The Purple Stars Podcast
We're back with new exciting formats and episodes in January 2026. Stay tuned. Welcome to the Purple Stars Podcast, the place where every life story and paw print has the power to touch your heart and inspire meaningful change. I'm your host, Sarah Hoelzl – a high-performance coach, company founder, author, and animal lover. We bring together guests from diverse backgrounds who all share an unwavering love for our furry companions. From passionate entrepreneurs and visionary artists to veterinarians and everyday heroes, we explore their captivating life stories and the things they’ve learned from their cherished pets, guiding us towards a more fulfilling life. Together, we’ll uncover profound life lessons from both humans and pets, exploring emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual themes. Whether you're eager to grow personally and uncover what our pets can teach us, or you’re captivated by the bond between animals and humans – this is where you belong. Mark your calendars and join us every Wednesday for interviews and solo episodes that will touch your heart and inspire transformation.
Episodes
A curated list for you until we’re back in January 2026
Transform All Your Relationships with Therapist Dr. Sara Kuburic (ep 23): https://youtu.be/kAHg_E8cAPE?si=1I9wYxkyTOTDV3Q9
Unlocking the Secrets of Animal Communication with Kara Daniels (ep 26): https://youtu.be/hmWphmBHZAk?si=QxEQXgFuzfpcaJBB
A Journey of Strength and Hope with Tanner Olson (ep 30) https://youtu.be/-kdMl45UcFk?si=sebN8stlYCgVikzP
In today’s snippet, visual artist Carolyn Mara shares the powerful story behind one of her most iconic self-portraits — an image of eggs sliding off her body, with only one remaining. Originally captured during a moment of reflection on infertility and loss, this photo became a visual metaphor for hope — in all its fragile, fierce, and miraculous forms.
✨ Whether you’re navigating uncertainty, feel like giving up, or simply need a r...
Today’s snippet is from Episode 60 with Dr. Cliff Redford, a veterinarian and animal advocate who has dedicated his life to rescuing animals across the globe.
Usually, I like to introduce snippets with words, but this time, words just don’t seem enough to capture the kindness and goodness this man and his team bring into the world. So instead, I’ll simply invite you to open your heart and let their story warm you deeply.
In today’s snippet from Episode 31, Ellie Laks — founder of The Gentle Barn and author of Cow Hug Therapy — shares the moving story of Magic, a horse who struggled with depression and a deep longing for applause. Through Ellie’s compassionate care and insight, Magic’s journey takes a profound turn.
➡️WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #31 How Cows Can Change Your Life with The Gentle Barn Founder Ellie Laks
Today’s snippet is from Episode 33 with Ruud Tombrock, Executive Director of HSI/Europe. In this heartfelt recap, Ruud shares one of my favorite stories — a story that warmed my heart so deeply, I just had to (re)share it with you.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world...
Today’s snippet is from Episode 17 with Kaity Neiswonger - EFT practitioner and the In this heartfelt recap, we explore a powerful yet often overlooked healing tool: tapping — and how both you and your pet can benefit from it emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Whether your dog struggles with anxiety or you’ve ever had the feeling they’re picking up on your stress, this conversation is a gentle and powerful reminder of how conne...
Today’s snippet is from Episode 30 with the inspiring Tanner Olson. A poet and speaker whose gentle words carry deep, life-changing truths. In this recap, we share three powerful mantras to help you live a better live— and I believe one will stay with you long after you listen. And I’d love to hear which one it was. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share it with us. Can't wait to read your comments!
Today’s snippet is from Episode 27 with my dear friend Stuart (who you all love so much!). We dive into one of the most important friendship skills: honest communication, especially when things aren’t going well.
Often, when friendships start to feel draining or one-sided, our natural response might be to withdraw or stop responding. But what if we pause and communicate how we really feel instead?
Today’s snippet is from Episode 23 with the brilliant Dr. Sara Kuburic — existential psychotherapist, bestselling author, and globally celebrated as the Millennial Therapist. In this recap moment, we explore the emotional depth of the animal-human connection — and how our dogs often sense and reflect our inner world before we’re even aware of it ourselves. 👉 WATCH THE FULL EPISODE 23. Transform All Your Relationships with The Mi...
Today’s snippet is from Episode 53 with Anna Kloots, author, traveler, and brilliant storyteller.
If you’re feeling the pressure to keep climbing, keep pushing, and constantly do more, this podcast moment is for you. Anna shares how stepping off the constant chase for what’s next was one the most powerful acts of self-love and freedom for her.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE “53. My Own Magic: Reinventing Life on Your Own Terms with Anna ...
In this moving snippet from Episode 39, ultra-marathoner, motivational speaker, and author Dion Leonard is leading a race through the Gobi Desert—until a small cry behind him changes everything. What follows is a quiet act of love and courage that would forever shape his story… and touches hearts around the world.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE “39. Finding Gobi: The Phenomenal True Story of a Stray Dog and Ultramarathoner Dion”
Have you ever felt like you were “too much” for others—or not enough to take up space? You’re not alone. In this solo episode, I open up from the heart to share what was hard for me taking up space this month—and why it’s so essential for healing and growth.
Join me to discover:
1. The Subtle Ways We Shrink Ourselves Without Realizing It
2. A Mindset Shift That Empowers You to Express Yourself Fully
3. Why Honoring Your Spa...
What happens when the mind runs faster than the heart can follow — when worries, to-do lists, and "what ifs" fill all the quiet spaces inside? In this solo episode, I share three simple grounding practices to help you gently step out of the mind and return to your heart, your body, and the present moment — the place where life and magic truly unfolds.
Join me to discover:
1. Three Practical, Soul-Soothing Techniques to Quiet Ment...
Do you ever feel like everyone else is ahead of you—whether it’s with their career, relationships, or personal growth?
This episode is for you! I dive into the often daunting feeling of 'falling behind,' and spoiler alert: I believe there's no such thing. Plus, I share gentle reminders to help you trust your own unique timeline.
Join me to discover:
1. Why You’re Not Falling Behind — Even When It Feels Like You Are
2. A Powerful Stor...
I LOVE May – It’s my birthday month 🎉.
I’m turning 33 – sharing 3 things I‘m letting go of and 3 things I welcoming (more) of into my life as I step into my new chapter.
Join me to discover:
1. The Mind-Blowing Shift That Comes With Meditating Twice Daily
2. Why Carving Out Non-Work-Related Free Time Might Be for You
3. How to Embrace a Healthier, More Relaxed Approach to New Ideas
4. A Simple Framework to Reflect on You...
What if your purpose isn’t something you have to find?
In today’s deeply honest conversation, I’m joined once again by the amazing Hayley Curtis: Gene Keys extraordinaire, master of human archetype, podcast host, and radiant soul. Hayley returns for her second episode (you can also check out episode 28!) to help us unravel what purpose really is — not as a career path, but as a way of being. Together, we journey through misconceptio...
How often has your smile made a stranger’s day? I guarantee you – far more more times than you probably realize.
Recently, I was on the receiving end, and it inspired me to talk about kindness.
The quiet kind.
The everyday kind.
The kind that doesn’t need applause to matter.
The kind we’re all craving a little more of these days.
Join me to discover:
1. How a Stranger Completely Changed My Day 2. Why Kindness Doesn’t Have to be Loud to b...
What would you be willing to do to follow your true calling?
Today’s guest, Dr. Cliff Redford, is a veterinarian and animal advocate who has dedicated his life to rescuing animals across the globe. From performing surgery on a crocodile in Jamaica to saving pets in war-torn Ukraine, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Join us to discover:
1. The Unforgettable Story of Rescuing a Dog During India’s Diwali Festival
2. What It’...
Are you wondering if all your hard work will actually pay off? If you're pouring your heart into your growth, your career, your healing—and still waiting for the results— this episode is YOUR reminder: the progress you’re making is far greater than you realize. Keep going—it's all adding up.
Join me as I reveal a transformative practice, I’ve been using for nearly two decades, and how my dad taught me the invaluable lesson of celebr...
Have you ever felt like life was happening to you rather than for you?
Molly Williams—host of the award-winning podcast Molly’s Morning Meditation, founder of the Wild Minds app, and a manifestation mentor. Through her journey of illness, loss, and self-discovery, Molly has learned to co-create her reality, embracing trust and surrender in the process. Her story is not just about manifestation—it’s about resilience, authenticity, an...
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