Sometimes we imagine that happiness will arrive when everything finally looks perfect—when we’re in the right place, the weather is beautiful, and life unfolds exactly as planned. But the truth is, even in paradise, not every day is going to be sunny.

In this heartfelt episode, Candace reflects on a text conversation with her dad while her parents were spending time in Hawaii. Despite being somewhere most people dream about, the weather had been anything but ideal—rainstorms, flooding, and long stretches without sunshine.

That moment sparked a deeper realization: life can place us somewhere beautiful, yet still bring storms.

Candace explores the idea that joy isn’t something reserved only for the perfect days. The real practice is learning to find small pockets of light—even when things aren’t going as expected. Whether you're in paradise, in the middle of a difficult season, or simply having an off day, there is always the possibility of discovering something meaningful within the moment.

Because sometimes the most powerful shift isn’t waiting for the sun to come out—it’s learning how to dance in the rain.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

When Andy Grammer put out a call asking fans to nominate someone who has made an impact in their life — someone deserving of a personalized song — Candace did something unexpected.

She nominated herself.

In this episode, Candace reflects on what it means to thank yourself. To forgive yourself. To let go of perfection. To move beyond surface-level self-love and into something steadier, truer, and more rooted.

Because sometimes it’s easier to see the magic in everyone else.
But the real work is learning to see it in yourself.

Whether Andy writes the song or not, Candace shares why she’s choosing to write one for herself — and why you might want to do the same.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

After spotting a mug on a friends Instagram story that read “Just Keep Swimming — XO Dory,” Candace found herself reflecting on how that simple line holds deeper meaning than we often realize. In seasons where clarity feels far away and everything feels heavy, overwhelming, or uncertain, maybe we’re not meant to have all the answers. Maybe we’re just meant to keep going.

In this episode, Candace explores the quiet resilience required in wintery seasons of life — the times when motivation dips, energy feels low, and the path forward isn’t fully clear. 

If you’re in a season where things feel hard, unclear, or slow, this episode is your gentle reminder: you don’t need to figure it all out today. You just need to keep swimming.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

We’re still in winter — even if part of us is itching to rush ahead.

In this episode of The Spiritual Cupcake, Candace explores the quiet, in-between season where spring hasn’t arrived yet, but the urge to speed up is strong. Instead of pushing forward, she reflects on what it looks like to resist the rush and choose stillness — even when it feels uncomfortable.

Through small, intentional practices like turning off her phone, sitting in silence during drives, and creating space without distraction, Candace shares how stillness has become an unexpected doorway. A doorway into emotions long suppressed — rage, sadness, guilt, shame — and into the courage it takes to feel them, listen to them, and let them move through the body without carrying them forward.

This episode is an invitation to honor the hibernation season, to trust that not everything needs to bloom right now, and to remember that when we allow ourselves to feel and release what’s been held for years, spring arrives more vibrant, more honest, and more alive.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

Sometimes we hear someone speak with certainty — passionate, confident, convinced they’ve found the way. And often, their way does work beautifully… for them.

In this episode, Candace shares a moment from a meeting that opened a quiet but powerful reflection. One person’s success was framed as a universal solution, and yet Candace knew — from her own lived experience — that doing things differently had worked just as well.

This episode is a reminder that while mentors, teachers, and guides can offer wisdom, inspiration, and tools, they don’t get to define your path. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — but you also don’t have to follow one blueprint. You’re allowed to gather what resonates, release what doesn’t, and create a way that feels aligned with who you are.

Whether in teaching, business, creativity, or life itself, there are a million ways to do something well. This is an invitation to soften comparison, reclaim choice, and trust that your way — when it is rooted in your truth.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

In this episode, Candace reflects on a powerful moment from Jay Shetty’s podcast with climber Alex Honnold — a reminder that success is often just a brief moment at the end of years of repeated failure.

As a climber, Alex shares that failing is constant. Projects can take five or six years of trying, falling short, adjusting, and returning — all for a few minutes of completion before moving on to the next challenge. That perspective opens a deeper conversation about how we relate to failure in our own lives.

Candace invites us to reframe failure not as something to avoid, but as the very substance of the journey itself. The repetition. The discomfort. The trying again when it would be easier to quit. If things came easily, the moment of arrival wouldn’t carry the same meaning.

Failure builds character — grit, determination, endurance, and the ability to stay present with uncertainty. It shapes us quietly, teaching us who we are long before we ever “succeed.”

This episode is a gentle reminder to stop leaving dreams in the closet or ideas stuck in the mind. To start the thing. To do the hard thing. And to walk forward knowing that failure isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong — it’s proof that you’re on the path.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

What if one of the greatest ways we learn to understand each other… is through story?

In this episode, Candace reflects on a moment from Open Book with Jenna Bush Hager, where author Emily Henry shares that the heart of fiction is learning to understand people who aren’t like you. That idea opens a doorway into a deeper conversation about empathy, perspective, and the quiet ways books can shape who we become.

Candace shares a thought Emily shared, how fiction invites us to enter a story carrying all our assumptions about the world — and then gently challenges them. Through characters, inner worlds, and lived experiences, we’re offered intimate glimpses into people’s traumas, upbringings, personalities, and choices. We begin to see not just what people do, but why.

Candace shares how fiction has been one of her greatest teachers — a place where empathy is practiced, perspectives are softened, and understanding is expanded. While nonfiction has its own wisdom, fiction holds a unique magic: the ability to change how we see the world by helping us truly see each other.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on the stories that have shaped you — the books that became part of you, the characters who cracked your heart open, and the ways reading may have quietly changed your world.

Because sometimes, the most profound growth doesn’t come from being told what to think…

It comes from stepping into someone else’s story and letting it change you.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

In this thoughtful episode of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, Candace reflects on a conversation with a colleague that stayed with her — a comment about her as a classroom teacher and whether that magic was being wasted now that she teaches physical education.

She opens up about the bittersweet contrast between the two worlds: the deep, daily connections and creative freedom of the classroom, and the fast-paced, physically demanding rhythm of the gym, where she sees every child but for only fleeting moments. Each space offers its own gifts, its own challenges, and its own kind of fulfillment.

Through this reflection, Candace arrives at a powerful truth: nothing is wasted. You are the variable. You are the magic. Whether you’re given thirty minutes or a full day, your energy, care, and presence create ripples that move outward in ways you may never fully witness.

If you’ve ever questioned a choice you’ve made, wondered if you should be somewhere else, or feared that a part of you isn’t being fully used, this episode is a loving reminder — your essence follows you wherever you go. 

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

In this heart-led episode, Candace explores what becomes possible when we release expectations — of others and of life. Through personal reflection and a meaningful story shared by a friend about unexpected help, she shares how taking responsibility for your own inner work invites more authentic connection, collaboration, and community.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.

A gentle pause between years, inviting you to align with yourself and follow the path that feels like home. The page is blank — and you are the author.

💗 If you’re feeling the vibes… Subscribe, rate & review to help us grow this sweet little soul space!

🎧 Let’s stay connected: Follow along on Instagram @candacedanielledunaway

If you’ve been touched by the magic shared here and want to support the podcast, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️ - Thank you for supporting this little corner of joy.

💛 buymeacoffee.com/candacedunaway

If you are ready to dive in and start Growing A Grateful Heart you can get yourself a copy of the gratitude journal here: 

Growing A Grateful Heart- A Daily Gratitude Journal

Candace Dunaway is the host of The Spiritual Cupcake Podcast, a heart-centered space for healing, growth, and high-vibe living. She’s also a teacher, a nature lover, and a creative soul who finds deep joy in life’s simplest moments.

Candace sees the world through rainbow-colored glasses—always searching for the silver linings, even in life’s stormy skies. For her, happiness isn’t a far-off destination, but something woven into the everyday magic of life.

Her love for the outdoors inspired The Mild Side of Wild, a video series that encourages others to step outside and reconnect with nature’s wisdom—a free gift that’s always available.

Whether she’s wandering through the woods, recording a podcast episode, or laughing with a stranger-turned-friend, Candace thrives on meaningful connection. She treasures hearing people’s stories and perspectives, especially when they come from unexpected paths.

Forever dreaming, always creating, she’s endlessly exploring new ideas and projects. Guided by wonder, curiosity, and the belief that beauty is everywhere, She’s here to connect, to let go, and to expand—one inspired moment at a time.