South Bay Buzz: The South Bay LA Storytelling Podcast

The Stories We Wear: Kimio Fukutani on Jewelry & Human Connection

What if jewelry is more than something we wear? What if it becomes a living thread connecting generations, memories, love, and human connection? In this heart-led episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with internationally recognized jewelry designer Kimio Fukutani, Creative Designer and Co-Founder of Kimitake Inc., for a deeply personal conversation about the emotional stories behind his work and the connections woven into every piece he creates. From designing engagement rings for celebrity couples in Japan to creating collections inspired by DNA, harmony, luck, and imperfection, Kimio shares how jewelry became both an artistic practice and a philosophy about life itself. Together, Megan and Kimio explore inherited jewelry, generational memory, symbolism, Japanese craftsmanship, Irish and Japanese cultural motifs, and the idea that the pieces we wear often become part of our family legacy. This episode is a beautiful reflection on connection, storytelling, beauty, and the ways objects can carry love across generations. In this episode, we discuss:• The emotional meaning behind the original and newest Kimitake collections • How jewelry can symbolize love, memory, identity, and transition• The beauty of imperfection through pearls and human individuality• Japanese cherry blossoms, four-leaf clovers, and cultural symbolism• Jewelry as a wearable talisman and family heirloom• The stories and memories we pass down through generations Follow Kimio Fukutani [https://www.instagram.com/kimio_fukutani_designer/] and explore his collections through Kimitake Inc. [https://kimitakejewelry.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooN3Y6p9RLzPxgpSFci1doSVNkW2D5OqPp3L8D6K7vq2OuIx6-e] and on Instagram at @kimitake_official [https://www.instagram.com/kimitakejewelry/]. A special thank you to Ye-Hui Goldenson for coordinating the interview. Thank you to the team at BLVD Manhattan Beach for hosting the beautiful Mother’s Day event where this conversation was filmed. Learn more at BLVD Manhattan Beach [https://www.blvdmb.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and follow along at @blvd_mb [https://www.instagram.com/blvd_mb/].

Healing from the Inside Out with Hanna Bauer | Somatic Healing, Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation

This week on South Bay Buzz [www.instagram.com/southbaybuz], Megan sits down with Hanna Bauer, intuitive holistic healer and founder of Holisticly Hanna [https://holistic-lyhanna.square.site/about], for a conversation about healing from the inside out. Hanna shares her journey from years of feeling disconnected in her own body to discovering the power of somatic healing, nervous system regulation, breathwork, reiki, and intuitive connection. Together, they talk about root cause healing, how the body stores pain and stress, learning to listen to ourselves more deeply, and why so many people are craving real connection and healing right now. This conversation explores the intersection of mind, body, soul, community, and what it means to turn pain into purpose. If you’ve been curious about somatic healing, emotional well-being, intuition, or reconnecting with yourself in a more grounded way, this episode is for you. Follow Hanna at @holisticlyhanna [https://www.instagram.com/holisticlyhanna/] Follow Megan at @southbaybuzz [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz/]

From Team USA Duathlete to Yellow Jersey Founder | Mike Ashworth on Building Community in Hermosa Beach

This week on South Bay Buzz, Megan is joined by Mike Ashworth, Team USA duathlete, lifelong cyclist, and founder of Yellow Jersey Patisserie [https://www.yellowjerseyla.com/], the Hermosa Beach café and garden space that has quickly become one of the South Bay’s favorite gathering spots. After years competing around the world as part of Team USA, Mike found himself craving something deeper: connection, hospitality, creativity, and community. What started as a longtime dream eventually became Yellow Jersey. It's a bright, joy-filled café inspired by cycling culture, New Jersey roots, and the feeling of gathering around the table with people you love. In this episode, they talk about: * the story behind the name Yellow Jersey * transitioning from elite athletics to entrepreneurship * what cycling taught him about risk, discomfort, and resilience * building a business with his husband * the power of hospitality, community, and authentic connection From cinnamon rolls and breakfast burritos to Beyoncé playlists and garden gatherings one block from the beach, this conversation is full of warmth, reinvention, and the courage to finally ask yourself: “What am I waiting for?” Follow Yellow Jersey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/yellowjerseypatisserie/] Follow South Bay Buzz on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz]

Chef Scott Cooper of Nomad Eatery: Travel, Food, & Building Community in the South Bay

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with Chef Scott Cooper, founder of Nomad Eatery [https://nomadsouthbay.com/], to explore how a lifetime of travel, culture, and curiosity turned into one of the South Bay’s most unique dining experiences. From playing tennis across Europe to sharing meals with locals in small towns, Chef Scott’s journey shaped his belief that food is a universal language—one that connects people across cultures. He shares the defining moments that led him into the kitchen, the mentors who changed his path, and the unexpected lessons that helped him build Nomad into a restaurant rooted in hospitality, storytelling, and intention. They also dive into: * The inspiration behind Nomad Eatery’s globally influenced menu * Why authenticity matters (and the surprising fix that transformed his Baba ghanoush) * The evolution of the South Bay dining scene * How community, family values, and connection shape the local experience This conversation is about finding your path, trusting your instincts, and creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. If you love discovering local restaurants, hearing founder stories, or exploring the heart behind hospitality, this episode is for you. Nomad Eatery Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nomadsouthbay/] Book a table on their website [https://nomadsouthbay.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445761941&gbraid=0AAAABCibgb03lGJ4MMRwaGDtTTTapnhsK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpe3yoL-SlAMVHA5ECB2G1Qh_EAAYASAAEgJ5XPD_BwE] South Bay Buzz Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz/] Join the mailing list on our website [https://southbaybuzz.com/]

Girl Dad: How Strong Father-Daughter Relationships Shape Confidence, Connection & Future Generations | Madeline Anderson

What does it really mean to show up for your daughter—and how can those everyday moments shape the woman she becomes? In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with Madeline Anderson, founder of Girl Dad Network [https://www.girldadnetwork.com/], to talk about the powerful dynamic between fathers and daughters and why it matters more than ever. From leaving a finance career after her body quite literally said “this isn’t it”… to following a gut feeling that led her to write Girl Dad [https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dad-Stories-Lessons-Daughters/dp/B0BNTXPRWQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UINB4SPZ8TFG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0404Q_jxHMwEMZ0Z6XxFq1vcOw17qEbSijC-6HCpiD6-4jRAzai8ZooM8S8UapazMM8_ORKhL50fXMymNADf3Q.OVHWYYKcHkjuWkOcXmryHlWktMimiz5cGUNM3drcvCU&dib_tag=se&keywords=girl+dad+madeline+anderson&qid=1762365345&sprefix=girl+dad+madeline+anderson%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1], Madeline shares how trusting your intuition can change everything. We dive into: * How and why daughters want to feel seen and heard - not fixed * The subtle ways dads can build connection over time * How modern pressures like social media are impacting girls today * What moms can do to support strong father-daughter relationships (without managing them) * And the small, meaningful moments that create lifelong confidence and connection This conversation is for anyone raising daughters, loving daughters, or being one. Madeline Anderson Follow Madeline on Instagram at Girl Dad Network [https://www.instagram.com/girldadnetwork/] Listen to the Girl Dad: The Podcast with Madeline Anderson [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girl-dad-the-podcast/id1818474483] Visit Girl Dad Network [https://www.girldadnetwork.com/] Megan Lebre Follow Megan on Instagram at South Bay Buzz [https://instagram.com/southbaybuzz] Visit South Bay Buzz [https://southbaybuzz.com/]