Mimi Miller embodies the fierce joy and courageous authenticity that surfing desperately needs. In a world often dominated by slim, conventional images, Mimi is breaking stereotypes and showcasing how curvy, strong, and confident women redefine surfing. In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™, Mimi shares her 11-year surfing journey—from dancing on the beach for warmups to confronting microaggressions in the lineup. Her candid conversation about cultural...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 73
What if the thing you were seeking all along was right in your own backyard? Elaine Abonal was an exchange student in Florida when she first saw surfing—and something inside her lit up. But it wasn’t until she returned to the Philippines and realized there were waves in her own country that everything changed. In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™ , Elaine shares how her surf journey started by breaking cultural expectations and carving out a new path ...
Jun 10, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 72
What does it take to perform at the highest level—and still enjoy surfing for yourself? Lakey Peterson has competed on the world stage for over a decade, but the journey hasn’t always been smooth—especially when expectations are high and results don’t go your way. In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™ , Lakey opens up about what it’s really like to chase progression, navigate fear, and still stay connected to joy in the water. We talk about the pressur...
May 22, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 71
Surfing without a leash isn’t about looking cool—it’s about control, awareness, and knowing when you’re ready. This episode is a reflection on skill progression, self-trust, and the invisible steps it takes to surf leashless with intention. In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™ , I share why and when I choose to surf without a leash, the mistakes I made early on, and the checklist I’d recommend for any woman who surfs considering it. Whether or not you...
May 15, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 70
What if your 'summer body' wasn’t something to fix—but something to fuel your surf stoke ? If you're tired of seeing summer framed as a time to shrink yourself, this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™ is your permission slip to redefine what it means to feel good in your body— on land and in the lineup . In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Surf Société Member Danyelle Carpenter and I reflect on body image, the toxic messages women receive from a young age...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 6Ep. 69
Welcome to the very first episode of Surf Check , a casual, biweekly mini-series keeping you in the loop on all things Surf Société! Join host Laura Day for quick updates, surf reflections, and insights into what's happening inside our women’s surf community. In this episode: 🌊 Surf Société Q2 theme: Finding Flow We're diving deep into connecting turns, exploring bottom turns, top turns, and cutbacks to find graceful, fluid movements on the wave. 📍 April Recap: Bottom-turn workshops and our fa...
May 04, 2025•10 min
Did you know you could meditate your way to better surfing? Yes, you heard that right! You can improve your surfing without even touching the water. In this episode, you'll meet Florida Surfer and Surf Société Member Joann Bolton. This incredible surf lady participated in The Surf Société's 21-day visualization challenge and wrote her custom visualization around one goal: to win her first competition . After 21 days, Joann racked up enough points to win the challenge but her success does not sto...
May 02, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 68
Why is it so fucking hard to get better at surfing? Unlike other sports, you don’t get unlimited reps. Every wave is different, every session is unpredictable, and by the time you realize you wanted to do a turn or a cross-step—the moment is already gone. But what if you could train your surfing without even getting in the water ? That’s where visualization comes in. In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™ , I’m breaking down how visualization works, the...
May 02, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 67
What happens when an injury keeps you out of the water for weeks—or even months? If you’ve ever been sidelined from surfing, you know how frustrating it can be, both physically and mentally. When I injured my knee in Baja, my biggest fear wasn’t just missing surf—it was wondering if I’d ever feel 100% again. Enter Dr. Alexis Piarulli , chiropractor and movement specialist, who not only helped me rehab my injury but also shifted my mindset around healing, movement, and longevity in surfing. In th...
Mar 25, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 66
Have you ever thought, I should be better by now ? You’ve been surfing for a while, putting in the time, watching YouTube tutorials, even getting in the water more—but something’s just not clicking. You feel stuck, and no matter how much effort you put in, you’re not progressing the way you want. I know that frustration because I’ve been there too. Surfing is unlike any other sport—you don’t get endless reps, the conditions are always changing, and without the right feedback, you might just be r...
Mar 04, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 65
What if your work schedule fit around surfing? Even better—what if every surf session made you better at your job? When Lachlan Campbell left Australia and landed in Europe, he didn’t just want a job—he wanted a life that revolved around the swell. With no formal education, training, or set plan, Lachlan jumped into freelancing and figured it out as he went. Now, as The Surfing Copywriter , he helps surf brands tell their stories in a way that feels real, relatable, and deeply connected to the c...
Feb 25, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 64
Have you ever felt stuck in your surfing—not because of your ability, but because of something in your head? Maybe it’s fear, uncertainty in the lineup, or frustration from not progressing the way you want. In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™ , I break down three key mental blocks that could be holding you back from becoming a better surfer—and what you can do about them. We’re talking about fear of bigger waves, confidence in the lineup, and those f...
Feb 18, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 63
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...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 62
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 ...
Jan 28, 2025•19 min•Season 6Ep. 61
"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 pr...
Jan 28, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 60
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 ...
Jan 28, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 59
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 ha...
Dec 17, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 58
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 trul...
Dec 10, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 57
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 epis...
Nov 16, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 56
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 approa...
Nov 11, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 55
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...
Oct 19, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 54
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 y...
Oct 12, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 53
With a single call to "the big dogs," Sasha Jane Lowerson set in motion a revolution for equality in competitive surfing. Despite her success in numerous competitions under her former identity of Ryan Egan, Sasha feared competing as a transgender surfer. Instead of letting fear take over, she embraced her true self and championed groundbreaking inclusion policies for surfers of diverse genders. Join us for this episode as we peel back the layers of "bullshit" and explore what it means to live au...
Oct 05, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 52
Want to stay out of a surf slump, keep the stoke high, and make progress in your surfing? Start a surf journal! In this episode, I, your host Laura Day, share how keeping a surf journal has been a game-changer for me. I’ll explain how I document my sessions, reflections, and surf goals in a cute, bright colored, A4 notebook, decorated with stickers, stamps, and photos. This ritual not only helps me track my progress and overcome mental blocks but also captures my favorite memories in each sessio...
Sep 28, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 51
After 4.5 years of running this podcast we've reached 50 Episodes and surpassed 50k Downloads! Thank you to our listeners, guests, friends and family for listening and supporting our show. I couldn't be more grateful. xo, Laura Day 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. L...
Sep 21, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 49
Try a membership at The Surf Société with 7 days free. Join us as we celebrate the 50th episode of Confession of a Surf Lady Podcast, and nearly 50k downloads! Tune in to hang out with me, Host Laura Day, and longtime listener, Surf Société Member, and surfy friend Diana Zalucky. Together, we reflect on the podcast's journey and our mission to empower women in the lineup through the pillars of knowledge, culture, and sisterhood. I, Laura, share my experiences building the podcast while Diana sha...
Sep 21, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 50
The connection you have with your surf community directly shapes your surf experience. While being part of a surf group is important, it's even more crucial that the community aligns with your personal goals, motivations, and personality. In this episode, I, your host Laura Day, share my personal journey in finding the right surf family. I discuss my experiences with toxic surf clubs and unhelpful friendships, and how I ultimately discovered a positive and supportive community in The Surf Sociét...
Aug 31, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 48
Growing up in Orange County, Ben loved to spend time in the water. However, as he grew up transgender, the revealing nature of swimwear eventually made him uncomfortable and led him to give up his time in the ocean. It wasn’t until he moved back to Orange County from San Francisco in 2010 that he was encouraged to get back into surfing. In San Francisco, Ben found a strong sense of acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. The freedom to be open and authentic about his identity was transformative,...
Aug 24, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 48
Whether it's navigating a competitive lineup or dropping into steeper waves, every surfer is bound to face fear in the lineup. But what happens when that fear becomes so debilitating that you can no longer enjoy your sessions? Meet Kim Chareonbood. Hypnotherapist, sports mental trainer, and Surf Guide at The Surf Société Community. Kim specializes in helping surfers overcome fear and trauma holding them back in the water, and in life. In this episode you'll hear about Kim's personal journey of m...
Aug 10, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 46
Have you ever experienced the poetry of surfing? The saltwater molecules enveloping your body as they break your fall from a wipeout, the energy of a wave curling up to greet you, propelling you down the line for a mere 10-15 seconds. The natural components of your local break that set the stage for play and connection with your best friends. In this episode you'll take a sneak peak into an exclusive Surf Société event. Follow along as our members meet Easkey Britton, Irish big wave surfer, mari...
Jul 20, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 45
