South Bay Buzz: The South Bay LA Storytelling Podcast

Megan Lebre

South Bay Buzz is a storytelling podcast rooted in the South Bay of Los Angeles, sharing heart-led conversations with people connected by place, purpose, and the drive to build something meaningful. Hosted by Megan Lebre, each episode highlights founders, creatives, and community builders whose journeys are shaped by the South Bay—exploring the joy, resilience, and growth behind what they’ve created. These are stories of connection, authenticity, and legacy—discover people, places, and stories that stay with you.

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

    3d ago

    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 Website: cultureclubsb.com Donate: cultureclubsb.com/donate Follow South Bay Buzz Instagram: @southbaybuzz Website: southbaybuzz.com

    36 min
  2. The Secret Behind Great Podcasts: Steven Ray Morris on Storytelling, Connection & Curiosity

    Jun 10

    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, Steven Ray Morris, 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 and Ologies with Alie Ward. The See Jurassic Right podcast Host, Steven, shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a cat podcast (The Purrcast) 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 and Keanan And Lakin Give You Déjà Vu📱 Follow Steven on all socials: @stevenraymorris 🎬 Jurassic Park III 25th Anniversary Screening & Live Podcast Event, July 18th, at Gardena Cinema Connect with Megan 📱 Follow @southbaybuzz

    48 min
  3. Returning to Yourself: Dr. Kelly Waggoner on Wellspring, Finding Purpose, and Living Authentically

    Jun 3

    Returning to Yourself: Dr. Kelly Waggoner on Wellspring, Finding Purpose, and Living Authentically

    What if healing isn't about becoming someone new, but remembering who you were before the world told you who you should be? In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Megan sits down with psychologist, meditation teacher, and Wellspring co-founder Dr. Kelly Waggoner for an exploration of healing, authenticity, purpose, and the journey back to self. Together, they discuss why insight alone doesn't create transformation, how the body often holds the answers the mind cannot access, and why so many people who appear successful on the outside still feel disconnected from themselves on the inside. Drawing from nearly two decades as a psychologist in the South Bay, Kelly shares how her own meditation practice expanded her understanding of healing beyond traditional talk therapy and inspired the creation of Wellspring, a unique community where science-backed psychology and soul-centered practices come together. The conversation explores everything from somatic healing and mindfulness to grief, synchronicities, purpose, motherhood, intuition, and the difference between self-improvement and self-return. If you've ever felt exhausted by optimization culture, questioned your purpose, or wondered how to feel more aligned in your own life, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and profound perspective. ---- Dr. Kelly Waggoner is a psychologist, meditation teacher, and co-founder of Wellspring, a wellness and personal growth center in Redondo Beach dedicated to helping people live more authentic, aligned, and meaningful lives. Through classes, workshops, private sessions, and immersive programs, Wellspring bridges evidence-based psychology with soul-centered healing practices. Wellspring Website: Return to WellspringWellspring Instagram: @returntowellspringKelly Waggoner Instagram: @drkellywaggonerMegan Lebre Instagram: @southbaybuzzSouth Bay Buzz Website: southbaybuzz.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a reminder that healing is about returning home to yourself.

    49 min
  4. Why AI Can’t Replace Human Creativity | Jo Delgado of The Creative Inka

    May 27

    Why AI Can’t Replace Human Creativity | Jo Delgado of The Creative Inka

    In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with returning guest and brand designer, Jo Delgado of The Creative Inka, for a no frills conversation about AI, branding, creativity, and the future of human connection for businesses. They discuss: why AI-generated brands often feel “off”how small businesses can use AI as a helpful toolthe difference between strategy and aestheticswhy imperfect, human content is resonating more than polished perfectionJo also shares behind-the-scenes insight into the South Bay Buzz rebrand, the storytelling behind brands like Cafe Minerva, and the ways she personally uses AI as a tool without letting it replace her creativity. Stay Connected: Jo Delgado, The Creative InkaMegan Lebre, South Bay Buzz

    36 min
  5. The Stories We Wear: Kimio Fukutani on Jewelry & Human Connection

    May 20

    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 and explore his collections through Kimitake Inc. and on Instagram at @kimitake_official. 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 and follow along at @blvd_mb.

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

    May 13

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

    This week on South Bay Buzz, Megan sits down with Hanna Bauer, intuitive holistic healer and founder of Holisticly Hanna, 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 Follow Megan at @southbaybuzz

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

    May 6

    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, 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 Jerseytransitioning from elite athletics to entrepreneurshipwhat cycling taught him about risk, discomfort, and resiliencebuilding a business with his husbandthe power of hospitality, community, and authentic connectionFrom 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 Follow South Bay Buzz on Instagram

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

    Apr 28

    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, 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 menuWhy authenticity matters (and the surprising fix that transformed his Baba ghanoush) The evolution of the South Bay dining sceneHow community, family values, and connection shape the local experienceThis 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 Book a table on their website South Bay Buzz Follow on Instagram Join the mailing list on our website

    33 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

South Bay Buzz is a storytelling podcast rooted in the South Bay of Los Angeles, sharing heart-led conversations with people connected by place, purpose, and the drive to build something meaningful. Hosted by Megan Lebre, each episode highlights founders, creatives, and community builders whose journeys are shaped by the South Bay—exploring the joy, resilience, and growth behind what they’ve created. These are stories of connection, authenticity, and legacy—discover people, places, and stories that stay with you.

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