Podcast
Candid Counselors
Hosted by Brian Coleman and Olivia Carter
Two National School Counselors of the Year (Brian Coleman #SCOY19 and Olivia Carter #SCOY21) talk fun, failure, and finding your way as a school counselor. Come for the learning and stay for the laughs! New content will drop every two weeks or so on Sunday mornings. Let us know what you think! Like and subscribe! #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21
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Episodes
- Candid Counselors Ep. 85: Annual CalendarsMay 10, 2026 · 33 minAs we bid farewell to the 2025-26 school year, it is time to start planning for 2026-27! In this episode, we discuss the importance of your annual counseling calendar and things to consider as you start locking down programming and events for next school year. Take a listen and let us know what you found most useful! The Candid DMs are open! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 84: Journey into School AdministrationApr 26, 2026 · 46 minIn this episode, Liv puts Brian on the hot seat to discuss his path into school administration! We dive into what he's been learning in his administrator prep program and how that is impacting both his professional role and school counseling identity. Here we go! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 83: What Are You Reading?Apr 12, 2026 · 32 minIn this episode, we dive into some of our recent literary adventures! Tune in for tales of romance, mystery, internal family systems, and MORE! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselingLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 82: Supporting InternsMar 29, 2026 · 41 minSupporting interns can be a wonderful time of learning and growing for interns and supervisors alike! In this episode, we discuss our experiences supporting counseling interns and practicum students as site supervisors! Brian also offers additional perspective having taught a master's Practicum course for pre-service counselors on a few occasions. Take a listen and let us know what you found helpful! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor #Intern
- Candid Counselors Ep. 81: Tier One Student ConferencesMar 15, 2026 · 30 minIn this episode, we discuss strategies to help you incorporate individual conferences with all students into your school counseling program. We share logistics, objectives, and lessons learned from the conference structures at our schools. Take a listen and let us know what you found helpful! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 80: Interview w/SCOY26 Danielle CrankfieldMar 1, 2026 · 58 minWe had an absolute BLAST getting to know Ms. Crankfield - our 2026 National School Counselor of the Year and the FIRST SCOY from Maryland!!! From the struggle to get a counseling job to advocating for counselors across the country (and beyond!), Danielle shared so many wonderful nuggets about her counseling journey and impact! Take a listen and let us know which pieces of her story resonate most with you! #CandidCounselors #SCOY26 #SCOY21 #SCOY19 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 79: Peer Mentorship ProgramsFeb 15, 2026 · 44 minPeer-to-peer mentorship programs are a great way to foster belonging and build a sense of community at your school! But, how do you get started?! And, what are the core components of an effective program?? Well, on this episode of the #CandidCounselors, we dive into all things peer mentorship drawing from Brian's 10+ years leading various iterations of a peer mentorship program at his high school and Liv's new experiences as a program sponsor for #HopeSquad! Take a listen and let us know what you find most helpful! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 78: Heated RivalryFeb 1, 2026 · 40 minIt may be cold outside, but things are certainly heating up! On this episode of the #CandidCounselors, we are talking all things #HeatedRivalry. The hockey romance based on a book in #RachelReid’s #GameChangers series has taken us (and pop culture) by storm! So, are you joining us at the cottage or what?! #LetsGo #Podcast #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 77: Small Group CounselingJan 18, 2026 · 40 minSocial skills. Grief and loss. Trauma. There are so many different types of groups that school counselors can lead in their schools. In the episode, we explore the benefits of small group counseling, some of the pitfalls we've faced when running groups, and tips for leading effective groups. Take a listen and let us know what you find most helpful! #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselor #Podcast #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 76: Classroom ManagementJan 4, 2026 · 36 minYou've prepped your lesson, coordinated schedules with the teacher, and doublechecked your pre/post assessments.... and now you've got a room full of students staying at you. Are you ready?! Delivering tier one interventions in the classroom can be quite the challenge... especially if you aren't comfortable working with students in a large group-setting. In this episode, the #CandidCounselors discuss all things classroom management! Take a listen and let us know what resonates! #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor #Podcast #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 75: Feeling "Wicked" Again!Dec 21, 2025 · 34 minHow scandalocious!? A wild tornado has flown us back into the wonderful land of Oz!!! On this episode of the #CandidCounselors, we dive into #WickedForGood and decide if we've been changed for the better! See you on the yellow brick road! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 74: Our First Year As CounselorsDec 7, 2025 · 48 minOn this episode, we jump in the time machine and go back to our first year as school counselors. We reflect on the highlights, lowlights, and everything in between! Take a listen and let us know resonates! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 73: Attendance InterventionsNov 23, 2025 · 31 minSo many factors influence students' ability to attend (and engage in) school consistently. In this episode, we discuss many of those factors as well as interventions that counselors and school teams can implement to reengage students meaningfully. Take a listen and let us know what resonates! #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselor #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 72: Leading MeetingsNov 9, 2025 · 43 minSchool counselors are often called upon to participate in or lead several meetings each and everyday. In this episode, we discuss strategies and tools that can help you improve your meeting facilitation and organization! Take a listen and let us know what resonates! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 71: Mindfulness MattersOct 26, 2025 · 31 minAre you looking to incorporate more mindfulness strategies into your work as school counselor? Or, do you need some support bringing mindful practices into your day-to-day experiences? In either case, we've got tips for you! In this episode, we explore our mindfulness activities that we use both personally and professionally! Take a listen and let us know what you found helpful! #CandidCounselors #Mindfulness #Podcast #SchoolCounselingLife #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 70: Talking to Parents/Guardians About Mental HealthOct 12, 2025 · 39 minSupporting students' wellness often requires establishing strong lines of communication and rapport with parents/guardians. In this episode, we talk tips and tiered strategies for discussing student mental health concerns with parents/guardians. Take a listen and let us know what resonates with you! #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife #Podcast #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 69: Advisory CouncilsSep 28, 2025 · 48 minIn this episode, we discuss the importance of counseling advisory councils and tips for maintaining one at your school! We also reflect on Liv's recent trip to visit Brian and our experiences at Lady Gaga's "Mayhem Ball" concert in Chicago! A time was had! #PawsUp #LittleMonsters #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 68: Conflict ManagementSep 14, 2025 · 45 minManaging conflict with teachers, peers, and other school stakeholders can be quite challenging - even if you teach students how to do it daily! On this episode, we explore strategies and tips that have helped us navigate conflict successfully as people generally and school counselors specifically. Take a listen and let us know what you find helpful! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor #Podcast
- Candid Counselors Ep. 67: Getting CraftyAug 31, 2025 · 34 minGem art, rock painting, and holiday decorations galore! On this episode of the #CandidCounselors, we are talking all things C-R-A-F-T-S!!! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a little craft-curious, there's a tidbit or two for you! Take a listen and craft away! #SchoolCounselorLife #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 66: Time ManagementAug 17, 2025 · 35 minAs a school counselor, your time is precious... and sometimes difficult to manage! On this episode, we discuss tips and strategies to overcome demands and constraints on your time so that you can show up for yourself and your school community consistently! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 65: Setting BoundariesAug 3, 2025 · 38 minDo you find yourself with too much to do as a school counselor and too little time? Do you ever feel like you're overextending yourself professionally? Yeah, so do we! On this episode, we discuss the important of boundary-setting, steps we've been taking to create more balance, and our tips on creating more professional balance! Take a listen! #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #CandidCounselors #Podcast
- Candid Counselors Ep. 64: BOY Counseling Program PlanningJul 20, 2025 · 38 minThe 2025-26 school year is JUST around the corner!!! So, in this episode, we discuss are tips and strategies for setting your counseling program up for success! Take a listen and let us know what you find most helpful! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 63: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2 Reunion RecapJul 6, 2025 · 51 minCome ye saints and come ye sinners! On this episode, we're keeping it kinda cute and mostly candid on the glorious chaos that was the SLOMW Season 2 Reunion. Oh, what a journey it was! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SLOMW
- Candid Counselors Episode 62: Getting Candid on SpiritualityJun 22, 2025 · 35 minOn this episode, we discuss our spiritual and religious identities and how they've impacted our journeys as school counselors. Take a listen! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselors #SchoolCounselingLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 61: Work BestiesJun 8, 2025 · 38 minDo you ever feel isolated at work? Do you wish that you had deeper relationships with your colleagues? You're in luck! In the episode, we discuss key components of a strong work "bestie" and strategies to cultivate your own. We even dive into what makes our interstate counseling bestie bond work and how we deepened relationships with colleagues at our schools! Take a listen and let us know what resonates with you! #CandidCounselors #WorkBesties #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLIfe #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 60: S.W.O.T. AnalysisMay 25, 2025 · 28 minAs the school year draws to a close, it is already time to plan for next year! In this episode, we discuss the "Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats" (S.W.O.T.) analysis model. We've both used it to help us reflect on our counseling programs and strategize for the future. Take a listen and let us know if and/or how the S.W.O.T. model has been helpful for you! #Podcast #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 59: Public SpeakingMay 11, 2025 · 31 minPublic speaking is an important skill for every school counselor to have in their toolbox, but it can be difficult to cultivate. In this episode, we discuss various strategies that have helped us speak with confidence and clarity in front of our school communities! #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselorLife #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep.58: Lessons Learned from RuPaul's Drag RaceApr 27, 2025 · 31 minIf you didn't know, we are HUGE fans of the competition reality tv show "RuPaul's Drag Race" (RPDR) - so much that we've dedicated an episode to it! You don't have to know the show to listen along as we discuss some of our favorite lessons from RPDR and how we apply them to our counseling work and every day lives! Shantay, you stay! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 57: Responsibility Awareness Month w/Responsibility.orgApr 13, 2025 · 33 minApril is Responsibility Awareness Month - a time to focus on keeping youth alcohol-free. Parents, educators, and other trusted adults who model responsible behaviors empower kids to say “YES to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking. What we say and do both make an impact! In this episode, we chat with Responsibility.org's Vice President of Communications Erin Hildreth on ways that counselors and families can collectively support students and themselves in making responsible decisions related to alcohol. Take a listen and let us know what resonates! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchooLCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 56: Co-RegulationMar 30, 2025 · 29 minAre you using co-regulation techniques with your students and/or staff? Tune into this episode as we discuss co-regulation strategies and various ways to use them on on a daily basis. We also cover self-regulation tips that you can use on yourself! Take a listen and let us know what you find helpful! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 55: The Elusive Lunch BreakMar 16, 2025 · 25 minHave you ever struggled to make time to eat during the hustle of your school day?! You are certainly not alone! In this episode, we dive into the obstacles that get in the way of more school counselors taking lunch breaks and strategies to make lunch breaks more accessible! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 54: Parent/Guardian WorkshopsMar 2, 2025 · 33 minOn this episode, we share our favorite parent/guardian events to run at our schools and LOTS of ideas on potential workshops and info sessions to run in the future! Take a listen and let us know if we got your creative juices flowin'! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 53: Interview w/ #SCOY25 Dr. Carmen LarsonFeb 16, 2025 · 29 minWe were so excited to welcome #SCOY25 Dr. Carmen Larson to the podcast!!! She dropped so many nuggets about advocacy, ethics, and the artistry of school counseling! Take a listen and let us know what spoke to you! We both left the conversation quite inspired! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 52: Goodbye, "Guidance"!Feb 2, 2025 · 32 minSince the early 90's, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has made a concerted effort to rid the term "guidance" from school counselors' job titles/classifications. On this episode, we talk about the rationale for that decision, why this effort still matters, and what it might take to get us there! Take a listen and let us know what resonates! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 51: Favorite FidgetsJan 19, 2025 · 27 minAre you ready to upgrade your tactile toy game at school?! On this episode, we discuss our (and our students') favorite fidgets ! Take a listen and let us know what fidgets you like to keep stocked in your workspace! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 50: Counseling Theoretical OrientationsJan 5, 2025 · 34 minHas it been awhile since you've reflected on the counseling theory (or theories) that drive your work? Are you new to considering what counseling theories might be a good for you? Well, you're in luck! On this episode, we explore key questions and concepts to consider as you continue to refine your theoretical orientation (and we share our journeys of cultivating our own!) Take a listen and let us know what you find helpful! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselingLIfe #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 49: Your Board of DirectorsDec 22, 2024 · 27 minIn this episode, we explore how to create your very own board of directors - the group of trusted advisors who support your personal/professional growth and overall wellness! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 48: Feeling “Wicked”Dec 8, 2024 · 32 minThe #CandidCounselors met up to see #Wicked Part 1 and we've been defying gravity ever since! Tune in as we recap our favorite bits from the movie musical! We hope to see you at the Oz Dust Ballroom soon!!! #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 47: Back and Maybe Better?!Nov 24, 2024 · 35 minAfter a brief hiatus, we're back with some big reflections on the last few weeks!!! We have lots of candid content to share! Tune in and let us know what resonates! #CandidCounselors #podcast #schoolcounselor #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 46: Personality AssessmentsOct 27, 2024 · 35 minIn this #SpookySeason episode, we're looking inward! We discuss some of our favorite personality assessments and how we've used our results to inform our work as school counselors. Take a listen! #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselorLife #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 45: Counselor-Principal RelationshipOct 13, 2024 · 42 minIn this episode, we explored both the green and red flags we've experienced in our counselor-principal relationships! Take a listen and let us know what you resonates with you. #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #CandidCounselors #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor #Podcast
- Candid Counselors Ep. 44: Gen Alpha Slang and SuchSep 29, 2024 · 30 minIn this episode, we explore all things #GenAlpha - the language, behavior, and tips for school counselors! #CandidCounselors #NoCap #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor #Podcast
- Candid Counselors Ep. 43: Starting the School Year StrongSep 15, 2024 · 51 minHappy New School Year!!! In this episode, we discuss our goals for the year and how we plan to overcome potential pitfalls. We discuss strategies for new and veteran counselors alike - there's something for everyone! Take a listen and let us know what resonates. #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselorLife #Podcast #SchoolCounselor
- Candid Counselors Ep. 42: Motivational Interviewing ReviewSep 1, 2024 · 38 minIn this episode, we discuss "Motivational Interviewing for School Counselors" by Dr. Reagan North - our book from Candid Book Club this summer! We learned a lot and can't wait to share. Take a listen! #SchoolCounselor #Podcast #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21
- Candid Counselors Ep. 41: Counseling Notes (Part Two)Aug 21, 2024 · 40 minOur first episode on school counseling notes uncovered more questions than answers! So, we decided to bring in an ethical expert - Dr. Haley Wikoff, Co-Chair of ASCA's Ethics Committee - to shed some additional light on this important topic! Take a listen! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor #Podcast #SchoolCounselingLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 40: Counseling NotesAug 4, 2024 · 22 minIn this episode, the #CandidCounselors discuss the legality and ethics surrounding school counselor notes! Take a listen and let us know what resonates! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 # SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife #Podcast
- Candid Counselors Ep. 39: ASCA24 Recap!Jul 21, 2024 · 46 minThat's a wrap on #ASCA24 in Kansas City! Listen in for our highlights, lowlights, and everything in between - we have lots to share! #FireItUp #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselorLife #SchoolCounselor #Podcast
- Candid Counselors Ep. 38: School Counseling MentorshipJul 7, 2024 · 46 minIn this episode, we talk mentorship for school counselors with Dr. Vince Walsh-Rock, the Executive Director of the Illinois School Counselor Association and Brian's professional mentor! There is a lot to unpack for mentors, mentees, and folks considered mentorship. Take a listen! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #CandidCounselors #Podcast #SchoolCounselor #SchoolCounselorLife
- Candid Counselors Ep. 37: Inside Out 2 RecapJun 23, 2024 · 51 minWhoa! "Inside Out 2" left us with some pretty big feelings and we're excited to share! Tune into this episode where we reflect on the movie and it's potential implications for our work as school counselors! #CandidCounselors #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #Podcast #SchoolCounselingLife #SchoolCounselor #Disney #InsideOut2
- Candid Counselors Ep. 36: EOY Program ReviewJun 2, 2024 · 34 minWe've made it to June! In this episode, the #CandidCounselors reflect on our counseling programs - the highlights, lowlights, and "next right things" as we close out the school year and path into the summer! #SCOY19 #SCOY21 #SchoolCounselor #Podcast