Stars and Stars with Isa

Rapper and artist Rico Nasty strives to always bring a new and unique sound with every project she releases, from her early mixtapes in high school to her latest studio album, Lethal, released this year. Whether it’s motherhood or her rap career, Rico’s journey has been one of personal resilience and creative shapeshifting. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Rico to discuss how her Taurus sun and moon, and Aquarius rising allow her to reinvent herself constantly, but remain grounded in who she is. This episode originally aired in June 2024.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mal Wright’s chart is all about transforming through difficult things. From starring in season 1 of Netflix’s The Ultimatum: Queer Love, where her romantic relationship ended publicly, to navigating her sexuality growing up, she’s learned that her greatest growth is forged in the challenging moments. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Mal to explore how her Scorpio rising helps her dive into life’s deep, complex questions, while her earthy Virgo sun and Capricorn moon give her the tools to discern when a risk is worth taking.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Award-winning author, poet and clinical psychologist Hala Alyan has always turned to storytelling as a way to make sense of the world around her. Her new debut memoir, I’ll Tell You When I’m Home, offers an exploration into motherhood, exile and her Palestinian identity. As a Sagittarius rising, she naturally seeks to make meaning of these transformative experiences in her life, while her Leo sun and Aries moon keep her grounded and fiercely protective. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Hala to discuss how she honors and harnesses all the fiery parts of herself.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

W. Kamau Bell is an Oakland-based standup comedian, host, director, and producer. From his CNN docuseries, United Shades of America, to his weekly newsletter, “Who’s with Me?” Kamau connects with communities across the country and across differences by asking the questions that are often avoided. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Kamau to discuss how his Aquarius sun, Scorpio moon, and Taurus rising create the perfect synergy to fuel his ability to explore issues in American society with political incisiveness and biting nuance.This episode originally aired in March 2024.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artist and activist Tourmaline always grounds her work in archiving and honoring legacy. It’s why her new book Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson has been named the definitive biography of the Black trans activist and icon. As a Cancer sun, Tourmaline puts deep care into exploring the histories and experiences of Black, queer, and trans communities. Isa Nakazawa and Tourmaline discuss how her profound understanding of history gives her the assurance that dreams can come true.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Isa Nakazawa sits down with New York Times bestselling author Akwaeke Emezi to discuss divinity, transformation and the erotic. With their Gemini sun and Libra moon both shining in the hidden houses of the dream world, Akwaeke’s writing often delves into indigenous spirituality. Their newly released novel, Son of the Morning, continues that pattern, diving into the underworld. Isa shares how Akwaeke’s star map informs the way they bridge tangible reality to the spiritual world through their writing.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From his critically acclaimed memoir, Heavy to his new children’s book City Summer, Country Summer, award-winning author Kiese Laymon has a gift for writing with courageous honesty, even while naming the things that are too tender to say out loud. The sensitivity Kiese brings to his work and relationships is characteristic of a Libra rising ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and values. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Kiese to discuss how Kiese’s Leo sun and Cancer moon have created a throughline in his work around witnessing and safeguarding the inner worlds of others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fresh off creating and executive producing Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+, screenwriter Chinaka Hodge is not interested in playing it safe. A true Leo sun with a Capricorn rising, Chinaka thrives in new experiences and opportunities. Chinaka joins the podcast this week to talk about her creative process, embracing her own neurodivergence, and what she finds attractive in others.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In her newly released album, The BPM, Gemini rising violinist and singer Sudan Archives gives voice to parts of herself that once lived in the shadows. In the dazzling, chrome-plated future she creates, her sexy, silly, and nerdy sides all have the freedom to play and be disruptive. In this episode, Sudan shares what she’s looking for in a relationship and why she loves devoted and freaky-deaky Scorpios. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writer and oral historian J Wortham is ready to set boundaries, slow down and laugh at the hard stuff. With so much Scorpio in their chart, J spoke to Isa about why they feel they are of the water. It’s where they feel expansive and fully themself. In this episode, J shares how they’ve transformed and learned to re-parent themselves through their closest relationships. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.