In this episode, Rocky sits down with entrepreneur and creative Hance for a deeply honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the stories we carry about ourselves. Together they unpack the tension between wanting connection and avoiding vulnerability, how childhood experiences shape present-day behavior, and why many of the narratives we believe about ourselves aren’t actually ours to carry. Hance opens up about feeling like an outsider in everyday environments (from youth sports to community spaces) and the internal battle between comfort and growth. This episode invites listeners to examine the stories they’ve inherited, challenge what’s actually true, and take small, courageous steps toward connection and authenticity.

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

00:00:03 — The stories told about us vs. the stories we tell ourselves—and where they collide.

00:02:21 — Navigating social anxiety and feeling like an outsider in everyday environments.

00:03:54 — The tension between comfort in isolation and pressure to connect with others.

00:07:58 — The internal narrative of not belonging—and how it shapes behavior.

00:10:04 — What do you actually want: connection, comfort, or control?

00:12:25 — Recognizing when your thoughts about others aren’t rooted in reality.

00:15:14 — Why you can’t expect an invitation if you never put yourself in a position to receive one.

00:17:24 — The difference between being needed vs. being wanted—and why it matters.

00:19:43 — Taking small, intentional steps to create connection and rewrite your story.

00:29:33 — Reframing your past: separating your identity from the stories others placed on you.

About Our Guest

Hance Taplin is a Dallas-based designer, photographer, and creative director originally from Denver, Colorado. He is the founder of By Way of Dallas, a creative platform focused on connecting communities and reshaping the city through design and culture. His work has led to collaborations with brands like Nike, Neiman Marcus, The Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, D Magazine, Dallas Market Center, 7-Eleven and The Dallas Mavericks, making him a distinctive voice in the Dallas creative scene.

Follow By Way of Dallas @bywayofdallas

Follow Hance @hancetaplin

Join Rocky, LIVE on Zoom, in conversation about leadership, humanity, and everything in between: http://rockygarza.com/confidence

104: Rewriting Your Story with Guest Hance Taplin