Beyond the Vines

Hosted by Amy Ahlers

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 22, 2026Episode 10826 min

Keeping It Local: Food + Community with Chris Osborne

What makes a neighborhood lunch spot become a local favorite? It starts with great food—and the people behind it. In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m joined by Chris Osborne, owner of The Local in Petaluma, to explore the story behind a business built around fresh ingredients, creative sandwiches, and community connection. From its beginnings inside a fitness center to its expansion into a second, larger location, The Local has given Petaluma plenty to get hungry for. Get to know Chris, discover the inspiration behind The Local, and learn how a love for good food and local farms helped bring the vision to life. Whether you’re already a regular or planning your first visit, this episode offers a closer look at the people behind your next favorite lunch. Learn more at thelocalpetaluma.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.

October 13, 2026Episode 10733 min

Meet Porches: A New Way to Connect in Petaluma

What if technology could actually help us feel more connected to the place we live? In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I sit down with Sachin Monga, co-founder of Porches, a new community platform built right here in Petaluma. Sachin and his wife and co-founder, Fiona, created Porches with a vision of using technology to bring people closer to their local community — helping us discover the people, businesses, events, stories, and places that make Petaluma so special. Sachin shares the story behind Porches, why he and Fiona chose Petaluma as the place to build it, and how their previous experience in the tech world helped shape their approach. We talk about what may be missing from traditional social media, the importance of supporting local businesses and organizations, and whether technology can actually encourage us to spend more time connecting in real life. We also get into what Sachin and Fiona have learned about Petaluma along the way, what’s ahead for Porches, and Sachin’s own favorite things about the community he now calls home. If you love Petaluma, local businesses, and finding new ways to feel more connected to your community, this is such a fun conversation. You can find Porches at www.porches.app 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.

August 14, 2026Episode 10621 min

Game On, Petaluma! Meet the Founders of Recess Club

Have you ever wished there was a place where you could play nostalgic sports, meet new people, and simply have fun right here in Petaluma? This week on Beyond the Vines, I'm joined by Aaron and Paula Kleczkowski, the founders of the brand new Recess Club, to talk about the vision behind one of our community's most exciting new sports leagues-- for adults! We dive into how the idea for Recess Club came to life, why they chose Petaluma, and what you can expect when they open. From volleyball and flag football (and more!), to building community, Aaron and Paula share how they're creating a league that's about so much more than sports. Whether you're a seasoned player, curious about trying something new, or simply looking for another way to connect with people in our incredible community, this episode is your first look inside Recess Club. In this episode, you'll learn: • The story behind Recess Club and why Petaluma was the perfect home • What sports, leagues, and events you can expect • How beginners can get involved • Aaron and Paula's favorite local spots to grab drinks after a match • Their vision for building community through play If you've been looking for a reason to get outside, stay active, and meet new people, this episode might just inspire your next adventure. You can find Recess Club at Prince Park on Tuesday evenings (starting September 15th!), on the web at playrecessclub.com , and on Instagram at @playrecessclub. 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.

July 24, 2026Episode 10544 min

Elevating Vacation Home Ownership with Marnie Blanco of Pacaso

This week on Beyond the Vines, I'm joined by Marnie Blanco, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations at Pacaso, the company that's changing the way people buy and enjoy second homes. As someone who has personally been fascinated by Pacaso—and may have spent more than a little time dreaming about a place in Lake Tahoe—I couldn't wait to dive into this conversation! Marnie explains how Pacaso's co-ownership model works, what makes it different from a traditional timeshare, and how buyers can purchase a luxury vacation home while sharing the costs and responsibilities with other owners. We also talk about financing options, building equity, what happens when you want to sell, and why this innovative approach is opening doors for so many people who thought vacation home ownership was out of reach. Whether you've always dreamed of a cabin in Tahoe, a beach house in Florida, a snow chalet in Colorado, a getaway in Paris, or you're simply curious about one of the most innovative ideas in real estate, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. In this episode, we discuss: How Pacaso's co-ownership model works The biggest differences between Pacaso and a timeshare Financing options Building equity through fractional ownership How scheduling, maintenance, and resale work Why co-ownership is reshaping the future of second-home ownership If you've ever caught yourself browsing vacation homes online and wondering, "Could I actually make this happen?"—this episode is for you. You can find Pacaso on Instagram at @pacasohomes and on the web at https://www.pacaso.com/listings?utm_medium=agent-share-link&utm_campaign=b98ae70e-54be-4a8e-89af-bf04c6f900c8&utm_content=amy_ahlers 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.

July 20, 2026Episode 10436 min

Creating Childhood Magic at Bale of Fun Farm with Jennifer Crum

What happens when a teacher, a love for animals, and a dream of creating unforgettable childhood memories all come together? In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I'm joined by Jennifer Crum, owner of Bale of Fun Farm in Petaluma. Jennifer shares the incredible story of how a simple idea grew into one of Sonoma County's most beloved destinations for birthday parties, summer camps and family fun. We talk about what it's really like to care for more than 75 animals—many of them rescues—the lessons children learn through hands-on experiences with animals, and why getting kids outside and connected to nature is more important than ever. Jennifer also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the farm, hilarious animal antics, and what makes every birthday party and camp experience so special. Whether you're a parent looking for your next family adventure, curious about life on a working farm, or simply love hearing inspiring stories about local entrepreneurs, this episode is sure to leave you smiling. You can find Bale of Fun Farm on Instagram at @baleoffunfarm and on the web at www.baleoffunfarm.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.

July 7, 2026Episode 10322 min

More Than Ice Cream: The Sweet Story Behind Oskey's Ice Cream Truck with Dan Sager

What's the secret ingredient behind one of Petaluma's most beloved ice cream trucks? It turns out, it's not just the ice cream. This week on Beyond the Vines, I'm joined by Dan Sager, owner of Oskey's Ice Cream, to talk about the family legacy that inspired his business, what it's really like driving an ice cream truck, and the countless moments of joy he's created throughout our community. From carrying on his father's tradition to becoming a familiar face at events (including our annual Southgate summer kick-off!), Dan shares stories about entrepreneurship, nostalgia, and why small businesses play such an important role in bringing people together. Whether you've chased the Oskey's truck down the street or simply love hearing the stories behind Sonoma County's local businesses, this episode is guaranteed to leave you smiling. Tune in for a conversation that's as sweet as the treats on the truck. You can find Oskey’s Ice Cream Truck on Instagram at @oskeys.icecream and on the web at oskeysicecream.square.site. 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 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.

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