What Shapes Us

In this episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with South African surfer and creative soul Mikey February (@mikeyfebruary) for a conversation about carving your own path—on and off the board. From competitive circuits to free-surfing liberation, Mikey opens up about how music, community, and his Cape Town roots have shaped his fluid style and global perspective. The two explore how...

From Olympic podiums to personal pivots, Jagger Eaton (@jaggereaton) joins Selema Masekela on What Shapes Us for a raw and real conversation about what it takes to thrive in the pressure cooker of pro skateboarding. They dive into the mental toll of being the “youngest ever,” the lonely road of elite competition, and the surprising ways self-worth evolves outside of contest results. Jagger opens u...

In this illuminating episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with documentary filmmaker, activist, and lifelong runner Faith Briggs Rose (@faithbriggs) to explore the intersection of identity, storytelling, and the outdoors. From running across national parks in This Land to co-directing award-winning films like Bearlike , Faith shares what it means to chase truth and commu...

In this colorful and captivating episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with Olympic skateboarder and radiant free spirit Bryce Wettstein (@brycewettstein) to explore what it means to live, skate, and dream with unfiltered imagination. Known for her whimsical style and lyrical soul, Bryce opens up about growing up in Encinitas, navigating the competitive world of skateboar...

In this powerful episode of What Shapes Us Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with Olympic gold medalist and alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn) for an intimate conversation about identity reinvention and the mental toll of greatness. Lindsey reflects on her journey from a fearless kid on the slopes of Minnesota to becoming one of the most decorated skiers in history and what happene...

In this captivating episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with professional surfer and storyteller Koa Smith (@koasmith) for an intimate conversation about surfing, spirituality, and finding resilience through adversity. Koa recounts growing up on the North Shore of Kauai, chasing waves with childhood heroes, and making the pivotal choice to step away from competitive sur...

In this heartfelt episode of What Shapes Us Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with Olympic snowboarder and global icon Chloe Kim (@chloekim) for a powerful conversation about what happens behind the gold medals. Chloe opens up about the intense pressure of performing on the world stage as a teenager the isolation that came with fame and her decision to step away from competition to prioritize he...

In this episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela talks with photographer, journalist, and surfer Gabriella Angotti-Jones (@ga.briella) about carving space in the often-exclusive world of surf media and doing it with radical honesty. Gabriella opens up about growing up as a Black surfer in Southern California, breaking into legacy newsrooms, and why she left it all behind to tell stories on her o...

In this deeply moving episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with professional skier, visual artist, and filmmaker Chris Benchetler (@chrisbenchetler) to explore a life shaped by mountains, creativity, and unwavering love. From his legendary skiing career and collaborative art projects with The Grateful Dead to co-parenting and creating through his wife Kimmy Fasani’s cancer battle,...

In this soul-stirring episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with cultural shape-shifter Trevor Andrew (@troubleandrew) Olympic snowboarder, musician, visual artist, and the creator behind the globally recognized persona Gucci Ghost . From dropping into the halfpipe at the Nagano Olympics to dropping genre-defying albums and art installations, Trevor reflects on a life fueled by fea...

In this special episode of  What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with the most iconic figure in skateboarding history,  Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk) . Together, they dive deep into the incredible journey that took Tony from a bullied kid hiding his skateboard in high school to the global pioneer who changed action sports forever. Tony shares raw, powerful stories about the highs and lows of his car...

In this emotional and adrenaline-charged episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with freestyle motocross legend Tyler Bereman (@tylerbereman) for an unforgettable conversation about risk, legacy, and healing. From his preschool dreams of going pro to 14 X Games medals, Tyler opens up about his deep-rooted passion for two wheels, the influence of his family’s racing lineage, and his...

In this profound episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with legendary athlete, wellness leader, and unapologetic truth-teller Gabrielle Reece (@gabbyreece) . From dominating the volleyball court to shaping the future of wellness with XPT and Laird Superfood, Gabby opens up about the evolution of her identity—athlete, partner, mother, entrepreneur—and how she navigates leadership, r...

In this powerful episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with world champion mountain biker Kate Courtney (@kateplusfate) to dive into the relentless pursuit of greatness. From the early days of racing in California to becoming a global force in cycling, Kate shares how she’s navigated the highs and lows of competition, including the pressures of Olympic qualification, overcoming set...

On this episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with filmmaker, executive producer, and media trailblazer Monica Medellin (@monicamedellin_) to discuss her mission to expand narratives around women and people of color in sports. From her early days at the World Surf League to creating Surf Girls Hawaii with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, Monica shares her journey of storytelling...

In this episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with legendary skate filmmaker Coan "Buddy" Nichols ( @coanbuddynichols ) to dive deep into the intersection of skateboarding, filmmaking, and the cultural movements that shaped both. From hacking newsroom editing suites to making some of the most iconic skate films, Coan shares how his DIY ethos and passion for storytelling h...

In this insightful episode of What Shapes Us , Masekela sits down with multidisciplinary artist Chase Hall ( @hallchase ), whose work challenges perceptions of race, history, and identity through a deeply personal and thought-provoking lens. From his unconventional journey in the art world to his love of surfing, skating, and snowboarding, Chase explores how subcultures and movement have shaped hi...

In this thrilling episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela chats with Zeb Powell (@zebpowelll), the groundbreaking snowboarder who’s redefining style and creativity on the slopes. Zeb shares his journey from humble beginnings at Cataloochee Ski Area to becoming an X Games gold medalist and global icon. He reflects on the challenges of growing up as a Black snowboarder, the inspiration behind hi...

In this empowering episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela welcomes Lucy Osinski (@lucy.osinski), co-founder of Girl Swirl, the world’s largest women’s skateboarding collective. Lucy shares her incredible journey from a professional ballerina to an influential community leader, highlighting the transformative power of skateboarding. Discover how she and her team of trailblazers have built a gl...

In this electrifying episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with Victor Montalvo (@bboyviction), the groundbreaking b-boy who won the first-ever Olympic bronze medal for breaking at the Paris Games. From his roots in Kissimmee, Florida, to becoming a global ambassador for breakdancing, Victor shares his incredible journey of resilience, cultural pride, and artistic innovation. Disco...

In this compelling episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela sits down with legendary big wave surfer Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) to explore the mental, physical, and emotional depths of riding some of the world’s biggest waves. Ian opens up about his journey growing up on Maui, the meticulous preparation required for big wave surfing, and how he balances fear and focus to perform under extreme press...

In this episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela welcomes British running coach, Apple Fitness+ trainer, and community leader Cory Wharton-Malcolm (@bitbeefy) to discuss the transformative power of running. Cory shares his journey from South London to inspiring runners worldwide, delving into how he overcame self-doubt, embraced discomfort, and found a spiritual connection through movement. Wit...

Join host Selema Mabena Masekela on What Shapes Us as he dives deep into the inspiring journey of Briana King, a trailblazing model, skater, and community builder. From her roots in Los Angeles to skating through the streets of New York, Brianna shares how she turned adversity into strength, embracing her unique path as a Black woman in skateboarding. Discover how she challenges societal norms, cu...

On this episode of What Shapes Us , Selema Masekela interviews Justin Williams, an elite cyclist and founder of the Legion of Los Angeles cycling team. Justin opens up about his journey from South Central LA to the pinnacle of criterium racing, all while breaking down barriers in a traditionally homogeneous sport. Learn how he built a community for underrepresented athletes, overcame the sport&#39...

On this episode of the What Shapes Us podcast Chad Caruso shares his electrifying journey through the streets, parks, and ramps that have shaped his remarkable career. As a professional skateboarder with over a decade of experience under his belt, Chad brings a unique perspective to the mic. This episode isn't just about tricks and flips – it's a deep exploration of the culture, art, and m...