Nosara Podcasts with Rich Burnam: Recent Episodes
Richard Burnam
In "Nosara Podcasts with Rich Burnam", Rich discusses numerous issues and narratives with special guests in each episode.
Louis Michael Beazley shares his journey to Nosara, longtime experience in Costa Rica back to the 80’s starting Jaco, choosing when to surf these days in Guiones, creating a new career & life in Nosara with Nosara Framework & Lock & Go Nosara self storage after massive life changes, Nosara post Covid, how much his Mom & business partner helped him, his favorite restaurants, how much his trip to the Boom & staying at Chancletas meant to him, plus much more.
https://richburnam.com/2024/03/11/the-louis-michael-beazley-episode/
Banco Lafise is making strong commitments to customer service & lending opportunities to Nosara’s diverse community.
Joel ‘Chata’ Rivera & Marcelo Moran stop by the Nosara Podcast to fill us in about Saturday’s surf tournament in addition to actions local surfers are taking to help their community & promote relationships between ALL segments of Nosara’s residents & guests. these guys wanna make a difference and are looking the whole these contest on a regular basis with the idea to help the local community while uniting every demographic inside this community.
This Saturday’s contest is probably one of the more fun ones … the admission C is school supplies for children, or anything that helps more local kids get into school. People can pay for their uniforms, shoes, bring paper, pencils, basically any supply that helps children will get you into this fun based contest,
The winners can earn some money, but the real goal here is to promote community support for the local children. Dreamcatchers is sponsoring the event along with many Nosara businesses helping here & there, too.
Christopher Antao from Gnome Surf Therapy is a frequent guest on the Nosara Podcast. His ‘Happy Camp’ here in Nosara is by now well established and is getting more and more embraced by the Nosara community. Hear more about the latest updates and Chris’s plans for offering Surf Therapy programs for Nosara locals here.
Some of the show notes:
- Chris is back and excited about the upcoming plans for the surf therapy program.
- In February, 10 athletes and four families are scheduled to participate in the program in Nome.
- The program follows a family-centric approach, and there is a high demand, with bookings for the next two years.
- The success of the program is evident, with positive feedback from those who have experienced it in Nome.
- The conversation touches on the challenges Chris faced in establishing the surf therapy program, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and consistency.
- Plans include expanding the program to involve local kids and the Tico populace, fostering interaction and learning.
- Chris discusses the growth of the surf therapy organization back home, with over 50 trained surfing instructors and 5,000 sessions conducted in the past year.
- He expresses a desire to train the local community in Nosara and seeks support in bridging gaps, including funding, administration, and connections.
- Chris emphasizes his goal of truly helping the local community and encourages donations through the organization’s website, gnomesurf.com.
- Lastly, Chris invites everybody to support in various capacities, from funding to volunteering, to further integrate the surf therapy program into the community.
There’s a new, hidden secret in Esperanza at the location of the old Dos Lorenas across from 506. What was once a grumpy supermarket and former restaurant from many years long gone by, now stands an entirely new array of shops & services.
With many not knowing what, or where El Pueblo even is, we felt a great idea might be to introduce some of the newly established businesses, and explain what El Pueblo has to offer.
This episode focuses on the multiple businesses in the big white building, which many Nosara residents, and most Nosara visitors, don’t even know exist.
We are excited to share & encourage you to explore El Pueblo; we have more content coming soon. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy learning hearing from this dynamic group of entrepreneurs!
In one of our recent beach episodes we sat down with Maikol from Nosara CR Surf School. We had a really candid conversation in which he didn’t held back. From his path to becoming a businessowner and his opinion on the importance of communication, positively approaching people and much, much more! See the full interview here below: It contains both parts in Spanish and English.
Some of the topics:
- Maikol’s introduction and how he started surfing at a young age through the Kids Camps;
- His background, coming from Nosara where his parents were farmers;
- How he choose a surfing lifestyle against his family’s expectations and initial approval;
- How meeting mentors and the influence of good people around him helped him get clear goals and a vision which ultimately led to starting Nosara CR Surf School;
- Maikol is grateful for all the people who have helped him along the way and big shout out to Luigi from NosaraTico where he learned English and started giving surf lessons;
- We transition into surf talk:
- Initially surfed shortboard later transitioned to longboard;
- Explains the difference in experience between shortboard and longboard surfing;
- Expresses appreciation for the connection and enjoyment found in longboarding;
- Career Growth and Transition to Nosara Businessowner:
- Acknowledges Luigi and others who helped him along the way;
- Initially faced challenges, started with a small place and a few old surfboards;
- Mentions Greg and Courtney, individuals who supported and inspired him;
- Describes the evolution of Nosara over the years and the growth of his business;
- Building Confidence Through Surfing:
- Highlights the importance of instilling confidence in surfers and how this translates into his work as a surf teacher;
- Describes the satisfaction of helping people overcome fears and enjoy surfing;
- Encourages those new to surfing to take lessons for a safe and enjoyable experience;
- Maikol shares his vision on Nosara’s growth, development and preservation:
- Advocates for unity and collaboration within the community;
- Discusses the impact of new developments, including larger houses, in Nosara;
- Suggests approaching wealthy newcomers positively, instead of the current negative approach;
- He encourages spreading awareness to current residents and newcomers for them to contribute to community projects as they are the solution to many of our town’s issues;
- Maikol shares his personal experiences of community support, such as organizing events for local kids;
- Expresses concern about the changing landscape of Nosara;
- Advocates for collaboration, inclusivity, and channeling resources to benefit the community;
- Urges people to focus on positive engagement rather than criticism to maintain the town’s essence;
- Maikol emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual respect among locals and visitors in the community. He encourages everyone to support each other, fostering a positive environment;
- He expresses a desire for a positive surfing culture, where locals and visitors can coexist harmoniously. He advocates for communication and constructive feedback instead of confrontation in surfing situations;
- Discussion of the economic disparities in Nosara;
- We discuss the condition of roads, traffic, and the need for better infrastructure, especially in emergency situations. The speaker highlights the importance of addressing these issues for the safety and well-being of the community;
- Maikol shares some of his personal preferences, such as his favorite months for surfing, favorite surfboards, and favorite local restaurants;
- He also tells us more about his competitive surfing, including his achievements and future plans. He hopes for community support for surfers representing Nosara;
- Maikol is believer in the the positive aspects of cultural exchange between locals and tourists. He encourages understanding and cooperation, noting that both locals and visitors can learn from each other.
Brian has been, still is, & will probably always continue to be many things to me. Above all else, he is a HUGE ball of fun, a great friend & business partner, occasionally an innovative source of stress, and much, much more… Did I mention how much fun he is?
In this episode with B’s (this is what I’ve called him for over a decade now), we explore his past, his present, and his vision for Nosara’s future.
This is a candid conversation, and I grill him pretty hard about being a real estate agent plus ask him how his family could be so wildly involved in saving sooo many animals lives, yet he works in the most vilified industry around here.
His answers will surprise many. I am pleased to share B’s episode & proud to call him a friend. This one is long overdue & I hope you enjoy it!
In this Nosara Podcast episode, Rich sits down with Jose Arce from Sfera Legal to hear the legal interpretation of the recent announcement from the Nicoya Municipality pertaining to the lawsuit and conundrum surrounding the temporary building regulations…
Are the building regulations back or not?
What should architects, builders, realtors, and attorneys be saying?
Loads of confusion at the moment… So what’s really happening? Rich invites all parties involved to the Nosara Podcast to explain their interpretation & goals. Thanks to Jose from Sfera Legal for speaking publicly about this controversial issue. NP is looking forward to speaking with the Nosara Civic Association soon as well & inviting others to participate in a open format & forum.
Dr. Alejandro is back on the podcast to update us about significant increase in dengue & other illnesses such Zika, Chikungunya, & such. He explains difference between these as well as the gripe & the flu. He updates about Caricaco, Xrays, Radiology, and much more in the area. Rich teases him about seeming so serious and intense all of the time, plus asks his opinions about ‘hippy’ treatments and such which are common. Historically Dr. Ale very science based and Rich surprised by some of Dr. A’s current answers. Hope you enjoy & benefit from the episode!
Frequent Nosara Podcast guest Vanessa Bezy is back with several updates. Please see the full episode here below to get further up to speed.
Amongst other things here is what we discuss in this latest episode here above:
- Sustainable Nosara website announcement;
- Nosara wastewater guide;
- Info about sustainable construction in Nosara;
- How many things Vanessa is involved with and how she needs reintroduction, which she does;
- Nosara conservation challenges;
- 3 main focus areas of Vanessa and WCA: water quality, marine life (including turtles), and biodiversity;
- How funding works for WCA initiatives;
- Sustainable certification program for local businesses;
- What we need from newcomers to the Nosara community;
- Why investing in the environment is investing in Nosara’s future;
- Vanessa is happy and open to meet and connect with anybody that wants to discuss how we can make Nosara a better place.
Eric Kurzbard is back on the Nosara Podcast and we go over tons of stuff in this jam packed episode. We cover his journey from east coast to California to Hawaii to Nosara & all kinds of things & events in between. Rich complains about shortboarding in weak surf, longboarders who don’t move around on the board. Eric explains his past, present & goals for the future.
Enjoy this hour with EK 3.0!
Estamos muy felices por este episodio con un buen surfista y un buen hombre… ¡Disfruta este introducción a Medio Kilo!
This episode is a quick overview, in English, for everyone interested in helping solve a serious issue in Nosara. Some of Nosara’s most populated, and poorest, Tico neighborhoods (San Ramón & Los Angeles) are facing a tremendous challenge as they are lacking water. According to the Nosara ASADA, only $22,000 is needed to solve a serious issue not only in lacking water, but the upcoming health crisis if unsanitary water is what is being consumed and used.
Episode in Spanish added here soon.
We hope you enjoy this episode with our long time friend, Gerardo Bolanez, and will consider supporting Costas Verdes & Barriguiones efforts!
Plunge Nosara is a spot for an infrared sauna & three different temperatures of cold plunge tanks. It’s fantastic place to cool down and improve inflammation or deal with sickness or soreness in your body. My old friend Mike from Beach Dog Cafe recently saw me walking to the beach, super sore like, as I was recovering from dengue. He urged me to come try out his new business, Plunge Nosara, and I’m super grateful I did. It did not take long to make a big difference in soreness and mental calibration, and I strongly recommend it for anyone with sickness or soreness or any kind of TBI. The first time was a wave of emotions but thereafter has been a smooth ride into less pain and a healthier mindset.
In this Nosara Podcast episode, Dr. Robert Edgeworth unloads towards Nosara’s homeowners, especially any and all rental homes and restaurants, to either update their septic treatment systems or ‘Sell your property and leave’ in addition to starting a campaign asking renters to leave ‘one star’ reviews for any house or restaurant asking for toilet paper not to be flushed. He goes through Airbnb’s analytics and cites his reasons for taking these stands. His opinion is anyone with a rental home of any size or magnitude is under an ethical obligation to adjust their septic systems or sell and vacate the community.
There’s a ton of info in this episode… Much of it which will not be received well by many.
What are your thoughts? Is Dr. Edgeworth taking this too far? Or is he doing the right thing?
Nosara is a terrific place for families thanks to the local private school options. Check out the new addition to Sol Academics for Nosara families to consider.
Elizabeth (Eli) Vargas shares an honest and upfront account of her journey to Nosara and becoming an established photographer at one of the premier businesses in Nosara and exploring modeling and overall enjoying her life. She doesn’t hold back when asked about her dislikes of Nosara and is candid about her philosophy on life in general.
Hunter Bombard’s normal day includes relocating Nosara’s wildlife & other Nosara adventures while balancing the normal life of a 12 year old in a small, yet rapidly evolving community.
He is unique with his extensive experience relocating animals at his age plus & a long family history of going above and beyond for Nosara’s wildlife… However, Hunter enjoys normal activities such as futbol (soccer) & surfing. His father, Ryan Bombard, serves as Chief for Bomberos de Nosara. To see & hear more of Hunter’s adventures, check out @hunterbombardjungleadventu995. We hope you enjoy hearing from Hunter!
https://richburnam.com/2023/07/18/np-177-meet-hunter-bombard-nosaras-12-year-old-certified-snake-crocodile-relocation-specialistnp-177/
https://richburnam.com/2023/07/15/become-nosaras-developer-karl-lachner-answers-internet-comments-and-explains-his-development/
Rebeca is a Nosara native who serves as a leader in the community, a great mother, and operates a successful business. We hope you enjoy hearing from her & getting to know her more in this episode!
https://richburnam.com/2023/05/30/rebeca-navarretes-episode/
Estoy muy feliz de compartir el episodio completo de Brayan Briones! Brayan es un amigo de mucho tiempo y en general una gran persona. Siento que su historia es inspiradora y espero que otros también lo hagan. Brayan es de Ostional y se usa para caminar a Guiones todos los días, ya que tenía transporte, ni siquiera una bicicleta. Sin embargo, trabajó habilidades difíciles y desarrolladas y ahora está avanzando en nuevas oportunidades para ayudar a satisfacer a su esposa y a 3 niños adorables.
I am very happy to share the full episode of Brayan Briones! Brayan is a long-time friend and overall a great person. His story is inspiring in many ways. Brayan is from Ostional and used to walk to Guiones every day, since he had no transportation, not even a bicycle. However, he worked hard and developed skills and is now advancing on to new opportunities to help provide for his wife and 3 adorable children.
https://richburnam.com/2023/05/22/brayan-briones-episodio-completo-full-episode/
When Chris moved to Nosara, he caught my attention both by getting involved via action and words. His actions were volunteering with the Bombero’s and vocally with a strong online voice.
In this Nosara Podcast episode, we explore Chris’s journey to Nosara and creating Keys Aqui then finding a way to make a living here and much more… Chris shares a good bit of info about security, building safes, setting up your home entrance points properly, and more info people can find useful.
Hopefully you enjoy getting to know Chris a bit more in this episode!
https://richburnam.com/2023/05/16/mr-chris-moniz-from-keys-aqui-full-episode/
Dr Tina Nibatchi, Dr Alvaro Salas Castro, and Christian Freitag, JD, PhD join the Nosara Podcast to discuss their findings from the Nosara Research Project and what this information means for Nosara going forward.
https://richburnam.com/2023/04/23/social-scientists-discuss-the-nosara-research-project-on-the-nosara-podcast/
Marco Villegas moved to Nosara to serve as the new Executive Director for the Nosara Civic Association. He earned an MBA in Business Administration and Sustainability and has over 10 years experience helping NGO’s and is ready to put his skill set to work for Nosara. We hope you enjoy this conversation and getting to know Marco better!
https://richburnam.com/2023/04/16/the-jake-carruthers-nosara-podcast-episode/
Jake Carruthers is a great guy to speak with and get to know. His approach to life is wildly different than mine at his age and I enjoyed hearing and learning about him in this Nosara Podcast episode.
https://richburnam.com/2023/04/11/the-tommy-ten-toes-nosara-podcast-episode/
I had a great time speaking all things surf, life in Nosara & especially learning Tommy’s journey from Africa, to England, to Australia, then finally Nosara. He’s a pleasure to hang with and I appreciate his candid opinions he shares in this episode.
https://richburnam.com/2023/03/23/collin-taylor-his-personal-story-business-evolution-from-robins-ice-cream-into-morpho/
Collin Taylor from Morpho shares his story, thoughts on Nosara, and how he and his business evolved. After purchasing the well known restaurant Robin’s Ice Cream, he took his time to figure out exactly what his goals & objectives are.
His clarity and confidence are impressive and we hope you enjoy getting to know him in this episode!
https://richburnam.com/2023/03/09/caricaco-music-festival-is-coming-back-to-nosara/
Dr. Alejandro is back, except this episode is only fun stuff: Music & surf talk. He details the upcoming Caricaco Music Festival and I ask him details about his surfboard inventory.
https://richburnam.com/2023/03/01/the-nosara-skatepark-episode/
This Nosara Podcast episode is a great one! We’re thrilled about the new skate park, plus we learn quality community information. Thanks Thierry & Mike!!!
Nosara Skatepark Episode Notes:
Thierry owns Cafe Paris, since 1995, 28 years here with wife Martín, their son Mael
Mike Lopez, from LA. Pro skateboarder, actor, stuntman
Skatepark started with Mael’s visit to Tamarindo with his friend Jack & only feeling safe at skatepark. He wanted to donate some land he owned in N Guiones to a skatepark which Thierry has wanted for the community anyways. Thierry, Martín & partner decided to donate land & others are contributing monies for construction.
Mike emailed Thierry about skatepark idea. He wanted a skatepark here to use and be a part of. Later in episode he explains opening a skate shop in N Guiones. Mike connected with New Line to build the park.
GoFundMe setup everything flowed well getting project together.
Thierry & Mael do not skateboard.
Volunteers are approaching wanting to teach.
Rich presses Mike to learn what his main reason for moving here and what his concerns and fears about moving to a different country are.
Mike explains surfing caught his full attention.
Rich remembers talking with Thierry about skatepark ideas years ago but a different park emerged for a while… Thierry agrees new park way better than the ideas of years past.
Nicoya Mayor agreed with projec
Marco from ADIN says 1800 in Nosara village 3 years to 16 or 17 years old have no place to go. There’s basketball court but soccer field closed and kids need something to do.
Marco & Martín said don’t put in Guiones… Freddy from Terratour is doing free shuttles for local Tico kids in each village to go to park on the weekend.
The park is free. No entrance & everyone can hang out. Skateboarding, basketball, and climbing wall will be for free.
No food, no drinks, no competition for vendors, just a free good place
Road paved with permits and support from Nicoya & NCA.
Rich says Nosara likes to complain & asks if anyone complaining about things or worried about noise?
Events would just be for community or the 5 villages.
Erik Kurzbard’s skate videos
Rich says open Dr office by skatepark. Thierry says X-ray machine just arrived & Mandala was moved yo new location.
Dr. Alejandro going to support skatepark
26 minutes: Thierry asks ‘Do you get hurt skateboarding?’
Skatepark made with flowing, surfing type of feel fir beginners and intermediates but advanced skaters can have fun, too. Can be fun & safe.
Kona stories from Rich about benefits of pads (knee pads, wrist guards, elbow pads)
Thierry points out Nosara only had 1 Tico surfers a couple decades ago… But now Jimena is champion & others are too so why not nosara champion skater in 10 years?
Sophia & George donated to help 5 neighborhoods small skatepark plus free rides on weekends to Guiones skatepark.
Still need donations. Goal is from $1 to $1,000,000 so everyone can feel like owner. Unite the community through participation.
Nosara dislikes
Mike says roads.
Rich talks about the Nosara Gossip Machine and how Nosara isn’t perfect… Thierry was scary man.
Thierry says dust being gone and more pavement in N Guiones & Main Street Guiones and the Calle Modelo project with Harmony Projects.
Thierry says mainly private people and not too expensive. Rich asks if L section can fix their road & Thierry says yes.
Rich makes joke about Nosara & Nicoya getting along
Thierry complains about truck noise especially when they downshift using motor for brakes.
Rich says need speed bumps in front of orgánico, El Locale, and at the old 5 points where Pelada entrances and L section are.
Thierry says 10 or 12 speed bumps on way
3 favorite restaurants
Mike’s
Almendros wings
La Luna bbq chicken pizza
Olivia’s
El Chivo Thai food
Thierry
Harmony Patte?
Luv Burger pizza
Pulpo
Blue Zone
Last words:
Nosara Skatepark GoFundMe & new skate shop about to open
Rich says thanks for speed bumps and Nicoya being nice. Thierry says new mayor very positive and wants to help.
Thierry says everything bad from past is getting solved (internet, roads, phones, restaurants, etc)
https://richburnam.com/2023/02/15/cynthia-michaud-the-james-initiative/
Cynthia Michaud’s episode is heart wrenching, yet full of warmth, positivity, and hope through community events such as Tastes And Treasures Of Nosara, on February 25th.
In this episode, Cyn shares how The James Initiative is an transitioning a tragedy into massive amounts of ongoing positivity reaching deep into Esperanza, a small town on southern end of Nosara.
Unfortunately, 1/3rd of it’s residents live beneath the poverty line, and some residents are suffering from domestic violence, alcoholism, incest, teenage pregnancy, mental needs, etc. and they need help.
Dr. Alejandro communicated with Cynthia about the situation and now we are fortunate to have
The James Initiative focusing on the situation.
Get your tickets &/or participate in the online auction & have some fun! Here is a link to the online auction:
https://bit.ly/thejamesinitiative-auction
https://richburnam.com/2023/02/10/emmanual-gutierrez-covers-nosara-crece-vive-el-sueno-santa-marta-asada-nosara-nicoya-relation-and-much-more-nosara-challenges-and-opportunities/
Big thanks to Michael Strasmich for connecting us with Emmanual Gutierrez who recently recorded with us. Emmanual is highly involved in multiple community initiatives such as Nosara Crece and Vive el Sueno, and also serves on the board of the Santa Marta ASADA. He has a high level education, is originally from San Jose, but came to Nosara and is dedicating his life to the people.
In his podcast we cover a lot of ground from explaining the ideas and programs behind Nosara Crece and Vive el Sueno to covering a multitude of community issues, concerns and opportunities.
- Introduction to Emmanual Gutierrez;
- Nosara Crece (low interest loan program for local entrepreneurs, with extremely high success rate);
- https://www.nosaracrece.com/
- Vive el Sueno (business training for local entrepreneurs);
- https://www.viveelsuenocr.org/
- ASADA Santa Marta;
- Intristic motivation to dedicate life to people of Nosara;
- Difficulties in finding human resources and connection between quick development in Nosara from agricultural to tourism to high-end tourism;
- Opportunities in Nosara to be a model community for other places in Costa Rica and the world;
- Challenges of inflated pricing in the region;
- Competing community organizations and how are they able to survive;
- Strategic ideas to inform and approach the community and seek mutual solutions vs. online bitching and moaning;
- Communication with Nicoya and Nosara solutions coming from governmental levels or community extractions?;
- Nosara entrepreneur examples;
- Emmanuals three favorite Nosara restaurants;
- Emmanuals biggest Nosara dislikes
https://richburnam.com/2023/02/06/dr-alejandros-new-x-ray-machine-paradise-medicals-expansion-plus-intro-to-james-initiative-to-benefit-esperanza/
Dr. Alejandro is excited about the expansion of services for Paradise Medical plus how the James Initiative plans to help Esperanza’s community.
Gnome Surf is back with updates about Happy Camp in CR which starts in February 2023. Here’s the show notes from another great conversation with Mr. Chris Antao:
- Chris needs shoulder help after 800 lessons
- Happy Camp happening in February
- Happy Camp non profit 501c3 autism, ADD ADHD, depression & anxiety
- families from all over coming
- gnome traveling to Texas, CR, not just northeast
- Chris done with investment banking job and now a firefighter due to gnomes growth
- Gnome doing well was on PBS, the good news movement, more corporate sponsors and hitting sustainability limits for survival
- used to be 200 to 400 families, now 3000+
- looking to build camp in NE similar to Happy Camp in CR
- Rich rants about surfing going from a bad thing to being cool & socially accepted
- Chris explains how at first surf therapy wasn’t accepted. But now is. Kids aren’t just learning to surf… They are learning to get back up again
- Chris explains naysayers always existed and some still do. Rich asks chris to explain further
- Chris says knew surf therapy real because helped him
- Brown University, Harvard, etc wanting to work with Gnome
- rich asks if struggle over. Chris says struggle was real but door now closed. CVS & others giving funds and product for Gnome athletes
- Pharmaceutical bad joke from rich
- Over 20 paid instructors in US, 4 years ago just chris
- In US 25 to 40 lessons per day on weekends event days
- Gnome doesn’t need big waves
- 50 to 75 passes sold for next season already. Over 10 week long camps out of Rhode Island
- Gnome is: Inclusion, Love and Kindness for all kids
- Good PR is foundation for rough times and people knowing Gnome stands for inclusion and acceptance
- Biking, snowboarding on way
- In Nosara Chris wants to help local kids with autism, Down syndrome, anxiety, etc
- Goal is one local camp per year
- Feb 18th week
- inquiries coming in about Nosara Happy Camps so need help from locals
https://richburnam.com/2022/12/30/nitzan-solan-is-a-chemical-engineer-determined-to-help-nosaras-wastewater-situation/
Nitzan Solan is a chemical engineer working in sustainability with a passion for Nosara and what it brings to her personal life. She has strong opinions about wastewater management & wants people to learn sustainable systems using wastewater not only to be better stewards for the environment, but to grown their own food & overall make differences. Her experience includes TED talks, being a medical cannabis specialist, and focusing on converting waste into energy.
https://richburnam.com/2022/12/26/chase-kosterlitz-shares-his-story-speaks-his-mind/
Chase Kosterlitz is an interesting episode. We met in 2012 at a surf expo as Blue Zone SUP searched for a pro surfer. Chase was, and is, a world class paddle surf racer so we didn’t fully connect. Years later, Chase meets Mr. Erik Antonson who brings Chase to Nosara and now he’s here full time. We surf together daily and I frequently laugh about how it all transpired. In this episode, Chase shares his story, his current life, his goals, and much more.
https://richburnam.com/2022/12/16/nosaras-firefighters-have-a-plan-andrew-weinstein-is-coming-for-you/
Nosara’s Bombero’s literally save lives yet are always seeking funding. Mr Andrew Weinstein has a new plan for everyone to hear and a way of categorization new to our area: There are ‘essential’ services and there are ‘discretionary’ services… Listen in and see how you feel about their new fiscal plan in this episode.
https://richburnam.com/2022/12/13/real-estate-in-nosara-episode-1/
Bram was my first contact in 2002, recommended from someone named Harvey, I think. Anyways, I always remembered him and am grateful you can get to know him too in this episode.
Quick synopsis: Bram’s been here 20+ years, has a picture perfect family and seemingly lives about a good a life as anyone possibly can. He admits paradise isn’t perfect, yet Bram seems to have his comfort zone in line. He’s the subject of the very first Nosara Podcast Real Estate episode and I’m grateful to him for this. NP is hopeful other real estate professionals will participate in the future as well.
Here are the notes:
- Marketplace
- 2020 quiet for 6 or months hiatus but turned into frenzy
- Inventory as low as ever; supply & demand situation
- R asks if realtors creating this situation or is it the marketplace?
- B answers many people from LA Toronto etc working online and people with means want lifestyle of health and wellness with bilingual kids looking for better lifestyle & great place to enjoy their time
- R points out used to be surfers and yogis
- B explains surfers phased into yogis but now beyond that. It’s people with means, and often referrals of friends and family paying cash. It is not a standard marketplace with financing.
- R remembers 2 economic ups and downs and shares 2003 memories and economic destruction in FL & is confused by Nosara’s #’s seemingly too high. R then asks Bram what does the massive economic adjustment mean to him?
- B reiterates term frenzy and explains the new Nosara. It’s not affordable to everyone and RE is expensive… Restaurants are expensive too. It is what it is. Not everyone can afford to live everywhere and he can’t afford certain places in US. This is the new Nosara.
- R says L section owes him thanks for electricity…
- B says he can just send a bill (excellent and accurate joke)
- R thanks B for Del Mar Academy. B says others (just a couple are: Jessica, Haley, Inke, Carlos, etc etc all supporters, teachers, etc through the extremely challenging early years)
- He covers last years listings (ironically I sold them I think. They were huge winners for buyers in retrospect but sellers at time did excellent too)
- B struggles to predict 2022 and 2023
- R mentions Pelada reputation. B laughs how long gone and now a construction zone
- B says Esperanza and the Colony (Finca) or Bosque Verde exist.
- R says people ask for Guiones or view normally but after living here a while adjust
- B says all the cool people live in L section (we both live in L section, good joke)
- B says doesn’t use social media and R laughs jealously
https://richburnam.com/2022/11/23/dr-vanessa-covers-new-wca-and-bionest-partnership-for-affordable-wastewater-solutions-in-nosara/
Dr. Vanessa returns to NP introducing a partnership with Eduardo from Bionest as septic solutions for our rapidly growing community. Dr. Vanessa is a frequent guest who brings high-level people such as Dr. Robert Edgeworth and Nick McCalpin, plus several community info events to NP on a regular basis.
In this episode, Vanessa announces a new partnership with BIONEST to promote the installment of conscious and alternative septic solutions.
Together with Mr. Eduardo Berrocal from BIONEST they explain the different implementations options, costs associated with installing and maintaining these types of systems and other important information. Enjoy these fresh new and pleasant updates!
https://richburnam.com/2022/11/13/aric-ray-talks-aliens-artificial-intelligence-robots-technology-in-health-and-warfare-plus-much-much-more/
It didn’t surprise me to learn Aric Ray has a degree in philosophy. He loves to discuss various aspects of many subjects & he thinks a great deal about a great many things: Things like extraterrestrials, artificial intelligence, the future of robots, warfare technology, globalized currencies, cloning… and what these things mean to the future of civilization. You name it and if it’s out there being speculated upon then there’s a great chance Aric is reading something or another about it and is willing to share his opinions and ideas. We appreciate his willingness to address so many topics while reminding that the only thing we can know for sure is that we have a lot to learn. We hope you enjoy watching this as much as we enjoyed recording it.
https://richburnam.com/2022/10/16/jose-memo-guillermo-shares-heartwarming-story-how-the-local-library-changed-his-life/
Jose ‘Memo’ Guillermo is a fine example of a success story unfolding.
In this episode, we start in Spanish (subtitles available) for a bit then transition into English as Memo explains how the local library, Biblioteca Kitson, helped change and advance he and his family. After attending Del Mar Academy he was introduced to the English classes available at the library. This helped him so much his family decided to go as well, which opened up more opportunities to improve their lives.
We go over his current progress (he’s doing quite well!), his future plans, thoughts about Nosara’s growth, his 3 favorite restaurants, and much more with this outstanding young man.
https://richburnam.com/2022/11/02/laura-murillo-shares-her-talents/
Laura Murillo is a multitalented woman who passionately practices, preaches, and teaches what she loves the most. She wants to help everyone she can improve and enjoy their lives through the arts. She caught me by surprise in this episode and it proved quite refreshing to meet someone this determined to live life as they choose to.
https://richburnam.com/2022/10/14/jose-ruiz-plans-to-become-a-champion-from-nosara-he-shares-thoughts-about-local-surfers-nosaras-growth-his-goals-for-life/
There’s many talented surfers in Nosara and Jose is one of them… Except he uses a paddle & he plans to become an international champion. I enjoyed speaking with him and hearing his plans for the future, his thoughts about local surfers, his thoughts about Nosara‘s growth and becoming popular, and much more.
https://richburnam.com/2022/09/29/jocelyn-mann-from-sol-academics/
I’ve surfed alongside Jocelyn Mann from SolAcademics for years now without knowing what she did for a living. She seems to be an amicable, yet private person who wakes up early to surf and often gets out of the water about the time the crowds fill in. It’s always great to see Nosara’s teachers surfing… They deserve a couple of extra waves.
With Nosara’s increasing popularity there are more and more families needing educational help in some capacity. In this episode, she shares how SolAcademics develops personalized educational curriculum for both local and international students. You can reach them at their website https://solacademics.com/about/
Soooo many people in Nosara are quick to complain online behind a keyboard or to a couple people privately; yet very few will speak publicly or come in to the podcast and be upfront in person.
Andres Gonzalez is a different type of attorney committed to Nosara who openly shares his opinions with Rich about a myriad of topics in this episode.
Whether you like or dislike either Andres &/or Rich; if you consider yourself involved in Nosara you should check this episode out!
Many thanks to Andres for coming back in to the Nosara Podcast and opening up about so many tough subjects.
Lili Walter from Hot Tamale wants local children to have an opportunity for an education and has put together a way for children to have access to bus rides. Hear in 5 minutes what is needed and how all of us can easily make a difference.
https://www.classy.org/campaign/get-nosara-area-kids-to-school/c413855
We at Nosara Podcast are thrilled to launch our new series, Nosara’s Chefs, about the chefs overseeing the restaurants in our area! The Nosara‘s Chefs, Episode 1 begins with Mr. Henry from El Local.
Here are some thoughts from Henry about his El Local adventure:
“To make El Local happen, I had to fight against my own fears, other people’s perception of me, and carve out a real man who doesn’t give a shit about people’s opinions are and to do EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO yet be successful… We make everything from scratch and put on our sign to create a special identity… There’s no secret EL LOCAL had a hard beginning… The 1st administration (before I arrived) left many money debts and my wife was pregnant. I was broke, then my best friend and I had a big falling out… The owner, George Brown, provided me the opportunity to manage EL LOCAL and he was explicit instructing me to ‘take care of this restaurant as it is yours.’ Furthermore, Spacialle not only offered to help but went to great lengths to help us become who we are. I have tremendous gratitude and appreciation to both her for countless items, and George for the opportunity… So essentially I had nothing and EVERYTHING at the same time… So this is how I took care of everything: Learning and improving my techniques, studying and making interesting and new recipes, teaching people the intricacies of service and kitchen operations, and more… When COVID came this provided the opportunity to make us stronger and more confident with our products… We’re proud of what El Local has become and I’m looking forward to the future.”
We’re excited to launch this one & hope you enjoy it… Rener & Ryron talk surfing in Nosara, growing up watching their father, grandfather, and uncles literally introduce a superior fighting style to the planet & prove it by creating the UFC and going on to dominate mixed martial arts (MMA), fighting grown adults themselves as teenagers then creating learning styles for kids, women, military & police forces, elderly, creating an online learning platform which ultimately became the premier online system, how the Gracie Breakdowns of UFC fights catapulted popularity, what UFC fights are like behind the scenes and in the crowds, what it is like to go anywhere anytime with complete confidence in personal safety, how surfing is a different & challenging opportunity compared to BJJ, Ryron’s mid life crisis and much, much more…
Show notes:
First 5 Nosara
5-10 family
10 – Online platform
11 women empowered, Gracie bulletproof, survival tactics, Gracie combative
12 watch mma or UFC you realize BJJ is now ‘the one you can’t live without’ or what if you don’t want to do cage fighting? What about kids, women, law enforcement, pricing empowerment…
13 at some point in life someone will confront you. BJJ is insurance, surfing analogy from Ryron & kids to elderly can benefit.
14 my kids watch YouTube then I get into it
15 family created mma and they watched it all happen, the YouTube time, and creating this platform too off with Gracie breakdowns,
15 Gracie breakdown GSP first one, fedor vs fabricio verdum 2nd..
16 Gracie’s are mma translators to average couch fan. They are most recognized from Gracie breakdowns even surfing in nosara
17/18 kids women and men should be trained differently. Assault, police, bullying all different
18 one bad class can stop everything
19 we had great teachers
20 BJJ is the martial art other martial artists retire into
21 Gracie brothers want to work together to prepare for possible outside threats… don’t fight under same roof. Enemy can’t be under same roof
22 don’t dominate your training partner that’s short term
23 team
24 rich asks why many trained fighters are so peaceful and less aggressive
25 dad never spanked he always said ‘champ’ and called them champions
26 let kids feel champs to 13 or so then lose a bit and by 18 take off 100% losing fear
27 physical attributes help qualify a man. Lose the need to show your tough ans life gets better.
Learn how to fight… So you don’t have to!
28 someone being disrespectful can be diffused with calm comfort
29 those most likely to puff up are the least trained people normally
30 almost all men do not know how to handle a headlock. Not us… Everyday man must be stressed. A human which can’t breathe.
31 doesn’t take long time to tread water and protect yourself with BJJ.
32 every class you wonder how you lived without knowing these easy techniques for personal safety?
33 COVID and telecommunications Gracie university.com vs other online options. #1 to next number very important up to black belt. Losing brick and mortar adjusted online curriculum through the roof.
37 it took 10 years of work for GU. Never imagined pandemic would the world to them
38 other schools felt threatened; traditionalists said you can’t learn online.
39 now those people have online training.
40 why Nosara is big part of future. Tropical, surfing, fruits and food, people are relaxed, parking wherever, everything slower but works…
41 California so demanding and intense but Nosara can’t be replicated. Need a getaway for full release of fun and some on the side BJJ. Rener’s New Years resolution
42 Ryron’s plan, his first left & surfing stripe
43 Ryron’s drone video
Rickson, whole Gracie family
Ryron saved surfing for mid life crisis
44 Rener says BJJ predictable at highest level, surfing is a different opponent.
Renee’s surf wave go pro. Oppone
45 Nosara is Gracie University of surfing
46 restaurants. Rener’s favorite food ever
Il basílico and kids making their own pizzas.
47 kids & bugs; Rich explains people in area wondering about the martial arts guys and want to know about fighting
49 UFC events backstage & in crowd; difference between drunk fans and the coaches and fighters
50 Rener & Ryron even coach against each other in UFC but was smooth. Learn how to fight so you never have to…
51 once you meet black belts you will find they are chilled out normally. In BJJ can beat someone without inflicting bodily harm while calming them down.
52 we don’t fight because so good at de escalation. Subduing people without hurting them different than Krav Maga for example. A street fight isn’t a fight if you’re good at BJJ
54 definition of peace… Surfing in the morning
Thanks to Kaiya Burnam for editing, Etienne for production, Ale for surf video footage, and Gracie family for images and UFC, Joe Rogan, Brian Ortega, James Rees, plus everyone else we need to thank for helping make this episode a special one!
Many residents, and most all visitors, may be unaware the Nosara Bomberos operations survive off private donations. At the moment there is a financial crisis situation, yet there is some hope according to Chief Ryan Bombard.
In this NP episode, Chief Ryan explains financial issues they are facing in order to continue servicing the community.
He explains the different ways you can donate including tax-deductible options for the US 501c3 and in Costa Rica.
Donate here:
https://www.amigosofcostarica.org/affiliates/asociacion-bomberos-de-nosara
The Nosara Bomberos app is up and available! Ryan is especially excited about this new addition. It will make it easier to connect and track responses as well as make it easier to donate. Go and find it for Android and iPhone under ‘Nosara Bomberos’ here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.CaNuArts.BomberosNosara
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/bomberos-nosara/id1618276829
Besides being an associate at Central Law, Carlos Araya is an active Nosara community member in many ways. Besides working on community initiatives like supporting the Bomberos and an initiative to start a chamber of commerce in Nosara, you might also know him from the social media forums where he shares his insightful knowledge and experience in Nosara in an interesting way…. (see here below for some examples.)
We hope you enjoy getting to know Mr. Carlos Araya a little better, we expect to have him back for further updates and discussions in the near future!
We cover a whole bunch of ground on various Nosara topics in this episode. Amongst them are a couple of the ones lined out, but there is much, much more! We hope you enjoy the full episode.
- Studying in Nebraska and transitioning from ‘pre-dentistry’ mayor with terrible grades to ending up in Nosara
- Personal Life as an attorney in Nosara
- Family life in Nosara
- Is there still a low season in Nosara?
- Nosara is expensive, even for people from the States
- Nosara chamber of commerce initiative
- Transitioning from Jaco to Nosara
- How Jaco and Nosara are similar and different
- The recent growth in Nosara
- Small lot subdivisions happening in Nosara
Chuc Mason has had an interesting path both towards as in Nosara. Many might know him through his social media presence or through one of his various businesses and programs. Buckle up for a wild ride with a man passionate about many things as you will clearly hear and see in his episode.
Luis Pardo is a hardworking man trying to make a difference for Nosara’s future while serving as NCA President. Here’s some notes from this episode:
Luis states our guests are changing.
Ex: Late night party folks starting to show up. Hotel guests starting to ask ‘Where are the umbrellas on the beach?’ and things like this.
New investors are creating bigger consequences.
We all need to sacrifice… Not just others.
Nature has to deal with habitats being cut, bigger gardens, large buildouts using too much property, etc.
Since 2018 NCA pushing regulatory plan and helping.
We now have internet, trash pickup, etc… All those things are thanks to planning.
Is NCA the police? Do people understand the role in how NCA affects community?
NCA are planners. Goal is to plan ahead for what will happen in future. Ex: Trash
NCA are not the enforcers.
Temporary building regulations still being argued for.
People have been trying to steal land from NCA which takes time.
7302 is ongoing issue and over 40 land owners in Esperanza are in communication with NCA.
Dump update: officially closed and NCA has approved plans but needs funding to pay for new facility
Lack of funding biggest issue
Luis feels should be a walking community, not a driving one. References updated law requiring sidewalks need to be included
Rich says NCA needs people who disagree with them to still support and asks Luis how to address
Rich says some community organizations will not communicate
Should your dog have a leash?
How often do people actually communicate?
NCA is not trying to be a police force to stop development. Rich thinks people might not understand this.
Rich asks what is Luis’ message for the haters?
In this episode founder Cintia González, and one of their volunteers in Nosara, Mariela Ortega, share about this wonderful project. They explain the origins of the Dream Catchers foundations and why they brought it to Nosara, the classes, events, and work they are doing for the community, and the many ways you can help out (volunteering, donations, etc). Check the full episode and read further here below to also find the different ways you can support.
Dream Catchers Foundation is a non-profit organization whose goal is to bring extracurricular classes like art, dance, capoeira, and more, to local children. These children, who attend local public schools and would normally not have access to these kinds of classes, get the benefits of art in all its different forms. They are currently working in 3 different areas of Nosara: Santa Marta, Santa Teresita, and Garza. But the goal is to reach all 10 schools in the area and benefit up to 2000 children. Dream Catchers has a staff of experienced volunteer teachers to bring quality art classes to the community. Like Mariela, who teaches art to children from 6-16 years old in Santa Marta, Santa Teresita, and Garza, she brings quality art education to them with a focus on self-expression and freedom. The project also focuses on regaining previously unused spaces and transforming them into safe spaces for children to grow in the community while doing art. In the process, they also make improvements to the spaces, like the Santa Marta community hall (next to the soccer field), where they painted the whole room and had renowned costarican graffiti artists make wonderful murals on some of the walls. And they also brought a big water tank, that now supplies the water to this space.
One of the biggest challenges that the Dream Catchers Foundation faces is to keep the program going financially. For that reason they are receiving donations in many different forms: direct donations (to help with specific goals), sponsorship programs (in which you can donate a monthly fee to sponsor a child), volunteer work (to teach, assist teachers, or help out in renewing spaces). You can also help out by donating materials, or things that might be needed (like the water tank in Santa Marta, which was donated).
Go to the following links and contacts to help out in any way you can, so that our local underprivileged youth can grow in a community full of art, self-expression, freedom, and awareness.
Donations:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5YX9DAHQHPKD4
https://www.amigosofcostarica.org/affiliates/dreamcatchers
Check Dream Catchers link tree for all important links (donations, volunteering and more)::
https://linktr.ee/FoundationDreamCatchers
Dream Catchers on Instagram @fundacion_dreamcatcherscr:
https://www.instagram.com/fundacion_dreamcatcherscr/
Dream catchers on Facebook @DREAMCATCHERSCOSTARICANCHILDREN:
https://www.facebook.com/DREAMCATCHERSCOSTARICANCHILDREN
Or contact::
info@dreamcatchercr.com
+506 89765166 (Cintia)
Horrible road conditions are causing tension amongst Nosara’s residents. So much so, there is a planned protest to block traffic in order to garner attention from the federal and the municipality governmental levels.
In this quick Nosara Podcast episode, Lucca Spendlingwimmer updates us about both the need for higher quality improvements in addition to immediate, necessary assistance from multiple levels of government.
He explains challenges we’re facing with quality of repairs, changing government administrations, in addition to potential help on the way as well as explaining items we should have patience on. The national news outlets are addressing this situation as well.
From Andres Gonzalez on public Facebook group Nosara Pavimento: “Copy this hash tag and share on all government pages!”
DrAmadorLaRuta160NosaraPorFavor
https://www.facebook.com/100038850027017/posts/683173876320940/?d=n
We’ll be back in with updates from the road committee soon.
When we had our first conversation with producer and writer Ivana Bajic, there was no question: She is fired up and has a big passion for the ‘Nature of Surf Woman’ project. We had to make sure she still left some energy for the actual recording, which turned out was no problem at all!
She and the team behind Nature of Surf Woman have been putting in their passion and diligence working towards a coffee table book and fine arts photography prints. They describe it themselves as follows: Nature of Surf women challenges the mainstream representation of female surfers by centering, rather than hiding, life’s imprints on the body. It brings a rare and powerful focus to the ways in which all female bodies exist in continual symbiosis with nature. And above all, it reveals the Nature of Surf Women: Athleticism, courage, camaraderie, and the peace and freedom of riding the waves.
For an impression of their work, please check out their website: https://natureofsurfwomen.com/ and we invite you to consider supporting them further and ordering via their recently launched kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/multirobot/nature-of-surf-women-coffee-table-book
Kyle Bombard moved to Nosara at 10 years of age. He attended local schools, learned Spanish and made lifelong friends while his family opened the Harbor Reef hotel and wildlife refuge. He holds nothing back in this episode and shares his feelings on a myriad of issues from the past, present, and future.
This one covers a ton of ground, and we hope you enjoy it!
Recently we connected with Miss Carrie (thanks to an introduction from Keri Dawn) to learn about the Nosara Playhouse school as well as their 2nd annual Flower Power Festival in Nosara this May 7th from 3-9PM.
Miss Carrie is filled with energy and producing something unique for children in Nosara. We hope you enjoy getting to know her, the Nosara Playhouse, and can make it to the Flower Power Festival.
Notes from the episode:
- We begin with Miss Carrie describing ‘Fun Friday’s’ and how the students go on a magical mystery tour each Friday
- Miss Carrie is a Montessori style teacher who owns Nosara Playhouse, a theater & art school
- 3 hours academics in mornings, 3 hours theater, singing and dancing
- School open now 2 years and growing quickly. Up to 43 students & growing organically
- Miss Carrie loves mini pigs
- Sold house in Colorado during COVID and came to live in a very basic house which renovated into school
- Peter Pan was one of the first productions
- Lots of new people coming into Nosara needing schools for their kids
- Miss Margaret the pig is the the school principal
- Kids will not learn until they feel safe
- The Flower Power festival happens the 7th
- Shout out to Keri Dawn for helping with this festival going to a new level
- Tons of activities very family friendly at the 2nd festival
- Nosaraplayhouse.com books tickets & to learn more
- Many talented children will be performing and sharing their skills
- A summer theater camp every summer is available to all students. July 11th is beginning this year and happens for 2 weeks
- She gets along great with other schools
- Theater is fantastic for kids with trauma, anxiety, etc
- Playhouse is old fashioned word for theater
Besides being fired up and a cancer survivor Eva Fakatselis is the current artist in residence at the old Harbor Reef. It is safe to say she has been through a ton. In this Nosara Podcast episode, she shares how art was a vital part of her recovery and how this works through in what she is working on today and tomorrow. Learn more about her work and life through this podcast and Eva is inviting everybody to stop by her exhibition ‘Spirit of Place’ from March 26th through April 2nd at the old Harbor Reef location which is now Campo and La Ventanita Nosara.
Alejandro Sauter is such an important and integral part of the Nosara Podcast! Outside of that he is up to a bunch of great many other things as well. Not in the last place on his most recent work with eq.surf.tv, which is now also culminating into his upcoming movie premiere. ‘The Nosara Sessions – Volume 1’ features some of the local surf scene here in the area. In this podcasts Ale shares his different passions for music, surfing, surf movies and much more, in addition to how he made his way from teacher to fulfilling his passion for said items through his most recent work as a videographer and editor. This has been culminating in a ton of Nosara Podcast episodes as well as his first Surf Movie and Ale would like to invite everyone to visit the premiere on March 27th at Selina Nosara.
We are eternally grateful for all the work Ale has been doing on the podcast and hope you will all consider supporting him in this and any future endeavors.
Wildlife Conservation Association (WCA) president Vanessa Bezy and Kelly Harris from Ridge to Reefs stopped by the Nosara Podcast studio to discuss the upcoming community event and explain more on their research to a potential solution for some of our septic systems. More on the subject of Wastewater will be covered and discussed during the upcoming community meeting on March 23th. For more details please see the poster here below.
Alejandro filled us in on developments around the Esperanza Project and how this connects into the recent event and Fundraiser for the James Initiative. This will be a yearly returning event for a fantastic and heartwarming cause.
Please check out the episode here below for more information and the website for donations, event info and the auction! Big thanks to everybody that participated on any level and we are wishing everybody much continued succes. https://www.thejamesinitiative.ca/
If you have been in or around Nosara in recent months, it is highly unlikely you have not seen or heard about Nosara Ocean Safety. They are up to great things and are building a community-empowered program to keep the Nosara beaches of Guiones and Pelada safe and fun for locals and visitors through prevention, education, and awareness.
Recently Ellen Bradley, Anne Skjøth, and Mariana Salas visited Rich in the studio to cover everything Nosara Ocean Safety. They share the NOS story about how it is striving to spin a tragic event at our beaches into a positive community outreach program.
The whole team is getting after it as you will hear in this episode. Ellen, Anne, and Mariana describe how NOS came to exist, what they have been up to todate, in addition to looking into the future for maintaining and expanding their programs. Hear it yourself from the Nosara Ocean Safety team here.
Make sure to visit their website: https://www.nosaraoceansafety.org/ and subscribe to their Social Media Channels for frequent updates as well as red tide and strong current alerts: https://www.facebook.com/NosaraOceanSafety & https://www.instagram.com/nosaraoceansafety/
Most recently we had one of the longest periods of red tide in the Nosara area that I have ever experienced here. On the Nosara Podcast we have been speaking about the water quality and different aspects of it for quite some time now (more episode included here below). With the red tide popping up and sticking around it was time to cover this part. Dr. Vanessa Bezy from the Wildlife Conservation Association (WCA Nosara) connected with us for a brief overview on the red tide situation. Please listen in to what she has to say if you want to learn more about this phenomenon.
To support the Vanessa and the WCA please visit https://www.wcanosara.org/ for more information.
Frequent guest and good friend Ryan Bombard stopped by to share his latest updates for the Bomberos Nosara. They are working on some interesting initiatives to keep progressing their operation.
A big shout out and thanks to everybody from the Bomberos for their tireless and continued support to the community. It is not an easy task they are doing and please consider getting get a tax-deductible donation to them through the Amigos de Costa Rica: https://www.amigosofcostarica.org/affiliates/asociacion-bomberos-de-nosara
Gnome Surf is doing fantastic things via surf therapy for their athletes. Listen in as Chris Antao explains what is happening.
Dr. Robert Edgeworth came back for a new recording. His last episode did a lot of good in regards to bringing attention to the water quality and what’s happening in the area. We recorded this update at the end of 2021 and Mr. Edgeworth has excellent updates for homeowners and anyone who cares about water quality in Nosara.
A big thanks to Robert and people like him to help get this place a little better. Nosara is growing and let’s do our best to take care of it.
Important Info and Links:
- Civil Engineer for Inspections: Carlos Vargas +506 8351 7880 – carlosvq@gmail.com
- WCA – Wildlife Conservation Association Program Page: CLICK HERE
- Wastewater Treatment Guide: CLICK HERE
- Self Assessment Quiz: CLICK HERE
- Link for Donations: CLICK HERE
Marcelina is the founder of Piña Surfboards and has lived in Nosara since 2008. We’re excited to share her story through this episode and we hope you enjoy it. She shares her journey from poor North Guiones surfer, to restaurant owner, into motherhood, and ultimately becoming the world’s first professional female wooden surfboard builder based right here in Nosara!
The water saga in Nosara (and all of Guanacaste) unfortunately continues… As a result, some local architects & their clients are preparing litigation hoping to bring attention to the current water permit situation.
It is a confusing situation for many residents and frequently debated in the community.
One local ASADA, led by the tireless Lili Adams, is trying their best to help everyone involved and answer questions. They strongly disagree with the message and opinions shared by Lucca and Evangelina in this episode.
Here is the most recent ASADA update: https://www.facebook.com/286568978085143/posts/6031081330300517/
Unfortunately, the current permitting situation is not within their control. The issue is the processing of many ASADA’s capacities through AyA. However, some are unaware this is an AyA level issue, not a decision of a local ASADA trying to block development.
This podcast was recorded in October. It’s now December and unfortunately this issue is ongoing.
The Nosara Podcast episodes are an opportunity for guests to say whatever they wish. The NP’s intention is simply to share what’s happening within the community. Please remember the opinions expressed by the guests are those of the guests and you’re welcome to contact them directly.
All community organizations are invited and we welcome all dialogue concerning Nosara community issues.
In this episode, Jan Krieger’s 9th grade students from Del Mar Academy reflect upon their recent Gender Summit. The categories researched were gender inequity in business, sports, entertainment, government, marriage, science and education.
They share their findings and key take away points in this Nosara Podcast.
We were behind with posting, this is a recording from the end of October, lots of updates since then and more to come soon!
The water situation is a topic of much debate around Nosara. In this NP episode, attorney Jose Arce updates us about:
- The legal situation surrounding the current moratorium on water permits
- Answers questions about when he feels this ban will end
- Addresses why this is happening and what is needed to solve it
- Touches upon if there is any evidence there naught be ulterior motives from certain groups or people to impede development causing this to occur.
We appreciate Jose coming on this episode to help explain what’s going on.
Nick Mcalpin joins Rich for this new episode of the Nosara Podcast to talk about wastewater, storm water and soil management. He explains the problems Nosara has with these three topics and the possible ways we can all start to contribute to the solution. He also shares his own way of living in his property which can inspire many of us to live life differently and in a more ecological way.
https://www.instagram.com/plain.surf/ (Nick's instagram where he posts a lot about his property and alternative ways of living) https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/ (a book Nick mentions) https://www.instagram.com/nosarapodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/NosaraPodcast
In this Nosara Podcast, Dr.Alejandro explains what your different options are when having an emergency situation in Nosara, and who to call (911, Bomberos, Paradise Medical). He also goes into the decision making behind choosing which hospital to go to depending on the type of emergency, and he takes Rich's brain injury as an example of how things might go.
Here are the most important numbers shown in this episode: 911 / Bomberos: 2682-4911 8709-0614 / Paradise Medical: 2682-1212 / Ambulance: 2100-1212
Aaron Zifkin is upfront and well spoken about basically everything and was a pleasure to speak with and get to know. He’s literally launched a company (Airbnb) in Canada & now is helping with Lyft which seems to be a popular company in some places. This post surf session conversation was eye opening and one of the more pleasurable episodes for me as I learned a great deal from Aaron.
So far as Nosara goes, Aaron is a fan of Nosara and in this Nosara Podcast episode he shares his personal and professional opinions about our area and we hope you enjoy it. Big shout out to long time friend Kai Sotto for connecting us.
The new NCA President Luis Pardo & ex President Kuki Araya stop in for an August 2021 update.
Here are my notes from this conversation:
- New NP studio & 1st new episode
- R jokes about K quitting NCA
- L introduction
- NCA staffing update
- What are L’s goals as President?
- Consequences and assumptions
- Nosara assumptions upon arrival
- What is K proud of and what are L’s biggest challenges?
- 1975 NCA bylaw reference
- The dump
- Fighting fake news
- What is L most scared about?
- Checking facts
- More activity with groups and governments
- R asks ‘How do you keep people like me who want to support the NCA but get mad about how you go about things?’
- Social media
- Roundtable event
- Community & communication
- Walking trails
- 25th of July importance to Guanacaste
- Ways for dialogue
- What’s happening with sidewalks?
- Bhodi & Harmony pathways shout out to Gary
- Gensler appreciation for helping
- Water issues
- WCA
- New people in Nosara
- R complains about complaining
- NCA not police
- L’s thoughts on social media comments
- R complements L for going to roundtable
- New projects including dump closure process
- High season update with L where R asks the tougher questions
- Regulatory plan
- Wastewater treatment long term goal
- R jokes about winning regulatory plan bet with K & Josue from Nicoya
- L & K thank R
- R thanks L for roundtable
Mary believes English lessons for local Ticos can improve their income and livelihood. This short episode explains what, why, how she is doing it.
Rachael McCrary is back as a guest on the Nosara Podcast. She shares great deal of insight on entrepreneurship and we hope you enjoy hearing from this fireball of ingenuity and and energy.
In this Nosara Podcast, Dr. Alvaro Salas-Castro, Dr. Tina Nabatchi, & Dr. Christian Freitag invite ALL Nosara residents to participate in an important survey.
They explain there are 3 phases to this project. Phase 1 is now complete, Phase 2 is this survey (see below links to participate & instructions), and Phase 3 is the July 29th round table event, when all of Nosara’s collected information will be shared.
They are requesting as much participation as possible from all demographics and want people to know their opinions and concerns are included and important. Their goal is to share collective information in a manner promoting unification and dialogue thus providing an opportunity to progress.
Queremos participación con todos en la comunidad!!! Inglés o español todo bien.
This was carefully written understanding there are multiple steps and it might be confusing for some.
Its in English and/or Spanish.
SURVEY ESPANOL
http://tinyurl.com/nosara-estudio
SURVEY ENGLISH
https://tinyurl.com/nosara-study
What’s happening is truly unique and an opportunity for our community to unite for a greater cause no matter our background or financial status. Participation will make a difference.
Two important tools to help fill out the survey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdXwIXejzZ0&feature=emb_logo
FAQ (Ingles)
https://tinyurl.com/94a9js4x
In this Nosara Podcast episode, Dr. Edgeworth explains the ocean water pollution situation in Playa Guiones and Rio Nosara areas plus calls residents, in particular homeowners and businesses, to support a cleaner Nosara based upon the data from their water collection study.
He explains Dr. Vanessa Bezy’s efforts on this project, how it is funded, and shares some of his personal opinions about leadership in our area. Robert states: “It’s a big responsibility to apply government power against people’s property rights… So if you want to do that, at least do it well.”
In this Nosara Podcast, Dr. Alvaro Salas quickly addresses the hotbed of contention surrounding the building regulations and announces he is bringing some top level scientists in his field to Nosara on July 29th event to help us address much more than just the building regulations.
Big thanks to everyone participating in the study and those helping make this event happen. It looks like El Local & The Gardens is the location for the event.
In this Nosara Podcast episode Jessica Sheffield updates us about Guardians of Nature and shares her vision of increasing eco literacy throughout Latin America and beyond. The program is working already in Nosara and quickly expanding in Latin America and beyond.
Here’s my notes:
- Intro… GoN ‘Mom’ and DMA cofounder
- Nosara is an innovation lab for public schools
- Importance of trajectories
- Trees in CR almost all gone by the 1980’s yet CR changed trajectory and is now inventor of ecotourism (will put in map photos)
- DMA was not intended to ever be an island
- Local schools in Nosara having impact and ripple effect
- Step by step… Not 1 huge one
- Covid, floods, strikes, etc. Really hurt kids
- Enriching English very important
- How can people get involved?
- Can donate time, financially, or preferably both
- Could Nosara’s public school be model for the world?
- Faith, hope, and strategy can change anything
- Local businesses adopted local schools and now composting, recycling, English enrichment, etc.
- Bram recommendation of book Rocket Man
- GoN using bottom up approach, not top down
- Working with government much better in accomplishing greater reach
- Check site also 501c3 available via Amigos site
Gabby & Ru stop by the Nosara Podcast studio to share all kinds of things plus what’s happening at Surf Simply and their kids club.
*This was recorded pre covid and we’ll get a 2021 update for everyone hopefully soon.
Singer songwriter MishCatt stopped by the studio to share her story about her journey from Costa Rica to Europe then ultimately to Los Angeles pursuing her career at higher levels and played a song or 2 with us.
Nicole Quesada Gurdian covers:
A literal translation of most recent changes to March 2nd, 2021 updated resolution.
Importance of travel insurance and where to send
Misinformation on the internet
Staying until June 2nd… What does this mean?
Why is your drivers license important?
Immigration and residency appointments
Lots of confusion with MOPT and residency
Why not to file residency?
What should you do if not sure?
Free residency guideline
Synopsis of current situation
Mary Smathers is an author and active community member who shares her background and recent book launch, provides tennis info and updates, explains how new people can and should get involved in the community right away, what her Nosara likes and dislikes are and updates on Ostional’s recent growth increase.
*Stay tuned to my YouTube channel for several brief segments with Mary by subjects
Here’s notes from this 16 minute version with Mary:
Appreciates me providing info from somewhere besides social media
I complain about social media not actually advancing our issues.
Mary used to write for La Voz for years when it’s focus was on Nosara. In recent years she’s been working on her novels and her 2nd novel is now released.
Mary’s new book background
Bio info, where her stories originate from, fascination with California history, the story or journey behind the main characters
Tennis brief history and Nosara Tennis Club and most recent tennis tournament.
Shout out to 94 year old Ed Kornbluth and the kids… Lots of friends available from all kinds of various areas in the world and good people to know and ways to learn the community
Mary wants new people to get involved and meet people and interact. Tennis club, Biblioteca, Bomberos, wildlife refuges, etc. Get involved!
Beverly Kitson reference and library history and what library is doing today. Over 25 years with private funds, over 15,000 books in many languages, how library is community center, etc.
Ostional-Guiones seems different worlds. No big growth in Ostional but that’s starting to change. Osti struggles with jobs and that part Of growing is good to help locals. New houses and progress in developments near where she lives.
I ask favorite and least favorite things about Nosara. Pros: Community closeness in helping, amazing restaurants. Negatives: Growth is uncontrolled, safety in traffic, not living pura vida way.
Not leaving Nosara loves writing here and living in other home too.
Dr. Alvaro Salas Castro is a behavioral scientist living and studying in Nosara. In this Nosara Podcast episode, he explains what he has learned so far and provides much insight into the challenges Nosara is facing and significant advantages of Nosara compared to other towns.
He explains how federal and local governments and the community organizations all often work separately in different directions and he believes Nosara has the opportunity to become the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Latin America. He thinks closing the beaches is ‘stupid’ and holds nothing back on his opinions.
There’s too much for one episode so we’ll break it up into parts plus Dr. Salas will be coming back each month for a while. It’s great having him here and we’ll get out more and more from him for you to see what he’s finding out about our community.
Here’s my notes from Part 1 with Dr. Alvaro:
- What are our biggest challenges?
- Difference in locals including nationally and internationally
- Different region investors and local culture
- 3 layers of misinformation and communication. federal government & local government and community organizations often separately active
- Potential of Nosara
- Is communication between Nosara and Nicoya and San Jose historically distant?
- Unique blend of people here who care about the environment, lots of different people from different countries
- People in Nosara really care. They don’t talk to government but do care about health, nature,
- Accumulating good decisions is behavioral economics
- benefits of here; turtles, fishing, surfing, local and international airports close, etc.
- A new tamarindo in the negative way of saying that
- Don’t lose the magic
- Keeping Nosara Weird (shout out to Carl Wells)
- Statistically crime is lower in Nosara than other towns Mal País Santa Teresa
- Education system in Nosara incredible. Teachers from other countries are incredible educators and the ones coming to Nosara are differentiated from others
- 5% of GDP is to education
- affordable access to quality vegetables and greens and much exercise
- He believes Nosara has potential to be silicon valley of Latin America
- Previously was General Coordinator of task force to mitigate Covid 19 reporting to the President of the Social Security Roman Macaya
- Business vs protection
- Tension between cabinet members
- What are other countries doing?
- Closing beaches is stupid. He’s a scientist and there’s poor judgment happening
- Erratic policies
- unrest and famine are possibilities
- Local leaders are exciting him. Communities that are healthy organize themselves.
- What issues need government intervention?
- How do we bridge the gap between the foreigners and the locals?
- Coming back each month for his research updates
President Kuki from the NCA tells us what was good about 2020, what she is proud of about, status updates on the Refuge, the dump, the building regulations, upcoming meeting & board changes, work shops and more and I ask if NCA can transition into virtual meetings so more people may participate.
I hope you enjoy hearing from Kuki!
Chris Antao is a man on a mission… And it’s a great one. Gnome Surf is already doing amazing things in the US and they are close to getting started in Nosara. Gnome Surf is a 501c3 which focuses on children with autism, down syndrome, ADHD, depression and anxiety to help their happiness and self confidence.
Gnome Surf is is part of the International Surf Therapy Organization and is gaining popularity quickly due to their 100% success rate in improving the lives of their athletes. Celebrities such as former professional quarterback Doug Flutie (yes, that Doug Flutie) as well as larger organizations are starting to support Gnome Surf and Chris plans to keep this momentum rolling right into Nosara in 2021.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Chris.
In this episode of the Nosara Podcast, Vicki Coan from SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary updates us about the following:
– Volunteer update & transitions
– Change in direction, working more-so in conjunction with other organizations
– Specific message
– Heartbreak about trees coming down due to continued development
– Importance of insulated power lines
– Please do not let your dogs roam free they are terrorizing the local wildlife
– What we need to survive
En este Nosara Podcast, Walter Zamora comparte su transición a una carrera como artista profesional de artes marciales mixtas, la historia de Burro nombre, cómo está disfrutando el área de Nosara y lo que significa su próxima pelea en Abu Dhabi en UAE Warriors el 15 de Enero para los luchadores de Latín America.
In this Nosara Podcast Walter Zamora shares his transition into a career as a professional mixed martial artist, the story behind his nickname, how he is enjoying the Nosara area and what his upcoming fight in Abu Dhabi at UAE Warriors on January 15th means to fighters from Latin America. Subtitles available in English on Youtube.
*Nosara Times is posting detailed article courtesy of Zacc Pollitt and Mr. Robert Edgeworth… Stay tuned!
Here are notes of the 11 minute Dr. Vanessa Bezy episode explaining conclusive results of an ongoing water study:
- Introduction
- Wildlife Conservation Association
- Brown foamy stuff: Is it algae bloom, tannic water, sewage including fecal matter?
- How does it feel to be the person to confirm fecal matter is in the water to the community?
- Some things are unpleasant, but important
- Which beach area is hit the hardest?
- swimguide.org has all 3 results WCA Nosara plus follow WCAnosara on Facebook & Instagram
- How long have you been testing the water?
- What time of year is worse?
- What can homeowners do? How to check wastewater treatment tanks
- Older homes vs new homes
- Special contained wastewater treatment systems is becoming affordable
- Is this situation solvable, or is it eco disaster?
- So is this good news or bad news overall?
- Thanks to Dr. Vanessa and Robert Edgeworth
- Costs involved to operate
- Need donations to operate
- Does Dr. V view our area better than other areas in Costa Rica?
- Dr. V’s missing podcast from years ago apology
- Conclusion
Rachael McCrary is co-owner of a laboratory based in the US and she wants to help bring her company’s covid testing kits here to help out Nosara as well as other communities in Costa Rica.
In this episode she explains her goals for her company’s test kits, she recaps her visit to the Nosara community testing event, she shares her thoughts about traveling and being in Nosara and discusses differences between life in an urban area vs. Nosara and she shares her personal story and goals.
Her story is an interesting one and I hope you enjoy hearing how Rachael has transitioned from an enterprising teenager raised on the east coast to an entrepreneurial adult who invents and produces products and ideas and frequently appearing on TV shows such as Shark Tank and others to represent her brands.
Katie Mallard details her Nosara Coronavirus experience from beginning to end in this 15 minute episode of the Nosara Podcast.
I’m probably going to write an article for the Nosara Times soon about this. Let me know if there are any questions or specific items you may want addressed not included in this 15 minute episode?
Los subtítulos estarán disponibles en el próximo día más o menos.
If you’re familiar with Nosara you already know how challenging our roads can be and the myriad of false promises in years past about fixing Ruta 160, our main road. There is often talk about it being paved but the work never happens (see previous podcasts if you want to know full story).
We were promised road work would resume in August… But it is September already and nobody seems to be working on the road (except volunteers).
Fortunately, Lucca Spendlingwimmer from the Ruta 160 returned to the Nosara Podcast to share updates with us.
“Nosara can become a place to live now… Not just a tourist destination” – Ethel ‘Kuki’ Araya
In this 10 minute video podcast episode, NCA’s soon to be outgoing President Kuki shares updates on a myriad of community items.
Times are tough these days for Nosara’s restaurants. Coronavirus drastically reduced tourism and making it to high season is proving difficult, if not impossible, for multiple locations.
Michael Streda from Beach Dog Cafe feels the restaurants helped shape the Nosara experience and are an important part of the community. However, his restaurant is struggling to remain open and he is starting a GoFundMe as an attempt to save his employees’ jobs.
In this episode, Mike shares his thoughts how Nosara is ‘on the cusp of turning into franchises like Subway and hotel based restaurants and losing part of what makes us special’ along with explaining his personal situation.
Here’s a link to his GoFundMe: https://gf.me/u/yrmkbi
Donate $50-$100 for a free lunch… Over $100 gets free T-shirt
***Personally, I agree with some of Mike’s statements in the video. So restaurant owners please feel free to reach out to me if you need some help. I am putting together an article for the Nosara Times soon and happy to include info for those working hard to make it. We can do quick podcast episodes too if you want to share your personal story.
Dr. Alejandro is back on the Nosara Podcast with mid July COVID updates and advice for residents of the Nosara area.
In this episode we discuss:
- Significant COVID testing increases (including Nicoya)
- Changes to our beach access
- Challenges with epidemiological nexus
- Total deaths
- Nicaragua
- 2 more Nosara cases confirmed (in addition to Barco Quebrado)
- Throwing of rocks at house of COVID patients
- The crack down on crowded houses in Nicoya and Nosara
- Be economical with expenses due to uncertain future
- We are 2 weeks behind
- Airports and August 1st plans for reopening
- Mandatory masks and consistent hygiene measures
- LIMIT YOUR NEWS INTAKE
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Vaccine timing and ongoing trials
- Schools reopening
- Constant changes and ups and downs
- Construction crews
- Blood tests, vitamins and supplements
- What is Dr. Alejandro doing for fun?
- Are COVID tests available to the public?
*The Spanish version will be posted this weekend. La versión en español se publicará este fin de semana.
Julian Hoeing is successful by most anyone’s definition. He’s got a beautiful family and his professional resume includes designing for Lamborghini and Audi as well as Apple. However, Julian essentially walked away all of this to design surfboards and surf.
For those who may be unaware… It is extremely difficult to make money in surfboards. The margins are small, and there is a huge amount of competition. Regardless, this Austrian born designer and engineer who grew up skiing and snowboarding decided it was time for a change towards all things surf.This podcast is one of my favorites in a while. I literally met Julian when we sat down for this episode and ended up making a new friend. He’s super funny (certainly by engineer standards anyway) and we covered all kinds of things.
We discuss surfboard design and go through a couple of his newer models, the time Kelly Slater reviewed his boards and shared some of his own, favorite waves and boards, some Nosara stuff, wave pools, and I ramble about how most everyone is riding the wrong equipment and tease Julian about yoga. But the main takeaway in this episode for me is how Julian left the definition of what most people call ‘success’ behind to live his life more based around what he really wants to do, which is all things surf.
PS – Many thanks to Denisse Lashley for introducing me to Julian and setting this up!
This episode of the Nosara Podcast is an update from Dr. Alejandro about the arrival of COVID 19 to the Nosara area. In 25 minutes he details our current situation and provides suggestions and insights.
- Recent visit to Ministerio de Salud
- Various rumors and speculation
- 2 cases in Barco Quebrado
- What is your social bubble?
- 2nd wave has started as evidenced by the increase of cases
- Areas with big spikes are on ‘Orange Alert’
- What is Phase 4 and how can we avoid it?
- Is COVID already inside Nosara or just extremely close?
- It is up to us whether to spread this around Nosara or contain it
- Health Ministry is doing a good job tracking the Nexus
- Stay away from groups and verify hygiene measures if around one.
- People not telling the truth is one of the main problems health officials are facing
- There’s a reason for all of the repetition on health protocols… Now is the time Nosara should focus.
- Phase 4 is ‘economic doom’
- People on the beach need to use beach properly
- Volunteers to help educate are needed if we want to keep the beaches open
- Vaccine still in the works
- Be kind towards others who are sick and don’t spread or encourage rumors on social media
- COVID arrival to Nosara not a surprise
- Are the beaches to blame?
- CR overall doing well
- Other sicknesses are causing confusion
- 1500+dengue cases already
- The ‘new normal’
- Herd immunity still not happening
I had a great time speaking with Henry from El Local and I’m happy to share his episode. This was our first time speaking at length outside of El Local, the restaurant he manages, and it was fun getting to know him. Initially, I didn’t know how much he likes to laugh and joke around.
However, we share lots of laughs throughout this 60 minute episode as Henry shares his background and journey to Nosara, how he brought El Local to the upper tier of Nosara restaurants, what challenges him the most and what drives him to succeed, his daughter, some Nosara ups and downs, his take on aliens, what his favorite restaurants are and a bunch more. I hope you enjoy Henry’s Nosara Podcast!
In this Nosara Podcast episode, Nicole Quesada Gurdian shares her journey to Nosara, why she opened her legal practice here, Nosara likes and dislikes, her 3 favorite restaurants, her family’s extensive background, her friend’s alien experience, why she created her residency guide, plus much more.
She’s excited to be living, and building her business, in Nosara and I hope you enjoy getting to know her in this episode.
In this discussion I ask Dr. Alejandro from Paradise Medical Services the following 10 questions:
- Are there any confirmed cases in Nosara or Samara?
- What are the National updates about how quickly cases are spreading across the country and what is your predictions about next week(s) and months?
- What differences do you see week to week? As in what changed from last week to this week and what are you expecting next week?
- When do you think we will have a COVID-19 case here in Nosara or do we probably have it here already?
- What is your opinion about social media during this? There’s lots of information and advice shooting around out there…
- What should people be doing proactively? What foods, vitamins, injections, etc.?
- When should someone contact a Doctor if they or a loved one are experiencing symptoms?
- What is your advice for people who have to go to work or go broke?
- Is group immunity the tactic CR plans to use? What are the recontamination risks once people get back on the streets?
- What misconceptions about all of this would you like to address while you have this platform? These are very strange times. Many thanks to everybody following the guidelines of staying off the beach and staying at home and practicing social distancing. Hopefully doctors and other health care professionals will conduct telemedicine in order to provide the highest level of safety for everyone. Some practitioners have started this already as you heard Dr. Alejandro’s explain.
Today, April 20th is Jeff Grosshandler’s birthday. This means Jeff turns 40 on 4-20, the 4th month of the year April 2020. Seems pretty funny to me. So I figured we may as well release this episode at 4:20pm EST.
In this 40 minute Nosara Podcast, Jeff Grosshandler discusses COVID-19 Nosara today and the future, why Nosara at the moment is like being in a time machine, he shares insights (ex: Don’t make long term decisions based on short term circumstances), advises everyone to take advantage of these moments, and explains how he is happy about an incoming chamber of commerce for Nosara plus much more in this podcast.
Jeff is often a guest on the Nosara Podcast and one of the few people who are willing to speak on camera about controversial topics. Even when we disagree I always appreciate hearing his take on things.
I enjoyed this episode because it was positive and empowering and his vibe was about a community fully working together, friend and foe alike.
Denisse Lashley brings energy, positivity and motivation in this episode of the Nosara Podcast. Denisse is the author of Clean Food For Clean People and is constantly making the most of these times of isolation and encouraging others to do the same. She enjoys preparing food for others and is passionate about health and wellness.
In this episode, Attorney Carlos Araya speaks his mind on what Costa Rica is doing about the COVID-19 crisis and how he thinks things will play out both in Nosara and throughout the country.
My favorite quote from this episode is when he explains how his mind is blown by the Coronavirus situation as much or more than when the original Jane’s Addiction album was released.
*This was recorded just before Semana Santa started
Normally, Spacialle Novak’s life is extremely busy overseeing The Gardens Hotel and helping with the increasingly popular restaurant El Local in addition to her family’s business making delicious chocolates and coffee. However, COVID-19 is changing things and in this Nosara Podcast episode she shares how she is undergoing this massive transition both professionally and personally.
Lily Walter from Hot Tamale is a fun person to be around and talk to. I thought it would be great to hear her insights about these strange times on the Nosara Podcast.
She’s super helpful in the community and once things get better we will have her in the studio for a full episode. In the meantime I hope you enjoy hearing from her.
In this episode, Mr. Robert Vickers from Olo Alaia explains what life in Nosara is like right now from both business and personal perspectives plus makes a bet with Rich about when the beaches are reopening.
In this brief episode Diego Cruz shares his thoughts on the entire situation going on right now in Nosara.
There is a great deal of urgency these days generating attention towards the Nosara Food Bank resulting from the COVID-19 situation. With the significant loss of jobs and income, many are predicting a food crisis. However, the NFB is working overtime right now trying to avoid this from happening and they are asking for your support.
Jill Ryan and Joellen Hughes (from El Chivo) appeared on the Nosara Podcast to explain what is happening with the NFB and how El Chivo is sponsoring a hot meal option until a wide scale distribution begins to qualified candidates.
NFB Co-Director Jo Ellen Nott was unavailable for the podcast but she did emphasize the need for further donations and how the the NFB is preparing a wide scale distribution of essentials to qualified candidates launching this month.
The link for donations: https://www.classy.org/campaign/nosara-covid-19-emergency-fund/c278420
Or if you prefer you can make a direct bank transfer to their dollar checking account at Banco de Costa Rica:
Asociacion Banco de Alimentos de Nosara CR 46015201001037294430 (IBAN) Cedula 3-002-719816
However, in the meantime El Chivo is offering a sponsorship program of a hot, hearty portion meal which could be a large meal for 1 person, mixed for 2 persons or mixed in with other items to feed a family.
$11 dollars at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sponser-a-meal-in-nosara?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
In addition, others in immediate need may call 2682-1073 to qualify for immediate food needs.
For those who want to physically make a donation, Jo and Agnes of Villa Mango are available from 10am to 2pm Monday – Friday. The main items needed are:
- Bags of beans
- Bags of rice
- Oil
- Sugar
- Pastas
- Coffee
- Corn meal
- Feminine hygiene products
In this episode of the Nosara Podcast, Nice Alterman addresses the Nosara Civic Association’s priority updates for the community and explains how and why the NCA is making progress, even during these strange times. She covers a wide variety of information about the NCA’s most pressing issues and what they are doing to help the community further.
There’s a great deal of confusion happening right now in Costa Rica and throughout the world. The primary concern of course should be immediate health concerns about COVID-19. Fortunately, in Costa Rica they are taking significant action by closing borders, limiting driving times, asking everyone to stay home and at minimum practice social distancing, etc… However, both employers and employees are in a very challenging situation by staying home and not working.
So what is the Costa Rican government doing to help employers and employees in dealing with this strange predicament?
I invited Jose Arce and Roberto Castillo Pacheco from Sfera Legal to help us understand what is currently happening and what the updates are. Many thanks to them for providing this information.
I will continue to be speaking with various legal representatives as this situation unfolds so stay tuned to the Nosara Times for further updates as this situation is constantly changing.
In this discussion I ask Dr. Alejandro from Paradise Medical Services the following 10 questions:
- Are there any confirmed cases in Nosara or Samara?
- What are the National updates about how quickly cases are spreading across the country and what is your predictions about next week(s) and months?
- What differences do you see week to week? As in what changed from last week to this week and what are you expecting next week?
- When do you think we will have a COVID-19 case here in Nosara or do we probably have it here already?
- What is your opinion about social media during this? There’s lots of information and advice shooting around out there…
- What should people be doing proactively? What foods, vitamins, injections, etc.?
- When should someone contact a Doctor if they or a loved one are experiencing symptoms?
- What is your advice for people who have to go to work or go broke?
- Is group immunity the tactic CR plans to use? What are the recontamination risks once people get back on the streets?
- What misconceptions about all of this would you like to address while you have this platform?
These are very strange times. Many thanks to everybody following the guidelines of staying off the beach and staying at home and practicing social distancing. Hopefully doctors and other health care professionals will conduct telemedicine in order to provide the highest level of safety for everyone. Some practitioners have started this already as you heard Dr. Alejandro’s explain.
Over the past week we learned a great deal more about COVID – 19 and how it is starting to affect Nosara’s residents and guests. In this updated episode, Dr. Chore Jimenez provides some very clear messages to Nosara residents and current visitors and a great deal of information. He discusses being out in public, the importance of self isolation, hygiene, what makes this virus different from others and why it is not like the ‘common cold or flu,’ who to call if you think you may have COVID – 19, what people who need income from March and April should do, how we should greet one another going forward, plus much more.
Dr. Chore is predicting an outbreak of some sort in Nosara and is adamant residents need to take the right steps to counteract the potential spread of this virus. He consistently reminds us this virus spreads without people even realizing they are carrying it and to not treat this like the ‘common flu’ or ‘gripe’ as we call it here. There are reports the first death in Costa Rica occurred and most professionals are predicting more and doing their best to avoid significant loss by taking the proper precautions.
Here is Dr. Chore’s synopsis: Stay home, stop going out, when you shop please do so responsibly by acquiring 14 days of food and only one family member visiting the store, please stop shaking hands, fist bumping, kissing, etc. and simply wave at someone hello or goodbye. If you show symptoms please stay home and only go to hospital if there is an extreme situation as it is far more dangerous to visit clinics or the hospital and Costa Rica does not have the resources for too many people to crowd the facilities. Call the # 1322 govenment number or Paradise Medical if you suspect a case of COVID – 19. But again, know the best situation is to stay home and do not spread this virus. Prevention is our only solution at the moment. If you must go out in public please maintain space and use proper hygiene as repeatedly suggested.
We discuss when, and when not, to panic. Follow his recommendations in this video and make sure not to treat this as a ‘doomsday situation’ per se. Dr. Chore approves of the current governmental measures and wishes they would have been implemented sooner. We discuss how restaurants are limiting capacity, bars, casinos, schools, universities and even the country’s borders are closing, and he is hopeful these measures will be of assistance.
One of his major points in staying home unless complete emergency is Costa Rica does not have the resources to handle all of the potential patients. The main solution is bringing down the chances of the virus spreading further so stay put if at all possible.
Over the past couple of days we’ve been receiving lots of information and questions about the Coronavirus in particular for Nosara. So Dr. Alejandro from Paradise Medical Services stopped by the Nosara Podcast to give us updates.
I hope you find this information useful and encourage anyone to contact Paradise Medical for any and all Coronavirus specific related questions.
Furthermore, please remember this is a highly controversial topic with wild claims being made by many. Much information is circulating throughout world news yet it seems this will be an ongoing situation and only time will prove world impact. However, almost everyone agrees it is in the best prevention interests of people to avoid large groups and maintain excellent hygiene practices.
In Adrian Suarez’s Nosara Podcast episode he shares a great deal about his life story and journey to where he is today.
It is safe to say he’s living an interesting life… He owns Agua Tibia, a popular surf school in Playa Guiones, and is growing as an entrepreneur and father.
In this episode he describes his relocations and how he’s transitioned multiple positions into where he is today. He describes his initial jobs here, learning English, and much more including the crowds in the water, his favorite waves in Costa Rica, his Nosara likes and dislikes, and his 3 favorite Nosara restaurants.
He’s traveling a bunch and also setting long term goals for he and his clients.
Some of my favorite parts from his episode is when he describes selling pineapples out of a wheelbarrow at 6 years old and his quote on what would happen to people in Guiones if the surf went flat for a month.
Here is a 7 minute conversation with Josué Ruiz Guerrero with updates about Nosara’s Temporary Building Regulations, the Plan Regulador as well as some additional information.
Josué affirms in this conversation he feels the Temporary Building Regulations are proceeding in a proper, legal manner and there are only a couple of parties strongly resisting the changes in the most recent meetings. My reason for asking Josué this question is because the Temporary Building Regulations were initially met with significant controversy. However, it appears his opinion this matter is processing in a smooth matter.
In the second part of the conversation Josué expresses his disappointment with the turnout for the last public meeting about the Plan Regulador and explains his goals to have the meetings at different times so people who are working can make it to the meetings.
In this Nosara Podcast episode, Zacc explains a great deal of his history and current life while sharing some hilarious stories. Zacc’s been through a massive amount of change in the past 8 years but overall he’s still the same person. My favorite story of his is the one about the stars… But you can decide for yourself. I hope you enjoy this episode from my friend Zacc!
Please enjoy hearing local savant Donald Loria share his story and explain his opinions about Nosara’s Temporary Building Regulations, what setbacks are in Nosara, his Nosara likes and dislikes, his 3 favorite Nosara restaurants, and much more.
Los invito a escuchar A Donal Loria, gran conocedor de la zona sobre el reglamento de Construccion Temporal de Nosara, Dará breve explicación y opinion sobre contratiempos , gustos y disgustos de Nosara, Asi como hará mención de sus tres restaurantes favoritos en el área y mucho más.
Beverly Kitson is a legendary figure in Nosara everyone should know about. Over the past 50 years, she has seen Nosara form into what it is today.
In addition, as a founder of the Biblioteca David Kitson she has for many years helped the local Tico populace arguably as much as anyone ever has in this area.
The Biblioteca is named after Beverly’s late husband David Kitson. It continues to produce an amazing amount of good for the Nosara community.It is a privilege to share her Nosara Podcast episode and I’m excited for people to hear her story. In this episode, you are going to hear about and see some pictures of a Nosara from a long time ago.
I want to thank Beverly Kitson for sharing some pictures from her amazing slide show of Nosara’s history as well as the Nosara Civic Association for their historical photos which can be seen in this episode.
Isis Mejía is a longtime family friend, coach to my kids, and a popular, positive person known as a successful karate coach, and physical therapist (she is the owner and operator of Nosara Bodywork).
Since moving to Nosara she has developed a championship karate team, created a significant following in her physical therapist business, and enjoys serving at Nosara Animal Care.
Professionally: She has navigated positions peacefully in a very small town having worked at the Harmony Hotel, Del Mar Academy, and now Nosara Bodywork in addition to operating her successful Nosara Karate Academy.
Personally: In this episode, Isis explains: Her secret to marriage, apologizes for her 2 beagle dogs who constantly break out, how she is a black belt in karate with a father who fought Chuck Norris (true story), really dislikes Chepeños (people from San Jose) even though she herself is from San Jose, and this is just the beginning…
Over the years I have noticed few people know the many different versions of Isis. They only know one or 2… So my goal in this Nosara Podcast episode was for Isis to show her true opinions and emotions; which she definitely did. She’s really funny and very upfront in her podcast…For certain this is one of my favorite episodes and I hope you enjoy getting to know Isis!
Asdrúbal Gómez quiere ser alcalde de Nicoya y está pidiendo apoyo. En este episodio de Nosara Podcast, responde preguntas y comparte su mensaje. Esperamos que disfrutes conociendo a Asdrúbal!
Asdrúbal Gómez wants to be Mayor of Nicoya and is asking for support. In this episode of the Nosara Podcast he answers questions and shares his message. We hope you enjoy meeting Asdrúbal!
Lindsay from Alive + Awake is a firecracker of a human being… This fired up mother of 4 explains how although she tasted corporate success very early in her professional life, she yearned for something more.
As she explains in this episode, she is well rounded due to living a couple of different versions of life. Initially she was a hotshot, up and coming professional, then went through a bit of a transformation into a deeper side of finding her purpose, including being a mother, then ultimately running her own business and retreat systems guiding higher-end clients who want to improve their lives and relationships in addition to corporate success…
There is a great deal of energy radiating from this woman and one episode is not enough to contain everything she has to say. She speaks from her heart and I enjoy listening to her and even arguing with her a bit when I start making fun of life coaches and all the ‘hippy’ stuff and saying she is great at sales which she adamantly denies…
Regardless, I can testify Lindsay is the ‘real deal’ and I do have mad respect for her and look forward to speaking with her again in the future. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy hearing from Lindsay in this episode.
In this Nosara Podcast episode Kuki Araya details a solid update of the Nosara Civic Association and explains how 2019 was a challenging, yet productive, year for her and the organization she leads. Kuki explains the main focus points for the NCA in 2020 and provides clarification on the NCA’s 3 main focus areas.
**The Nosara Civic Association’s Annual Meeting is January 28th at 8:30am. The NCA wants you to get involved so please save the date and learn more of what the NCA is planning for 2020.
After years of empty promises and significant delays, it seems there may be hope for the often troubled Ruta 160 improvements. However, there is some confusion amongst Nosara’s residents about what is actually happening.
In this Nosara Podcast episode, Lucca explains how Costa Rica’s First Lady, Claudia Dobles Camargo, is helping Nosara’s Ruta 160 to remain a focus point and it seems to be helping.
Many residents were under the impression the asphalt itself is going down now… According to Lucca, this is incorrect. Lucca clarifies how a sealant to mitigate dust is the next step which is beginning now and asphalt is supposed to come later after a complicated bidding process.
However, Lucca explains upcoming challenges including an extremely concerning 18 month period between the timing of the sealant and the proposed asphalt. He advises all concerned residents to be prepared to take action on social media in particular if the need arises.
Nosara residents are being invited to Blue Spirit this high season for some extra special guest seminars which Blue Spirit Owner Stephan Rechtschaffen feels are worth taking advantage of. Blue Spirit begins these seminars on Thursday, January 9th with Christiana Figueres and Roshi Joan Halifax speaking at a special event starting at 7:30pm. The general public is invited to this event as well as others which are scheduled in 2020.
Figueres was appointed Executive Secretary of the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2010 and has worked over 35 years as a Costa Rican diplomat. Halifax is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, well-known author, and specialist in end of life care.
In this podcast, Stephan details his story, many opinions on Nosara, and announces this exciting kickoff to an impressive lineup of speakers which he hopes brings Blue Spirit guests and Nosara residents together towards a common cause.
Nosara is an amazing place visitors come to make memories for many different reasons. We all already know about the beauty, the nature, the surf, the health and wellness culture, etc.
However, I am wondering what residents feel is their biggest memory of 2019 for Nosara? So I hit the main street of Guiones, on the last day of 2019, to find out from some local residents what their biggest memory of 2019 is?
I expected to hear about both the Ruta 160 saga and Temporary Building Regulations; but I ended up hearing more personalized responses from some people. Hopefully you enjoy this quick video of people sharing their biggest Nosara memory about 2019 as we move into 2020.
I’m pretty excited about this episode. Reason being, Santiago Milè stopped by the studio to share his personal story and journey to Nosara. If you don’t already know him, Santiago works at Olo Alaia and is greatly respected as a barista and an artist… But like many artists, he is seldom understood. Santiago seems like a very serious guy, and he has a very good reason: Santiago is focused on his craft and creating a unique, quality experience for every guest he serves. He’s dedicating his life to this and feels providing a quality experience for every guest is far more important than idle chit chat.
In one this one hour episode Santiago shares how his life started around coffee and how he developed his skill set, how he has been visiting Nosara since childhood, his thoughts about Nosara’s growth pattern, his likes and dislikes of our community, being an artist and barista, and much more.
We hope you enjoy this episode and getting to know Santiago!
Regular listeners of the Nosara Podcast know I ask every new Nosara Podcast guest what their 3 favorite restaurants are, and what they like to order…
Well, the first season of the Nosara Podcast is finalized and this episode is my Christmas and 2020 New Years present to both Nosara residents and people visiting Nosara.
Please enjoy hearing Nosara’s most interesting and influential people explaining their Top 3 favorite restaurants and what they like to order there.
My opinion is this episode is far more valuable than Trip Advisor or other internet banter as everyone in this episode is a Nosara local and qualified to speak with far more authority than a tourist just passing through.
This episode of the Nosara Podcast features the Nosara Performing Arts Academy (NPAA) owners, Adrienne Fittzmaurice and Hayley MacMillan Ord. They stopped in the studio to explain what the NPAA program is all about.
The NPAA is officially open and well on their way to bringing cultures together teaching classes through the arts.
It is exciting to hear what’s happening and hopefully we as a community can help more children get involved in art programs.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
This is the short version of Kuki’s most recent episode on the Nosara Podcast with Rich Burnam. The full version will be out soon addressing each 3 of the NCA’s focus areas. However, this 6 minute overview focuses mainly on the controversial proposed Temporary Building Regulations.
Items of interest: Rich asks Kuki about the Plan Regulador and pressures her about the timeframe. Rich reminds Kuki that Josue Ruiz Guerrero, Nicoya’s Chief Engineer, wagered 3 years for completion as a previous guest on the Nosara Podcast. Rich bets it will be longer than 3 years and thinks both Josue and Kuki are overly optimistic.
In addition, Rich asks Kuki to address the many rumors surrounding the Temporary Building Regulations and in particular John Johnson’s involvement. She has a strong response which you will hear in this episode.
If you’re super sensitive, then maybe skip this episode of the podcast…. Very few people will ‘call it like they see it’ in Nosara and in this episode Innes Carr does exactly that and then some.
Innes is kind of famous around Nosara for his ruthless sarcasm which makes some howl with laughter and others quite angry. This episode features Innes tearing basically into everyone and some moments hilarity and/or horror (depending on your opinion) ensue. Nobody escapes Innes’ scrutiny.
If you make it through this longer episode you’re going to hear things you’ve never heard said out loud before in any kind of public forum around here. This is precisely why it was an honor to have Innes on the podcast.
Nosara Recicla is up to great things and the newest project is called ‘Metamorphosis.’ In this episode of the Nosara Podcast Angie from Manta Raya, Daniel from Harmony Projects, and our friend Cristian from Nosara Recicla come in to explain what they are up to and why they are asking for our support.
The main goal is to take recycled materials and build facilities everyone from tourists to locals can enjoy which bring beauty and awareness while improving our community. A well known designer agreed to design the facilities and Nosara Recicla is ready to spring into action and bring this project to life.
As you will hear in this episode Angie, Daniel, and Cristian are passionate about the project and are hoping you will support them. Their financial needs are extremely low compared to most projects but volunteers are a high priority.
Jeanette Johnstone loves animals and she’s dedicated her life to them. In fact, she’s literally moved around the world a time or 2 serving in multiple positions with various organizations. However, for some reasons she feels pulled to live in Nosara.
In this podcast, she shares her story, a bunch of Nosara information and lots of personal opinions. She explains her transition from her initial position in Nosara at Nosara Animal Care to a position in a different country then her return to Nosara and how at Amor Animales she is making a difference these days.
In her episode we discuss her personal story and journey to Nosara, we debate which animals she likes best and feels are most intelligent, I jokingly (and probably rudely) make a joke or 2 asking if different types of dogs taste the same based on her experience in different countries, we cover Amor’s goals and ambitions, Nosara likes and dislikes, her favorite restaurants plus more.
I want to thank my daughter Kaiya for editing this episode and Amor’s efforts to help the animals in our community.
Bobbi Johnson is the most requested Nosara Podcast guest (closely followed by Beverly Kitson) and this is Part 2 of her podcast.
Spacialle Novak is an extremely interesting Nosara figure in my opinion. So much so, we decided to do a special preview in advance of her full episode being released. She has much to say and she rarely holds back.
She might disagree with me… But my opinion is she is about as diverse as a human can be. With business she is very matter of fact, especially so with bureaucratic and tourism matters. However, she can go full ‘hippy mode’ in an instant. Most people need a moment for transitions between business type subject matters and galactic beings and past lives. Not Spacialle… She also speaks with a conviction very few people exemplify.
For example, in our conversation she covers the ups and downs of living and doing business in Costa Rica, some difficulties with many of the new Costa Rican laws, how challenging it is for a business to be profitable in Nosara despite public opinion, her problems with Nicoya’s attitude towards Nosara historically and today, having a Tico family and operating businesses with them, becoming a Costa Rican citizen, if aliens are real, life on Atlantis (yup), if astrology has a function, and I can’t even remember how much else… You will just have to listen for yourself once the full episode is out.
NOCA's (Nosara Community for the Arts) initial program is starting October 14th. A 6-day program is hosting 26 students from the local Colegio Bocas de Nosara and Del Mar Academy to collaborate in making Nosara a sustainable community. The program is delivered in partnership with No. 9 of Toronto and will get the students to co-create a 3D model of what a future Nosara Sustainability Center means for this community. Rich Burnam from the Nosara Times speaks with NOCA founder Michel Viau to learn more about the vision and program details. Listen in to their full conversation here below.
Michel has realized in his 8 years of coming to Nosara the significant divide between the local Costa Rican community and the expat community. With NOCA he is trying to bridge this gap to bring the community at large closer together.
With a background as a designer, Michel structured the organization around three pillars: community engagement, creative thinking through multidisciplinary arts and the environment.
The first initiative coming forward out of NOCA is a 6-day program in collaboration with 'No 9', a Toronto based charitable organization focused on eco-literacy programming for elementary, high school, and post-secondary students.
In collaboration with NOCA and the local schools Colegio Bocas de Nosara and Del Mar Academy, No 9. will be running the 'Imagine my sustainable community' program here in Nosara.
'They (No 9. red.) have given the program to over 3000 students and it has been extremely successful. We thought that this could be an amazing opportunity to bring something like this to Nosara.
Michel invites the community at large to come out and visit the final day of the program. On Saturday, October 19th the students have their presentations. Accompanied with a DJ and drinks he is turning this into a community-wide event hosted at the old Banana, next to il Basilico and across the street from Bodhi Tree that will run from 1-4 pm.
To learn more about NOCA and the details of the program listen to the full conversation at the top of this post or check out the NOCA Facebook page and No. 9 website.
Broc Glendinning pretty much has life figured out, except for banking. He has a great family, he lives where he wants to, his job is exactly what he wants to be doing, plus he’s figured out an existence devoid of the major stresses so many of us who live in Nosara have to deal with. So I was excited to have him in and learn more about his story and his take on things.
The first part of the conversation starts with the Nosara Spanish Institute journey and today’s setup of the NSI. Then it transitions into personal thoughts and opinions with Nosara likes and dislikes and various opinions, stories and such. I hope you enjoy listening in as Broc and I share some laughs and Nosara barbs as the conversation progresses.
In this 9 minute conversation Michael Streda announces how and why Beach Dog Cafe is lowering prices for everyone in addition to giving additional discounts to Costa Ricans and full-time residents. He’s starting a couple new projects as well and in this quick episode you can hear from the man himself what is going on.
There is a solid chance Darin will be a repeat guest on the Nosara Podcast. He’s filled with almost 3 decades of Nosara stories and adventures to share and we simply couldn’t fit everything into one conversation.
In this episode we learn Darin’s extremely active early years (you’ll see what I mean in the first 2 minutes) and journey to Nosara, what life was like in Nosara in late 80’s and 90’s, how a near-fatal illness initiated a transition into healing and wellness, his opinions about many of Nosara’s issues ranging from the road, his disdain for the dike project, to his favorite 3 restaurants and Nosara likes and dislikes, Nosara’s first surfer, and great deal more.
Thanks for checking Darin’s episode out and sharing with your friends. I hope you enjoy this one! Let me know what we can do to improve these episodes and to learn more about Costa Rica Yoga Spa visit: www.costaricayogaspa.com.
Paula Soto Fournier from Green Solutions is about as nice a person as you can meet. Her formal training is extremely different from her current job as she has a degree in engineering… However, in 2012 she decided to follow her heart and open Green Solutions, an environmentally friendly line of products many households, businesses, and hotels in Nosara currently prefer to use because of the environmental impact.
As you will hear in this episode she adores Nosara and is trying to make the world a better place with her company. In this episode Paula advises us on which products we need to stop using immediately and discusses her surfing advancements, likes and dislikes about Nosara, her company’s vision and direction, and of course her favorite Nosara restaurants.
I hope you enjoy this episode with Paula and recommend looking into Green Solutions.
It would seem to me Josue Ruiz Guerrero would be more stressed out… But he’s not. He claims to sleep peacefully and says he is enjoying this learning process as Nosara is transitioning through a momentous time period.
It is very interesting for me to see how someone in his position can be so relaxed given the implications at hand. Overall, he exemplifies a level of ‘Pura Vida’ I am still working towards understanding.
In this conversation I ask Josue a great many questions in an attempt to gain clarity on the 2nd proposal of the temporary building regulations and the upcoming Plan Regulador. Josue is an ardent believer the Plan Regulador will be completed in 2 to 3 years. However, as you will hear in this podcast, I am extremely suspicious about this.Regardless, Josue provides a massive amount of insight and everyone involved in Nosara should listen to his message.
Here is just a sample of my questions for Josue:
- Why did the lot size adjust from 1000m2 to no minimum restriction?
- Why is everything being pushed through so fast?
- What is accurate timeframe of a true Plan Regulador?
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Is there outside interests funding this process or applying pressure?
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Is there enough information to implement the temporary plan?
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How long until these new regulations are published in the national paper and enacted?
- What can the general public do to help facilitate any part of this?
Plus a great deal more…
Please remember your opinion still matters and Josue is listening to all feedback. All details for contact, including phone numbers, are included in this episode.
I hope you enjoy this episode and take action accordingly. This is something which needs attention now, not later.
Emily Kwok is an amazing human being. Not only is she a 3x World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in multiple categories, she is a mother of 2 (soon to be 3), wife, coach, co-owns a highly successful BJJ Academy, and is studying advanced learning processes and their implementation across all walks of life.
Although today it seems Emily is the epitome or living definition of success, this was not always the case… As you will hear in this episode, her growth into who she is now was initiated by overcoming and transitioning significant challenges and obstacles into opportunities.
Oh yeah, she’s also in the process of learning how to surf which is a consistent theme we go back to in the conversation… The manner in which she processes new information, challenges, and failure, all as part of the growth experience is exciting to see.
I’m truly enjoying watching her NOT be good at something and seeing what measures she is taking to improve at this foreign activity… It is not every day someone of her caliber is willing to admit she ‘sucks at something’ but works at it right in front of you. Hopefully you feel the same way and incorporate her approach to something in your life; whatever it may be.
She holds very little back in this conversation and I strongly recommend making time to watch and or listen to this one… It is a very special episode and I’m honored Emily chose my podcast to share such personal insights.
I want to thank Gerry Hurtado, Emily’s awesome husband, for everything he does to help the Nosara kids and my family. This is a good man in most every sense and I hope to spend more time with him in the future. Also I want to thank my daughter, Kaiya, for editing the video and audio portions on this podcast. It something she will remember forever.
Andres Gonzalez has deep roots in Nosara. His family arrived here in the 80’s and Nosara made such an impression on he him he chose to start and raise his family here while building his legal practice. Currently, he owns and operates IBL Consultores and the Nosara Beach Hostel. However, his focus remains on being a good husband and father to his 2 kids while helping shape Nosara into the place he feels it should be.
Although he is on a temporary hiatus from the many committees he normally is serving on… He still remains involved in community activities and is a vocal proponent on many of Nosara’s pressing issues.
In this episode of the Nosara Podcast he discusses with Rich a plethora of community issues including Nosara in the ‘old days,’ the difference between Nosara buyers 10 years ago to today, the current building regulations debate and the zoning plan time frame, the recently closed beach pathways, what anyone buying real estate in Nosara should be aware of, Andres cracks some jokes at Rich’s expense, he shares his opinion of the 3 types of people in Nosara today are, his Nosara dislikes, his favorite restaurants plus a great deal more.
We hope you enjoy this episode.
What an adventure living in Nosara often proves to be… Ever since the proposed new building regulations were announced this past May my life has been a bit of a blur. However, a big step towards clarity seems to be happening this week. The updates to the new building regulations proposed by the Nicoya Municipality are formally being announced this week in Nosara.
Fortunately, Nosara Civic Association leaders Ethel ‘Kuki’ Araya and Nice Alterman stopped by my Nosara Podcast to announce the updates which are being announced Thursday and Friday at formal meetings hosted by Nicoya Municipality representatives.
To be clear: There is still time to voice concerns and this proposal is not formally enacted. However, many of the key points have been adjusted and the NCA leadership very much is of the opinion the vast majority of the Nosara populace is in support of the new proposal. They are asking everyone who supports the new regulations to email the Nicoya Municipality (email provided in the episode) to voice their support of the new regulations and to attend at least one of the formal meetings if they can.
No matter whether you agree or disagree, there is still time to be heard. Please give this episode a listen and carefully decide where you may stand on each key point. Height, light, percentage of use, and size restrictions plus more are all addressed in this conversation. I hope you will make your voice heard and take advantage of this opportunity!
Listen in as the Nosara Civic Association leadership previews upcoming changes to Nicoya Municipality’s proposal.
President Ethel ‘Kuki’ Araya and Vice President Nice Alterman of the Nosara Civic Association appeared on the Nosara Podcast recently to share the adjustments and updates to the temporary building regulations being announced Thursday, July 11th and Friday, July 12th by the Nicoya Municipality. In addition, they requested a call to action in the form of an email from everyone who supports these new regulations.
This brief discussion explains adjustments to the height restrictions, percentage of use, minimum lot size, lighting requirements, plus more details regarding septic systems and a ‘grandfathering’ in clause for projects already underway in addition to specifics for properties on hills facing the ocean, plus more.
Nicoya representatives are coming to Nosara to officially announce the updates and to provide further details at the following locations and times:
Thursday – 10am Escuela Serapio Lopez (Spanish) and 2pm Kitson Libray (English)
Friday – 10am Santa Marta Salón and 2pm Esperanza Escuela
For those unaware, in May of 2019 the Nicoya Municipality announced new, proposed temporary building regulations for the Nosara area. These regulations initially created a stir within the community with a wide range of opinions and emotions surfacing. Over the past several weeks Nicoya representatives have been meeting with residents and concerned citizens and fielding emails from around the world. The purpose of this weeks meetings are to announce and explain the updated version of the proposed temporary building restrictions.
Click HERE for a complete overview and timeline of events since the announcement of the new regulations. Included are video podcasts with the Nosara Civic Association leadership, with Jeffrey Grosshandler providing a differing opinion and sharing insights, video of the Nicoya Municipality representatives explaining the initial proposal both in English and in Spanish.
This is an abbreviated version of the discussion with Kuki and Nice. Soon the full episode will be published on www.richburnam.com.
Nosara Escape is something I initially didn’t understand. Maybe I’ve been living here in the Nosara jungle too long because I didn’t even know escape rooms existed, nor what they were.
We have one here in Nosara now though and the short version is they are super fun. In Nosara there is little to do between 10am and 3pm and my opinion is this is the perfect activity for a family, group, or even a couple of friends to check out.
I was impressed hearing the amount research and time these two entrepreneurs have put into their business and hearing their past history and what led them into this new venture.
They have some expansions coming in the near future as well as additional projects. My favorite part of this podcast is towards the middle and the end… The guys really open up about their successes and failures, Nosara likes and dislikes, their favorite restaurants and much more.
I hope you enjoy this episode and recommend giving Nosara Escape a visit!
Have you ever heard the name Alice Olson? If you haven’t, then I recommend you taking a moment to find out why I’m making such a big deal about what she means to Nosara’s community.
There are few people, if any, who have done more to coordinate helping Nosara as a whole than Alice. She, along with her husband Mike, founded Friends of Nosara. FON opened up avenues for tax deductible contributions from US citizens in addition to coordinating Nosara’s community organizations, donors and volunteers in a manner which continues to this day.
In this podcast Alice shares her journey to Nosara, what living in Nosara 20+ years ago was like, how FON started and where it is at today, her opinions about many of our current issues including the highly controversial temporary zoning plan, why she left Guiones for Pelada, then why she left Pelada for a little known neighborhood behind Arenales and Nosara town which she and Mike live in to this day and why they are thrilled about it.
Also, if you see Alice out and about please take a moment to say ‘thanks’ to her and Mike for everything they’ve done to shape Nosara. Her influence on the town we enjoy now and the organizations which do so very much to help is strong and for this we should be grateful.
Click HERE to visit the FON website and check the organizations FON supports.
For over 20 years Greg Gordon has utilized CR Surf Travel Company to help surfers maximize their precious vacation time on their Costa Rican surf adventures. His weekly newsletters including surf reports and community updates share what’s going on both on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
In this podcast we discuss the pros and cons of most every surf community and and wave in CR, crowds and how to avoid them, surf etiquette, surf schools, adventure traveling and Greg explains how surf tourism is different and which communities in CR are doing good and not so good environmentally speaking.
I remember first seeing Greg’s surf report back in 1999 and I’ve been a fan ever since. So it was nice to have him in for a discussion and to talk all things Costa Rica.
Click HERE to visit Greg’s website and check out a great deal of information about CR.
Bobbi Johnson is arguably the most well known Nosara expat of all time and she is the most requested guest for the Nosara Podcast. She’s lived in Nosara for 30+ years and pretty much dedicated her life to this place.
She is caring, controversial, blunt, sarcastic, and hilarious (once you get to know her a little bit). She’s not scared to take a stand and is comfortable adding to her already impressive list of enemies when it is for a greater good. Yet at the same time, Bobbi is quick to grab a beer and crack jokes and share stories on a regular basis with her plethora of friends who live in or visit Nosara regularly.
In this podcast episode I sit down with Bobbi to explore her Nosara adventure from 1989 up to today. As you will hear, she’s seen a ton of change over the years and been the driving force on a myriad of issues.
So it is no surprise we discuss all kinds of subjects… In fact, we covered so much ground in our discussion we are breaking this conversation up into separate episodes.
Some of the more interesting parts for me from Part 1 of the discussion are: Nosara’s early years, the 1994 zoning plan mishap, how NON family oriented Nosara used to be then transitioned into the family friendly atmosphere of today, weird animal stories, and shopping and transportation over the years. Her last statement as Part 1 ends gives me chills every time I hear it.
Bobbi is one of those people who is a force of nature unto herself and doesn’t ask for attention. She is a doer, and when most people are still contemplating getting involved she is already there with her hands dirty (as exemplified every Thursday morning at the recycling center).
I want to thank my daughter Kaiya for her hard work editing these episodes and my wife Aimee for allowing us to work far too much making them happen.
Many thanks to everyone who took photos over the years. Most all photos courtesy of Bobbi’s social media.
Eric and I are friends and we are complete opposites. I’m a workaholic family man who is probably a bit too serious… While Eric is carving an artist’s lifestyle, bouncing around the globe riding waves and selling abstract art to pay his bills with a long term goal of making it ‘big’ with his ice cream for dogs product named ‘ARF’ he feels dogs will call by name. Oh yeah, he plans to sell 20 paintings in one night for $250,000 each and relocate to Ostional.
*I’m rarely lost for words… But if you want to see Eric break me, then make it to 47:45.
The one thing I can say about Jeff Grosshandler is he will tell you how he feels. He and I disagree about many things, but I certainly respect his willingness to speak up. He is one of the rare individuals willing to go ‘toe to toe’ with anyone, anytime, no matter whether his views are considered popular or not. He likes details and wants to clearly understand where people are getting their evidence from.
Ever since the initial temporary zoning proposal came forth from the Nosara Civic Association, Grosshandler has adamantly objected to it’s contents in private and public discussions, email threads, and even during town meetings.
In this podcast episode Jeff is willing to go on record with some of his thoughts pertaining to Nosara’s temporary zoning plan and offer suggestions as to what he feels is reasonable.
Not everyone is going to like or agree with Jeff’s suggestions… To his credit, he admits he doesn’t have all of the answers and consistently maintains throughout this episode there should be more time allowed and effort put forth prior to enacting new restrictions.
We hope you benefit from and appreciate hearing a different perspective about this extremely important piece of legislation pertaining to Nosara’s future.
“I’m a little upset with you guys right now… Quite frankly you should be upset with yourselves as well, because this could have been handled in a much better manner.” – Rich Burnam speaking with NCA President Ethel ‘Kuki’ Araya and Vice President Nice Alterman
The Nosara Civic Association has been fighting to protect Nosara for over 40 years. Everyone in the community owes a debt of gratitude to them for protecting the parklands and Refuge which are crucial in making Nosara the amazing place it is today.
However, this doesn’t mean they are perfect nor without controversy. In fact, the NCA is arguably the most controversial organization in Nosara. Over the past several years the NCA has been working hard to increase membership and regain the complete trust of the community. The great news is their efforts have been working and communication has been at an all time high between businesses and residents for the NCA.
Unfortunately, the recent announcement by the NCA of the temporary zoning plan did not help their cause. In fact, it created a significant amount of confusion and frustration and some fear amongst many different segments of the community. The main complaints seem to be the manner of announcement, the timelines involved, lack of public inclusion, as well as the details included in the plan.
In this episode Kuki and Nice stop by for a conversation with Rich to explain where the NCA was coming from, where we are at now in the process, and what options are available.
I’ve known Page for a long time now and have enjoyed watching her business grow as well as her family. She is a ‘go getter’ by everyone’s definition and I remain impressed by her drive and work ethic.
This mother of 2 maintains her home, her business (Pilates Nosara), and a couple of different environmental crusades including No Plastic Nosara which she started and is an avid supporter of Nosara Recicla and the Nosara Civic Association.
She vehemently defends Nosara’s wildlife and foliage and isn’t scared to speak her mind.
She and I have a solid history of arguing about the best ways to address our shared concerns and how to go about getting things done in our small, gossipy little town. I really enjoyed having her in and I hope you benefit from learning more about Page.
PS – Page is a TOP NOTCH Pilates instructor who has an amazing staff and location. I’ve been recovering from a back injury and she and her team have helped me a tremendous amount. I highly recommend them.
‘Nosara has changed me… And quite dramatically. I think this place changes everyone.’ – Jeff Grosshandler.
Jeff Grosshandler is unlike anyone I’ve ever met before and historically one of my biggest adversaries in Nosara. In some ways he and I are about as different as people can be, and there have been some rough edges over the years. In fact, seeing him on a podcast with me is going to surprise many people.
However, Jeff is up to some great things and one of them is leading the remodel and transformation of the ‘new’ Gilded Iguana hotel. After learning how much care and attention went into the environmental concerns and many other items, I’ve pretty much come full circle on the project. Initially I was super bummed to lose one of Nosara’s treasured locales… However, it turned out better than I expected. The Surf Club in particular is something very interesting to me.
So I invited Jeff in to discuss the ‘new’ Gilded Iguana and many things Nosara. Fortunately, he agreed and over 3+ hours we covered a ton of information. This version is only 18 minutes and I’m extremely grateful to Jeff for coming in. I’m also proud to say our relationship is changing and I’m really happy about this.
In this podcast we talked about honoring the Gilded Iguana of the past, the environmental care and concern which went into the new hotel, the vision of the ‘new’ Gilded Iguana and the new Gilded Iguana Surf Club project, as well as discussing Jeff’s likes and dislikes about Nosara along with his personal changes since moving here full time and having a family.
Jeff is someone I’m definitely bringing back for more podcasts as we have a ton of things to talk about.
As you will hear in the podcast, Jeff and team chose to work with Benjamin Garcia Saxe for this project. I hope you enjoy the pictures during the video version of this episode showing what Gilded Iguana 2.0 looks like.
Growth brings pain but pleasure all at the same time. As you will hear in this podcast, Diego Cruz knows this well.
Diego is an entrepreneur from San Jose who made Nosara his home 11 years ago. He claims to suffer from a self described affliction called ‘little guy syndrome’ and believes you reap what you sow while describing karma as a motivating force in his overall, highly pleasant demeanor.
In years past, Diego used to be fiery and argue frequently. He still does sometimes, but now as a business owner and constant local at main break Guiones he’s decidedly more generous with smiles and wave-sharing capacity.
In this podcast Diego explains how this happened and why. He candidly explains how both Guiones Brew Co. and his restaurant Olivia’s came about as well and it is an interesting story.
As you will hear, he states living in Guiones has changed him from a boy into a man and he is forever grateful for his current life and surroundings. However, it was not always this way.
Check out the podcast and give his businesses a try. He’s a good man and I’m happy to call him a friend!
If you have ever surfed in Playa Guiones you’ve probably seen Nelson Acosta surfing somewhere around the main break. He’s known for his backside attack and overall good vibes in the water. He is a legend around these parts and deserves to be treated with respect.
Often Nelson is one of the guys policing the lineup and making sure people are being kind to both foreigners and Ticos alike. He recently launched his first business venture, Living Stoked Nosara, and stopped by to share his personal story and explain what he’s up to these days. This man has a lot going on in life between a new business, car, getting married, plus more and is worth getting to know.
We discuss the crowds in Guiones, surf etiquette, Nosara likes and dislikes and much more in this episode.
The best way to describe Denisse Lashley is simply to call her a ‘winner’ by most every standard. She is someone who succeeds at everything she sets her mind to and is pretty much a force of nature. She has a high level education, an amazing family, multiple successful business enterprises, is in incredible shape and is now a published author as well.
She stopped by to share her story in this episode and we hope you enjoy it.
If you’ve been to Nosara in the past year or 2, then you have seen Giulio’s handiwork on any number of your favorite Nosara establishments. He’s been designing signs for heaps of different businesses and he’s very busy these days. Thankfully, he took time from his busy schedule to stop by and share his story with me.
I had barely spoken to Giulio prior to this conversation… However, it was great fun getting to know him and I’m pretty we are going to be friends.
He’s intense and passionate, but also one of those people who can take a very serious conversation and make it funny instantly with just a couple of words.
Hopefully you enjoy getting know Giulio as much as I did in this episode.
Nosara FINALLY has municipality service for our trash!
This is a historic occurrence and we all owe a massive debt of gratitude to the many individuals who helped make it happen.
The bad news is we are not guaranteed to have trash service.
In Cristian’s words: ‘Nosara has to prove to the municipality this service can sustain itself.’ This is a 12 month contract and if Nosara residents do not pay for this service, we will lose it. SO PLEASE PAY YOUR TRASH BILL. It is affordable, and all of the details are included in this conversation with Cristian. In addition, Nosara Recicla is offering pick up of recyclables (details in this podcast) at a highly affordable price.
In this podcast Cristian shares Nosara’s exciting updates in addition to his personal story. Along the way he covers instructions for trash, what is actually recyclable, payment details, pickup dates, etc. are all included in this episode.
I hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as I did. He has a servant’s heart and is trying to make a difference with his life and be a good role model for his child.
Please give this episode a listen and share it with anyone else you may know involved in Nosara. If possible I recommend stopping by the recycling center to get to know Cristian personally. He’s a very kind, sweet man who is doing a job most nobody else is willing to.
Fabian is a very interesting man. He had a highly successful career in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, leading commercial development projects. However, he dropped everything and moved to Nosara to basically retire and focus on his passion for yoga. Then along the way fell back in love with architecture.
Now he spends his days surfing, practicing and sharing what he feels is ‘true’ yoga and taking on residential architecture projects he is interested in.
I hope you enjoy hearing his story in this episode.