Beyond the Vines

Finding Their Voice: Coach Cara Wasden & Her Students on Public Speaking and Confidence

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I’m thrilled to welcome back Coach Cara Wasden — and this time, she’s joined by three of her incredible former students, Kalista, Emma, and Violet. For over a decade, Cara has been teaching middle school students the art (and fun!) of public speaking, guiding them through prepared speeches, impromptu talks, and even summer camps full of improvisation.
Together, we dive into the students’ experiences in class — from their nerves on the first day to their proudest moments on stage. You’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced, the skills they’ve gained in confidence, communication, and creativity, and the joy that comes from pushing past fear.
Whether you’re a parent considering this class for your child or simply love hearing stories of growth and encouragement, this episode will leave you smiling.
You can find Coach Cara Wasden at coach-cara.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.

Where Kids Create and Parents Recharge: SoCo Kids Craft Club

In this episode of Beyond the Vines, I chat with Alysia Utroske, founder of SoCo Kids Craft Club, Sonoma County’s very own mobile craft club for kids. Alysia brings the creativity right to you, giving kids the chance to explore art through fun, hands-on projects—while parents enjoy a little breather. From her Coffee & Creativity pop-ups to her dream for the future of the club, Alysia is making art accessible, joyful, and community-driven.
You can find SoCo Kids Craft Club at www.socokidscraftclub.org and on Instagram at @soco.kids.craft.club.
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.

Housing Matters: A Conversation with Jen Klose of Generation Housing

This week on Beyond the Vines, Amy sits down with Jen Klose, Executive Director of Generation Housing, to talk about the organization's mission to ensure everyone in our community has access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Jen shares how Gen H is working to address local housing challenges, advocate for smart policy, and create opportunities through collaboration, education, and action. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or simply someone who cares about the future of Sonoma County, this conversation is a must-listen.
You can find Generation Housing at generationhousing.org and on Instagram at @wearegenh. 
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.

Connecting Women and Supporting Causes with Vida Flow

Lena Furlong is back on Beyond the Vines — and this time, she’s here to invite you to something truly special. The upcoming Vida Flow event, featuring The M Factor documentary, is more than just a gathering; it’s a powerful fundraiser for the Polly Klaas Foundation and a space for people to connect, learn, and celebrate every stage of life from pre-menopause to menopause and beyond.
Hosted right here in Petaluma, the event will feature inspiring speakers, valuable resources, and a vibrant community ready to lift each other up. Through her Vida Flow brand, Lena is leading the charge in breaking the silence around menopause, offering education, visibility, and the reminder that we are all superhero rock stars.
Tune in to hear why this event matters, what you can expect when you attend, and how you can be part of a movement that’s changing the conversation — and the community — for women everywhere.
You can find Vida Flow at vidaflow.podia.com. The event is Thursday, August 21st at 5:30pm and tickets can be purchased on the Vida Flow website.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Rooted in Connection: How CultivaTeen Roots is Changing the Parenting Game

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 critical time for both teens and parents. We talk about the challenges modern parents face, how to reconnect with your teen, and practical tools to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and supported.
If you’re parenting a teen (or tween!), this conversation is a must-listen.
You can find CultivaTeen Roots at @cultivateenroots on Instagram and cultivateenroots.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

From Seoul to Soul: Gina Markle’s Journey with Ji’s Kimchi

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 love through food.
You can find Ji’s Kimchi at @ginajikimchi on Instagram and jiskimchi.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Finding Magic in the Everyday with Author Melanie Durham

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 healing power of storytelling, and the beautiful reminder that magic is something we create every day.
You can find author Melanie Durham at @magicbymelanie on Instagram and magicbymelanie.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Parenting the Stuck Athlete: A Conversation with Rebecca Smith

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 from home, you’ll walk away with tips, perspective, and a whole lot of hope.
You can find Complete Performance Coaching at @complete_performance on Instagram and completeperformancecoaching.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Building Strength and Community with Conny Schneider of SomoFit

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 approach to evidence-based training, and why she believes movement is a universal language that brings people together. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or someone just looking for a place to feel connected, you'll love hearing Conny’s story and the heart behind SomoFit.
Tune in for a conversation full of inspiration, wellness tips, and a fresh take on what it really means to feel strong—inside and out.
You can find SomoFit at @somo_fit on Instagram and SomoFit.com.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.

Where Style Feels Like Home: Inside Bella, the Beloved Local Boutique

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 business supporter, or budding entrepreneur, this conversation is full of heart, insight, and inspiration.
You can find Bella at @bellaboutiquemarin on Instagram, www.bellamarin.com, and at their Petaluma, Greenbrae, Novato and Mill Valley locations.
You can find Amy Ahlers at amyahlersrealestate.com and @amyahlers_realtor on Instagram.