Subject to Change: India Shawn on Growth, Boundaries & Spirituality

Subject to Change: India Shawn on Growth, Boundaries & Spirituality

In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with singer-songwriter India Shawn for an honest conversation about what it means to evolve—not just as an artist, but as a human being. We talk about growing up singing in church, unexpectedly finding her path into music, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and why protecting your peace has become non-negotiable. India opens up about spirituality, community, meditation, boundaries, creative collaboration, and learning that not every song has to carry an obvious message to change someone's life. We also dive into social media burnout, the pressure to constantly create, why artists don't owe the algorithm everything, and how surrendering to your own creative process can become one of your greatest strengths. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply trying to stay grounded in a noisy world, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest work comes from becoming more of yourself—not less. In this episode we discuss: * Growing up in church and discovering music * Becoming a songwriter before becoming an artist * Surviving the music industry without losing yourself * Meditation, wellness and community * The spiritual side of creativity * Why "conscious art" isn't always obvious * Collaboration and creative chemistry * Social media, algorithms and protecting your peace * Why artists need boundaries * The story behind Subject to Change Creators & Guests * Winston Studios [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/winston-studios] - Producer * Carlos Anthony Lopez [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/carlos-anthony-lopez] - Designer * Iman Jordan [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/iman-jordan] - Host * India Shawn [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/india-shawn] - Guest

Shaun Ross - The Power of Being Unapologetically Yourself

Model, musician, DJ, and creative force Shaun Ross joins Artivism for a powerful conversation about identity, authenticity, and what it takes to remain true to yourself in a world that constantly pressures us to conform. Growing up as a Black queer kid with albinism in the Bronx, Shaun learned early what it meant to be different. Rather than shrinking himself to fit other people's expectations, he chose to embrace the very qualities that made him stand out. That decision would eventually help him break barriers in fashion, build a global career, and evolve into a multidisciplinary artist on his own terms. We discuss the realities of visibility, navigating industries built on approval, surviving criticism and rejection, recovering from long COVID, healing after heartbreak, and the ongoing journey of becoming more fully yourself. At its core, this conversation is about self-acceptance, resilience, and the radical act of refusing to assimilate. If you've ever felt different, misunderstood, or pressured to become someone else to succeed, this episode is for you. Creators & Guests * Winston Studios [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/winston-studios] - Producer * Carlos Anthony Lopez [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/carlos-anthony-lopez] - Designer * Iman Jordan [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/iman-jordan] - Host * Shaun Ross [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/shaun-ross] - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript. [https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb904f97/transcript]

Elsewhere: Aja Monet on Imagination, Community & Liberation

Grammy-winning artist and ArtWell founder Iman Jordan sits down with acclaimed poet, musician, and activist Aja Monet for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, consciousness, community, and the role of art in a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore the tension between rhythm and algorithms, the impact of social media on our collective psyche, surrealism as a tool for imagining new realities, and why artists must remain connected to their inner lives in order to create meaningful work. Aja shares insights from her latest music, her collaborative process, her spiritual practices, and the importance of mentorship, gratitude, and collective liberation. This episode is an invitation to slow down, trust your intuition, and remember that creativity is more than content—it's a pathway to transformation. Creators & Guests * Winston Studios [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/winston-studios] - Producer * Carlos Anthony Lopez [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/carlos-anthony-lopez] - Designer * Iman Jordan [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/iman-jordan] - Host * Aja Monet [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/aja-monet] - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript. [https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b09d2a4/transcript]

Devin Tracy – Finding Your Sound in Silence

In this deeply soulful conversation, Devin Tracy joins Artivism to unpack the spiritual side of creativity, trusting divine timing, and the emotional realities of being an artist in today’s world. From growing up singing gospel in Jacksonville, to creating globally loved records through intuition and alignment, Devin opens up about the lessons that shaped him — including isolation, perfectionism, patience, anxiety, social media, meditation, and learning how to truly sit with himself.  Together, we explore: * The connection between creativity and spirituality * Why artists struggle with overthinking and perfectionism * The importance of pauses, rest, and silence * Weed, anxiety, and reconnecting with your intuition * Trusting timing instead of forcing outcomes * Balancing survival with devotion to your art * Why honesty is the foundation of powerful music This episode is a reminder that artistry isn’t just about output — it’s about alignment, healing, honesty, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Creators & Guests * Winston Studios [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/winston-studios] - Producer * Carlos Anthony Lopez [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/carlos-anthony-lopez] - Designer * Iman Jordan [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/iman-jordan] - Host * Devin Tracy [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/devin-tracy] - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript. [https://share.transistor.fm/s/7feb7733/transcript]

Figgy Baby - Breaking the Binary: Rethinking Expression, Artistry & Hip Hop

On this episode of Artivism, we sit down with Figgy Baby — an internationally touring artist redefining what it means to exist in hip hop. From freestyling in college cyphers to commanding festival stages, Figgy’s journey is anything but linear. We dive into the realities of building a career from the margins, navigating identity in a genre that hasn’t always made space for it, and the courage it takes to create without asking permission. This conversation explores: * What it means to be a non-binary artist in hip hop * The difference between followers and real community * Mental health, burnout, and staying grounded as an artist * Social media, algorithms, and the illusion of success * Why vulnerability is a form of power * The responsibility of artists in times of cultural and political tension Figgy shares raw insights on self-expression, resilience, and the quiet confidence it takes to show up fully—even when the world doesn’t always understand. This episode is about identity, truth, and the long game of building something real. Because sometimes… it only takes one person watching to change everything. Creators & Guests * Winston Studios [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/winston-studios] - Producer * Carlos Anthony Lopez [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/carlos-anthony-lopez] - Designer * Iman Jordan [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/iman-jordan] - Host * Figgy Baby [https://artivisim.transistor.fm/people/figgy-baby] - Guest