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Words of a Warrior
Words of a Warrior episodes
- Tomas J Stanton: What is Your Legacy? Handling Hard Times, Turning Pain Into Poetry & Giving Back to Your Community
I had the pleasure of sitting down with THE Tomas J Stanton, author of Wolves Don’t Perform in The Circus, A collection of poetry in which encapsulates much of life experience and legacy - from his work as an educator, community organizer, and entrepreneur, but also as a human, husband and father.
In this episode:
- We deep dive into Tomas’ journey into the world of poetry & spoken word by attending and eventually performing at one of the largest open mic nights in Phoenix seating over 500 people
- We discuss how nearly 14 years later, after co-creating various poetry / spoken word programs within community art centers - Tomas is finally releasing his first book, which he’ll be hosting a big community book release event and poetry performance in collaboration with Diana Resendiz, called INDIE - UP Festival happening Saturday May 11th from 7:30 - 10:30pm (ticket link below)
- Tomas shared an intimate look on how pondering what legacy he wants to leave, especially for his children, is what initially sparked the idea for his book + a very moving poem that literally brings me to tears
- We spoke a little bit about mental health and how poetry can be used as a therapeutic modality
- Tomas shares about impact his lifestyle brand, “Righteous, Kinda” is making an impact within the community + invites me to be a guest on his podcast (stay tuned for that)
If you are local to Phoenix, you are NOT going to want to miss the event he is putting on this Saturday!
Get tickets for the INDIE - UP Festival:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indie-up-festival-tickets-877061212697?aff=
Connect with Tomas J Stanton:
https://linktr.ee/tomas.j.stanton?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabWhbYCKk9Nrp38LpJyWTsljJPEbjxWTtBBxQ694pE3ifJGX8BKdgnfEXk_aem_AULuGPelkBS68FUSyWmVTHlZt-9Urq3VbLGf8j5WQ96EwMbMvbdAZXgg2hq5dhK8FzOrrOwKxjh-kMao5SMuIY41
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.com
https://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/
https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial
52 min - Shereene Manimala: Aint Nobody Else Like You, Try Sh*t Until Your Find It! Owning Your Unique Path as an Artist
The mastermind behind the BOPPIN record, "Isyo Day" - which is currently streaming on all major platforms, visual + music artist, designer, and creative genius Shereene Manimala joins me on the podcast to share some BIG inspiration and encouragement
I met Shereene on Paola's REVIVE Retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii and instantly connected with her as a sister and fellow creative who is making World Waves quite literally within her music, creative career, and so much more.In this episode we discuss:- Shereene’s inspiration behind both her music and her design work and how exciting it’s been for her to explore her creativity in BOTH areas
- The pressures that come with being a multi-passionate, multi-media artist and the importance of understanding that we don’t have to choose between the things that we love
- Trial and error method and the possibilities that can open up when you follow your excitement and listen to your intuition
- The benefit of asking yourself who you want to BE vs what you want to DO
- Takeaways from the book the Artists Way by Julia Cameron
- + so much more
If you want a dose of inspiration, definitely check out the full episode!Please check out her music on Spotify or Apple Music because it is SOOOOOO good!You can connect with Shereene via:Spotify / Apple Music: Upside Down SmilieYouTube.com/shereeneInstagram.com/shereene.manimalaTiktok.com/shereene.manimalaIf we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial53 min - Heidi Rojas: The Madre Creator Breaking the Internet, Empowering Women & Artists Globally
When Heidi said yes to coming on the podcast to share her story - I immediately did a happy dance while bumping Madre Creator - her beloved hit song thats empowering women and mothers around the world!
Heidi Rojas is a #1 hit songwriter, artist, proud first generation Latina, and Millennial mama of two. She is sharing songs from the most vulnerable corners of her heart, that she has written after nearly 10 years of therapy and healing and 5 years of motherhood to empower women, Latines, and madres to pursue their passions and support each other. With a published bilingual children's book on the way, and several other song releases and projects in the works, Heidi is a voice for women and mothers pursuing their passions at any age.
After her many years of writing hit songs for major artists + a transition into motherhood, and a profound healing journey as a woman - Heidi found a new level of inspiration and creativity that’s currently breaking the internet. From her single Madre Creator and its online video clip reaching nearly 7 million people world wide, to The Feelings Song reaching nearly 8 million - Heidi is on fire with an incredibly inspiring movement offering anthems of empowerment to everyday people.
On this podcast episode Heidi shares:
- The uphill battles women face in the music industry & backstory of why she decided to put out her own music as an independent artist + turn it into an entire movement, now empowering other independent artists globally
- How she grew her online platform to over 100 thousand + supporters, and ended up having the video clips of her songs go viral
- What it was like experiencing postpartum depression after a near death experience with her second birth and how in turn, she wrote Madre Creator which is now empowering mothers in healing + remembering their sacredness and power
- The inspiration behind a flood of other empowering songs that both she’s written + released since
- Overcoming imposter syndrome as a first generation Latina
- The work she does as a mentor and coach for other singer-song writers and why it’s incredibly supportive
- What advice she would give to the version of her that was first starting out on her journey
- + So much more
I am so beyond inspired by this woman and I left this podcast episode feeling like anything is possible which I imagine is how you will feel when you tap in and listen to both the episode and her music which is streaming on all major platforms
It really takes a village to succeed as an independent artist and I encourage anyone who finds inspiration & joy from her art to visit her shop online and grab some of her beautiful merchandise as well as download and bump her empowering music!
Website + Merch Shop:
https://www.heidirojas.com/shop
Follow Heidi for more empowering content + updates on live shows and new music via:
Instagram.com/heidirojasmusic
TikTok.com/heidirojasmusic
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial41 min - Emma Castellanos: Body Safety, Mental Health & Freedom of Self Expression
Meet my friend Emma Castellanos, a teaching artist, painter, musician, birth doula, mental health advocate and so much more!
Emma is one of the most kind, generous and expressive humans that I know and right when I met her - I knew she was a soul sister. She's never been one for small talk which I ADORE so much. Our conversations are always so meaningful and full of depth and this podcast episode is nothing short of that.
In it you will hear:
- Emma share some of the deeper parts of her personal story that have contributed to who she is + inspired her healing and mental health journey including the loss of a few of her loved ones and family members early on in life, struggles with anxiety, depression and developing a drug dependency, suicidal ideations, PTSD from s3xual assault and more.
- A discussion around some different forms of therapy that Emma has found incredibly supportive and effective like EMDR, talk therapy, poetry, journaling, tantra & body painting
- Emma speak about the importance of taking radical responsibility for your healing and mental health
- Modern day issues around dealing with death and the impact that occurs from a lack of guidance around how to handle the shock, grief and tragedy it brings plus a cultural experience I had in Bali that had me ponder how we can start a conversation about recreating our relationship to death & transition of loved ones
- The impact we are all making for the next generation of artists by taking the initiative to care for our mental health and sharing the therapeutic modalities that have helped us!
- plus so much more
Phoenix Familia! Save the date for Sunday May 19th from 10AM - 12PM at Abundant Space in Scottsdale - Join Emma and I for a VERY special women's workshop experience for your next level liberation, glowing confidence, and self expression. We will have a cacao circle + a body painting workshop + improv photoshoot! DM me for details!
You can connect with Emma via her instagram:
instagram.com/emma_isabella_c
& check out her artwork via her website:
www.emmacastellanosart.com
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial1 hr 6 min - Dr. Jaslean Ahuja: Natural Cures, Ancient Ayurvedic Remedies & Using Social Media to Uplift Humanity
I’ve never smiled so hard while recording a podcast episode! Jaslean is the incredibly sweet, loving woman running the page Instagram: instagram.com/curatingcures - which is centered around generously offering a range of holistic health and wellness tips originally inspired by ancient Ayurvedic remedies taught to her by her mom.
What I love most about this page there how practical AND accessible the practices are as well as how it is SO encouraging around self care offering all these amazing at home remedies
The other aspect I love is the holistic approach she takes, not only considering physical health, but also mental, emotional and spiritual as well.
I also LOVE it when she shares her thoughts and perspectives from her own personal journey because I find it all SO relatable.
On this episode, we dove into so many beautiful topics:
- The original inspiration & story behind Curating Cures, involving a special conversation with Jaslean’s mom + getting out of your own way
- Jaslean’s top 3 biggest lessons of the last year
- Artists dates and how they can support you in clarifying what is authentic for you
- Her decision to come off of birth control
- How to maintain a healthy relationship with social media and use it for good
There is SO MUCH GOLD within this one episode!
You can connect with Jaslean via:
Instagram: instagram.com/curatingcures
Website: www.curatingcures.com
Email: [email protected]
Helpful links we mentioned:
Artist date ideas: https://theartistswayblog.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/101-artists-date-ideas/
Shower filter: https://a.co/d/dpmcm8v
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial55 min - Tomi Simmons: Yoga Teacher & Slam Poet Talks Writing and Performing Poetry As a Way to Cope Through Difficulties & Build Community
The first time I heard Tomi Simmons perform I CRIED. This slam poet and yoga teacher is one of the best in the game. Her writing skills + performance delivery is literally some of the best I've ever seen and she inspires me SO much.
If you are ever lucky enough to see her perform LIVE then you will totally see what I mean!
In this episode:
Tomi and I sit down 1:1 for the very first time and talk about our relationship to poetry + the performance aspect of it
She shares all about how she started and fell in love with it at a very young age, plus how it's helped her process trauma and communicate some really difficult things with her family that she may not have been able to otherwise.
AND she was sweet enough to bless our ears with two of her beautiful poetry pieces and her inspiration behind them
After hearing her share her love for this art, its almost as if poetry won my heart all over again. I am always so amazed at hearing just how much its helped others not only cope with difficulties of life, but also meet and connect with community and close friends.
Tomi is now starting her very own poetry slam in the OC area and creating a space for more poets to come together and share their art. You can follow and keep up with upcoming events via instagram at: @ocpoetryslam
And connect with Tomi directly via:
Her website: https://www.tomisimmonspoetry.com/
Her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomisimmonspoetry/
You can purchase her merchandise and also book her for upcoming poetry events, open mics etc!
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial49 min - Shokouh Shojai Hatch: Healing Trauma with Hypnotherapy, Growing Up In Iran During a Political Revolution, The Power of The Subconscious Mind
I could spend hours on end listening to Shokouh tell her brave story of becoming a hypnotherapist and inspirational speaker. This is a woman who has been so courageous as to leap out of the modern corporate 9-5 lifestyle and start her business, Healing Activated, which is centered around a meaningful and fulfilling purpose to help others.
Not before traversing an incredibly difficult path as an immigrant not just in one country, but two and facing all the challenges and adversities that came from fleeting her country during an intense political revolution.
In this episode Shokouh dives in generously sharing:
- Her story including all that she's overcome and how she managed to do so - From navigating a CPTSD diagnosis, to courageously sharing her voice on stage in front of hundreds of people, to boldly using her poetry and art as a tool for her activism
- How the recent revolution in Iran had inspired her even more so to change the narrative and see things from a new lens
- Her journey in becoming a hypnotherapist + a deep dive into the modality she's using to help others with stress and anxiety relief, inner-child healing, and even past life regression
- The power of the subconsious mind and what happens when we tap into it
+ so much more
Listen in for one of the most inspiring episodes yet!
You can connect with Shokouh via:
www.healingactivated.com
and on instagram via:
www.instagram.com/healingactivated
You can also attend one of Shokouhs FREE group hypnosis sessions via: https://healingactivated.myflodesk.com/group-hypnosis.
AND she's even been so generous to offer 50% off of a private session SPECIFICALLY for Words of a Warrior Podcast listeners - just mention you heard this episode upon booking with her :)
I cannot recommend this woman enough! She is AMAZING, trustworthy, and a true warrior!
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial59 min - Cylie Lawrence: Top Real Estate Agent Talks Starting with WHY in Finding Success, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and How the Largest Poetry Slam in AZ was FormedCylie is a top 2% producing agent across Arizona with over $45M in sales. Her success is based on positive referrals, earning the respect of her clients by working tirelessly on their behalf and offering candid advice.Her strengths lie in not only creatively analyzing and problem solving but also maintaining an easeful, fun experience. She averages over 35 sales per year, whether relocating, buying for the first time, up/downsizing, or investing, her knowledge and dedication to the client’s experience and negotiating a deal remains unmatched.She is focused on collaborating with each unique client to ensure they understand each step of the buying or selling process, communicating and addresses any questions proactively.Outside of Real Estate Cylie is also a co-founder of the Ghost Poetry Show, which happens to be Arizonas largest poetry slam AND where we initially connected and she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.In this episode Cylie and I drop in about a few things:- How she originally got into the field of real estate, the WHY behind all her successful results, hard-work and dedication + her take on how entrepreneurship has contributed to her personal growth- How putting yourself up against rejection, can help build self confidence and overcome imposter syndrome- The importance of self-care & community as a business owner- The state of the current real estate market and what we might be able to expect this coming year (it's exciting)- How Ghost Poetry show formed, became the largest poetry slam in Arizona and a safe haven for the local poetry community + how they are supporting poets in traveling to regional competitive tours- A BONUS treat for all of us, Cylie shares a beautifully written, orignal poem she wrote inspired by the poetry community in PHXConnect with Cylie Naylor:https://www.instagram.com/cyliesellsphx/and if you're interested in any consultative meetings you can email Cylie via [email protected]Learn more about the Ghost Poetry Show:https://www.instagram.com/ghostpoetryshow/and get tickets to the next show (Feb 6th) or attend a writing night via ghostpoetryshow.comIf we haven't yet, lets connect:visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial54 min
- Galactic Harmony: An up & coming ‘folkadelic’ band talks creativity + making music as a healing modality, growing community, and effective collaboration
I was so excited to finally bring my sweet friends / local up & coming band Galactic Harmony to the podcast
It’s been nothing short of epic witnessing these 4 immensely talented singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalists come together to create music and community centered around consciousness & connection
In this episode we deep dive into:
- Tori & I meeting backstage at a concert and instantly connecting as good friends
- How Galactic Harmony formed as a band, began writing & composing music together + grew a loving community of fans by consistently playing live shows locally
- The stories behind their latest EP project ‘The Transmission’ which is streaming on all major platforms now
- Where their inspiration comes from & their unique process of creating a song from an seeded idea to a fully formed, performance ready work of art
- How they navigate personal challenges and take care of their mental & emotional well being + bond as a band
- How they raced against time to capture the beautiful & scenic sunset shots for the “Moving On” music video
- What they each uniquely bring to the table as individuals including the many funky sounds of Jaden Chavez, alternate tunings, classical instruments, poetry, organization skills & more
PLUS, they shared some exclusive live performances including their NEWEST single “Selfless” which will be streaming on all major platforms on 12/22/23
You can learn more about Galactic Harmony via:
https://campsite.bio/galacticharmony
Instagram.com/galacticharmony
https://m.youtube.com/@galacticharmony
Facebook.com/galacticharmonymusic
Stream their latest EP & upcoming single on Spotify, Apple Music, or other major streaming platforms:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/62lU7voy58QM1HazXpMlPN?si=J4tzoRIkQECfMYkROkmnXQ
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/galactic-harmony/1699787701
+ follow the band members individually on IG via:
https://www.instagram.com/torikristine.music
https://www.instagram.com/rymo.now
https://www.instagram.com/jabotanicals
https://www.instagram.com/kenrexer
Special thanks to our team for bringing together this episode:
Podcast Audio: Recorded & engineered by Kenny Rexer
Video, BTS, Day of recording catering: Lys
(https://www.instagram.com/evolvebylys)
Video edited by: Zack Roundy
https://youtube.com/@Strawbawii?si=t4hDErcrmera-mMX
If we haven't yet, lets connect:
visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial/1 hr 43 min - Renee Hecker: The LEGENDARY “Wing It Mom” Shares Generously on Marriage, Partnership, Parenting, Navigating the Loss of Her Late HusbandWhat an honor to interview the legendary Renee Hecker aka “Wing It Mom” aka One True North Life Coaching…A sweet, inspiring woman, law of attraction life coach, motivational content creator, mother of 12 and widower to her late husband Nathan Hecker.Renee wears many hats in life, but what I am most inspired by is the wise, heart-centered human that she is.She is a well of wisdom, full of resources and tools to support her clients in creating a life that they absolutely adore, experiences ranging across the board from partnership to parenting to home birthing, homesteading and homeschooling + tons of motivational golden nuggets in which she did not hold back on this episodeRenee generously shared about her incredibly unique & loving relationship with her late husband, Nathan. She spoke to the true ins and outs of their very real partnership & how her and Nathan made it through some really bumpy times in their experience together as well as some of their sweet memories as a couple and as parents.In 2020, Nathan was killed a tragic work accident, which left the whole Hecker family to grieve the loss of their sweet, strong and supportive chief. Renee sat down with her family and said, “Lets live our lives to honor him” and that became their motto.We touched on so many topics such asThe law of attraction and how it worked for her and manifesting her relationship with Nathan in the first placeHealthy dynamics of a strong and healthy partnershipLetting go of control & trusting in the full spectrum of lessons that life has to offerHow they made it through some really tough times and stuck togetherHow Renee processed the grief of Nathan’s loss and ‘found love again’ in a whole new wayI left this episode feeling so connected, hopeful and blasted open to the possibilities that this life has to offer understanding the power of gratitude ESPECIALLY when navigating griefYou can connect with Renee and learn more about her coaching by visiting her website:https://onetruenorthllc.com/And on social media via:https://www.instagram.com/onetruenorth_lifecoaching/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063900816560Exciting news: Renee is coming to PHX for a live event + Q&A. Meet and here from her in person by grabbing your ticket at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-true-north-live-with-renee-hecker-tickets-741644507687?aff=oddtdtcreatorIf we haven't yet, lets connect:visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.comhttps://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial/1 hr 39 min
About Words of a Warrior
From the publisher's feed
My name is Candy Wheeler. I'm an artist, writer, poet, mentor & community curator. If you've ever been through a tough time, I just want you to know that you aren't alone. After quite a bit of…
adventuring over the years, I've had the privilege of meeting & learning from some of the most inspiring people. What I've come to realize is that we can receive so much support simply by listening and connecting in conversation with one another & sharing stories. I hope you leave these episodes with wisdom, tools and insights that will help you along your path.