The Zest from Orange Coast magazine

Today we’re joined by a creative executive who started on the cutting floor at Vera Bradley and quickly rose to work directly with their co-founder. Today, she helps lead BÉIS, the travel and lifestyle brand founded by Shay Mitchell that has grown into a more than $250 million business. She has played a major role in shaping BÉIS into more than just a luggage company—transforming it into an “on-the-go” lifestyle brand known for its strong community, innovative campaigns, and customer-first approach. She’s also been featured in our sister magazine, Los Angeles magazine. Please welcome Liz Money, Senior Vice President of Brand and Creative at BÉIS.

Chase Wilson is a Newport Beach native who has turned a life spent in the ocean into both a professional surfing career with Quiksilver and a California-made grooming brand inspired by the timeless style of the ’50s and ’60s. His brand, Byrd, has been featured in Men’s Health, GQ, and Allure.

Today we’re joined by an actress, entrepreneur, and creator. You’ve seen her in hit shows like “Tell Me Lies,” “Chicago P.D.,” “CSI: Vegas,” “9-1-1,” and “The Good Doctor.” Now, she’s stepping into her biggest role yet as CIA analyst Gina Gosian on CBS’s “CIA.” She’s also the creator and host of “Ground Up with Natalee,” where she helps aspiring actors navigate the business side of Hollywood, and the founder of The Lead, an acting masterclass built to give actors the real tools they need to succeed. Please welcome, Natalee Linez.

This week, we’re talking about creativity, collecting, and breaking down the barriers of the art world. Our guests are two women who are helping redefine what it means to discover and own original art: championing emerging artists from around the globe, making collecting more accessible, and leading one of the most influential online art platforms in the world. Please enjoy this episode with CEO Sarah Meller and Director of Sales and Curation of Saatchi Art Group Erin Remington.

Natasha Gregson Wagner grew up in the heart of Hollywood as the daughter of Natalie Wood and producer Richard Gregson. After her mother’s tragic passing, she was raised by her stepfather Robert Wagner, navigating both profound loss and a powerful legacy. She built her own career in film and television with roles in “High Fidelity”, “Stranger Than Fiction,” and “ER,” and has since produced the HBO documentary “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind,” written her memoir More Than Love, and launched the fragrance brand L’Amour Mère. Today, we’re talking about growing up in a legendary family, forging her own creative path, and honoring her mother’s legacy.

This week, we’re joined by a true cultural icon. She’s the international best-selling novelist behind Sex and the City and the woman often called the real-life Carrie Bradshaw herself. From bestselling books like Four Blondes, Lipstick Jungle, and The Carrie Diaries to the HBO phenomenon that changed the conversation around women, friendship, dating, and ambition, her work has shaped pop culture for decades. Now, she’s bringing her critically acclaimed one-woman show, "True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City," to South Coast Repertory May 30 through 31, taking audiences on a whirlwind journey through New York, from Studio 54 to "Sex and the City" and beyond. Please enjoy this conversation with Candace Bushnell!

Today we’re sitting down with a trailblazer who turned a bold idea into a global fashion brand. From growing up in Alaska to modeling at just 16, she gained a behind-the-scenes understanding of how clothes are made and used that insight to challenge a male-dominated denim industry. In 2004, she co-founded a brand centered on fit, comfort, and a female perspective, which has since grown into a full lifestyle collection worn worldwide. She’s also a passionate advocate for women’s safety and empowerment and was featured in Forbes' 50 under 50 list. Please welcome the co-founder and creative director of PAIGE, Paige Adams-Geller.

This week, we’re sitting down with a visionary creative lead producer who’s made a major impact across Broadway, film, and television. With multiple Tony Award nominations, recognition on EBONY’s Power 100 list, and being named one of Variety’s Top 10 Broadway Players to Watch, he’s built a reputation for bringing powerful, culture-shifting stories to life. From producing groundbreaking hits like "Othello" starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, to "The Piano Lesson" with Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington, and "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone" featuring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer, he’s consistently worked with some of the biggest names in the industry while helping bring important stories to the stage. Please welcome Brian Anthony Moreland!

Stephen Nelson is making history on one of the biggest stages in sports. He’s a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the first Asian American play-by-play announcer for a Major League Baseball team as well as an NBATV host. He’s been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and has called games from some of the most iconic broadcast booths in the world.

Heidi Zuckerman is a globally recognized leader in contemporary art who has reshaped what modern museums can be. She’s the first woman to build two major art museums, has raised more than $200 million to transform cultural institutions, and has worked to make art more accessible. From curating hundreds of exhibitions to leading the Aspen Art Museum and the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art and now expanding the conversation through her About Art platform, her career has been defined by curiosity, vision, and bold leadership.

Shirin Behzadi is a national bestselling author, CEO, and keynote speaker whose story defies every expectation. She grew up in Iran, was arrested as a teenager for holding a book, arrived in the U.S. alone at 17, and worked at a gas station. Against all odds, she put herself through college, rose through the ranks of prestigious financial institutions, and ultimately became the CEO who helped scale a home services franchise company to nearly a billion dollars in sales. Her journey is one of resilience, empathy, and finding strength in the unexpected.

This week's guest is the Vice President of Programming and Production at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. She oversees all Center performances, from mainstage productions to outdoor programming at Argyros Plaza, as well as education, public programs, and community engagement. She’s known for her bold, interdisciplinary approach to curation, seamlessly blending contemporary performance, site-specific works, and unexpected collaborations. Before joining Segerstrom Center, she held high-profile roles at some of the nation’s most iconic cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and New York Public Radio. Please enjoy this conversation with Limor Tomer!

This week, we’re diving into the story of an award-winning filmmaker who grew up in Huntington Beach and has gone on to create deeply emotional documentaries that challenge the way we see athletes, adventure, and the human spirit. From surviving a life-altering surfing accident as a teen to chasing big creative dreams at Chapman and turning a student passion project into a feature-length film that made waves around the world, her journey is all about resilience, storytelling, and doing things differently. She’s an award-winning director, co-founder of Intermaritime Studios, and a professor helping shape the next generation of filmmakers. Please enjoy this week’s episode with Devyn Bisson!

Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme are the co-owners and the driving force behind Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Juice It Up! They're longtime friends and Newport Beach locals, former student-athletes, and business partners who turned a beloved college pizza spot into one of the fastest-growing family-style pizza brands in the country. They’ve gone from early jobs washing cars and serving hot dogs to leading Mountain Mike's Pizza with more than 300 locations nationwide, all while staying true to quality, community, and a whole lot of crispy, curly pepperoni.

Sameer Gadhia is the Irvine-raised frontman of Young the Giant, the acclaimed alternative band behind multiple platinum singles, global tours, and unforgettable performances on major stages like the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Tonight Show,” and more. He’s also the visionary behind SiriusXM’s “Point of Origin” series, where he spotlights artists of color and amplifies fresh voices in the alternative genre.

Dr. Yasmine Mason is the founder of Fermentation Farm—a wellness-focused fermentation kitchen specializing in handcrafted, probiotic-rich foods and drinks that support gut health and overall well-being. After starting out as a chiropractor in Newport Beach, she shifted gears when patients and friends kept requesting the fermented products she was making at home. That passion eventually grew into a thriving business now celebrating 12 years, with locations in Costa Mesa and River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano.

Today, we’re joined by Isha Nicole, who is a creative leader who’s helping redefine modern Western style. She is the SVP of Creative & Marketing at Boot Barn—a nearly 50-year-old heritage brand headquartered in Irvine, with more than 500 stores nationwide.

Johanna Pate is a fashion stylist and vintage connoisseur who offers a range of services, including wardrobe edits, personal shopping, vacation looks, curated rental closets, photoshoot styling, and more. She’s worked with several guests we’ve had on the show, such as Z Supply’s President and Partner Mandy Fry, Coffee Dose and Bronzed Bunny Founder Jeni Castro, and author and watercolor artist Jenna Rainey.

Mike DiNorscia is an entrepreneur, community builder, and the CEO of Grit & Grain Collective, the hospitality group responsible for bringing Broken Yolk Cafe to Orange County, including in Orange, Costa Mesa, Buena Park, and Irvine. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of their iconic breakfast plates or stood in their weekend line, you’ve experienced part of the vision that he has worked hard to grow.

This week, we’re diving into the incredible story of a true Huntington Beach legend. From opening surf shops to helping grow powerhouse brands such as Billabong and Hurley, his journey has left a lasting mark on surf culture. Last year, he earned a well-deserved place in the 2025 Surfers’ Hall of Fame. Please enjoy this conversation with Dwight Dunn!

Aisha Ross is the founder of Fren, the brand creating elevated essentials for your best friend, including dog collars that can be embroidered, bandanas, and more. You might’ve seen her stylish dog accessories in collaborations with Free People, Monty’s, and Sidecar Doughnuts. In this week's episode, she shares how she came up with the idea for Fren, what she looks for in a collaboration, adorable behind-the-scenes moments, and more. You can read more about Fren in Orange Coast's February 2026 issue.

Sami Rappoport is an actress, writer, and producer. You probably know her best as Becca, the queen bee mean girl from the four-time Emmy-nominated Hulu series “Pen15” and now she’s stepping behind the camera with her own feature film in the works. On this week's episode she shares how she got into acting, behind-the-scenes stories from her time with Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, and more! You can also see Rappoport in Orange Coast's January issue.

Caroline Renezeder Foulk is the founder of Beer Girl Brewing Co., which offers consumers a crisp, refreshing lager with a lower ABV, less gluten, and no added sugar. The company aims to offer a more inclusive beer culture and has hosted activations at Stagecoach and Coachella in collaboration with Kendall Jenner’s tequila brand 818. You can find Beer Girl across Orange County at places including The Butchery, Hi-Times, Total Wine, and more.

Kiana Hanaoka manages social and influencer partnerships at Slowtide where she works across community, influencer partnerships, and product launches for the premium textile brand. She is also the founder and co-owner of Same Studios in Costa Mesa, which hosts workshops, events, panels, and more, and was featured in Orange Coast’s Best Of issue in 2025.

This week, we’re doing things a bit differently! Orange Coast magazine's publisher Chris Gialanella will be taking the reins and interviewing host Chelsea Raineri! If you're new to the podcast, Chelsea is the style and home editor at Orange Coast magazine as well as the producer, editor, and host of "The Zest." This week, Chelsea shares how her passion for writing began, what prompted her to start this podcast, and what listeners can look forward to in 2026.

Here's a look back at one of our earlier episodes!

Here's a look back at one of our earlier episodes!

Ryan Hitzel is an artist, adventurer, and founder of the globally inspired apparel brand, Roark. From growing up immersed in travel to leading design at major agencies and eventually launching his original lifestyle brand, his story is all about pushing boundaries, telling authentic stories, and living life off the beaten path.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.Deanna Templeton is a film photographer whose work captures the raw, unfiltered beauty of adolescence, subculture, and everyday life in Southern California. Her acclaimed book What She Said blends her teenage diary entries with striking portraits taken over two decades, and she’s now featured in the 2025 California Biennial at UC Irvine’s Langson Institute, Orange County Museum of Art.

Chris Gialanella is someone who truly embodies the pulse of Southern California media. He’s the president and publisher of Engine Vision Media, which includes Los Angeles magazine, Pasadena magazine, and, of course, Orange Coast! He’s spent more than two decades shaping the publishing world and has interviewed everyone from Ryan Seacrest to Nicole Kidman.

Here's a look back at one of our earlier episodes!

Kylie Travis is a driving force behind one of Orange County’s most beloved cultural landmarks, Casa Romantica. She is the executive director of operations and programming, and under her leadership, the historic San Clemente venue has transformed into a vibrant hub for arts, education, and community connection.

Jordan Robinson is a powerhouse in sports journalism. Not only is she a host on the Women’s Sports Network and Pac-12 Network, but she also co-hosts the “Queens of the Court” podcast with WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes, and has been published in GQ, Essence, The Ringer, and more. This year, “Queens of the Court” became a new podcast called “The Women’s Hoops Show.”

Lily Magaziner is the founder of May Martin, the popular handmade jewelry brand that is known for its minimalism and timeless designs. The brand started in 2014 in a small trailer at The LAB, and now has four locations throughout Costa Mesa, San Juan Capistrano, and Laguna Beach and more than 800 wholesale partners nationwide.

Joseph McGinty Nichol, famously known as McG, is a filmmaker, director, and producer who has worked projects including “Charlie’s Angels,” “I Feel Pretty,” “The OC,” “Terminator Salvation,” “Supernatural,” and so much more. In the beginning of his career, he created more than 50 music videos for artists such as Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Sublime, and The Offspring. Now, he’s taken on a new chapter: overseeing the beloved Lido Theater here in Orange County.

Brian McDonell is the co-founder and president of Melin, which is a premium headwear brand that focuses on creating high-quality, innovative hats designed for adventure and everyday wear, using the finest materials and attention to detail. The San Clemente-based company has stores in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine and has collaborated with brands including Red Bull, The Beverly Hills Hotel, the L.A. Kings, and more.

Audrey Huynh is an actor, singer, songwriter, and musician who stars as Stella in the “To All the Boys I Loved Before” spinoff series “XO, Kitty.” She’s also been in films including "Murder of a Cat" alongside J.K. Simmons and Nikki Reed and has does voice acting for shows including “We Bare Bears” and “Boss Baby: Back in Business.” This year, the Chapman student released her EP “lovesick” and was on the cover of Orange Coast’s Under 40 issue.

Miguel and Joshua González join Chelsea this week on The Zest. Miguel is the director of IT for Northgate Market and Joshua is the director of operations. Northgate Market was first opened in 1980 and is now one of the largest Hispanic supermarket chains in the country. In 2023, they launched Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market, a vibrant food hall featuring 20 vendors serving up Mexican dishes including tamales, tacos, and more.

Tom Dumont is the guitarist and longtime member of the iconic band No Doubt, which was famously formed in Anaheim back in 1986. He’s also part of Dreamcar, the ’80s pop group that blends members of No Doubt and AFI. This month marks the 30-year anniversary of No Doubt’s album “Tragic Kingdom,” which features hits such as “Spiderwebs,” “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” and more.

Shaheen Sadeghi is the founder, president, and CEO of LAB Holding, which is the parent company of cultural landmarks in Orange County including The LAB, The CAMP, and the Anaheim Packing District. He’s also held positions including the president of Quiksilver and worked in New York’s fashion and art industry during the “art explosion” in the ’70s.

Flavia Lanini is an internationally renowned beautician with 20 years of experience who honed her craft in Brazil. She is the creator of the EFFECT Massage—a specialized lymphatic drainage technique that’s earned her a devoted celebrity clientele, including Selena Gomez, Kris and Kendall Jenner, Sabrina Carpenter, Hailey Bieber, and many more. She recently brought her signature treatments to Orange County with the opening of her namesake Newport Beach spa this past April.

Hannah Akamine is the founder of It’s a Play Date, an empowering community where women come together to build real friendships through sports and community events such as Pilates, hiking, basketball, and more. In this week's episode, she shares the sports she first fell in love with, moving to Orange County, and what inspired her to start It's a Play Date. She also discusses her favorite memories from events and the impact she hopes to make.

Nolan Kahal and Sean Morrissey are the co-founders of SaunaBox, the Huntington Beach-based viral wellness startup that’s bringing the luxury of a steam room into your home. The young entrepreneurs are USC graduates and former NCAA athletes who started their company at just 25 years old and have created a brand that’s endorsed by professional athletes. In today's episode, Kahal and Morrissey discuss how they came up with the brand, their biggest hurdles and highlights, and more.

Case Anderson is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of the San Juan Capistrano-based apparel and accessories brand Seager, which combines the Old West and surf culture. The company recently opened its first flagship store at San Juan Capistrano’s River Street Marketplace and is in more than 600 retailers worldwide. In this episode, he talks about how Seager was founded and what listeners can look forward to from the brand.

Dr. Karen Odell-Barber is back on The Zest! She is the CEO at Neurologics, a cutting-edge technology company that offers brain mapping services that help to optimize the brain. In today’s episode we focus specifically on mental health, anxiety, OCD, and depression.

Gina Maier Vincent is a visionary thought leader, master motivator, author, TV host, and empowerment entrepreneur. She is also the host of the podcast “Exquisitely Aligned,” which is ranked among the top 3% globally. In this week's episode, she talks about the life event that led to a change in direction in her career, becoming an author, and how to live an Exquisitely Aligned life.

Diane Challis Davy is in her 29th season as the director and producer of Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters. In this episode, she talks about how she first got involved with the show, her favorite behind-the-scenes moments, what attendees can expect from this year, and more.

Dakota Blaze Rader is the co-founder and CEO of Golden Eagle Vodka, a small-batch premium sipping vodka that is distilled in Montana using a unique dark northern spring wheat and Yellowstone spring water. He is also a TEDx speaker, sommelier, brand consultant, and has an MBA in luxury brand management. This week, he shares the history behind the brand, how he came to create Golden Eagle Vodka, and what sets the company apart from other leading vodkas in the country.

Forrest Kline helped define the soundtrack of the early 2000s. He is the frontman of Hellogoodbye—the band best known for their hit “Here (In Your Arms),” which topped charts and became a staple on iPods everywhere. You might also recognize his music from shows like "The O.C." In this week's epsiode Kline shares what first got him into music, the inspiration behind many of Hellogoodbye's songs, touring with Paramore, and more.

Jacquelyn Umof is a celebrity trainer who has worked with Kris Jenner, Reese Witherspoon, and Alanis Morissette and is also the founder of Barre Definition, the number one barre and Pilates fitness app for women. She is also a former ballerina as well as a former NBA dancer for the Clippers and the Lakers. She shares stories about her time dancing, the community she's built online, working with celebrities, and more.