Speaking Candidly with Candace: Recent Episodes

Candace Schoner

Hear true and inspiring stories from individuals who have triumphed over addiction, trauma, suicidal thoughts, ADHD, body dysmorphia and other mental and physical challenges.

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Charlie Ann Xavier talks about her life changing accident, defying the odds, and how she fought through the physical and mental pain in order to remain a mother to her children.

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A former teen mom shares her experience with teen pregnancy, raising children, and why she chose not to have an abortion.

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Guest author Janet Sherlund offers a first hand account of the trauma, anxiety and grief that comes with being an adoptee.

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In this very raw interview a daughter shares her journey from near death from alcohol addiction to finding joy in the little things in life. Plus, hear her mother’s thoughts and advice from her peer recovery specialist. Guests: Maggie Slinkman Gary, Carrie Kerwick and Lance Otis.

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Hear how a daughter is using her athleticism to help her father and others with Parkinson’s live better and longer.

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Hear one mother’s experience with PPD along with expert advice on risks factors, recognizing the signs, medication, and why it’s so important to get help.

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In this episode, you’ll hear one woman’s story about her battle with bulimia, relationship with food, and why she finally decided to have bariatric surgery. Your also hear about the risks and rewards associated with this particular weight loss surgery.

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In this episode learn how to find the right therapist; what is EMDR; and how it can help to open up and process childhood trauma. Guest: Keri Beasley Jones, Substance Abuse Counselor

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In this episode, our guest Julie Alexandrin shares her personal and professional opinions about living in America with a disability.

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In this episode Dr. Maria Rodriquez shares her own story of immigration to the U.S. and why she is so passionate about helping families deal with separation.

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Author and hypnotherapist, Anthony Davis shares how his multiple near death experiences changed his life and why he is helping others as a life coach and hypnosis.

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Guest Charlie Burton shares his life experiences as a black trans man growing up in the South and his own struggles with alcoholism and gender identity.

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Hear how you can declutter your space and what might cause hoarding. Guest: Phyllis White

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In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate the workforce with ADHD and why there’s no shame in having the disorder. Guest Shell Mendelson, Career Coach

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In this episode, you'll hear from three women who openly share their mental health journeys and the unique way they've come together to shine a light on mental illness. Guests include: Eli Bouldin-Clopton, PRS, Executive Director, On Our Own; Jessica Harris, Founder and Artistic Director, Empowered Players and Lisa Wessner, Executive Director, Always, Already, Enough.

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In this episode, licensed psychotherapist, Barbara Maille discusses the causes of eating disorders and the dangers of dieting while addressing issues of body image, bulimia, binge eating and anorexia. Barbara explains the many reasons behind disordered eating, the importance of mindfulness, and serves up a healthy dose of hope to those who hate their bodies.

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Single mother in mid 50's shares her dramatic life changing decision to find happiness. Guest Robin Martin-Lawson talks about her weight loss journey, the importance of having a reason to get up in the morning, and how she is now living her best life abroad in Turkey.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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This podcast is the personal account of one woman's story of surviving domestic abuse. Hear Amanda in her own words as she describes the shame, disbelief and wake up call that prompted her to leave her abuser after ten years of marriage and two children. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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Hear this fascinating and raw conversation about suicide and one woman's journey toward finding her inner strength to keep living despite her on going battle with depression. Guest: Lisa Wessner, Mental Health Advocate and Play Producer

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Hear about the impact and efforts being made to prevent suicide in America from Markita D. Madden, Program Director of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Plus learn about the potential causes of suicide and what you need to say to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. There's no shame in calling 988.

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Sports Psychologist Lori Freeman offers advice for athletes and parents to help with performance and mental health issues.

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This episode featuring Virginia family law attorney Lynn Bradley is a must for anyone contemplating getting a divorce. Lynn discusses the various legal options of divorce along with their risk and benefits.

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In this passionate interview with Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds, you'll hear about past, present, and future legislation necessary to tackle gun violence and mental health issues in America.

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Hear one woman’s journey to locate her biological parents, what resources she found most helpful and what she learned about herself and family in the process.

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Danielle Gaudette talks openly about being adopted at birth, her childhood, her adoptive mother’s struggle with anxiety and depression, and the journey that led to meeting her birth mother (actress Kate Mulgrew).

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Guest Doddie Green is a published author who has suffered her entire life with depression. Her first book, Touch, tells a semi-autobiographical tale about a young woman who can’t stand any type of physical contact and resigns herself to a lonely existence of duty to her family – until, that is, she meets a special person. Doddie has also published her three books in her murder mystery series and blogs regularly about her personal struggles with depression, panic attacks, loneliness, and more.

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The rabbit hole is real says our guest Susan MGinnis, a certified ADHD coach who has lived with ADHD her entire life. Susan shares her personal experience along with expert advice and resources to help those with ADHD live their best lives.

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Two nurses share what it was like to be working during both the AIDS/HIV epidemic and Covid-19 pandemic; and how they memorialized these historic events.

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Author and singer-songwriter Julie Aguas shares her personal struggles with pregnancy loss and infertility in this very raw, emotional and enlightening interview.

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If you ever worried about getting cancer and how it could ruin your life, this podcast is you. Hear how one woman is living her best life, married to a younger man, and stays optimistic despite a second battle with breast cancer.

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Health and Wellness Coach Amy Wick-Horn shares how she overcame the physical and emotional pain of facial paralysis and what she has learned in the process.

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Hear how and why one mother kept her husband's suicide a secret for 10 years from her family, friends and co-workers. n this episode, our guest, Michelle Anhang speaks candidly about how therapy helped her move forward both personally and professionally, and why she is now determined to help others find emotional support following a traumatic event. (Previously Recorded August 2020)

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Hear how two moms, Amanda and Brook, are challenging the myths of divorce and coparenting. Get tips on dealing with the ex and how to be a "bonus" mom instead of a stepmom. (Encore Presentation)

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Learn why addiction relapse is part of the recovery process and what you can do to help someone with an alcohol or drug addiction. Guest: Judeline Galek

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In this episode, we talk candidly about the affect of social economics on mental health awareness, diagnosis and treatment.

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This eye opening episode shares new ideas for preventing sexual assault to help anyone regardless of gender or age. Guest: Laurie Jean Talun, Director of Prevention at SARA

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Hear one man's heart-wrenching story about his decision to get sober after he found himself stealing money to pay for his drug and alcohol addiction. 31 years later, he remains clean and sober.

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An in-depth discussion about the different types of trauma and how the pandemic has changed the way we treat mental health.

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Hear the story from the author himself of When Screams Become Whispers, a raw look at bipolar disorder. Bob Krulish’s story sheds light on the systemic problems deeply rooted in the American healthcare system. In this podcast, Bob openly discusses his depression and mania that led to his divorce, unemployment, and near homelessness; And how he finally learned to manage his symptoms in order to live well and be happy.

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Hear about one man's transformation from poverty, a life of crime, to serving time in prison and how and why he Is giving back to his community in a big way. Guest: Tony Moore, Motivational Speaker, Basketball Coach and Founder of Birds of a Feather.

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Guest Doddie Green is a published author who has suffered her entire life with depression. Her first book, Touch,  tells a semi-autobiographical tale about a young woman who can’t stand any type of physical contact and resigns herself to a lonely existence of duty to her family - until, that is,she meets a special person. Doddie recently published her third book in her murder mystery series and blogs regularly about her personal struggles with depression, panic attacks, loneliness, and more. (Previously Aired 12/2021)

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Gut health expert and author, Julia Loggins shares nutritional tips to help improve mental and physical health including anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma.

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Co-author of the book Anxiety Insights, Lori Maney Lentini, shares her personal experience with anxiety while raising two children and going through divorce, and how she discovered how “to get through” it all.

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Domestic violence survivor and advocate Stephanie Shakespeare offers hope for victims of domestic violence in this raw and uncut interview.

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Listen to retired early childhood counselor, Robin White, discuss the impact of the pandemic on elementary through 5th grade students, her strong opinion on arming school teachers with guns, and why we need more mental health services for both students and teachers.

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In this episode, Candace talks with Gilie Garth, a woman who has overcome addiction, a prison sentence, and the loss of her right to vote. Gilie was charged with a felony for prescription fraud. She never thought she would be able to e practice nursing, drive, or vote ever again. Hear the rest of her story.

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In this episode, writer, editor and entrepreneur, Tanya Brockett, shares her very personal experiences as a successful black woman working her way.up the corporate ladder despite racism and prejudice. Tanya's can-do attitude is contagious and her stories may surprise you.

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Award winning author and former lawyer talks about his battle with body image, his fall from grace, and how he is living his best life.

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Erin Tucker, Executive Director of On Our Own, talks about the difficulties of supporting individuals with mental health recovery and substance abuse during the Pandemic.

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Radio personality, Pam Garrison, shares her experience with severe depression and how she managed to go on air with a smile while trying to.find her way out of a deep dark depression that started when she was just eight years old.

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Filmmaker and director Ty Cooper talks about his latest film project, Amanda, and what inspired him to write the screenplay about love, trauma, relationships, art and community.

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Hear the story of one woman's remarkable courage and journey with Stage 4 Cancer. Guest Katherine Couvillion speaks candidly about living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), the accompanying physical and emotional toll, friends, family and helping others. Encore Presentation. Season 1. Episode 4.

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Tasha Hunter, mental health advocate and author of the memoir What Children Remember, talks openly about surviving child abuse, sexual assault, neglect, and years of depression and anxiety. In this deeply raw and candid interview, Hunter, who is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, offers both personal and professional advice to those struggling with trauma and PTSD.

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When it comes to staying positive and.productive, our guest Maxwell Ivy, aka The Blind Blogger, has turned his vision loss into a mission of helping others see that anything is possible: if you set realistic goals, approach obstacles one step at a time, and ask for help. Listen to this episode to get great advice and motivation to create your best life. (First aired July 14, 2021)

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Health and Wellness Coach, Heidi Shaner talks about why women are considered twice as likely to have depression compared to men and what women can do to take control of their mental and physical health.

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Writer, victim advocate, and former University of Virginia professor, Dr. Claire Kaplan, talks openly about the feminism movement, gender violence, self-acceptance, and having the courage to make waves to advance equality for woman and the LGBTQ community.

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Ever wonder how you can improve your relationship? Are you dating a narcissist? Are you in a co-dependent relationship? Listen to this podcast to recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and what you can do to create healthier relationships. Guest Life Coach and Health and Wellness Expert, Heidi Shaner.

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If you ever wondered how suicide can be made funny. Comedian and former writer for the Tonight Show, Frank King, talks about his lifelong battle with suicidal thoughts and how he is using humor to help raise awareness and prevent suicides.

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Hear how first-time documentary filmmaker, Kimberly Keese, is working on expanding the conversation about gender identity; and her personal experience coming out as a butch woman in the 70's.

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In this episode, Anna Mendez, the Executive Director of Partner for Mental Health, speaks passionately about her work aimed at combating mental health inequality and the criminalization of people with mental illnesses. Hear how Virginia's criminal justice system is to blame, and how the recent passage of one state bill is the first step forward towards a fairer future.

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Millennials and fellow podcast hosts, Daniel Fairley II and John Thompson. explain the importance of mental health among black males, the challenges and experiences that inspired them to create their own mental health podcast, and how we can all benefit from some one-on-one time with our therapist (or barber).

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Life coach, author, and fellow podcaster Troia Butcher discusses the inspiration behind her incredible new book SoulTies: Letters of Love, reveals her own struggles with PTSD and grief, and offers advice on navigating the loss of a close friend, family member, or pet.

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Learn how two moms are challenging the myths of divorce and coparenting. Get tips on dealing with the ex and how to be a "bonus" mom instead of a stepmom.

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Win Kelly Charles shares her challenges and triumphs living with Cerebral Palsy. She is on a mission to help others with physical and mental disabilities stay positive and accomplish their dreams.

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Hear how a son’s suicide almost destroyed his mother and what she did to survive her own suicidal thoughts. Guest: Jill D’Arpino, Author and Mental Health Advocate

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Frank King, the Mental Health Comedian. openly discusses his family history with suicide and his lifelong battle with Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidality. Hear how Frank turned his mental illness into a comedy career including 20 years as a writer for the Tonight Show, 5X TedTalks, and why laughter is the best medicine.

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In this timely episode, Licensed drug offender educator, Deborah Hernandez Antich shares her unique perspective on the connection between mental health, substance abuse, and criminal offenses.

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From bullying to thriving, 21 year old Katherine Grace Mulokey opens up about her dark days of depression and suicidal thoughts and how she got the help to keep living.

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Hear how Mental Health America of Virginia is helping others cope during the pandemic and how you can do your part in helping others with mental illness.

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Michelle Anhang bravely shares why she kept her husband’s suicide a secret for 10 years from her kids, friends and colleagues. She also explains how therapy helped her move forward with her personal and professional life, and why she is helping others find emotional support after trauma .

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Host Candace Schoner reveals her struggles as a child of an alcoholic and her recent health scare that led to her pursuit to help others with mental illness.

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Hear how mental health advocate and author, Lori Maney Lentini, gained insight into her own anxiety and how she is helping others (including her own children) find success and happiness despite mental health issues.

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Mashana never expected to get cancer and she never wanted to be an entrepreneur. However, this 20 something female has done both and shares both her struggles and her triumphs.

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A candid discussion of a former wife of an alcoholic who finds joy and a new life after her divorce.