In this episode of Beauty in the Break, Foster and Cesar unpack the complexity of gender roles, invisible labor, and how cultural expectations affect everything from parenting and relationships to careers and self-expression. They share deeply personal stories: crying in secret as a boy, being the first girl on a football team, navigating motherhood and invisible labor, and redefining what masculinity and femininity actually mean.

They offer insights into why gender roles persist, how the mental load affects families, and why recognition and appreciation matter as much as sharing responsibilities. This conversation also dives into modern masculinity, equity in household labor, and the invisible expectations placed on women. It’s a powerful exploration of what it means to break free from outdated gender scripts and create more authentic, equitable lives.

In this episode:

• The hidden weight of invisible labor in households
• Why the “mental load” often falls on women and how to shift it
• The unlearning process of masculinity and the freedom in crying
• Breaking molds: sports, church, and challenging tradition
• Parenting during the pandemic and the cost of invisible work
• Masculine vs. feminine energies and how both live in everyone
• Redefining modern masculinity and femininity on your own terms

If this episode spoke to you, you will love Sexuality Isn’t Simple where we explore our sexual identities. 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 [email protected] 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

This episode is brought to you by Arlene Thornton & Associates

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