In this episode of the Shaping Freedom podcast, Baratunde Thurston shares his deeply personal journey of healing from generational trauma while exploring what it means to be an active citizen in today’s world. Known for his work at the intersection of justice, joy, and possibility, Baratunde offers a powerful framework for understanding citizenship as a verb—an ongoing practice rooted in both self-awareness and collective responsibility.

Baratunde, an Emmy-nominated host, New York Times bestselling author, and Webby Award-winning podcaster, reflects on his current projects, including America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston on PBS, the How to Citizen podcast, and A Life With Machines, where he explores our evolving relationship with AI and technology.

Throughout the conversation, themes of community building, freedom, and self-determination are woven together. He challenges the notion of freedom as a solo pursuit, emphasizing that true freedom exists in relation to others. His vision progresses through courage, justice, and freedom, ultimately leading to peace—a message that encourages listeners to embrace their role in creating a more connected and intentional world.

Learn how to set boundaries without guilt. Join Lisane's next Protect Your Peace Shaping Session today: https://shapingfreedom.com/boundaries-workshop

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Alexis Rodriguez, Shannon Morrison, and Lakeysha Sowunmi from Community HousingWorks — a San Diego-based nonprofit redefining affordable housing. Together, they unpack how a stable home is just the beginning. Through supportive services focused on financial wellness, education, health, and leadership, Community HousingWorks empowers over 12,000 residents across California and Texas to not just survive — but to thrive. From senior tech literacy programs to student scholarships and civic advocacy, this conversation is a masterclass on creating generational impact through housing equity.Key Themes:

• Affordable housing as a foundation for dignity, opportunity, and freedom
  
  
• Three-pillar support: financial well-being, health & wellness, and next-gen success
  
  
• The importance of location in high-resource neighborhoods
  
  
• Resident-led advocacy and leadership development
  
  
• How individuals and organizations can help
  
  

🔗 Learn more or support: www.chworks.org

Learn how to set boundaries without guilt. Join Lisane's next Protect Your Peace Shaping Session today: https://shapingfreedom.com/boundaries-workshop.

In this deeply heartfelt episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with emotional resilience strategist, author, and founder of Collective Resiliency, Denita Austin. From her early days at NASA to leading sacred spaces for women’s healing, Denita shares her remarkable journey of transformation—from structure to soul.


Key Topics:
Denita’s shift from NASA to spiritual and emotional wellness
Creating safe, ego-free spaces for women to unmask and be seen
The importance of emotional resilience, self-reflection, and vulnerability
How women can support one another more authentically
The danger of armor: titles, personas, and detachment
Why asking “How’s your heart space?” matters more than ever


Highlights:
“I’m not hiding my smile. I’m going to be happy—even if it makes you uncomfortable.”
“We lose sight of our softness. We forget how we supported each other as children.”
“Let’s take off the title. Who are you without it?”


Denita’s path from corporate rigidity to yoga, writing, and holistic leadership

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins within—and expands when we dare to show up fully.

Learn how to set boundaries without guilt. Join Lisane's next Protect Your Peace Shaping Session today: https://shapingfreedom.com/boundaries-workshop.