After spending over 30 years chasing waves and documenting epic California swells, Mattson Culbert—a surfer, photographer, and filmmaker—faced one of the biggest challenges of his life: a thyroid cancer diagnosis. 🌊 But instead of letting it hold him back, Mattson embraced vulnerability, rediscovered gratitude, and deepened his connection to the ocean.

To me, though, he’s more than just a talented photographer and lifelong surfer—he’s like a big brother, a kuya, the surf uncle we all wish we had, full of wisdom, humor, and the kind of perspective only decades in the water can bring.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™, Mattson and I talk about the evolution of surf culture, the resilience we learn from the ocean, and how his cancer journey reshaped his outlook on life. This conversation goes beyond the epic swell—it’s about family, gratitude, and the lessons we take with us both in and out of the water.

Resilience Through Challenges: How Mattson’s journey with thyroid cancer reshaped his perspective on surfing, life, and legacy.

Cultural Shifts in Surfing: A deep dive into surf culture in the ‘90s and how it compares to today’s more inclusive scene.

Respecting the Ocean: The importance of knowledge, humility, and community in and out of the lineup.

Resources:

• Follow Mattson: @mattsonculbert
• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Shop Dip and get 15% OFF with the code "confessionsofasurflady" at checkout at Dipalready.com
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Confessions of a Surf Lady, is a women's surfing podcast that is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

👉 Join me in our Nurture Your Lineup Workshop to Achieve Your Goals in 2025!
Sign up FREE here.

I can't wait for you to join me in this FREE workshop series. We'll host 3 live events to get you ready to achieve your goals in 2025!

The events will also be recorded so you can join in on your own time.  See you there!

xo, Laura Day

Learn More Here: free.surfsociete.com/confidence2025

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

After struggling to find a surf hat that checked all the boxes—functional, stylish, and secure—Emily Li, a surfer and entrepreneur, decided to create her own. The result? Peach Surf Hats, a brand that encourages surfers to protect their skin and look good good while doing it.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women's Surfing Podcast™, Emily shares her story of stepping away from the tech world to start a surf-focused business, the challenges of building a product that truly serves women surfers, and why she believes in the power of women lifting each other up.

Spoiler: This episode is about more than just the hat—it’s about creativity, community, and taking risks to create something meaningful. It’s about showing up for yourself and making space for others to do the same.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Taking the Leap: How Emily transitioned from tech to starting a surf-inspired business.
• Confidence Through Consistency: What surfing and entrepreneurship taught her about showing up for yourself.
• Supporting Women: Why cheering each other on in the lineup and in life makes all the difference.

Resources:

• Get 10% off your Peach Surf Hat at peachsurfco.com with the code CONFESSIONS at checkout!
• Follow on Instagram: @peachsurfco 
• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Ever thought about what’s in your hair care and how it impacts the ocean you surf in? This episode with Kate Assaraf, founder of Dipalready.com, is a must-listen for anyone who loves beauty products and cares about the ocean and sustainability. Kate shares the story behind Dip’s eco-friendly body and hair oil—a “perfume with benefits” that’s as good for your skin as it is for the planet. Get ready to rethink the products you use daily and what they mean for the oceans we call home.

In this episode of the Confessions of a Surf Lady podcast, the first women's surfing podcast dedicated to building a connected, eco-conscious surf sisterhood, Laura and Kate dig into what it means to be a “protector” of our natural playground rather than just a “consumer.” They discuss Dip’s innovative approach to sustainable beauty, how small eco-conscious changes can make a big impact, and why surfing and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

Main Themes:

Protector or Consumer:

“When you go to the beach, are you someone who just brings all the plastic junk, or are you leaving no trace? It’s about shifting from consuming the ocean to protecting it.” — Kate Assaraf

Perfume with Benefits:

“I wanted to create a product that stops people from having to buy four different things—a lotion, body oil, perfume, and hair serum. It’s about one beautiful product that can do it all.” — Kate Assaraf

Little Actions with Big Impact:

“Try this: go to the beach, start picking up garbage, and see what happens. Small actions are contagious, and before you know it, others will join you.” — Kate Assaraf

Resources:

• 15% Dip's sustainable body and hair oils: Visit DipAlready.com to check out the collection and find a store near you with the store locator. Use code Confesssionsofasurflady at Checkout for 15% off.
• Follow Dip on Instagram: Connect with Kate and explore Dip’s fun, eco-conscious content at @dipalready.
• Surf Société Membership: Join The Surf Société with 7 days free.

Follow & Connect

• Host Laura Day: Find Laura on Instagram at @confessionsofasurflady
• The Surf Société: Join our community of surf ladies on Instagram at @surfsociete for surf tips, stoke, and sisterhood!

Confessions of a Surf Lady, is a women's surfing podcast that is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Surfing is hard—like, f*cking hard. It isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of highs, lows, and everything in between. In this episode, we talk about how to cultivate a flexible mindset to keep your stoke alive—even on those tough days when nothing seems to be going right.

I share a personal story from a recent surf trip to Baja where I faced unexpected mental challenges in the water. Instead of letting frustration take over, I tapped into the power of flexibility—both in my mindset and my approach to the waves. Whether you’re struggling with a surf slump or just had one of those sessions where you feel totally off, this episode will give you actionable tips to shift your perspective and enjoy the ride.

🌊 What we’ll talk about :

1. Expectations: How to ditch them (yes, we all need to sometimes).
2. Mid-session Mindset Shifts: When you’re just not vibing with the ocean, what can you do to make it fun again?
3. Documenting Progress: Why journaling even your worst sessions can be a game-changer (trust me, it’s magic).

Resources:

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow @babelrose
• Shop babelrose.com
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

In 2014, I moved to Brisbane, Australia, alone. Surfing was on the agenda, but I knew nobody and nothing about the Australian lineup. One evening, I made my way to the coast to meet a group of surfers the next morning. My anxiety of being alone in a new country quickly eased as I met my first friend: Christina.

Now, ten years later, Christina and I find ourselves in San Diego, sharing a glass of scotch and reflecting on how surfing has been the thread that has bound our friendship over the years.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, The First Women's Surfing Podcast, we explore what it truly means to cultivate courage in the lineup, how genuine friendships can propel us beyond our perceived limits, and the magic found in recounting surf adventures and mishaps over a good drink. Join us for an episode rich with laughter, camaraderie, and surfy insights.

Main Themes:

5 Seconds of Courage: "I stood up for 5 seconds. It might not sound like much, but that moment changed how I saw myself as a surfer." — Christina

Surfing Together, Growing Together: "When we surf together, I push myself more. Knowing we’ve got each other’s backs makes me feel stronger in the lineup." — Laura Day

Laughing Through the Wipeouts: "Every fall, every awkward moment just turns into another story to laugh about over a good Scotch. That’s what makes this journey so special." — Laura Day

Resources:

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Shop Dip and get 15% OFF with the code "confessionsofasurflady" at checkout at Dipalready.com
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Confessions of a Surf Lady, is a women's surfing podcast that is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

For a long time, I surfed without fully understanding the impact of my board’s design. I knew I needed a longboard to cross-step and nose ride, but the world of surfcraft always seemed distant, almost secretive.

Once I started to dig in and learn about surfboard design, everything changed. It didn’t just improve my surfing—it opened up a whole new way of experiencing the sport.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, The First Women's Surfing Podcast, I’m talking about why understanding your board’s design is a crucial part of becoming a better surfer. From catching more waves to having confidence in your choices, surfboard knowledge gives you a deeper connection to the sport and more control over your progress.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about walking into a surf shop or curious why some surfers catch every wave, this episode is for you. It’s about gaining knowledge and taking ownership of your progress.

Key Takeaways:

• How surfboard design directly impacts your performance and your confidence in the lineup.
• Why knowing more about your board earns you respect and connects you with other surfers.
• My journey changing up my surfboard — and the shifts it made in my approach to surfing.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Surf Société's 3-part Surfcraft Workshop Series:
  • Shop & Shaper Conversations: How to confidently ask the right questions in a surf shop.
  • Surfboard Shapes & Styles: A guide to the most common shapes and what they’re best for.
  • Nuances of Surfboard Construction: Demystifying fins, concaves, and everything in between.

Resources

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

With a single call to "the big dogs," Sasha Jane Lowerson set in motion a revolution for equality in competitive surfing. Despite her success in numerous competitions under her former identity of Ryan Egan, Sasha feared competing as a transgender surfer. Instead of letting fear take over, she embraced her true self and championed groundbreaking inclusion policies for surfers of diverse genders.

Join us for this episode as we peel back the layers of "bullshit" and explore what it means to live authentically. Sasha and I discuss the challenges within a predominantly cisgender, white, male-dominated surf industry and the cultural differences between the Australian and Californian surf scenes. We’ll also delve into Sasha’s evolution as a surfboard designer and shaper, as well as her future plans for advocacy and continued work on diversity and inclusion in the surfing community and so much more!

Main Themes:

• Advocating for Inclusion in Surfing: "I think I just want to let you know I'm here and I'm me and I'm scared to surf, but if I can say something and do you think we can put something in place to, like, make it safe for, like, 3% of the population? There's going to be more than me. I had looked up soccer Australia and I'd seen that they'd had a policy, I'd looked up a whole bunch of other sporting organizations that had gender identity inclusion and surfing just hadn't done it. And it was I started to believe that, like, I was like, Well, are we ran by the old dinosaurs still, or are we going to move forward?"
  
  Navigating Competitive Events: "You got to really choose your events. Some girls who are like, some of the best loggers in the world are like, "Yeah, we just don't go to that event because such and such, They go to that one and we go to this one"
  
  Breaking Barriers in the Surfing Industry: " I think that old saying, time heals all wounds. And I think that's, I'd love to be able to wave a wand and, and say 50% of the industry around all now we've got half the jobs in the industry are for all us girls, too."

Resources:

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Shop Dip and get 15% OFF with the code "confessionsofasurflady" at checkout at Dipalready.com
• Follow Sasha: @sasha_jane_lowerson
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Confessions of a Surf Lady is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Want to stay out of a surf slump, keep the stoke high, and make progress in your surfing? Start a surf journal! In this episode, I, your host Laura Day, share how keeping a surf journal has been a game-changer for me. I’ll explain how I document my sessions, reflections, and surf goals in a cute, bright colored, A4 notebook, decorated with stickers, stamps, and photos. This ritual not only helps me track my progress and overcome mental blocks but also captures my favorite memories in each session.

We’ll discuss the importance of enjoying the process of surfing, connecting with nature, and cherishing every experience in the water—plus, why documenting it all matters. I’ll provide practical tips for starting and maintaining a surf journal, ensuring it becomes a meaningful part of your surf journey.

Tune in to discover how to avoid surf slumps, treasure your surfing memories, and foster continuous growth in the water. And if you keep a surf journal, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@confessionsofasurflady)—I’d love to see it!

Main Themes:

• The Power of Keeping a Surf Journal: "The game changer for me has been keeping a surf journal. Before I created The Surf Société, I didn’t keep a surf journal. However, some of the ladies in The Surf Société do, and they do such a beautiful job of it. Seeing their progress and knowing that they keep journals, motivated me to start keeping one myself." — Laura Day
  
  
• The Challenges of Surfing Progression: "Surfing is a challenging sport to progress in due to constantly changing conditions and numerous variables, both external and internal. With such fleeting moments in your surfing journey, it’s easy to feel discouraged if you don’t see immediate progress." — Laura Day
  
  
• The Benefits of Reflective Writing: "What's really cool about writing it down in a notebook is that even if you don’t have the answer right away, putting it on paper helps solidify it in your mind. It gives you something to revisit and ponder later. This process allows you to track your thoughts and progress over time, providing a chance for deeper reflection on your experiences." — Laura Day

Resources: 

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

After 4.5 years of running this podcast we've reached 50 Episodes and surpassed 50k Downloads! Thank you to our listeners, guests, friends and family for listening and supporting our show. I couldn't be more grateful.

xo, Laura Day

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com