Beauty in the Break
Beauty in the Break is a new podcast that explores the powerful moments when life shatters—and the unexpected beauty that follows. Hosted by public speaker Cesar Cardona & filmmaker and poet Foster Wilson, each episode dives into conversations of healing, transformation and resilience through self-awareness, storytelling and mindfulness. Whether you’re navigating change or seeking inspiration, this series uncovers the common threads that connect us all, to help you achieve personal or professional growth.
Bonus · Tue, June 24, 2025
Sobriety is Hot AF: Wisdom from Our Friends (BONUS)
This bonus episode of Beauty in the Break is an extended compilation of wisdom from Foster & Cesar’s joyfully sober friends—real people sharing powerful, funny, and vulnerable reflections on sobriety, addiction, and healing. You’ll hear from Chan Kinchla, Kate Anthony, Megan Stewart, Glenn Milley, Eve Sturges, Johanna Brown, and others. Whether you’re sober curious, reevaluating your relationship with alcohol, or already on the path, this episode offers candid truths and heartfelt encouragement from diverse voices who’ve walked that road. These sobriety stories offer insight, comfort, and inspiration for anyone seeking freedom, clarity, and a more grounded life. In this episode: How one friend reframed sobriety as “a lazy woman’s spirituality dream” The unexpected thing that makes socializing easier after sobriety Why “getting your brain back” is the ultimate sober gift The surprising reason one friend calls sobriety “disappointing… in a good way” A reminder that the hottest thing on the planet is asking for help If this bonus episode spoke to you, make sure you listen to The Secret of Joyful Sobriety where we explore the surprising joys of getting sober. 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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 a text
Tue, June 17, 2025
The Secret of Joyful Sobriety: Clarity, Freedom & Feeling Alive
Are you sober curious? What if sobriety wasn’t a loss—but a doorway to something richer, deeper, and more vibrant? In this episode of Beauty in the Break , Foster and Cesar explore the concept of joyful sobriety —a term that flips the narrative from shame and scarcity to celebration and self-connection. Whether you're newly sober or just beginning to explore what it means to be sober curious, they share how choosing to stop drinking (for vastly different reasons) opened up clarity, creativity, spiritual depth, and real emotional presence. From near-misses and cravings to sober parenting and creative breakthroughs, this conversation weaves together lived experience with gentle wisdom. This episode is an invitation into a world where sobriety isn’t about less—it’s about more. More vibrance, more presence, and more of your real self. In this episode: Why joyful sobriety is a radical reframe of the narrative around addiction and alcohol Foster's reason for quitting drinking Cesar’s raw, honest account of waking up at the wheel The myth of being “less fun” without alcohol The process that helped Cesar heal from addiction Foster’s revelation about alcohol and creativity Cesar’s take on waking up clear – without having to check for his kidneys The question we should be asking ourselves about the role of alcohol in our lives Special feature: A beautiful chorus of voices from their joyfully sober friends: Chan Kinchla, Kate Anthony, Megan Stewart, Glenn Milley, Eve Sturges, Johanna Brown, and others. Mention Beauty in the Break at Burden of Proof in Pasadena, and get 20% off your purchase! If this episode spoke to you, you will love The Eating Habits We Didn’t Choose where Foster unpacks her diagnosis of an eating disorder. 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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 Ma
Tue, June 03, 2025
How to Say “I Was Wrong” (And Why It Feels So Damn Good)
In this episode of Beauty in the Break , Cesar and Foster dive into the vulnerable, often uncomfortable act of admitting when we’re wrong —and how that simple phrase can shift everything. They reflect on how our ego, upbringing, and societal norms all shape our relationship to being right, and how choosing honesty over defensiveness can lead to unexpected moments of intimacy, relief, and growth. Through heartfelt personal stories, they offer the idea that saying “I was wrong” can build deeper connections with kids, partners, colleagues, and even ourselves. This episode is a love letter to imperfection and the courage it takes to be real. In this episode they explore: Why “I was wrong” might be the most powerful phrase you’re not using enough—and how it actually builds trust A real-life story about how a failed podcast booking turned into a personal breakthrough for Cesar What Foster learned about parenting solo and repairing ruptures with her children in real time How to give yourself the parenting you wished you had as a child Foster’s career pivots and how letting go of “what could have been” has brought her more joy A forgiveness practice you can do even if the person who hurt you never says they’re sorry The Buddhist metaphor that will reframe your understanding of rigidity and growth forever Cesar mentions Episode 5: Cesar’s Accident . 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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 <p
Tue, May 20, 2025
Finding Laughter in Life & Death with Jennica Schwartzman
After losing her father suddenly, actress, producer, and stand-up comic Jennica Schwartzman turned to comedy, storytelling, and creative community as a way to navigate grief and reclaim her identity. She joins Beauty in the Break for a powerful conversation about healing after loss, diving into stand-up comedy, and the ways her ministry upbringing shaped her voice as a storyteller. Jennica also shares how she continues to build inclusive creative spaces while parenting and producing meaningful art. This is what it’s really like to handle the business of death —from managing legal documents and phone calls to emotionally processing a parent’s digital life. What does it mean to become the adult in your family? What do we inherit beyond objects? And how do we feel alive again? If you've ever wondered how to prepare for a parent's death, how to grieve creatively, or what it means to reinvent yourself after life breaks you open—this is the honest conversation you need to hear. In this episode: The secret ingredient behind Jennica’s wildly creative life Starting stand-up comedy in your 30s (and what it awakens) Why grieving might be the most adult thing you ever do What Jennica learned from inheriting 38 books on the Assassination of JFK The bittersweet beauty of wearing your father’s clothes How to become “dad” when no one else can How to prepare for a parent’s death (while they’re still alive) Jennica Schwartzman: Follow her on Instagram Get her book Behind the Screens See her next stand-up show ! If this episode spoke to you, you will love Episode 3: Foster’s Loss where she tells the story of her late-term pregnancy loss and the beauty on the other side. 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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 <a href='https://open.spotify.com/artist/276j7z30iDuFkoMtymMzCo
Tue, May 06, 2025
Say More! Vol. 2: Hustle Culture Sucks & Other Dangerously Fun Confessions
Welcome to the most playful episode yet! In Say More! Vol. 2 , Foster and Cesar return with their recurring series where they pull unexpected questions from a deck and go wherever the stories lead. What follows is a ride through ice cream scooping traumas, pit bull heroism, skydiving metaphors, teenage gang life, and what happens when you're faced with a really, really bad boss. Amidst the play, they touch on fear, self-expression, and the transformation that comes from choosing a partner who helps you become more yourself. This episode is a reminder that some of the most beautiful breakthroughs happen when you're just having fun and saying more. In this episode: A true story about a deaf man, his pit bull, and a life-saving act you won’t believe Foster’s very first job—and why it only lasted 2 months (hint: bad lighting + poor triceps) Cesar’s epic “I quit” moment after a 5 a.m. beer truck meltdown Why Foster is so glad hustle culture is in the rearview—and what she’s replaced it with Cesar’s high school transformation from gang life to Buddhist robes The interview that shook Foster’s confidence What Cesar would do if he were a woman for a day Foster mentions Leaps of Faith which is in Episode 1: Breaking Open . If this episode spoke to you, you will love the first volume of this game Say More! Boomers, Benders and Bare Skin ! 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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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: <a href='http://www.cesarcardona.com/
Tue, April 22, 2025
The Eating Habits We Didn’t Choose: Healing Relationships with Food
Foster and Cesar bravely share their radically different relationships with disordered eating, trauma, and healing. Foster opens up about living with an undiagnosed eating disorder for 22 years—marked by constant food obsession and internalized body shame—before receiving a diagnosis that finally brought relief and a path forward. Cesar shares his story of childhood hunger and neglect, and how that scarcity shaped his adult relationship with food. Together, they explore how trauma lives in the body and how healing requires listening within. If you’re sitting with a complex relationship to food or your body, whether it’s anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia, orthorexia, binge-eating, or a more nuanced disordered eating fed to you by diet culture, this episode is designed to be the first step in your healing process. You are not alone. In this episode: Foster reveals her 22-year struggle with food and eating—and the diagnosis that set her free The shocking truth of what her inner voice sounds like Foster takes us inside the mind of someone with an eating disorder Cesar shares the lasting imprint of childhood hunger including scarcity and shame The foods Cesar gives himself full permission to indulge in The household phrase that still haunts Foster—and how she’s learning to reject diet culture What intuitive eating looks like in real life—and why Foster calls herself a toddler in recovery Cesar’s powerful reminder that eating—and healing—isn’t about rules Also mentioned: Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch Our episode on How to Spot a Gatekeeper ! 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 memo to beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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
Tue, April 08, 2025
How to Spot a Gatekeeper (Even If It's You)
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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 A
Tue, March 25, 2025
Cesar's Accident: The Scars of Rebirth
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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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: Ce
Tue, March 11, 2025
Say More! Boomers, Benders and Bare Skin
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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/t
Tue, March 04, 2025
Foster’s Loss: Sunflowers and the Choice to Feel Pain
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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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
Tue, March 04, 2025
The Beauty of Letting Go: Finding Peace in Uncertainty and Reparenting Ourselves
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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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</a
Tue, March 04, 2025
Breaking Open
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 beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com 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 <a href='http://www.fosterwilson.co
Trailer · Fri, February 07, 2025
Trailer
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 a text
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