Beyond the Vines

Beyond the Vines

Welcome to the Beyond the Vines podcast, where I interview local business owners in Sonoma County to highlight small business and grow our community. I’m your host, Amy Ahlers-- a mom, Realtor®, and Sonoma County native, and I am excited to connect you to some amazing people in this beautiful area that we call home. amyahlersrealestate.com

Episodes

June 18, 2025 49 mins

Parenting a teen can feel like navigating a whole new world—and you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Takajo, Caitlin Severin, and Aliah Singh, the powerhouse trio behind CultivaTeen Roots and their new course for parents, Making AdoleSense.

Together, they share what inspired them to launch this meaningful venture, how their unique backgrounds shaped their approach, and why adolescence is such a cri...

Mark as Played

This week on Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Gina Markle—the incredible entrepreneur behind Ji’s Kimchi. Raised in the Bay Area and inspired by her Korean roots, Gina began making kimchi while serving in the Coast Guard in Alaska. What started as a craving for home quickly became a business that now brings bold, beautiful flavor to kitchens across Sonoma County. We talk heritage, entrepreneurship, and what it means to share your lo...

Mark as Played

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Durham—children’s author, mom of two, and a local small business owner. When a sudden illness brought Melanie’s fast-paced world to a halt, she began seeking quiet, meaningful ways to stay connected with her kids. What started as personal rituals of mindfulness became the heart of her first children’s book, Every Day Magic. In this episode, Melanie shares her deeply personal journey, the hea...

Mark as Played

When your athlete loses their spark, it’s hard to know what to do—or say. In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Smith, a mental performance coach who’s helped thousands of kids (and parents!) navigate the emotional ups and downs of youth sports. We chat about her book Parenting Through Mental Blocks and what it really takes to raise confident, happy athletes—without the pressure. Whether you’re on the sidelines or just cheering ...

Mark as Played

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Conny Schneider, co-founder of the brand new gym, SomoFit, in Sonoma County. Conny shares her personal journey of discovering fitness as a source of strength, friendship, and belonging after moving to the United States—and how that experience shaped her vision for SomoFit today.

We talk about her passion for creating a welcoming, community-focused fitness space, her app...

Mark as Played

Step into the world of effortless style with Stacy Templeton Kaplan, the powerhouse behind Bella, a beloved boutique with locations in Petaluma, Novato, Greenbrae, and Mill Valley. In this episode, Stacy shares the inspiring story behind Bella’s beginnings, what it takes to run multiple thriving stores, and how she curates collections that help women feel confident, comfortable, and stylish. Whether you're a fashion lover, local bu...

Mark as Played

​​In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we're lighting things up with Katie May, founder of SoCo Candle Co—a Sonoma County-based business known for its eco-friendly candles poured into upcycled wine bottles, cans, and more. Katie shares how a simple love for DIY projects turned into a creative business rooted in sustainability, local spirit, and unforgettable scents. We dive into how she designs her seasonal collections, balances ar...

Mark as Played

Get ready for wagging tails and heartwarming stories! In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Petra Macega, the beloved founder of The VIP Pack in Petaluma. Known for her joyful dog-walking adventures and irresistible social media presence, Petra shares how she turned her passion for pups into a thriving business. We talk pack dynamics, popular pup photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and the deep connections she’s built...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Mayra Alexandra Hernandez, a Mindset and Leadership Coach who helps high-achieving women break through limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. We talk about her unique journey from engineering to coaching, the challenges she faced as a woman in male-dominated industries, and how neuroscience, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence play into personal growth. Whether ...

Mark as Played

Ever wished for radiant skin without the hassle of a complicated routine? In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Hayley Jacquin, co-owner of Face Foundrie San Francisco, to talk all things skincare, beauty business, and the magic of an efficient facial. Hayley shares her journey into the skincare world, the unique approach Face Foundrie brings to accessible skincare, and expert tips for achieving glowing skin—no matte...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we're sitting down with Amanda Norton of Body English Health and Performance in Petaluma. Amanda shares the story behind her unique approach to fitness, where movement, recovery, and mindset all play a role in helping clients perform—and feel—their best. Whether you're an athlete looking to level up, someone simply wanting to move through life with more ease, or a parent looking for fun classes ...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Lori Walker, the director and owner of Speech and Language Services of Marin-Sonoma. Lori shares her expertise in speech and language development, discussing the early signs that a child may need therapy, practical tips for parents, and the impact of effective communication at any age. We also dive into her journey as a business owner, the evolution of speech therapy, and the rew...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we’re diving into the world of racing suspension with Joel Burkett, the mastermind behind 707 Racing Suspension. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just curious about what goes into fine-tuning a high-performance vehicle, Joel breaks it all down—explaining how suspension affects speed, stability, and control on the track and beyond. From common misconceptions to cutting-edge advancements, get re...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we’re diving into the world of sourdough with Kelley Brennick, the talented baker and founder of Kelley Sourdough Co in Petaluma. Kelley shares her journey from passionate home baker to successful business owner, revealing the art and science behind crafting the perfect loaf. We discuss the magic of fermentation, the health benefits of sourdough, and the challenges of running a small bakery. Plu...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we sit down with Lena Furlong, the visionary behind Sol Landscapes, a company dedicated to creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces. Lena shares how her passion for irrigation and design led her to start her own business, the challenges and triumphs of running a landscaping company, and how she helps clients bring their dream landscapes to life. Tune in as we discuss the artistry of out...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we sit down with Nicole Cave and Desiree Fox, the talented sister duo behind The Den Design Group, an interior design firm specializing in both residential and commercial spaces. Nicole and Desiree share the journey that led to the creation of their design powerhouse, their approach to turning clients’ visions into stunning realities, and tips for making your own space both functional and beauti...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy Ahlers has a conversation with Cara Wasden, a dedicated Communication Coach who specializes in teaching public speaking skills to children. Discover how Cara helps young learners build confidence, overcome the fear of speaking, and develop lifelong communication skills. Amy shares her personal connection to Cara’s work, as her own daughter has benefited from Cara’s empowering classes. Tune i...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, host Amy Ahlers sits down with Kaitlin Loewenthal, the creative mind behind The Hello Shops, to discuss her journey as a local business owner. Kaitlin shares the inspiration behind her carefully curated selection of products, how she creates a welcoming experience for her customers, and the ways her shops connect with the Petaluma community. Whether you're a fan of unique finds, an aspiring entr...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy Ahlers sits down with Ali Kates, an Emotional Health Coach dedicated to helping individuals process trauma, heal their nervous systems, and overcome emotional blocks. Ali shares her journey into emotional health coaching, the importance of genuine self-care, and practical strategies to foster deeper relationships. Tune in to discover small but powerful steps to improve your emotional well-be...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, we sit down with Natalie Vinueza, owner of Grand Central Petaluma, a cozy riverside coffee shop in downtown Petaluma. Natalie shares the inspiration behind her shop, the importance of serving organic and fair trade coffee, and how locally sourced empanadas and pastries have become customer favorites. We also explore the unique challenges of running a coffee and pastry business and the special co...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.