Belonging: The Heart of Community—with Arthur Liggins & Candace Young-Schult

From The Front Porch Podcast · 29:13

Show by Anna Hall

Carlsbad By The Sea residents Arthur and Candace were born in adjacent towns in Virginia, but their lives unfolded along very different paths. While Art, with the support of his church community, was navigating life under Jim Crow eventually finding his path in the military, Candace became a school psychologist in rural Illinois, where she learned to gather scarce resources to improve student outcomes. They found their way back to each other, becoming fast friends at Carlsbad By The Sea, where they run a women's and men's group respectively. Arthur and Candace join host Anna Hall for a fascinating discussion on the many ways our various communities empower us to keep us safe, lift us up and help us thrive. Chapters 00:44 – Why Belonging Matters Anna frames the episode around belonging as a basic human psychological need essential to well-being and motivation. 02:13 – The Front Porch Belonging Statement Anna shares Front Porch's Belonging Statement and sets the tone for the conversation ahead. 02:48 – Meet Arthur and Candace Arthur Liggins and Candace Young-Schult are introduced, along with their backgrounds and paths to Carlsbad by the Sea. 04:02 – Born in Adjacent Virginia Towns A surprising connection emerges as Arthur and Candace discover they were born in neighboring towns but lived very different lives. 04:54 – Growing Up Under Jim Crow Arthur reflects on navigating segregation, pressure and resilience while growing up in Jim Crow–era Virginia. 06:06 – The Church as a Safe Haven Arthur shares how church and mentorship provided safety, belonging, and guidance in a hostile environment. 07:06 – Candace's Early Life and Education Candace describes growing up in Illinois within an academic community shaped by curiosity and cultural exposure. 08:03 – Anna's Personal Connection Anna relates her connection to both Art and Candace stories as the biracial daughter of a Black father who grew up under segregation and later became a college professor. 09:23 – Candace's Career as a School Psychologist Candace discusses working in rural Illinois schools and learning how communities come together with limited resources. 11:36 – Listening Without Judgment Candace reflects on the importance of curiosity, listening and suspending judgment in human relationships. 12:02 – College and the Civil Rights Movement Arthur recounts participating in sit-ins while balancing ROTC obligations during the height of the Civil Rights era. 14:03 – Military Life and Leadership Arthur shares lessons from his Air Force career, including navigating race, leadership and opportunity. 16:42 – Choosing Carlsbad by the Sea Arthur and Candace explain what drew them to CBTS and how the move became a meaningful transition. 18:26 – Creating the Men's Group Arthur describes facilitating the men's group as a space for fellowship, dialogue and mutual respect. 20:57 – Creating the Women's Group Candace explains how the women's group fosters deeper connection, learning and community building. 22:44 – "I Belong Here" The conversation centers on intentional belonging—creating spaces where people feel seen, missed and valued. 24:09 – Inclusion Takes Intention Arthur and Candace discuss how inclusion requires effort, invitation and care, especially post-pandemic. 25:35 – Advice for Those Considering Senior Living Arthur and Candace reflect on CBTS as home, challenging common assumptions about senior living. 26:56 – A Third Chapter of Life Arthur describes this stage of life as a "third awakening," focused on contribution, connection and purpose. 28:02 – Gratitude and Closing Reflections Anna thanks Arthur and Candace for their leadership and care as the episode comes to a close. Key Takeaways ● Belonging is a basic human psychological need and essential for motivation and well-being. ● Community does not happen by accident; it requires intention, inclusion, and leadership. ● Listening with curiosity—not judgment—is foundational to meaningful connection. ● Safe spaces allow people to share, heal, and grow, especially later in life. ● Senior living communities can be places of continued growth, purpose, and engagement. ● Relationships—between residents, staff, and neighbors—are what truly make a place feel like home. Resources mentioned: Carlsbad By The Sea - a Front Porch Community Front Porch Communities & Services Front Porch Foundation Guest Bios: Arthur Liggins grew up in a segregated community in Virginia. After high school he attended an all-black college in Greensboro, North Carolina, majoring in engineering and was accepted in the advanced ROTC program. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force upon graduation in 1963 where he met his wife, Eloise, who was also an Air Force officer. Arthur retired from the Air Force after twenty years and then worked in the Aerospace industry for over twenty-five more. He and his wife have been residents of Carlsbad By The Sea for the past five years. Candace Young-Schult had a 25-year career as a…

More episodes of The Front Porch Podcast

More episodes

PodSearch is a free, independent podcast search engine. Read about PodSearch, the privacy policy or contact us.