Costa Mesa Pod

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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In this episode of The Costa Mesa Pod, Holly McDonald sits down with Costa Mesa resident and community leader Holly Horikawa to talk about life in the Halecrest neighborhood, the power of community involvement, and why Costa Mesa is such a special place to raise a family.

After previously living in Huntington Beach, Holly and her family discovered the Halecrest neighborhood and quickly fell in love with its strong sense of community, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient location. As a PTA leader and active volunteer at Killybrooke Elementary School, Holly shares how getting involved in local schools has deepened her connection to the community and created meaningful impact.

We cover:

• Why the Halecrest neighborhood is considered a hidden gem in Costa Mesa

• What makes the Halecrest Swim & Tennis Club such a unique community hub

• The importance of supporting local schools and getting involved in the PTA

• Ways parents and community members can volunteer and give back

• How strong school communities help neighborhoods thrive

• Love Costa Mesa Day and how residents can participate in local service projects

Holly also shares why community involvement matters so much — especially when it comes to supporting schools, building connections with neighbors, and helping create a stronger future for the next generation.

If you love hearing about the people and stories that make Costa Mesa such a vibrant community, this conversation offers a great inside look at one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods.

 Listen now and discover what makes the Costa Mesa community so special.

In this episode of The Costa Mesa Pod, Holly sits down with international bestselling author and coach Patrick Snow to talk about entrepreneurship, writing books, and designing a life around freedom.

Born and raised in Michigan, Patrick built his speaking and coaching career from the ground up — eventually relocating to Maui after realizing his business could be run from anywhere in the world.

We cover:
 • How writing a book can launch your speaking or coaching career
 • Why your life experience qualifies you to help others
 • Turning adversity into opportunity
 • Replacing your day job income through value creation
 • Why entrepreneurship gives families more flexibility
 • The strategy behind using books as a business tool

Patrick also shares practical steps for anyone thinking about writing a book, including his simple outline framework to get started immediately.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in corporate life, wondered if your story matters, or thought about writing a book — this episode will leave you motivated and clear on your next step.

🎙 Listen now and start thinking, inking, believing, and achieving.

What if a heart attack didn’t feel like a heart attack?

In this powerful conversation, Sarah Wilson shares the moment she drove herself to the hospital thinking she was having a panic attack — only to discover she was experiencing a full-blown heart attack.

No chest pain.
No arm pain.
No jaw pain.

Just subtle symptoms that are often overlooked — especially in women.

In this episode, we talk about:
• The hidden signs of heart disease in women
• Why heart disease awareness still lags behind
• How to advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed
• What to do if you feel powerless or overwhelmed
• Taking small, practical steps toward better health

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America — yet many women don’t recognize the warning signs.

This is a conversation every woman (and the people who love them) needs to hear.

🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss more real conversations about health, advocacy, and taking your power back.