Shaping Freedom With Lisane Basquiat

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat is joined by Jill McManigal, co-founder of Kids for Peace, for a heartfelt conversation about kindness, emotional responsibility, and what becomes possible when we teach peace early enough to shape future generations.

Together, they explore how children naturally lead with compassion when given the opportunity, and why creating spaces rooted in empathy, curiosity, and connection can change the way young people see themselves and the world around them. Jill shares the story of how Kids for Peace began in her backyard after 9/11 and grew into a global movement reaching millions of children through acts of kindness, leadership, and community action.

The conversation also touches on parenting, gratitude, joy, and the ripple effect that even small acts of kindness can have within families, schools, and communities. They discuss why joy is something we must actively practice, and how helping children stay connected to their humanity may be one of the most important forms of peacebuilding we have.

This episode is about more than kindness. It’s about raising children who believe in themselves, care for others, and understand the power they have to shape a better world.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat is joined by Haskel Jackson Jr., Jared Baisley, and Sean Lewis from Music for Your Mental Health for a powerful conversation about music, healing, and emotional connection.

Together, they explore how music can become a bridge to self-awareness, communication, and mental wellness, especially for young people who may not yet have the language to express what they’re feeling. Drawing from backgrounds in music production, education, and therapy, they share how their work creates safe spaces where creativity becomes a tool for healing and growth.

The conversation also touches on the emotional weight many young people are carrying today, the importance of truly listening, and how music can help people feel seen, understood, and connected to themselves and others.

This episode is about more than music. It’s about presence, vulnerability, and using creativity to help people reconnect with who they are.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat is joined by Darren Waller, former NFL Pro Bowl tight end, musician, and mental health advocate, for a powerful conversation about identity, healing, and redefining success.

They explore how chasing external validation can lead to disconnection, and how Darren’s journey through addiction, sobriety, and recovery forced him to confront the deeper patterns shaping his life. He shares how practices like therapy, journaling, and meditation helped him reconnect with himself and begin building a new foundation rooted in self-awareness.

Together, they discuss the emotional legacies we inherit, the courage it takes to face what’s beneath the surface, and how choosing yourself can transform the way you live and relate to others. This conversation is about growth, alignment, and the ongoing process of becoming who you truly are.

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In this episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Shawn McClendon, author of Understanding Each Other: The Blueprint for a New America and founder of the Sister Cities Project, for a timely conversation about communication and division.

They explore how many of today’s conflicts stem not just from poor communication, but from how we interpret each other through past experiences and assumptions. Shawn shares how his upbringing shaped his perspective and led him to create spaces where people can have honest, often uncomfortable conversations.

Together, they discuss the power of listening, the importance of discomfort in growth, and how real understanding can begin to shift the way we see one another. This conversation is about connection, awareness, and the possibility of something better when we choose to truly engage.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with filmmakers Lin Que Ayoung and Rashad Frett, the creative forces behind Ricky, a powerful film that goes far beyond one person’s story.

Together, they explore how identity is shaped early, how roles get assigned, and what it takes to break free from patterns that no longer serve us. Drawing from their own lived experiences and communities, Lin Que and Rashad share why it was so important to give voice to people who are often misunderstood or overlooked, and how storytelling can shift perspective and challenge stigma.

They also open up about their creative partnership, the journey from a student film to Sundance recognition, and the deeper questions at the heart of their work, including who gets a second chance and what real support and accountability look like.

This conversation is about more than filmmaking. It’s about humanity, healing, and the power of being seen.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Glenn and Yvette Henry, creators of How Married Are You?, for a real and honest conversation about marriage, identity, and the work it takes to grow together.

They share how their relationship was shaped by what they each brought into it, from family patterns and expectations to unhealed experiences, and how those things showed up in their marriage over time. From shifting roles at home to navigating challenges with communication and intimacy, their story highlights what growth actually looks like in a long-term partnership.

They also talk about therapy, self-awareness, and the importance of doing your own inner work. Glenn reflects on learning to “father himself,” while Yvette shares her journey through motherhood, identity shifts, and learning to slow down.

This conversation is about doing the work, breaking patterns, and becoming the kind of person who can build the life and relationships you truly want.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat is joined by married creative duo Jevin and L. Marie Smith for a real and honest conversation about love, partnership, and building a life together.

From meeting as actors in a play to raising a family and creating together, they share their journey with humor and openness. They talk about the importance of clear communication, learning how to grow through conflict, and what it means to truly choose each other every day.

Jevin and L. Marie also reflect on the challenges they’ve faced, including financial struggles and moments that tested their faith, and how those experiences strengthened both their relationship and their perspective on life.

This conversation is about more than marriage. It’s about growth, honesty, and building something real together.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Grammy Award–winning songwriter, producer, and vocal coach Autumn Rowe to explore the journey of finding your voice and using it with purpose.

Raised in the South Bronx, Autumn shares how music became both an outlet and a path forward, eventually leading her to write and produce songs for artists like Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, and Jon Batiste. She reflects on the persistence, faith, and inner work required to build a creative career, and how moments of doubt and challenge can shape a deeper understanding of freedom.

Together, Lisane and Autumn talk about creativity as a spiritual practice, the responsibility that comes with influence, and why mentorship and community matter in an industry that often overlooks the people behind the music.

This conversation is about more than songwriting. It’s about resilience, self-belief, and learning to trust the voice inside that knows who you are meant to be.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Taylor Cassidy, creator of the viral series Fast Black History, to explore how storytelling, imagination, and courage can transform the way we understand history.

Taylor shares how a moment in her high school history class sparked a mission to fill the gaps in how Black history is taught. What began as a 15-second video filmed on her bedroom floor grew into a widely followed platform that introduces millions of people to the people, ideas, and contributions often left out of traditional classrooms.

Together, Lisane and Taylor talk about the power of affirmations, the influence of family in shaping confidence, and why imagination is essential for creating a better future. They also discuss the discipline behind creating meaningful content, how curiosity can lead to deeper learning, and why Taylor believes that what you already have is enough to start making change.

This conversation is about more than social media or history. It’s about using your voice, trusting your creativity, and recognizing that even small actions can shape the future.

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In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Malcolm Regisford, founder of Tapped In Wellness, holistic wellness advocate, former Division I athlete, and plant-based cook. Malcolm shares how an injury during his college basketball career forced him to rethink identity, success, and what it really means to take care of the body and mind.

Drawing from his journey as an athlete and creator, Malcolm explains why wellness starts with awareness before diet or fitness. He talks about the importance of listening to your body, paying attention to what you consume physically, mentally, and emotionally, and creating space to reconnect with yourself in a world full of constant stimulation.

Together, Lisane and Malcolm explore how discipline can evolve into alignment, how food can be an entry point to deeper self-awareness, and why learning to slow down and “tap in” to your own experience can transform the way you move through life.

This conversation is about more than health. It’s about consciousness, ownership, and building a life that feels balanced, intentional, and true to you.

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