The Richard Taliaferro Podcast

Award-winning author, television writer, producer, story consultant and Emmy-winning showrunner Samuel Garza Bernstein has spent his career thinking about what makes a story work.But in this conversation, we’re not just talking about stories on the page or screen. We’re talking about the stories we tell ourselves.Samuel — author of acclaimed biographies of Roddy McDowall, Cesar Romero and Joan Crawford, and showrunner and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning series After Forever — joins me to explore storytelling, identity, reinvention and the strange contradictions that make us human.We talk about why people become trapped inside old narratives, what Hollywood careers can teach us about reinvention, why struggle and conflict are essential parts of any meaningful story, and why changing your life requires more than a vision board or quick fix.We also explore self-knowledge, curiosity, mistakes, process, adaptability and a deceptively simple question for anyone who feels stuck:Where is the door?If the story you’ve been telling about yourself no longer fits, this conversation may help you start imagining what comes next.You can see his work at: https://samuelgarzabernstein.com——————I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.comHost/Executive Producer: Richard Taliaferro#Storytelling #SamuelGarzaBernstein #Reinvention #Identity #PersonalGrowth #CareerChange #CareerTransition #Story #Writers #Authors

What happens when you spend your career solving other people’s problems — and suddenly become the person facing a problem you can’t immediately fix?Spencer Rosengarten has worked in information technology for nearly 40 years, supporting organizations ranging from pharmaceutical companies and banks to a national political campaign. He has also lived through layoffs, unemployment, a major pay cut, and a firing he never saw coming.In this conversation, Spencer joins Richard Taliaferro to talk candidly about job loss, career uncertainty and what it takes to move forward when your professional identity takes a hit.They talk about the grief that can come with losing a job, why Spencer began calling his network almost immediately after being fired, the growing importance of relationships in an AI-driven job market, and why asking for help can be an act of perseverance rather than weakness.They also explore pride, resilience, self-care, career agency and Spencer’s intense dislike of the phrase “it is what it is.”You may not get to choose what happens to your career, but you still get to answer the question:What are you going to do now?——————I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com#JobLoss #CareerTransition #CareerChange #MidCareer #JobSearch #CareerResilience #Networking #ProfessionalIdentity #CareerAdvice #Layoffs

What happens when you inherit extraordinary wealth before you’ve had the chance to figure out who you are?Sharon Foulston lost her father in a motor racing accident when she was just 17. In the years that followed, she inherited not only significant wealth, but expectations, responsibility and an identity that increasingly revolved around money.But having access to almost anything didn’t give her what she needed most: meaning, peace of mind or a strong sense of self.In this conversation, Sharon and Richard Taliaferro explore grief, inherited wealth, identity and what it means to rebuild a life that no longer fits.Sharon shares how returning to nature—and eventually undertaking solo sailing adventures across the North Sea and Baltic Sea aboard her yacht, Sophie—helped her reconnect with herself, trust her own judgment and discover a different kind of personal power.They discuss:Losing a parent at 17 and how unresolved grief can become part of your identityThe emotional complexity of inheriting extreme wealth at a young ageWhy money can solve problems without creating meaningHow family expectations and inherited identities can separate us from ourselvesAnger as part of griefWhy nature became a path back to self-trustWhat solo sailing taught Sharon about fear, intuition and capabilityThe difference between financial power and personal powerWhy the moment an old identity stops fitting can become an invitationFinding freedom by moving toward—not eliminating—fearSharon Foulston is a speaker, advocate and author whose work explores grief, identity, renewal and the mental-health challenges surrounding inherited wealth.Her book, Unmoored: Sailing Alone Towards Wholeness, publishes October 6, and her website is sharonfoulston.com——————I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com#Grief #Identity #InheritedWealth #Reinvention #PersonalGrowth #LifeTransitions #SelfDiscovery #SoloSailing #MentalHealth #FindingYourself #SelfTrust #CareerAndLifeTransitions #Unmoored #SharonFoulston

What happens when “I’m fine” becomes the mask a man wears for years?Andy Grant, host of the award-winning Real Men Feel podcast, joins Richard Taliaferro for a candid conversation about men’s mental health, masculinity, vulnerability, identity, and what it means to stop performing toughness and start living more authentically.A survivor of multiple suicide attempts, Andy shares how his own struggle with depression and disconnection eventually led him toward healing—and toward helping other men reconnect with themselves.Richard and Andy explore why sensitivity is still treated as weakness, how men become trapped by external definitions of success, why vulnerability requires courage, and what happens when your identity becomes reduced to roles such as provider, husband, father, or professional.They also discuss the importance of values, the fear of failure and rejection, finding genuine support, and simple practices—including gratitude, meditation, and mirror work—that can help men begin coming home to themselves.Because men are more than what they produce, provide, or accomplish.Andy’s podcast: https://www.realmenfeel.orgIn this episode:Men’s mental health and emotional well-being; masculinity and vulnerability; the “I’m fine” mask; identity beyond career and achievement; overcoming fear of failure and rejection; authentic male friendships and support; values, purpose, and self-worth; and practical ways men can reconnect with themselves.#MensMentalHealth #Masculinity #Vulnerability #MentalHealth #MensHealth #Authenticity #EmotionalHealth #PersonalGrowth #AndyGrant #RealMenFeel——————I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com

What happens when a personal fear becomes a business mission?In this episode, I sit down with Britton Kent, co-founder of Cooper’s AquaArmor, to discuss how learning to swim while pregnant—and discovering surprising research about children’s swimwear visibility—led her to launch a company focused on child water safety.We talk about:Why swimsuit color matters more than most parents realizeThe research behind child visibility in pools, lakes, and oceansStarting a business with no fashion industry experienceBalancing entrepreneurship, parenthood, and a full-time careerBuilding products in the USALessons Brittany wishes she’d known before launching a startupMarketing, manufacturing, and growing a mission-driven businessWhether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or someone considering starting your own business, Britton Kent shares practical lessons about turning a simple observation into a company with purpose.Connect with Britton Kenthttps://aquaarmorswim.com*****Co-producer: Debra Chandler*****——————I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com#CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Startup #WomenEntrepreneurs #Parenting #ChildSafety #WaterSafety #SwimSafety #StartupFounder #BusinessPodcast #MadeInUSA #ProductDesign #Leadership #Innovation #CareerCoach #RichardTaliaferro

What if intuition isn’t “woo-woo”—but a skill you can strengthen?Shelley Poovey, founder and lead faculty member at Attune Coach Academy and author of The Energy-Intelligent Business: The Science and Soul of Sustainable Success, joins Richard Taliaferro for a conversation about intuition, decision-making, career clarity and the cost of chronic overwork.Shelley shares her own unconventional career journey—from psychology research and computer programming to entrepreneurship and coaching—and explains why she has spent years learning to “follow her yes.”They also explore the neuroscience behind mindfulness and intuition, why high-achieving professionals can feel stuck even when they’re successful, and how workplace experiences and old stories can shape the decisions we make today.Plus, Shelley and Richard discuss a problem in the coaching and business world: formulas that ask people to disconnect from who they are in the name of success.In this episode:• Why we’re conditioned to ignore our inner guidance• How intuition can support better decision-making• The connection between mindfulness, metacognition and neuroplasticity• Why there may be no single “right” career decision• How workplace stress and betrayal contribute to feeling stuckIf you’re navigating a career transition, questioning your next move, or tired of overthinking every decision, this conversation offers a different way to approach clarity.Learn more about Shelley Poovey and Attune Coach Academy: https://www.attunecoach.comFind The Energy-Intelligent Business: https://www.energyintelligentbusiness.comICF CCE program: https://www.attuneperformance.com——I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com#CareerClarity #CareerTransition #CareerChange #DecisionMaking #Intuition #Mindfulness #SustainableSuccess #Overthinking #CareerCoaching #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #MidCareer

What happens when a creative outlet becomes something bigger?In this episode, Richard talks with Sophie Blake, founder and designer of Sophie Blake jewelry, about her journey from corporate work to building a brand rooted in confidence, self-expression, and timeless style.Sophie shares the story of her first handmade pieces, the moment someone asked to commission her work, and the long evolution from hobby to business. She also reflects on opening a retail store, learning sales through storytelling, creating community with customers, and eventually pivoting toward online and wholesale growth.Along the way, Sophie offers honest insight into entrepreneurship, burnout, motherhood, strategic planning, and the importance of building a business that can evolve with your life.In this episode:• How Sophie Blake started making jewelry• Why jewelry became a form of confidence and self-expression• The shift from hobby to business• What entrepreneurship taught her about wearing different hatsAnd more…Learn more about Sophie Blake:Website: www.sophieblake.comInstagram: @sophieblakeny*****Co-producer: Debra Chandler*****I’m Richard Taliaferro, a certified career coach, former journalist, and curious human. I talk with people navigating reinvention—founders, creatives, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals—about the work they’ve built, the lessons they’ve learned, and what it means to create a life that actually fits.Not sure where you’re actually stuck? Take the 90-Second SPARK for a personalized read: https://spark-diagnostic.vercel.app/Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com#SophieBlake#JewelryDesigner#FemaleEntrepreneur#WomenInBusiness#CreativeEntrepreneur#EntrepreneurshipJourney#FounderStory#CareerPivot#CareerReinvention#SmallBusinessOwner#BrandBuilding#CreativeBusiness#SelfExpression#ConfidenceInStyle#RichardTaliaferroPodcast

What happens after the career that gave you structure, identity, and community is no longer at the center of your life?Dale Power, creator of Reimagine Retirement, joins Richard to talk about the part of retirement planning that rarely gets enough attention: the personal transition. Together, they discuss why travel and leisure are often not enough, how retirees can reconnect with their values, why work communities often do not follow us into retirement, and how service can become a powerful source of purpose.Dale also shares stories of people who found unexpected next chapters through animal rescue, mentoring, entrepreneurship, podcasting, and community involvement.If you are approaching retirement, already retired, or simply thinking about what a meaningful next chapter could look like, this conversation offers a thoughtful place to begin.Dale can be reached at: https://shareyourcourage.comI’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified career coach, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals find the work that works for them. I'm sharing my thoughts on careers, and more, and how I can help you achieve your goals. Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.comTo get my weekly newsletter with more career tips and insights, click here: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com/emails#Retirement #RetirementLifestyle #PurposeDrivenLife #MeaningAfterWork #RetirementCoaching #NextChapterLife #MidlifeTransition #LifeDesign #PersonalGrowth #CareerChange