Shanti Das is a lighthouse for those suffering with mental health. Her life journey expanded from being a pioneer in the music industry to being a pioneer in mental health awareness. Shanti holds a deep love and passion for spreading awareness, and action, on this topic amongst people of color. Shanti is an embodiment of the culture of perseverance. We are deeply grateful for her mission and for having her on for this episode of Culture Raises Us. 

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If you’ve been a fan of Nike or Jordan Brand during the last 30 years, there’s a chance you’ve encountered a Mark Smith design. The legendary creative has his fingerprints across many of Nike’s most coveted sneakers, such as the infamous “Entourage” Air Force 1. His most recent work is the heralded Michael Jordan MVP trophy made for the NBA - just one of Mark’s many collaborations with MJ. Above his unquestionable eye for design, Mark has unwavering passion and humility. Hear his stories, and leave inspired, as Mark Smith joins the latest episode of Culture Raises Us. 

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Laz Alonso is an accomplished actor in Hollywood who has a bigger vision for what he, and his community, can accomplish in America. Laz is the embodiment of manifesting your outcome that sets the bar, and reality, that we can achieve anything against all odds. Hear his story, and it might just change yours.

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Culture of evolution. Above Jason’s pedigree for creativity is his ability to lead with love and compassion. Built on a foundation of spiritual integrity, Jason chooses to leave his mark with pure intentions and kindness, reminding us to self-examine how we operate in our own lives. On this episode of Culture Raises Us, Jason gives insight into how he sees the model of corporate America being disrupted by smaller, more distinguished makers and communities.

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How do we as a society heal and strive towards meaningful progress? Libra Forde, Executive Director for Women’s Foundation of Oregon, has devoted her life to bringing healing and empowerment to marginalized voices. On this episode of Culture Raises Us, Libra shares her story, her perspectives, and her goals to help shed light on what we can do to move forward as a collective. Topics range from domestic violence, patterns of oppression in the Black community, and why we must do more to empower the voices of the next generation.

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Clark Kent knows himself. You might know him as “God’s Favorite DJ”, or through his iconic production during rap’s golden era, or through his landmark brand collaborations with Nike. We recognize him as a cultivator of taste across all industries and eras he has left his stamp on. Join as Astor and Clark take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on hip-hop’s early pioneers, their time working together at Nike, and how we can leave a lasting legacy as America’s most influential tastemakers.

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Chicago born Amanda Williams embodies the culture of craft. After a successful career as an architect, Amanda took a leap of faith into making art her full time focus. This appetite for risk and self-belief would eventually land her work, Color Theory, in the MoMA. What’s most remarkable about Amanda is her tireless desire to bring awareness to real world problems in hopes of inspiring necessary change. In this episode of Culture Raises Us, Amanda takes the time to unpack it all.

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How do we build culture with integrity? Look no further than Chris Hicks. Former manager for Usher and Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam, Chris Hicks now serves as the Chief Innovation Officer of Quality Control Holdings. On this episode of Culture Raises US, Chris takes us on a deep dive through his journey in the music industry and how his role quickly evolved from shaping artists careers to shaping his community in Atlanta.

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Culture Raises US. It isn’t just something we’re impacted by, it’s also something we can impact. As empowered stewards of Culture, it’s time to get smart on how we can continue influencing society  while breaking new grounds.

On Culture Raises US, Astor Chambers invites you to join for honest, insightful, and challenging conversations with pioneering cultivators across music, fashion, tech, sports, art, and entertainment.

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