Storytelling shapes the world around us through movies, conversations, and the relationships we build. But what happens when an actor’s personal experiences intertwine with the characters they bring to life?

On this episode of Shaping Freedom, 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 shape authentic performances.

Discover how Edwin channels his lived experiences into his work, the power of vulnerability in storytelling, and why pursuing truth, on and off the screen, matters now more than ever.