Candy for Breakfast
Candy for Breakfast is a weekly show about turning life's challenges into opportunities and building resilience. Hosts Robin Gargano, a resilience and energy skills coach, and Cliff Terracuso, a former college coach and pro scout, explore how people process setbacks, shift their perspective, and take charge of what they can control. Episodes cover personal triumphs, relationships, sports, wellness, and energy, mixing practical tools with playful banter and a little candy tasting. The podcast is aimed at growth-oriented listeners who want to break free from societal expectations and handle life's sour and sweet moments alike.
Episodes
Ep. 51 - Living from Source ~ Part Two ~The Crowned Heart Identity From Crowned Heart to Fire ~ Energy, Faith, and Living in Motion
In Part Two of this series, we move from identity into motion. Energy doesn’t amplify what you want ~ it amplifies what you are. Without a Crowned Heart identity, energy becomes pressure. With it, energy becomes cooperation.We explore why so many people plateau despite doing everything “right,” the Fire Horse as a symbol of momentum and vitality, and how belief functions as instruction fo
Ep. 50 - Living From Source ~ The Crowned Heart Identity Part One of the From Source to Fire series
This episode is a transmission ~ not about becoming someone new, but remembering who you were before survival, performance, and conditioning took the wheel.In Part One of this two-part series, we explore the Crowned Heart identity ~ a way of living where the heart leads, the mind serves, and the will is surrendered. This episode focuses on identity before energy, safety before expansion,
Ep. 49 - Re-Drop: Why This Leadership Conversation with Nick Hiter Matters More Than Ever
Some episodes age well.Others become more relevant with time.This is one of those conversations.We’re re-dropping our episode with Nick Hiter because the themes he speaks to; self-leadership, responsibility, adaptability, integrity, and parenting with intention, are not just timely… they’re essential right now.In a world full of noise, shortcuts, and surface-level leadership, Nick brings
Ep. 48 - Lunden Souza: Defining Reinvention, Work Outs vs Work Ins, and The Power of Words
Today, Robin & Cliff welcome Lunden Souza ~ worldwide online Life Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and host of Self Love & Sweat THE PODCAST. Lunden is devoted to helping people feel better, lead better, love better, parent better and ultimately live a life that feels aligned, energized and deeply their own.In this heartfelt and deeply resonant conversation, Robin, Cliff and Lunden
Ep. 47 - Most Mindset Work Doesn’t Work ~ Here’s the Science No One Teaches
Most mindset work doesn’t fail because you failed.It fails because we were taught to work on thoughts without understanding the brain, the nervous system, or identity.In this episode, Robin breaks down why affirmations, positive thinking, and motivation often feel good but don’t stick ~ and what neuroscience actually says creates real, lasting change.This conversation is honest, grounding
Ep. 46 - Coaches Corner ~ Do Less More
What if the key to clarity, momentum, and fulfillment isn’t pushing harder ~ but aligning smarter?In this Coach’s Corner episode, we explore the powerful shift between doing more from chaos and doing less with intention. When you create space, you don’t lose momentum ~ you create flow.This conversation is about designing a life that feels congruent, energized, and full by choosing actions
Ep. 45 - The Poison We Keep Pouring ~ Resentment, Energy Leaks & Radical Liberation
Resentment isn’t just an emotion, it’s a biological poison we keep drinking.In this episode, Robin breaks down Nelson Mandela’s iconic quote and reveals how resentment impacts the body, the nervous system, and your ability to grow.Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and still chose forgiveness. His wisdom wasn’t poetic, it was somatic, spiritual, and rooted in identity-level freedom.R
Ep. 44 - Coach’s Corner ~ Behind the Curtain of Elite Baseball
Ever wonder what really happens on the road from high-school standout to elite professional athlete? In this week’s Coach’s Corner, Cliff & Robin pull back the curtain on the hidden world of scouting, agents, player development, and the massive village behind every player chasing the dream.Cliff breaks down the unseen work that goes into building an elite career; the hours scouts spen
Ep. 43 - The Gratitude Afterglow ~ Keeping the Vibe When the Holiday Hype Fades
Thanksgiving might be over, but the energy doesn’t have to be.In this week’s episode, Robin & Cliff explore what happens after the holiday hype when the dopamine dips, the family leaves, and life goes back to normal… but your frequency doesn’t have to.We dive into how to keep gratitude alive, how to make it a daily energetic practice, and how to navigate the shadow side of gratitude f
Ep. 42 - The Two Things Every Great Leader Gets Right
True leadership isn’t about the title you hold ~ it’s about the responsibility you choose. In this episode, Robin breaks down what makes a leader genuinely effective, whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or an Everyday Champ elevating your life.We explore the leadership styles that show up both on and off the field, and why adaptability is the hallmark of every great leader. Robin dives de
Ep. 41 - “Snitches Get Stitches" ~ The Most Backward Phrase We Live By
“Snitches get stitches.” It’s one of those phrases we’ve all heard ~ catchy, tough, and completely backwards. In this episode, Robin and Cliff pull back the layers on why this phrase still carries weight in our culture and what it’s really teaching us about fear, silence, and misplaced loyalty.Why do we glorify rebellion but punish integrity? Why do we call truth-tellers “troublemakers” w
Ep. 40 - Community Is the New Currency ~ Why Connection Outranks Hustle
This week, we dive into something every human craves yet often overlooks community. Whether it’s a softball dugout, parents groups, a gym class, or an online wellness tribe, connection is the heartbeat of resilience.Robin and Cliff share their first-hand experience attending the NABA (Natural Art of Being Alive) event in Denver ~ a wellness community built on authenticity, energy, and ful
Ep. 39 - The Resilient Lessons From a Life Rebuilt ~ Carmen Johnson’s Story of Life, Legacy & the Power of Community
Some stories don’t just inspire ~ they unfold like a movie that reminds you of your own.In this cinematic-style episode, we sit down with Carmen Johnson, a powerhouse executive, strategic advisor, and advocate for women’s empowerment who dives into her developmental years and how she turned a life that could have gone one way into something extraordinary.Through the scenes of her life, we
Ep. 38 - The Power of Daily Rituals ~ Small Habits, Big Resilience
Everyday rituals aren’t just routines — they’re anchors for your nervous system, your mindset, and your soul. In this episode, Robin dives into how simple, intentional acts woven throughout your day can completely shift your energy, mindset, and emotional resilience. 💫You’ll hear how the smallest choices — from morning gratitude to daily connection — create powerful ripple effects in how
Ep. 37 - The Resilience Remix ~ What Pop Culture Got Wrong
Rocky taught us to fight harder. Elsa told us to “let it go.” Bill Murray showed us the same day over and over again until he got it right.But what if Hollywood got resilience half right ~ and the rest of the story is what truly matters?In this episode, Robin and Cliff break down the truth behind the movie moments that shaped how we think about strength, perseverance, and emotional recove
Ep. 36 - The Things The World Never Told You
No one tells you that doing everything “right” doesn’t always lead to the outcome you wanted. No one warns you that being good won’t stop people from misunderstanding you. And no one explains that resilience isn’t learned through winning — it’s earned through the quiet moments when you decide to keep showing up anyway.In this episode, Robin and Cliff unwrap the real lessons life forgot to
Ep. 35 - When Energy Becomes the MVP
What wins games isn’t always talent or stats ~ it’s chemistry. The invisible glue that bonds teammates, lifts energy when pressure hits, and fuels resilience when the scoreboard doesn’t go your way.In this episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff break down the real MVP of sports and life: team chemistry. From the dugout to the boardroom, from everyday champs to elite athletes, we
Ep. 34 - Lost in Translation: When Words Win and When They Wreck Your Team
This week we are coming at you with the first ever Coach’s Corner with Cliffy T! Cliff takes the lead alongside co-host Robin as they dig into one of the biggest game-changers in sports and leadership: communication.Together, they unpack how different coaching styles impact players, teams, and recruitment ~ and whether your communication style is lifting athletes up or quietly holding the
Ep. 33 - Unity Through Debate: The Resilient Road Back to Civil Discourse
Welcome back to Candy for Breakfast ~ the sweet, the sour, and everything in between that makes life real.In today’s episode, we tackle one of the hardest realities of our world right now: opposition has turned toxic. Disagreement has become dangerous. Too often, instead of finding unity through debate, we default to hate and even violence.💡 But here’s the truth: opposition is not the ene
Ep. 32 - No Blame, Just Bravery: The Truth About Compassionate Leadership
The world needs some leadership right now and for the next two weeks we are reminding society why compassionate leadership is necessary. In a world where voices are loud and opinions are many, true leadership stands out not because of power, but because of presence.In this episode, we dive into the heart of leadership ~ exploring different leadership styles and unpacking why communication
Ep. 31 - Grief, Growth & Getting Real in Your 20s
Welcome back to Candy for Breakfast ~ where we talk about the sweet, the sour, and everything in between that makes life real.This week, I’m joined by sisters Rachel & Adriana Gioeni. In 2019, they lost their mom ~ and that loss flipped life upside down. They were thrown into adulthood carrying grief, identity shifts, and the pressure to figure out who they were becoming.But here’s th
Ep. 30 - Bend So You Don’t Break: The Secret Skill No One’s Training
What if every obstacle in your life wasn’t an opponent, but a training partner? In this solo episode, Robin dives deep into adaptability—the hidden edge that helps athletes and everyday champions thrive no matter what life throws their way.From the dugout to the boardroom, from parenting chaos to game-day pressure, adaptability is the difference between staying stuck and moving forward w
Ep. 29 - Lead Hard or Go Home: Unfiltered Lessons from Nick Hiter on Podcasts, Power, and Parenting
In this episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff sit down with the influential Nick Hiter—leader, social media strategist, podcaster, and father—to explore the multifaceted world of leadership and growth. From building The Hitlab podcast brand, to navigating the realities of parenting teens in a digital age, Nick shares insights that challenge conventional thinking and offer practi
Ep. 28 - The Heart Knows Before the Teeth: Leading with Compassion as a Resilient Power Move
In this episode, Robin and Cliff unpack what it really means to lead with compassion—not as a soft or “feel-good” idea, but as a bold, resilient leadership strategy grounded in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and even a wild thought experiment featuring a dinosaur. Together, they explore the radical truth that grace is power, and compassion is not the weaker option—it’s the smartest
Ep. 27 - Unmasking Self-Sabotage: Why You’re Holding Yourself Back
In this episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff explore a challenge that affects athletes, professionals, and everyday people alike—self-sabotage. Whether it’s choking under pressure, avoiding your goals, or feeling stuck in life, self-sabotage can quietly block you from reaching your full potential.Robin unpacks what self-sabotage is, the fears that fuel it, and how to shift your
Ep. 26 - Why Your Calm Is Their Confidence: Breaking the Anxiety Cycle at Home
In this eye-opening and compassionate episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff unpack the growing anxiety epidemic among children—and trace its roots to something most parents overlook: our own stress. From biological co-regulation to emotional inheritance, they explore how adult dysregulation silently teaches kids how to respond to the world.This isn’t about blame. It’s about recl
Ep. 25 - From Sidelines to Boardrooms: Why Women in Sports Are Game-Changing Leaders
In this powerful episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff unpack how the rise of women in sports is not just changing the game on the field, but also reshaping leadership in boardrooms, businesses, and beyond. From groundbreaking athletes breaking barriers to the explosive growth of women’s sports leagues, this conversation dives into the cultural, psychological, and economic shift
Ep. 24 - Who Made the Rules? Rewriting the Invisible Playbook
In this permission-giving episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff unpack the invisible rulebooks we live by—and why it’s time to question them. From cultural conditioning to psychological patterns, they explore how rules we never consciously agreed to can lead to burnout, shame, and chronic self-criticism.If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so easy to give others grace but so hard to
Ep. 23 - When Positivity Hurts: The Truth About Spiritual Bypassing in Wellness Culture
If you’ve ever been told to “just be positive,” this episode is for you. Share it with someone who might be holding it all together instead of giving themselves permission to break through.In this episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff take a bold look at one of the most overlooked issues in the wellness world: spiritual bypassing. From toxic positivity to manifestation myths, th
Ep. 22 - Why Teens Stop Listening: Understanding Disrespect, Identity, and How Parents Can Build Resilience Too
New Episode: “It’s Not Disrespect—It’s Development” Candy for Breakfast Podcast | Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff TerracusoIn this deeply validating episode, we unpack what’s really happening when teens challenge, dismiss, or distance themselves from their parents. It’s not always disrespect—it’s development.Robin and Cliff explore how adolescent brain chemistry, identity formation, a
Ep. 21 - The Wisdom We Left on the Playground
The Forgotten Superpower – Why Play MattersPlay isn’t just for kids—it’s a biological and leadership necessity. In this eye-opening episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff uncover how play fuels emotional health, innovation, and performance in every area of life.🧠 Featuring insights from Dr. Stuart Brown, the NASA creativity study, and the chilling case of Charles Whitman, this ep
Ep. 20 - Emotional Hangover: The Invisible Weight You Didn’t Ask to Carry
🎙 New Episode: Emotional Hangovers – What They Are & How to HealEver get stuck in a loop replaying one hard conversation, piece of feedback, or moment of conflict? That lingering tension? That’s an emotional hangover—and it’s more science than weakness.In this powerful episode of Candy for Breakfast, Robin and Cliff unpack what happens in your brain and body when emotions overstay the
Ep. 19 - Old School vs. New School Coaching: The 5 Hidden Problems Holding Athletes Back
🎙️ In this no-fluff episode, Robin and Cliff dig into the outdated coaching styles still echoing through locker rooms, gyms, and dugouts — and what needs to change to build stronger, more resilient athletes today.From the myth of “mental toughness” to the failure to teach recovery and emotional literacy, we unpack the 5 hidden problems silently sabotaging athletic growth — and offer scien
Ep. 18 - Soft Productivity: Part 2 – Hormones, Rhythms, and the Power of Working With Your Body
🎙️ In this follow-up to our popular Soft Productivity episode, we go even deeper—into the biological rhythms that shape our energy, creativity, and capacity to lead with resilience.This episode explores how to align your work, rest, and routines with your hormonal cycles—whether that’s the 28-day rhythm of the menstrual cycle or the 24-hour testosterone cycle experienced by men. We break
Ep. 17 - Soft Productivity: How to Get More Done by Doing Less (Intentionally)
🎙️ We’re throwing hustle culture a curveball in this week’s episode of Candy for Breakfast. Instead of pushing harder, we’re asking:What if softness is the most powerful productivity tool we’ve ignored?Robin is solo today breaking down the Core Principles of Soft Productivity—a human-centered approach to getting things done that honors your energy, intuition, and natural rhythm. Whether y
Ep. 16 - Stronger Together: How Friendship Builds Mental Resilience
🎙️ In this heart-opening episode of Candy for Breakfast, we explore one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools for mental well-being: friendship. Beyond the laughs, group chats, and memories, friendships offer something deeper: a foundation for resilience, emotional stability, and true connection in a chaotic world.Hosts Robin and Cliff dive into the science and soul of friendshi
Ep. 15 - Even the Strongest Struggle: How the Power of Vulnerability Protects Mental Health
🎙️ In this powerful episode of Candy for Breakfast, we explore the idea that vulnerability isn’t a flaw—it’s fuel. Athletes are often praised for their grit, but it’s their honesty, their breakdowns, and their willingness to ask for help that truly make them strong.We tell real stories of elite athletes—Simone Biles, Kevin Love, Michael Phelps—who changed the game not by winning, but by b
Ep. 14 - The Hidden Opponent: Social Media vs Mental Health
📱 We’re in full swing for Mental Health Awareness Month, and on this episode of Candy for Breakfast, we dive deep into a conversation everyone needs to have: how social media affects our mental health, our sleep, and our sense of self.From endless scrolling and comparison burnout to dopamine hits and digital detoxes, this episode unpacks the hidden costs of our digital habits—and how to t
Ep. 13 - Mind Over Mayhem: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and on this episode of Candy for Breakfast, we’re honoring the essential human right to mental stability, emotional clarity, and holistic well-being.Join hosts, Robin & Cliff, as they dive into the deeper purpose of this month—not just as a time for reflection, but as a movement to break stigma, build support, and elevate the conversation around m
Ep. 12 - Know Thyself: Hacking Your Inner Operating System
Ever feel like you’re speaking a different language than the people around you? Like no matter how clearly you express yourself, something’s getting lost in translation?This week on Candy for Breakfast, we’re diving deep into what it means to truly know yourself—by understanding your personal operating system.What’s an Operating System, Anyway? We all run on internal programming—thoughts,
Ep. 11 - What Being a Stepparent Should Look Like (Spoiler: It Might Not Be What You Think)
Stepparenting can be a beautiful, messy, and deeply rewarding experience—but it’s rarely what you imagined it would be.In this episode, we dive into the complexities of being a stepparent in a two-household dynamic and why flexibility, patience, and communication are more important than any preconceived idea of what it “should” look like.Whether you’re new to this role or have been naviga
Ep. 10 - From Concession Stands to Conscious Leadership: Austin Tice, CEO & Founder, on Building a Wellness Empire
What does it take to go from slinging fountain drinks at a Little League concession stand to leading a cutting-edge wellness community?In this inspiring episode of Candy for Breakfast, we sit down with Austin Tice, founder and CEO of Naba—a new-age wellness platform dedicated to full mind, body, and spirit integration. Austin’s journey is anything but conventional. From his early hustle d
Ep. 09 - Grief: The Sweet, The Sour, and the Space In Between
Grief isn’t just about loss—it’s about love, transformation, and learning to hold both the pain and the beauty of what we’ve experienced. In today’s episode of Candy for Breakfast, hosts Robin Gargano and Cliff Terracuso take a raw and real look at the many faces of grief. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or letting go of a version of yourself, grief has n
Ep. 08 - Shifting Mindset: The Art of Embracing Change
Change can be intimidating, but it’s also the gateway to growth and new possibilities. In this episode, we dive into the psychology behind why we resist change and how to break free from the comfort of routines.Whether you’re looking to build better habits, make a life change, or simply become more adaptable, this episode offers practical steps to make change stick.What You’ll Learn in Th
Ep. 07 -The Vibe Effect: Understanding Energy, Frequency & the Flow of Life
This podcast dives into the unseen forces that shape our world and our bodies—how energy and frequency influence everything from emotions to physical health to the way we interact with others. We discuss the science of frequencies, energy healing, the mind-body connection, and how tuning into the right frequencies can enhance your well-being and daily life. Ever wonder why self-talk actua
Ep. 06 - The Equity of Marriage
What is equity in relationships? In this episode, we delve into practical strategies for couples to assess their own dynamics and foster a more equitable partnership. From dividing household chores to managing love languages and emotional labor, we highlight the importance of open communication and mutual respect. We discuss tools for couples to engage in productive conversations about th
Ep. 05 - Controlling the Controllable's
Chaos, challenge, and obstacles are all a part of life, but how are we going to decide to survive and thrive? Discover how to shift your mindset from one of fear and resistance to one of acceptance and resilience. We’ll explore practical strategies for reframing your thoughts and finding the silver linings in difficult situations. You’ll learn about the power of mindfulness, the importanc
Ep. 04 - Build Your Brand - Liana Zavo
This episode shares the triumphant story behind a Russian immigrant challenging cultural lines and building a life of limitless potential by our very first, impactful guest. You will be inspired to hear her story, how she found her voice, and how she helps others cultivate their own. Learn tactics to grow your own empire from this college dropout turned multimillion-dollar international b
Ep. 03 - Fearful of Fear
We are diving into fear this week on the show. Where does it come from and how can we remove fear in order to succeed beyond limitation? We talk the method behind mental skills in order to cultivate an opportunistic life. We break down societal judgment, why we view ourselves through a perfectionism lens, and two forms of failure that will stop people from ever taking action. We discuss s
Ep. 02 - Bashing Boundaries
The personal lines of boundaries can be challenged by the outside world. Robin and Cliff dive into stories of when their boundaries have been revoked by those whom they trusted and the best ways to get back on track when aligning with your steadfast non-negotiables. Stories are shared of Tony Dungy and Jerry Jones and ow they provided inspiration to both hosts to lean into their convictio
Ep. 01 - The Beauty in Tragedy
This very first episode of Candy for Breakfast dives into who your hosts are and core goal of this podcast, resilience. It’s story time with your hosts and married couple, Cliff Terracuso and Robin Gargano. You’ll hear how harnessing resilience was and is the catalyst to living freely in this moment in time, their passions, hardships and the love they have for life…even when it’s sour. R
Welcome to Candy for Breakfast!
What if you could turn life's challenges into opportunities? How do we build resilience and thrive even when life feels stuck against us? Life can be sour, but it can also be sweet. It's all about how you handle it. Candy for Breakfast dives into the art of resilience, how we process life's challenges, shift our perspective, and create opportunities no matter the circumstances. I'm your h
