51: How to Find Yourself and Navigate Social Anxiety with Jera Foster- Fell
How to Find Yourself and Navigate Social Anxiety: A Conversation with Jera Foster-Fell
Have you ever felt like you're performing your life instead of truly living it? Or maybe you've been caught in a loop of social anxiety, unsure how to show up as yourself—online or IRL? In this powerful episode of Broads Podcast, Tara sits down with social media expert and creative soul Jera Foster-Fell to unpack the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery, social anxiety, and embracing your most authentic self.
From building a purposeful online presence to learning how to pivot careers with courage, this episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Who am I really—and how do I find my way back to her?”
Finding Yourself in a World of Filters
We live in a world that constantly tells us to curate, filter, and perfect every moment—but what if the real magic lies in showing up as you are? Jera shares her evolution from corporate life to becoming a content creator, and how leaning into authenticity on social media was the catalyst for rediscovering herself.
Key Insight:
"Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a practice."
She emphasizes the importance of checking in with your values and using your platform to express your truth, not just what performs well. Tara echoes this, reminding listeners that true connection comes when we drop the facade and show up human.
Navigating the Layers of Social Anxiety
Jera doesn’t sugarcoat her experience with social anxiety. She opens up about feeling out of place in social settings—even after years of building a confident online brand. The truth? You can feel both empowered and anxious, bold and unsure.
Tips from Jera and Tara for navigating social anxiety:
Ground yourself before entering a social environment—whether that’s through breathwork, journaling, or a quick walk.
Don’t force the room. Connect with one person instead of trying to perform for everyone.
Remember: most people are more focused on themselves than on judging you.
Creative Expression as a Self-Discovery Tool
A major theme of the episode is how creativity—especially through content creation—can become a path to healing and self-expression. Jera talks about how embracing art, design, and digital storytelling helped her reconnect with her voice.
Tara relates this to movement: fitness, too, is a form of creative expression. Lifting, dancing, moving your body with intention—it all contributes to feeling more connected to who you are.
Embracing the Pivot
If you’ve ever felt called to change directions in your career or personal life, this part is for you. Jera shares how leaving the familiar wasn’t easy—but it was necessary. The key? Trust yourself.
Tara and Jera encourage listeners to lean into the discomfort of transformation. Growth isn’t linear, and it's not always comfortable. But it is worth it.
Reminder from Tara:
"Your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else but you."
You Already Have What You’re Looking For
At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: you don’t need to become someone new—you just need to come home to yourself. Whether you're navigating social anxiety, rethinking your career, or trying to show up more authentically online, know this: your mess is part of your magic.
What’s one way you’re showing up as your full self this week? Share it with us on Instagram by tagging @taralaferrara or drop a comment below. Let’s keep this conversation going.
Find more from Tara:
Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/
Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app
Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
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