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Ever wondered what it takes to run a successful yoga studio? Amanda from Level Yoga Studio pulls back the curtain on her entrepreneurial journey, revealing the surprising balance of teaching, practicing, and business management that fills her days.

Despite founding and running two successful yoga locations, Amanda remains committed to teaching four classes weekly while maintaining her own practice. "When I'm teaching, I don't look at that as my yoga practice," she explains, highlighting the mindful separation between guiding others and nurturing her personal connection with yoga. This dedication to both sides of her yoga journey provides a fascinating glimpse into authentic leadership in the wellness space.

Amanda's path hasn't been without challenges. From overcoming her discomfort with being on camera (despite her broadcasting background) to the weekly stress of managing schedules across multiple locations, she candidly shares the realities behind the serene studio environment.

Perhaps most encouraging is hearing how Amanda conquers impostor syndrome through years of entrepreneurship: "Every little hurdle shows me that I can do it." Her journey from uncertainty to confident studio ownership offers inspiration for anyone questioning their own capabilities in business or life.

Ready to discover more about the varying styles of yoga offered at Level Yoga - from beginner-friendly Vinyasa to Hot Power classes? Follow their Instagram @LevelYoga to see Amanda's journey continue to unfold and perhaps find motivation for your own practice.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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Discovering how yoga can transform both body and mind is at the heart of our conversation with Amanda Steadman, owner of Level Yoga Studio. As she celebrates an impressive 10-year milestone with her Vero Beach studios, Amanda reveals how a dark period of her life evolved into a thriving community space that's changing lives.

As Amanda explains, yoga's transformative power extends far beyond the physical benefits most newcomers initially seek. While increased flexibility draws people in, it's the mental clarity and emotional stability that keeps them committed to the practice. At the core of this transformation is proper breathing that can be deployed during moments of anxiety, stress, or overwhelm.

Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just curious about how yoga can support your everyday life, Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when movement meets mindfulness. From healing personal pain to helping others find peace, her journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to hear how breath, balance, and belief built something beautiful, right here in Vero Beach.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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Ever wondered about the real Florida beyond theme parks and beaches? Pull up a chair and pour yourself something smooth as Ray, owner of Indian River Distillery, takes us on a captivating journey through Vero Beach's colorful past.

Ray's Florida roots run deep. His pioneering family settled on John's Island in 1903, well before Indian River County even existed. This connection to local history infuses everything about his distillery. As Indian River County celebrates its centennial, Ray created a special limited edition whiskey with just 100 bottles. When plans to place the final bottle in a time capsule fell through, he pivoted to something extraordinary, a county-wide historical scavenger hunt leading participants through forgotten landmarks while they search for the prized bottle #100.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Ray reveals the inspiration behind his signature spirits. The notorious Ashley Gang, Florida's answer to Robin Hood, terrorized and charmed the state in the 1920s. These outlaws, who once mounted the last pirate raid against the British Crown, met their end in a controversial shootout at Sebastian River Bridge. Their legacy lives on in Ray's meticulously crafted Ray Lynn's Reserve Bourbon and JHA Rye, each bottle telling a piece of Florida's untamed history.

What truly sets Ray apart is his dedication to preserving stories. His "Stories by the Still" events gather local elders around the distillery to share tales and wisdom, keeping oral traditions alive in our digital age. "Talk to old people," Ray advises, noting that the clarity that comes with age helps you understand what truly matters.

Stop by Indian River Distillery at 3308 Aviation Boulevard to taste exceptional spirits and connect with authentic Vero Beach history. As Ray says with a smile, you can visit their social media or website, or just "knock on the door and ask me." Now that's Florida hospitality worth raising a glass to. 🥃

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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What happens when passionate craftsmanship meets Florida's unique environment and rich history? At Indian River Distillery in Vero Beach, Ray and his team aren't just making spirits—they're bottling the essence of the Treasure Coast itself.

From the moment you step into their "tasting room" (not a bar, as they'll kindly remind you), you're immersed in an experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation. The distillery operates under a craft designation, serving only what they produce on-site—a commitment to authenticity that shapes everything they do.

During our conversation, Ray pulls back the curtain on the meticulous distillation process happening in their 2,800-square-foot production area. We learn how they transform simple grains into complex spirits through grinding, cooking, fermenting, and distilling. But what truly sets them apart is their determination to create distinctively Floridian products. While other distillers might climate-control their aging facilities to mimic Kentucky or Tennessee conditions, Ray insists on embracing Florida's humidity and temperature: "I want to taste Florida whiskey, and if we're going to make Florida whiskey and Florida rum a thing, it needs to be that."

Their dedication extends to every detail—from crafting their own cola and ginger beer rather than settling for commercial mixers, to incorporating a piece of silver from the actual 1715 Spanish shipwreck into their Treasure Fleet rum. As Ray puts it with refreshing honesty, "Does it make it better? No, but it's a cool story."

Beyond the spirits, Indian River Distillery has become a community hub where regulars feel like family and newcomers are warmly welcomed. With live music from talented performers like world-class blues musician Ben Prestage (whose guitar is made from an alligator head!), the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance of fun yet sophisticated.

Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or simply curious about local craftsmanship, join us for this fascinating glimpse into how passion, history, and innovation come together in a glass—one small sip at a time.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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Ray Hooker sits down at Indian River Distillery to share the story behind Vero Beach's premier craft spirits destination. As a third-generation Indian River County resident with deep local ties, Ray brings an authentic Florida perspective that challenges the theme park and beach stereotype visitors often associate with the Sunshine State.

The journey from landscaper to distiller wasn't a straightforward one. After fourteen years building a successful lawn and pest control company with nineteen employees, Ray found himself seeking a creative outlet. What began as experimentation with home distilling ("allegedly," as Ray jokes) evolved into a full-scale spirits operation that celebrates both craftsmanship and local heritage. Now two years into business, Indian River Distillery has established itself as both a production facility and a cultural touchstone.

What sets this distillery apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and education. "Our cocktails aren't really fancy," Ray explains. "They are simple cocktails executed properly with high-quality ingredients." This philosophy extends throughout the business—from refusing to serve shots in favor of teaching proper whiskey appreciation, to naming products after historical figures like the notorious Ashley Gang. Each bottle tells a story about Florida's rebellious past, which Ray proudly acknowledges as part of the state's authentic character.

The family business—run with wife Mandy and 16-year-old son Chandler—maintains a loyal staff who've been onboard since opening day. This stability reflects Ray's leadership approach: communicate clearly, follow through on promises, and strategically drive the business rather than react to daily challenges. As Ray puts it, there's wisdom that comes with age, even if it trades off with the boundless energy of youth.

Visit Indian River Distillery to experience what Ray affectionately calls "the world's largest Mayberry"—a place where quality spirits, Florida history, and community values come together in every carefully crafted glass. Your taste buds and your appreciation for authentic Florida will thank you.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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From snowsuits to flip-flops and surfboards, Linda's journey to Vero Beach began with skepticism but quickly transformed into a 25-year love affair with this charming Florida coastal town. Despite her initial resistance—"I've done spring break, I've done Florida"—Linda found herself captivated by the lush greenery and stunning beauty of Vero Beach during what was supposed to be a brief reconnaissance trip for her husband's job opportunity.

Linda's story takes us from beachfront living (where she learned that salt air "eats everything") to the historic district near the arts village, and finally to Coconut Casita, her current home and thriving vacation rental. Her insights about Vero Beach living are invaluable for anyone considering a move to the area—you're never more than nine minutes from either the ocean or the river, offering endless opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach walks without necessarily dealing with the maintenance challenges of oceanfront property.

What truly makes Vero Beach special, according to Linda, is its soul. Local coffee shops know your order before you place it, art "paints the sky and buildings," and vintage stores "smell like the seventies and smell like a dream." She beautifully articulates the community feeling that the podcast hosts themselves have discovered: "Everybody knows your name. Everybody waves, everybody cares." It's this strong sense of community that inspired the creation of the Vero Beach Podcast—to share these stories and showcase the unique character of a place where "every place is a story." Whether you're planning a visit, considering a move, or already call Vero Beach home, Linda's perspective provides a heartfelt glimpse into what makes this coastal paradise so special. Check out Coconut Casita at coconutcasita.com or follow on Instagram to experience a piece of this magical community yourself.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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Ever wondered what it really takes to run a successful Airbnb? Linda from the Coconut Casita in Vero Beach, Florida takes us behind the scenes of vacation rental hosting, revealing both the magic and the madness of this increasingly popular business venture.

The labor of love that is Airbnb hosting extends far beyond changing sheets and handing over keys. "Running an Airbnb can be 24/7 almost, although you learn to create your boundaries," Linda shares as she describes days filled with preparing for back-to-back guests, maintaining lush gardens, creating personalized experiences, and managing social media marketing. Her passion for hospitality shines through in every thoughtful touch—from researching guests' interests to leaving vintage birding books for nature enthusiasts or pregnancy resources for expectant parents.

But hosting isn't without its challenges. Linda candidly discusses financial pressures, especially as the rental income has become more essential following her husband's retirement. She also shares entertaining mishaps, including the notorious "electric teapot incident" when a guest accidentally melted an electric kettle on the stovetop. Rather than creating tension, these moments have become cherished stories that showcase the grace and humor essential to successful hosting.

For those considering entering the vacation rental market, Linda offers valuable wisdom: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." She recommends diversifying beyond the Airbnb platform, understanding your target demographic, and being transparent about your property's unique character. Most importantly, she advises approaching hosting with genuine love—a philosophy that has clearly served the charming Coconut Casita well, earning not just positive reviews but meaningful connections with guests who've become friends over the years.

Curious about Linda's journey in Vero Beach? Tune in to our next episode where we'll explore why she chose this special Florida community and what she loves most about it.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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Stepping through the doorway of the Coconut Casita feels like entering another world – a tropical sanctuary where every object tells a story and the surrounding "jungle garden" whispers secrets of times past. In this heartfelt conversation with Linda Roberts, we uncover the remarkable journey of how a once "smoky, dingy, and sad" guesthouse transformed into one of Vero Beach's most beloved Airbnb destinations.

Linda shares her fascinating dual identity as both an internationally board certified lactation consultant and doula by day, and a passionate Airbnb host by night. The Coconut Casita wasn't born from a business plan but emerged organically following the passing of Linda's mother, with whom she had spent 15 years cultivating the lush garden from nothing but mud and a few trees. What started as a whim to perhaps host "three or four people" quickly blossomed into something much more meaningful.

What makes the Coconut Casita truly special is its authentic soul. From the Swiss-crafted family table that seated generations to her children's retired surfboards adorning the walls, every element has significance. Linda's approach to hospitality – offering garden tours, local culinary treats, and even occasional botanical cocktails while respecting guests' privacy – has created an environment where travelers from around the world feel instantly at home.

If Vero Beach is in your travel plans, the Coconut Casita might just become your new favorite getaway.

The Vero Beach Podcast & MyVeroBeach.com is presented by Killer Bee Marketing, helping local businesses in Vero Beach reach more customers. Learn more at killerbeemarketing.com

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