Claim OwnershipSecond Breakfast with Surf With Amigas
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© 2025 Surf With Amigas
Description
Welcome to Second Breakfast: a podcast by Surf With Amigas. From our table to yours, this space serves as an extension of those caffeinated post-surf chats. It’s a way to connect and engage in meaningful conversations, sharing our stories of play, challenge, and triumph in and out of the ocean. Listen to be inspired, empowered, educated, and challenged while connecting to a community of women surfers through storytelling.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Connect with us at: surfwithamigas.com or @surfwithamigas
Watch select episodes at SWA Online: online.surfwithamigas.com
108 Episodes
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Accidents while surfing in crowded lineups is a great fear for most surfers. However, after Layna's surf accident in the Maldives she was able to turn a terrifying experience into a deep healing journey and make radical life changes. In this episode, we hear Layna's story but also dive into a deeper discussion about etiquette, compassion and how we can make the ocean a safer space for everyone.
How do you think about the future? Does it make you anxious? Are you an optimist or a doomsdayer? Today we sat down with Florence Gaub, a futurist and author at NATO, who shares her unique journey from growing up in Munich to becoming an avid surfer and a key figure in today's world of geopolitics. We chat about her unique approaches to living life in the present and how to balance future challenges with optimism, action, and a bit of what she calls compassionate courage: how to stay grounded in the present but still be ready for what comes next.
Ever wondered what's really important to look at when viewing a surf forecast, or what truly influences wave formation? In this episode, we sit down with Oceanography PhD and TikTok star Paige to uncover the science behind swell period, wave height, and the mysterious wave energy numbers we see on forecasts. Paige breaks down all of this and more while encouraging us to maintain our curiosity about the natural world and sharing insightful and inspiring ocean facts.
Could training the small muscles you can't see be the secret to real strength? Pilates instructor and Foundation Training expert Gabrielle Cahoon would say it definitely is. Today, she sits down with us to break down how foundation training is an essential tool in your longevity wheelhouse. She dives into how stabilizing exercises can relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injury. She shares how simple practices, from breathwork to spinal decompression, changed her life, and can help us build more resilient, aware bodies and minds.
Today we sit down with amiga, Piper, to hear about her adventure in Central America; the three-year long van trip with her partner allowed her to practice autonomy and effective communication in relationships, learn to let go and trust the process. From surfing in Mexico to making friends with locals in El Salvador, Piper's story serves as a good reminder to fully commit to new experiences and surrender to change.
In this conversation, we sit down with SWA booking manager and trip leader, Summer, to hear about her surf journey and reflect upon her unconventional career path. From moving to Costa Rica at a young age to work on permaculture farms and supporting local surfers to later managing communications and partnerships at both ISA and the women's surf brand, Seea, Summer offers plenty of insights into finding your path, taking chances and making the most of your circumstances. Holly and Summer also explore how SWA strives to recreate the surf industry from the inside out by fostering safe spaces for women to gain skills, confidence and knowledge about the surfing world.
Former pro surfer Nicole Grodesky sits down with us to chat about her surf journey, the nuances of women's professional surfing, and how we can leverage different mentalities to help push us to believe in ourselves more and succeed. We chat about how setbacks can be viewed as life redirects, rather than failures, that lead us down more fulfilling paths, why it is essential to speak up for ourselves, and some insight into dealing with the emotional rollercoaster that is surfing. Nicole’s story emphasizes that that every life experience provides extra leverage and greater benefit moving forward.
In this conversation, amiga Paula Bushardt shares her remarkable surf journey while looking back on 70 years of life; from growing up all over the world, most notably in places like Nicaragua and Peru, to becoming a passionate surfer and eventually a space engineer, Paula's story highlights adaptability and flow at every stage of life. She also offers some valuable advice for aspiring surfers, encouraging women to surf in all conditions and forge ahead without fear.
Do you remember the age of surf mags? Before social media took over, magazines were the primary way to stay in the loop of what was happening in the surf world. In this conversation, Holly and Sunshine Makarow, a former competitive surfer who helped develop women's surf media, chat about Sunshine's professional life and women's representation in surfing over the years. After surfing professionally in the late 90s, Makarow launched Surf Life for Women, a magazine that pushed for women to be at the forefront of surf media and be recognized more for their talent, and less for their sex appeal.Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Join us for a lively chat with WSL commentator Rosy Hodge as we dive into the evolution of women’s surfing, celebrate how far the sport has come, and look ahead to its exciting future. We’ll highlight up-and-coming shredders, share insights from the competitive scene, and explore the waves of change shaping the next generation of female surfers. Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
In this episode, SWA co-owners Jackie and Holly share exciting updates about SWA retreats — from new destinations and fresh program elements to the ongoing evolution of their business. They open up about the behind-the-scenes challenges of running retreats while juggling motherhood and entrepreneurial life, reflecting on how these experiences shape their leadership and creativity. The conversation explores their continued commitment to authentic, locally rooted surf adventures and how they’re adapting to shifting global conditions while planning their next chapter of retreats around the world. Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Holly and her sister, Helina, reminisce about favorite moments from epic surf trips and unforgettable retreats while exploring family dynamics and the creation of Helina's business, Wavehuggers, a community-minded, eco-focused surf school. They chat about surf therapy, the ups and downs of running a business, and their hopes for the future, all through the lens of their lifelong love of the ocean, and connection through sisterhood. Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Holly and Mando, the owner and surfboard shaper behind Mando Surf Co. based on the Central Coast of California, dive into the craft of shaping boards, exploring how design can better serve women and smaller-bodied surfers. They also chat about alternative surf crafts and the joy of experimenting with new sensations in the water. Their conversation unpacks the often-controversial dynamics of surf etiquette in the lineup, offering candid insights into how the culture of surfing is evolving toward greater inclusivity and respect. Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Holly sits down with Aloe Driscoll—author, surfer, and adventurer extraordinaire—for a wide-ranging conversation that dives into the complexities of family relationships, money and investing, surf culture, and personal transformation. Aloe shares stories from her journey as a novice surfer evolving into a skilled wave rider, including her adventure hitchhiking and surfing through Central America back to Santa Cruz. She discusses the process of writing her memoir, which reflects on the life lessons and inner growth gained through that epic surf odyssey. Together, they explore themes of breaking generational cycles, fostering inclusivity in the surf community, and embracing the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Holly chats with Meredith, a Santa Cruz native who moved to Pavones, Costa Rica after falling in love with a local surfer—now her husband. Meredith shares what it’s been like to build a life in a remote jungle town, from surfing and raising kids to becoming part of the local community.The conversation takes a dramatic turn with the story of her young son’s venomous snakebite—a traumatic event that tested their faith and brought the power of community into sharp focus. Overall, the episode reflects on motherhood, resilience, and what it truly means to start over in a new culture.Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
In this episode, Holly sits down with Katie McConnell to explore the world of bodysurfing and big wave surfing. Katie shares her inspiring journey—from learning to surf as a beginner, to falling in love with bodysurfing, to eventually competing in some of the world’s most powerful waves. They dive into the tight-knit big wave surfing community, the deep connection between surfing and nature, and the role fear plays in pushing boundaries. Katie also reflects on her background in marine biology, her vision for environmental advocacy, and the future of women in big wave surfing. At its core, the conversation is a powerful reminder of what it means to pursue your passion, face fear head-on, and give back to the communities that shape you.To learn more about Katie, check her out on:Instagram @keiti_marEarth Society FoundationBig Wave AllianceConnect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Holly is joined by photographer and author, Kristen, as they dive into the vibrant life of Costa Rica, and explore the challenges and joys of living in a tropical paradise. From surfing adventures and cultural transitions to the complexities of sustainable development, this episode offers a candid look at what it truly means to embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. You'll hear about Kristen's experience in moving down to Tamarindo fourteen years ago to work with Robert August, and a bit about her new photography book. Overall, whether you're dreaming of a move or just curious about life in Costa Rica, this conversation is packed with insights and personal stories that will inspire and inform. Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
In this episode, we spotlight Carve, a pioneering brand in women's outdoor wear. We chat with co-founder, Jennifer, and learn about how Carve has trail blazed the industry with its commitment to creating timeless, sustainable apparel that empowers women to feel confident and stylish in any setting. From the surf to the streets, Carve's designs are crafted to last through every decade, embodying a philosophy that style and sustainability go hand in hand. Join us as Jennifer shares her journey of building a brand that not only celebrates the female form but also champions environmental responsibility.Use code SURFWITHAMIGAS10 on your next order with Carve for 10% off!Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Jo caught her first wave in 1971—and hasn’t stopped surfing since. In this episode, she shares how five decades in the ocean shaped her life, fueled her passions, and led to a recent dream surf retreat with Seea x Surf With Amigas. From early surf days as a women in predominantly male-dominated lineups to finding community in the water, Jo reminds us that it’s never too late to chase waves—or purpose.Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
Former pro surfer and Costa Rican local Andrea Díaz joins Holly to discuss how tourism and foreign investment are transforming Costa Rica’s coastal communities. Andrea shares her journey from competitive surfing to community advocacy and motherhood, while also highlighting how expats can support sustainable development, respect local culture, and help create conscious and collaborative opportunities for all in Costa Rica.Connect with us at https://surfwithamigas.com/ or @surfwithamigas.Episodes produced and edited by Emma Roggenkamp.
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