In this inspiring episode of Shaping Freedom, host Lisane Basquiat sits down with award-winning journalist, producer, and host Shameika Rhymes — the creative force behind Check the Rhymes TV and Soul Liberation on BlackDoctor.org. Together, they dive into what it means to build your own table in media, stay authentic in storytelling, and embrace wellness while pursuing purpose.

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, host Lisane Basquiat sits down with Nigerian-born artist Jeremiah Onifade, whose work transforms survival into powerful visual storytelling. Jeremiah opens up about fleeing religious violence at 13, sleeping on concrete floors for eight months, and arriving in America with $200 and a dream he refused to abandon.

Together, Lisane and Jeremiah explore themes of hunger, resilience, vision, and reinvention—from teenage hustle at cyber cafes to cutting boats in front of live audiences. This conversation is more than an artist's origin story; it's a blueprint for building from nothing, dreaming without permission, and measuring success one courageous step at a time.

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, host 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.

Together, Lisane and Johnny explore themes of faith, resilience, love, and legacy — from life-changing encounters and divine guidance to the discipline of never betraying trust for fame. This conversation is more than a look behind the camera; it’s a masterclass in grace, gratitude, and purpose.

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Hill Harper—award-winning actor, author, and activist—for an intimate conversation about purpose, legacy, and living with intention. From Harvard Law to Hollywood to public service, Hill’s life reflects a constant evolution rooted in service and meaning. Together, we explore fatherhood, emotional wealth, and the shift from chasing success to creating significance. He shares his philosophy of “sequential mastery,” the value of failure as growth, and his drive to build a legacy of impact through art and action.

In this Shaping Freedom podcast episode, host Lisane Basquiat speaks with Rob and Emilee McGowan about losing their five-year-old son Myles to brain cancer in 2008 and the unexpected isolation that followed. The McGowans share why friends disappeared after their loss—overwhelmed by guilt, fear, and helplessness rather than lack of caring. Emilee explains why asking "how can I help?" often fails and what actually helps: showing up with specific, consistent actions without being asked. The couple discusses how real isolation begins months after loss when everyone returns to normal life, and how they founded Myles Ahead of Cancer and Diving Within to support families facing childhood cancer and couples navigating difficult conversations.