Episode 48

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Published on:

10th Mar 2026

Meet Your Neighbor... Deborah Gardner

In this episode of the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast, Steve sits down with Deborah Gardner, a remarkable member of the Westbrook Village community and a Guinness World Record holder. At 66 years old, Deborah became the oldest woman to swim the Catalina Channel, completing one of the most challenging open-water swims in the world.

Deborah shares the mindset, discipline, and determination it takes to accomplish something most people would never even attempt. Her story is one of perseverance and belief, she’s the kind of person who simply refuses to accept that something can’t be done.

Beyond the record, Deborah talks about her journey, what motivates her to keep pushing herself, and why she is proud to call Westbrook Village home. Her story is a powerful reminder that age is not a limitation and that incredible things are possible with the right mindset.

The Meet Your Neighbor Podcast highlights the stories of the amazing people who live right here in Westbrook Village. If you enjoy learning about your neighbors and celebrating this community, be sure to subscribe and share the episode.

And if you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Westbrook Village, reach out to Steve. Real estate is how this podcast is supported, and Steve is always happy to help neighbors make their next move.

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About the Podcast

Meet Your Neighbor
Realtor Steve Podcast
Meet Your Neighbor is a storytelling podcast that brings neighbors together through conversation. Everyone has a story, and this is your chance to share yours—or hear the incredible journeys of those living around you. From career paths and hometown roots to life’s biggest adventures and toughest challenges, each episode dives into the experiences that make every neighbor unique. Whether you’re listening for inspiration, connection, or just a great story, Meet Your Neighbor is where the voices of the community come to life.

About your host

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steve merila

Steve Merila — Host, Meet Your Neighbor
As Realtor Steve, I’ve learned that real estate is about more than houses — it’s about people, stories, and the connections that make a community feel like home. That belief inspired Meet Your Neighbor, a podcast where I sit down with the incredible residents of Westbrook Village to share their journeys, passions, and what brought them here.
Each episode is a genuine, easygoing conversation — like chatting over coffee with a friend — that reminds us how special this community truly is. My goal is simple: to help people connect, feel seen, and celebrate the amazing neighbors who make Westbrook Village one of a kind.