What Shapes Us

In this compelling episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with legendary big wave surfer Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) to explore the mental, physical, and emotional depths of riding some of the world’s biggest waves. Ian opens up about his journey growing up on Maui, the meticulous preparation required for big wave surfing, and how he balances fear and focus to perform under extreme pressure. Beyond the ocean, Ian reflects on the challenges of supporting his partner through a life-changing health journey, sharing lessons of resilience, community, and the power of a strong support system. Whether you’re a fan of surfing, adventure sports, or stories of grit and humanity, this episode will leave you inspired.

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• Ian Walsh: @ian.walsh

• Selema Masekela: ⁠⁠@selema⁠⁠

• What Shapes Us: ⁠⁠⁠@whatshapesuspodcast⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela welcomes British running coach, Apple Fitness+ trainer, and community leader Cory Wharton-Malcolm (@bitbeefy) to discuss the transformative power of running. Cory shares his journey from South London to inspiring runners worldwide, delving into how he overcame self-doubt, embraced discomfort, and found a spiritual connection through movement. With anecdotes ranging from marathon training to community-building initiatives, Cory unpacks the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of running. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a curious beginner, this conversation will leave you motivated to lace up your sneakers and explore your own potential. Tune in for a deep dive into resilience, purpose, and the surprising ways running can transform lives.

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• Cory Wharton-Malcolm: @bitbeefy

• Selema Masekela: ⁠@selema⁠

• What Shapes Us: ⁠@whatshapesuspodcast

#WhatShapesUs #CoryWhartonMalcolm #Running #AppleFitness #CommunityLeadership #FitnessMotivation #OutsideMagazine #RunningCommunity

Join host Selema Mabena Masekela on What Shapes Us as he dives deep into the inspiring journey of Briana King, a trailblazing model, skater, and community builder. From her roots in Los Angeles to skating through the streets of New York, Brianna shares how she turned adversity into strength, embracing her unique path as a Black woman in skateboarding. Discover how she challenges societal norms, cultivates spaces for inclusivity, and empowers others to find their voice and purpose through fearless self-expression. This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of community.

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On this episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela interviews Justin Williams, an elite cyclist and founder of the Legion of Los Angeles cycling team. Justin opens up about his journey from South Central LA to the pinnacle of criterium racing, all while breaking down barriers in a traditionally homogeneous sport. Learn how he built a community for underrepresented athletes, overcame the sport's systemic challenges, and redefined what it means to be a Black athlete in cycling. Justin’s passion for inclusivity, self-expression, and change brings a fresh perspective to the cycling world. Perfect for fans of outdoor sports, cultural change, and stories of resilience, this episode explores the intersections of race, identity, and community in cycling.

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On this episode of the What Shapes Us podcast Chad Caruso shares his electrifying journey through the streets, parks, and ramps that have shaped his remarkable career. As a professional skateboarder with over a decade of experience under his belt, Chad brings a unique perspective to the mic. This episode isn't just about tricks and flips – it's a deep exploration of the culture, art, and mindset that drive the skating community.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the What Shapes Us podcast as we sit down with Nora Vasconcellos, the trailblazing American professional skateboarder hailing from Pembroke, Massachusetts. In this in-depth interview, we peel back the layers of Nora's incredible journey, exploring the highs, the challenges, and the sheer determination that has propelled her to become one of the most influential figures in the skateboarding world.

On this episode of What Shapes Us Selema welcomes Brick Howze. Brick is a 26-year-old musician, producer, and founder of Black Sand, a surf and arts collective in LA. In this deep dive interview Brick tells his story about what shaped him into creative power Howze he has become.

Selema brings a conversation he had at the Redbull At Work Tent-pole event. He talked to three athletes - Dassy Lee, Kate Cortney, Justin William- about their breaking norms in their surrounding and culture, finding their passion and discovering they can do it as a career, and how to build routine for your mental state.

Motivation was stifled during the pandemic and artists where ether going into a creative hyphenation or found ways to recenter them self and reevaluate their creativity. Our guests, Louis the Child and PineappleCITI, talk through how they took on quarantine and what challenges they faced musically with it. How they stayed motivated and even rediscovered it. 

What makes you a Kook? Jon Rose takes us on a global adventure of how he fell into global relief effort and created Waves for Water. Selema also brings his past and why Jon chose adventrue as escape, enjoying your aging and the wisdom it brings, and finding your passion.