In this music-filled episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose. They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind,” songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging.

Dr. Hastings is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at Texas State University, an acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter and a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her Potawatomi name is Mskwagishgokwe [Red Sky Woman]. Candace shares how being adopted and later discovering her Indigenous heritage helped her come “full circle,” shaping both her leadership and her songwriting. This episode features excerpts of Candace’s music, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Candace integrates creative practice and leadership in higher education
• How identity and heritage shape her songwriting
• The Potawatomi concept of mno-bmadzewen - walking in a good way on the earth—a life guided by balance, responsibility, and relationship with community and the land
• Why curiosity and creativity are essential for learning, teaching, and innovation
• How work and play overlap when your work is aligned with meaning

Creativity and Letting the Song Lead

Candace describes her musical genre as Americana—and says each song “tells her what it needs to be.” Sometimes that means swing (as in “Lone Star Christmas”) and sometimes it means a fully layered studio production.

The song “Horses I Left Behind,” was written during Candace’s trips to Oklahoma where she deepened her connection to her Potawatomi roots. She told me that she later learned she drove past the cemetery where her grandmother was buried. This gives special meaning to the song.

Candace has a new album coming out in spring 2026, featuring the following songs:

• Soft Place to Land (title track)
• Horses I Left Behind
• Love and Cowboys
• It’s Too Damn Hot
• Call Your Mama

You can find out more about Candace Hastings and her music here:

https://www.candacehastings.com/

This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.

Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!

Stories that Spark Change and Creativity
Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.

You can listen to Stories of Change and Creativity on all major platforms.
Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset