Episodes
Original Air Date: September 4, 2023 This week Kayla is joined by Recovery Coach, Troy Brown who shares how his life changed forever after he was hit by a drunk driver. Troy opens up about his long road to recovery, how his family and friends impacted his mental health, and his fears about eventually explaining the accident to his newborn daughter. He also expresses why helping others is beneficial to helping yourself. Follow Troy Brown Troy's Instagram: instagram.com/troy_.brownRecovery...
Published 01/01/24
Original Air Date: July 10th, 2023 Kayla is joined by her dear friend, actor, and former co-star of “The Vampire Diaries”, Claire Holt, to discuss the challenging yet wonderful worlds of parenthood, voice acting, and failure before success. She may deny it but we think she really has got a lot, if not all, figured out.  Follow Claire Claire’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireholtCheck out “The Corner”: https://thecornerbyclaire.com/ Follow Us: Instagram:...
Published 12/25/23
Kayla is joined by actor, writer, and director Nadine Crocker to talk about her transformative step into film directing, the hardships of production, and trusting that our journeys take us exactly where we need to go.   If you are in need of help, know that it’s available and you’re not alone. For those in the US, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Follow Nadine Instagram:...
Published 12/18/23
Kayla is joined by her husband and Canadian-born actor and model, Tanner Novlan, who currently stars in the soap BOLD & BEAUTIFUL as Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan. You may also recognize him as “Struggling Actor” from the Liberty Mutual commercials. Well, speaking of struggle - Kayla and Tanner get real about their personal holidays as a family. Of course, they absolutely love the holidays and the special traditions they’ve created as a family but it can certainly come with its own stresses as...
Published 12/11/23
Kayla is joined by author and founder of ROAR AFRICA, Deborah Calmeyer, to discuss her deep passion for wildlife conservation and education. Having grown up in Zimbabwe, Deborah has always had an intimate relationship with nature and the magical peace it can bring oneself by simply standing in awe of it. Her team of guides and specialists have a mission to welcome people from all over the world to their immersive safari experiences that are respectful to the animals and life within the land....
Published 12/04/23
Kayla is joined by designer and entrepreneur Jesa Joy to discuss their exciting (and SO comfy) merch collaboration. Jesa not only is a talented designer but she also comes in with some thoughtful wisdom regarding body neutrality and inclusivity, especially within fandoms. So let’s continue to choose joy and celebrate this community together. Make sure to check the bio on the Directionally Challenged Instagram to find the link to their amazing collab.  Follow Jesa Jesa’s Instagram:...
Published 11/27/23
Kayla is joined by Hannah Brown, former Bachelorette and now happily engaged author, to talk about her inspiring journey of questioning her options in life, processing her trauma and stress, and how her real romance inspired her debut novel MISTAKES WE NEVER MADE. From winning pageants to dating on television for the whole world to see, Hannah is ready to show her true authentic self in not just this conversation but in her work.  Follow Hannah Hannah’s Instagram:...
Published 11/20/23
Kayla is joined by author and workplace culture & inequality expert, Dr. Michelle P. King, to discuss the value of self-awareness in the modern workplace. In becoming more self-aware of our impact on others, we can have a better understanding of what our co-workers (especially our bosses) want from us and gain the ability to build up our informal networks in order to get ahead in a meaningful way. Rather than squirming at the idea of schmoozing in office politics, Dr. Michelle P. King...
Published 11/13/23
Kayla is joined by fellow actor and mom, Tiffani Thiessen, to chat about parenting qualms such as when  to give your child a cell phone or how to prepare for the teenage years. After reflecting on her own upbringing, Tiffani was inspired to create her cookbook “Here We Go Again” which teaches us how to make the most of leftovers whether to help the planet or even for purely cost saving reasons. Or both!  Follow Tiffani Tiffani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanithiessenCheck out...
Published 11/06/23
Kayla is joined by theater director and podcast producer Jenna Burnett to discuss their shared love of true crime stories. But how do we approach telling these stories involving very real people ethically and as honest to their own truths as possible? These are the waters Jenna has navigated producing her show “Under Cover of Night '' which uncovers the real mystery surrounding the death of a British expat woman living in Athens, Texas during the 80s and 90s. Follow Jenna Jenna’s Instagram:...
Published 10/30/23
Kayla is joined by journalist, finance expert, and author Carmen Rita Wong to talk about her extremely personal memoir in which she unpacks the complicated relationship with her parents and own identity. It wasn’t until after her mother’s death that Carmen learned the truth of her biological father and to the extent in which her parents went to feed the lie. She reflects on how her mother’s mistakes impact her own intentional parenting and how to understand parents as the individual humans...
Published 10/23/23
Kayla is joined by chef and restaurateur Jeremy Fall, who found incredible success in the food industry at an impressively young age. Although many have assumed he came from means to achieve so much so early on, Jeremy had humble beginnings being born and raised by Skid Row in Los Angeles. He shares his personal journey in the business - the ups and downs (and when things were down, they were really down) - and how finally addressing his anxiety with therapy and medication helped him find...
Published 10/16/23
Kayla is joined by Dr. Lyndsey Harper, a professor and board certified Ob/Gyn, to discuss the lack of conversation surrounding women’s sexual health. All too often research and studies overlook women’s sexuality if it is not tied to reproduction or potential risks such as cancer. Dr. Lyndsey Harper hopes to encourage everyone to be more transparent and honest with their concerns regarding sensuality, libido, and desire. So much so that she created the app ROSY as a sexual wellness resource...
Published 10/09/23
Kayla is joined by Alicia Roth Weigel, an author and activist.. As an intersex person herself, Alicia hopes to dispel myths and normalize conversations about what it means to identify as such. She also shares her own healing journey after having surgery forced upon her without consent as an infant due to ill-informed ideas regarding intersex bodies. Their community hopes that rather than problematic and invasive surgeries, the rest of the world can simply embrace their existence as they...
Published 10/02/23
Kayla is joined by writer, director, and actress Michelle C. Bonilla to explain in depth the reasons why SAG-AFTRA actors are striking, the conditions that led to this, and the brighter future these creatives are hoping to build with their demands. She has been tirelessly present on the picket line as a strike captain to advocate for not just herself but her fellow actors. After months of no work, the resolve of the actors along with their WGA counterparts remains strong but can always use...
Published 09/25/23
Kayla is joined by talented writers and dear friends, Danny Tolli and Melisa D. Monts, to explain the why and how of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike.Who are the writers striking against exactly? What has it been like firsthand on the picket lines? Is AI taking over and what are the implications for the future of Hollywood? They go on to discuss how this strike has impacted not just their financial well-being but their emotional and mental health also. The very creatives behind your...
Published 09/18/23
Kayla is joined by business owner and advocate, Taylor Davis, about what finally made her decide to pivot careers from entertainment to candle making. As many can relate, Taylor found herself at a loss during the pandemic and she often sought refuge in self-care such as burning her favorite scents. It was at this point a mentor at her favorite candle store pushed her to start her own venture. In just three years, her candle brand CLR can now be found in select Nordstroms across the country....
Published 09/11/23
This week Kayla is joined by Recovery Coach, Troy Brown who shares how his life changed forever after he was hit by a drunk driver. Troy opens up about his long road to recovery, how his family and friends impacted his mental health, and his fears about eventually explaining the accident to his newborn daughter. He also expresses why helping others is beneficial to helping yourself. Follow Troy Brown Troy's Instagram: instagram.com/troy_.brownRecovery Coach Website:...
Published 09/04/23
Kayla is joined by author and reporter, Susan Burton, to discuss her latest podcast “The Retrievals” from Serial Productions and the New York Times. As an alumna of Yale University, this story hit close to home for Susan as she uncovered the disturbing accounts of hundreds of women going to infertility treatment at the university’s fertility clinic. So how did exactly one nurse with an addiction problem get away with swapping out these womens’ fentanyl with saline? And what were the...
Published 08/28/23
Kayla is joined by psychic medium and astrologer, Steffi Hill a.k.a the Spirit Sis, to receive a psychic reading. Not only do they chat about how Steffi came into her abilities but she breaks down how the terms and tools surrounding her work.Things then get personal as they dive into Kayla’s astrocartography map  trip to Thailand, anyone?) and her own core intuition. Follow Steffi Steffi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spirit_sis/Check out Steffi’s podcast PSYCHIC SCOOP...
Published 08/21/23
Kayla is joined by her dear friend Jenna Ushkowitz, to swap stories on their pregnancies, how life is different with a baby on the way, and validating both the joys and hurdles of pregnancy.  Follow Jenna  Jenna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennaushkowitzFollow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/candicekayla/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/CandiceKayla Website: www.candicekayla.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published 08/14/23
Original Airdate: January 16, 2023 Kayla is joined by inspirational community leader, Anthony ‘Cool Ant’ Williams, who founded the non-profit Neighborhood Hero. Neighborhood Hero’s mission is to make neglected areas healthier spaces for its inhabitants. They discuss how his group of runners came about and the inspirational people around him growing up helped mold the hero he is now today.  Follow Anthony Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_antCheck out Neighborhood Hero:...
Published 08/07/23
Original Airdate: March 6th 2023 Kayla is joined by author Ruby Warrington to discuss the complex decision to not be a mother and explore the social circumstances that pressure female bodies to procreate. She also covers the long history of misogyny that bestows cruel judgment on women who cannot bear children simply due to biology or financial circumstances. A topic close to her heart, she encourages mothers and non-mothers alike to be involved in the conversation.  Follow Ruby   Check out...
Published 07/31/23
Original Air Date: 4/25/2022 Kayla is joined by iconic actor, father, and now author, Josh Peck to talk about his new book “Happy People are Annoying” where he shares his journey with sobriety, weight-loss, and taking life advice from the ever-so wise Sir Ben Kingsley.  Follow Josh  Josh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuapeck/Check Out Josh’s Book: https://premierecollectibles.com/annoyingFollow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/candicekayla/ Twitter:...
Published 07/24/23
Kayla is joined by dear friend and author, Lauren McKinley, who bares her truth regarding the affair that broke up her marriage. Left with a one year-old daughter and so many broken vows, Lauren shares how she navigated not just the logistical but also emotional work to come out the other side stronger.  Follow Lauren Lauren’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcmckinleyCheck out Lauren’s book “STOP WRECKING MY HOME”: https://www.hersoulrepair.com/book Follow Us: Instagram:...
Published 07/17/23