Tayo Rockson
@tayorockson.bsky.social
At the edge of AI, behavior & culture.
Exploring NLP, machine learning, and the systems that shape us.
Exploring NLP, machine learning, and the systems that shape us.
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Tayo Rockson
@tayorockson.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Hey BlueSky! I’m Tayo Rockson, and I’m thrilled to join this community. As a behavioral scientist, professor, cultural competency and mental health advocate, I spend my time exploring how identity, innovation, and bias intersect in our increasingly global world. Let me tell you a bit about myself.
Change doesn’t have to feel like starting over. It can sound like a key change.
Inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, I wrote about why most change fails, how to respect your nervous system, and what it means to transpose instead of demolish.
tayorockson.substack.com/p/what-chang...
Inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, I wrote about why most change fails, how to respect your nervous system, and what it means to transpose instead of demolish.
tayorockson.substack.com/p/what-chang...
What Change Sounds Like: Transpose Your Habits, Don’t Just Break Them
Spoiler Warning: This essay includes story beats and finale songs from KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix, 2025).
tayorockson.substack.com
September 12, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Change doesn’t have to feel like starting over. It can sound like a key change.
Inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, I wrote about why most change fails, how to respect your nervous system, and what it means to transpose instead of demolish.
tayorockson.substack.com/p/what-chang...
Inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, I wrote about why most change fails, how to respect your nervous system, and what it means to transpose instead of demolish.
tayorockson.substack.com/p/what-chang...
This essay explores why applause is a dangerous currency, how to protect your essence while pursuing evidence, and why your voice was never meant to be collateral.
Applause should be a tip jar, not a paycheck.
#kpopdemonhunters
tayorockson.substack.com/p/the-price-...
Applause should be a tip jar, not a paycheck.
#kpopdemonhunters
tayorockson.substack.com/p/the-price-...
The Price of Applause (and How to Stop Paying It)
We all trade our worth for applause at some point—metrics, likes, praise. In KPop Demon Hunters, Rumi literally loses her voice under that pressure. This essay explores why applause is a dangerous cur...
tayorockson.substack.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:24 PM
This essay explores why applause is a dangerous currency, how to protect your essence while pursuing evidence, and why your voice was never meant to be collateral.
Applause should be a tip jar, not a paycheck.
#kpopdemonhunters
tayorockson.substack.com/p/the-price-...
Applause should be a tip jar, not a paycheck.
#kpopdemonhunters
tayorockson.substack.com/p/the-price-...
I share some of my thoughts on the questions that find you in seasons of change here ==> open.substack.com/pub/tayorock...
The Questions That Find You in Seasons of Change
Some questions arrive quietly, like house guests you didn't invite but somehow needed all along.
open.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I share some of my thoughts on the questions that find you in seasons of change here ==> open.substack.com/pub/tayorock...
Curiosity is one of the most important traits you can develop. Here's why: It keeps your mind active as opposed to being passive. It ensures your mind becomes more observant of new ideas. It opens up new worlds and possibilities. It brings excitement into your life.
September 1, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Curiosity is one of the most important traits you can develop. Here's why: It keeps your mind active as opposed to being passive. It ensures your mind becomes more observant of new ideas. It opens up new worlds and possibilities. It brings excitement into your life.
You see success is NEVER the result of just one thing. It’s a series of things coming together. It’s important that you see where you could end up before you start. Give yourself a direction and work your way up to the person who achieves that success.
August 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
You see success is NEVER the result of just one thing. It’s a series of things coming together. It’s important that you see where you could end up before you start. Give yourself a direction and work your way up to the person who achieves that success.
Failure is not who you are. It’s an event. It doesn’t happen to you. It happens for you. You’re not a victim as long as you can learn from it. When you fail, it’s not you that suffers. It’s your ego that suffers.
They are two different things.
They are two different things.
August 31, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Failure is not who you are. It’s an event. It doesn’t happen to you. It happens for you. You’re not a victim as long as you can learn from it. When you fail, it’s not you that suffers. It’s your ego that suffers.
They are two different things.
They are two different things.
How to negotiate with your inner critic substack.com/@tayorockson...
How to Negotiate With Your Inner Critic
Inner Diplomacy — Negotiating With Yourself
substack.com
April 8, 2025 at 10:03 PM
How to negotiate with your inner critic substack.com/@tayorockson...
A night to remember…
March 1, 2025 at 11:20 PM
A night to remember…
Each thread of time weaves a unique story. Today is a canvas, waiting for you to paint your dreams and passions. The lessons of yesterday guide your brush, while the vision of tomorrow fuels your imagination. So, show up for yourself—your story deserves to be told.
January 13, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Each thread of time weaves a unique story. Today is a canvas, waiting for you to paint your dreams and passions. The lessons of yesterday guide your brush, while the vision of tomorrow fuels your imagination. So, show up for yourself—your story deserves to be told.
The biggest reason we get into unsuccessful relationships OR stay in them is because we don’t demand our worth.
We do this because of any combination of these reasons: fear, insecurity or impatience.
We do this because of any combination of these reasons: fear, insecurity or impatience.
January 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The biggest reason we get into unsuccessful relationships OR stay in them is because we don’t demand our worth.
We do this because of any combination of these reasons: fear, insecurity or impatience.
We do this because of any combination of these reasons: fear, insecurity or impatience.
Reflecting on my years in therapy, I realize how much I've grown. I've learned the power of surrendering, letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and being present. It’s fascinating how vulnerability can lead to profound growth. Each step into the unknown has brought me closer to healing.
December 23, 2024 at 3:55 PM
Reflecting on my years in therapy, I realize how much I've grown. I've learned the power of surrendering, letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and being present. It’s fascinating how vulnerability can lead to profound growth. Each step into the unknown has brought me closer to healing.
When someone takes life away from you, they steal your light; when someone gives life to you, they ignite your spirit.
When someone takes life away from you, they dim your flame; when someone gives life to you, they fan your passions.
When someone takes life away from you, they dim your flame; when someone gives life to you, they fan your passions.
December 19, 2024 at 9:51 PM
When someone takes life away from you, they steal your light; when someone gives life to you, they ignite your spirit.
When someone takes life away from you, they dim your flame; when someone gives life to you, they fan your passions.
When someone takes life away from you, they dim your flame; when someone gives life to you, they fan your passions.
Denial is the only river that exists in every country in the world.
December 13, 2024 at 10:57 PM
Denial is the only river that exists in every country in the world.
My current streak on Duolingo.
December 13, 2024 at 9:20 PM
My current streak on Duolingo.
THREAD: How to Reprogram Yourself for Lasting Change
1/ Change starts with discomfort. Doing one uncomfortable thing daily can transform your habits. The catch? The discomfort must lead to your desired outcome.
1/ Change starts with discomfort. Doing one uncomfortable thing daily can transform your habits. The catch? The discomfort must lead to your desired outcome.
December 13, 2024 at 3:42 PM
THREAD: How to Reprogram Yourself for Lasting Change
1/ Change starts with discomfort. Doing one uncomfortable thing daily can transform your habits. The catch? The discomfort must lead to your desired outcome.
1/ Change starts with discomfort. Doing one uncomfortable thing daily can transform your habits. The catch? The discomfort must lead to your desired outcome.
I still want to know what that bleeped out part was in “wacced out murals”.
December 13, 2024 at 12:17 AM
I still want to know what that bleeped out part was in “wacced out murals”.
Reflecting a few years after the pandemic, it’s striking how much the world has transformed. We now clearly inhabit a landscape divided into pre-pandemic and post-pandemic realities, and I’m not sure we’ve fully grasped the depth of this change.
December 12, 2024 at 10:13 PM
Reflecting a few years after the pandemic, it’s striking how much the world has transformed. We now clearly inhabit a landscape divided into pre-pandemic and post-pandemic realities, and I’m not sure we’ve fully grasped the depth of this change.
I am at a point in my life where I don't need any superficial friends.
It's all about intentionally curating a circle that adds value to my life as much as I do to theirs even if that circle comprises of less than 5 people.
It's all about intentionally curating a circle that adds value to my life as much as I do to theirs even if that circle comprises of less than 5 people.
December 11, 2024 at 1:43 AM
I am at a point in my life where I don't need any superficial friends.
It's all about intentionally curating a circle that adds value to my life as much as I do to theirs even if that circle comprises of less than 5 people.
It's all about intentionally curating a circle that adds value to my life as much as I do to theirs even if that circle comprises of less than 5 people.
Affirmations for change makers and aspiring change makers
I believe in my ability to influence my environment.
I accept that changing the world starts with the consistency of my efforts to remain vigilant about my causes.
I believe in my ability to influence my environment.
I accept that changing the world starts with the consistency of my efforts to remain vigilant about my causes.
December 10, 2024 at 6:50 PM
Affirmations for change makers and aspiring change makers
I believe in my ability to influence my environment.
I accept that changing the world starts with the consistency of my efforts to remain vigilant about my causes.
I believe in my ability to influence my environment.
I accept that changing the world starts with the consistency of my efforts to remain vigilant about my causes.
One of the most under discussed barriers in the workforce today is colorism or shadeism.
Colorism is a prejudice or discrimination favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.
Colorism is a prejudice or discrimination favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.
December 8, 2024 at 8:10 PM
One of the most under discussed barriers in the workforce today is colorism or shadeism.
Colorism is a prejudice or discrimination favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.
Colorism is a prejudice or discrimination favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin.
Things get easier once you start accepting that you cannot control everything.
Life has a way of responding positively to your surrender; it partners with your embrace of uncertainty.
Life has a way of responding positively to your surrender; it partners with your embrace of uncertainty.
December 6, 2024 at 5:52 PM
Things get easier once you start accepting that you cannot control everything.
Life has a way of responding positively to your surrender; it partners with your embrace of uncertainty.
Life has a way of responding positively to your surrender; it partners with your embrace of uncertainty.
You don’t have to be perfect to love yourself.
December 5, 2024 at 10:58 PM
You don’t have to be perfect to love yourself.
Figuring out your expertise.
December 5, 2024 at 10:43 PM
Figuring out your expertise.