Rewriting Your Story After Trauma and Identity Loss featuring Candice Horbacz

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Candice Horbacz, a former adult film star turned mindfulness advocate, podcaster, and homeschooling mother. Candice brings a rare blend of candor, introspection, and wisdom to this deeply personal conversation. We explore how she navigated radical life transitions, healed from childhood trauma, and created a home rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and emotional safety. Candice opens up about her own upbringing, the dysfunction that shaped her early worldview, and how she found her way to a new version of identity after walking away from the adult industry. This episode is about reclaiming power—through parenting, partnership, and personal evolution. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [0:00] – Introduction [1:36] – How Candice's childhood shaped her early sense of self [4:18] – Growing up in a home where emotions weren't safe [7:03] – Her path into the adult film industry and what it masked [9:55] – Why the lack of secure relationships drew her toward unhealthy dynamics [12:30] – How she began to explore healing, trauma work, and self-awareness [14:49] – The role of her partner in helping her see her worth [17:01] – What led her to leave the adult industry behind [18:57] – Shifting identity and rebuilding trust within herself [21:04] – Navigating marriage with vulnerability and truth [23:15] – Creating emotional safety for her son as a homeschooling mom [26:40] – Why curiosity is her #1 parenting tool [29:21] – Helping kids navigate their own triggers without shame [32:09] – Final reflections on how to lead with authenticity at home 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Early Dysfunction Often Masks Itself in Achievement or Escape: 1. Candice shares how a childhood without emotional safety pushed her to find validation in unhealthy spaces, including adult entertainment. Self-Awareness Begins with Naming the Pain: 2. Her healing journey started by recognizing how trauma shaped her reactions, her self-worth, and her definition of love. You Can Reinvent Your Identity Without Shame: 3. Leaving the adult film industry was a reclamation of agency, and her story proves it's never too late to rewrite your narrative. Parenting with Curiosity Builds Emotional Safety: 4. Rather than reacting with control, Candice leans into curiosity when her son struggles—inviting connection instead of conflict. Partnerships Flourish in Vulnerability, Not Performance: 5. With her husband, Candice found safety to explore who she truly was—laying the foundation for a conscious, present, and authentic marriage. LINKS & RESOURCES • Learn more about Candice and her work: https://www.chattingwithcandice.com • Candice's Website: candicehorbacz.com • Discover our free Questions for the Car • download: https://thedadedge.com/25questions • The Dad Edge & Bark: http://thedadedge.com/bark • Show Notes for this episode: thedadedge.com/1402 If this episode gave you a new perspective on parenting, healing, or connection, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and don't forget to rate and review the podcast. Live legendary.