Creating Sunshine

Sarah Beaver
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Hi! I'm Sarah, host of the Creating Sunshine Podcast! As a single Mama to two little girls I I understand the importance of working to be your best self AND be a good Mom. Join me as we learn and grow together through all things motherhood, mindset, overwhelm, motivation, and self care. Here we normalize having big dreams and goals and how we can get there! Join me weekly as I share my journey of personal development, business building, motherhood, and just life! Connect with me outside of the podcast: https://instagram.com/itssarahbeaver createsunshineshoppe@gmail.com

  1. Aug 12

    122. Healing Your Money Mindset: How to Release Shame, Forgive Financial Mistakes, and Build a Healthier Relationship with Money with Melissa Mittelstaedt

    Money can feel heavy, emotional, and honestly… kind of shame-filled when we’ve made financial choices we wish we could go back and change. But what if your past money mistakes didn’t have to define your future? In this episode of Creating Sunshine, Sarah sits down with Melissa Mittelstaedt, financial consultant and creator of the Money in Motion container, for an honest conversation about money mindset, debt, financial shame, and learning how to build a healthier relationship with money. Melissa shares the four eras of her own money journey, from growing up in a home where money wasn’t talked about, to taking on student loans and credit card debt without fully understanding what she was signing up for, to becoming debt-free and realizing that the numbers alone were not enough. Her story is a powerful reminder that getting out of debt is not the finish line. Healing your relationship with money also requires mindset work, forgiveness, and learning how to approach your finances from a place of clarity instead of shame. Sarah and Melissa also talk about the language we use around money, especially with our children, and how phrases like “we can’t afford it” can unintentionally pass down scarcity mindset. Sarah shares how she has shifted those conversations with her daughters by focusing on values, needs, intentional spending, and financial honesty. If you have ever felt embarrassed by your debt, overwhelmed by your bank account, frustrated by budgeting, or stuck in a cycle of trying to “do better” with money, this episode will help you feel less alone and give you practical steps to start moving forward. Melissa also shares three practical steps for beginning to forgive financial mistakes: Identify your specific money triggerPractice gratitude for money coming in and going outWrite down negative money memories and intentionally practice forgivenessThis conversation is for anyone who is ready to stop carrying shame around money and start creating a healthier, more grounded relationship with their finances. Connect with Melissa: Website: melissamitt.com/linksInstagram: _melissamittBooks Mentioned: Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield ThomasThe Soul of Money by Lynne TwistWe Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel RodgersThe Having by Suh Yung Lee 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  2. Aug 7

    121. Full Circle Moments: Why Your Path Was Never As Messy As It Felt

    There is no such thing as overnight success. What looks like a sudden breakthrough is almost always years of quiet building, and in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on twenty five years of mine. This week, everything came full circle. Our best women's event of the year. Unexpected opportunities landing in my inbox instead of me chasing them. And one five-word message that stopped me in my tracks: "I heard you're the merch girl." Because the business behind those words was born from one of the most painful losses of my life, and it just became a doorway to serve people I never imagined reaching. In this episode, I'm sharing the real story behind the highlight reel: the seasons that felt scattered and pointless, the fear that used to hijack every wave of momentum, and the mindset shift that finally let me trust myself, slow down, and follow my own intuition instead of chasing someone else's definition of success. If you feel behind, scattered, or like you were supposed to pick one thing by now, this conversation is for you. You are not behind. You are building. In this episode, we talk about: Why overnight success is a myth, and what twenty five years of quiet building actually looks likeFull circle moments: how the dots in your life only connect looking backThe Christmas gift that started my merch business, and how loss became a way to serveWhy being important to one person matters as much as being important to twentyThe moment I noticed momentum without fear, and what that shift really tookWhy what looks like success for someone else might not be success for youSlowing down, listening to yourself, and letting your intuition leadHow to take credit for the life you built (yes, out loud)The receiving muscle: why accepting abundance is harder than chasing itReady to start your own shift? The Sunshine Start, my 5-day mindset challenge, kicks off August 10th. We run it together on WhatsApp with a live kickoff call, daily practices, and a community of women doing the work alongside you. You don't need to have it figured out. You just need to be open. Join the Challenge 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  3. Aug 5

    120. Dating with Confidence: Attachment Styles, Situationships, and Choosing Someone Who Actually Shows Up with Morgan Barkus

    Dating in your 40s, after divorce, after heartbreak, or after years of putting yourself last can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly exhausting. Between dating apps, mixed signals, text message decoding, social media advice, and the fear of wasting more time, it can be hard to know where to even begin. In this episode of Creating Sunshine, Sarah sits down with Morgan Barkus, a confidence coach based in Chicago with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, to talk about dating, confidence, attachment styles, situationships, and what it really means to choose someone who actually shows up. Morgan shares why she does not consider herself a dating coach. Instead of focusing on how to decode texts, perfect your dating profile, or play games to keep someone interested, Morgan helps women come back to themselves. Her work centers on confidence, clarity, self-worth, and helping women understand what they truly want so they can stop settling for breadcrumbs and start choosing relationships that feel aligned, safe, and consistent. Sarah and Morgan talk about what dating can look like when you are no longer available for low-effort connections, why situationships often stem from low self-worth, and how to stop dating someone’s potential instead of their actual behavior. They also dive into anxious attachment, secure attachment, and practical tools for calming the spiral when dating starts to activate old fears. This conversation is honest, validating, funny, and full of truth for any woman who is ready to stop chasing, stop overthinking, and start trusting herself again. About Morgan Barkus Morgan Barkus is a confidence coach based in Chicago with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. After exploring therapy, fitness, medical device sales, and entrepreneurship, Morgan officially launched her coaching business in November 2024. Her coaching helps women build confidence in the areas where they feel stuck, whether that’s dating, body image, career, relationships, or leaving behind patterns that no longer serve them. Morgan’s approach is direct, deeply human, and rooted in helping women reconnect with who they are and what they want. Morgan also hosts the Confidence Club, a free weekly online community for women who want to build confidence, connect with others, and receive support in a welcoming space. Connect with Morgan Website: MorganBarkus.com Instagram: @MorganBarkus Confidence Club: Visit MorganBarkus.com and click Confidence Club 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  4. Jul 29

    119. Building a Business That Fits Your Life with Naomi Rothstein

    What if building a successful business didn’t have to mean copying someone else’s strategy, burning yourself out, or waiting until life feels perfectly calm? In this episode of Creating Sunshine, Sarah sits down with Naomi Rothstein, fitness professional, business mentor, and founder of Fit Biz Mastermind, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, motherhood, mentorship, and creating a business model that actually fits your life. Naomi shares how her journey began in the fitness industry, from falling in love with the gym in high school to becoming a personal trainer, building her blog One Fit Foodie, leaving Equinox to go independent, and eventually pivoting into mentoring fitness and health coaches online. She opens up about the early struggles of trying to build an online business alone, the moment she invested in mentorship, and how support helped her go from struggling to sell a $60 workout program to selling out a $1,200 online course. Sarah and Naomi also talk about the real-life balance of motherhood and business. Naomi shares how becoming a mom forced her to become more intentional with her time, why she closes her laptop at 4:30 PM, and how she protects her energy during busy seasons. Together, they explore the pressure many women feel to build, parent, show up online, stay consistent, and somehow do it all without burning out. This conversation is full of practical takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women who feel a dream on their heart but are overwhelmed by where to start. Naomi breaks down simple first steps, including setting one focused 30-day goal, choosing one six-month vision, stopping the endless cycle of information consumption, and finding one person to learn from instead of trying to piece everything together alone. If you’ve ever felt like you’re too busy, too behind, too overwhelmed, or not “ready enough” to start building the thing you feel called to create, this episode will remind you that you don’t need someone else’s blueprint. You need clarity, support, intentional action, and permission to build a business that fits your life. In this episode, we talk about: Naomi’s journey from personal trainer to online business mentorWhy trying to build a business alone can keep you stuckThe value of mentorship, support, and accountabilityHow motherhood changed Naomi’s business boundaries and prioritiesBuilding a business model that fits your actual lifeWhy more followers are not the answer to getting startedThe difference between consuming information and implementing itSimple first steps for aspiring entrepreneursHow to stop copying other people’s business modelsWhy your personal brand starts with knowing yourselfThe importance of self-care, movement, fun, and regulationHow fear of failure and fear of success can both hold you back Connect with Naomi Follow Naomi on Instagram: @iamnaomirothstein Learn more about the Fit Biz Mastermind: Fit Biz Mastermind 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  5. Jul 27

    118. Chaos Is Not Mandatory: Nervous System Regulation + Building Healing Community

    In this solo episode of the Creating Sunshine Podcast, Sarah shares why she’s adding Monday-motivation solo episodes alongside guest interviews—and why nervous system regulation is the “tangible” result that changes everything. You’ll hear reflections from a recent family trip that highlighted what it looks like to live with less chaos and more presence, plus an invitation to an intimate in-person community event in San Clemente, CA on August 2 (2–5 PM). In this episode: Why I’m shifting to two episodes per week (Monday solo motivation + guest episodes)The difference between “resting” and actually feeling regulated + presentThe mindset shift: chaos is not mandatoryWhat nervous system regulation can change in your everyday lifeMy first breathwork experience (skeptical at first) and what it opened upWhy community matters when you’re on a personal development journeyHow to build a support network that doesn’t rely on one person to meet every needThe Sunshine Reset: I’m hosting a quarterly in-person gathering with Rae from @positiveliferituals —connection, creative practice, and a floating sound bath. Date: Sunday, August 2Time: 2–5 PMLocation: San Clemente, CA (private backyard)Tickets: limited (about 5 left at time of recording)Get your tickets here The Sunshine ResetThank 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  6. Jul 22

    117. How to Receive Signs From Loved Ones (Without Overthinking) with Holly Hart

    In this episode of Creating Sunshine, Sarah sits down with psychic medium and spiritual mentor Holly Hart (Heartfelt Healings) for a grounded conversation about grief, signs from loved ones in spirit, and how to feel more receptive without overthinking every moment. Holly shares practical guidance for recognizing subtle signs, why “demanding” a specific sign can block connection, and how to trust what you’re receiving. In this episode, you’ll learn Why trying too hard to “get a sign” can create pressure and disappointmentHow to take a more grounded approach to receiving signs (and what to do in the moment you notice one)Common signs people experience (and the unique, personal signs many people miss)The H.E.A.R.T. method Holly teaches for interpreting signs: Stop → Feel → Trust → Identify → Reflect → TrustHow Holly’s mediumship began at age 13 and what helped her build trust in her abilitiesWhat Holly believes our loved ones are doing on the other side, and how they stay close to usWhat to look for when choosing a medium (especially if you’re actively grieving) About today’s guest: Holly Hart Holly Hart is a psychic medium, educator, and mentor who has been connecting with spirit since the age of 13. After 11 years as a teacher, she followed her calling into professional mediumship and has been working with clients for years helping people find healing, validation, and connection through spirit communication. Topics we cover Signs from spirit: butterflies, feathers, coins/dimes, angel numbers, birds, songs, and “unexpected” personal signsWhy dream visitations can be harder to receive and why timing mattersIntuition vs. anxiety vs. wishful thinking: how to slow down and check in with yourselfHow mediumship and psychic intuition can overlap (and how they differ)How grief can bring community and connection, even when it’s painfulConnect with Holly: Website: https://www.hartfelthealings.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartfelt_healings/Free guide (What to do when you receive a sign): https://enchanting-haze-190.myflodesk.com/soyougotasign 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  7. Jul 15

    116. Career Change After 40: How to Start Over and Find Your People with Noelle Kustas

    What if the life you’re living right now is already your worst-case scenario — and the best thing you can do is choose yourself anyway? In this episode of Creating Sunshine, Sarah sits down with Noelle Kustas, founder of Rise to Shine Co., to talk about what it really looks like to leave a long, “safe” career, rebuild without a perfect plan, and find the kind of community that changes everything. Noelle shares her story of teaching for 25 years in California, reaching a breaking point during the pandemic, and taking a leap of faith toward a new chapter built on freedom, coaching, and connection. Sarah also opens up about how 2020, burnout, and a cancer diagnosis reshaped what mattered most — and why waiting until retirement to start living isn’t the move. If you’ve been feeling stuck, lonely, or like it’s “too late” to pivot, this conversation will remind you that your skills are transferable, your next chapter is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. What you'll hear in this episode: Why 2020 became a turning point for career change and identity shiftsThe hidden grief of outgrowing a career that once felt like a callingHow to start over when you don’t have a “perfect plan”Core values (especially freedom) and how they guide big decisionsThe mindset reframe: “What if it works out?”Why community is a shortcut to growth — and how to find the right roomThe difference between transactional networking and real supportHow to stop shrinking, show up as yourself, and find your peopleNoelle’s Rise to Shine offerings (in-person + virtual) and what to expect Key Takeaways: Your life can change the moment you stop treating discomfort as normal. If nothing changes, you stay in the same place — but one brave decision can create momentum.You’re not starting from scratch. Teaching, leadership, management, and life experience translate into your next chapter, even if the job title changes.Community changes what feels possible. The right room can fast-forward your confidence, clarity, and healing.Ask better questions. Instead of obsessing over worst-case scenarios, try: “What if it works out?”This episode is for you if you: feel like you’ve outgrown your job or careerare considering a career change later in lifewant deeper female friendships and real supportare craving freedom, purpose, and a fresh start Connect with Noelle (Rise to Shine Co.) Instagram: @joyful_noelleWebsite: https://rise2shine.co/Join Shine House (community): https://www.skool.com/theshinehouseRise to Shine Collective (in-person, Coachella Valley / Palm Springs area): follow on Instagram for events + Shine Social tickets 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

  8. Jul 8

    115. How Lifting Weights Heals: Body Image, Grief and Confidence with Meg McDaniel

    In this episode of the Creating Sunshine Podcast, Sarah sits down with Meg McDaniel, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition L2 Master Coach, for a powerful conversation about strength training for women, navigating grief, and learning what self-love actually looks like in real life. Meg shares how they found weightlifting during one of the hardest seasons of their life, newly sober and grieving the loss of their mom, and how lifting became more than a workout. It became a path back to confidence, consistency, and a healthier relationship with their body. You’ll also hear a grounded, non-preachy approach to plant-based nutrition, why “lifting makes women bulky” is one of the biggest myths out there, and the health benefits of strength training that matter most as we get older, including bone density, longevity, and feeling strong in your everyday life. If you’ve been stuck in all-or-nothing thinking, struggling with body image, or you’re ready to stop waiting for motivation and start taking care of yourself again, this episode will meet you right where you are. In this episode we cover: How Meg started lifting weights while grieving and newly soberWhy strength training can build confidence beyond the gymThe biggest misconceptions women have about lifting weightsBody image, self-love, and breaking the cycle of body hateStrength training benefits for women: bone health, longevity, cognitive healthPlant-based nutrition coaching (without being militant or restrictive)Midlife career pivots and doing the scary thing anywayWhy community and accountability matter when life gets hardA simple action step to start caring for yourself today About Meg: Meg McDaniel is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition L2 Master Coach and the founder of Electric Lettuce Coaching. Meg is on a mission to help women become their strongest selves inside and out through lifting weights, eating more plants, and a whole lot of self-love. After years of body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and alcohol abuse, Meg found strength training during grief and sobriety, and now helps others choose being strong over chasing a number on the scale. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electriclettucecoachingWebsite: https://www.eatelectriclettuce.com/ 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! Let's stay connected: Your Next Chapter (1:1 Mindset Coaching)Follow me on InstagramShop my cups on InstagramJoin my email listMindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments downloadRemember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way to create a little sunshine. Until next time, keep shining bright!

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About

Hi! I'm Sarah, host of the Creating Sunshine Podcast! As a single Mama to two little girls I I understand the importance of working to be your best self AND be a good Mom. Join me as we learn and grow together through all things motherhood, mindset, overwhelm, motivation, and self care. Here we normalize having big dreams and goals and how we can get there! Join me weekly as I share my journey of personal development, business building, motherhood, and just life! Connect with me outside of the podcast: https://instagram.com/itssarahbeaver createsunshineshoppe@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Beaver
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Beaver
  • Show Website
    Creating Sunshine