Episode #17
Withness: Megan Lebre on Grief, Presence, and Launching Between the Portal
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: hello@southbaybuzz.com 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.
