From classroom to podcast mic, Candace Dudley is on a mission to help women rewrite their stories - one brave step at a time.
On the latest episode of Caffeinated Chaos, I sat down with Candace Dudley, the powerhouse host of the Better Brave Podcast. With over 170 episodes under her belt, Candace is no stranger to speaking up, getting real, and helping women live courageously. But before she was empowering others behind the mic, she was a teacher, a new mom, and-like so many of us - trying to figure out her next chapter.
Now, she’s a podcast strategist, mentor, and full-time mom of three who’s helping others amplify their voices through intentional podcast guesting and growth strategies.
🎙️ From Teacher to Thought Leader
Candace opens up about her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, a move that was driven by her desire to be more present with her kids while still pursuing work that lit her up. As a stay-at-home mom, she began building her business during nap times and quiet moments, proving that you can grow something meaningful, even in the margins.
"We all have a story to tell,” she says. “And someone out there is waiting for your version of it."
🎧 The Power of Podcast Guesting
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was diving into the why and how of podcast guesting. Candace helps clients strategically pitch and show up as podcast guests in a way that builds visibility without burning out.
Here’s what she shared:
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You don’t have to be an “expert” to have something valuable to say
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Guesting is a great way to test the waters before launching your own show
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The key is alignment: Know your story, your offer, and who you're speaking to
And yes, everyone deals with imposter syndrome - even seasoned podcasters. But Candace reminds us that you only need to be one step ahead of the person you’re helping.
A fun part of our chat? Bonding over Threads, Meta’s newer platform that’s become the place for authentic connections - especially among podcasters. Candace credits Threads with most of her networking success in 2024, calling it “the most fun algorithm on the internet.”
Plus, we share some real mom chaos - claw clips, fevers, scrunchies in the car console -you know, the usual. If you’re a mompreneur, you’ll feel seen.
💡 Why You Should Listen to This Episode:
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You're curious about becoming a podcast guest but don’t know where to start
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You’re juggling mom life, biz life, and need a permission slip to do it differently
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You want to be reminded that bravery looks different for everyone-and that’s okay
🔗 Listen Now:
👉 Click here to listen to the full episode
🎧 Or search Caffeinated Chaos on your favorite podcast app.
✨ Want to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest?
Candace can help you craft a guesting strategy that feels aligned, not exhausting. Check her out on Instagram: @candacedudley