Atlas College Prep: A New Free Public Charter School in Orange County

A new free public charter school is opening in the Tustin/Santa Ana area for Fall 2026 — and in this episode of the Costa Mesa Pod, we talk with Alex from Atlas College Prep to learn what families can expect.

Part of the Ednovate network, Atlas will begin with a founding class of approximately 50–60 ninth-grade students and a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Alex explains Atlas’ personalized, family-style approach to education, including its “whole child” report card, which looks at academics as well as self-regulation, critical thinking and social-emotional development.

We also discuss college preparation, athletics and extracurriculars, family involvement, the school’s focus on first-generation college-bound students, and Alex’s own journey from Brazil to a 15-year career in charter school education.
In this episode:

• What makes Atlas a public charter school
• The 10:1 student-to-teacher model
• The “whole child” approach
• College preparation and outcomes
• Athletics, clubs and student life
• Family and parent involvement
• Who can apply
• What families should know about the founding class

Atlas College Prep is opening in Fall 2026, with its first day scheduled for August 4.
Learn more: Ednovate.org/enroll
Instagram: @ednovate_atlascollegeprep

Financial planning isn’t just about investments—it’s about understanding people.
In this episode of the Costa Mesa Podcast, Holly McDonald welcomes financial planner Lety Aguilar for an honest conversation about money, mindset, and the life experiences that shape our financial decisions.
Lety shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to the United States as a young child to building a career helping individuals and families gain confidence with their finances. She discusses how cultural beliefs, trust, education, and personal relationships all play an important role in financial planning.
Throughout the conversation, Holly and Lety explore why many people delay financial decisions, how to overcome fear around money, and why financial literacy should be accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re preparing for your financial future or simply looking to develop a healthier relationship with money, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories that will leave you feeling empowered.
Topics Covered

• Financial planning for everyday people
• The psychology of money
• Immigrant experiences and financial literacy
• Building financial confidence
• Trust and relationships in financial advising
• Education and long-term wealth building
• Breaking down financial barriers

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.

 Affordable housing has become one of the biggest challenges facing communities across the country—and Southern California is no exception.
In this episode, Holly McDonald sits down with Tony from PadSplit to explore how the company is creating a new model for affordable housing through thoughtfully designed shared living spaces.
Together they discuss:
• What PadSplit is and how it works
• Why shared housing is becoming more popular
• The opportunities for real estate investors
• PadSplit’s expansion into Orange County and beyond
• How this model helps both property owners and residents
Whether you’re a real estate investor, homeowner, or simply curious about the future of housing, this episode offers an insightful look at one of today’s most talked-about housing solutions. 

What does it truly mean to be kind—and where does that journey begin?

In this heartfelt episode of the Costa Mesa Pod, Holly McDonald welcomes Rosie, founder of National Love Is Kind Day, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and the power of choosing kindness.

Rosie shares her deeply personal story of surviving an abusive relationship, rebuilding her life, and creating a movement that encourages people everywhere to lead with compassion. Together, Holly and Rosie discuss healthy boundaries, self-worth, emotional healing, and why kindness toward yourself is often the first step toward transforming your life.

This episode is a reminder that hope is always possible—and that one person’s story can inspire thousands of others.

In this episode:

• The story behind National Love Is Kind Day
• Rosie’s journey from survival to advocacy
• Healing from emotional abuse
• Why boundaries are acts of kindness
• Building a life rooted in self-worth and compassion

If this conversation inspires you, be sure to subscribe to the Costa Mesa Pod and share this episode with someone who could benefit from its message.

What makes a local restaurant become a true community landmark?

In this episode of the Costa Mesa Pod, Holly McDonald talks with John Rispoli of Newport Rib Company about the restaurant’s origins, its family history, and how supporting the local community has remained at the heart of the business for more than four decades.

From opening their doors in Costa Mesa to building lasting relationships with generations of customers, John shares stories that highlight why Newport Rib Company continues to be one of Orange County’s favorite family-owned restaurants.

If you love local history, small businesses, and Costa Mesa, this episode is for you. 

 In this episode of The Costa Mesa Pod, Holly McDonald sits down with Michelle, founder of J’Adore Body Studio, to talk about her fitness journey, losing 60 pounds, building confidence through weightlifting, and creating a women-focused fitness community in Costa Mesa.
From entrepreneurship and wellness to strength training and mindset, this conversation highlights the passion and purpose behind one of Costa Mesa’s unique local businesses. 

From local small businesses and community organizations to neighbors coming together, Love Costa Mesa Day was all about celebrating what makes our city special. Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported local vendors, and helped make a positive impact in our community.

#LoveCostaMesa #CostaMesa #SupportLocal #CommunityFirst #SmallBusiness

In this episode of the Costa Mesa Pod, Holly McDonald chats with Sarah Cathers of Sunrise Movement Chiropractic about redefining chiropractic care through a mobile, patient-centered approach. Sarah shares how she built a flexible business that aligns with her values as both a healthcare provider and mom, while helping clients throughout Orange County improve mobility, nervous system health, and overall wellness. 

The conversation covers gentle chiropractic techniques, healing after surgery, stress and inflammation, aging actively, and why movement truly is “lotion” for the body. Sarah also opens up about what inspired her to become a chiropractor after witnessing firsthand how chiropractic care helped her late husband recover from chronic pain following a motorcycle accident. 

A thoughtful conversation about movement, resilience, entrepreneurship, and caring for your body through every season of life.

 In this episode, we’re talking about Love Costa Mesa Day and the incredible impact community involvement can have.

From service projects and donation drives to supporting local schools and foster youth, this conversation highlights how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. We discuss the story behind Love Costa Mesa Day, ways to get involved, and why authentic community connection is what makes Costa Mesa so special.

A conversation full of inspiration, heart, and practical ways to give back locally. 

Love Costa Mesa Day is a city-wide volunteer day coming up on Saturday, May 16. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jill & Jonathan Dease on The Costa Mesa Pod about their years of service and how they've brought their kids into the tradition.

Unexpected bonuses for their kids included:
-Volunteer hours
-Confidence
-Leadership skills

What a great way for families to do something together & help the community too!

If you want to join the fun, there are plenty of projects to sign up for - that will work for all age ranges and skill levels!

Want to volunteer? Here's a link to sign up a project: https://portal.goldenvolunteer.com/dos/IM5RckbaHl?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1124556651805762964&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXr9BLz0nJ08vM10%2FVr0oOqIyMMgkLMkiyrytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsnXOKMrPTQUAooGpKDkAAAA%3D

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