Shaping Freedom With Lisane Basquiat

Hosted by Lisane Basquiat

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140

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Shaping Freedom is a podcast about emotional leadership and legacy; examining the inherited patterns shaping how we live, create, relate, and build.I’m Lisane Basquiat - creator of the Shaping Freedom framework and a steward of a global cultural legacy. I sit with founders, leaders, creatives, and cultural voices to examine the emotional strategies we learned early and how they still drive our decisions and shape relationships.Most high-capacity adults operate under the assumption that they’re responding to the present. Often, we operate from patterns formed in early family systems and reinforced by culture, until we become aware of what is driving us.Emotional leadership is how you handle yourself; how you respond under pressure, how you handle conflict, what you tolerate, and what you model in ordinary moments. That becomes culture – in the spaces we frequent, in our homes, at work, and across generations.Our legacy is built from our daily emotional decisions.If you’re ready to interrupt inherited patterns and lead your life and work consciously, you’re in the right place.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 26, 20261 hr 8 min

You Can Have Money…And Still Be Losing Everything with Ricco Ross

In this episode of Shaping Freedom, Lisane Basquiat is joined by actor, activist, and ZERO Prostate Cancer ambassador Ricco Ross for a conversation about identity, emotional resilience, health, and what it truly means to live a grounded life. Ricco reflects on the experiences that shaped him, from growing up in a working-class family in Chicago to traveling the world, losing his father at a young age, and building a decades-long career in entertainment without losing his sense of self. Together, Lisane and Ricco explore masculinity, forgiveness, patriotism, mental wellness, and why so many men struggle to talk openly about their health. The conversation also examines generational healing, emotional discipline, social division in America, and the importance of choosing empathy over fear. Throughout the episode, Ricco returns to one powerful idea: true wealth is not money, but health: mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19, 202654 min

How Kids Are Learning Peace Before the World Teaches Fear with Jill McManigal

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 20261 hr 6 min

We’re Losing Them… And Don’t Even Realize It with Jared Baisley, Haskel Jackson & Sean Lewis

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 202654 min

I Was One of the Best in the NFL. I Was Also Dying Inside with Darren Waller

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 28, 20261 hr 20 min

The Relationship Didn’t Break. The Pattern Finally Became Visible with Shawn McClondon

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 21, 20261 hr 4 min

What 'Ricky' Gets Right About Black Boys, Black Women, and the Burden That Gets Passed Down with Rashad Frett & Lin Que Ayoung

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 7, 20261 hr 7 min

You Don’t Marry a Person… You Marry Their Trauma with Yvette and Glen Henry

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 31, 20261 hr 16 min

They Almost Lost It All… But This Changed Everything with Jevin "Wealthy Jev" Smith and L Marie Smith

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 24, 20261 hr 20 min

The Week That Shaped Her Life Forever with Autumn Rowe

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 17, 202650 min

Start Where You Are — What You Have Is Enough with Taylor Cassidy

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices