LIFE IS SHORT—Make it Rich

Meet Sara Ann Kelly of the Make Life Rich Podcast and discover how this podcaster uplifts and inspires listeners to believe in themselves and chase their dreams with the same tenacity her father displayed in his battle with cancer.

Sara Kelly’s journey into the world of public relations and podcasting is anything but ordinary. With a background in Political Science and Communications, Sara had envisioned a very different career path for herself. But like many in her generation, she found herself navigating the uncertain waters of the 2008 recession. As a recent graduate, she landed her dream job at a law firm, only to be the first person let go when the financial crisis hit. Faced with a bleak job market, Sara began helping friends promote their events, and soon realized she had a knack for publicity. This unexpected turn led her to become a publicist, using her skills to help others grow their businesses and share their talents with the world.

Sara reflects on those early days with a sense of gratitude for the challenges she faced “I wouldn’t trade my career trajectory for the world,” she says “I learned so much during those first really scary and scrappy years when the country was adjusting and rebounding after the financial crisis.” These experiences taught her resilience and adaptability, qualities that have been invaluable in her PR career, especially when helping clients navigate crises or slow periods in their businesses.

But Sara’s story isn’t just about professional success; it’s also deeply personal. At the heart of her journey is the memory of her father, Kurt, who had an immense impact on her life and continues to inspire her work. Kurt, affectionately known as "The Relic," was more than just a father to Sara, he was her best friend, mentor, and biggest cheerleader. Their relationship was marked by long, deep conversations about life, philosophy, and everything in between. When Kurt was diagnosed with head and neck cancer when Sara was just 12, it was a pivotal moment that shaped her in profound ways.

“He was diagnosed with 30 days to live, which was a shock, to say the least,” Sara recalls. But Kurt defied the odds, living an additional 20 years and enduring over 48 surgeries, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite his suffering, he faced every challenge with a smile, teaching Sara the importance of resilience and finding joy even in the hardest moments. “He rewired my entire brain with what the true reality of life is and how I MUST live it from that moment on,” she says “I am so thankful for his sacrifice that led to my ultimate awakening, spiritual growth, and overall joy in life.”

Sara’s decision to start her podcast, "Make Life Rich," is a direct reflection of the lessons she learned from her father. Launched in March 2023, the podcast is a platform where Sara shares the stories of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. It’s a space free from the influence of big budgets and advertising, where passion and purpose take center stage Sara’s goal is to uplift and inspire her listeners, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with the same tenacity her father showed in his battle with cancer.

"Make Life Rich" has quickly gained traction, with over 205 episodes and listeners in more than 41 countries. The podcast is more than just a platform for business stories; it’s a movement that Sara has nurtured with care and dedication. “I want you to believe in yourself and know your worth,” Sara says, summing up the essence of her podcast. “I want you to walk away knowing that you were put here to carry out your very unique purpose in this world.”

For Sara, "Make Life Rich" is about much more than business; it’s about living life to the fullest and making every moment count. It’s a message that resonates deeply with her listeners, whom she affectionately calls "My Richies." Through the podcast, Sara hopes to inspire others to discover brands and people making a difference in the world, to try new things, and to take ownership of their lives. “There is no one coming to save you or live your life for you,” she says “This is your path This is your journey ”

Sara is certain that her father would be thrilled with her podcast’s success. “My Dad would be fucking obsessed,” she says with a smile “He would likely be a co-producer, sending me interviewee suggestions, helping me brainstorm events, and telling everyone he met about why they NEED to listen.”

Even though Kurt is no longer physically present, Sara feels his influence in every episode, believing that he’s “conspiring from the stars” to help her achieve her big, bold dreams.

As Sara continues to grow "Make Life Rich," she does so with a deep sense of purpose, driven by the lessons her father taught her and the passion she has for helping others succeed Her journey from PR guru to podcast powerhouse is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of living life with intention, and the impact of sharing stories that matter. Through her podcast, Sara is not just building a brand she’s carrying on her father’s legacy, one inspiring conversation at a time.

To learn more about Sara and the Make Life Rich Movement Podcast, follow Sara on Instagram @makeliferichmvt and @saraannkellyPR