824: Written in the Waters Author Tara Roberts on Diving into History, Discovering Your Purpose & Following the Unconventional Path

What an absolute JOY it was to reconnect with my sister-friend and former colleague from our Essence magazine days, the brilliant storyteller and explorer Tara Roberts! 🧡

Tara is someone I’ve admired for decades—not only for her sharp editorial mind and deep heart, but also for her fearless pursuit of meaningful storytelling. And in this conversation, we dive (pun intended!) into her latest transformational journey—literally and spiritually—as a National Geographic Explorer and author of the gorgeous memoir “Written in the Waters.”

Tara takes us behind the scenes of how a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture changed everything. What began as a passing curiosity about a photo of Black women in wetsuits turned into a multi-year, purpose-driven adventure uncovering the stories of sunken slave ships and the descendants connected to them.

In this episode, Tara opens up about:

• How following a spark of curiosity led her to scuba diving and uncovering buried Black history

• What it means to say a “heartfelt yes” even when the path is uncertain

• Navigating shame, solitude, and the unconventional path as a woman and an explorer

• Why reclaiming history through storytelling is an act of healing, not just remembrance

This is one of those conversations that will live in your heart. Whether you’re questioning what’s next or just need permission to follow your own light—Tara’s story is a beautiful reminder that your soul already knows the way.

📘 Grab Tara’s book: Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home and Belonging — available wherever books are sold.

📲 Connect with Tara on Instagram: @tararoberts_explorer

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Support is Sexy podcast host Elayne Fluker is an ICF-trained Executive Coach for high-performing women who are transitioning to their next level. Her clients have worked for organizations such as Pfizer, Amazon, Expedia, Bain & Company and more. She is creator of Next Level Navigator — a dynamic 3-month coaching program for women leaders. Elayne is also an author, speaker, and facilitator of leadership development workshops for Fortune 500 companies and organizations. Her LinkedIn Learning courseshave been attended by more than 70,000 students. Click here to get in touch with Elayne.