Beyond the Vines

Hosted by Amy Ahlers

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

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 The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

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60 recent

May 20, 2026Episode 10233 min

Delicious Food + Good Vibes: The Heart Behind Lunchette with Naomi Crawford

On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Naomi Crawford, owner of Lunchette in downtown Petaluma. Located just across the street from my office, Lunchette has become one of my favorite local spots — whether I’m grabbing my go-to chickpea salad, ordering ahead for a quick lunch, or stopping in for the brunch bowl with sweet potatoes and poached egg. Naomi shares the story behind Lunchette, what inspired her vision for the space, and how she created a business that blends fresh food, convenience, and community. We talk about the realities of running a food business, the importance of creating an inviting customer experience, and what makes Petaluma such a special place to open a local restaurant. If you love supporting local businesses, discovering great food spots, or hearing the stories behind Sonoma County entrepreneurs, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can find Lunchette at 25 4th Street in Petaluma, on Instagram at @lunchette_petaluma, and on the web at lunchettepetaluma.com. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

May 13, 2026Episode 10142 min

More Than a Meal: How Sonoma Family Meal is Feeding Community & Creating Opportunity

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Elana Nelson, Director of Development & Social Enterprise for Sonoma Family Meal and Sabor Food Truck. If you’ve ever grabbed a bite from Sabor, you might know the food is incredible—but what you may not realize is the powerful mission behind it. We talk about how Sonoma Family Meal began, the need it was created to serve, and how it has grown into an organization that not only provides meals to those facing food insecurity, but also creates meaningful job training and opportunities within our community. Elana shares how Sabor Food Truck came to life as a social enterprise, what that actually means, and how something as simple as a meal can create connection, nourishment, and long-term impact. This conversation is a beautiful reminder of the good happening right here in Sonoma County—and how supporting local can truly make a difference. You can find Sonoma Family Meal on Instagram at @sonomafamilymeal and on the web at sonomafamilymeal.org. You can find Sabor Food Truck on Instagram at @sabor_food_truck. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

May 6, 2026Episode 10031 min

The Story Behind LivXplore: A 100th Episode Conversation with Its Founders!

For this special 100th episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m sitting down with two people who have played such an important role in my own journey—Sean Payne and Nieves DeMartini, co-founders of LivXplore Real Estate. LivXplore is a boutique brokerage based in the heart of downtown Petaluma, serving Sonoma and Marin Counties, and built on a vision of doing real estate differently—more intentionally, more collaboratively, and with a deep connection to community. In this episode, we talk about what inspired Sean and Nieves to create LivXplore, what was missing in the traditional brokerage model, and how they’ve built a space that truly supports both their agents and their clients. We also dive into the importance of storytelling in real estate, the role of content and connection in today’s world, and the unique addition of LivXplore’s in-house podcast studio (where this episode was recorded!). This conversation is such a full-circle moment for me, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 100 episodes. Thank you for being here, for supporting this podcast, and for continuing to show up for the incredible people and businesses that make our community so special. You can find LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle on Instagram at @livxplorerealestate and on the web at www.livxplore.com. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

April 21, 2026Episode 9930 min

Elevating Everyday Beauty: A Conversation with Masara Miramontez

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Masara Miramontez—renowned local makeup artist and founder of Modern Luxe Lounge—to talk about her journey from building a sought-after bridal beauty business to opening a stunning, full-service beauty space in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa. Masara shares how she’s grown her brand with intention, what inspired her to create a luxury, all-in-one beauty experience, and how she’s curated a team of talented hairstylists and aestheticians to serve her clients in a more elevated way. We also dive into what it really looks like to evolve from solo artist to business owner, the importance of creating an experience (not just a service), and how community has played a role in her success. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a local looking for your new go-to beauty spot, or someone inspired by entrepreneurship, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of Sonoma County’s most exciting new spaces. You can find Modern Luxe Lounge on Instagram at @modernluxelounge and you can find Masara on Instagram at @makeupbymasara You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

April 13, 2026Episode 9833 min

Casual Classics & Timeless Living with Emily Lynch of Acorn Shop

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Emily Lynch, owner of Acorn Shops in Petaluma and Sebastopol—two beautifully curated spaces that have become staples in our local community. We talk about how her East Coast and West Coast influences come together in her signature style, what it really looks like to build a brick-and-mortar business, and how she thoughtfully curates what she calls “casual classics”—timeless, well-made pieces designed for everyday life at home. This episode is all about following your path, creating something meaningful, and building a business that reflects both your lifestyle and your community. You can find Acorn on Instagram at @acorn.shop and on the web at www.acornshop.co You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

April 7, 2026Episode 9731 min

The Bigger Picture: Smart Financial Planning with Jackie Egidio of Sonoma Wealth Advisors

When it comes to building wealth, it’s not about one decision—it’s about having a plan that brings everything together. In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Jackie Egidio, Chief Operating Officer at Sonoma Wealth Advisors, to talk about what it really means to take a holistic approach to your finances. From financial planning and tax strategy to investing, retirement, and supporting business owners, Jackie shares how all the pieces work together to create long-term success. We also talk about common misconceptions around wealth management, what people often overlook when it comes to planning, and simple steps you can take to feel more confident and in control of your financial future. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your strategy, this episode will leave you feeling more informed and empowered. You can find Sonoma Wealth Advisors on Instagram at @sonomawealth and on the web at sonomawealthadvisors.com. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

March 30, 2026Episode 9626 min

Investing in Our Students: A Conversation with Maureen Highland of PEF

What does it really take to support our local schools, and why does it matter for the entire community? In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Maureen Highland of the Petaluma Educational Foundation to talk about the powerful work PEF is doing for students, teachers, and classrooms across Petaluma. We dive into the programs they fund, the gaps they help fill, and the real impact they’re making every single day. As both a mom and a proud PEF board member, this conversation is especially meaningful to me. Whether you have kids in the school system or simply care about the future of our community, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and more connected to what’s happening right here in Petaluma. If this conversation resonates with you, there are so many ways to support—from attending local events to getting involved or simply helping spread the word. Every little bit makes a difference for our students and our schools. You can find PEF on Instagram at @pefproud and on the web at www.pefinfo.com. You can find Alphabet Soup on Instagram at @alphabetsoupshops. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

March 18, 2026Episode 9529 min

Behind the Mic with Amber Bledsoe of Froggy 92.9

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, Amy sits down with Amber Bledsoe, the voice behind Mornings with Amber on Froggy 92.9. With more than 16 years in broadcasting, Amber has built a career connecting with listeners through music, pop culture, and authentic conversation. Originally from Georgia, Amber studied Music Business and Communication at the University of Georgia before launching her career in radio. Today, she wakes up Sonoma County every weekday morning from 5–10am, bringing energy, humor, and a little country music to the airwaves. Amy and Amber talk about Amber’s path into radio, the behind-the-scenes reality of morning shows, and the story of how she landed her role at Froggy 92.9. They also dive into what it’s like to connect with the community through live events, music, and moments like giving away Country Summer tickets — something Amy’s own daughter was lucky enough to win! This conversation is a fun look at life behind the microphone and the role local radio still plays in bringing communities together. You can find Amber on Instagram at @froggy929 and @morningswithamberradioon the web at www.froggy929.com. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

March 9, 2026Episode 941 hr 0 min

Stronger Every Day: Inside X’Core Northbay with Maren Bean

On this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Maren Bean, owner of X’Core Northbay, with locations in Petaluma, San Anselmo, and soon-to-open Novato. We talk about how Maren stepped into studio ownership, what makes the X’Core workout so effective, and why it has become such a powerful part of so many people’s weekly routines. She shares what it really takes to grow from one boutique fitness studio to multiple locations — all while maintaining a strong sense of culture, connection, and community. If you’ve ever wondered whether this style of workout is right for you, felt intimidated to try something new, or are looking for a 45-minute class that delivers real results, this episode is for you. More than just fitness, X’Core is about building confidence, strength, and a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. This conversation will leave you feeling inspired — and maybe ready to book your first class. You can find X’core on Instagram at @xcorenorthbay and on the web at xcorestudio.com. You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.

February 19, 2026Episode 9334 min

Your Local Coffee Lady: Building Lovey Coffee Co. with Mary Orellana

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Mary Orellana, the owner and founder of Lovey Coffee Co. — a woman-owned, small-batch coffee roaster rooted right here in Sonoma County. Mary shares her journey from a lifelong love of coffee to building a business centered on community, ethical sourcing, and connection. We talk about what it really looks like to start a coffee company from the ground up, the meaning behind the Lovey Coffee name, and what it’s like being “your local coffee lady” at pop-ups, events, and weddings throughout the area. She also opens up about the hands-on nature of small-batch roasting, the learning curves of entrepreneurship, and what success looks like to her today. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a small business supporter, or someone dreaming of starting something of your own, this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and inspiration. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy this one. You can find Lovey Coffee Co. on Instagram at @loveycoffeeco and loveycoffeeco.com You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Beyond the Vines are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Amy Ahlers, or LivXplore Real Estate & Lifestyle.