Light The F*ck Up

It's no coincidence there are so many documentaries, podcasts, and books focused on cults at this time. While they have existed forever, our ability to connect and share information quickly is new. Rapid communication online supports the exposure of toxic and harmful practices with possible justice...and it also helps the same practices to spread.  Many cult-like ("culty") behaviors can be found in your daily life. It may be in the products you buy, the affiliations you make, the groups you are a part of; any number of things. Marketing tactics have long ago shifted from persuasion toward manipulation and even elements of mind control. MLMs have infiltrated nearly every market and continue to get away with shady business practices. And they are merely one example of a much larger picture. None of this is intended to scare you. Quite the opposite. This is intended to shine a light of awareness on these practices so you are better positioned to protect yourself. Consider this episode an introduction to the topic of culty behavior and learn to spot the warning signs before you get in too deep.  Referenced in this episode: https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/ Connect with Sunny: https://linktr.ee/iamsunny Intro music: "Pieces of Light" by Trevor Mack

Let's take a trip together, shall we? A trip inside....for 30 minutes [and more, if you desire].   **THIS IS A GUIDED MEDITATION. DO NOT LISTEN WHILE DRIVING, WALKING, etc.** Just LISTEN. You deserve to take some time to yourself. So please lay your body down, relax, and listen to my voice for about 30 minutes.    Before you begin, please bring kind and conscious awareness to your intention.  If you have never experienced a guided meditation, here's what you should know about this one:  * the guidance itself lasts about 25 minutes * you can stay in "trance" longer if you choose to (extended music) * it's okay if you fall asleep (your subconscious will still receive the message!) * you can't get this wrong * there is no such thing as "I don't know how to quiet my mind" * RELAX - do it again and again. You will be amazed at what your mind, body, and soul can do. I am bringing this to you today (whatever day you are receiving) because I believe in the power of meditation. And I want you to experience it too.  I am also building a meditation library, so if you enjoy this experiece, please get on my list so we can continue to reap the benefits together.  This one's on me. With love, Sunny Find all of the ways to connect with me here   Original Music by Cindy Locher – The Relaxation Works    / @cindylocherthere...        

“It's not so much what's going to happen when we die. It's about how we are going to live…and what our legacy is going to be while we're here.”    This episode featuring Maureen Kafkas is a philosophical conversation between friends. Few aspects of life are as certain or as difficult to face as death, yet Maureen's experiences have ultimately created expansion and growth. Through her professional and personal experiences, she has supported and advocated for the dying while balancing her own emotions where her loved ones were involved.    We skim the surface on a broad and taboo topic with a light dose of spirituality, so bring your open mind. We discuss advocating hospice care, having conversations with your parents, navigating emotions of family members, our thoughts on the ceremonies and burial options after death, even losing our pets. We understand from our own experiences how difficult these conversations can be. It's also true that we can choose a path that feels right for us.    Connect with Maureen:    https://www.thebrainbs.com/ The Brain BS Podcast Community   Connect with Sunny:    Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here.   Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel  

So many humans are filled with unnecessary worry. Worry steals your time and energy. It sends you spinning all the threads of possibility or potential devastation around things that haven't even happened yet. It is a vibration rooted in fear.  No matter what it is that you may be worried about today, I assure you that there is a better way to approach this emotion when it arises. You may have even created a habit of worrying so you're not even aware it's happening. It's time to release your concerns and embrace the notion that worry does not have to take over your life. It's time to live the way you were designed to live.  Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel  

Get ready for some real talk that incorporates the spirit within you. We are all feeling the squeeze and the burden of the times we are living. We may even feel powerless to change anything in our personal lives, much less for the collective.    The good news is that no single person bears responsibility to “fix things” on this planet. We may ask why we are here and what our purpose is when we feel stripped of our power. This episode is going to deliver some guidance for you. Some of it is channeled from higher places and I hold a knowing that what has been shared here is the purest truth I have access to at this moment. Perhaps it is for you too or maybe you're skeptical. Either way, you're sure to have some actionable takeaways for stepping back into the power that is your birthright.  Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

CW: brief reference to gun violence   If you have ever felt your emotions spiraling out of control, this episode is for you. I recently faced a dark night of the soul and am sharing three key approaches that I took to get back on solid ground.   What we often do when faced with deep challenges in life is to try to tamp it down and keep forging ahead with our daily lives. Some of us feel this is our responsibility or even our purpose: to shake it off, move on, and continue to show up when you are screaming inside.  The truth is that each of us have a far greater purpose that may be revealed if we take the time to focus our efforts where they will have the greatest impact. This is unlikely to be things you are accustomed to doing, so bring your open mind and prepare yourself for a challenge that will change your perspective. Not just a shift - a full on change.  Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Mentions:  “Shrinking” trailer “Chase You” by Elizabeth Kendig and Monica Lawson Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel  

"It's okay to have a glitchy conversation. I would rather have a glitchy, imperfect conversation than no conversation at all."  Charlotte's husband and the father of her children didn't give her that option in 2007. He simply opted out of a family outing on a typical Saturday and said he was going to take a nap. Only that's not at all what he did.  That's the opening of her newly released memoir. What unfolds from that point in time is how Charlotte became a single mother navigating her own grief alongside her young children. She very plainly explains what death is while she speaks truth to her young boys in a community where "everyone knows." They whisper on the sidelines and eventually it does come back to her. What are they saying about him and about us? Do I allow their judgments to impact me? How do I express my own grief while guiding two young boys to do the same?  Charlotte's memoir is about as raw and real as it gets. In this episode, we break down the deeper contexts of this story and how it is indeed possible to heal even while carrying a hole in your heart - for life.  Charlotte's children refer to her as a walking trigger warning, so 'nuff said. If you're brave enough to press play on this episode, you likely already know what you're in for. And if you really want to understand the sushi reference, we'll break that down in ways I didn't even expect!  Purchase Sushi Tuesdays wherever books are sold (shout out to the local indie bookstores, always).  Connect with Charlotte: IG @charlottemayawriter Twitter @charlottemaya1 FB @sushituesdays https://charlotte-maya.com Connect with Sunny:  https://linktr.ee/iamsunny Music: Pieces of Light by Trevor Mack    

I don't know about you, but I'm already primed for a "do over" of welcoming the new year. And I've decided to make it so, because the LUNAR new year is upon us. I am personally grappling with some things, so I giving myself grace and acknowledging that I get to decide what is true about me and I get to decide when, where, an how to celebrate...me. I highly recommend this practice!  View the video version on my YouTube channel. Find all of the ways to connect with me here (including through Dry January!). Intro/outro "Feeling Free" by Martin Riopel.   

More and more Americans seem to be getting on board with the concept of Dry January, which is abstaining from alcohol for the entire month. With drinking solidly ingrained into our culture, that can be difficult for some.  This episode does not go into all of the benefits and tactical approaches (like "mocktails"). While Dry January continues to grow in popularity, there is one thing that is rarely talked about: how your mind and body will respond as the days and weeks ahead unfold. This is an introduction into conversations we'll be having throughout the month (not always on the podcast), so if you're interested in all opportunities ahead, join the What Lights You Up Facebook group or follow my socials.  Video version available on YouTube. 

I am... Let us be here now.  I love being present. We are now here or nowhere. We got this. Let's DO THIS.   Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group to engage with like minds! Other ways to connect with me here. Intro/outro “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel  

As we enter the frenzy of the holiday season (holi-daze), I want to offer you some alternatives to the way you have been experiencing this. We are often gathering with extended family and some relationships may be strained. We frequently find ourselves saying yes to everything offered (because what would they think if we said “no”??) only to find ourselves maxed out, stressed out, overwhelmed and waiting for it all to be over.    The offer in this episode is to ask yourself one question that becomes your radical act of self-care. Listen up. I got you.   Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group to engage with like minds! Other ways to connect with me here. Intro/outro “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

Here are the details to sign up for the "Let Them" series that begins on November 2, 2022 and continues each Wednesday through the month. It is FREE and it is freeing to release the angst you may be feeling around politically charged topics.  Take ~4 mins to listen to what this (and future) conversations will be about. Sign up now and you're automatically enrolled in the full series. You can opt in/out of topics as you wish (although I strongly encourage you to explore the hard things).  Yes, this sign up link is valid throughout the month. Hope to see you soon!  Sign me up to let them!

It's that time of year…election time! A “woo hoo” response could be sarcasm or it could be the knowing that sweet relief from campaign ads is right around the corner. Also, some of you do truly enjoy this season (and it shows). In episode 131, I introduced the concept of a “Let Them…” series. What better way to kick it off than with the sticky subject of politics! Don't skip this one if you think I'm going to lay bare my own beliefs and try to convince you to see things my way. Quite the opposite. I want to share some ways that you can navigate hard conversations with a few perspective shifts of your own. I will share what I view as our first “mistake” when it comes to broaching conversations on the topic of politics with your family and close friends. Finally, I will relay how we can continue the conversation and how you can be a part of determining the future “Let Them…” topics. Get on board. The more we engage in hard topics, the sweeter our experience of growth.    Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group to engage and VOTE on future topics!

Let them judge you. Let them talk about you. Let them be catty.  Let them…   …because they are going to do it ALL anyway!    I will soon be kicking off a series of “let them” moments that we are all too painfully familiar with.    Sign up links are coming soon. In the meantime, check out this episode and be sure to join the What Lights You Up Facebook Group. This is where we have all of the behind-the-scenes and judgment-free conversations around the topics of this podcast. This episode is an introduction. Hope to see you soon.    Other ways to connect with me here.    Intro/outro “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

In this life, we are often faced with decisions. In fact, we make them all day, every day. Yet there are times when those decisions are very heavy and life-changing. How do you know when to call it quits? This is a very personal and individual approach. Few in your life will tell you this. I am willing to do that. To be clear, not make the decision FOR you or even guide you toward what I think might be “right” for you. Only you can know this. May this episode support you when you need it.    Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

Society has been telling us for years now that we should be aware of what may trigger others and plan accordingly. That may work with friends and family, but how does this play out in an online space, for example? Are we to take full responsibility for the reactions of others that we don't even know or may never meet? Some do believe this, but that's not how I roll. Our triggers are internal signals that something within us needs to be explored and hopefully resolved. They are as unique and individual as each of us are. Check in with this episode if you'd like to learn a better approach for when you are personally triggered by another human.    Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

Let us take a moment today to not only acknowledge the mundane parts of life or those things that might send your emotions into a frenzy; let us also notice that WHEN things arise in our lives that aren't playing out according to your plan, how do you react? Do you lash out or do you feel more grounded in certainty? Will you try to promote your worthiness and value (a solid default trauma response) or will you stay grounded and calm in the face of the storm? In this episode, I will share how my day didn't go according to plan…and how very okay I felt with that. It's a win, my friends. Trust me on this one. Spoiler alert: you don't need ANYONE'S validation. Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com

If you have ever been cut off or rejected by a family member, this one's for you! I see you. Perhaps no one in your life has shared with you that you are more powerful than you know. Perhaps others have held you back from what you really wanted to do because they were bitter or fearful. This is your opportunity to break the cycle, and it's why I'm here. It's not too late to step into who you were really meant to be. We don't have to parrot our parents and our grandparents. In fact, it's better for everyone if we don't. Not that they are/were wrong. Just that we want to live life differently. And that's quite okay. Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

#TBT from December 2020: Have you ever found out that people are talking about you? Of course, you have! It's what people do to entertain themselves and we have surely been doing it since the dawn of time. This really only becomes a problem when you allow yourself to create a story about you around their talk. Still, we will bend over backwards to try to prevent it from happening. To try to control the perceptions and the narrative. Stop it. You're going to lose that battle every time. In this episode, I'll give you a new way to view the chatter from others. You don't have to allow it to cast a shadow on your day. Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

Can you identify the ways that you have already evolved in your life aside from your appearance? Sometimes, it's not easy to pinpoint when it comes to the things that we can't see. We may now do things differently than we did when we were much younger. We may have evolved the way that we think and how we perceive others, which is in line with the purpose of this podcast (congrats, you're in the right place!).     There are so many ways that we shift and change. From the childhood likes/dislikes to facing the judgments of others, this episode may shed some light on how to claim your power.    Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here.   Schedule a conversation here.   Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com   Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

Join me for Sunny's version of a film study as I share my recent viewing of the movie, “Thirteen Lives” and making connections with humanity throughout the telling of that story. The film follows the true story of the harrowing rescue of twelve boys and their soccer coach from a complex and intricate cave system in Thailand. This was a worldwide news event in 2018, so if you don't want spoilers, check in with the Internet beforehand.

Mastered the art of avoiding conflict? Does the thought of confrontation make you super uncomfortable? Often, we'll only speak our truth out loud if we have a high degree of certainty that it's going to work out in our favor. We don't want to feel bad, nor be responsible for someone else feeling bad. Yet when we start to allow ourselves to recognize that we are actually big deals as human beings, it becomes easier to navigate this life. It becomes clearer to see where your power truly lies. We begin to experience emotional freedom. Do not mistake this approach for arrogance or superiority. Those things have been ingrained in us in order to keep us small. Stop falling for it! Repeat after me: I am a big deal.   Join the What Lights You Up Facebook group here. Schedule a conversation here. Email: sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com

This is a rhetorical question as most of us don't have a single moment. The toning down has been more of a slow burn over a lifetime thus far. It comes at us from all angles. When we are children, we don't even notice it. As adults, we may catch ourselves and wonder why we aren't being real at times. We may not see it at all, because it hasn't been explored. We are all in different places of our journeys. I want to encourage all of us to bring our inquisitive inner child to the table more often. It might even be joyful. Join me on July 25 for The Emotional Freedom Experience! Become a member of the What Lights You Up Facebook group, where we will have interactive conversations around the topics covered here.   Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

You may recognize the force with which some things have been taught. Can you see the ways in which you may be doing the same to others? Whether or not we take action or say words, we are still creating that tension internally. This is an introduction to a theme that is certain to be included in future episodes and events. Let's get familiar with where we've been, where we are now, and a taste of where we're going. The choice is yours. I am available for 1:1 coaching! Schedule a free conversation here. Join the new What Lights You Up Facebook group, where we will have interactive conversations around the topics covered here.   Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

One of the most valuable gifts we can receive is the awareness of the conditioning that runs deep within us. Many of us don't even recognize where our behaviors are coming from, much less consider exploring them. In this episode, I will provide real-world examples of how conditioning is often overlooked yet very impactful. Our conditioning helps to shape our very identities over time. There are three simple steps we can take with the things we can readily see with options for those that are more elusive. If you'd like to go deeper, be sure to join the new What Lights You Up Facebook group, where we'll be discussing this topic daily. Join me for a private 1:1 conversation! Schedule here. Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

We have all heard that we are one or the other. Some of us hear it with frequency

Your family of origin will definitely teach you some life lessons, and they may not have always been pleasant. While you may think you have moved on, forgiven, and healed, there could be ways in which you show up in your daily life that carry forward the cycle. Whether you are navigating fractured family relationships or simply exploring your part in breaking this cycle, this episode is here to support you on your journey. (CW: corporal punishment, molestation, incest)   If you would like a deeper dive into breaking the cycles of destructive behavior, let's talk 1:1. Book a conversation here. Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

This episode is simply magical! During a recent retreat, I experienced such deep connections with everyone I encountered, I returned LIT UP! I was also inspired to consider and share how to keep these high vibes going in “real life.” There are three ways that you can enhance your experiences, your relationships, your expectations of yourself and others to get to the essence of who you really are. Because when you find that power within, you view the world and everyone in an entirely new light and your whole life shifts to new heights. If you would like to discuss how this could work for you, book a conversation here. Want more from this episode? Check out Extra Light on my YouTube channel where I absolutely share MORE each Friday. Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

I have noticed patterns of shame creeping into my sphere in indirect ways recently, so I thought it would be a good time to point out that there is a difference between the two. Guilt and shame are close cousins, but they are not the same. Listen up as I break down three primary ways that we humans tend to experience shame throughout our lives. Regardless, that doesn't mean anything has gone wrong. Find all the ways to connect with me here: https://linktr.ee/iamsunny If you appreciated this episode, please take a moment to give a 5 star rating with a review on Apple podcasts! Want more from this episode? Check out Extra Light on my YouTube channel where I absolutely share MORE each week.  

“If anyone tells you that people can't change…you do. It's just that you might have to be hit over the head with a hammer and my hammer was heartbreak.” I've spoken with several authors and creatives here, but never like this! Please join me for this conversation with producer David Winkler (“Creed,” “Rocky Balboa,” “The Gambler”, etc.) about his experience of being a real-life sugar daddy and how it changed him in ways that he never expected. We discuss his memoir, “The Arrangement: A Love Story,” what it's like from the male perspective to be vulnerable, what his family thinks of his “arrangement” and so much more. If you want to hear about a real-life “Pretty Woman” story, this might be the one to ground you back to reality. I am ever appreciative of having been introduced to David and what you'll hear is a real, raw, and very truthful account of his life thus far. That's what this experience is all about. Connect with David: https://www.davidwinklerauthor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davidadamwinkler/ Connect with Sunny: https://linktr.ee/iamsunny Want more from this episode? Check out Extra Light on my YouTube channel where I absolutely share MORE each Friday.

Our planet has certainly seen (and is still seeing) its share of dark days over the past few years. CW: I am going to address the recent school shooting in Uvalde, TX this week and as a parent, I am not mincing words. In fact, it is times like these that words can be simply hollow and inadequate. You will hear my mom rage on this episode. What you will also hear is how I am learning more about tapping into my intuition, what I really think about ignoring the events and the people around you, and how you can feel just a LITTLE bit better about life with a simple perspective shift. Don't forget to tune in to my YouTube channel on Friday where I'll share Extra Light around this topic. It's sure to be interesting. View my schedule online and book a conversation here. Please share and drop a review if this one resonates for you! Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

We humans often torture ourselves by spending time and energy trying to come up with the right words to say. So much so, that we might not even say them at all. We'll just carry on, spinning in uncertainty and mastering our skills of avoidance along the way. The truth is that what we are really seeking is harmony within ourselves. We think that we will find that harmony if we get the reaction we imagine or maybe even expect. In this episode, I will explain why we do this. I will also share some new perspectives to take with not only those around us, but our ancestors as well. Connect with me: Schedule a 1:1 conversation https://sunnythelifecoach.com Sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Subscribe to my YouTube channel Please share and drop a review if this one resonates for you! Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

“It's like graduation. You have a vision of what that's going to look like, but no one tells you that you're going to be sitting there for six hours in a hot gown while all of these people question you about your future.” This is just one of several analogies that you are going to hear during this episode with Kurt and Ellie Johnson; the father and daughter who co-authored “The Barrens: A Novel of Love and Death in the Canadian Arctic.” In this episode, we are not only going to explore the characters of Lee and Holly that were created in this fictional novel, but we are also going to tap in to how the authors examined themselves through the process (my favorite parts!). “The Barrens” is not only a story about love, death, grief, survival, grit, and determination…it is a coming out story about recognizing and embracing who you really love and how parents reconcile their own preconceived notions, visions, and dreams for their children in a society that may very well shun them. Pick up your copy of “The Barrens” wherever books are sold. Connect with the authors: https://www.kurtjohnsonbooks.com/ @kurtjohnsonbooks @elliej418 Connect with me: Subscribe to my YouTube channel to view exclusive podcast videos and the weekly Extra Light. sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com @sunnythelifecoach on FB and IG Please share and drop a review if this one resonates for you. Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

If you have ever uttered this phrase, this is your episode. I have certainly stated this many times during my life so far because no one really explained how love works. We learn about love first from our parents and then from all of the life experiences that follow. We learn about love through the ways that others treat us. What we don't learn is where love really comes from, and I'm here to remedy that. I will also share one of the most impactful ways to shift your perspective when you are dealing with other humans that can absolutely strengthen your relationships. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or email sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Check out Extra Light on my YouTube channel each Friday for a bonus expansion of topics here. Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

This is such an important episode, because not only am I going to share parts of our adoption story (from my perspective), I will also share how I came to understand and accept this was my personal path to follow. This is not a story about visualizing your future self. This is a true story about the one thing that needs to happen before you can manifest anything at all. In order to do this, we must release our innate need to control things. I am going to get real, raw, and share some details in this episode, but only those details that are mine to share. So, sit back, relax, or take a walk and let's spend some time together dishing it all out. If you've ever wondered how it all went down, this is the one to hear. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out Extra Light, weekly on Fridays. Want to have a conversation? I welcome those! Send a message to sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com and let's make it happen.  

Let's talk about why we are hesitant to share our stories. We will often hear things like, “It's not yours to tell.” Is that true? The experiences that shape us are often those we want to share in some form, yet we are afraid of the consequences if we do. I'm going to examine these rules of right and wrong, where they came from, and why they keep holding us back. For purposes of this topic, there are three reasons why we are hesitant to share and only one from which you ultimately need permission. Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss the “Extra Light” part of this episode, available on Friday at noon Central US. Email sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com to schedule a 1:1 conversation! Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

While there are many ways that family trauma and the associated drama can show up in our lives, this episode is going to touch specifically on the adoption experience and social media engagement. I have recently learned some things about the expectations within an adoption community that left me a bit wobbly and confused. Specifically, is it allowable to hold space for both the ugly and beautiful parts of our experiences simultaneously? Or are we expected to pick a side and stand firmly there? If my perspective differs vastly from others, does that make me wrong? As humans, we spend a lot of time expecting others to share our perspectives and to behave exactly as we would. This important topic is multifaceted and complex – like life. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or email sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

In this solo episode, I'm sharing some of the updates and changes that are on my professional horizon. I invite you to listen as I share some regrets that I have and also why they are not a problem. The power of making meaningful connection is something we all strive for, whether we are aware of it or not. I want to challenge you as I have been challenged recently. Take an honest look at who you have on your team and determine how they are elevating your game. If you are curious about the skillset I can bring to your life, let's talk. https://www.instagram.com/sunnythelifecoach/ sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Please share and drop a review if this one resonates for you. Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

“I have the capacity and the presence to sit with this and to allow us to grow together.” How often can we state something like this with certainty? This conversation will challenge you in many ways, but it all comes down to this. What is my personal capacity to grow and to transform in a society that is very clearly doing just that? Am I willing to hear the things I don't want to hear and see the ugly parts of myself or is it just easier to trash the actions of others online or try to shut the down the conversation entirely…because it's uncomfortable for us to explore deeper? Because we don't want to hear anymore. Join me and my friend, Mark Joseph, as we do our best as two humans to process not only what happened at the 2022 Academy Awards, but the deeper topics that are presenting themselves as a result. How did this become a topic about race? How do we see ourselves in the characters that played this out on the world stage? There is certainly a lot to unpack, and while we can only touch the surface, we are going to GO THERE. We are going into the shadows to have a real, raw, and meaningful conversation. Come with us.   Please share and drop a review if this one resonates for you. Reach me directly at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com I can't wait to meet you! Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel

“The process of life is becoming who we are today, and we have everything still to learn.” Join me for a conversation with author Carol Finizza about her newly published work of fiction, “Murder on Hollywood Beach.” This story itself was personally a fantastic escape for me from the realm of self-help. Even more intriguing is the story behind how the “messy girl” character, Amanda, came to be. During a very difficult period of time, Carol created Amanda as a means to cope with the circumstances in her own life over which she had no control. The quirky anti-heroine represents Carol's own daughter and provided an outlet for the author to process her adult child's addiction and periodic spirals while her husband battled cancer. This is the first book in a series of “Messy Girl Murder Series,” and you'll want to hear the backstory and personal healing messages discussed in this episode. Connect with Carol: https://www.carolfinizzaauthor.com/ https://www.torchflamebooks.com/carol-finizza https://www.facebook.com/cfinizza https://www.instagram.com/carolfinizza/ Connect with Sunny: Email sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

Reflecting on my recent family trip to Las Vegas, I realized that I had outgrown the experience of wonderment when it came to that particular place. What does it feel like to outgrow an experience or a place? How could this later relate to our relationships? This topic is about internal and personal change that we choose, not always consciously. This invites you to reconnect with self and prepares us for deeper conversations in the future. I am currently accepting clients! Let's set up a time to talk. Reach me directly at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

“Know that there are teachers who just want to let the light come on inside of you and that's where your healing is going to come.” Join me and my friend, Kate, for a lively conversation about ALL of the things in this episode! Kate is a longtime certified yoga instructor, and we discuss how a yoga practice can be used to heal emotional trauma. We not only dig into that, but we also break down how judgements, expectations, and comparisons can mess with our minds. We dig into her experience with cancer and the shame around it. Most importantly, we discuss our spirits, our souls, and how very impactful we can be as humans…in ways both “good” and “bad.” In this episode, we will cover everything from how to pick a yoga instructor to fun interactions with those we might oppose politically. This is organic and natural; it is fun. It is real and it is very raw. Links to sources mentioned in this episode and ways to connect with Kate: https://www.tattedk8.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kateflanaganlawyer https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N7UKZQ117VP5?ref_=wl_share https://www.yogaalliance.org/TeacherPublicProfile/tid/166025 https://y12sr.com/ Connect with me! Email sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com and follow/DM me on FB and IG @sunnythelifecoach

Life has a way of challenging us to connect with other humans in unexpected ways. When we feel conflicted, it is usually coming from a place that guides us to re-examine our deeply held values and beliefs. See it as an invitation to explore yourself instead of snapping to judgement of others. This approach can work with major world events like pandemics and wars. It can work with forming new friendships or choosing a hair color. We are constantly faced with choices. When we rise to the challenge, we can also come to awareness that sometimes “this or that,” can be replaced with “this AND that.” Give it a try. Reach me directly at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com I can't wait to meet you! Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

What if there were a perspective so extraordinary that one could simply reflect on the darkest moments of life and find reason or meaning? What if it could be true that we can reflect without becoming immersed in the memories of awfulness? These are the questions I am asking in my solo celebration of 100 official episodes. There is certainly a lot to unpack, but it's nothing we aren't already fully capable of. This is all about the journey. That is all it's ever been about. Please share and drop a review if this one resonates for you. Reach me directly at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com I can't wait to meet you! Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

This is not the episode that outlines how to not be a failure or to do it better next time. Rather, this is ownership of how and why there are times that we need to tap into our soul's calling and perhaps push back on all of those ideals you've been programmed to believe over a lifetime. What if? What if we could do things differently? What if it could be okay to get loud and obnoxious? What if it's okay to walk away? Today, I'm going to address our language, how we use it against ourselves, and ultimately, how we may not have failed at all. And I'm going to tell you all about my double middle finger on social media. I will own my truth as I encourage you to do the same. Reach me at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

“I've kept my story locked away for so long because it's so painful…and I will break the cycle.” The subject of trauma has been showing up for me personally with more frequency than ever which I view as a positive trend. A huge component of healing includes our willingness to get vulnerable and open in safe spaces. Lisa Schwartz not only has her own experiences to share, but she also comes into contact through her profession with others who have been traumatized. Through her work and her life, she has developed multiple lenses to perceive the human collective, the individual, and the sense of self that we create over our lifetime. This episode is an honest share between friends who are showing up to demystify trauma, the language we use, and most importantly, the impacts to our nervous systems. This is a very high-level approach of simply coming to awareness of how we can honor ourselves and our fellow humans, focusing on our uniqueness instead of comparing, rating, or defining ourselves by the worst things that have happened in our lives. Nothing is off limits, and you are sure to come away from this talk between friends with a fresh perspective! Questions for Lisa? Contact her at lisayourlifecoach@gmail.com Reach me at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

“The scariest thing for me to say as a mom is that…I'm okay now.” This episode is for those who are ready to heal. Those who truly wish to face their greatest fears. My sweet friend, Liene, shares all of those fears and more in this episode where I call her to be real with me. She engages like the boss that she is. “It's not too painful. It gives me energy.” Liene lost her firstborn son when he was seven. She will share how that happened. More importantly, she will share how she lives and breathes past the most devastating moment of her life. As much as you may think you can understand, you can never fully grasp what we don't even have words for. In memory of Davids, please share this real and raw conversation. Connect with Liene at https://coachliene.com/ Subscribe to her podcast, Life After Child Loss, on all major platforms.  Follow Liene on IG @lifeafterachildloss While all of my platforms are currently under revision, reach me at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

Let's take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly around attachments. Where do they come from? How did we get there? Why do we keep them around? And are there actually “good” attachments? Yes, of course! Attachments can be super-sneaky when we don't have full awareness of the origin, not to mention truly taking a look at what we think we may be gaining in the process. Many times, we are seeking the approval of others, attempting to honor ancestors, or simply muddling through daily life. If you haven't stopped and asked yourself lately, “Why am I even doing this?” spend a few moments on this and get to the business of asking more of the one who really knows you best. While all of my platforms are currently under revision, reach me at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

Today, we're going to acknowledge the signs and signals that happen in our lives. What is the message? What are our interpretations? This is my personal experience with both inviting and receiving gifts through various channels. I have found it interesting and engaging to notice the significance of the small details when we shift our energy focus. This can be both powerful and freeing. Bring your curious, open mind to this one and consider how you may wish to change your own life experience.   While all of my platforms are currently under revision, reach me at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.

“Secrets keep you sick. Secrets keep you ashamed.” Lauren Duke is a writer, educator, entrepreneur, community activist, and all-around amazing human. Her recently published memoir, “Sh!thouse,” details her painful upbringing by parental figures. Grownups who were carrying their own traumas, exposing her to their addictions, criminal activities, and neglect. Lauren was able to recognize early on that her life looked much different than the lives of her friends, yet there was still some comfort in the familiar of the unknown…never able to anticipate what would come next. As with many who have lived experiences with trauma, Lauren disconnected in order to survive. In adulthood, she realized that she would have to do the hard work of unraveling her past in order to heal and grow. Part of that process included becoming bold to write this book in a raw and real manner. We discuss elements of her childhood but spend the majority of this conversation on recognizing the humanity and fallibility of our parents and how to face the truth of our ancestral wounds. As Lauren says, “When we are angry, when we don't forgive, when we hold resentment, we create our own prison. Everyone needs to set themselves free.” Pick up your copy of “Sh!thouse” wherever books are sold. Check your local indie stores first! View the full video on YouTube. While all of my platforms are currently under revision, reach me at sunnythelifecoach@gmail.com Intro/outro music: “Feeling Free” by Martin Riopel.