The Beach Speaks

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If you are a regular listener to the podcast, you’ll know that I often talk about how I met my soulmate, quit my nine to five and moved to the beach - it almost always comes up in conversation when I meet someone new, and we get to talking about the beach. 

Of all three, I get the most response from the “met my soulmate” part - like “that’s amazing!” Or “How did you do that?” or “I met my soulmate, too!” - and then they proceed to tell me their story. 

I noticed how, in the past several conversations with my guests, the same topic “How we met our soulmate, partner, significant other” - has come up. While talking about her book One Fire Island, Jane Rosen mentioned that she met her husband on a date at the beach on Fire Island, Cathi Taucher met my guest Oneike, the beach lifeguard, at the beach in Negril, and most recently, in the conversation I recorded with Pam Uzell about her love/hate relationship with the beach, she mentioned that she met her soulmate on her birthday, It wasn’t at the beach, but it was a significant time in her life that was the catalyst for her return to loving the beach again.

It made me think about how similar my story was to theirs  - I met Ernie, my soulmate, on the beach - on my birthday! I have learned from past experience that when such synchronicities appear, it’s a sign from the Universe to pay attention - in this case, perhaps this is a sign that I need to tell my story,  on the podcast,  of how I met Ernie on the beach, on my birthday!

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
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• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
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Listening to your voicemails is like going on a beach walk, picking up the messages like seashells and adding them to my collection. The voices and stories are different  -  but what they all have in common is a shared connection to the beach - I love them all - and I’m excited to share them with you!

Thank you Terri Maxwell, Jen Hardy, Terry Brock, Meshell Baker, Keith  Wilhelm and Teresa Lisum for these messages.  It was so much fun connecting this way! 

My intention for this  podcast has always been to create a collaborative space where beach lovers can come together as a community - where listeners can become a part of the podcast. - my co - hosts ! 

I love doing all the things it takes to produce this podcast solo,  the beach is speaking is anyone listening? 

But regardless of how many people are actually listening, I would still do this podcast because  it’s my way of  using the gift of my voice to connect with something greater than myself, the Beach and all it represents - and the bonus is - I get to share that connection with you! 

It takes a lot of time energy and resources to Put the show together, and your support goes a long way in helping keep the show on the air. 

It’s like that symbiotic relationship between the ocean and the beach - the ocean sends waves to the shore and the beach sends them back.  What would one be without the other?

If you’re wondering why I’m talking so passionately about community,  collaboration, and what it means to me, it’s because I'm so excited to announce that I have launched a Patreon - a membership platform that helps build community and a way for you to contribute to the future of the show - 

it costs as little a $5.00 to join and as a member you’ll receive some cool Beach Speaks “goodies,” plus the opportunity to get exclusive bonus audio content and other beachy stuff. 

Join our community here on  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77845359

See you at the beach! 

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/
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Today’s guest is Pam Uzzell, the creator and host of Art Heals All Wounds - a podcast that’s changing the world - one artist at a time. 

Pam and I met as members of the “pod squad,” - the slack community created by Squadcast - a remote podcast platform we use to record our shows. 

Pam reached out to me a few months ago with a wonderful story about her love-hate relationship with the beach. It starts out in childhood and ends in her adulthood - with the series of events in between that helped shape and form her sense of self-worth and belonging. 

It’s a self-described rom-com of sorts.

We talk about the differences between East Coast and West Coast beaches, how relationships reflect who we think we are or should be, and all the ways we listen to the beach - not just with our ears, but deep within our body - and soul.

Here’s Pam’s story of how her love/hate relationship with the beach became a profound lesson in love, acceptance, and belonging  - when she finally chose to listen!

Pam's Podcast: Art Heals All Wounds
Stories of Belonging: Season 5
Instagram: ArtHealsPodcast
Facebook: Art Heals All Wounds
Twitter/X: Art Art Heals All Wounds

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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My guest today is Oneike Jackson, the beach manager at the Boardwalk Beach Resort in  Negril, Jamaica. I have to say, after editing this episode, I couldn’t stop smiling! His high-vibe Jamaican energy is just that palpable. 

Oneike is a great storyteller; however, he did not want to come on the podcast at first. He was shy, and he didn’t know what to say - but his partner Cathi, who has been on the podcast numerous times, said “Don’t worry, Paige is so easy to talk to - it will be fun!” And true enough, when I got him talking, the conversation was. . .  jammin’!

One of the things I admire so much about Oneike is that he's not afraid to admit that when trying something new that makes him nervous - his way is to acknowledge it and then  "do the 'ting.” 

Also, I will NOT close my eyes the next time I get on a water slide!  

He is very proud of his island home and eager to share its unique vibe with everyone who visits.  It makes me want to hop on a plane and head to Jamaica - right now. 

I have some exciting news! The Beach Speaks is now on YouTube! So, if you or anyone you know loves “the Tube” - check it out! 

 Even if you don’t listen, check out the episode cover photos! They're all mine - just a few drops in the ocean of 40 thousand images I’ve taken over the past few years. 

Until next time, stay high vibe and don’t be afraid to "do the 'ting!"

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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I have a slight obsession with books. My house is filled with stacks of unread novels, coffee table books, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. But today, I want to focus on a specific genre that holds a special place in my heart: beach reads!

A good beach read is more than just a book you read while lounging on the sand. It's a book that transports you to the beach no matter where you are. It's a chance to let go of everyday stress and immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and adventure. And with summer coming to a close, there's no better time to indulge in beachy literary escapism.

Here are five beach reads that are speaking to me right now:

1. On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen -  This is the perfect example of a book I bought because I heard about it on a podcast! Thsi time it was mine! For more, check out Episode 68: On Fire Island: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Resilience with author Jane Rosen.  

2. Beach House Memories, by Mary Alice Monroe, is the sequel to The Beach House I read earlier this summer. Reading this second book will be like coming back for another summer visit with friends. 

3. Silo by Hugh Howey - I don’t typically go for dystopian post-apocalyptic science fiction when I want to relax, but after binging the first series on Apple TV, I have to read the books now!

4. When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal. This title popped up on a friend’s Facebook post, and I just had to add it to my list because, well, mermaids!

5. Florida’s Golden Galleon’s - The Search for the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet - by Robert F. Burgess and Carl J. Clausen  This book is perfect for history and treasure hunting fans.

Remember, a beach read doesn't have to be a physical book. Travel magazines about your favorite beach destinations can be just as captivating. And who can resist a good audiobook during a long drive to the coast?

Whether lounging on a sun-soaked beach or simply dreaming of the ocean, good beach reads will transport you to a world of relaxation and wonder.

Even if you can't physically be at the beach,  pick up a beach read off your shelf or pick one up at your local bookseller (it feels good to support small businesses) and let your mind escape to sandy shores. 

Grab a cool drink, kick back, and dive into the world of beach reads together!

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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Take a walk with me on the beach while I share some stories about what I collect there. It’s a personal journey through my experiences of collecting shells on my beach walks and the odd and sometimes disturbing things I discovered along the way.

Diving deep into the world of seashell collecting,  let’s explore the treasures lost and found at the beach, from mundane items to precious memories with a bit of trash thrown into the mix  - and what the beach had to say about that!

References:

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/sea-shell-hunting-florida-63683.html
http://swfloridasurvivalguide.com/home/beaches/beach-wildlife-and-dangers/seashells-etc/

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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“One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can only collect a few. One moon shell is more impressive than three. There is only one moon in the sky.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

It’s hard to think about going to the beach and not wanting to take a little something with you to remember being there. It’s like the shore has this magnetic pull, urging you to pick up a seashell or some other treasure and take it home.

But what if you found out that if you took that little piece of the beach -  you would be cursed?   

On this episode of The Beach Speaks, my guest, Jenny Paul, and I discuss the joys of collecting shells, sand, and souvenirs at the beach. Jenny shares her experiences collecting sand from various beaches worldwide, including the fascinating pink sand of Bermuda and the black sand of Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. 

We reminisce about her connection to the beach, including childhood memories of losing a water shoe and the recent discovery of a silver dog tag on the beach etched with the words "authentic self."  She shares a story of collecting something at the beach that might be cursed, adding an intriguing twist to our conversation. All these experiences lead us to reflect on the profound meaning of the things we find on the beach.  

I’m so happy that Jenny agreed to share her story of the cursed sand because,  sometimes, a “curse” can actually be a blessing!  Although neither of us expected that our conversation would take such an existential turn - it did bring up some interesting questions that I’m sure the beach has been asking me, but I guess I haven’t been paying attention - until now. 
Is there a greater meaning to what we find on the beach, and what do we choose to keep and why?

This episode is a must-listen for beach lovers and collectors alike. Share it with your friends!

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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If you’re as passionate about books as you are beaches, you are going to love this conversation with Jane L. Rosen  Jane is an author, screenwriter, and former Huffington Post contributor, and today we’ll be talking about her latest book, On Fire Island - a place Jane knows intimately because she’s been a resident there for 30 years. 

On Fire Island  is a story of love and loss, but even more, it’s about human connection and ways we can help each other through our experiences and empathy.

Here are just some of the topics we covered:

- The surprising connection I have with Jane’s house and actor/singer Harry Belafonte
- The unique aspects of Fire Island's car-free environment and distinct town personalities
- Jane’s experience living on the island during the COVID-19 pandemic and its unique atmosphere
- Turning a screenplay into a novel and how her fictional characters are inspired by various people that reside on Fire Island
- Her dream about dolphins followed by an encounter with real dolphins while on a beach walk
- Jane’s connection to the beach and her belief that loved ones are present there

There’s something extra special about a book when you know a little about the story behind the story - and what inspired the author to write it.  On Fire Island  is, by Jane’s admission, her best story, and I believe her. You can feel  the connection

I hope today’s conversation inspires you to listen closely to how the beach speaks to you and let its message encourage you to explore your unique creative expression. Maybe you’ll be inspired to write a book of your own!

On Fire Island is available wherever you shop for books; however, the beach and I hope you will consider picking up a copy at your local independent bookstore - it's a great way to support the businesses in your community.  

Share this episode with a fellow beach book lover!

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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My guest today is Amanda Soler; the creator and host of the SolFul Connections podcast.

It seems appropriate that her podcast is called SoFul Connections because Amanda embodies connecting on a soul level; it's in her DNA. 

I noticed this from the moment we first met - on the virtual social forum Clubhouse; I'm not sure in what “room” we connected or what the discussion was, but what I am sure of is why - it was our soul's connection to the Beach. Of course, that’s what the beach Speaks is all about, right? Stories about our connection to the beach!

When Amanda left me a voicemail on my website asking if I would be interested in "cross-pollinating" our podcasts - I would be a guest on hers, and she would be a guest on mine - I thought:  what a brilliant idea to connect.

So, if you’re listening to this podcast because you heard me on Amanda’s, welcome! The beach and I are so grateful you decided to join us! 

And if you’re one of my  listeners, after hearing her soulful conversation here on the Beach Speaks, be sure to hop on over to Amanda’s show,  where you’ll get to hear me tell my soulful beach stories here:  Finding a Way to the Beach with Paige

The beach is speaking, and it's all about connection today!

 Listen to Amanda's podcast: SolFul Connections 
To play The Game That Goes There  link: The Game - The Liv Project
To learn more about the Liv Project:  www.thelivproject.org 

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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How do you feel about seaweed?

I bet you could smell it as soon as you heard me say the word! 

When I think about the beaches here on the Atlantic coast, I never really considered that seaweed could be a problem.

I only notice it when it's washed up in small patches along the shore or in the ocean - but it’s never really gotten in the way of my enjoying the beach.

On the Gulf Coast, however, when a specific type of seaweed piles up on shore, it’s an entirely different story. For people wanting to enjoy a perfect beach day, it’s a smelly, unpleasant nuisance, and for some ocean life, it can be - deadly.
 
Scientists following the rapidly growing collection of this Sargassum didn’t consider it too much of a threat to the coastline until recently; the seaweed collection generally stayed in the Atlantic Ocean.

However, around March this year reports started flooding the newfeeds of what had now become an apocalyptic-sized 5,000-mile-wide patchwork of Sargassum clumps floating in the Atlantic - making its way toward Florida and other coastlines alongGulf of Mexico,  a giant blob of seaweed twice the width of the United States was now threatening to dump smelly and possibly harmful piles across the beaches.

I started to pay more attention to this massive “blob” of seaweed, thinking, “Wow, how awful it would be if that blob reached Cancun!”

If you're a frequent listener to the podcast, you can probably guess why I was suddenly all worried about Cancun. I was headed there in just a few weeks!

Listen to what I learned about seaweed season and what the beach in Cancun had to say about it while I was there.

I learned an important lesson about the beach: it isn't always what you want - but it's always what you need. 

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