Men’s mental health

Autism awareness

Parent mental health

Single dads

Neurodivergent parenting

TikTok mental health lives

South Africa mental health

Raw Minds Podcast

Candice Ninja

Ninja Talks

What happens when a woman creates a space where men finally feel safe enough to open up?

In this Raw Minds Podcast episode, Erick sits down with Candice, also known as Ninja, from South Africa.

Candice is the voice behind Ninja Talks, a growing mental health and awareness movement built around real conversations, autism awareness, parenting, neurodivergence, and emotional support.

This conversation fits the heart of Raw Minds because Candice has created a space where men, fathers, parents, and people carrying silent pain can speak without being judged.

She talks about raising her son Denver, who is on the autism spectrum, navigating ADHD, sensory struggles, parenting pressure, depression, online hate, and the reality of trying to help others while still carrying your own battles.

Erick and Candice also talk about why men’s mental health matters, why many men stay quiet, what single dads go through, and how online communities can become a real support system when they are built with honesty and care.

This episode is for the men who do not know how to speak.

It is for the parents trying to hold everything together.

It is for anyone raising a neurodivergent child and feeling lost.

It is for the people who carry pressure quietly and still show up for others.

If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs it. That is how we reach the people who struggle in silence.

Guest:

Candice “Ninja”

Founder of Ninja Talks

Mental health advocate

Autism awareness advocate

South Africa

Follow Ninja Talks:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjatalks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjatalkslive

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninjatalkslive

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ninjatalks-live

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninjatalkshost

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:51 Welcome Candice “Ninja”

02:23 Where to find Ninja

03:12 Who is Candice and how Ninja Talks started

04:44 Autism, sensory struggles, and early signs

06:44 Parenting, postpartum, and trauma

08:18 Men can struggle after birth too

10:41 Injury, surgery, depression, and isolation

13:34 Missing her son’s milestone

16:23 Starting Ninja Talks

18:16 Online hate and internet trolls

20:06 Why men’s mental health matters to Ninja

21:12 Erick opens up about being a single dad

23:21 How men started opening up in her lives

27:20 Building trust with vulnerable conversations

31:17 Chris and the Ninja Talks support team

35:50 Building a real TikTok community

39:13 Odie’s story and finding safe support

45:04 Erick shares a personal win for his daughter

48:17 Autism support in South Africa

51:45 Canada health care, waitlists, and support gaps

54:38 School systems and neurodivergent kids

57:20 Final thoughts and thank you

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, addiction, or suicidal thoughts, reach out.

Canada Crisis Line:

Call or text 988

You are not alone.

Follow Raw Minds Podcast:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rawminds-cs3ci?si=GyaUB-JNhmxF-tv1

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3I7hBJgYDdS8UQpbMl9bdt

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rawmindspodcast?_t=8rM6xvJfjKZ&_r=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawmindspodcast?igsh=MXI2cmh3cmUzcHNuMQ==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CRWJaV5qh/

Contact Raw Minds:

rawmindspodcast@gmail.com

Website:

www.rawminds.ca

Subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs a real conversation today.