Withness: Megan Lebre on Grief, Presence, and Launching Between the Portal

Withness: Megan Lebre on Grief, Presence, and Launching Between the Portal

This episode marks a big moment for South Bay Buzz: host Megan Lebre steps into the guest seat to share the launch of her full-spectrum doula practice, Between the Portal [https://www.instagram.com/betweentheportal], in an interview led by Dr. Kelly Waggoner — clinical psychologist and co-founder of Wellspring [https://www.returntowellspring.com/] in Riviera Village. Kelly guides Megan through the story behind Between the Portal: her grandfather's death during her sophomore year of college, walking alongside her mother through a six-month battle with uterine cancer, and the documentary that first pointed her toward birth work. Megan opens up about what it means to be a full-spectrum doula — a non-medical person who supports people through birth, postpartum, miscarriage, illness, caregiving, and end of life — and unpacks the concept at the heart of her practice: "withness" — the difference between witnessing someone's pain from a distance and being fully, actively present with them in it. It's a conversation about how our hardest moments can become the doorway to a bigger capacity for love, compassion, and service — and about finally having the courage to say yes to a calling that's been there since childhood. In this episode, Kelly and Megan cover: * What a doula is — and what "full-spectrum" doula work actually looks like * The story behind the name Between the Portal * Transitions as portals: who we are before and after we walk through one * Megan's personal experience with loss — her grandfather, and her mother's six-month journey with uterine cancer * Why "at least..." statements (even well-meant ones) can land badly, and what to say instead * Megan's concept of "withness" — being with someone, not just for them * Why presence has to come before advocacy and education * How grief and birth are more alike than we think * What's next for Between the Portal, Wellspring, and South Bay Buzz Stay Connected * Between the Portal on Instagram: @betweentheportal [https://www.instagram.com/betweentheportal] * Reach out to Megan: hello@southbaybuzz.com [hello@southbaybuzz.com] * Wellspring: returntowellspring.com [https://returntowellspring.com] Today's Podcast Sponsors Shade Hotel Redondo Beach [https://rb.shadehotel.com/] — FREE Rooftop Soiree every Sunday in July & August (12–5pm), FREE rooftop yoga every Sunday (9–10am), weekday happy hour at Sea Level (Mon–Fri, 3–6pm), and $20 rooftop pool passes when dining at Sea Level. Orange Door Spaces & Orange Door Stays [https://www.orangedoorco.com/] — South Bay homeowners: recent rulings have opened up ~43% of homes in Hermosa Beach's coastal zone to legal short-term rental eligibility. Orange Door Stays can help with listing, guest communication, and full-service property management. South Bay Buzz will be slowing down for a while as Megan focuses on launching Between the Portal — thank you for supporting six years of heart-led stories. More throwback episodes and new clips coming soon. Megan will also be joining a panel on parenting with Unfiltered Life Co. on August 26 [https://www.theunfilteredlifeco.com/events/p/unfilteredconversations-parenting], speaking through the lens of her doula work.

The best financial advice isn't just about money with Liv Shin

Money is about so much more than numbers. It's about freedom. Security. Opportunity. And ultimately, creating a life that reflects what matters most. In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with financial planner, Liv Shin, for a thoughtful conversation about building wealth with intention, navigating life's financial milestones, and making confident decisions for your future without letting fear take the driver's seat. Whether you're just beginning your investment journey, planning for retirement, raising a family, changing careers, or simply hoping to feel more in control of your finances, Liv shares practical wisdom that is approachable, empowering, and refreshingly human. Together, they explore why financial planning isn't just about preparing for someday. It's about creating more peace, more choices, and more freedom to live the life you want today. • How to create a financial plan that aligns with your values • Investing with confidence, even if you're just getting started • Common money myths that keep people stuck • Planning for major life transitions and long-term goals • The importance of financial wellness alongside emotional well-being • Small decisions today that can make a big difference tomorrow If you've ever felt intimidated by investing, uncertain about retirement planning, or simply wished someone would explain personal finance in a way that feels approachable, this conversation is for you. Website: https://livinpractice.com/about [https://livinpractice.com/about ] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liv_inpractice/ [https://www.instagram.com/liv_inpractice/] Instagram: @southbaybuzz [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz/] Website: southbaybuzz.com [www.southbaybuzz.com] If this conversation encouraged you, inspired you, or helped you see your financial future a little differently, please follow South Bay Buzz, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you love.

The Midlife Chrysalis: Why So Many Women Are Reimagining Their Lives | The Unfiltered Life Co.

The Midlife Chrysalis: Why So Many Women Are Reimagining Their Lives with Ashley Chaney & Samantha Warner of The Unfiltered Life Co. What if midlife isn't a crisis at all? What if it's a chrysalis? This week on South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with Ashley Chaney and Samantha Warner, founders of The Unfiltered Life Co [https://www.theunfilteredlifeco.com/]., for an honest conversation about the season so many women find themselves navigating: the space between who they thought they were and who they're becoming. Together, they explore burnout, people-pleasing, performance, grief, motherhood, identity shifts, emotional healing, and the surprising freedom that comes when we stop trying to hold it all together. From learning how to express anger and sadness in healthy ways to questioning the expectations we've carried for decades, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that we are not broken. We may simply be disconnected from ourselves. In this episode, they discuss: ✨ Why so many women feel stuck in midlife✨ How people-pleasing and over-functioning keep us disconnected✨ The difference between fixing yourself and discovering yourself✨ The concept of the "midlife chrysalis" and becoming who you're meant to be✨ What women really need more of right now: permission, connection, and community Connect with The Unfiltered Life Co. Follow @theunfilteredlifeco [https://www.instagram.com/theunfilteredlifeco/] Stay updated with upcoming events [https://www.theunfilteredlifeco.com/unfiltered-conversations] Connect with South Bay Buzz Follow @southbaybuzz [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz/]

What Kind of Community Do We Want to Be? A Conversation with Culture Club SB Founder, Allison Hales

As we approach Juneteenth 2026, this conversation invites us to reflect on a question that feels both timely and timeless: What kind of community do we want to be? In this episode, Megan sits down with Allison Hales, founder of Culture Club South Bay, at the historic site of Bruce's Beach to talk about belonging, identity, resilience, and the power of creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed. Born and raised in London, Allison shares the profound losses that shaped her life, the journey that brought her from the music industry to the South Bay, and how those experiences ultimately inspired her to build something life-changing. Through Culture Club South Bay, she's creating opportunities for children and families to experience connection, cultural understanding, and the joy of belonging. Together, we explore the legacy of Bruce's Beach, the importance of representation, and the role each of us plays in shaping the future of our communities. This is a conversation about history, hope, purpose, and the belief that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to show up for one another. In this episode, they discuss: • The personal experiences that shaped Allison's path• The history and legacy of Bruce's Beach• Why belonging matters for children and communities• The creation of Culture Club South Bay• Turning pain into purpose This conversation offers a powerful reminder that the future of a place is shaped by the people willing to care for it. Follow Culture Club SB Instagram: @cultureclubsb [https://www.instagram.com/cultureclubsb/] Website: cultureclubsb.com [https://www.cultureclubsb.com/] Donate: cultureclubsb.com/donate [https://www.cultureclubsb.com/donate] Follow South Bay Buzz Instagram: @southbaybuzz [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz] Website: southbaybuzz.com [https://southbaybuzz.com/]

The Secret Behind Great Podcasts: Steven Ray Morris on Storytelling, Connection & Curiosity

What makes people feel truly connected? In this special anniversary episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with podcast producer, host, and storyteller, S [https://www.stevenraymorris.com/vai3czgouuzt0ipvvf3rk0n04mfdjy]teven Ray Morris [https://www.stevenraymorris.com/vai3czgouuzt0ipvvf3rk0n04mfdjy], whose work helped shape some of the most influential podcasts of the last decade, including the hit shows My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark [https://www.myfavoritemurder.com/]and Ologies with Alie Ward [https://www.alieward.com/new-about]. The See Jurassic Right [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/see-jurassic-right-with-steven-ray-morris/id1239538917]podcast Host, Steven, shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a cat podcast (The Purrcast [https://www.instagram.com/thepurrrcast/]) led to producing My Favorite Murder, what it was like helping build a show with millions of listeners, and why podcasting remains one of the most intimate forms of storytelling. Together, Megan and Steven explore the power of curiosity, the difference between community and cult fandom, the evolution of podcasting, mental health, creative risk-taking, and why the stories that connect us are often bigger than the topics that bring us together in the first place. Whether you're a podcast lover, creator, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to figure out what's next, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humor, and encouragement to trust your voice and stay curious about the people around you. In this episode:• The surprising reason podcasting feels so personal• What makes communities thrive and fandoms endure• Lessons learned from working on one of the world's biggest podcasts• Why curiosity is a superpower in both creativity and life• Advice for aspiring podcasters and creators 🎙️ Listen to current projects: See Jurassic Right [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/see-jurassic-right-with-steven-ray-morris/id1239538917] and Keanan And Lakin Give You Déjà Vu [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keanan-and-lakin-give-you-d%C3%A9j%C3%A0-vu/id1731434430]📱 Follow Steven on all socials: @stevenraymorris [https://www.instagram.com/stevenraymorris/] 🎬 Jurassic Park III 25th Anniversary Screening & Live Podcast Event, July 18th, at Gardena Cinema [https://www.instagram.com/gardenacinema] https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/e748de18-5bfe-4168-8de2-43744b8f331c?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGntf34QuQrZlERfc6N5oe-d0mrp_qk7S5Z2G7Sz9c7GMUV10EhYOToll6dGCY_aem_fZ-Hb5yl_JObF301UsRTug Connect with Megan 📱 Follow @southbaybuzz [https://www.instagram.com/southbaybuzz/]