Unspoken: Conversations with Candace

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In this powerful episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, poet, filmmaker, and advocate Samuel Alfred shares his journey of surviving childhood trauma, reclaiming his voice through art, and breaking free from generational cycles of silence and pain.

Samuel opens up about:

• The inspiration behind his spoken word piece “I Stand on My Desk” and the meaning of tears of liberation.
• Surviving childhood abuse, neglect, and the lasting impact of generational trauma.
• Confronting an abuser and finding peace on his own terms.
• The role of faith, therapy, and community in healing.
• Setting healthy boundaries and rejecting false family solidarity.
• His vision of life after trauma—thriving, creating, and inspiring others through art and advocacy.

This heartfelt conversation is filled with courage, wisdom, and raw truth, offering hope for anyone walking the path of healing and resilience.

⏱ Timestamps
 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Samuel Alfred
 04:20 – Samuel’s Creative Journey & “I Stand on My Desk” Performance
 14:05 – Childhood Trauma, Abuse, and Early Struggles
 28:10 – The Power of Truth-Telling: You Can’t Heal What You Don’t Reveal
 35:45 – Confronting an Abuser & Entering with Your Own Peace
 44:20 – Faith, Boundaries, and Breaking Generational Cycles
 55:10 – Healing Through Advocacy, Art, and Community
 01:10:15 – Finding Identity, Wholeness & A New Narrative
 01:17:30 – Candace’s Reflections & Full Circle Blessings

No matter where you are in your healing journey, Samuel’s story is a powerful reminder that your pain does not define you, your voice has power, and thriving is possible. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs encouragement—and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations that break the silence and inspire hope.

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In this powerful episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, certified life coach and author Rossie Manka shares her journey from surviving abuse, gang involvement, and generational cycles of pain to becoming a resilient mentor, STEM advocate, and soon-to-be published author.

Rosie opens up about:

• Her early life challenges, including abuse, running away, and navigating male-dominated industries.
• The turning points that led her toward faith, healing, and personal growth.
• Her mission to empower women—especially Latinas—to pursue careers in STEM.
• The importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and learning to truly love yourself.

This heartfelt conversation is filled with courage, inspiration, and practical insights for anyone ready to rise above their circumstances and step into their purpose.

⏱ Timestamps
 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Rossie Manka
 03:10 – How Rossie Found Her Path into STEM & Civil Engineering
 09:45 – Overcoming Abuse, Gang Involvement & Early Trauma
 18:20 – Healing Through Faith & The Power of Community
 25:05 – Boundaries, Self-Love & Overcoming Insecurity
 33:12 – Generational Cycles, Forgiveness & Letting Go
 40:45 – Writing The Power of Yes & A Woman Unshakable
 47:30 – Collaboration, Advocacy & Survivor Support Events
 54:22 – Candace’s Reflections on Family & Full Circle Blessings
 59:10 – Final Thoughts: Hope, Healing & Moving Forward

No matter where you are in your journey, Rossie’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, faith can restore hope, and your voice can inspire change. If this conversation moves you, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of resilience, empowerment, and unspoken truths.

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In this heartfelt episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, Candace is joined by her longtime friend and “Chica Bonita,” April Klinter. Together, they revisit their 20+ year friendship, the journey of supporting each other through motherhood, trauma, and growth, and how pivotal moments—like attending the Hope Shining Blue event—ignited Candace’s path as an author, podcast host, and advocate.

This episode is about the power of friendship, the courage to speak your truth, and how healing conversations can inspire transformation.

If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your voice matters and that you’re not alone in your healing journey—this episode is for you.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Unspoken Conversations with Candace
 01:12 – Introducing my work bestie, April Klinter (“my Chica Bonita”)
 03:10 – How Candace and April first met at work in 2002
 07:45 – Building friendship through motherhood and shared struggles
 10:28 – Opening up about trauma and unhealthy relationships
 14:50 – The Hope Shining Blue event (2016) that planted the seed
 18:30 – How seeing other survivors inspired Candace’s healing journey
 22:15 – Writing the book Unspoken and finding purpose
26:05 – Pandemic challenges, publishing the book, and launching the podcast
30:20 – Becoming a life (Thrive) coach and advocate for survivors
33:45 – Receiving the Thrive Award and what it means
38:00 – Reflections on friendship, healing, and support
41:22 – Closing message: You’re not alone, and your story matters

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In this heartfelt episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, we welcome “Sunshine,” a poet, writer, and resilient survivor, who courageously shares her journey of childhood trauma, healing, and reclaiming her voice.

From moments of silence and shame to empowerment through poetry, therapy, and self-discovery, Sunshine’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always light waiting to break through.

Sunshine opens up about:

• Her childhood experience of abuse, silence, and the weight of secrets.
• How poetry, journaling, and creativity became tools for survival and expression.
• The pivotal role of therapy, friendships, and cultural understanding in her healing.
• Choosing self-forgiveness over forgiving her abuser—and the freedom it brings.
• Breaking cycles of silence and redefining what thriving looks like.
• Practices like jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, and Reiki as sources of empowerment and strength.
• The importance of building safe communities and finding people who deserve to hear your story.

This moving conversation between Candice and Sunshine reveals the courage it takes to face the past, embrace healing, and walk forward as a thriver. It’s raw, real, and full of hope for anyone navigating their own healing journey.

⏱ Timestamps
 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Sunshine
 07:45 – Meeting at a Women’s Leadership Conference
 15:30 – Childhood Trauma: Silence, Fear & Survival
 28:50 – The Healing Journey Begins: Therapy & Friendship
 39:20 – Finding Power in Poetry, Writing & Creativity
 49:10 – Self-Forgiveness, Boundaries & Thriving Beyond Trauma
 59:30 – Tools for Healing: Therapy, Jiu-Jitsu, Weightlifting & Reiki
 01:08:15 – Candice on Forgiveness, Justice & Owning Your Story
 01:20:00 – Gratitude, Growth & Circle Blessings

No matter where you are on your journey, Sunshine’s testimony is a reminder that healing is possible, self-forgiveness is powerful, and your voice has the power to inspire others.

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In this powerful episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, servant leader and advocate Anya Gordon shares her deeply moving story of survival, healing, and transformation. From childhood trauma and confusion to embracing faith, forgiveness, and purpose, Anya’s journey reminds us that resilience is possible, and healing is a lifelong process.

With honesty and courage, Anya reflects on her struggles, breakthroughs, and the role of community in restoring hope. Her voice now inspires others to believe in their own strength and begin their healing journey.

Anya opens up about:

• The impact of childhood trauma and growing up without a voice.
• Struggles with rejection, people-pleasing, and toxic relationships.
• The turning point that led her into counseling and faith-based healing.
• How forgiveness—of herself and her abuser—lifted the weight of shame.
• The importance of safe, nurturing relationships in the healing journey.
• Her experience as a Thrive Award recipient and survivor model at Hope Shining Blue.
• Self-care tools like journaling, painting, and faith practices that keep her grounded.
• Why boundaries, advocacy, and giving survivors a voice are essential.

This heartfelt conversation is a testament that while trauma may shape us, it doesn’t define us. Healing is possible, and your story matters.

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In this transformative episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, survivor, advocate, and devoted mother Christina Trinidad courageously shares her journey through years of abuse, trauma, and silence—and how she reclaimed her voice to help others heal.

With raw honesty, Christina recounts her early experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, the pivotal moment she and her brother disclosed the truth, and the life-changing impact of her father’s arrest and conviction. Today, Christina channels her pain into purpose, serving with Believe Survivors, Inc. and NAMI Racine County to create safe spaces for others on their healing journeys.

Christina opens up about:

•  Growing up in an abusive household marked by fear, violence, and survival.
•  How her brother became both her protector and her “sibling soulmate.”
•  The years of grooming and betrayal by her father.
•  The courage it took to finally disclose her abuse to her grandmother.
•  The arrest, trial, and 18-year prison sentence that followed.
•  The role of therapy, survivor communities, and faith in her healing.
•  Why forgiveness became a turning point in her journey.
•  How she is now using her voice to support and empower other survivors.

This episode is a brave and emotional reminder that no matter how dark your past, there is light, healing, and hope on the other side of trauma. Christina’s story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of breaking the silence.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Christina
 04:15 – Christina’s Early Childhood & Family Life
 12:20 – Escalation of Abuse & Coping with Fear
 22:35 – School as a “Safe Haven” & Finding Small Escapes
 34:10 – Grooming, Control & Sexual Abuse Begins
 48:25 – Living in Silence & Coping with Confusion
 1:03:18 – Disclosure: Telling Her Grandmother the Truth
 1:15:40 – Police Involvement & Father’s Arrest
 1:27:22 – Court Process, Sentencing & Family Impact
 1:41:55 – Healing Through Therapy, Community & Advocacy
 1:55:30 – The Power of Forgiveness & Moving Forward
 2:05:00 – Final Reflections & Resources for Survivors

Christina’s journey is living proof that your story matters, your voice is powerful, and healing is possible. If this episode inspires you, share it with someone who needs encouragement and subscribe for more conversations of truth, resilience, and transformation.

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In this transformative episode of Unspoken: Conversations with Candace, licensed counselor, speaker, and coach Jahmaal Marshall shares his remarkable journey from childhood trauma and rejection to becoming a voice of healing and restoration for others. With honesty and vulnerability, Jahmaal reveals how his life experiences shaped his mission to help people heal from the inside out. 

Jahmaal opens up about:

• His early life marked by neglect, emotional pain, and feeling unseen.
• How his experiences with rejection fueled his passion for understanding people.
• The turning points that led him into counseling, coaching, and speaking.
• How unprocessed trauma can silently influence our adult lives.
• The role of self-awareness, boundaries, and faith in healing.
• Why community and accountability are essential for growth.
• Practical steps for anyone ready to start their own healing journey.

This conversation is a deep and moving reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, your story can become a source of hope for others.

⏱ Timestamps
 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Jahmaal Marshall
 03:12 – Childhood Neglect, Emotional Pain & Feeling Invisible
 09:28 – The Impact of Rejection on Identity & Self-Worth
 15:40 – Discovering His Calling in Counseling & Coaching
 21:05 – Unprocessed Trauma & Its Effect on Adult Life
 28:22 – Building Self-Awareness & Setting Healthy Boundaries
 34:15 – Faith, Accountability & The Power of Community
 41:20 – Steps Toward Healing & Breaking Cycles
 47:50 – Candice’s Closing Thoughts & Reflections

Jahmaal’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, intentional healing, and the belief that your past does not define your future. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe for more stories of transformation and empowerment.

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In this heartfelt episode of Unspoken Conversations with Candace, Jeremy Hansen shares his courageous journey of breaking free from a lifetime of psychological, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of his parents. From growing up under strict control to discovering his voice, setting boundaries, and building an empowered life, Jeremy’s story is one of resilience, community, and hope.

Jeremy opens up about:

• His childhood experiences of control, manipulation, and competition with his sibling.
• The emotional and psychological toll of abuse and the impact on his self-worth.
• How the pandemic became both the hardest and most freeing time in his life.
• Writing six blogs as a form of healing and self-reflection.
• Recognizing and addressing his own toxic traits learned from his upbringing.
• The role of boundaries in reclaiming his independence.
• How supportive relationships and community work changed his life.
• Why forgiveness is a journey he’s still walking through.

This conversation is filled with deep truths, hard-earned wisdom, and practical encouragement for anyone struggling to leave a toxic environment or find their own voice.

⏱ Timestamps
 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Jeremy
 04:25 – Growing Up in a Controlled & Competitive Household
 09:42 – Emotional, Psychological & Financial Abuse Explained
 14:58 – Generational Trauma & Parental Patterns
 20:40 – The Pandemic: Rock Bottom Meets Breakthrough
 27:12 – Blogging as Therapy & Identifying Toxic Traits
 34:15 – Learning Boundaries & Standing Firm
 40:28 – Financial Independence & Support from a Trusted Friend
 45:55 – Suicidal Thoughts & Choosing Life
 51:33 – The Healing Journey & Resources for Understanding Narcissistic Parents
 58:47 – Forgiveness from a Distance & Ongoing Safety Concerns
 1:06:15 – Building a Purpose-Driven Life Through Community Work
 1:12:00 – Full Circle Blessings: Gratitude & Looking Forward

No matter where you are in your healing journey, Jeremy’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to set boundaries, find your voice, and create a life filled with purpose and freedom. If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who might need encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of resilience and hope.

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Amy Pierquet shares her healing and transformation journey with Candace Sanchez in this emotionally moving episode. She opens up about the loss of her parents, detailing the heart-wrenching experience of her mother’s battle with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the executor of her parents' estate, Amy shares practical advice on documenting assets to ease the process for loved ones.

Candace and Amy reflect on personal and professional challenges, revealing the lessons they've learned along the way. They address painful pasts, childhood traumas, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Amy discusses her discovery of energy healing and life coaching, and how these practices helped her uncover and heal from deep-seated traumas, including manipulative behavior from her brother.

The conversation underscores the value of continuous healing—described metaphorically as peeling layers of an onion—to fully address and overcome trauma. Amy emphasizes the lifelong process of understanding and healing from past experiences and shares her unique journey from feeling like a victim to empowering herself and others.

Candace also explores her reflections on parenting, family healing, and the critical importance of mental health support. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the transformative power of speaking one's truth, finding support, and cultivating a mindset geared toward growth and healing.

Episode Highlights:

21:04 - Prior to me really looking into myself, I did go to therapy. It didn't help. And I'm not saying that therapy doesn't work for other people, but for me, they were asking me questions. And I think the thing is, is that I was I was stuck and I think I actually had stuck energy. Right? So, talking something through even when you have stuck energy is not going to do anything. That's what I came to realize. And so, I'm a big component and big believer in energy healing.

24:54 - A couple years ago, I would have never been able to share. Even if I became aware of it, I wouldn't have been able to share it. And now, I've healed so far that I can be like, "Okay. Yeah. This is not a great part of my history, but someone can learn from it." Someone can learn that you stop pointing the finger at someone else because there's 3 more pointing back at you.

30:11 - To be honest, I'm grateful for the entire journey. Only because if I wouldn't have experienced everything, if I wouldn't have experienced any kind of abuse, any kind of anything, right? The treatment, I wouldn't be where I'm at. And as hard as it was and as much as I know I cried through it, I felt horrible. I felt like a worthless individual through all of it. I wouldn't be where I am and I wouldn't be able to share my story and help people because I know I've helped people.

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