The Studio Podcast with Blanca and Sandy

S2 Ep. 12 | 23 Years in the FBI: The Truth Behind the Career and What Comes Next: Interview with Legend Anne

In this episode, we sit down with one of our most requested guests, Anne- and her story is nothing short of unexpected. This episode is a powerful look at a life filled with service, discipline, and surprising depth. Anne shares her journey from law school to becoming an FBI agent for over two decades, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on what that career really looked like (It's not like the movies). Beyond her career, this episode explores identity, life transitions, and what happens when you step out of a high-intensity role and into a slower, more intentional season of life. Anne opens up about balancing work and personal life, the sacrifices she made along the way, and what she's learned about herself in retirement. In this episode, you'll hear: * The reality of working in the FBI and major moments that shaped her career * Life after retirement and navigating a completely new pace * The importance of community, connection, and finding your people * Letting go of perfection and learning to live a little more freely * Travel stories, personal growth, and lessons from decades of experience Links & Resources: * Come say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.studio.podcast/] Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, subscribe to The Studio Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you leave a review, it helps more women like you find this empowering community. Anne stays as far away from social media as possible. So head over to our IG and tell us how much you loved this episode so we can tell Anne. And if you want to connect with her, you'll have to do it in person. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Leave your burning questions or topic ideas for future episodes here! [https://www.speakpipe.com/BarreTalk]

S2 Ep. 11 | The Truth About Luck: Why Successful Women Don't Wait for It

In this episode, we're diving into a conversation about luck- what it really means, how it's created, and why the people who seem "lucky" are usually the ones taking consistent action behind the scenes. When you peel back the layers, what often looks like luck is actually a combination of belief, courage, resilience, and a willingness to keep showing up when things get hard. Throughout this candid and honest conversation, we share personal stories about stepping outside their comfort zones, making bold decisions, and navigating the messy middle that no one sees. We explore the mindset shifts that allow you to move forward even when things feel uncertain- and why the way you talk to yourself has a powerful impact on the life you create. If you've ever felt like other people are just "luckier," this episode will challenge that belief and remind you that the most powerful kind of luck is the kind you create. What You'll Hear in This Episode: * Why people who appear "lucky" are often the ones doing the most behind-the-scenes work * The difference between waiting for luck and creating opportunities * How tiny daily choices compound over time to create massive results * The mindset shift that helps you move forward even when life throws difficult situations your way * Why belief in yourself and your vision is often the catalyst for the opportunities you want * The role of resilience and perspective when things don't go according to plan * Why stepping outside your comfort zone is often the doorway to the next chapter of your life Links & Resources: * Come say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.studio.podcast/] Subscribe & Review If you loved this episode, subscribe to The Studio Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. And if you leave a review, it helps more women like you find this empowering community. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Leave your burning questions or topic ideas for future episodes here! [https://www.speakpipe.com/BarreTalk]

S2 Ep. 10 | From diagnosis to healing: A real conversation with Candice about Mental Health | Part 2

🚨 Sensitive content warning 🚨 This is Part 2 of Candice's interview. If you haven't listened to Part 1 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-studio-podcast-with-blanca-and-sandy/id1768371868?i=1000751912802], make sure you go back and listen! In this second part of our conversation with Candice, the discussion continues with an honest and deeply human look at living with mental illness, navigating treatment options, and building a life with support, resilience, and hope. Candice shares more about her experiences trying different treatments for her mental health. The conversation also explores the emotional realities of managing mental health within relationships and family life. Beyond treatment and diagnosis, this episode highlights the importance of compassion, community, and small acts of support. Candice shares practical advice for friends and loved ones who want to help someone struggling with mental health, reminding us that simple gestures can make a meaningful difference. This episode is both heartfelt and enlightening, offering listeners a deeper understanding of what it means to live with mental health challenges while continuing to fight for joy, connection, and a fulfilling life. Inside this episode, we talk about: * Candice's experience with different depression treatments * How medication changes and hormonal shifts can affect mental health over time * How Candice shared her diagnosis with her husband and built a supportive partnership * What it looks like to parent while managing mental health challenges * Why mental illness doesn't always "look" the way people expect * How friends and loved ones can support someone going through depression Resources for you 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text: 988 Website: https://988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org] Available 24/7, free, and confidential. Call, text, or use chat via the website. Crisis Text Line Text: HOME to 741741 Website: https://www.crisistextline.org [https://www.crisistextline.org] Free, 24/7 support via text with a trained crisis counselor. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline Phone: 1-800-950-6264 Text: 62640 Website: https://www.nami.org/help [https://www.nami.org/help] Mental health support, education, and resource navigation (not a crisis line, but helpful for ongoing support).

S2 Ep. 09 | From suicide attempt to self-acceptance: Candice's mental health journey & finding her purpose | Part 1

🚨 Sensitive content warning 🚨 In today's deeply personal and powerful episode of The Studio Podcast, we sit down with Candice Hayes to have an honest, compassionate conversation about suicide, mental health, and what it really looks like to rebuild your life after your darkest moments. At just 17 years old, Candice survived a suicide attempt that nearly took her life. What followed was years of navigating depression, anxiety, and misdiagnosis. In this conversation, she shares what that journey looked like; from early mental health struggles to treatment experiences, motherhood, and ultimately redefining her life's purpose. This episode is raw, real, and rooted in hope. It's all about removing stigma, normalizing mental health support, and reminding anyone listening that they are never alone in what they're facing. Inside this episode, we talk about: • The emotional aftermath of surviving a suicide attempt. • Being misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety as a teen • Receiving a Bipolar II Disorder diagnosis and what that meant • Navigating mental health while raising children• What support systems look like during depressive episodes • Treatment options including medication, TMS, ketamine, and ECT • Advocating for your own mental health care • Why sharing your story can help others feel less alone • Redefining purpose after trauma and survival Resources for you 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text: 988 Website: https://988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org] Available 24/7, free, and confidential. Call, text, or use chat via the website. Crisis Text Line Text: HOME to 741741 Website: https://www.crisistextline.org [https://www.crisistextline.org] Free, 24/7 support via text with a trained crisis counselor. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline Phone: 1-800-950-6264 Text: 62640 Website: https://www.nami.org/help [https://www.nami.org/help] Mental health support, education, and resource navigation (not a crisis line, but helpful for ongoing support).

S2 Ep. 08 | Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work (and What to Focus on Instead in 2026)

In this episode, we kick off 2026 with an honest conversation about why the pressure to "hit the ground running" in January often feels ick- and what to focus on instead. If you're feeling behind, tired, or resistant to traditional New Year's resolutions, this episode is a permission slip to slow down. We unpack why resolutions can trigger perfectionism and self-judgment, how values create more sustainable growth, and why you don't need a specific date on the calendar to decide who you're becoming. This conversation is real, reflective, and deeply validating- especially if you're coming off a full holiday season, navigating family life, or craving a calmer, more intentional start to the year. In this episode, we talk about: * Why January doesn't automatically equal a "fresh start" * The hidden pressure behind New Year's resolutions- and why they often backfire * How perfectionism and rigidity make resolutions harder to sustain * The difference between resolutions (surface-level actions) and values (deep internal anchors) This episode is for you if you feel pressure to "be on" the moment January starts or you've struggled to stick to resolutions in the past.