In this episode, I sit down with Alexis Rodriguez, Shannon Morrison, and Lakeysha Sowunmi of Community HousingWorks to explore how stable housing, paired with support, transforms lives — from financial wellness to youth leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Denita Austin—a bestselling author and former NASA professional who had all the markers of success… but still felt something wasn’t right. We talk about what it means to do everything “right” and still feel wrong inside.

Some stories don’t need a spotlight to be powerful—they just need a safe space to be heard.

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Eboné Almon, creator of The Professional Homegirl podcast, for a real conversation about truth, grief, and the quiet power of showing up for yourself.

What does it really take to break free from limiting beliefs and live with intention?

In this episode, Josiah and Kofi sit down for a real and reflective conversation on personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation. They unpack what it means to live authentically and choose purpose over fear.

We talk about the mindset shifts that create lasting change, how to confront the stories that hold you back, and the daily practices that support a more liberated life. Josiah and Kofi bring sharp insight, grounded wisdom, and honest reflections on the path to freedom.

This episode is a call to stop performing and start aligning. It’s the kind of conversation that stays with you—and pushes you to live your truth a little louder.

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 evolution of self-trust, and the role of discipline and faith in building a fulfilling life. With humor and candor, Elaine shares the behind-the-scenes truths of entrepreneurship, the strength it takes to pivot, and the clarity that comes from honoring your values. This episode is a masterclass in shaping a life and business rooted in purpose and self-respect.

In this soul-stirring episode of Shaping Freedom, I sit down with youth pastor, leader, and advocate Antoine Garrett for a conversation about what it truly means to lead with heart.

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.

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.

This week, Lisane Basquiat sits down with award-winning actor, playwright, and director Edwin Lee Gibson—best known for his role as Ebraheim in FX’s The Bear. Together, they dive into the deep connection between storytellers and their craft, exploring how personal truth, resilience, and artistic integrity...

The art world is filled with biases, opinions, and social messages that strike at the heart of what artists create. The problem is that within this world is that the patrons of the art rarely want the messages of injustice, violence, and a need for change. 

This week on Shaping Freedom with Lisane Basquiat, Lisane welcomes Dr. Mary Anderson, a clinical psychologist with experience at Harvard Medical School and Boston University, and author of The Happy Achiever: Eight Essentials to Overcome Anxiety and Manage Stress.

This week on Shaping Freedom, we take on one of life’s biggest—and most relentless—questions: Who am I? It’s a question we struggle to answer for ourselves, while the world rushes to decide for us.

Sleep is one of the most important acts of self-care. Yet so many of us struggle with it. Late-night scrolling, caffeine, alcohol and even the comforting hum of a sitcom playing in the background can all disrupt our rest. So what’s the solution?

In this episode, we’re diving into this question with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, writer and professor and Moth Grand Slam champion Phill Branch. His work sits at the intersection of identity, race and media representation, all with a focus on truth-telling.

We all strive for health—regular exercise, a salad here and there—but how often do we take the time to nurture our inner fitness? What does it really mean to be mentally fit?

This week, we dive into it all with the extraordinary Cbabi Bayoc—a visionary artist who brings stories of love, culture, and fatherhood to life. You may know him from 365 Days with Dad, the groundbreaking series reshaping the narrative of Black fatherhood with depth, strength, and heart.

This week on the Shaping Freedom podcast with Lisane Basquiat, we’re exploring the deep, evolving bond between mothers and daughters. Our guest, Lacey Tezino, knows this journey well. She’s the visionary entrepreneur behind Passport Journeys, a digital therapy app designed to help mothers and daughters reconnect and heal.

This week on the Shaping Freedom Podcast with Lisane Basquiat, we are sitting down with Sharon Joseph, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem. However, Sharon is so much more than just a leader. Today, we’re going to explore what it means to break the silence of suffering as a black woman. 

This week on the Shaping Freedom Podcast with Lisane Basquiat we take a bird’s eye of the current state of our communities and our society at large with artist, activist, poet, musician, podcaster, and coffee curator Propaganda aka Jason Petty.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Shaping Freedom podcast, Emmy-nominated actor and Grammy-nominated songwriter Rhonda Ross shares her transformative journey from navigating deep depression and infertility to reclaiming her inner power through the "magic of mindset."