The Beach Speaks

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Welcome back, beach lovers — it’s May, and after a whole month of springtime activity, I’m finally back behind the mic! In this episode, I share the story of my recent beach adventure to the breathtaking Gulf Coast of Florida — Longboat Key, to be exact — where the clear blue-green water, soft white sand, and Mediterranean-inspired resort vibes offered a much-needed reset.

This trip had it all: sunshine, coastal breezes, a luxurious oceanfront suite, and even an unexpected selfie moment at a VIP reception. I take you behind the scenes of our long weekend getaway — from poolside lounging and moonlit beach walks to discovering a rare and fascinating marine treasure: the egg casing of a lightning whelk (yes, I Googled it!). Along the way, I reflect on how springtime at the beach brings a sense of growth, clarity, and calm, even in the midst of life’s chaos.

You’ll also hear about a special project I’ve been working on with my friend Jim from Sahu Sacred Oils — a custom essential oil spray called Beach Speaks. This coastal essence mist is designed to transport you to the shore with a spritz — whether in your car, at your desk, or winding down for the evening. It’s my way of bottling up the serenity of the beach and sharing it with you, wherever you are.

So come along with me for some sunshine, storytelling, and soul-soothing beach vibes — and don’t forget to check the show notes for a link to Beach Speaks spray and stay tuned for more episodes you won’t want to miss.

The beach is speaking. Are you listening?

Purchase your Beach Speaks Room Spray here: Beach Speaks Coastal Essence Mist

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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Are you tired of feeling stuck and burnt out? Ready for a change but unable to see a way out? That was me. Then a friend introduced me to Ramona, who guided me on my authentic life journey to living my best life—at the beach! Listen as Ramona, a Florida native and beach lover, shares her inspiring journey from soul exhaustion to authentic living and how you can, too!  

Discover how Ramona used the power of intention, aligned action, self-reflection, and chakra wisdom to bring back balance and joy to her life and business. Ramona's Empowered Authenticity program offers tools for anyone seeking personal transformation and a deeper connection to their inner self. Learn to break free from repetition, set boundaries, and manifest your dream life.

Schedule your free 30 min call with Ramona here: Book a Call

Learn about Ramon's corporate mindfulness program here:  Focus Flow

Retreat info here: Authentic Life Journey Retreats

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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Have you ever wondered if your clothing could make a real difference for our oceans? Today, I chatted with Patrick Rynne, the visionary founder of Waterlust, to explore how their sustainable apparel is driving real change for marine ecosystems.

Discover how Waterlust transforms stunning marine life visuals into wearable art, creating great clothing that supports vital ocean conservation efforts. Patrick shares the inspiring story behind Waterlust, from its beginnings as a science communication project to becoming a leader in eco-friendly fashion.

We delve into how Waterlust partners with leading scientific organizations, funding critical research through their apparel sales. Learn how they're making science accessible and empowering individuals to become ocean advocates through everyday choices.

If you're passionate about sustainable fashion, ocean health or simply want to learn how to make a tangible impact, this episode is a must-watch.

Explore Waterlust's sustainable apparel and support ocean conservation: https://waterlust.com/ 

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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What if you could bottle the essence of the beach—the scent, the energy, the salt-kissed air?

Jim Kupczyk, founder of Mindful Market and Sahu Sacred Oils, was one of my first guests on The Beach Speaks nearly six years ago, and now he's back to talk about our latest collaboration—capturing the scent of the beach in a “coastal essence spray.”

While my podcast has shifted toward storytelling and deeper connections with the beach, Jim’s business has expanded into creating essential oil blends inspired by nature and ancient traditions.

Jim shares his deep connection to the beach, shaped by his life near Lake Erie and his travels to beach destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Thailand. He talks about the meditative power of ocean sounds and how different beaches carry their own unique energy.

The heart of our conversation is our recent collaboration: Beach Speaks - a coastal essence mist designed to capture the essence of the beach using rare oils sourced from Egypt. Listen as we dive into the creative process of blending scents that evoke the ocean’s brininess and earthy elements—without smelling like suntan lotion! Finding the right balance was challenging, especially replicating the smell of salt air.

Our shared passion for mindfulness, the beach, and sensory experiences led to a product that serves as an extension of the podcast—helping you connect with the energy of the beach, even when you can’t be there physically.

Now, with the Beach Speaks coastal essence mist, I have something especially beachy to share with you - and it’s a unique way you can support me! 

When you use my link below, the commission I earn from the sale of this product (or any other on the Sahu site) helps cover the cost of producing the podcast.

Check it out and share it with another beach lover! 

LINK TO PURCHASE: https://sahuoils.com/products/the-beach-speaks?bg_ref=GTd3Y60nTa

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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In this special Valentine's Day episode of The Beach Speaks, I explore the deep connection between love and the beach. What invisible forces make us feel at peace when we're by the ocean? How do they reflect the essence of love?

You know how the beach feels like love? There’s something about it—the way the waves roll in, the sand between your toes, the warm, salty breeze—it just seems to make all the cares of the world fade away. 

The beach connects us to love in the most beautiful ways - ways we’re often unaware of - invisible forces connecting us to the deeper meaning of love: I call it the Beach’s Love Language.

The beach isn’t just a place we love—it’s a place that teaches us about love. 

Join me as I dive into the magic of:
Negative ions – how the ocean lifts our mood, just like love
Grounding – walking barefoot on the sand and finding stability in love
The rhythm of the waves – surrendering to love’s natural flow

I also share some personal reflections, weaving in poetry and quotes that capture the beauty of love and the sea*

Order your Beach Speaks spray here: https://sahuoils.com/meagld

*Poetry and reflections featured in this episode were adapted for The Beach Speaks podcast

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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Today, I am celebrating my 100th episode of The Beach Speaks, and for some of you, that might not seem like a lot; however, for those who know me, this is quite a momentous event, especially when I look back at episode 50 when I almost quit. It is progress, not perfection, and I am so enjoying the journey!!

Speaking into a microphone has always been easy for me, but the rest of the production process has been a challenge to master. I learned A LOT - not just the tech but what I am truly capable of when I listen to the beach and step out of my comfort zone.

Like the ocean, the gratitude in my heart for how the beach speaks to me is deep and expansive. It connects us in many ways, and it is a joy to share it with you!

Instead of making this episode one of those highlight reels or best of,  I decided to go back to the last 50 episodes and listen to my guests' responses to the question I always ask:  How is the beach speaking to you today?

Listen as my guests share the many ways the beach is speaking to them - at the moment. The themes vary, from how they feel at the beach to precious memories of time spent there to how it speaks to the soul. The responses may vary, but one thing connects us all: the beach does speak - we only have to listen!

My deep gratitude to my guests on this episode (in order of appearance):
Ramona Crabtree-Falkner
Austin Riggins
Michelle Cleveland
Leanne and Lyle, Beach Travel Wine
Jen Hardy
Oneiki Jackson
Amanda Esposito
Annora Lemieux
Jennifer Young and John Bailey
Nada Frazier
Alise Saunders
Cathi Taucher
Marc Cordon
Amanda Soler
Pam Uzzell
Jenny Paul
Jessie Regundberg
Jane Rosen
Mary Carroll Moore
Rabiah Coon
Sindia Rivera-Jimenez
Judi Dunlap
Emily Pasnak-Lapchick

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

Send us Fan Mail

Joining me today is my guest Erin, co-host of Three Kitchens Podcast. Listen as Erin takes us on a flavorful journey of foodie fun with stories of indulging in gourmet treats while on a kayak camping trip and her family's unforgettable beach cookout using an "earth oven." Plus, we dive into the connections between our plates and the planet and how we can cook, eat, and live more mindfully.

Be sure to listen to the end, where Erin shares her golden foodie rule and the truth behind cilantro - love it or hate it!

Listen to my episode on Three Kitchens here: S5, E19: Dreamy Italian Eggplant Parmesan with guest Paige Friend from The Beach Speaks Podcast

More about Three Kitchens Podcast: https://www.threekitchenspodcast.com/

My Octopus Teacher: My Octopus Teacher (YouTube trailer)

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever felt the winter chill complicate your love for the beach?

In this episode of The Beach Speaks, I reflect on a cold December morning at the beach in North Florida, reminiscing about the tropical warmth of Costa Rica and my nostalgic trip to Puerto Rico in 1986. 

From college swim team adventures on a semi-private beach in San Juan to savoring fresh pineapples and unforgettable connections, I recount my first tropical beach experience with vivid, sunlit nostalgia.

Special Announcement:
I’m thrilled to announce an upcoming project: a Beach Speaks room spray inspired by the serene scent of the shoreline!

Also, as we near the show's 100th episode milestone, I invite you to celebrate with me! Tell me, how is the beach speaking to you today? Send me an Email or Voicemail and I'll share it on the show.

Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheBeachSpeaks

Let this episode be your escape from winter’s chill, bringing the warmth and beauty of the beach closer to home. 

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

Send us Fan Mail

What do you say to a friend who is grieving a tragic loss? What do you do?

Michelle Cleveland answers these questions and more in her book Steps in the Sand, How to Help a Grieving Friend.

Drawing inspiration from her poem The Beach, Michelle weaves her painful, lived experience with grief and loss with practical advice for anyone who wants to support a grieving friend. Like, what do you say? - or NOT say? What do you do? - or NOT do? We want to be helpful, not hurtful.

In 2016, Michelle endured the heartbreaking loss of two out of her four children to suicide. Although our conversation is more about the beach and how it relates to the grieving process, there is mention of suicide, so please, if this topic is difficult or triggering for you, be mindful to stop and take a self-care break whenever you feel it’s necessary. The beach and I are here for you.

Guest links:
Project 24 Seven app GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/ddd56fb0

Website: https://project24seven.org/

Buy her book Steps in the Sand here: https://www.amazon.com/Steps-sand-help-grieving-friend/dp/B0DD47K772/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder why so many Florida beach lovers choose to stay put during hurricanes? 

In this episode, I reflect on the experience of enduring storms, sharing personal stories from the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. We explore why we chose to ride out the storms rather than evacuate, driven by our unwavering connection to the beach.

I recount my own hurricane cleanup efforts with friends and how our sense of community keeps us anchored. Guest Jen Hardy offers her insights on why her family decided to hunker down, discussing the extensive preparations and safety measures they've taken. Her perspective provides a glimpse into the sense of security and community support that often outweighs the urge to leave.

Drawing from anecdotes and excerpts from a New Yorker article, I delve into the resilient spirit of Floridians who prepare, hunker down, and ride out the storms, showcasing our unyielding bond with our coastal homes.


Article from the New Yorker magazine: The Relentlessness of Florida Hurricane Season by Carolyn Kormann https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-relentlessness-of-florida-hurricane-season

The Jen Hardy Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejenhardy

PODCAST LINKS:

• Leave a review! on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Share your beach story! https://thebeachspeaks.com/contact
• Purchase your Beach Speaks coastal essence room spray: https://sahuoils.com/meagld
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks