episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Jade Wong, certified hand therapist (CHT) and founder of Reach Beyond Therapy in Redondo Beach. What started on a climbing wall became a calling: helping people heal their hands and upper extremities — and their confidence — through compassionate, whole-person care. Jade opens up about her journey from hospital OT to...

At Mathnasium Rancho Palos Verdes, math is the gateway, but confidence is the real subject. In this South Bay Buzz episode, Megan sits down with Joey from Mathnasium RPV to talk about how their teaching approach centers on effort, encouragement, and genuine connection — meeting each student where they are and helping them grow from there. From reducing math anxiety to celebrating progress (not per...

Haven Academy of the Arts is stepping onto its biggest stage yet as it celebrates 19 years! In this episode, Executive Director, Rebekah Kellaway, joins me to share Haven Academy's origin story, why character development sits at the center of their work, and how productions become life lessons in grit , empathy , teamwork , and community . We talk about expanding from the South Bay to Pico-Uni...

What does true healing look like when it’s rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and community? In this episode, Megan sits down with Dr. Jessica Sharratt and Dr. Brenda Perry , co-founders of Heal Los Angeles , to talk about building a wellness collective that bridges Eastern medicine, modern science, and compassionate care. From creating safe spaces where women can heal without shame to announcing t...

Step into a heart-led conversation with Megan Lebre , host of the South Bay Buzz podcast , as she sits down with award-winning Puerto Rican author and parenting mentor, Mari Bellas . Mari’s new bilingual children’s book Tío Ricky Doesn't Speak English / Tío Ricky no habla Inglés: A Bilingual English-Spanish Picture Book (Lil' Libros Bilingual Book) is a "story honors the beauty of fam...

Health is wealth — especially during open enrollment. In this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan Lebre talks with Martha Gonzales , president of CHM Insurance Services, who has spent 30 years guiding families, small-business owners, and retirees through the maze of healthcare coverage. They discuss the biggest mistakes people make when picking a plan, how to think beyond the monthly premium, tips f...