What if reconnecting with your feminine intuition could change the way you surf—and the way you live? What if aging, something that is so often feared, was seen as an opportunity to gather wisdom, redefine beauty, and deepen your connection to yourself and the ocean?

This week, I’m stoked to welcome back Leah Donatiello—empowerment mentor, Surf Société Surf Guide, and founder of Reconnect Retreats. You might remember Leah from her episode, Debunking Diet Culture, or as a Nutrition Surf Guide in The Surf Société, where she taught us how to fuel our sessions and stay energized in the lineup. Now, through her Reconnect program, Leah’s helping women tap into their intuition, embrace change, and live more aligned, fulfilling lives.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™, Leah and I dissect the power of reconnecting—to yourself, to surfing, and to the unique beauty of aging. We explore how surfing mirrors self-discovery, why redefining beauty is so important, and how to find joy in your evolution as a woman.

If you’ve ever felt unsettled in life, stuck in your surf progress, or resistant to enjoying the process of aging, this conversation will remind you why every stage of life as a woman is worth celebrating.

Main Themes:
Surfing as a Teacher:
“The ocean is a mirror—everything you feel, fear, or strive for will show up in the lineup.” – Leah Donatiello

Intuition and Self-Discovery:
“Your intuition isn’t here to make you comfortable; it’s here to tell you the truth.” – Leah Donatiello

Community and Growth:
"It’s been really amazing to marry my love for surfing with helping women find themselves again. It feels like such a privilege to create spaces where women can feel supported, not just in their surfing but in their personal growth." – Leah Donatiello

Resources:
Reconnect Retreats: Join Leah’s transformative surf and yoga retreats for women ready to reconnect to themselves and the ocean. Learn More Here.

Connect with Leah: Follow Leah on Instagram at @leah.donatiello for updates on her retreats and empowerment mentorship.

The Surf Société: Be part of our global community of surf sisters, offering workshops, mentorship, and stoke! Follow @surfsociete.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

"What would 10-year-old me do?” That exact question led Kim Merrikin, founder of @movefatgirl, to reconnect with the hobbies she’d tucked away as a young girl. After feeling fat-shamed out of sports, Kim ignored her interest in physical activities for decades, believing there wasn’t a place for her in these spaces. But today, she's rewriting that story—pursuing surfing, hockey, and advocating for inclusivity in sports despite the severe lack of size diversity in available gear. Her journey is proof that sports and outdoor spaces are for everyone, no matter their body size.

Kim’s honesty and determination highlight both the barriers and beauty of getting back into sports, especially for women looking to surf and thrive in a world that often feels body-exclusive. If you’ve ever questioned where you fit in, her story will speak to you.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, the first women’s surfing podcast, we chat with Kim about what it took to reclaim her athletic identity, the body stigma she’s faced, and the frustration of finding gear that actually fits. Kim’s candor is a breath of fresh air—she’ll have you thinking twice about what “inclusivity” really means, and she encourages all of us to see the ocean (and any sport we love) as a place that’s ours to enjoy no matter what size or shape you come in.

Main Themes:

Reclaiming Joy in Sports Despite Societal Barriers
"What would 10-year-old me do?" became Kim’s guiding question to reconnect with the sports and hobbies she loved but set aside. Her journey reveals the deep joy and confidence that come from reclaiming sports spaces as a plus-size woman and challenges the idea that only certain body types "belong" in these spaces.

The Challenge of Gear Accessibility in Sports
Kim opens up about the lack of size-inclusive gear in the surfing and sports industries, sharing her frustrations in finding essential equipment, like wetsuits and hockey pads, in plus sizes. This conversation highlights the need for size diversity in gear to make sports more accessible for everyone.

Body Neutrality and Creating an Inclusive Ocean Space
Moving beyond body positivity, Kim talks about embracing body neutrality—focusing on what the body can do rather than how it looks. She encourages a view of the ocean and sports spaces as accessible to all, fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment for women of every shape and size.

Resources

• Follow Kim: Get inspired by Kim’s journey and advocacy for size inclusivity on Instagram at @movefatgirl.
• Shop Dip and get 15% OFF with the code "confessionsofasurflady" at checkout at Dipalready.com
• The Surf Société: Join our surf sisterhood, where women of all shapes, sizes, and abilities come together to learn, grow, and thrive. Follow @surfsociete.
• Host Laura Day: Connect with me on Instagram at @confessionsofasurflady to continue the conversation.
• Join The Surf Société: Experience workshops, connection, and

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

What started as a mic under a blanket and a dream to tell authentic women’s surfing stories has grown into a thriving podcast and global community. This week, we’re celebrating 5 incredible years of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™.

In this special episode, I’m reflecting on how far we’ve come—from launching in 2020 to more than 60 episodes, 50,000 downloads, and the creation of The Surf Société, a space inspired by you, our amazing listeners. I’ll share the story behind the podcast, the challenges and joys of building this community, and what’s next as we embark on season six.

Join me for a heartfelt celebration of the power of women’s surf culture and the incredible connections we’ve made along the way.

Main Themes:

The Origin Story: “I started with zero podcasting experience, just a cheap mic under a blanket, but I had a passion for telling women’s surf stories.” – Laura Day

From Podcast to Community:“This podcast inspired The Surf Société, a place where women can connect, learn, and grow together.” – Laura Day

The Importance of Representation:“Your stories, your stoke, and your presence in the lineup make surfing better for everyone.” – Laura Day

Resources

• Join The Surf Société: Be part of our digital women’s surfing community to connect, learn, and thrive. Try it free for a week! Join Here.
• Visit Our Shop: Support the podcast with surf-inspired products and apparel. Shop at shop.surfsociete.com.
• Follow Us on Instagram: Stay connected at @confessionsofasurflady and @surfsociete.

Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

Every download, message, and connection you’ve made through this podcast has helped us grow into what we are today. Thank you for being part of this blossoming women’s surf culture. Here’s to celebrating 5 years and all the waves to come!

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Do you ever tell yourself, “I’m just grateful to be out here,” when deep down, you’re frustrated by how your sessions are going? That was me—not catching as many waves as I wanted, quietly comparing myself to others in the lineup, and telling myself it was okay to just enjoy the sunshine. But the truth was, I wanted more.

In this episode, I’m sharing the moment I realized my “grateful” mindset was actually holding me back, the advice from Surf Société mentor Paul Spooner that completely changed my paddling technique, and how I started doubling my wave count in just one session. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of shielding yourself from frustration instead of reaching for more, this is your reminder that it’s okay to want more out of your surfing—and your sessions.

Main Themes:

Recognizing Limiting Mindsets:
“I realized I was using gratitude to shield myself from disappointment, but deep down, I wanted more.” – Laura Day
The Power of Technique Over Fitness:
“Don’t ever let fitness be the reason you’re not catching waves—it’s all about technique.” – Paul Spooner
Balancing Gratitude with Ambition:
“You can be grateful for your surf sessions and still want more.” – Laura Day

Resources:

Join The Surf Société: Learn more, surf better, and live happy in our women’s surfing community! This quarter, join our Visualization Blueprint Program to set goals, conquer mental blocks, and master techniques like the paddling drill I learned from Paul. Join Here.

Follow Me on Instagram: Say hi and join the conversation at @confessionsofasurflady.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

After spending over 30 years chasing waves and documenting epic California swells, Mattson Culbert—a surfer, photographer, and filmmaker—faced one of the biggest challenges of his life: a thyroid cancer diagnosis. 🌊 But instead of letting it hold him back, Mattson embraced vulnerability, rediscovered gratitude, and deepened his connection to the ocean.

To me, though, he’s more than just a talented photographer and lifelong surfer—he’s like a big brother, a kuya, the surf uncle we all wish we had, full of wisdom, humor, and the kind of perspective only decades in the water can bring.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™, Mattson and I talk about the evolution of surf culture, the resilience we learn from the ocean, and how his cancer journey reshaped his outlook on life. This conversation goes beyond the epic swell—it’s about family, gratitude, and the lessons we take with us both in and out of the water.

Resilience Through Challenges: How Mattson’s journey with thyroid cancer reshaped his perspective on surfing, life, and legacy.

Cultural Shifts in Surfing: A deep dive into surf culture in the ‘90s and how it compares to today’s more inclusive scene.

Respecting the Ocean: The importance of knowledge, humility, and community in and out of the lineup.

Resources:

• Follow Mattson: @mattsonculbert
• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Shop Dip and get 15% OFF with the code "confessionsofasurflady" at checkout at Dipalready.com
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Confessions of a Surf Lady, is a women's surfing podcast that is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

After struggling to find a surf hat that checked all the boxes—functional, stylish, and secure—Emily Li, a surfer and entrepreneur, decided to create her own. The result? Peach Surf Hats, a brand that encourages surfers to protect their skin and look good good while doing it.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women's Surfing Podcast™, Emily shares her story of stepping away from the tech world to start a surf-focused business, the challenges of building a product that truly serves women surfers, and why she believes in the power of women lifting each other up.

Spoiler: This episode is about more than just the hat—it’s about creativity, community, and taking risks to create something meaningful. It’s about showing up for yourself and making space for others to do the same.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Taking the Leap: How Emily transitioned from tech to starting a surf-inspired business.
• Confidence Through Consistency: What surfing and entrepreneurship taught her about showing up for yourself.
• Supporting Women: Why cheering each other on in the lineup and in life makes all the difference.

Resources:

• Get 10% off your Peach Surf Hat at peachsurfco.com with the code CONFESSIONS at checkout!
• Follow on Instagram: @peachsurfco 
• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

👉 Join me in our Nurture Your Lineup Workshop to Achieve Your Goals in 2025!
Sign up FREE here.

I can't wait for you to join me in this FREE workshop series. We'll host 3 live events to get you ready to achieve your goals in 2025!

The events will also be recorded so you can join in on your own time.  See you there!

xo, Laura Day

Learn More Here: free.surfsociete.com/confidence2025

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Ever thought about what’s in your hair care and how it impacts the ocean you surf in? This episode with Kate Assaraf, founder of Dipalready.com, is a must-listen for anyone who loves beauty products and cares about the ocean and sustainability. Kate shares the story behind Dip’s eco-friendly body and hair oil—a “perfume with benefits” that’s as good for your skin as it is for the planet. Get ready to rethink the products you use daily and what they mean for the oceans we call home.

In this episode of the Confessions of a Surf Lady podcast, the first women's surfing podcast dedicated to building a connected, eco-conscious surf sisterhood, Laura and Kate dig into what it means to be a “protector” of our natural playground rather than just a “consumer.” They discuss Dip’s innovative approach to sustainable beauty, how small eco-conscious changes can make a big impact, and why surfing and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

Main Themes:

Protector or Consumer:

“When you go to the beach, are you someone who just brings all the plastic junk, or are you leaving no trace? It’s about shifting from consuming the ocean to protecting it.” — Kate Assaraf

Perfume with Benefits:

“I wanted to create a product that stops people from having to buy four different things—a lotion, body oil, perfume, and hair serum. It’s about one beautiful product that can do it all.” — Kate Assaraf

Little Actions with Big Impact:

“Try this: go to the beach, start picking up garbage, and see what happens. Small actions are contagious, and before you know it, others will join you.” — Kate Assaraf

Resources:

• 15% Dip's sustainable body and hair oils: Visit DipAlready.com to check out the collection and find a store near you with the store locator. Use code Confesssionsofasurflady at Checkout for 15% off.
• Follow Dip on Instagram: Connect with Kate and explore Dip’s fun, eco-conscious content at @dipalready.
• Surf Société Membership: Join The Surf Société with 7 days free.

Follow & Connect

• Host Laura Day: Find Laura on Instagram at @confessionsofasurflady
• The Surf Société: Join our community of surf ladies on Instagram at @surfsociete for surf tips, stoke, and sisterhood!

Confessions of a Surf Lady, is a women's surfing podcast that is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

Surfing is hard—like, f*cking hard. It isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of highs, lows, and everything in between. In this episode, we talk about how to cultivate a flexible mindset to keep your stoke alive—even on those tough days when nothing seems to be going right.

I share a personal story from a recent surf trip to Baja where I faced unexpected mental challenges in the water. Instead of letting frustration take over, I tapped into the power of flexibility—both in my mindset and my approach to the waves. Whether you’re struggling with a surf slump or just had one of those sessions where you feel totally off, this episode will give you actionable tips to shift your perspective and enjoy the ride.

🌊 What we’ll talk about :

1. Expectations: How to ditch them (yes, we all need to sometimes).
2. Mid-session Mindset Shifts: When you’re just not vibing with the ocean, what can you do to make it fun again?
3. Documenting Progress: Why journaling even your worst sessions can be a game-changer (trust me, it’s magic).

Resources:

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow @babelrose
• Shop babelrose.com
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

In 2014, I moved to Brisbane, Australia, alone. Surfing was on the agenda, but I knew nobody and nothing about the Australian lineup. One evening, I made my way to the coast to meet a group of surfers the next morning. My anxiety of being alone in a new country quickly eased as I met my first friend: Christina.

Now, ten years later, Christina and I find ourselves in San Diego, sharing a glass of scotch and reflecting on how surfing has been the thread that has bound our friendship over the years.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, The First Women's Surfing Podcast, we explore what it truly means to cultivate courage in the lineup, how genuine friendships can propel us beyond our perceived limits, and the magic found in recounting surf adventures and mishaps over a good drink. Join us for an episode rich with laughter, camaraderie, and surfy insights.

Main Themes:

5 Seconds of Courage: "I stood up for 5 seconds. It might not sound like much, but that moment changed how I saw myself as a surfer." — Christina

Surfing Together, Growing Together: "When we surf together, I push myself more. Knowing we’ve got each other’s backs makes me feel stronger in the lineup." — Laura Day

Laughing Through the Wipeouts: "Every fall, every awkward moment just turns into another story to laugh about over a good Scotch. That’s what makes this journey so special." — Laura Day

Resources:

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Shop Dip and get 15% OFF with the code "confessionsofasurflady" at checkout at Dipalready.com
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Confessions of a Surf Lady, is a women's surfing podcast that is supported by our amazing partners and listeners like you. This means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through the links provided. Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the podcast.

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com

For a long time, I surfed without fully understanding the impact of my board’s design. I knew I needed a longboard to cross-step and nose ride, but the world of surfcraft always seemed distant, almost secretive.

Once I started to dig in and learn about surfboard design, everything changed. It didn’t just improve my surfing—it opened up a whole new way of experiencing the sport.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, The First Women's Surfing Podcast, I’m talking about why understanding your board’s design is a crucial part of becoming a better surfer. From catching more waves to having confidence in your choices, surfboard knowledge gives you a deeper connection to the sport and more control over your progress.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about walking into a surf shop or curious why some surfers catch every wave, this episode is for you. It’s about gaining knowledge and taking ownership of your progress.

Key Takeaways:

• How surfboard design directly impacts your performance and your confidence in the lineup.
• Why knowing more about your board earns you respect and connects you with other surfers.
• My journey changing up my surfboard — and the shifts it made in my approach to surfing.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Surf Société's 3-part Surfcraft Workshop Series:
  • Shop & Shaper Conversations: How to confidently ask the right questions in a surf shop.
  • Surfboard Shapes & Styles: A guide to the most common shapes and what they’re best for.
  • Nuances of Surfboard Construction: Demystifying fins, concaves, and everything in between.

Resources

• Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free.
• Follow us your host Laura Day: @confessionsofasurflady
• Follow The Surf Société: @surfsociete for surf lady tips from #thesurflab inside the membership

Send me a Message! Be sure to leave your contact info.

Support the show

Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsociete.com