The Brunch Club

Rachel Svoboda

For Women Building Bold Lives The Brunch Club is where ambitious, multidimensional women gather to share their stories — the wins, the pivots, gossip, and bold moves along their journey. The show champions female leadership in all its forms — in business, at home, in community, and in personal growth. Each episode is a candid conversation designed to fill your cup with inspiration, encouragement, and practical wisdom. From entrepreneurship and career growth to motherhood, mentorship, equality, and modern ambition, our guests share what it really takes to build a big life — on your terms. Sparkling is always encouraged. Pull up a seat. You’re in good company.

  1. Oct 12

    Can AI Replace Human Creativity? Samantha Dunn on Journalism, Storytelling & the Future of Media

    Welcome back to the Brunch Club Podcast! In this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Samantha Dunn, senior editor at the Orange County Register and Southern California News Group, accomplished author, journalist, and longtime advocate for the power of authentic storytelling. From growing up in a small town in New Mexico to building a successful career in journalism and publishing, Samantha shares how determination, education, and the influence of strong female mentors helped shape her journey. Today, as the media landscape continues to transform, Samantha offers a fascinating perspective on the future of journalism, the role of artificial intelligence, and why meaningful storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with audiences. In this episode, we discuss: The Power of Mentorship: How two female journalists inspired Samantha to pursue her dreams and build a career in media. Overcoming Adversity: Why grit, education, and believing in yourself can help create opportunities regardless of where you begin. The Future of Journalism: How traditional media is adapting to changing audiences, digital platforms, and evolving consumer habits. AI vs. Human Creativity: Why artificial intelligence can support content creation but cannot replace the depth, authenticity, and emotional connection of human storytelling. The Value of Print Media: Why magazines, long-form journalism, and tangible storytelling still hold a special place in an increasingly digital world. Entrepreneurship in Publishing: How writers and content creators can embrace new opportunities as traditional publishing models evolve. Investing in Yourself: Why personal confidence, lifelong learning, and shifting your expectations can open doors to new possibilities. Join us for an insightful conversation about journalism, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the importance of preserving the human experience in a rapidly changing world. Connect with Samantha Dunn: Orange County Register: https://www.ocregister.com/ Southern California News Group: https://www.socalnewsgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-dunn-5b76341a/ Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 Subscribe to the Brunch Club Podcast for more conversations with inspiring women who are shaping industries, challenging conventional thinking, and sharing stories that matter. #BrunchClubPodcast #SamanthaDunn #Journalism #FutureOfMedia #ArtificialIntelligence #Storytelling #WomenInMedia #WomenInBusiness #ContentCreation #Publishing #HumanCreativity #SundayBrunchAgency #RachelSvoboda

  2. Oct 12

    Will AI Change Everything? Cynthia West on the Future of Work, Entrepreneurship & Human Potential

    Welcome back to the Brunch Club Podcast! In this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Dr. Cynthia West, accomplished academic, Silicon Valley entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker whose career has been dedicated to understanding the intersection of technology, business, and society. Long before artificial intelligence became part of our everyday conversations, Cynthia was examining the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies. Her first book, Technohuman Mesh: The Growing Power of Information Technologies, explored how technological innovation could reshape our economy, politics, and lives. Now, with her upcoming book, The AI Era: A Call for a New Social Framework, Cynthia is asking an even bigger question: What if the next wave of technological advancement could create more freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for everyone? From Silicon Valley startups to higher education and entrepreneurship, Cynthia shares her perspective on the future of AI, the changing workforce, and why we have an opportunity to rethink what success and productivity really mean. In this episode, we discuss: The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Why the AI revolution requires us to think beyond productivity and profitability. Technology & Human Freedom: How AI could reshape the way we work, live, and pursue our passions. The Future of Work: Why entrepreneurship and innovation may become increasingly important as traditional jobs evolve. The Ethics of AI: How we can approach technological advancement with greater intention and responsibility. Creating Economic Opportunity: Why access to entrepreneurship, education, and resources matters in an increasingly automated world. Women in Technology & Leadership: Cynthia's journey from Silicon Valley entrepreneur to academic and thought leader. Advice for Future Entrepreneurs: Why taking risks early, embracing innovation, and challenging conventional thinking can create extraordinary opportunities. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the possibility of building a future where technology serves humanity—not the other way around. Connect with Cynthia West: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-west-ph-d/?isSelfProfile=false Upcoming Book: The AI Era: A Call for a New Social Framework Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 Subscribe to the Brunch Club Podcast for more conversations with inspiring women who are shaping industries, challenging conventional thinking, and creating meaningful change. #BrunchClubPodcast #CynthiaWest #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfAI #WomenInTech #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship #AIInnovation #WomenInBusiness #TechnologyLeadership #SundayBrunchAgency #RachelSvoboda

  3. Oct 12

    It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself: Jennifer Griffith on Courage, Purpose & Starting Over

    Welcome back to the Brunch Club Podcast! In this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Jennifer Griffith, author, speaker, podcast host, and former technology executive who discovered that sometimes the most meaningful chapter of your life begins when you have the courage to change direction. After building a successful career in technology, including a decade at Salesforce, Jennifer made the bold decision to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a writer. What began as a deeply personal memoir about her mother's extraordinary life evolved into a new career centered on storytelling, reinvention, and helping others discover what's possible when they believe in themselves. From the challenges of leaving corporate America to building a creative platform and embracing new opportunities at midlife, Jennifer shares why everything you've experienced has prepared you for what comes next. In this episode, we discuss: The Courage to Reinvent Yourself: Why Jennifer walked away from a successful technology career to follow her passion for writing. The Power of Storytelling: How her mother's remarkable life inspired a memoir exploring family, identity, and the stories that shape us. Betting on Yourself: Why taking the first step toward a new dream begins with believing it's possible. From Corporate Executive to Creative Entrepreneur: How Jennifer leveraged her business experience to build a platform as an author, speaker, and podcast host. Finding Clarity & Purpose: Why defining your vision, values, and priorities is essential when building something new. Breaking Free from Expectations: How women are redefining success, challenging burnout, and creating lives aligned with their own values. Advice for Women Ready for Change: Why it's never too late to listen to your inner voice and pursue the life you want. Join us for an inspiring conversation about courage, reinvention, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the power of saying yes to yourself. Connect with Jennifer Griffith: Website: https://byjennifergriffith.com/ Podcast: About Your Mother: Where Your Story Begins Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 Subscribe to the Brunch Club Podcast for more conversations with inspiring women who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and creating lives filled with purpose. #BrunchClubPodcast #JenniferGriffith #WomenInBusiness #CareerReinvention #WomenWhoLead #Entrepreneurship #MidlifeReinvention #PersonalGrowth #BetOnYourself #WomenEmpowerment #SundayBrunchAgency #RachelSvoboda

  4. Oct 12

    The Power of Decision: Sherrell Jackson on Fear, Confidence & Elevating Women

    In this episode, Rachel Svoboda reunites with Scharrell Jackson, international keynote speaker, author, executive coach, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Leadership in Heels. Eight years after her first appearance on the Brunch Club, Scharrell returns with an extraordinary story of transformation. Once a successful corporate executive, she has built a new chapter dedicated to empowering women, developing leaders, and helping individuals step confidently into their purpose. From creating Leadership in Heels to launching the transformational Elevate experience, Scharrell shares why overcoming fear, making intentional decisions, and believing in your own greatness are essential to creating the life you truly want.   In this episode, we discuss: *From Corporate Executive to Entrepreneur: How Scharrell transitioned from the C-suite into a career centered on purpose, leadership, and impact. *Overcoming Fear & Imposter Syndrome: Why confidence and courage are essential to pursuing your greatest ambitions. *The Power of Decision: How making choices aligned with your values and long-term vision can transform your personal and professional life. *Elevating Women: The inspiration behind Leadership in Heels and the extraordinary Elevate experience. *Leadership with Purpose: Why success is about more than titles, revenue, and accomplishments. *Creating Meaningful Impact: How Sharrell combines entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community to help women thrive. *Stepping Into Your Greatness: Why the world needs the unique gifts, talents, and experiences you have to offer.   Join us for an inspiring conversation about courage, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of making decisions that move you closer to the life you're meant to live.   Connect with Scharrell Jackson: Website: https://www.scharrelljackson.com/ Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc   **Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8   **Subscribe to the Brunch Club Podcast for more conversations with inspiring women who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and creating lives filled with purpose. #BrunchClubPodcast #ScharrellJackson #LeadershipInHeels #Elevate #WomenInBusiness #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Entrepreneurship #OvercomingFear #ImposterSyndrome #WomenEmpowerment #SundayBrunchAgency #RachelSvoboda

  5. Jul 16

    Trust Your Inner Voice: Lisa Huscher on Intuition, Courage & Reinvention

    In this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Lisa Huscher, intuitive guide, speaker, and host of the Sunshine Secret of OC Podcast. After years of quietly embracing her intuitive gifts, Lisa shares what finally gave her the courage to step into her purpose publicly. Together, Rachel and Lisa explore what it means to trust your inner voice, release the fear of judgment, and create a life that feels aligned with who you truly are. Whether you're considering a career change, beginning a new chapter, or simply searching for more clarity, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest strength may already be within you. In this episode, we discuss: Trusting Your Inner Voice: Learning to listen to the intuition that's always been there. The Courage to Be Authentic: Letting go of other people's opinions and embracing your true self. Finding Your Purpose: How Lisa transformed a lifelong gift into a calling that serves others. Signs, Faith & Intuition: Recognizing guidance and becoming more aware of life's subtle messages. Reinventing Yourself: Why it's never too late to begin your next chapter. Leading with Your Heart: Creating a life and career rooted in authenticity and service. Join us for an uplifting conversation about intuition, personal growth, faith, and the courage to become exactly who you're meant to be. Connect with Lisa Huscher: Website: https://sunshinesecretofoc.com/ Instagram: @lisahuscher10 Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 #BrunchClubPodcast #LisaHuscher #Intuition #PersonalGrowth #WomenInBusiness #Faith #Authenticity #Courage #SelfDiscovery #SundayBrunchAgency

  6. Jul 15

    Building a Family Legacy: Jennifer Savio on Leadership, Growth & Entrepreneurship SAVIO

    n this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Jennifer Savio, CEO of Beach Drapery, Creative Window Designs, and Desert Shades. As a third-generation business owner, Jennifer has successfully honored her family's legacy while modernizing and expanding the company into new markets. From opening a second location in Arizona to embracing innovation, digital marketing, and elevated customer experiences, Jennifer shares how thoughtful leadership and consistency have fueled more than 55 years of success. Beyond business, Jennifer opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, raising the next generation of leaders, and why relationships remain the foundation of every successful company. In this episode, we discuss: Growing a Family Legacy: What it means to lead a third-generation business. Expanding with Purpose: Launching Desert Shades and bringing luxury window treatments to Arizona. Leadership Through Relationships: Why trust and long-term partnerships matter more than ever. Balancing Business & Motherhood: Navigating different seasons of life as an entrepreneur. The Power of Consistency: Why success is built through daily discipline—not overnight wins. Modernizing a Legacy Brand: Evolving customer experience while preserving family values. Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, legacy, and building a business that stands the test of time. Connect with Creative Window Designs: Website: https://www.creativewindowdesigns.net/ Connect with Beach Drapery: Website: https://www.beachdrapery.com/ Connect with Desert Shades: Website: https://www.desertshade.net/ Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 #BrunchClubPodcast #JenniferSavio #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #Legacy #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #SundayBrunchAgency

  7. Jul 15

    Leading with Purpose: Maricela Rios-Faust on Leadership, Motherhood & Human Options

    In this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options, one of Orange County's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending domestic violence and empowering survivors. With more than four decades of community impact, Human Options has helped thousands of individuals rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and hope. Maricela shares her inspiring leadership journey—from studying psychology and working with at-risk youth to leading one of the region's most respected nonprofit organizations. Through honest conversations about mentorship, imposter syndrome, motherhood, purposeful leadership, and the importance of community, Maricela reminds us that great leaders aren't born—they're built through curiosity, humility, and service. In this episode, we discuss: Purposeful Leadership: Why every decision should begin with purpose. From Intern to CEO: The small leadership opportunities that shaped Maricela's career. The Power of Mentorship: How asking questions and staying curious accelerates growth. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Why authenticity beats "fake it until you make it." Balancing Motherhood & Leadership: Navigating two of life's most important roles. Building Community: Why relationships, trust, and dignity are at the heart of lasting impact. Join us for an inspiring conversation about servant leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful change in both business and life. Connect with Human Options: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 #BrunchClubPodcast #MaricelaRiosFaust #HumanOptions #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #NonprofitLeadership #Purpose #DomesticViolenceAwareness #WomenWhoLead #SundayBrunchAgency

  8. Jul 14

    From CFO to CEO: Heather Zorge on Leadership, Confidence & Building Great Teams

    In this episode, Rachel Svoboda sits down with Heather Zorge, CEO of Eco-Chic Consignments, the parent company behind My Sister's Closet, Well Suited, and My Sister's Attic. With a career spanning public accounting, global finance, executive leadership, and now retail, Heather shares the lessons that shaped her journey from CFO to CEO. From navigating failure and working in male-dominated industries to leading with trust, curiosity, and compassion, Heather offers invaluable insight for anyone building a career or leading a team. In this episode, we discuss: The Journey from CFO to CEO: How Heather built a career by embracing challenges and stepping outside her comfort zone. Leadership Through Failure: Why some of the greatest career lessons come from the moments that don't go as planned. Communication Without Triggers: Learning to listen with curiosity instead of emotion. The Power of Coaching: How a decade with an executive coach transformed Heather's confidence and leadership style. Purpose-Driven Retail: How My Sister's Closet gives luxury fashion a second life while supporting meaningful nonprofit organizations. Leading with Trust: Why faith, intention, and trusting the process have become Heather's greatest leadership tools. Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, personal growth, and becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. Connect with Heather Zorge & Eco-Chic Consignments: Website: https://www.mysisterscloset.com/ Instagram: @mysistersclosetdotcom Instagram: @shopwellsuiteddotcom Instagram: @mysisters.attic   Connect with Sunday Brunch Agency: Website: https://www.sundaybrunchagency.com/ Instagram: @SundayBrunchAgency Connect with Rachel Svoboda: Website: https://rachelsvoboda.com/ Instagram: @RachelSvoboda.oc Interested in featuring your story or business on the show? Apply here: https://forms.gle/36YpoUGqzV1jqC6J8 #BrunchClubPodcast #HeatherZorge #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #CEO #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerGrowth #MySistersCloset #OrangeCounty #SundayBrunchAgency #RachelSvoboda

About

For Women Building Bold Lives The Brunch Club is where ambitious, multidimensional women gather to share their stories — the wins, the pivots, gossip, and bold moves along their journey. The show champions female leadership in all its forms — in business, at home, in community, and in personal growth. Each episode is a candid conversation designed to fill your cup with inspiration, encouragement, and practical wisdom. From entrepreneurship and career growth to motherhood, mentorship, equality, and modern ambition, our guests share what it really takes to build a big life — on your terms. Sparkling is always encouraged. Pull up a seat. You’re in good company.