Beauty in the Break

Cesar Cardona & Foster Wilson
  • 5.0 (43)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 

  1. 1D AGO

    From Homeless to the Oscars: Dedrick Bonner on Resilience

    How do you overcome adversity and build a successful creative career from nothing? Creative director and vocalist Dedrick Bonner shares his journey from being a Black gay man raised in a Pentecostal church in Alabama to working with Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and performing at the Oscars with the cast of Sinners. Dedrick opens up about experiencing homelessness during high school, finding resilience in rock bottom moments, and discovering that the most successful people share one common and vital trait. From church rejection to making history as the first-ever musical performance at the SAG Awards, this conversation explores gratitude despite struggle, the beauty found in failure, and why rock bottom is actually a blessing in disguise that clears space for something greater. In this episode they explore:  The heartbreaking reason Dedrick chose to triple major in collegeWhat Beyoncé, Dolly Parton, and Aretha Franklin all have in commonHow a pastor’s kid from Alabama made history at the SAG AwardsThe real meaning of resilienceHow to find the joy in your creative work againWhy "self-made" success is a complete myth (according to someone who's seen it all)Dedrick Bonner: IG: @dedrickbonnerAlso mentioned: How To Spot A Gatekeeper (Even If It’s You)Our episode on women in HollywoodYou 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley Editor: Bessie Fong Special Guest: Dedrick Bonner This episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & Associates Send us Fan Mail

    55 min

  2. MAR 24

    I’m Worried, But I’m Doing It Anyway

    What happens when you face your fears and put yourself out there on social media, only to be publicly criticized? Foster and Cesar honestly reflect on their experience going viral, navigating online negativity and learning to handle public vulnerability despite the anxiety. They discuss the biological need for social connection, why divisive content performs better than positive news, and how to protect your peace when internet strangers attack your choices. They share insights on exposure therapy through social media, meeting critics with compassion instead of defensiveness, and why it’s worth it to continue to spread good despite the uphill battle.  In this episode:  Indie film Home Delivery written and directed by Thom Harp. Opens March 27th, 2026 in the USFoster + Cesar’s guest episode on Tell Me Something Messy with Brandon Kyle Goodman.If this episode spoke to you, you will love The Beauty of Letting Go, where our hosts dive deeper into facing fears. 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Jamaal Pittman. You can donate to his scholarship at WheelerScholarship.com, supporting college enrollment. Send us Fan Mail

    36 min

  3. MAR 17

    How to Keep Your Light in Dark Times with Lesley Fera

    How do you stay authentic and maintain hope in uncertain times? Actress and writer Lesley Fera (Pretty Little Liars) joins Foster and Cesar to discuss finding play and creativity in adulthood, trusting the universe when life feels chaotic, and how grief transformed her relationship with writing. Lesley shares her journey of peeling back layers to return to her authentic self, the power of surrendering control, and how activism and joy can coexist.  In this episode they explore:  Why returning to authenticity feels like returning to childhoodThe grief that pushed Lesley Fera back to writing after drifting awayHow to maintain hope and light when the world feels bleakWhy trusting "the greatest good" changes everythingLesley Fera:  IG: @mslesleyferaLesley’s short film Grace on IG: @gracetheshortfilmCrowdfunding info for Grace The sexy Pandora station that became famous in this episode: Native American Flute RadioIf this episode spoke to you, you will love How to Be a Rebel with Dr. Reid Wilson where Foster’s dad shares how he turned his urge to be a troublemaker into a force for good. 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & Associates Send us Fan Mail

    41 min

  4. MAR 10

    'Everything Happens for a Reason' & Other Unhelpful Things People Say

    Ask Us Anything! Foster and Cesar answer listener questions about working together as romantic partners on a podcast, the worst advice people give during hard times, and the intentional choice of the word "partner" instead of "girlfriend”. They share the pros and cons of creative collaboration in relationships, why the podcast has become their creative "baby," and reveal the well-meaning advice that actually hurts. In this episode they explore:  The grief advice Foster finds unhelpful (even though she believes it herself)How working together revealed their unexpected strengths as a coupleWhat their podcast has in common with having a baby togetherHow they avoid ego battles while collaborating on creative projectsWhy relationships are mirrors, not hierarchies (and what that means for advice)If this episode spoke to you, you will love Say More! Vol. 2: Hustle Culture Sucks & Other Dangerously Fun Confessions. 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Jamaal Pittman. You can donate to his scholarship at WheelerScholarship.com, supporting college enrollment. Send us Fan Mail

    26 min

  5. MAR 3

    Breaking Through: When Your Uniqueness Becomes Your Career

    How do you build a successful career path by just being yourself? Foster shares her unexpected journey from actor to film director after the death of her son, while Cesar reveals how he built a successful business without spending a dollar on marketing. They explore the paradox of being a female director in Hollywood and why being yourself is your greatest advantage in any career. If you’re pivoting careers, breaking into a new industry, or building from scratch, this conversation talks practical wisdom about leveraging your uniqueness and creating meaningful connections because truthfully...  success comes from being irreplaceable.  In this episode they explore:  Why grief became the catalyst for a complete career pivotThe Hollywood catch-22: When diversity programs help and hurt at the same timeHow one person built a 10-year training business without spending a dollar on adsThe security guard at NYU who remembered every student's name (and what that teaches us)Why your unique fingerprint on your work is your only real competitive advantageAlso mentioned:  The loss of Foster’s son Wilde: Foster’s Loss: Sunflowers and the Choice to Feel PainMade Public (14 min short film)Waffles (4 min short film)Platypus (9 min short film)Brick & Mopsie (5 min short film)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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & Associates Send us Fan Mail

    42 min

  6. FEB 24

    Should You Break Your Own Rules? (And When)

    Foster and Cesar sit down for a lighthearted, intimate episode about a surprising parenting breakthrough. Together, they discuss how children actually understand more than we give them credit for, why the question "why?" exhausts parents (and what to do instead), and how treating kids like brilliant humans rather than irrational beings changes the entire dynamic. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on parenting fatigue, the power of contrary actions, and finding those small moments of beauty in the daily grind of raising children.  In this episode they explore:  What happens when you make yourself the "common enemy" in parentingThe real reason parents hate when kids keep asking "why"How one contrary action created an entire day of sibling peaceThe small answer vs. the big answer: What kids actually want to knowWhy siblings don't actually have to be best friends (and that's okay)If this episode spoke to you, you will love Giving Yourself Flowers where we explore the truth about real self-care. 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Jamaal Pittman. You can donate to his scholarship at Wheelerscholarship.com, supporting college enrollment. Send us Fan Mail

    27 min

  7. FEB 17

    How to Stop People-Pleasing Without Losing Love

    In this episode of Beauty in the Break, Foster and Cesar share their real-time struggles with breaking through personal barriers in relationships and self-awareness. Foster reveals her pattern of people-pleasing and difficulty knowing what she wants, especially in romantic relationships, while Cesar confronts unexpected impatience that's surfaced as he's achieved more success in his speaking and meditation career. Through vulnerable conversation, they explore how women's intuition gets buried beneath societal conditioning, why men struggle when women can't articulate their needs, and how personal growth requires constantly meeting your partner (and yourself) in new versions as you evolve. In this episode they explore:  Why successful women still struggle to say what they want in relationshipsMen opening doors for women: patronizing or respectful?The Buddhist story about success that humbled a meditation teacherThe difference between releasing your demons and working with themWhy growth requires meeting your partner again and again in new versionsThe iPhone update theory of human transformationEpisodes referenced:  Episode 23: Our Most Uncomfortable Conversation Yet: Money - where we explored the “messy middle” of healing our money issuesEpisode 33: How Psychedelics Changed Our Lives If this episode spoke to you, you will love Why It’s Never Equal where we explore gender roles and invisible labor. 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & Associates Send us Fan Mail

    50 min

  8. FEB 10

    What Happens When You Get Better and They Don't

    Today’s episode of Beauty in the Break explores a personal and harrowing story from Cesar’s life, where he recently encountered a past version of himself. Through an intimate storytelling conversation, Cesar reflects on reconnecting with a friend still struggling with addiction, sparking a powerful discussion about survivor’s guilt, transformation, boundaries, compassion, and what it means to move forward without leaving empathy behind. This episode offers honest insight into recovery, self-awareness, emotional responsibility, and navigating relationships after profound personal change. In this episode they explore: Survivor’s guilt after personal healing and growthWhen old friendships mirror past versions of ourselvesWhy healing can feel isolating instead of liberatingBoundaries without abandoning compassionSeeing addiction through the lens of compassion and illnessFor more stories like this and good companies you can support, sign up for Cesar’s weekly newsletter Insights That Matter.  If this episode spoke to you, you will love How to Be a Rebel with Dr. Reid Wilson. 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 and TikTok.  Cesar Cardona: Receive his newsletter Insights That MatterGet guided meditation from Cesar on his website Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and SpotifyFoster Wilson: Buy her poetry book Afternoon AbundanceLearn about her postpartum servicesReceive her newsletter Foster’s VillageCreated & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson Executive Producer: Glenn Milley This episode is brought to you by Jamaal Pittman. You can donate to his scholarship at Wheelerscholarship.com, supporting college enrollment. Send us Fan Mail

    22 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cesar Cardona & Foster Wilson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 One Clew LLC
  • Show Website
    Beauty in the Break

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