Shaping Freedom With Lisane Basquiat

 In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with legendary photographer and cultural archivist Johnny Nunez, whose lens has defined how the world sees hip-hop and modern Black excellence. Johnny opens up about his childhood in Brooklyn, facing racism, learning empathy, and how those lessons shaped the integrity and heart he brings to every photograph. Tog...

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with award-winning actor, author, and activist Hill Harper for an intimate conversation about purpose, legacy, and the courage to live with intention. From Harvard Law to Hollywood to his recent political endeavors, Hill shares the evolution of his mission—to create positive impact that outlives the man. Together, they unpack themes of...

 In this heartfelt episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat speaks with Rob and Emilee McGowan about their son Myles, the journey of grief, and how they turned unimaginable loss into purpose. Through their nonprofit Myles Ahead of Cancer and coaching practice Diving Within, they help families and couples navigate hardship with love, honesty, and resilience. Learn how to set boundaries without g...

In this inspiring episode of Shaping Freedom, host Lisane Basquiat sits down with award-winning producer, journalist, and filmmaker Susanna Peredo Swap—a cultural force dedicated to uplifting San Diego’s creative community. Susanna shares her powerful journey from surviving a childhood spinal cord injury and growing up as the daughter of a young immigrant mother, to becoming the founder of Vanguar...

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Dr. Andrea Best — physician, holistic psychiatrist, chemist, nutritionist, and recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Best shares how aligning the brain, adrenals, and gut (her BAG framework) helps us move from burnout into clarity, health, and true momentum. She unpacks the science of energy, brainwave states...

In this episode, Lisane sits down with KJ Rose—Grammy Award-winning performance director, author, and founder of The Rose Effect. KJ shares her journey from stage fright to working with icons like Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, and how she now helps people step into their power. We talk about what confidence really means, how to own your presence in any room, and why showing up authentically...

In this episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Dana Mason to explore Rhythms of Healing, a program blending hip hop, meditation, and wellness practices. Dana shares her journey from the music industry to holistic healing, and how music, culture, and sound can be powerful tools for releasing trauma and reconnecting mind, body, and soulLearn how to set boundaries without guilt. Join Lisane's next P...

Drs. Katie & Gay Hendricks, pioneers in conscious relationships and transformation, founders of the Hendricks Institute, authors of over 50 books including The Big Leap and Conscious Loving. In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane sits down with Katie and Gay Hendricks, leaders in conscious living and relationships. They talk about what it really takes to show up fully in love and in life—commi...

Principal Toria Avila joins Lisane to talk honestly about what middle school looks like in South LA today — from the pressure of test-driven systems to the emotional work of keeping kids safe and seen. Toria shares the experiences that shaped her, what teachers and parents really need, and small shifts that could make schools work better for kids and communities. Notable quote“We could not lower t...

Host Lisane Basquiat speaks with Doug Boxer (LA Fire Justice) and Chris Holden about the Jan 7, 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena — its causes, community impact, and recovery efforts. They discuss legal action against utilities, survivor support programs like Mental Health Mondays and Ashes & Echoes, and ways listeners can help rebuild and sustain the community. Learn how to set boundaries without guilt...

In this heartfelt conversation, Lisane Basquiat sits down with author and speaker Devin C. Hughes to explore what it means to find joy, healing, and purpose through lived experience. Devin opens up about his biracial identity, childhood challenges, and the journey of unlearning trauma to cultivate emotional wellbeing. Together, they dive into the power of gratitude, conscious parenting, and the im...

In this episode of the Shaping Freedom podcast, Baratunde Thurston shares his deeply personal journey of healing from generational trauma while exploring what it means to be an active citizen in today’s world. Known for his work at the intersection of justice, joy, and possibility, Baratunde offers a powerful framework for understanding citizenship as a verb—an ongoing practice rooted in both self...

In this illuminating episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat is joined by double board-certified psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Napatia T. Gettings. Together, they explore the transformative power of understanding brain health as the foundation of mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Gettings shares her groundbreaking work integrating brain imaging, trauma recovery, and holistic psyc...

This week on The Shaping Freedom Podcast with Lisane Basquiat, we're diving into the transformative power of choosing faith over fear—and how that choice can shape everything from your purpose to your relationships. Our guest, Carmella Johnson, knows what it’s like to live between the tension of safety and calling. A speaker, author, and leadership coach, Carmella shares her journey of leaving cor...

In this milestone 100th episode, Lisane Basquiat gathers with longtime collaborators Ryan and Billy to celebrate the evolution of the Shaping Freedom podcast. What begins as a celebratory roundtable filled with laughter, storytelling, and champagne soon unfolds into a powerful reflection on personal growth, community, and the transformational impact of authentic conversations. Key Themes: Celebrat...

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Lisane Basquiat sits down with legendary singer and actress Melba Moore. They explore Melba’s remarkable journey from schoolteacher to award-winning artist, her deep faith, her courage to pursue dreams against the odds, and her passion for growth and contribution. Melba opens up about creativity, aging, her new music—including the single No Filter—and...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Alexis Rodriguez, Shannon Morrison, and Lakeysha Sowunmi from Community HousingWorks — a San Diego-based nonprofit redefining affordable housing. Together, they unpack how a stable home is just the beginning. Through supportive services focused on financial wellness, education, health, and leadership, Community HousingWorks e...

In this deeply heartfelt episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with emotional resilience strategist, author, and founder of Collective Resiliency, Denita Austin. From her early days at NASA to leading sacred spaces for women’s healing, Denita shares her remarkable journey of transformation—from structure to soul. Key Topics:Denita’s shift from NASA to spiritual and emotional wellnessCreating safe, eg...

In this heart-centered episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Eboné Almon, creator of The Professional Homegirl podcast, to explore the transformative power of storytelling and the strength found in embracing one’s truth. Eboné shares how the loss of her grandmother propelled her into the world of podcasting and how her platform has become a safe haven for Black women to anonymously share their s...

In this episode, Josiah and Kofi dive into the journey of personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation. They explore what it means to live authentically, confront limiting beliefs, and shape a life rooted in purpose and freedom. Expect real talk, powerful insights, and inspiring moments from two dynamic voices. Black in Every Color, Art in Every FormArtist ListTeam: Josiah David Jones, Kofi...

In this empowering episode of Shaping Freedom, host Lisane Basquiat welcomes etiquette expert, entrepreneur, and media personality Elaine Swann for an authentic and deeply resonant conversation. Elaine opens up about her journey from a young girl growing up with a strong family foundation to becoming a pioneer in the modern etiquette space. Together, they explore the power of boundaries, the evolu...

Live from the Baltimore Story Fest, Ansa Edim shares how storytelling helped her reclaim her voice after a divorce, explores personal freedom, and builds a life in fun, truth, and agency. Her vulnerability and humor reveal how owning your narrative can be deeply healing. Key Themes: Storytelling as a tool for self-healing Releasing validation-seeking behavior Embracing rest, boundaries, and joy Li...

In this inspiring episode of Shaping Freedom taped at the Baltimore Story Fest, Lisane sits down with Youth Pastor/ leader and youth advocate Antoine Garrett. With a foundation built on faith, grace, and a commitment to uplifting the next generation and teaching of having patience with the youth. Antoine shares his journey of personal growth, spiritual awakening, and transformative leadership. Fro...

 In this powerful episode of Shaping Freedom, we sit down with Nichole MacDonald — entrepreneur, community builder, and visionary — as she shares how she transformed her brand into not just a business, but a movement and a thriving community. Through every trial and tribulation, Nichole stayed committed to her decisions and stayed grounded in her purpose. She opens up about the everyday challenges...

The NBA, NFL, NHL, or any other sports league is a place of glory, success, masculinity. So how does a sports star cope with their own sense of identity when things suddenly fall apart?  This week on the Shaping Freedom Podcast with Lisane Basquiat, we’re exploring what it means to lose your identity—and rebuild it with purpose. Lanny Smith was on his way to the NBA when an injury took him out of...