Good Neighbor Podcast: Orange County

Rachel Fyffe

 Connecting Orange County Businesses and Neighbors! The Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Rachel Fyffe, bridges the gap between  Orange County residents and the incredible local business owners in the Orange County area. Discover the stories behind your favorite local businesses—because they're not just owners; they're your neighbors! Proud to be the #1 Orange County Podcast. Are you a business serving the  Orange County area? Let’s showcase your story! Visit gnpOrangeCounty.com to schedule your free interview today. 

  1. 1D AGO

    A Structured Path Through Life Disruption With Dr. Arlayn Castle

    When life shatters your plans, keeping it together on the outside can hide chaos on the inside. We sat down with Dr. Arlayn Castle, the strategist behind A Castle of Knowledge, LLC, to unpack a practical way forward after divorce and other major life shifts. Drawing on her background in law, advisory, and compliance—and her own experience of starting over— Dr. Arlayn explains how a psychology‑informed, strategy‑driven framework can restore clarity, stability, and direction without replacing therapy. Dr. Arlayn walks us through her Castle Blueprint, a method built to help high‑functioning professionals organize their thinking, reduce decision fatigue, and make grounded choices under stress. We dig into why “time heals all wounds” often falls short, how unaddressed patterns linger beneath a busy schedule, and what it takes to rebuild trust in your own judgment. Expect concrete tools you can apply today: weekly decision audits, values‑aligned goal maps, and co‑parenting protocols designed to lower conflict and protect mental bandwidth. We also talk about the human side of structure—creating stillness, carving out simple joys, and choosing routines that support emotional steadiness. Dr. Arlayn shares how clients find her through targeted social ads and a free fit call, and she previews her new show, After the Disruption, where grounded conversations explore life after change. If you’re feeling scattered, second‑guessing every move, or just tired of white‑knuckling your way forward, this conversation offers a clear path to rebuild from the inside out. If the episode resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a rating or review to help more people find it.

    9 min

  2. 1D AGO

    How A Local Youth Center Transforms Families Year-Round

    Some places don’t just run programs; they change the temperature of an entire neighborhood. We sat down with Lina Lumme to explore how a modest youth center opened in 1952 now serves 3,400 kids a year with safe, affordable, high-impact programs that help children find their spark. From after-school care and hands-on enrichment to mentorship and social connection, the mission is simple and relentless: transform children’s lives one family at a time. Lina pulls back the curtain on nonprofit realities many people miss. There’s no endless stream of government funding; the team raises every dollar to keep doors open and scholarships available. Think golf tournaments, Christmas tree sales, galas, local newspaper partnerships, and student-powered storytelling from Los Alamitos High School. With only three full-time staff, forty-seven part-timers, and five hundred volunteers, the center operates like a lean startup—focused on outcomes, grounded in the community, and transparent about impact. We also look at how the organization markets on a shoestring, why a podcast isn’t feasible yet, and what it takes to manage volunteers at scale while maintaining quality and safety. Parents consistently share the same feedback: the youth center made a meaningful difference in their child’s confidence and their family’s daily life. In a digital era where kids can drift from conversation and hands-on play, these programs restore curiosity, belonging, and real-world skills that carry into school and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered how to help kids thrive where you live, this story offers practical paths: volunteer your time, sponsor a scholarship, or amplify the work through your network. Explore programs, events, and ways to support at theyouthcenter.org. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.

    9 min

  3. 1D AGO

    How A Straight-Talking Matchmaker Helps You Build Real Relationships

    Looking for a smarter way to date and a calmer way to love? We welcome matchmaker and relationship coach Julia Bendis of Match by Julia for a candid conversation about how real connection beats perfect checklists. Julia shares how her Orange County roots grew into a global coaching practice built on straight talk, practical skills, and a thriving network of referrals. The result is an honest look at what actually works: clear nonnegotiables, consistent follow-through, and a supportive community that lightens the load on your partner. We unpack persistent myths about matchmaking—why no one can conjure a flawless “unicorn,” and how realistic expectations unlock better matches. Julia explains how coaching helps at every stage: sharpening your online dating profile, spotting green flags, setting boundaries on pace and communication, and turning early dates into low-pressure experiments. For couples, we explore everyday habits that protect trust and intimacy, from scheduled check-ins to purposeful fun that keeps curiosity alive. Community emerges as a core theme. Drawing on a perspective echoed by leading therapists, Julia emphasizes building a village—friends, mentors, and social circles—so one person doesn’t have to be your entire emotional world. She also opens up about creative outlets like writing, podcasting, and stand-up comedy, and how staying authentic online fuels word-of-mouth growth. If you want a relationship that feels grounded and joyful, you’ll find clear steps and frank encouragement here. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow and share the show with a friend who could use some no-nonsense dating wisdom, and leave a quick review to tell us your biggest relationship question.

    7 min

  4. 1D AGO

    How A Team Of Medical Massage Therapists Delivers Results That Stick

    Pain relief shouldn’t vanish the moment you step off the table. We sit down with Rob Thomas, founder of Massage Integrity, to explore how medical massage, movement insight, and honest pricing can turn short-term relief into lasting change. Rob shares why his team treats the whole person—habits, posture, strength, stress—and how teaching clients simple, targeted exercises makes progress stick between sessions. Rob’s journey from child psychology to footwear and gait analysis gave him a sharp eye for root causes. He explains how years of watching people move now informs rapid assessments before hands-on work even begins. That clinical foundation supports a studio model built on flat pricing with no add-on fees, so clients never have to choose between the right technique and their budget. Whether the plan calls for lymphatic drainage, myofascial work, or deep tissue, the price stays the same and the focus stays on results. We walk through the cases his team sees most: athletes aiming for performance without overuse injuries, clients preparing for or recovering from surgery, people managing swelling and lymphatic issues, and everyday posture pain from long hours at a desk. Rob breaks down the “floss your muscles” idea—consistent, sustainable care paired with education—so each session builds on the last. He also highlights the community network that powers their growth, with referrals from physicians, PTs, trainers, and fellow massage therapists who trust the team with complex cases. If you’re ready to trade quick fixes for a plan that actually holds, this conversation will help you see massage as essential care, not a luxury. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs a smarter path out of pain.

    11 min

  5. 2D AGO

    Touch That Heals Body And Mind

    Health isn’t a look or a luxury; it’s your capacity to meet life with clarity and strength. That’s the lens we bring to a lively conversation with healing arts practitioner Adil Panton of Healing Arts Touch, whose first-ever massage sparked a career change and a mission to make respectful, skillful touch part of everyday maintenance. Adil shares how massage therapy, Qigong, Tai Chi, and health coaching fit together to calm the nervous system, sharpen the mind, and help people feel genuinely resourced in their daily lives. We dig into the myth that massage is pampering and reframe it as essential care—especially for adults who rarely receive safe, supportive touch. Adil explains how the body records thoughts and emotions and why listening through hands-on work often reveals what words miss. He walks us through simple practices like deep, steady breathing and slow, intentional movement to settle stress, improve sleep, and create a wider pause before reacting. You’ll hear how he customizes every session, reading what each body needs, and how small at-home rituals extend results long after the table. Adil’s story also offers a blueprint for purpose: follow curiosity, stack practical skills, and define health as the ability to solve problems. We talk referrals and community trust, visibility on Yelp and Google, and his new book, Claim Your Happiness, which distills his approach to aligning body, mind, and spirit. If you’re curious about holistic bodywork, or you’re ready to feel less like a human thinking and more like a human being, this conversation delivers clarity and next steps you can use today. Subscribe for more neighbor-to-neighbor stories, share this episode with someone who needs a reset, and leave a review to help others find the show. Then tell us: what small practice keeps you grounded right now?

    9 min

  6. JAN 30

    How Bloomrich Law Guides Families, Talent, And Businesses Through U.S. Immigration

    Looking for the real path through U.S. immigration without the confusion or the hype? We sit down with attorney Viktoria Bloomberg of Bloomrich Law Firm to unpack how strategy, storytelling, and fast, honest communication turn complex visa categories into clear, winnable plans. From family-based immigration to business visas and extraordinary ability cases like EB-1, Viktoria explains why templates fall short and how a tailored case narrative—backed by precise evidence—can make all the difference with an adjudicating officer. We dig into the building blocks of a strong immigration case: eligibility analysis that matches goals to the right pathway, evidence development that goes beyond checklists, and narrative presentation that translates achievements into plain language. Viktoria shares how she structures strategy sessions, what she looks for in referral-driven growth, and why her firm gives candid case assessments—even if that means advising someone not to proceed. You’ll hear practical tips for talent-based petitions, from documenting impact and securing expert letters to organizing press, awards, and citations, plus straightforward guidance for family and employer routes. You’ll also get a feel for the values behind the practice—rapid replies, individualized attention, and a promise to take only cases the team believes they can win. Along the way, we share how clients can prepare, what evidence moves the needle, and how to choose counsel who treats your future with care and clarity. If you’re navigating visas, green cards, or long-term plans in the United States, this conversation offers a clear map and the confidence to ask better questions. Subscribe for more candid conversations with local experts, share this episode with someone weighing their immigration options, and leave a quick review to help neighbors like you find the show.

    5 min

  7. JAN 29

    From Backyard Batches To A Family-Focused Brewery With 40 Taps And Pizza

    A neighborhood doesn’t feel complete until there’s a place where stories flow as easily as a great pour. We sat down with Dan and Jesse Sundstrom, the father–son duo behind Ten Mile Brewing Company, to unpack how a backyard hobby grew into a family-first taproom with 40 local taps, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a reputation for community-driven events. From their Signal Hill roots to the Ladera Ranch expansion, this is a craft beer journey grounded in hospitality, consistency, and real care for the people they serve. What stands out most is their stance on culture: taprooms don’t have to be 21-and-over enclaves. Dan and Jesse built a space where families feel welcome, conversation thrives, and overindulgence gets shown the door. They walk us through the decisions that make that possible—intentional service, a warm menu, and a curated tap list featuring Southern California’s award-winning beers. Their marketing is refreshingly human, too. Social Media helps, but their biggest wins come from thoughtful events: a lively Oktoberfest, a Cajun food festival, a Cambodian New Year celebration that honors Long Beach’s community, and even a Valentine’s wine pairing dinner that expands what a brewery can be. We also dive into the maker mindset behind the scenes. Dan’s building a timber-frame retreat up north, and Jesse’s experimenting in the kitchen with influences like Rick Bayless—proof that curiosity fuels their craft. Quality remains the non-negotiable: if better ingredients or tools cost more, they choose them every time, extending that standard to both house beers and guest taps. For a deeper look at their path from homebrew to hometown fixture, check out their feature documentary—clips on YouTube and the full film on Vimeo—capturing the buildout, the growth, and the grit. If you love craft beer, community, and the kind of hospitality that earns your loyalty, you’ll find a lot to savor here. Subscribe for more stories from local makers, share this with a friend who loves a good taproom, and leave a quick review to help others discover the show.

    10 min

  8. JAN 28

    How I Can Academy Turns Tutoring Into Joyful Learning

    Looking for help that actually makes your child love learning again? We sit down with educator and founder Shaina DeFusco to explore how I Can Academy builds confidence and skills through small-group tutoring, credentialed teachers, and research-based strategies delivered in a warm, welcoming space. What started with seven students has grown to over 270 thanks to community trust, measurable results, and a student-first philosophy. Shaina shares the journey from classroom teacher to instructional coach to founder, and why that path shaped a program that blends explicit modeling, guided practice, and immediate feedback. We get into practical details parents care about: how small groups keep instruction targeted, how social-emotional support fuels persistence, and why clear, plain-language updates make progress visible at home. You’ll also hear how transparency—beginning with a free tour and assessment—helps families understand the plan, set priorities, and see what sets I Can Academy apart from generic tutoring centers. We also talk marketing without the fluff: farmer’s markets, PTA partnerships, and consistent community presence built awareness long before ads entered the picture. With new locations planned for Ladera Ranch and Laguna Hills, the approach scales while staying personal. Beyond the business story, Shaina opens up about family routines that keep things grounded, plus easy strategies parents can use to reduce homework battles and encourage a growth mindset. If you’re seeking tutoring that feels human, evidence-based, and truly student-centered, this conversation offers a clear roadmap. Subscribe for more local business spotlights, share this with a parent who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find the show. Have a question you want us to ask next time? Send it our way.

    7 min
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About

 Connecting Orange County Businesses and Neighbors! The Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Rachel Fyffe, bridges the gap between  Orange County residents and the incredible local business owners in the Orange County area. Discover the stories behind your favorite local businesses—because they're not just owners; they're your neighbors! Proud to be the #1 Orange County Podcast. Are you a business serving the  Orange County area? Let’s showcase your story! Visit gnpOrangeCounty.com to schedule your free interview today. 

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