In this episode of Dinner with Taryn, I’m joined by choreographer and creative director Serena Wolman for an honest conversation about detachment, creativity, and finding clarity through making. Over dinner, Serena reflects on growing up in dance, moving to New York, navigating rejection and self-doubt, and eventually releasing the version of success she thought she was supposed to chase. We talk about trusting the why over the how, building community through creation, and what happens when you stop forcing answers and let the work lead you. If you’re in a season of transition, questioning your direction, or learning how to trust what’s unfolding, pull up a chair and join us. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Trusting yourself doesn’t always have to feel confident, to feel honest. - You don’t need to know whole plan to know something is possible, you just need the why. - Sometimes rejection isn’t failure, it’s information. - Not every pivot has to come from burnout - Urgency can rush things we’re meant to slowly grow into. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Opening Thoughts: Creativity, Identity & Curiosity 06:30 — Early Dance Roots & Ambition 09:00 — High School Identity & the Pull of New York 15:45 — When the Path Isn’t Yours: Reality Checks & Redirection 23:55 — Coming of Age in New York: Sexuality, Freedom & Self-Discovery 33:40 — Auditions, Rejection & Self-Sabotage 40:30 — Letting Go of the Archetype: Choosing a Different Path 42:00 — COVID, Career Pivots & Clarity Through Creation 50:20 — Creating Kiss My Face: Community, Art & Evolution 1:16:50 — The Why vs The How: Trusting What Comes Next ABOUT PODCAST Dinner with Taryn is all about cozy, meaningful conversations with creatives and entrepreneurs around a meal. Each episode, I explore the space where passion meets uncertainty, and where clarity begins to take shape. Subscribe to my newsletter, Notes from the Table, for essays, reflections, and behind-the-scenes stories about creativity, purpose, and building meaningful work. https://dinnerwithtaryn.substack.com/
