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 spend evaluating makeup, the coaches fine-tuning mechanics and mindset, the front office strategizing long-term development, and the teammates who influence your rise more than you realize.Robin brings in the mental skills lens ~ how identity, pressure, joy, and resilience shape an athlete’s ability to thrive without losing their love for the game.A must-listen for parents entering the recruiting world, athletes with professional aspirations, and anyone curious about what “making it” truly requires.✨ What We CoverHow the journey actually begins at the amateur levelWhat agents really do, and when they belong in the pictureHow scouts evaluate talent, makeup, and family influenceWhy the signing bonus is NOT your worth, just your key card inThe coaching layers that surround one elite athleteHow teammates accelerate or stall developmentThe mindset trap: “working baseball” vs. “playing baseball”Why joy, resilience & adaptability determine long-term success💛 Big Takeaways⭐ No one makes it alone — it takes an entire ecosystem.⭐ Your signing bonus is the beginning, not the summit.⭐ Training partners shape your trajectory more than talent alone.⭐ Mindset is the long-game advantage.⭐ Keeping the “play” in the game protects performance and resilience.🎧 Listen & Connect🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map💞 NABA – Our Wellness Communitywww.naba.com/robin📚 The Beauty Within Tragedyhttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 for anyone moving through grief, loss, or the “first holidays” without someone they love.This episode blends neuroscience, energy work, humor, compassion, and soul-level truth ~ pure Candy for Breakfast style.✨ What We Cover*Why your mood dips after Thanksgiving (and why it’s normal)*The “Gratitude Afterglow” and how to keep it activated*Gratitude as a frequency, not a feeling*Fun, playful gratitude practices you can use all month*How to find gratitude when you’re grieving or experiencing a shadow anniversary*Gentle questions for those navigating first holidays without someone*Journal prompts to help carry this frequency into the next holiday*A 7-day Gratitude Afterglow Challenge to reset your emotional baseline💛 Big Takeaways*Gratitude is a nervous-system calibration, not a holiday event.*You don’t need the hype of Thanksgiving to stay connected to the frequency.*Grief and gratitude can absolutely coexist.*Micro-gratitude counts — often more than the big moments.*Your afterglow is a gift you broadcast into the world.📝 Journal Prompts From the EpisodeWhat part of me felt most alive this Thanksgiving?Where did gratitude surprise me?What memory brings me comfort instead of ache?What am I grateful for that hasn’t happened yet?How do I want gratitude to shape the next month of my life?🎁 7-Day Afterglow ChallengeMorning: speak 1 gratitudeMidday: savor 1 “Candy Hit” momentNight: write 1 future gratitude21 micro-gratitudes → your entire emotional frequency shifts.🎧 Listen & Connect🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map💞 NABA – Our Wellness Communitywww.naba.com/robin📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Giftshttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 deep into the two core pillars of influence ~ communication and compassion ~ and how these create trust, loyalty, and psychological safety within any team or relationship.You’ll learn why asking the right questions matters more than having all the answers, how empathy turns mistakes into opportunities, and why constructive criticism only works when it’s specific, welcomed, and delivered with intention.Big Takeaways:✨ Leadership means taking care of those in your charge, not standing above them💬 Communication + Compassion = Connection📈 Every mess-up is a level-up when you choose growth over egoThis week, reflect on one simple question:“Am I leading with my voice… or with my heart?”🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 linktr.ee/l4map💞 NABA – Our Wellness Community    www.naba.com/robin📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Gifts👉 amzn.to/4o6XKp6

“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” while giving power to the ones doing wrong? Together, they unpack the psychology behind ourfascination with rule-breakers, the neuroscience of why speaking up feels dangerous, and how we can rewire our brains to make honesty the new rebellion.You’re not snitching ~ you’re setting a standard. The new code? Snitches set standards. Did you know the amygdala lights up more during social rejection than physical pain? That’s why telling the truth feels risky ~ but it’s also what makes it revolutionary.Through raw conversation, brain-based insights, and a few good laughs, this episode reminds us that silence isn’t strength ~ it’s surrender. Real courage is holding your standards even when no one claps for you.“Snitches don’t get stitches. Truth-tellers get freedom.”🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 linktr.ee/l4map💞 NABA – Our Wellness Community    www.naba.com/robin📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Gifts👉 amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 full-body alignment. From Dr. Christopher Shade’s groundbreaking Quicksilver Scientific detox system to the collective energy of people rooted in genuine purpose, this episode reveals how belonging and biology work hand in hand to heal us from the inside out.🧠 What You’ll Learn:🌿 How community regulates your nervous system and rewires your brain for safety and empathy.💛 Why emotional regulation and mirror neurons make connection a biological need, not just a social desire.⚡ The difference between “standing alone” and “standing together in power.”💬 Insights into the NABA wellness platform ~ where functional medicine meets authentic connection.🔥 How Quicksilver Scientific’s nanoparticle technology and all-natural detox protocols help your body realign and optimize.🧘🏽‍♀️ What happens when wellness stops being “woo-woo” and becomes your greatest leadership tool.⚗️ Spotlight: Dr. Christopher Shade & Quicksilver ScientificLeading the innovation in integrative wellness, Dr. Christopher Shade, founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific, pioneered the use of nanoparticle technology in the nutraceutical industry. His mission is simple yet profound:To help people reclaim and achieve their brightest state of being.Understanding that bioavailability ~ the body’s ability to actually absorb nutrients is the #1 key to true wellness, Quicksilver Scientific became the first supplement company to unlock pharmaceutical-level nanoparticle delivery for nutraceuticals. This advancement allows supplements to reach the bloodstream faster and more effectively, bringing real results to detox, cognition, and vitality protocols.💬 Quote of the Episode“Community is the heartbeat of resilience ~ the pulse that ripples into the world and keeps us all alive.” 💓🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Giftshttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 witness what happens when the script flips unexpectedly ~ from early loss and diagnosis to the strength found in community and purpose. This isn’t just a conversation about breast cancer ~ it’s about transformation, resilience, and the courage to keep rewriting the story even when life doesn’t go as planned.You’re invited to sit in the metaphorical theater with us, to watch real life unfold, and to ask yourself:If this were your story playing on the screen ~ how would you react?✨ Inside This Episode🎞️ How Carmen’s early choices shaped the foundation for her resilience later in life💔 The moment her life shifted from caregiver to patient overnight🌿 What it means to find grace and gratitude in the middle of grief💗 How humor, community, and purpose became her medicine🌅 Why Carmen believes legacy is about how you live now, not just what you leave behind💭 Listener Reflections~ What scene of your life are you currently living, and what lesson is it revealing?~ How can you let others help direct the story when your energy runs low?~ What does legacy mean to you today ~ and how are you living it right now?💕 Loving LinksCarmen continues to champion organizations that empower, educate, and uplift women through every phase of their journey. She’s living proof that advocacy doesn’t end when treatment does ~ it evolves into legacy.🌸 iRise Above Foundation ~ Supporting young women facing breast cancerCarmen and others sponsored and donated toward the publishing costs of Rising Above: Our Transformational Journey to Wholeness After Breast Cancer for the foundation’s benefit.🔗https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/📚 Rising Above: Our Transformational Journey to Wholeness After Breast CancerBy Gillian Lichota | ISBN: 9781958472231An anthology that amplifies voices of resilience and healing, supporting the iRise Above Foundation.🔗 https://www.iriseabovefoundation.org/🏡 Carolina Breast Friends ~ The Pink HouseProviding comfort, community, prosthetic fittings, and education for women in treatment and recovery.Carmen proudly serves on the Board and plans to chair the Technology Board in 2026.🔗 https://www.carolinabreastfriends.org/🌿 TumbleweedAgentic AI for End-of-Life Planning, Legacy, and 24/7 Caregiver Support.Carmen supports this tech startup to help others prepare with clarity and compassion.🔗 https://tumbleweedplan.com/🎙 Sandwiched PodcastStories and support for the Sandwich Generation and caregivers ~ reminding us we’re never truly alone in caregiving.🔗 https://tumbleweedplan.com/sandwichedhttps://tumbleweedplan.com/sandwiched🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Giftshttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 you show up, how you feel, and how you lead yourself.✨ In this episode, we explore:How consistency and connection are the foundation of mental and emotional strength 🌿Why micro-rituals rewire your brain toward gratitude, calm, and confidence 🧠The science of how simple, repeated actions build a bendable, resilient mind 💪Because resilience isn’t built in grand gestures ~ it’s created in the quiet consistency of how you breathe,🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Giftshttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 recovery. From Rocky’s snow-soaked grit to Elsa’s lonely independence, they unpack what those stories got right ~ and what they forgot to show: the quiet, messy, unseen work of building real resilience.💬 Robin shares how these cinematic lessons reflect our own lives ~ where transformation doesn’t happen in the highlight reel, but in the pauses between takes. Cliff connects it back to sports and coaching ~ where mental toughness isn’t found in the game-winning play, but in the practice you show up for when no one’s watching.💡 In this episode you’ll learn:~ Why grit is overrated without emotional recovery~ How isolation is often mistaken for freedom~ Why repetition is one of resilience’s greatest teachers~ How trust (not belief) helps you fly when the feather falls away~ The truth about what actually builds a resilient mind and heart🪞 Favorite Quotes from the Episode:“It’s not the montage that makes you ~ it’s the mornings.”“You can’t ‘let it go’ until you’ve let others in.”“If it keeps repeating, maybe it’s not punishment ~ it’s practice.”🎬 Movies discussed: Rocky IV, Frozen, Groundhog Day, and Dumbo (for the ones who still believe in the feather 😉).🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Giftshttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 mention — the invisible curriculum of adulthood, compassion, and authenticity. From misunderstood intentions to redefining success beyond validation, this conversation gets honest about what it means to be good in a world that doesn’t always see good clearly.Robin opens up about one of her deepest realizations:“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that I would be viewed as bad, even though I am good.”Together, Robin and Cliff explore how to stand grounded in your integrity, even when perception doesn’t match your truth — and why the most important lessons are the ones we live, not the ones we’re taught.💡 In this episode you’ll learn:Why being misunderstood can actually be a sign of alignmentHow resilience grows in the gap between perception and truthThe power of rewriting life’s “unspoken rules”How to find peace when others misread your intentionsWhy silence and struggle can be the world’s most profound teachers🪞 Favorite Quote from the Episode:“Resilience is trusting your integrity when your reflection in someone else’s lens looks distorted.”🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📩 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 https://linktr.ee/l4map📚 Robin’s Book:The Beauty Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief Into Giftshttps://amzn.to/4o6XKp6

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 explore how energy frequency, mindset, and mental skills shape the way teams rise together or crumble apart.You’ll learn:✨ Why team chemistry = energy frequency (and how to know what frequency you’re playing on)✨ Mental skills that build chemistry: awareness, reframing, self-talk upgrades, resilience✨ Everyday stories of athletes and champs who reset the vibe with one choice✨ How micro-moments create trust, alignment, and contagious energy✨ Practical takeaways ~ from energy audits to reset rituals ~ you can use with your team, your family, or yourselfWhether you’re leading a team, parenting a champ, or trying to show up with more intentional energy in daily life, this conversation will leave you with tools to shift the frequency and elevate the chemistry.Because chemistry isn’t luck ~ it’s built. And the higher the frequency, the stronger the team.🔗 Connect & Share💡 What’s your best team chemistry story? Share it with us on IG using #CandyForBreakfast + #ResilientAF.🃏 Want weekly resilience tools? Check out our Resilient AF card game and Substack newsletter for everyday champs and athletes.✨ Connect with Robin & Cliff:🌐 www.L4Livin.com📧 Robin@L4Livin.com📸 IG @candyforbreakfastpodcast🔗 linktr.ee/l4map📖 Robin’s Book:The BEAUTY Within Tragedy: How a Resilient Soul Can Turn Grief into Gifts

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 them back.They explore:•        🗣️ Coaching communication styles ~ are you using yours effectively or mismanaging it?•        🤝 Supporting each athlete’s individuality while building team culture.•        😏 The sarcasm debate ~ when it connects and when it backfires.•        📖 Storytelling as a coaching tool ~ normalizing challenges through shared experiences.•        🎯 Purposeful communication goals that hit the mark.•        📡 Finding the right “frequency” with your players.•        🔄 The importance of reset and refuel moments for coaches and athletes.With their mix of storytelling, practical tools, and honest debate, Cliff and Robin show how communication done well doesn’t just create better players ~ it creates stronger, more resilient people.✨ Takeaway: Communication is your strongest coaching asset. When you learn to tune your style, you’ll connect deeper, lead better, and fuel your players to thrive.🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.✨ Connect with Robin & Cliff:www.L4Livin.comRobin@L4Livin.comIG @candyforbreakfastpodcasthttps://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book:https://www.amazon.com/BEAUTY-Within-Tragedy-RESILIENT-Grief/dp/1737890704/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7CHM7AJTQGQV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MFq5SIB3gpXEi8ZwUX9hXA.KzSzWzARozj7HKYlig3Dj_Wd5K3WOUqPtDyr1-QCpiw&dib_tag=se&keywords=robin+gargano&qid=1740166215&sprefix=robin+gargano%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

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 enemy ~ hate is.🌟 What We’ll Talk About*The Power of Opposition: why disagreement is proof of life and growth, not division.*Resilience as the Bridge: how to pause, breathe, and reframe before triggers become reactions.*Compassion vs Violence: respecting humanity without needing agreement.*Unity Through Debate: how strong nations, and strong people, are built on discussion, not destruction.*The Hard Question: “What has gotten you to the point of low confidence in your decision to be who you are that you are allowing triggers to dictate a violent reaction?”🧠 Key ReflectionWhen you’re grounded in your identity, differences don’t shake you. Low confidence makes every disagreement feel like an attack, and that’s when triggers hijack us. Triggers aren’t enemies ~ they’re teachers. They reveal where healing still needs to happen.Resilience is the art of asking: “Why did this touch me so deeply, and how can I choose compassion instead of violence?”✨ Closing ThoughtImagine a culture where we could disagree with grace. Where debate sharpened us instead of dividing us. Where resilience gave us the strength to sit at the table and see each other as human first.That’s not just possible ~ it’s necessary. And it starts with the courage to turn opposition into opportunity.

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 and compassion are the two most important pillars for anyone guiding others.We’ll talk about how great leaders adapt their style, why asking the right questions matters more than assigning blame, and how constructive criticism only works when it’s asked for and delivered with care. You’ll also hear why leadership means embracing our shared humanity ~ recognizing that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re level-ups.Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or just showing up as a leader in your own life, this episode will give you tools to communicate better, lead with empathy, and create stronger connections.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:~ The five common leadership styles and why adaptability is key~ Why communication and compassion are the foundation of true influence~ The importance of knowing your team and asking questions before making judgments~ Why leaders don’t blame ~ they reframe mistakes as learning opportunities~ The truth about constructive criticism ~ when it helps, and when it harms~ A reminder that being human means messing up ~ and every mess-up can be a level-upKey Quote from the Episode"You are not a victim, you are a designer of your life. Every time you mess up, it’s not the end ~ it’s a level up."Call to ActionThis week, take a moment to reflect ~ Am I leading with my voice, or with my heart? Share your thoughts with me on social @ResilientAF or drop me a message ~ I’d love to hear how you’re choosing to lead with communication and compassion.🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.✨ Connect with Robin & Cliff:www.L4Livin.comRobin@L4Livin.comIG @candyforbreakfastpodcasthttps://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book:

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 the thing: this conversation isn’t just about loss. It’s about what grief teaches you ~ how to keep moving, how to laugh again, how to stop sweating the small stuff, and how to see life for what it is right now instead of waiting for tragedy to shake you awake.✨ In this episode, we dig into:        💔 The messy, raw days of grief.        🎂 Shadow events ~ birthdays, milestones, the gut-check reminders.        👭 What it feels like to grow into womanhood while carrying loss.        🌱 The tools and mindsets that actually helped them heal.        💡 Their best advice for our generation on living fully, now.🎙️ This is a raw, real, and necessary conversation for anyone in their 20s trying to figure life out. And you might just be pleasantly surprised by how these 20-somethings can teach any generation through the wisdom they’ve gained by choosing to heal through pain.👉 Hit play. This one’s gonna stay with you.

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 with purpose. Robin shares her personal story of resilience, introduces the neuroscience behind adaptability 🧠, and walks you through practical tools from her L4 training—including the brand-new A.D.A.P.T. Method™ and the quick-hitting Bendable Brain Drill.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✨ Why adaptability is the ultimate competitive advantage for both athletes and everyday champions.✨ How resilience (your shield 🛡️) and adaptability (your sword ⚔️) work together to help you thrive.✨ The science of neuroplasticity and why 63 seconds is all it takes to start rewiring your brain.✨ How to use the ART Framework (Awareness → Reframe → Take Action) in everyday life and under game-day pressure.✨ A step-by-step practice of the A.D.A.P.T. Method™—a brand new resilience tool exclusive to L4.✨ Real-life examples: how athletes reset after mistakes and how parents/professionals pivot in the middle of chaos.Resources + Links Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Caroline Leaf’s work: Switch On Your Brain https://amzn.to/4mOX5sb 🧠NABA Community → Join here https://naba.com/robin 🌐Challenge for You:This week, notice one moment where you choose to adapt instead of resist. If you’re an athlete, pay attention to how adaptability shifts your performance under pressure. If you’re an everyday champion, watch how adaptability creates peace in the middle of chaos.Share your story with Robin—DM her on Instagram or tag Candy for Breakfast with your breakthrough moment. 🏆"Resilience is your shield 🛡️ Adaptability is your sword ⚔️ Together, they don’t just help you survive~they help you live freely and expansively 🌟🎙 Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff Terracuso🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.✨ Connect with Robin & Cliff:www.L4Livin.comRobin@L4Livin.comIG @candyforbreakfastpodcasthttps://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book:https://www.amazon.com/BEAUTY-Within-Tragedy-RESILIENT-Grief/dp/1737890704/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7CHM7AJTQGQV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MFq5SIB3gpXEi8ZwUX9hXA.KzSzWzARozj7HKYlig3Dj_Wd5K3WOUqPtDyr1-QCpiw&dib_tag=se&keywords=robin+gargano&qid=1740166215&sprefix=robin+gargano%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

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 practical tools for living a more intentional life.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeLeadership Beyond the Basics: Underrated traits of strong leaders, how failures shape perspective, and why vulnerability is a leader’s hidden strength.Social Media as a Leadership Tool: How to leverage platforms for influence without sacrificing authenticity or integrity.The Story Behind Hitstreak: What inspired Nick’s podcast, his most memorable guests, and the lessons leaders can take from powerful conversations.Parenting a Teen in the Digital Age: How Nick balances guidance and independence, teaching his teen to make wise choices.Shifting Your Leadership Mindset: Reflective questions that challenge assumptions about ego, failure, and growth.Key TakeawaysLeadership is not about titles—it’s about influence, adaptability, and empathy.Social media can amplify leadership but requires authenticity to be sustainable.Failure and vulnerability are not weaknesses; they are gateways to resilience and growth.Parenting teens today requires open communication, clear boundaries, and space for independent learning.Self-reflection can uncover blind spots in leadership and personal growth that traditional advice misses.Where to Find Nick HiterEmail: nick@nickhiter.comFacebook: facebook.com/nickhiterofficialTikTok: tiktok.com/@nickhiterTwitter/X: x.com/nickhiterInstagram: instagram.com/nickhiterYouTube: Nick Hiter ChannelLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickhiterThe Hitstreak Podcast: Apple | SpotifyJoin the Conversation How do you define leadership in your own life? Have you reflected on your relationship with ego, failure, or vulnerability? Share your thoughts with us using #CandyForBreakfast on social media.Connect with Robin & Cliff Website: www.L4Livin.com Email: Robin@L4Livin.com Instagram: @candyforbreakfastpodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book Beauty Within the Tragedy: How to Be RESILIENT in Grief, Loss, and Heartbreak

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 and most strategic move a leader can make.Through a blend of science, storytelling, and soul work, you’ll discover what happens when you stop performing strength and start leading with it from the inside out.What You’ll Explore in This Episode:A storytelling journey into the future with “Aya,” a reimagined T-Rex raised in loveThe real science behind the “Chickenosaurus” project and what it teaches us about genetic memoryWhy compassion isn’t soft—it’s a strategic leadership advantageHow compassion for self and others strengthens resilienceThe mindset shift that comes from leading with graceWhat true coexistence means in leadership and lifeKey Talking Points:The Chickenosaurus Project: What it reveals about science, possibility, and transformationCompassion for Self: Mistakes don’t diminish worth—grace fuels growthCompassion for Others: Leadership built on awareness, curiosity, and understandingRelativity in Leadership: Equity of understanding matters more than equality of responseResilience and Softness: Why being unbreakable doesn’t require being hardJournal Prompt for Listeners: Where in your life or leadership could giving grace unlock a new level of growth—for you or for someone else?Quote to Remember: “Compassion doesn’t erase your edge—it sharpens your humanity.”Bonus: Stay tuned for the story behind “Aya,” the dinosaur in this episode, and why her name—drawn from the Japanese words for “color” and “woven pattern”—symbolizes what leadership can become when rooted in compassion.Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff TerracusoConnect with Robin & Cliff: Website: www.L4Livin.com Email: Robin@L4Livin.com Instagram: @candyforbreakfastpodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book: Beauty Within the Tragedy: How to Be RESILIENT in Grief, Loss, and Heartbreak

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 mindset to break free from these destructive cycles. You’ll walk away with tools to spot self-sabotage in your own life and pivot toward growth-oriented action.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What Self-Sabotage Is: How it shows up in sports and daily life, from procrastination to perfectionism to negative self-talk.The Fear Behind Self-Sabotage: Why fear of failure—or even fear of success—can unconsciously drive your behavior.Recognizing Self-Sabotage: Common signs, such as avoiding risks, delaying action, or being overly self-critical.Freud’s Perspective: How unconscious conflict and repression can explain self-sabotaging behaviors.Shifting Out of Self-Sabotage: Practical strategies like self-compassion, visualizing success, breaking goals into smaller steps, and focusing on effort instead of outcome.Suppressed vs. Repressed Emotions: The difference between consciously avoiding feelings and unconsciously burying them—and why both matter.Key Takeaways:Self-sabotage often operates unconsciously and stems from deep psychological fears.Addressing suppressed or repressed emotions is key to breaking the cycle.A growth mindset helps shift focus from avoiding failure to embracing learning and progress.Freud’s work on repression offers valuable insights into why we undermine ourselves—and how to heal.Resources & Mentions:Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol DweckCognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders by Aaron BeckThe Neuroscience of Fear and Self-Sabotage by Dr. David RothFreud’s theories on the unconscious mind and repression (Psychoanalysis Overview)Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff TerracusoConnect with Robin & Cliff: Website: www.L4Livin.com Email: Robin@L4Livin.com Instagram: @candyforbreakfastpodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book: Beauty Within the Tragedy: How to Be RESILIENT in Grief, Loss, and Heartbreak

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 reclaiming awareness, resilience, and emotional leadership—so our kids don’t have to carry what we haven’t processed. Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or simply care about the next generation, this episode offers powerful mindset shifts and grounded, science-backed tools to help kids thrive—starting with how we show up.What You’ll Learn:Why kids co-regulate with adults—and how our nervous system becomes their blueprintWhat “emotional inheritance” means and how to break cycles of chronic stressWhat adult wellness is missing in today’s culture of productivity and performanceHow to raise resilient kids without being a “perfect” parentPractical tools to shift emotional tone at home (even in just 5 minutes)Key Science & Insights:9.4% of children have been diagnosed with anxiety (CDC)Parents with chronic stress can pass elevated cortisol to their kids (Biological Psychiatry)Kids don’t need perfection—they need repair, regulation, and relational wellnessTakeaway Tools:Co-regulation strategiesEmotional vocabulary buildersMicro-practices for visible, relational wellnessA journal prompt that challenges how you show up emotionally in your homeJournal Prompt: “What emotional tone am I modeling in my home? What could I shift this week to support regulation and resilience?”Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff TerracusoConnect with Robin & Cliff: Website: www.L4Livin.com Email: Robin@L4Livin.com Instagram: @candyforbreakfastpodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book: Beauty Within the Tragedy: How to Be RESILIENT in Grief, Loss, and Heartbreak

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 shifts happening in real time.If you’ve ever wondered how women athletes are paving the way for future leaders—or why women’s sports are finally receiving the recognition they deserve—this episode delivers the answers. Robin and Cliff explore how these athletes lead with vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience—and how their influence extends far beyond the scoreboard.What You’ll Learn:How social identity theory explains our emotional connection to women athletesWhy we’re seeing a cultural shift in the perception of women’s sportsHow women athletes are dominating in both athletics and the corporate worldThe rise of new women’s sports leagues and what it means for equity and opportunityWhy fan engagement with women’s sports is building more than viewership—it’s creating communityKey Concepts Mentioned:Social Identity Theory: How our sense of self is shaped by group affiliationsGender Stereotypes: How women athletes are rewriting the narrative of power and confidenceThe Gender Equity Movement in Sports: Economic and social forces driving visibility for female athletesTools for Embracing the Shift:Champion a female athlete by attending events and sharing their storiesEngage with athlete-led brands, media coverage, and new leaguesLearn leadership lessons from women in sports: grit, confidence, and emotional intelligenceJournal Prompt:“How has watching women in sports changed my perspective on leadership? In what areas of my life can I embody the resilience, authenticity, and leadership they show on the field?”Hosted by Robin Gargano & Cliff TerracusoConnect with Robin & Cliff: Website: www.L4Livin.com Email: Robin@L4Livin.com Instagram: @candyforbreakfastpodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/l4mapRobin’s Book: Beauty Within the Tragedy: How to Be Resilient in Grief, Loss, and Heartbreak