Beauty in the Break

Foster and Cesar dive into the topic of gatekeepers—those visible and invisible forces that control access to success, opportunity, healing, and recognition. They explore how gatekeeping shows up in creative industries, media, friendships, and even family dynamics. With vulnerable storytelling, they unpack moments where they’ve felt on the outside looking in and how they've reclaimed power by creating their own doors—or walking away entirely.

This episode is a call to self-trust and liberation. Through honest and sometimes embarrassing revelations, Foster and Cesar invite you to consider where you might be waiting for permission instead of granting it to yourself. If you’ve ever felt like someone else held the keys to your next step—this one is for you.

In this episode: 

• What gatekeeping is and where it shows up
• The surprising place Foster encountered a gatekeeper
• Cesar’s embarrassing truth of being a gatekeeper to someone else
• Why being a “Gate Greeter” might be their new favorite thing 
• The most beautiful gesture Foster received from strangers
• The invisible ways we gatekeep ourselves

Also mentioned: 

The loss of Foster’s son Wilde, outlined in Episode 3.

Community leader and actress Leonora Pitts. 

The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass

If this episode spoke to you, you will love Breaking Open where Foster & Cesar explore transformation through leaps of faith. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.

If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review—it really helps!

Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram. 

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum services
• Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode, Cesar bravely recounts the night he was physically assaulted by a group of men—a traumatic event that left him with severe physical injuries and a deep, unshakable imprint on his psyche that changed him forever. He details the harrowing moments of the attack and the grueling recovery process that forced him to confront deep-seated anger, self-loathing, and the loss of his previous identity as a boxer and physical trainer. 

Throughout the episode, Cesar shares how this life-altering experience, though steeped in pain and vulnerability, ultimately led him to a transformative journey. By choosing to let go of his justified anger and embrace forgiveness and self-love, he not only began healing physically but also embarked on a spiritual rebirth. For anyone facing a rock bottom, this episode may resonate with hope for renewal and inner peace.

In this episode: 

• The raw truth behind facing trauma and finding unexpected beauty in the pain
• The challenging question posed to Cesar—and why saying “no thank you” changed everything
• His mother’s powerful reaction and Foster’s maternal connection to her
• How breaking the cycle of anger was Cesar’s ultimate act of self-love
• The hidden power of forgiveness—and how letting go of rage became the key to renewal
• The surprising role of vulnerability in reclaiming control and peace

Foster also mentions the loss of her son Wilde, which is discussed in Episode 3: Foster’s Loss. 

You can also watch the episodes on YouTube. 

If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review—it really helps!

Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram. 

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum services
• Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley

Editor: Bessie Fong

Send us Fan Mail

In this lively episode, Foster and Cesar introduce a soul-bearing conversation game that fast-tracked their emotional intimacy. With thought-provoking and hilarious questions, they reveal unexpected truths, from childhood food obsessions to spontaneous skinny-dipping stories. Along the way, they explore deep themes like healing through food, navigating anxiety, and the generational shifts in values. 

In this episode, they explore: 

• The surprising reason Cesar used to eat half a cheesecake for dessert
• Foster’s TSA nightmare: how a can of chickpeas got her stuck at security
• Navigating generational differences—are Boomers misunderstood?
• How Foster’s dad was a radical sex-ed advocate in the '70s
• The ultimate takeaway—why curiosity is more powerful than judgment in relationships

Also mentioned: 

The powerful documentary The Work by Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous. 

If this episode spoke to you, you will love The Beauty of Letting Go where we explore how control is an illusion. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.

If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review—it really helps!

Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram. 

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum services
• Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley

Editor: Bessie Fong

Send us Fan Mail

In this heartfelt episode of Beauty in the Break, Foster shares her deeply personal experience with pregnancy loss and grief. She opens up about her journey through the devastating news, the difficult decisions, and the emotional and physical aftermath. 

Alongside Cesar, they explore the healing process, looking for light along the way, and the importance of sharing our stories. This episode is a powerful reflection on grief, surrender, and transformation, as well as the unexpected beauty that emerged from the darkest season of Foster’s life. 

Content disclosure: pregnancy loss / miscarriage / stillbirth / infant loss

In this episode:

• The impossible choice Foster made—and why she doesn’t regret it
• Why she chose to feel every ounce of pain
• The unexpected way Foster broke the news before anyone could ask
• What no one tells you could happen after losing a baby
• How saying ‘yes’ from the depths of grief transformed her entire future

If you or someone you love is struggling with a miscarriage or loss, here are some healing resources: 

Return to Zero: H.O.P.E
still Birthday

To support some small but mighty organizations doing great work in this field, please consider donating to: 

The Skylar Project
Mattie’s Memory

If this episode spoke to you, you may enjoy Episode 1: Breaking Open. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.

We’d love to hear from you—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow us on Instagram. 

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Subscribe to his newsletter Insights That Matter     
  
  Foster Wilson:
• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum doula services
• Subscribe to her newsletter Foster’s Village

     
Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley 

Editor: Bessie Fong

Send us Fan Mail

In this deeply reflective episode of Beauty in the Break, Foster and Cesar dive into the challenge of letting go of control and what it truly means to surrender. They explore personal stories of grappling with repetitive thought patterns, from childhood conditioning to parenthood and beyond. Cesar shares his current process of learning how to learn, breaking old patterns of fear and self-doubt, while Foster reflects on the lifelong lesson of surrendering to the unknown—especially through the lens of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. 

Together, they unpack the voices that shape our inner narratives and discuss how recognizing these voices can lead to greater self-awareness, healing, and grace. Whether you’re navigating relationships, personal growth, or parenting challenges, this episode offers a powerful reminder that true freedom comes from trusting the process.

In this episode, we explore: 

• Why control is an illusion and how it keeps us stuck
• The unexpected power of Foster’s single ‘Yes’ 
• How parenting can reveal our deepest control struggles
• The moment Cesar saw his inner child
• Why life’s biggest lessons keep coming back until we fully embrace them
• Why the ability to let go leads to a deeper sense of peace and freedom

Also mentioned:

The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Jeff Buckley’s album Grace

Connect with us! We want to hear from you. Submit your Word of the Week via email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow us on Instagram. 

If this episode spoke to you, you will love Episode 1: Breaking Open where we explore taking a leap of faith. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum services
• Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley 

Editor: Bessie Fong

Send us Fan Mail

In this debut episode of Beauty in the Break, hosts Foster Wilson and Cesar Cardona invite you into their world, where deep conversations, raw vulnerability, and the beauty of transformation take center stage. They introduce the heart of the podcast—exploring the moments that break us open and how we find light on the other side. 

Through personal stories, honest reflections, and thoughtful discussion, they dive into the experience of fear, uncertainty, and taking a leap of faith into the unknown. With humor, depth, and a willingness to be truly seen, this episode is both soul-nourishing and deeply relatable.

In this episode, they explore: 

• What it really means to “break open” and how transformation happens
• Listening to your body’s signals—how Foster knew it was time to leave a 17-year relationship
• Why fear is a sign of growth (and how to work with it instead of against it)
• Cesar’s leap of faith: moving to Los Angeles without a plan, and the unexpected lesson he learned
• Grieving old versions of ourselves while stepping into something new
• Why Cesar slept in his car (and how a stranger changed everything) 
• The power of vulnerability—why being open is the key to deep connection
• And introducing… Words of the Week!

If this episode resonated with you, check out Episode 2: The Beauty of Letting Go where Foster & Cesar dive deeper into surrendering to uncertainty. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.

If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review—it really helps! 

Connect with us! We’d love to hear from you. Send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow us on Instagram @beautyinthebreakpod.

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Subscribe to his newsletter Insights That Matter

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum doula services
• Subscribe to her newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley 

Send us Fan Mail

Introducing Beauty in the Break—a podcast about the moments that shatter us and the unexpected beauty that follows. Hosted by public speaker Cesar Cardona and filmmaker & poet Foster Wilson, this show explores the breaking points of life—the loss, the unraveling, the transformation—and the resilience that carries us through. 

With raw conversations, personal reflections, and stories of healing, Beauty in the Break is a space to sit with life’s fractures and uncover what waits on the other side.

Join us every other Tuesday, starting March 4th. Follow Beauty in the Break now so you never miss an episode. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Send us Fan Mail