"Joy in the Belly of a Riot" with Poet & Performer Barbara Fant

In this soul-stirring episode, Sara Connell welcomes award-winning poet, performer, and author Barbara Fant to celebrate the launch of her newest collection, Joy in the Belly of a Riot—a book born from prayer, memory, healing, and the radical practice of choosing joy in the midst of pain.

Barbara opens up about the spiritual and creative forces behind her writing, sharing how dreams, images, and intuitive "downloads" shape her poems. She also performs a powerful reading of "I Keep Trying to Write About the Trauma but the Joy Won't Let Me," offering listeners a rare glimpse of her voice, breath, and artistry.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to access joy—even when life is hard, through the wisdom that joy is not the absence of pain, but "happiness in spite of it."
• The surprising creative process behind Barbara's poems, including how she receives lines through imagery, dreams, and intuitive insights.
• Why writing can be a form of prayer, healing, and reclamation—and how your own story can become an instrument of wholeness.
• The art of writing for both the page and the stage, and how Barbara edits her work using breath, rhythm, and embodied performance.
• How to preserve your voice through trauma and transformation, and why your words have the power to "save the day."
• What it means to reimagine your future, even when your past feels heavy—and how joy can call you forward.

This episode is a masterclass in artistry, resilience, and the sacred power of storytelling. Whether you're a writer, a creative, or someone seeking healing, Barbara's wisdom will invite you to step into light, possibility, and the page that's waiting for you next.

Want more support? Visit https://www.saraconnell.com

#TheRisePodcast #SaraConnell #BarbaraFant #JoyInTheBellyOfARiot #PoetryCommunity #WritersOnWriting #HealingThroughArt #CreativeProcess #PoetLife #StorytellingMagic #WomenWhoWrite #ThoughtLeaderAcademy #WritingJourney #BookLaunch2025 #WritingAsPrayer #SpokenWordPoetry #RiseWithSaraConnell #AuthorLife #EmotionalHealing #WritingToHeal

In this episode, we're diving deep into one of the most overlooked tools in your author brand: your website.

Whether you're launching a book, building a thought leader brand, or growing your expert business—your website is the foundation of your visibility, credibility, and conversions.

Join bestselling author and founder of Thought Leader Academy Sara Connell and special guest Hannah Boeck, conversion copywriter and founder of Amplify Copy, as they unpack what it really takes to build a website that doesn't just look good—but actually works.

You'll Learn:

• What makes an author website stand out and convert

• Common website mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• The #1 element that drives people to take action

• Why traditional "pretty" websites often don't sell

• The strategy behind creating magnetic landing pages, sales pages & opt-ins

• How to position your site as a bridge to your book and brand

Whether you're pre-launch, post-publish, or pivoting to scale your business, this episode is your roadmap to building a website that works as hard as you do.

🎯 Want more support? Visit https://www.saraconnell.com

#AuthorMarketing #WebsiteTipsForAuthors #ThoughtLeaderBranding #SaraConnell #AmplifyCopy #ConversionCopywriting #ExpertBrand #AuthorWebsite #BuildAWebsiteThatConverts #MessageToMovement #BookLaunchTips

If you've ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded online world, this episode is for you.

In Episode 72 of The RISE Podcast, Sara Connell sits down with Rachel B. Lee, personal branding expert and co-founder of Standout Authority, to talk about the REAL keys to building a personal brand that doesn't just look good—but drives real impact and results.

Rachel shares:
✨ The 4 pillars of a magnetic personal brand
✨ Why most entrepreneurs blend in—and how to break out
✨ How to turn your personal story into a visibility superpower
✨ What thought leaders MUST do to connect with modern audiences
✨ Her own journey from corporate marketing at Microsoft to building a multi-six figure brand with her husband

Whether you're a coach, author, or entrepreneur ready to be seen, heard, and PAID—this episode gives you actionable tools to become unforgettable.

🔗 Learn more about Rachel B. Lee and Standout Authority: https://www.standoutauthority.com

📚 Learn more about Sara's programs: https://www.saraconnell.com

🎧 Listen to more episodes of The RISE Podcast: https://www.saraconnell.com/the-rise-podcast

Follow Sara on IG: @saraconnell

#PersonalBranding #ThoughtLeader #SaraConnell #RachelBLee #StandOutAuthority #BrandStrategy #EntrepreneurLife #BookMarketing #MagneticBrand #WomenInBusiness #OnlineBusinessTips #ContentStrategy #TheRisePodcast