This episode marks a big moment for South Bay Buzz: host Megan Lebre steps into the guest seat to share the launch of her full-spectrum doula practice, Between the Portal, in an interview led by Dr. Kelly Waggoner — clinical psychologist and co-founder of Wellspring in Riviera Village.

Kelly guides Megan through the story behind Between the Portal: her grandfather's death during her sophomore year of college, walking alongside her mother through a six-month battle with uterine cancer, and the documentary that first pointed her toward birth work. Megan opens up about what it means to be a full-spectrum doula — a non-medical person who supports people through birth, postpartum, miscarriage, illness, caregiving, and end of life — and unpacks the concept at the heart of her practice: ”withness” — the difference between witnessing someone's pain from a distance and being fully, actively present with them in it.

It's a conversation about how our hardest moments can become the doorway to a bigger capacity for love, compassion, and service — and about finally having the courage to say yes to a calling that's been there since childhood.

In this episode, Kelly and Megan cover:

• What a doula is — and what ”full-spectrum” doula work actually looks like
• The story behind the name Between the Portal
• Transitions as portals: who we are before and after we walk through one
• Megan's personal experience with loss — her grandfather, and her mother's six-month journey with uterine cancer
• Why ”at least…” statements (even well-meant ones) can land badly, and what to say instead
• Megan's concept of ”withness” — being with someone, not just for them
• Why presence has to come before advocacy and education
• How grief and birth are more alike than we think
• What's next for Between the Portal, Wellspring, and South Bay Buzz

Stay Connected

• Between the Portal on Instagram: @betweentheportal
• Reach out to Megan: [email protected]
• Wellspring: returntowellspring.com

Today's Podcast Sponsors

Shade Hotel Redondo Beach — FREE Rooftop Soiree every Sunday in July & August (12–5pm), FREE rooftop yoga every Sunday (9–10am), weekday happy hour at Sea Level (Mon–Fri, 3–6pm), and $20 rooftop pool passes when dining at Sea Level.

Orange Door Spaces & Orange Door Stays — South Bay homeowners: recent rulings have opened up ~43% of homes in Hermosa Beach's coastal zone to legal short-term rental eligibility. Orange Door Stays can help with listing, guest communication, and full-service property management.

South Bay Buzz will be slowing down for a while as Megan focuses on launching Between the Portal — thank you for supporting six years of heart-led stories. More throwback episodes and new clips coming soon.

Megan will also be joining a panel on parenting with Unfiltered Life Co. on August 26, speaking through the lens of her doula work.