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 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