Laguna Beach Living: Recent Episodes
Laguna Beach Living
Unconditional is a rescue dedicated to finding homes for senior and special dogs. They know that these dogs are most often overlooked in the shelters so they have created a non-profit that not only highlights them and their stories, but also shows them relaxed, living in an environment where future adopters can see their true personalities shine through.
And the reward is great: oftentimes senior and special dogs are the most loving and thankful (not to mention, cuddliest) dogs out there!
Laguna Beach Living sits down with Unconditional Rescue's president, Amy Mack and COO, Sabrina Neas, to discuss Unconditional's mission, their state-of-the-art facility being built in Laguna Canyon, and their sister entity, Rise Pet Health, a for-profit specialty vet care clinic in Laguna Hills, that will donate all profits to charitable causes including free medical care for dogs in the care of Unconditional.
Listen for details about their annual fundraiser, Chef Masters, taking place in Laguna Beach on September 24, and for ways you can help through donating, volunteering, or fostering.
To view available adoptable dogs click HERE. (Tyson, a Great Pyrenees Mix who is in a wheelchair, is just one of many who just may steal your heart!)
We talked to Natalie Elser, President of California Professional Accountants, back in 2020 on a fun episode of the Laguna Beach Living Podcast called Natalie Elser Talks Taxes, and wanted to catch up with the tax accountant and CPA. Not only does she own her own firm, she is expanding and adding high net clients to her roster all throughout Southern California. At the top of her game, we chatted about what she's doing as a high level entrepreneur to keep her mind sharp for both herself and her clients.
Learn more about what Natalie offers at CalProAccountants.com... because taxes don't have to be boring.
In this episode Natalie references the following leaders in their industries:
Leadership & Public Speaking: Rene Rodriguez @learnwithrene
Growth Mastermind: Kristi Munoz @Kristi Munoz
Sound Bath & Meditation: Mars Whealthness @marswhealthness
Mimi and her daughter Raechel, of Laguna Beach's clothing boutique, Mimi & Rae, chat with Laguna Beach Living about beach fashion, becoming green certified, and how they've split their roles in their first year of business.
With a minimalist west coast chic vibe, Mimi & Rae is committed to ecologically responsible and sustainable clothing, with a mission to move away from fast fashion. They curate seasonal items from mainly women-owned brands.
Check them out IRL at 664 S. Coast HWY, Laguna Beach, across from Pacific Edge Hotel or online at MimiandRae.com and @mimiandrae on Instagram.
Tifany Khakdoust is a Laguna Beach real estate agent who longed for a sense of community.
She knew there were plenty of cool people in town, she just needed a place to get them all together... so she decided to start a social club of her own.
Enter The Great Love Club, a space for likeminded people with an emphasis on SLOW living (Sustainable, Local, Organic, Whole).
The Great Love Club started with Walk Club, a concept so simple, yet so needed. What began with a few people showing up each Tuesday soon turned into 30-40 people meeting at 7am each week to explore different areas of Laguna. Deep friendships were made, as well as opportunities for networking and collaborations.
Word traveled and people started hearing about the club all over Orange County, creating a community where everyone truly felt welcome. Tifany added Work Club on Thursdays, Church Club on Sundays, and now hosts multiple events and workshops each and every week — from Breathwork and Ice Bath Gatherings to Women's Wellness Day Retreats to Healing Jewelry Workshops to the monthly HIKE CLUB Laguna Beach Living co-hosts each month.
Get caught up to date with Tifany and all TGLC's new events and workshops at TheGreatLoveClub.com or on Instagram at @thegreatloveclub.
Who does your taxes? Perhaps you're just fine doing the Turbo Tax thing, but as your portfolio grows so does the confusion... and that's when it's time to seek advice from a tax professional like Natalie Elser, Certified Public Accountant and President of Cal Pro Accountants.
(Because, as much as we'd like to believe otherwise, the IRS doesn't honor ignorance as a valid exemption and an audit sounds like a complete nightmare.)
Based in Irvine, what we really like about Natalie is that she knows what's up with the times. She listens to gangster rap in her office, she always has the most stylish outfits, and she's easy to talk to. You're not going to be stuck in a stuffy office with an out-of-touch guy spewing big accounting words.
Natalie is someone who is going to make you really understand what's going on behind the scenes. She really cares about her clients, will be on the lookout for deductions that will actually help you, and she'll make sure your finances are in order for the future. In a nutshell, she's someone you can trust -- and that's very important when your precious pennies are involved.
We talked with Natalie about her journey to becoming President of her own accounting firm, what she's learned along the way, and -- lucky for you -- she even snuck in a few tax tips.
Check out her website at CalProAccountants.com or keep up to date on Instagram.
Donna Howlett has lived more than one very successful career. After reaching the top of the berry supply chain in Sydney, Australia, the serial entrepreneur moved across the world to Orange County to launch MODINC SKINCARE, a vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand (with Australian berry flavors, obviously) that smells every bit as heavenly as it sounds. However, life wasn't always so sweet for a young Howlett. In this episode of the Laguna Beach Living Podcast, Donna shares publicly for the first time the abuse she went through as a young girl and the steps she took to fight her way out of the darkness. It's a heartbreaking story, but one that shows the determination, perseverance, and heart that helped her rise above and excel despite the trauma. After a lifetime of silence Donna is coming forward with her story to show young girls who might be in the same situation that there can be hope, there can be a way out, and there can be a light at the end of the tunnel. Life can be sweet again... but you may have to fight like hell to get there. Donna's is a story of drive, a story of willpower, and a story of strength. Hers is an inspiring story that shows that while we may be dealt some bad cards in life, the bad doesn't need to define you... and with the right tools you CAN overcome it. Follow Donna on Instagram at @donna_howlett for updates about her upcoming book, Darkness to Light.
MODINC SKINCARE is clean skincare inspired by Australia, made solely in Orange County. Literally, everything from its packaging to its formulations are sourced locally using only natural, sustainable and whole ingredients. 100% vegan and cruelty free, prepare to smell like an Aussie dream.
To know him is to love him. He's everyone in town's bestie, whether it’s IRL or via the Interwebs. He’s either planning a town fundraiser with the coolest bands, filming a video highlighting a local business, or DM’ing you funny stories that’ll have you laughing all day.
Jason Garza, founder of Locals for Laguna Beach, has a goal of bringing the community together and leaving it better than it came. He's currently spearheading the Boys & Girls Club Project with an all-star team which will provide local children a much needed after-school upgrade. (Email jason@localsforlagunabeach.com to get involved!)
Listen in to this episode of the Laguna Beach Living Podcast as Jason shares his story, what he loves most about Laguna, and why it’s so important for community members to donate their time and talents to bettering the town that we love.
Oh, and he also cracks more than a few jokes because that’s what best friends do. #bestfriendsforever
This episode is sponsored by Modinc Skincare. Modinc is clean skincare inspired by Australia, made solely in Orange County. Literally, everything from its packaging to its formulations are sourced locally using only natural, sustainable and whole ingredients. 100% vegan and cruelty free, prepare to smell like an Aussie dream.
Kaira Rouda is a woman of many talents (and careers). She ran one of the country's most successful real estate companies, toured the nation speaking to women entrepreneurs, and, in her 40's, parlayed a passion for writing into her latest title as a USA Today Bestselling Author.
Her domestic suspense novels are fast-paced thrillers that will have you up late at night wondering if you really know the ones you love... her characters are flawed, beautiful, and delightfully disturbed.
In this episode Kaira talks about her career path, whether or not she draws parallels from Laguna for her inspiration (the answer is yes!), and what, exactly, you need to do to -- finally -- become the novelist you always wished you could be.
Grab a notepad, and listen to be inspired. The next bestselling author in town could be YOU!
This episode is sponsored by OSEA Malibu. Skincare inspired by the sea (and actually made of seaweed!), this family business creates clean, cruelty-free, vegan products with sustainable packaging formulated with botanical actives that deliver powerful results.
Use code LAGUNA for 10% off of your purchase. (Their Undaria Algae Body Oil is our go-to after a summer beach day!)
Madison Smetana just turned 24 and is convinced that life just keeps getting better and better.
The girl is BUSY and she's lovin' it.
She's a writer, model, and the founder of The Beach Picnic Co., a luxury pop-up picnic company based in Orange County. The brand's signature California coastal-style aesthetic is making waves amidst a time when new, safe, and unique ways to enjoy outdoor dining are highly desired.
In this episode, Madison chats with us about her career pivot — from interviewing celebrities backstage at the Larry King Show to a happenstance picnic that she created for her boyfriend which set the path to a full blown business with a team she adores. She also discusses starting her new venture right smack in the middle of the pandemic, and how she dealt with the competition. (Hint: collaboration over competition, any day!)
An inspiring entrepreneur who hasn't even hit the quarter life milestone, Madison is proof that you just need to follow your dreams (and maybe throw in some cute aesthetics along the way)! She's enjoying every moment of her new chapter, which is certainly infectious as you can see following along on Instagram at @smendalll or @thebeachpicnic.co.
This episode is sponsored by OSEA Malibu. Skincare inspired by the sea (and actually made of seaweed!), this family business creates clean, cruelty-free, vegan products with sustainable packaging formulated with botanical actives that deliver powerful results.
Use code LAGUNA10 for 10% off of your purchase. (Their Undaria Algae Body Oil is our go-to after a summer beach day!)
Chances are you've seen Michelle Zuzek around town. Known for her big smile, friendly persona, and fashionable outfits, she is wife to husband, Aleks, mama to daughter, Mila, and dog mom to rescue pup, Duke.
Serving as one of Laguna's most popular -- and nicest -- influencers, she serves as founder of the fashion and lifestyle publication, Style Beacon, where she strives to add some sparkle and positivity to your life. And, because she's never one to sit still, she is also the founder of Presmatic, a personal gift concierge. (Be sure to enlist her help if you need a gift for your significant other, family member, or client!)
In this episode she talks about meeting her husband in Texas, relocating to Orange County, her love affair with social media, and how she juggles it all as a total #bossmom. She shares what she loves most about Laguna and how she navigated her businesses with becoming a new mom throughout the pandemic.
Follow Michelle on Instagram at @stylebeacon.
This episode is sponsored by OSEA Malibu. Skincare inspired by the sea (and actually made of seaweed!), this family business creates clean, cruelty-free, vegan products with sustainable packaging formulated with botanical actives that deliver powerful results.
Use code LAGUNA10 for 10% off of your purchase. (Their Undaria Algae Body Oil is our go-to after a summer beach day!)
Orange County based Kayla Lyons, founder of the sober curious movement, 1000 Hours Dry, promotes an inclusive alcohol-free lifestyle that differs from the sometimes guilt-ridden structure of AA.
Here, Kayla chats with Laguna Beach Living's host and editor-in-chief, Lindsay DeLong, about society's drinking culture, her qualms with AA, and her own personalized approach to dealing with alcohol.
With "Dry Club" chapters throughout the US, Kayla encourages those who are sober curious to join the free community and meet some friends who are going through a similar chapter.
Reach out to Kayla at @kaylerlyons or get involved with 1000 Hours Dry at @1000hoursdry.
Ava August is a 15-year-old high school freshman from Laguna Niguel who is currently on American Idol. Here, the singer/songwriter chats with Laguna Beach Living Editor-in-Chief, Lindsay DeLong, about her music career thus far -- everything from writing her first song at age 9 in Hawaii with a ukulele, to navigating her American Idol experience with her freshman year at Dana Hills High School.
Follow Ava on Instagram at @avaaugust or on Spotify at here.
Mo Honarkar is a serial entrepreneur who owns multiple properties in Laguna Beach, including his recent acquisition of the historic Hotel Laguna. In this episode, the businessman and founder of Laguna Beach Company outlines his thoughts on OC’s homelessness, building height regulations, and his advocacy for more international tourism. While Mo realizes that sometimes his views may differ from other residents, to him dialogue is the key to community. Join us as we chat about the important issues for our town’s growth.
905200
Paging all neighbors! This week we’re chatting to Cristina Cappelli, founder of the Holistic Home Network. In this ep, Cristina breaks down some of the top things to consider if you’re looking at moving, even sharing her picks for OC’s healthiest suburbs and catching us up on her mission to help developers plan for healthier communities. So get cozy on the couch and enjoy this chat about the importance of feeling safe in your own home.
Summer may be coming to a close but that #HotGirlSummer glow never has to end. This week, we sit down with Laura Linsenmayer, founder of the OC’s Roots the Beauty Underground. More than just our favorite non-toxic cosmetic shop, Roots Beauty inspires self-love through clean cosmetics. If you’re looking for truly clean products and sustainable packaging, Roots Underground is worth a visit. Learn more about Laura’s story and her clean beauty tips here.
Mary McDonald is the J.K. Rowling of the OC. Except, instead of becoming an illustrious author in her late 50’s, Mary took up ceramics and created Double M Pottery, crafting every ceramic piece with her own hands at her Laguna Beach boutique. Mary is living proof that it’s never too late to discover a skill or begin a dream. Check her out on this week’s episode!
For this week’s Lagunan (yes, this is the proper noun we’re using for OC locals), we have mompreneur and founder of The Shop, Jess Watson. The epitome of Cali-beach style with just the right amount of salty, The Shop is based around everything Jess believes to be true about the OC. For this local lady, that means summer vibes, beauty, surf, and the local community. Check out more of her story in this week’s episode, and stop by their storefront or shop online to support local female-owned businesses… and when you do, tell her LBL says hi!
Are you looking for a dose of Laguna culture? Check out this week’s LBL episode where we sit down with Malcolm Warner, Executive Director of the Laguna Art Museum. Prepare to be inspired as you learn more about Laguna’s own world-class art gallery.
Palestinian-American humanitarian, aid worker, interior-designer, and business owner. (Impressive, we know.) Somer Sood recently launched her boutique, Black Bough in Laguna to introduce modern, clean, and minimalist home decor. In this episode, Nikki and Somer talk all things decor-inspo but also explore entrepreneurship, moms as role models, and activism -- three topics for which Somer is both passionate and highly knowledgeable. In short, Somer Sood is one Laguna local inspiring us on multiple fronts. Meet her in this week’s ep.
This week Nikki sits down with Laguna’s former mayor, Toni Iseman. Nobody knows (and loves) Laguna Beach more than her. She’s served 20 years on the council, including four terms as mayor. A determined woman who aims to #KeepLagunaQuaint, she’s learned to grow a tough skin through fighting for her home and the people she believes in, as well as keeping our oceans clean and focusing on Laguna’s homeless population. If you’re interested in learning more about Toni’s vision for the future of Laguna or taking a walk down memory lane and getting a glimpse of Laguna’s past, this one’s for you.
Welcome to the Laguna Beach Living podcast. Each week, we’ll be sitting down with some of our favorite local OC folk, from foodies to entrepreneurs to changemakers. For our first episode, host Nikki Bostwick sits down with Janelle Caldwell of Kindness Project OC. As the name suggests, Kindness Project OC is a way to offset scary news by focusing on daily acts that spread a little more positivity in the world. And we think that’s pretty damn inspiring! Give it a listen and let us know what you think!