Creating Sunshine

After 27 years at Costco, nearly 20 as a senior manager, I made the life-changing decision to walk away from corporate life and bet on myself. But this wasn't a spontaneous choice—it was the culmination of a transformative year that included a stage three cancer diagnosis, financial struggles, and the realization that I was missing my daughters' lives.

In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm sharing the full story of how I went from $20,000 in credit card debt and pulling from my 401k to becoming debt-free and pursuing my calling as a speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur. If you've ever felt stuck in the "it works for them, but not for me" mindset, this episode is for you.

The Financial Reset

• How I went from $20,000 in credit card debt to completely debt-free in one year
• Why I sold my Big Bear cabin investment property (and what I learned)
• The exact tools and strategies I used to track spending and change my money mindset
• How I leveraged my 401k strategically with guidance from financial advisors

Cancer as a Catalyst for Change

• Processing trauma and PTSD after cancer treatment ended
• Why the "check your baggage at the door" workplace mentality stopped working for me
• How being home during treatment showed me what I was missing with my daughters
• The symbolic choice to turn in my resignation on the one-year anniversary of starting chemo

The Turning Point: My First Keynote Speech

• The October speaking engagement that changed everything
• Why the fulfillment from one speech exceeded the best day of my 27-year corporate career
• How my daughters watching from the audience confirmed this was my path

Rewriting the "Not For Me" Narrative

• Breaking free from limiting beliefs about entrepreneurship (single mom, expensive California, no spousal support)
• The game-changing discovery: None of the successful entrepreneurs I admired were making enough to replace their salary when they quit
• Why betting on yourself means figuring it out along the way

Building Multiple Streams of Income

• Speaking engagements and keynotes (including upcoming Nebraska event in March)
• Podcast hosting and guest appearances
• Custom merchandise creation
• Leveraging 27 years of corporate experience

• Rocket Money app - For tracking spending and managing subscriptions ($3/month)
• Jess Burgio - 1:1 business mentor (previous podcast guest)
• Katie Saltsman - Health coach specializing in hormones and metabolism
• Jen Gottlieb's Stage Leaders Program - 8-week speaker training for crafting your story
• Women Who Scale - Group container for women entrepreneurs

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hank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

In this powerful conversation, Sarah sits down with Kaitlin Anthony, the anti-business business coach women can't stop talking about. Kaitlin shares her journey from celebrity fashion stylist to multiple six-figure founder of The BEAM Life, opening up about the financial struggles that came with trying to portray a certain image, the importance of building businesses rooted in identity rather than performance, and how to tell the difference between aligned hustle and survival hustle.

Kaitlin's Entrepreneurial Journey

• How The BEAM Life started as a podcast during her divorce as a way to process her experience
• Transitioning from brick-and-mortar gym owner to online business coach
• The moment she realized everyday skills transfer to entrepreneurship

The Truth About Financial Struggles

• Kaitlin's vulnerable story of going into debt trying to project success
• How she sought help through therapy and Debtors Anonymous
• Why entrepreneurs don't need expensive things or a perfect image to succeed

Building Self-Trust

• How keeping promises to yourself in all areas of life builds self-trust
• Why breaking commitments creates a "bank account of reasons not to trust yourself"
• The importance of giving yourself credit for skills you've already developed

Aligned Hustle vs. Survival Hustle

• The difference between hustle that comes from excitement vs. fear
• How to start with realistic, sustainable actions rather than overwhelming yourself
• Finding the balance between toxic hustle culture and being too passive

Pivoting with Purpose

• How to know when it's time to pivot in your business
• Why you don't owe your past career path anything
• How every experience prepares you for your next chapter

Kaitlin Anthony is the anti-business business coach women can't stop talking about. A former celebrity fashion stylist turned multiple six-figure founder, she created The BEAM Life and its signature 3D/4D/5D framework, helping breadwinning women ditch survival hustle and build businesses rooted in identity, alignment, and self-trust. She's also a devoted mom and the creator of the fast-growing Be Everything And More podcast. Kaitlin is known for her bold, intuitive approach, her ability to call out the real blocks that keep entrepreneurs stuck, and her mission to help women stack cash while building a life-first business that actually feels alive.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeamlife/

Be Everything and More Podcast

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

Ready to get clear on what you want for 2026? In this solo episode, I'm walking you through a powerful 5-section journaling practice called "Get Your Shit Together for 2026" that will help you close out 2025 and create an intentional roadmap for the year ahead. Plus, I'm sharing how to use ChatGPT or Claude (free!) to turn your journal answers into a personalized clarity map with month-by-month action steps, identity statements, and even a vision board blueprint.

I'm also spotlighting my amazing biz bestie Jadie Dillard and the incredible containers she's created for women entrepreneurs at every stage—from just starting out to scaling your established business. Whether you're multi-passionate like me or just need a clear plan to make 2026 your best year yet, this episode is for you.

Prompts for journaling

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Connect with Jadie:

https://jadiedillard.com/

Biz Mom Retreat

Women Who Scale

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

In this powerful episode, Sarah sits down with Jessica Burgio, San Diego-based entrepreneur, podcast mentor, and branding strategist. Jess is the founder of Media Unscripted and host of the top-rated podcast Unscripted, with over 360 episodes and 20+ years of experience in the beauty industry and brand building.

This raw and unfiltered conversation dives deep into the journey from corporate career to entrepreneurship, the power of podcasting to find your voice, and how to build confidence through action—even when it's uncomfortable.

What You'll Learn:

✨ Career Pivot Strategies — How Jess transitioned from a 20-year beauty career to becoming a sought-after podcast mentor and business coach

✨ Finding Your Path — Why most people already know what they want to do (but are afraid to admit it) and how to use your content consumption as clues to your passion

✨ The Power of Podcasting — How starting a podcast with zero clarity can help you discover your voice, build relationships, and create opportunities

✨ Bouncing Back from Setbacks — Jess shares her recent experience with a disappointing high-ticket investment and how she processed it without losing her integrity

✨ Building Visibility — Why personal outreach and direct invitations are more effective than general posts (and how to stop being the best-kept secret)

✨ Choosing the Right Mentor — The importance of finding mentors who align with your actual life circumstances, not just your aspirations

✨ Supporting Content Creators — Free and impactful ways to support podcasters, small business owners, and entrepreneurs in your network

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About Jessica Burgio:

Jessica Burgio is a San Diego-based entrepreneur, podcast mentor, and branding strategist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and brand building. She's the founder of Media Unscripted and host of the podcast Unscripted, where she helps women amplify their voice, be seen, and build authority with confidence. Through her coaching programs and podcast production services, Jess supports entrepreneurs in finding their voice and creating visibility in the online space.

Connect with Jess:

• Instagram: @jessicaburgio
• Podcast: Unscripted, the podcast
• DM Jess on Instagram to connect or ask questions from this episode!

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

Welcome to the first solo episode of 2026! Coming off our SOLD-OUT New Year Release + Creation Ceremony with 26 incredible women, I'm sharing the powerful practice we did together under the full moon—and inviting you to do it too.

If you're ready to let go of what no longer serves you from 2025 and intentionally call in what you want for 2026, this episode is for you. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for a fresh start, this release and creation practice will help you step into your Sunshine Era.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What happened at our sold-out full moon ceremony (and why the energy was so powerful)
• A step-by-step release practice to let go of limiting beliefs, old patterns, and what's holding you back
• How to call in the feelings, experiences, and version of yourself you want in 2026
• What's coming up in The Sunshine Era community (vision boards, quarterly ceremonies, and more)
• How I can support you this year—whether through community, events, or 1:1 coaching

What's Coming in The Sunshine Era:

• January: Vision Board Workshop with guest expert Savannah Robertson
• May 2nd: Next quarterly Release + Creation Ceremony
• Ongoing: Bi-monthly group calls, guest experts, and daily support in our private Telegram community

Ready to join The Sunshine Era?

Membership includes access to all our monthly calls (and replays from past calls), guest expert workshops, daily chat support, and member pricing for all in-person events ($50 vs $65-75). Learn more at The Sunshine Era

Interested in 1:1 coaching?

I'm opening a few spots for 1:1 coaching in 2026. If you're ready for personalized support to create your Sunshine Era, DM me on Instagram @sarah_arvizu and I'll share details soon.

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

In this powerful conversation, Sarah sits down with Anna Georgner—Registered Nurse, nervous system guide, and transformational breathwork facilitator—to explore how breathwork, somatic healing, and compassion help us navigate grief, break generational patterns, and regulate our nervous systems. Anna shares her deeply personal journey through divorce, loss, suicide in her family, and caring for both parents on hospice, revealing how these experiences led her to discover the healing power of breath and embodiment work.Whether you're the "strong one" in your family, navigating grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, this episode offers practical tools and profound insights for coming home to yourself.What You'll Learn:- How breathwork helps regulate the nervous system and process grief without suppression- The connection between unprocessed stress and physical health issues (autoimmune conditions, weight gain, breast lumps)- What it means to be a "cycle breaker" and how generational trauma passes through families- How Anna blends her 20 years of nursing experience with breathwork, sound healing, and somatic practices- Why the "strong ones" need compassion and deep rest, not more productivity- How doing your own healing work transforms relationships—especially with your children- The science of epigenetics: how healing yourself impacts future generations- What a Breath Blueprint is and how your breathing patterns reveal subconscious beliefs- Practical first steps for processing grief without overwhelm

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About Anna Georgner:Anna Georgner is a Registered Nurse, Transformational Breath group leader, sound healing practitioner, and Priestess of Liberation who helps high-functioning, heart-centered individuals return to themselves. With twenty years of clinical experience blended with somatic healing, breathwork, Reiki, past life hypnotherapy, and ancestral work, Anna guides cycle breakers through nervous system healing and conscious transformation.Her mission is simple: Breath is medicine. The nervous system is the portal. Liberation is the result.Anna supports people navigating grief, major life transitions, and identity shifts—especially those who are always giving to others. Through her workshops, retreats, and one-to-one work, she helps them step off the hamster wheel, regulate their nervous system, and create a life that feels peaceful, grounded, and aligned.Connect with Anna:- Instagram: @anna.georgner- Website: annageorgner.com- Email: [email protected]- Free breath reset: annageorgner.kit.com

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

In this heartfelt Christmas Eve episode, Sarah shares an encouraging update on her cancer journey. This is episode 6 in the cancer series, and things are looking up! Sarah opens up about feeling stronger than ever, what's left on her treatment timeline, and an exciting resource she's creating for anyone navigating cancer or supporting someone who is.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• An honest update on where Sarah is in her healing journey
• What's next: one final surgery and wrapping up immunotherapy in January
• A sneak peek at Sarah's comprehensive cancer resource guide
• Hope and encouragement for the holiday season

Coming soon: Sarah is creating a complete resource guide for anyone going through cancer or supporting a loved one through it. This guide will include her personal recommendations for supplements, dietary changes, household product swaps, and everything that's supported her healing journey.

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

Discover how to use Human Design to build a life and business that feels aligned, sustainable, and authentic. In this episode, Human Design guide Lauren Armstrong breaks down the fundamentals of Human Design in plain language, explaining what makes it different from other personality frameworks and how you can start using it today.

Whether you're new to Human Design or looking to deepen your practice, Lauren shares practical experiments you can try this week to honor your unique strategy and authority. We explore Generator energy and work rhythms, Projector support and recognition, and how to avoid burnout by designing your day around your natural strengths.

As a Generator mom with a Projector daughter, I also ask Lauren for specific parenting guidance on how to support different Human Design types, frame choices for body-based responses, and invite guidance without overwhelming our kids.

What You'll Learn:

• Human Design 101: What it is and how it differs from other personality frameworks
• How Lauren discovered Human Design and built her practice around it
• Generator basics: energy, satisfaction, and avoiding frustration
• Practical ways to structure your workday based on your Human Design type
• How to combine Human Design with subconscious mind work and somatic strategies
• Parenting with Human Design: supporting Generator and Projector children
• Simple first-week experiments to start living in alignment with your design
• How to access your free Human Design chart

Guest Bio:

Lauren Armstrong is a Human Design guide who helps mission-driven entrepreneurs leverage Human Design, the subconscious mind, and somatic strategies to build sustainable businesses and lives. She specializes in helping clients move from insight to embodiment through practical experiments that honor their unique strategy and authority. Lauren teaches that alignment isn't about fitting into boxes—it's about designing a life that works for your specific energetic blueprint.

Connect with Lauren:

• Get your free Human Design chart: laurenarmstrong.com/humandesignchart
• Connect with Lauren Armstrong on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenarmstrong_

Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

Two years of Creating Sunshine! In this solo, I reflect on the journey so far, share exciting audience growth stats, and reveal what’s coming in 2026—including monthly giveaways and the launch of our YouTube channel. We’ll also name your non‑negotiables for the new year so you can protect your energy, health, and mindset.

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In this episode

• A look back at 2 years of Creating Sunshine and how the community has grown
• Audience highlights and milestones
• What’s new in 2026: monthly giveaways and a YouTube channel for deeper content
• How to set your personal non‑negotiables for health and mindset
• An invitation to join a supportive community of women inside The Sunshine Era

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Journal prompts

• What are my top 3 non‑negotiables for 2026 across health, mindset, and work?
• Which boundary will have the biggest impact if I honor it consistently?
• What can I release before the new year to create space for what I want?

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Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!

Ashley shares the origin of Know Her Name and how connection with other survivors transformed private healing into public advocacy. We explore courage catalysts, the Note for Hope campaign, and how Ashley’s work as a fashion stylist now centers care, consent, and nervous-system aware client experiences. Listeners will leave with grounded steps to support survivors and move from pain to purpose.

Know Her Name was founded by Ashley after her experience of rape and assault. Through her healing, Ashley discovered that connection with other survivors was the key to recovery, and she built Know Her Name to help survivors find strength and remember that healing doesn’t have to happen alone. She also brings this mission into her fashion styling work. knowhername.foundation

• Courage to be seen often begins with one small choice, witnessed by a safe other
• Connection is a healing multiplier and a design principle for communities
• “Note for Hope” channels micro-donations + micro-messages into tangible care
• Service work is sustainable when it’s boundaried and ritualized
• Purpose can (and should) reshape how business is done, not just what is done

• Know Her Name: knowhername.foundation
• Note for Hope: See Know Her Name site for the current campaign details
• Ashley on Instagram

• Leave a Note for Hope and donate any amount to support survivors
• Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today
• If you’re a survivor, identify one small support step you can take this week

Thank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.

Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!

Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!

Also, we are bringing The Sunshine Era live in 2026!! Join us at our first event on January 3, 2026!! Here are all the details.

New Year Release and Creation Ceremony

Let’s stay connected:

• Follow me on Instagram

• Join my email list

• Join the 7-Day Mindset Reset Challenge

• Get your free Sunshine Moments download 

Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!