Stars and Stars with Isa

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.

Actor, drag king and activist Vico Ortiz thrives in the often messy space of “becoming.” In May, Vico debuted their solo show, Rise of a King, where they blend drag, astrology and the Sagittarian power of storytelling to take audiences on a journey through their childhood. As a charismatic Libra sun, Vico craves connection and adventure. But their Scorpio moon shows up to rein in and steady those desires. In this episode, Vico tells Isa Nakazawa how they learned to integrate all of these dynamic and sometimes clashing needs through their experiences, from polyamory to performing drag.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling rapper and Chicago’s very own Vic Mensa is a master at owning his voice. In June, Vic released his newest record Sundiata independently, allowing him to take complete control over his music for the first time in over a decade. As a double Gemini, being open and real about all the versions of himself comes naturally, whether it’s dealing with addiction or getting caught up in fame or violence. But his Capricorn moon guides him through that transformation. In this episode, Vic tells Isa how he’s learned to trust the process over the years.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hailed as a woman of the year in 2025 by Time Magazine, Raquel Willis has been a natural storyteller since she was a child. In 2023, she published her riveting memoir, “The Risk It Takes to Bloom” in which she describes her story as a “proud Southern Black, trans, queer woman.” She is also the co-founder of Gender Liberation Movement and as you’ll hear, a true Gemini. Raquel and Isa Nakazawa discuss how that curiosity of her Gemini, the loving devotion of her Virgo and the justice of her Libra creates intersectionality in her organizing. In their conversation, Raquel shares what radical defiance looks like in the pursuit of liberation.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Stars and Stars with Isa, host and astrologer Isa Nakazawa sits down with some of the most talented creators and thinkers of our time, to find out what their birth chart reveals about their purpose, relationships and challenges. Winner of the Signal Award for “Most Inspirational Podcast” in just its first year, Stars and Stars will help you make sense of today’s complicated times, even if you are an astrology skeptic. This show might make you laugh, cry and maybe even learn a little bit more about yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.