Seacoast Stories

*This episode contains references to sexual harassment. Listener discretion is advised.*They told her no one would buy turmeric lattes. That she was crazy for leaving a $350,000 salary behind. That she needed to have sex with her boss for any shot at career advancement.Jennifer Wilder has heard it all. It's never stopped her before, and now, at 48 years old, nothing can.Wilder (formerly known as Jennifer Desrosiers) is the "boss babe" owner of Seacoast favorites LANEY & LU and Ginger Fox Bakery. Before opening LANEY & LU in Exeter, N.H., 10 years ago, Jen lived a completely different life, having spent 20 years working in manufacturing, engineering, and plastics.And now, in Part One of a two-part conversation, the Seacoast's top adventuress is ready to tell all.From the West End of Portsmouth, Jennifer and host Troy Farkas discuss Jen's childhood, her "brutal" experiences with sexual harassment in her past career, and the health issues that led her to completely change course.Plus, what she learned about herself during yoga teacher training, the vision that led her to create LANEY & LU, why the brand took off more than she ever imagined it would, growing her restaurant empire, becoming a role model for female entrepreneurs, and much, much more.CHAPTERS:Jen Wilder's upbringing (00:00)The good, bad, and ugly from corporate life (11:34)The chain of events that led Jen to throw away her past life (20:00)How Jen became a leading voice in the female entrepreneur scene (32:38)Opening LANEY & LU in 2015 (42:52)The expansion of Jen's brand & restaurant empire (55:00)If you're a business owner in need of some 1:1 coaching, you can work with Jen by inquiring here.SPONSORS:⁠⁠⁠Jennifer Bakos Photography⁠⁠⁠: Small biz owners can get 10% off your first photography session by DM'ing Jenn ⁠⁠⁠@jennbakosphoto ⁠⁠⁠on Instagram! Just tell her you're a fan of the podcast 😊LADIES! To learn more about what's going on with your hormones, you can get a FREE lab consultation with Dr. Whitney Elsesser by visiting the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holistic & Hormonal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ web site when you write "HORMONES" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the contact page.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Personality quizzes, secret reveals, delicious dinners, and connecting with ... strangers?That's the "billion dollar" company Portsmouth's Rae and Ryan Lambert believe they've just started.Through their new app, DNNR, Rae and Ryan send like-minded strangers to dinner together. The catch? The attendees don't know where they're dining until the day of the dinner, nor do they know who they're dining with until they show up.It's an idea they stumbled upon earlier this year after the Silicon Valley expats spent years taking "throat punches" while building their previous meetup app, River - which they spoke about on "Seacoast Stories" last year. Now, they've pivoted, and they're convinced that dinner clubs - like Seacoast Stories Dinner Club - will be a valuable tool for creators to build community and monetize their audience, while simultaneously helping strangers meet new people in a fun way.From the West End of Portsmouth, the Lamberts return to the show to discuss the pivot from River to DNNR, how Seacoast Stories Dinner Club works, how their new business is already taking off in other parts of the country, Portsmouth's sneakily growing tech scene, and why they're convinced DNNR will become a very, very lucrative business for them.Interested in attending the next Seacoast Stories Dinner Club? You can sign up here to join us in Exeter, N.H., on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 p.m. You can also read this recent Substack article about Seacoast Stories Dinner Club's success.CHAPTERS:Why River struggled despite widespread usage (00:00)Pivoting from River to DNNR (12:30)SPONSORS: Jenn Bakos Photography + Holistic & Hormonal (25:28)The unique technology behind Seacoast Stories Dinner Club (28:15)What to expect at Seacoast Stories Dinner Club (33:02)Some of the challenges of operating DNNR (40:50)Why DNNR is a surefire success (46:12)How DNNR is expanding far beyond the Seacoast (58:55)Portsmouth's sneaky large tech scene (01:06:34)How do you want to be remembered? (01:08:18)EVENTS:⁠Seacoast Culinary Challenge⁠ at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, N.H., on Wednesday, 10/29. Join the fight against food insecurity by ⁠snagging your tickets here.⁠SPONSORS:⁠⁠Jennifer Bakos Photography⁠⁠: Small biz owners can get 10% off your first photography session by DM'ing Jenn ⁠⁠@jennbakosphoto ⁠⁠on Instagram! Just tell her you're a fan of the podcast 😊To learn more about what's going on in your body, get a FREE lab consultation by visiting the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holistic & Hormonal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ web site when you write "HORMONES" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the contact page.⁠⁠⁠⁠Email our friend David Higgins ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on a better path toward financial investment!Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Flight delays. Sleeping in airports overnight. Subways breaking down underground.For most people, travel is a nightmare.But with C&J Bus Lines, it's a different story.C&J is not only one of the most beloved companies on the Seacoast, but they're also one of the most respected across the entire transportation industry.How is it possible that a BUS company - long seen as the bottom of the barrel in travel - makes people this happy?On today's episode, Jim Jalbert - who has owned C&J since 1981 - explains in an EXCLUSIVE interview!From the West End of Portsmouth, Jalbert sits down with host ⁠⁠Troy Farkas⁠⁠ to discuss why the family business started in 1968, the company's evolution from checkered taxi cab to bougie bus, the company's devotion to excellent customer service, and why Seacoast residents speak so highly of the company.Plus, Jalbert talks about the long-term ramifications of President Trump's tariffs, why C&J implemented paid parking this year, and some breaking news regarding their New York City trips!To save $20 on select trips to New York City between Oct. 14 and Nov. 14, use the code "NYC20" at checkout at RideCJ.com.CHAPTERS:The early days of C&J (00:00)C&J's devotion to excellence (14:28)Why C&J is so well-respected (29:13)Surviving the pandemic (41:36)C&J's untraditional business approach (44:50)Trump's tariffs & paid parking (53:22)Giving back to the community (01:09:42)How do you want to be remembered? (01:19:20)EVENTS:⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club⁠ in Exeter, N.H., on Wednesday, 10/15. Meet your new best friends by ⁠⁠⁠⁠signing up here.⁠⁠⁠⁠Seacoast Culinary Challenge at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, N.H., on Wednesday, 10/29. Join the fight against food insecurity by snagging your tickets here.SPONSORS:⁠Jennifer Bakos Photography⁠: Small biz owners can get 10% off your first photography session by DM'ing Jenn ⁠@jennbakosphoto ⁠on Instagram! Just tell her you're a fan of the podcast 😊To learn more about what's going on in your body, get a FREE lab consultation by visiting the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Holistic & Hormonal⁠⁠⁠⁠ web site when you write "HORMONES" on ⁠⁠⁠⁠the contact page.⁠⁠⁠Email our friend David Higgins ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on a better path toward financial investment!Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

***This episode contains references to sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.***Katie Grimes had to make a change.After years of chasing chaotic relationships, people pleasing, addiction, burning through cash, and surrounding herself with the wrong people, Katie finally realized a higher purpose awaited her.A Massachusetts kid who built a strong commercial real estate career in Boston, Katie is now a very successful Portsmouth-based virtual business coach. She helps her clients root out inefficiencies, get more time back, and make more money ... without breaking their backs to do so. Across her coaching, newsletter, Anything For Love podcast, and 30,000 Instagram followers, Katie has touched the lives of over 100,000 people since transitioning out of the corporate world at the end of the 2010s.From the West End of Portsmouth, Katie Grimes sits down with host (and neighbor) ⁠Troy Farkas⁠ to discuss her wild 20s and 30s, the heartbreaking deaths and sexual assault that rocked her world, her addiction to chaotic relationships, rocky relationship to money, and how all of this led her to chart out a better life for herself.Plus, she outlines the FIVE THINGS most business owners struggle with, and she offers advice on how you can get more time back so you can focus on what you love doing more.CHAPTERS:The tragic experiences that woke Katie up (00:00)Addiction to chaotic relationships (16:08)The 90-Day Rule (22:20)Sponsors: David Higgins and Jennifer Bakos Photography (30:50)Katie's rollercoaster relationship to money (33:52)How business coaching can transform your business (40:48)5 common challenges business owners face (48:30)How do you want to be remembered? (01:06:22)To apply for business coaching with Katie, click here.EVENTS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soul Powerful: Get your tickets to Soul Models' big event THIS WEDNESDAY in Dover ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Seacoast Stories Dinner Club in Exeter, N.H., on Wednesday, 10/15. Meet your new best friends by ⁠⁠⁠signing up here.⁠⁠⁠SPONSORS:Jennifer Bakos Photography: Small biz owners can get 10% off your first photography session by DM'ing Jen @jennbakosphoto on Instagram! Just tell her you're a fan of the podcast 😊David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on the path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

While overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Cliff House, host Troy Farkas sits down with Cliff House General Manager Nancy White. In this bonus episode (recorded in August), the two discuss Cliff House’s storied history, the natural beauty surrounding the resort, how a rough economy impacted attendance at Cliff House this summer, the many dining options offered, and the luxurious services offered at one of Maine’s most iconic landmarks.To learn more about Cliff House's offerings and to book the stay of your dreams, just visit CliffHouseMaine.com, or follow them on Instagram @cliffhousemaine.For more stories about the amazing people and places of the Seacoast, you can subscribe to the "Seacoast Stories" podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on our YouTube channel.UPCOMING "SEACOAST STORIES" EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club is in Exeter, N.H., on Wednesday, 10/15. Meet your new best friends by ⁠⁠⁠signing up here.⁠⁠

Pete Endres grew up dreaming of owning a farm.And when his mother passed away in 2011, Pete and his brothers decided they wanted to not only own a farm, but to open up a cidery on said property.Pete, who later moved to the Seacoast in the mid-2010s, spent years searching for the perfect property until, finally, he found it in 2019.That farm? It's now home to Bird Dog Cider in Greenland, N.H., which formally opened its doors last fall.From the cozy confines of Bird Dog, Pete sits down with host Troy Farkas to discuss his childhood days of apple farming in western New York, the blood, sweat, and tears poured into revitalizing the once-dilapidated farm, the family atmosphere that defines Bird Dog, and having lines out the door the day they opened their barn doors to the public. Plus, getting chased by a sea lion, and even the MURDER that took place on the farm!?CHAPTERS:Our love for apples (00:00)Getting chased by a sea lion (06:00)The (sad) motivation for opening Bird Dog (11:10)America's up-and-down love affair with cider (15:06)Turning a run-down Seacoast farm into a cidery (22:34)SPONSORS: Soul Models & Chinburg Properties (32:20)Why Bird Dog is focused on staying local (34:54)Lines out the door last fall (41:40)Balancing Bird Dog with a full-time job (46:00)How do you want to be remembered? (58:15)The murder that happened on the farm (01:04:08)To learn more about Bird Dog's upcoming events, including their collaboration with Portsmouth's 3 Bridges Yoga on 10/4, just visit this link.EVENTS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club in Kittery on Wednesday, 9/17. Meet your new best friends by ⁠⁠signing up here.⁠⁠SPONSORS:⁠⁠⁠Soul Models: Get your tickets for Soul Powerful on Wed. 9/24 in Dover here.⁠⁠⁠⁠Chinburg Properties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on the path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

The best restaurant on the Seacoast?Some will tell you it's The Black Birch.Tucked away in Kittery Foreside, this gastropub is a fan favorite lauded for its deviled eggs, short rib, cocktails, and intimate setting. In fact, when Ben Lord and Gavin Baudry started dreaming of having their own spot while both serving tables of Anneke Jans, the vision they'd laid out is nearly identical to what "The Birch" has become. From Kittery Foreside, Ben Lord and host Troy Farkas discuss what led him and his business partners to open The Birch 14 years ago, its role in the evolution of Kittery Foreside, how the Birch has enjoyed 14 years of success, the state of the Seacoast restaurant industry, the labor shortage, and the key role his other restaurant, Chapel + Main, has played in the revitalization of downtown Dover.CHAPTERS:The appeal of the restaurant industry (00:00)Working at Anneke Jans (05:40)Why they opened The Black Birch (10:00)Bridge closures & Kittery Foreside's evolution (14:02)SPONSORS: Sea Love Portsmouth & Chinburg Properties (21:55)Why people love The Birch (24:50)EVENTS: Seacoast Stories Dinner Club & Seacoast Singles (33:55)Chapel & Main's role in revitalizing Dover (35:10)The state of the Seacoast restaurant scene (42:30)How do you want to be remembered? (57:30)EVENTS:Seacoast Singles Dating Show at The Press Room on Saturday, 9/13. Presented by Oomph Salon. ⁠Sign up here.⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club in Kittery on Wednesday, 9/17. Meet your new best friends by ⁠signing up here.⁠SPONSORS:⁠⁠Sea Love Portsmouth⁠: Get 20% off your Portsmouth candle-making experience by saying "SEACOAST STORIES" in store. Book online today.⁠⁠⁠Chinburg Properties⁠⁠⁠⁠David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on the path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

In August 1905, the eyes of the world were looking at Portsmouth, N.H.The site of the peace talks for ending the Russo-Japanese War, Portsmouth played host to the delegates from Russia and Japan, who hashed out the particulars of the deal at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.In this weeks-long affair, the citizens of Portsmouth rallied around the cause, hosting dinners, parties, and parades to create an environment suitable for bringing the Russo-Japanese War (named World War Zero due to alliances) to a swift end.On today's episode, Portsmouth Treaty expert Stephanie Seacord joins the podcast to discuss why Russia and Japan went to war, why the United States intervened, how Portsmouth became the center of the talks, what happened at the shipyard, why the citizens of Portsmouth are partly to thank for the war's end, and so much more. Plus, why is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, M.E.?!?!CHAPTERS:Context for the Russo-Japanese War (00:00)Selecting Portsmouth for the peace talks (08:32)Why is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, M.E.? (21:38)SPONSORS: Sea Love Portsmouth & Chinburg Properties (24:30)What happened in the peace talks (27:12)How the citizens of Portsmouth participated in the talks (36:40)Plans for commemorating the anniversary this week (49:00)EVENTS:Seacoast Singles Dating Show at The Press Room on Saturday, 9/13. Sign up here.Seacoast Stories Dinner Club in Kittery on Wednesday, 9/17. Meet your new best friends by signing up here.SPONSORS:⁠Sea Love Portsmouth: Get 20% off your Portsmouth candle-making experience by saying "SEACOAST STORIES" in store. Book online today.⁠⁠Chinburg Properties⁠⁠⁠David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on the path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Jessica Sunshine couldn't take it anymore.New Hampshire's changing policies. The complaints from the parents. The stress.So, after 10 years of teaching high school English across several New Hampshire high schools, the 32-year-old won't be returning to the classroom this year.Instead, she's focusing on building her dream of helping students feel seen and heard in a different way: yoga.An accomplished yoga teacher at Prasada Yoga (North Hampton), Bryony Body (Exeter), Good Vibes Yoga (Ogunquit), and Seavasana (and formerly of Yogasmith and Barre & Soul), she's now a reiki master and a sound healer. She also manages social media for Portsmouth Paddle Co.From the West End of Portsmouth, Jessica sits down with host Troy Farkas to discuss why she won't be returning to the school this year, and what it's like now working full-time in yoga & healing. Plus, she shares her heartbreaking stories of losing her father suddenly, dealing with chronic pain, and the eating disorders she used to struggle with.CHAPTERS:Why Jessica started teaching yoga (00:00)Losing her father in 2022 (11:10)Her problems with N.H.'s education system (18:15)SPONSORS: Chinburg Properties & Sea Love (25:52)Why Jessica left teaching at the end of last year (28:22)Why we have no control over what happens (33:10)Going full-time with healing work (43:10)SPONSOR: Soul Models (50:35)Chronic back pain over the past year (52:00)Why a yoga teacher is not a guru (01:10:10)Jessica's love for D Street Tavern (01:23:00)How do you want to be remembered? (01:28:37)For 1-on-1 reiki sessions with Jessica, you can message her @jessicasunshineyoga on Instagram to learn more information.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Soul Models:⁠ Email info@soulmodels.org to support their 9/24 Soul Powerful event, or buy tickets here.Sea Love: Get 20% off your Portsmouth candle-making experience by saying "SEACOAST STORIES" in store.⁠Chinburg Properties⁠⁠David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on the path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

On one of the biggest days of their lives, Bill and Bennett Camarda's lives were flipped upside down.On today's episode, the husband-and-wife co-owners of Limitless Fitness (Epping & Greenland, N.H.) open up about the emotional rollercoaster of the last two years, from dealing with unimaginable grief, to acquiring Limitless in 2024, building a second location, and so much more.From the West End of Portsmouth, the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo join host Troy Farkas to discuss the fairytale-like circumstances they met under, Bill's years-long pursuit of Bennett, living in Atlanta & Chicago together, moving to the Seacoast, & the family crisis that led Bill and Bennett to leave their successful corporate careers behind.Plus, why they acquired Limitless in 2024, the crazy behind-the-scenes of opening their Greenland location in July, and what makes Limitless Fitness, an exclusively 1-on-1 gym, a disruptive force in the Seacoast's fitness offerings.CHAPTERS:Bill's childhood health issues (00:00)Bill and Bennett's cute love story (09:36)SPONSOR: Chinburg Properties (19:35)Moving to the Seacoast (20:36)The diagnosis that changed their entire perspectives (23:15)An unimaginable 96 hours (34:42)SPONSOR: The DRIPBar (44:02)Why they acquired Limitless (45:35)What makes Limitless different (52:05)Opening the Greenland location in July (01:04:10)Why they love working together (01:11:20)How do you want to be remembered? (01:18:56)To learn more about Limitless Fitness and their offerings, just visit LimitlessFitnesLLC.com or follow @limitlessfitnessllc on Instagram.Want to meet other "Seacoast Stories" listeners? Great! Seacoast Stories Dinner Club⁠⁠⁠⁠ is headed to Dover THIS WEDNESDAY, 8/20, at 7 p.m. You can sign up here for this one-of-a-kind experience.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Chinburg Properties: Find your dream home or office!⁠The DripBar⁠⁠: Set up your IV drip membership today!David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started on path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate, Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Are you holding yourself back without even realizing it?Julie Costa used to.But then, she found hypnotherapy. And ever since she started getting out of her own way, she's now committed to helping others dig underneath the subconscious so they can unlock their true potential as well.Formerly a high-level employee at Lululemon and a bodybuilding competitor, Julie is now a certified hypnotherapist and business coach who uses hypnotherapy to help business owners navigate the troublesome waters of entrepreneurship. She also certifies other hypnotherapy practicioners. Based in Newburyport, M.A., Julie was selected as Boston's best hypnotherapist in 2024.In this bonus episode of "Seacoast Stories," Julie joins host Troy Farkas to discuss how hypnotherapy changed her life, how she uses it to change others' lives, working at Lululemon in its heyday, getting laid off from Lulu and the identity crisis she suffered as a result, losing her mother in a tragic accident early in life, and more. Plus, what even is the Seacoast, anyway?To learn more about Julie's services, you can visit her website juliecosta.com or follow her on Instagram @julie.m.costa.To support "Seacoast Stories," follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠. You can also sign up for the next ⁠⁠⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club⁠⁠⁠ on Wed. 8/20 in Dover, N.H. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:⁠The DripBar⁠: Set up your IV drip membership today!David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠ to get started.Investment and insurance products are:• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Where are all the Seacoast men?Every week, it feels like a new women's group pops up. And understandably so! Women NEED a safe space to gather, connect, and feel safe. "Seacoast Stories" supports all of those groups.But we also recognize that men need connection, too, especially as traditional masculinity has come under intense public scrutiny in recent years, partly leaving men to feel like they're to blame for all of society's issues.What even is masculinity? What does it mean to be a man in 2025?From the West End of Portsmouth, host Troy Farkas sits down with three other Seacoast men to *try* to get to the bottom of these answers. On this episode, spiritual guide Seth Pearson, podcast host Andy Demeo, and tech entrepreneur Ryan Lambert join "Seacoast Stories" to discuss problems facing young men today, how parenting has changed (for the worse), what women really seek in their male partners, how a man should show up sexually, the importance of confidence and financial stability, why men are "maladapted" for the modern world, men's groups, and even ... mud wrestling?CHAPTERS:The problem with Seacoast men (00:00)Masculine vs. feminine energy (05:05)Feeling insecure in masculinity (10:12)The importance of confidence, purpose & failure (28:28)Leave an Apple Podcasts review! (36:40)Why masculinity is "maladapted" for the modern world (37:20)How does a man show up sexually? (45:45)What have you always wanted to tell a man? (50:30)What is masculinity? (01:03:45)Please click any of the following links to learn more about Andy's Granite Goodness newsletter, Ryan's River app, or Seth's Love Amped business.To support "Seacoast Stories," you can sign up for the next ⁠⁠⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club⁠⁠⁠ on Wed. 8/20 in Dover, N.H. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠⁠⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠⁠⁠ to get started on path toward better investment.Investment and insurance products are:• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested.Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Inga Potter knew there was a better way.So when her colleagues told her about the indelible benefits of kelp, the marine biologist couldn't help but go down a rabbit hole about the seaweed strand that looked to be the next big thing in the wellness industry.Then, when Inga told her longtime friend Krista Rosen, a former lawyer, about her kelp-based dreams, the two decided to go all in together.The result?Cold Current Kelp, a Maine-based skincare company which manufactures kelp-based products like the Kelp Glow Facial Oil.From the Cold Current Kelp headquarters in Kittery, M.E., Krista Rosen and Inga Potter sit down with ⁠⁠host Troy Farkas⁠⁠ to discuss why the two friends decided to start a kelp business together, the benefits of kelp, securing nearly $1 million in research grants, why Maine is at the forefront of kelp farming in the country, and more.CHAPTERS:Inga's kelp-based dreams (00:00)Why kelp deserves the hype (05:35)Why they wanted to get into skincare (18:02)The kelp farming process (25:35)SPONSORS: Yoga East & JOBTALK (33:00)CCK's long-term vision (36:10)How CCK is funding their research efforts (47:25)The struggles of running this business (53:37)How do you hope to be remembered? (01:00:20)To support Cold Current Kelp, you can check out their products on their website. Inga's 2025 TedX Portsmouth talk is also here on YouTube.To support "Seacoast Stories," you can follow the show on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠. You can also sign up for the next ⁠Seacoast Stories Dinner Club⁠ on Wed. 8/20 in Dover, or join the waitlist.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Yoga East: Sign up for a 5-class card and use the coupon code “STORIES” at checkout to get 50% off!⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK LLC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2025!David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email ⁠david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com⁠ to get started.Investment and insurance products are:• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount InvestedInvestment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.v

"Who is my father?"Tanya Hart asked herself this question repeatedly through the first 40 years of her life.Until, one day in 2020, she finally found the answer.From the West End of Portsmouth, the Seacoast business tycoon sits down with ⁠host Troy Farkas⁠ to tell the WILD story of how she tracked down her biological father during the pandemic. Then, the Oomph Salon & Ash Alchemy owner discusses why she started Oomph, what makes it one of the most noteworthy salons in New England, her unprecedented approach to running her businesses, and more.CHAPTERS:Tanya's tumultuous childhood (00:00)The DNA test that gave Tanya answers (07:30)How Tanya found her real father (13:46)Meeting her real father in her 40s (22:40)SPONSORS: JOBTALK LLC and Samonas Realty (33:27Getting into the beauty business (36:10)Starting Oomph Salon in 2014 (42:45)Why treating employees well is everything (48:47)How do you want to be remembered? (58:10)To support Tanya, you can check out her businesses, Oomph Salon and Ash Alchemy.To support "Seacoast Stories," you can follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. You can also sign up for the next Seacoast Stories Dinner Club on Wed. 8/20.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠SamonasGroup.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or stop by Samonas Realty in downtown Portsmouth to learn more about how you can find the Seacoast home of your DREAMS!⁠⁠JOBTALK LLC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2025!David Higgins: The official investment office of "Seacoast Stories!" Email david.higgins@wellsfargoadvisors.com to get started.Investment and insurance products are:• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount InvestedInvestment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.v

David Vargas was a f**k-up.As a teenager in Santa Ana, Calif., the devil tapped him on the shoulder every day. Without a clear direction in life, he started smoking marijuana, which quickly turned into doing all the drugs: Cocaine, ecstacy, ketamine, and more. Drugs were the only thing David believed he was good at.Until, one day, he prepared a fried bologna sandwich for his friends while they were high. David realized then that maybe cooking was something he could pursue professionally. Food is life in his Mexican culture, and what better way to honor that than by bringing people together through delicious food?From Noble High School in North Berwick, M.E., Chef Vargas of Vida Cantina and Ore Nell's Barbecue sits down with host Troy Farkas to discuss his rampant teenage drug use in southern California, getting kicked out of high school after threatening his teacher's life, bone-chilling experiences with racism, attending culinary school in Minnesota, his near-death experience in The Virgin Islands, the $35,000 mistake food truck mistake, supporting a family of four on $12 per hour, the Food Network appearance that changed the trajectory of Vida Cantina, his new career, and SO much more.CHAPTERS:Seacoast Stories Dinner Club details! (00:00)How drug addiction derailed David's early years (01:35)How Chef turned his life around (11:15)Attending culinary school in Minneapolis (15:40)SPONSORS: JOBTALK LLC and Samonas Realty (27:00)Working as a private chef on St. Croix (29:55)Moving to Maine and living on welfare (35:40)Chef's failed food truck experiment (49:35)How Vida Cantina BLEW UP after "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives" (51:25)Co-owning Ore Nell's Barbecue (59:07)Why he started New England B.I.P.O.C. Fest (01:03:00)Chef's new job (01:10:50)How do you want to be remembered? (01:19:02)To support Chef Vargas, you can attend and/or⁠ become a sponsor⁠ of the New England B.I.P.O.C. Fest on 8/17 in Portsmouth! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Visit ⁠⁠⁠SamonasGroup.com⁠⁠⁠ or stop by Samonas Realty in downtown Portsmouth to learn more about how you can find the Seacoast home of your DREAMS!⁠JOBTALK LLC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2025!Investment and insurance products are:• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount InvestedInvestment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Clearing Services (WFCS), LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. WFCS uses the trade name Wells Fargo Advisors. 1 North Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Maddie Brandon never felt like she fit in.With no form of safe self-expression available to her growing up in-real-life, she turned to social media.Fast forward 15 years, and she's quickly become one of the top social media creators on the Seacoast.With 14,000 followers, the 27-year-old's Instagram page represents all of our collective fantasies: Luxury Airbnb stays, scenic helicopter rides, and cozy cabin weekends in the mountains. Before amassing that following over the last two years, Maddie ran social media marketing for Seacoast staples Smuttynose Brewing and Island District Cocktails.And now, beyond creating content for her own channels and producing content for clients, Maddie is determined to completely flip the influencer industry on its head.From the West End of Portsmouth, Maddie and host Troy Farkas discuss how she fell into social media marketing during the pandemic, running social media at Smuttynose, social tips for small business owners, and how to create successful content in 2025. Plus, why she left Island District to pursue full-time content creation, how much money influencers actually make, her signature Airbnb campaigns, the problems she sees within the influencer industry, and how she hopes to address these problems through her business, The Creator Outpost.CHAPTERS:Moving to the Seacoast (00:00)Maddie's relationship to social media (07:07)Running social media for Smuttynose (12:48)Must-hear social media advice for Seacoast small biz owners (16:48)Which Seacoast business has the best social media? (31:00)SPONSORS: Samonas Realty & JOBTALK LLC (35:48)The WILD world of influencer marketing (38:40)How Maddie blew up on social (51:07)Leaving Island District to pursue content creation full-time (57:20)The problems she hopes to solve in the content creation industry (01:01:45)Founding The Kindling Studio earlier this year (01:12:20)How do you want to be remembered? (01:15:50)For more from Maddie, please follow @thekindlingstudio and @maddiebrandon on Instagram. To inquire about working with her creative studio, please visit thekindlingstudio.com.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:Visit ⁠⁠SamonasGroup.com⁠⁠ or stop by Samonas Realty in downtown Portsmouth to learn more about how you can find the Seacoast home of your DREAMS!JOBTALK LLC⁠⁠⁠⁠: Get 50% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠JOBTALK Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠ courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2025!To support this show, please leave a review on ⁠our Apple Podcasts page⁠ and let us know what you think of the show!

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains references to eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised.Erin Holt wanted to fix herself.After years of battling eating disorders, she dreamt of learning how to diet better. So when she went to school for dietetics, she did so solely to help herself.Flash forward 20 years later, and now she's one of the foremost voices in the world of functional nutrition, helping thousands of people around the world every year to develop better relationships with their bodies and minds.The creator of the multimillion dollar company, The Funk'tional Nutritionist, Erin is also the host of the very popular long-running show, "The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast." Her Instagram account, @the.funktional.nutritionist, has 120,000 followers.From her home in Nottingham, N.H., host Troy Farkas sits down with Erin to discuss her battles with eating disorders, how yoga and meditation helped her develop a better relationship to herself, the mystifying condition she developed after having a child, why she credits said condition for helping her find her authentic voice, the "medical gaslighting" women experience, how she stumbled upon functional medicine, telling fact from fiction in the online health-and-wellness world, hormone replacement therapy, what it's like running a 7-figure business, and SO much more.CHAPTERS:Erin's eating disorder story (00:00)Pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics (08:38)How yoga and meditation opened Erin's eyes (11:07)The medical gaslighting women experience (19:11)SPONSOR: Sarah Oleson Yoga (27:11)The early days of her functional medicine biz (28:55)Are men intimidated by you? (42:22)The very successful Funk'tional Nutritionist business (45:45)Why we've lost the trust in ourselves (55:18)Knowing where to get your medical info from (57:37)SPONSOR: Samonas Realty (59:12)Running a 7-figure business (01:00:55)Health-and-wellness questions (01:07:55)How do you want to be remembered? (01:25:44)THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:For $100 off the best trip of your life with⁠ Sarah Oleson Yoga⁠, use the code "STORIES" at digital checkout. Offer expires 7/7. Check out ⁠Sarah's Instagram⁠ for some epic photos.At ⁠⁠Portsmouth Paddle Co⁠⁠., "Seacoast Stories" listeners get 15% off one All-Levels SUP Yoga Class AND 15% off a guided tour with code SUPSTORIES15. Join me THIS WEDNESDAY at 5 p.m. for their Seavasana SUP Yoga class!Visit ⁠SamonasGroup.com⁠ or stop by Samonas Realty in downtown Portsmouth to learn more about how you can find the Seacoast home of your DREAMS!To support this show, please leave a review on our Apple Podcasts page and let us know what you think of the show!

*This episode is presented by ⁠Blue Water Mortgage⁠ in Hampton, N.H. **We're also brought to you by ⁠Portsmouth Paddle Co.⁠ and ⁠Seavasana⁠! Get 15% off one all-levels SUP Yoga class AND 15% off a guided tour with code SUPSTORIES15. Book any class this summer before June 30 to take advantage of this special offer!In front of a SOLD-OUT live audience at The Word Barn in Exeter, N.H., it's the official kickoff of Season 3 of "Seacoast Stories!"In this episode, host Troy Farkas begins the show by reading an emotional message sent in by a listener of the show (00:00).After that, Flight House Gym owner Jay Collins talks about Flight House's ambitious plans for expansion into Boston, why strength training is the key to the fountain of youth, and he also dishes out some advice for a young entrepreneur in the audience (11:45).Then, WOKQ's Kira Lew hosts "Seacoast Trivia" with three audience members, who answer questions about Seacoast food, Seacoast history, and Seacoast summer. The winner gets awarded FREE BEER FOR A YEAR from Loaded Question Brewing! (40:10)After that, serial entrepreneur Alyssa Pine talks about the impact of her father, Shane Pine, on her life and work ethic. She also discusses the crazy behind-the-scenes story of the Live Freely Market, what makes this Hampton destination so special, and how to GO FOR IT (01:06:00).And in the main event, Portsmouth assistant mayor and Cup of Joe owner Jo Kelley talks about starting a coffee business (despite hating coffee). Then, she talks about why it's so important to treat your employees well before they transition to a Juneteenth-themed discussion about the state of Black culture on the Seacoast and how white people can help. They also talk about Jo's possible plans for running for U.S. Congress (01:35:34).To conclude the show, Troy announces some exciting personal news (02:20:50).Special thanks to The Word Barn, videographer Nick Eaton, photographers Lindsey Watson and Maddie Brandon, scorekeeper Stephanie Paolini, musician Jeff Line, engineer Stephanie Kee, and assistant Kate Lamie. Additional thanks to Reedmor Books 'N Brews, Flamingos Coffee Bar, Loaded Question Brewing, The Living Room at Stages, and Ankati Day for supplying prizes.

Bill Blum knew something was wrong.They grew up adoring women's fashion. And in 2012, when they hiked the length of the Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine!!!), they wore a kilt the entire time.Still, it took a few more years for Bill to put the pieces together.And when they finally did, their entire life came crashing down.Today, Bill is the proud owner of Pride Toolbox, a handyperson's business which performs small home repairs in Portsmouth and beyond. As a nonbinary person, Bill is also a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Concord, N.H.In the Season 3 premiere of "Seacoast Stories," host Troy Farkas sits down with Bill to discuss their transition, coming out before they wanted to, why they do the backbreaking wok of advocacy, and the strength of the Pride community on the Seacoast. Before that, Bill also tells the crazy story of their 2200 mile traverse from Georgia to Maine, and what they learned about themselves along the way.CHAPTERS:Stories from hiking the full Appalachian Trail (00:00)Why Bill embarked on this 2200 mile journey (08:51)SPONSORS: Sarah Oleson Yoga and Samonas Realty (20:03)When Bill started questioning their gender identity (23:07)How coming out cost Bill everything (27:53)The state of Pride rights in N.H. and beyond (38:55)Why Bill goes to Concord to fight for LGBTQ+ rights (47:52)Pride Toolbox's values (57:53)How would you want to be remembered? (01:03:08)To learn more about Bill's advocacy work, visit 603equality.org. And to hire Bill for the simple home repair job you don't have time for, you can inquire at PrideToolbox.com.THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:For $100 off the best trip of your life with Sarah Oleson Yoga, use the code "STORIES" at digital checkout. Offer expires 7/7. Check out Sarah's Instagram for some epic photos.Visit SamonasGroup.com or stop by Samonas Realty in downtown Portsmouth to learn more about how you can find the Seacoast home of your DREAMS!At Portsmouth Paddle Co., "Seacoast Stories" listeners get 15% off one All-Levels SUP Yoga Class AND 15% off a guided tour with code SUPSTORIES15. Book before June 30.To support this show, make sure to FOLLOW "Seacoast Stories" on our Apple Podcasts page, Spotify feed, or our YouTube channel!

The next "Seacoast Stories" LIVE PODCAST is THIS THURSDAY! It's at The Word Barn in Exeter, N.H., and it will feature conversations with Flight House Gym's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jay Collins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Live Freely's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Pine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and Cup of Joe's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joanna Kelley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Plus, we'll play Seacoast Trivia, hand out prizes from Loaded Question Brewing, Flamingos Coffee Bar, The Living Room, and more! WOKQ's Kira Lew and 3 Bridges Yoga's Stephanie Paolini will also make appearances onstage. To guarantee yourself a seat at the show, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here for tickets.On today's episode, host Troy Farkas gives you everything you need to know to ensure a fun night at The Word Barn (00:00). Then, he replays a snippet from his January conversation with Flight House Gym owner Jay Collins, the most popular episode of Season 2. In this clip, Jay talks about the rise and fall of his first gym, MaxEdge Fitness, and what led to the birth of Flight House, which he believes is the best gym in the country (04:22).After that, Troy revisits his conversation with the Seacoast's biggest hustler, Alyssa Pine, whom he'll also speak to on Thursday. In this clip, the two discuss the closing of the Live Freely store in Hampton and the crazy idea she had to open the Live Freely Market (in a much larger space) a few months later. Thanks to today's sponsor, ⁠Empowering Path⁠. To learn more about Alex Bynum (one of the top 15 spiritual guides in the world), please visit ⁠EmpoweringPath.com⁠. You can also book a free consultation with her there.See you Thursday!