Words of a Warrior Candy Wheeler

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

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 Smilie


YouTube.com/shereene


Instagram.com/shereene.manimala


Tiktok.com/shereene.manimala







If we haven't yet, lets connect: 

visit https://www.candywheelerofficial.com 

https://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/ 

https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial

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.com 

https://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/ 

https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial

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.com 

https://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/ 

https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial

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: curatingcures@gmail.com





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.com 

https://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/ 

https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial

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.com 

https://www.instagram.com/candy_wheeler/ 

https://www.facebook.com/candywheelerofficial