Stars and Stars with Isa

Hip-Hop Visionary Ishmael Butler on Finding Freedom in Music

This week, Isa Nakazawa sits down with Grammy-winning rapper and producer Ishmael Butler. Known for his work with the groundbreaking 90s hip-hop trio Digable Planets and the hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces, Ishmael’s music has always felt like it exists in its own dimension, merging jazz, philosophy and a kind of sonic world-building that feels both deeply rooted and completely otherworldly. In this episode, Isa talks to Ishmael about how his Cancer sun and Pisces moon help him navigate this push and pull in both his music and personal relationships. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Laraaji Takes Us to the Cosmos

For decades, musician and composer Laraaji has used sound and laughter to help listeners access deeper awareness. A pioneer of ambient music, Laraaji’s use of instruments like the zither and autoharp have opened portals into presence, spaciousness, and what he often calls the cosmic field. With both his sun and moon grounded in Taurus, his work steers listeners toward a deeper connection to both body and the metaphysical. Now in his 80s, Laraaji sits down with Isa Nakazawa to talk about how to access the part of us that exists beyond titles and roles.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Diane Guerrero Is Channeling Her Aquarian Weirdness

Diane Guerrero rose to fame in her role as Maritza Ramos in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. As her platform grew, she sought ways to make an impact for kids like her – with undocumented parents at the whims of the immigration system. With time, Diane realized that telling her story over and over again was retraumatizing rather than healing. After the death of her father, Diane turned inward to focus on transformation. Along the way, she has discovered how much she just wants to be a weirdo – a true Aquarius moon. This episode originally aired in January 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Briahna Joy Gray Is a Leo Stellium and Proud

As a Taurus rising, journalist and writer Briahna Joy Gray has always been values-driven. As the former National Press Secretary for Bernie Sanders, Brianha found herself to be persona non grata in Washington DC, after she would not immediately endorse Joe Biden. But she refused to stop confronting power in politics. Now, she hosts the Bad Faith podcast. Isa Nakawaza sits down with Briahna to discuss what keeps her grounded in the arena of public debate, why her Leo stellium craves authenticity, and the vulnerability of her Cancer Venus.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nimay Ndolo on Her Saturn Return, Gamifying Sobriety, and Embracing Her Rage

Content creator Nimay Ndolo understands the power of comedy and language to galvanize people toward change. With her Mercury in Virgo in the 11th house of the collective, Nimay is intentional about moving her audience toward a better, shared future for all. This shows up in her short-form videos and her environmental non-profit work. In a conversation that’s both hilarious and deep, Isa Nakazawa sits down with Nimay to discuss how she balances her Leo sun’s love of performing with her Pisces moon’s need to stay connected to herself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.