Sunlight Tax

Hosted by Hannah Cole

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210

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Jun 2026

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About the show

In this show, we’re talking about taxes, money, and careers for self-employed people who have a big vision for changing the world with their work. I’m your host, Hannah Cole; tax pro, artist, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. sunlighttax.substack.com

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July 7, 2026Episode 20836 min

Book Curious? The 7 stages of writing a book.

"It may not be what you want to hear, but it's better to know it before you sink an enormous amount of time and energy and then realize that that's only one third of the project."In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I’ve learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you’re thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.Also mentioned in today’s episode:04:56 Housekeeping and Personal Update08:58 Differences Between Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing10:52 The Importance of Marketing and Audience Engagement14:59 Steps After Securing a Book Deal18:11 Long-term Book Business Planning19:07 Platform and Audience Building22:03 Market Research and Audience Targeting22:50 Financial Aspects of Writing a Book29:09 Book Promotion and Publicity Tours32:09 Motivations for Writing a Book33:04 Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Book35:00 Reader Engagement and FeedbackIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.Episode Links:Get my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

June 30, 2026Episode 20734 min

Professor Ray Madoff on How to Tax the Rich

Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans? In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy.We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you’ve ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like.Also mentioned in today’s episode:02:30 Background on Professor Ray Madoff and her work05:40 How the tax system favors the wealthy07:19 The impact of growth in stock value and tax treatment09:02 Living off wealth, not income10:04 Inheritance, gifts, and the lack of taxation12:15 The estate tax and loopholes16:20 Public perception and fairness in the tax system17:21 How the wealthy avoid taxes: borrowing against assets23:02 Political feasibility of tax reforms25:46 Wealth taxes and their challenges29:56 Legal and constitutional issues with wealth taxes31:46 Potential benefits of well-designed tax policiesIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.About Professor Ray D. Madoff:Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets.Episode Links:Professor Ray Madoff’s Book: The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American AristocracyMy FAQ page on how to Tax the RichGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

June 23, 2026Episode 20621 min

Get Free Money By Using Your Retirement Accounts

“If there is one single habit you can have in your life to build financial security for yourself, and frankly, to get free money that’s on the table, it is to max out your tax-advantaged accounts every single year.”In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Embracing Summer and Financial Reflection02:50 Understanding Tax-Advantaged Accounts06:05 Maximizing Retirement Savings with SEP IRAs08:50 The Power of Productive Friction in Learning11:58 The Power Triangle for Financial Growth15:10 Strategies for Effective Tax-Advantaged Saving17:55 Upcoming Class: Save Like A MillionaireIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.Episode Links:Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart AccountsGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

June 16, 2026Episode 19036 min

Anna Burgess Yang: Why Self-Employment May Be More Secure Than a Traditional Job

“It’s stressful to work for an employer and it’s stressful to work for yourself. It’s just like ‘choose your stress.’” – Anna Burgess YangIn this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Anna Burgess Yang to discuss her journey from corporate banking to solopreneurship. We explore the skills that helped her make the leap, how she approaches business decisions and financial management, and what it really means to navigate risk as a self-employed business owner. Anna also shares practical insights on freelancing and building a sustainable solo business while having effective financial planningAlso mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to Solopreneurship06:01 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance10:25 Common Mistakes Solopreneurs Make12:26 The Risks of Employment vs. Self-Employment17:10 Current Economic Landscape for Freelancers22:20 Navigating Career Pivots28:04 Financial Management for SolopreneursIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.About Anna Burgess Yang:Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance content marketer and journalist specializing in B2B SaaS and fintech. She is also a solopreneur educator focused on back-end business operations. A former corporate executive, she now writes long-form content for clients. She also maintains her own blog, newsletter, and a tutorials site. Within her content, she teaches other solopreneurs and marketers how to use AI and automation to work more efficiently.Check Out Anna’s Work:FREE RESOURCE: Budget Health CheckAnna’s InstagramAnna’s LinkedInAnna’s YouTube ChannelEpisode Links:Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart AccountsGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

June 9, 2026Episode 20421 min

Most Americans Have Been Deceived About Taxing the Wealthy (Even My Mom and Partner)

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down some of the biggest misconceptions about wealth taxes, estate taxes, and tax fairness in the United States. We’ll explore how the tax system works for the wealthiest Americans, why so many myths persist around taxing wealth, and what these policies mean for everyday people, small business owners, and future generations.I also share the story behind my grassroots campaign to raise awareness about tax justice through art, advocacy, and community action. My goal is to make complex tax issues easier to understand and help more people engage in conversations about economic fairness and social change.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 My Art Campaign00:29 The State of Wealth Inequality in the US00:57 Tax Fairness and the Wealthy01:50 Problems with Wealth Tax and Historical Context02:45 Inheritances and the Income Tax System03:41 Hannah’s Grassroots Campaign and Art Fundraiser04:41 Understanding the Sunlight Tax Website05:09 Funding the IRS and Tax Enforcement06:34 Myths and Misinformation about Tax Laws07:32 Upcoming Expert Interview with Professor Madoff09:00 Misconceptions about Inheritance and Gift Taxes12:17 The Truth About Estate Taxes and Public Perception16:35 Tax Benefits for Primary Residence SalesIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.Episode Links:Support me in rebuilding my studioRay Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.Get my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

June 2, 2026Episode 20335 min

How to Tax the Rich and Studio Fundraiser

"Everyone should feel that their taxes are fair."This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I share why tax fairness matters and how current tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while placing a greater burden on working people and small business owners. I break down the growing gap between wealth and taxation, explain how these policies affect everyday life, and discuss why a more equitable tax system is essential for a stronger economy and society.I also share the story behind my latest art project – a fundraiser to rebuild my Helene-destroyed studio that doubles as what I do best: Helping you understand & spread the word about a key issue that’s complex, fact-based, and offering real solutions. With a touch of handmade vibes. And spread the word (before the midterms), and buy a hand-printed tote that helps me rebuild.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction and Personal Reflections02:49 The Taxation Debate: Fairness and Advocacy08:30 Understanding Wealth Inequality10:09 Misdirection in Taxation20:02 Strategies of the Wealthy22:25 Systemic Failures in Taxation25:27 Proposed Solutions for Tax FairnessIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.Episode Links:Support me in rebuilding my studioRay Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.Katherine Anne Edwards, economist, and co-host of the podcast The Optimist EconomyGet my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

May 19, 2026Episode 20217 min

3 Brain Tricks For Expanding Attention and Handling Stress

This week, I’m sharing my personal journey of resetting my mind and business, and the three simple brain shifts that have helped me expand my attention and handle stress in a more sustainable way. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I walk you through grounded tools you can start using right away to feel more focused and in control.In this episode, I explore how I’m learning to manage overwhelm and embrace humility through powerful metaphors. My hope is that this conversation gives you permission to slow down and make small, meaningful changes that support a more intentional life and work.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 A journey on how I’m embracing the Reset12:08 The Power of Reading15:24 Building a Supportive CommunityIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.Episode Links:Take the 2-minute survey here.The Sunlight Tax Podcast Episode 201: Amelia Hruby: How to Build a Successful Business Without Social MediaGet my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

May 12, 2026Episode 20146 min

Amelia Hruby: How to Build a Successful Business Without Social Media

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m joined by Amelia Hruby, feminist writer and host of the Off the Grid podcast, for a conversation about building a successful business without relying on social media.Amelia shares her personal journey away from social media dependence and explains how she created a sustainable, relationship-centered business through community, creativity, email marketing, and intentional audience growth outside the attention economy.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to Amelia Hruby01:24 Journey to Feminist Podcasting and Authorship03:40 Personal Experience with Social Media07:26 Navigating Business Without Social Media10:17 Building Relationships Beyond Algorithms18:24 Reframing Attention: From Scarcity to Ecology25:29 The Art of Noticing and Attention27:57 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity30:30 Navigating the Challenges of Social Media34:35 Reclaiming Attention and Relationships38:32 Deciding to Leave Social Media44:49 Finding Connection Beyond Social MediaIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.About Amelia Hruby:Amelia Hruby is a feminist writer and podcaster with a PhD in philosophy from DePaul University. Over the past decade, she’s been a university professor, a community organizer, and a radio DJ. Now, she is the founder and executive producer of Softer Sounds, a podcast studio that supports women and nonbinary small business owners.Since leaving social media in April 2021, she’s also launched the popular podcast Off the Grid, where she interviews artists, writers, business leaders and former influencers. Amelia is a platform critic, an AI skeptic, and an advocate for a non-extractive internet. Her new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media is out now.Check out Amelia’s work:Off The Grid PodcastDownload Amelia’s FREE Leaving Social Media ToolkitGet Amelia’s Book: Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media Use code SUNLIGHT for $5 off the book (paperback, ebook, or audiobook version)Episode Links:Get my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

May 5, 2026Episode 20022 min

Shari Rash on Money Mindset, Debt Strategy, and Building Wealth Without Shame

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, financial advisor Shari Rash shares how her journey into finance shaped her mission to help women build wealth with clarity and confidence.We dive into common money challenges like decision paralysis and conflicting advice, and how to move forward without overwhelm. Shari outlines a simple order of operations for managing your finances so you can focus on what actually matters and make aligned decisions.You’ll also learn practical strategies for investing, managing debt, and building long-term financial stability, plus a fresh take on outdated financial advice that no longer works in today’s world.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:00 Introduction to Shari Rash and Her Journey02:38 Understanding Client Needs and Decision Paralysis09:09 Order of Operations in Financial Management14:24 Tips for Long-Term Financial Health17:07 Outdated Financial Advice and Modern StrategiesIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences:About Shari Rash:Shari Rash is a nationally recognized financial advisor, money mindset expert, and the host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money—named a Top 4 money podcast by The New York Times, with over 24 million downloads. She’s also the founder of GWA Wealth, a virtual advisory firm helping women navigate money with confidence, clarity, and zero shame.With 18 years of experience and a no-nonsense style, Shari breaks down complex financial topics into real-life conversations that empower women to own their worth and build lasting wealth. She’s been named a 2024 Best Wealth Manager and Advisor Under 40 by InvestmentNews and holds an Advisor For Women Certificate from Willow.When she’s not talking money, she’s a mom of four, Goldendoodle wrangler, and unapologetic lover of Grandmillennial decor.Check out Shari’s work:GWA WealthEveryone’s Talkin’ Money PodcastInstagram: @everyonestalkinmoneyEpisode Links:Get my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

April 28, 2026Episode 19940 min

Sarah Walton: Growing Up Poor, Undoing Harmful Stories, Empowering Women

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m joined by business coach and sales expert Sarah Walton for a powerful conversation on money, mindset, and meaningful success.Sarah shares her personal journey from growing up in poverty to building a life and career centered around financial empowerment and abundance. We explore how internal healing and mindset work shape not only our relationship with money, but also how we show up in business and life.We also talk about the importance of authentic human connection in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, and what it really means to build an ethical, values-led business today.If you’re interested in money mindset, wealth consciousness, entrepreneurship, emotional healing, and ethical business in the age of AI, this conversation will give you both grounding and perspective.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:00 Empowering Women Through Wealth Consciousness04:44 Personal Journey: From Poverty to Empowerment10:21 The Impact of Community and Support12:30 Revisiting Past Experiences for Growth16:19 Navigating the Current Business Landscape20:17 The Role of Human Connection in Business21:07 Returning to Inner Guidance24:25 The Power of Morning Rituals28:08 Healing Through Small Decisions31:19 Navigating Trust in Online Business33:58 The Importance of Ethical Boundaries38:39 Harnessing Unique Human CreativityIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.About Sarah Walton:Sarah Walton is a business coach and sales expert who’s been featured on The Today Show, speaks at women’s conferences all over the world, and has helped hundreds of women start and grow businesses they LOVE. She works with a handful of 1:1 clients, runs The Sales Mastermind, and leads her exclusive Abundance Academy for women in business.She’s the voice behind the Game On Girlfriend Podcast and the face of “Sarah Uncut” on YouTube - making her the go-to source for no-nonsense business coaching and real-life, mind-blowing abundance.From growing up in a low-income household with a single mom to helping moms turn their passion into a business they love that can support their families, Sarah’s lived experience shows how women can powerfully change their lives and the lives of their families and communities.Through her successful coaching business, which she designed to put more money in the hands of more women, Sarah transitioned from being “just another coach” to being a change-maker. It’s time to put more money in the hands of more women, and Sarah is all in.Check out Sarah’s work:Sarah’s websiteSarah’s Freedom CalculatorSarah’s YouTube ChannelSarah’s InstagramEpisode Links:Sign up for the Setting Up (or Tuning Up) Your Business WorkshopGet my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe