Artivism with Iman Jordan

Епизоди

• 
  Brenda Solòrzano on Breaking Philanthropy, Art & the Power of Community 03.09.2026 57мин

  What if philanthropy stopped deciding what communities need—and started listening to the people already doing the work?In this special live episode of the Artivism Podcast, Iman Jordan sits down with Brenda Solòrzano, President and CEO of The California Endowment, from the We the People exhibition in South Los Angeles.Brenda challenges traditional power dynamics in philanthropy and explores what it means to shift resources and decision-making back toward communities. Together, they discuss community-led change, young people’s role in movements, reclaiming the American story, and using technology for good.They also explore the essential role artists play in building healthier communities—moving hearts, creating belonging, bringing joy, and helping us imagine new possibilities.At a moment when so much feels like it’s being dismantled, Brenda asks us to consider another possibility: maybe this is a builder’s moment.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Brenda Solòrzano - Guest
• 
  Aziza Love on Creativity, Spirituality & the Revolutionary Sound of Nature 20.08.2026 39мин

  What if creativity isn’t something we manufacture—but something we learn to tune into?In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist, sound researcher, and immersive creator Aziza Lovefor a conversation about music, nature, spirituality, presence, and the artist’s role in helping us heal.Aziza shares how growing up in Cincinnati shaped her through funk, soul, gospel, and Black spiritual traditions; how she transforms field recordings and the biofeedback of plants into music; and why she believes everything around us is singing—even when we’ve forgotten how to listen.We also talk about overcoming the fear of being seen, showing up fully as an artist, finding home within yourself, and why joy, dancing, and collective presence can be revolutionary acts.This is a conversation about remembering who you are, trusting your creative voice, and recognizing that we’re all part of one living orchestra.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Aziza Love - Guest
• 
  Inside Harry Belafonte's Legacy | Gina Belafonte on Art, Activism & Hope 06.08.2026 50мин

  What does it mean to grow up in one of the most influential activist households in American history?In this deeply personal conversation, I sit down with Gina Belafonte—producer, activist, Executive Director of Sankofa.org, and daughter of the legendary Harry Belafonte—to explore the intersection of art, justice, and legacy.Gina shares unforgettable stories of growing up around civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, Fannie Lou Hamer, Marlon Brando, and countless artists who gathered in her family's home to strategize for social change.We also discuss:• What Harry Belafonte taught her about leadership and courage• The surprising origin of the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Grammy Award• Why artists have a unique responsibility during times of division• How Sankofa.org empowers artists to create meaningful impact• The importance of facts, humility, joy, and community• What gives her hope for the futureThis episode is a powerful reminder that art doesn't just reflect the world—it can help transform it.If you've ever wondered what role creativity plays in building a better future, this conversation is for you.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Gina Belafonte - Guest
• 
  Ariel Loh on Creating the Spaces We Need 23.07.2026 40мин

  What happens after you win a Grammy?For Ariel Loh and me, the award wasn't an ending—it became the beginning of a much bigger mission.In this episode of Artivism, we explore how a chance encounter at a queer music gathering led to our Grammy-winning collaboration on Deliver, and how that experience transformed the way we think about art, identity, community, and purpose.Ariel shares her journey through transition, founding the Trans Music Archive, preserving LGBTQ+ musical history, and creating spaces where artists can truly belong.If you've ever felt alone as a creative or wondered how your work can make a lasting impact, this conversation is for you.Topics include:Winning the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change GrammyCreativity and communityBuilding the Trans Music ArchiveLife after major successMusic as activismPreserving culture through artIdentity and authenticityThe future of independent artistsSubscribe for more conversations exploring the intersection of creativity, healing, spirituality, and social impact.Creators & Guests Ariel Loh - Guest Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Click here to view the episode transcript.
• 
  Subject to Change: India Shawn on Growth, Boundaries & Spirituality 09.07.2026 33мин

  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 musicBecoming a songwriter before becoming an artistSurviving the music industry without losing yourselfMeditation, wellness and communityThe spiritual side of creativityWhy "conscious art" isn't always obviousCollaboration and creative chemistrySocial media, algorithms and protecting your peaceWhy artists need boundariesThe story behind Subject to ChangeCreators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host India Shawn - Guest
• 
  Shaun Ross - The Power of Being Unapologetically Yourself 23.06.2026 1ч 1мин

  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 - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Shaun Ross - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript.
• 
  Elsewhere: Aja Monet on Imagination, Community & Liberation 04.06.2026 1ч 5мин

  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 - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Aja Monet - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript.
• 
  Devin Tracy – Finding Your Sound in Silence 13.05.2026 44мин

  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 spiritualityWhy artists struggle with overthinking and perfectionismThe importance of pauses, rest, and silenceWeed, anxiety, and reconnecting with your intuitionTrusting timing instead of forcing outcomesBalancing survival with devotion to your artWhy honesty is the foundation of powerful musicThis 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 - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Devin Tracy - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript.
• 
  Figgy Baby - Breaking the Binary: Rethinking Expression, Artistry & Hip Hop 21.04.2026 46мин

  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 hopThe difference between followers and real communityMental health, burnout, and staying grounded as an artistSocial media, algorithms, and the illusion of successWhy vulnerability is a form of powerThe responsibility of artists in times of cultural and political tensionFiggy 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 - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Figgy Baby - Guest
• 
  Gavin Turek - Dancing Through the Heavy: Joy, Embodiment, and Staying Open as an Artist 07.04.2026 39мин

  Today’s guest is Gavin Turek—an artist whose presence doesn’t just fill a room, it lifts it. Her performances feel like a full-bodied transmission of joy—rooted in movement, discipline, and emotional truth. But behind that energy is something deeper.In this conversation, we explore what it means to stay open as an artist—especially in seasons that feel heavy.Gavin shares her journey through discipline, doubt, growth, and transformation—from early roots in music and dance to navigating an industry that constantly shifts its definition of success. We talk about the emotional weight of metrics, the reality of creative cycles, and the courage it takes to keep showing up without losing yourself.This episode is about embodiment.About joy as a practice—not just a feeling.And about learning how to keep dancing… even when life gets heavy.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host GAVIN TUREK - Guest
• 
  Jair - Consistency, Identity & Virality: Why Your Mindset Matters Most 23.03.2026 31мин

  If you’re an artist, creative, or content creator trying to grow—but struggling to stay motivated and consistent on social media—this episode is for you.I sit down with rising artist Jair—an international voice blending soul, alternative rock, vulnerability, and a modern approach to the digital age.Jair’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when artistry meets consistency. In just one year, he grew from 1,500 followers to over 190,000—not by chasing trends, but by leaning deeper into who he is.We get into the real tensions artists are navigating today:– What to do when nothing is going viral– How to stay grounded when your career lives online—and why growth has more to do with mindset than the algorithm– How to convert an audience from covers into fans of your original music– And why showing up imperfectly might actually be your biggest advantageBeyond the numbers, Jair opens up about discipline, identity, and creating music rooted in lived experience—especially telling stories around queer relationships that are often missing from mainstream narratives.If you’re navigating the noise and trying to build something real, this conversation will hit.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Jair - Guest
• 
  Adiv - Creator vs Commentator: Artists Speaking Truth in a Noisy World 10.03.2026 33мин

  If you care about creativity, culture, and using your voice in a complicated world, this episode is for YOU.In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with artist, songwriter, and cultural commentator Adiv to talk about what it means to be an artist in a time when the internet rewards reaction but still hungers for meaning.We explore Adiv’s journey from church choirs and songwriting to becoming a visible voice online discussing culture, politics, and social issues. Along the way, we unpack the tension many creatives face today: balancing artistry with commentary in a polarized digital landscape.Adiv shares how he built his commentary platform, why historical context matters in today’s conversations, and what it’s like navigating criticism and controversy online. We also dive into the realities of the music industry, the illusion of artist lifestyles, and the deeper motivations behind creating art in a rapidly changing world.This conversation is about identity, truth, creativity, and the courage it takes for artists to show up honestly — both in their art and in the conversations shaping our culture.In this episode we discuss:The difference between an artist persona and your real identityWhy social media amplifies outrage but erases nuanceThe pressure artists face to speak on social issuesHow Adiv built a viral commentary platformThe reality of being an artist behind the scenesWhy connection and community matter more than fameCreators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Adiv - Guest
• 
  Gayathri Krishnan - What If You’ve Already "Made It"? 24.02.2026 32мин

  If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “arrive,” this one is for you!In this episode, I sit down with Gayathri Krishnan — a Los Angeles–based singer, songwriter, producer, and music educator whose sound lives at the intersection of soul, neo-soul, R&B, and South Indian Carnatic tradition.We talk about devotion as a creative practice. About vibration as truth. About starting with nothing but a voice and a drone — and realizing that’s enough.Gayathri shares how growing up in Carnatic music shaped her presence, how she merged those roots with R&B at Berklee, and why some of her biggest songs were written in a closet with a splice loop and intuition. We unpack her COLORS performance, manifestation journaling, EFT tapping, social media pressure, and the dangerous expectation that artists should perform like athletes — without ever recovering like them.We also dive into:What “making it” really meansWhy momentum comes in wavesProtecting your energy in the studioThe pressure of perfection vs. the power of presenceBeing multi-identity in an industry that wants you simplifiedCreating light in heavy timesThis is a conversation about stillness, sovereignty, and trusting your voice before the world validates it.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Gayathri Krishnan - Guest
• 
  Connor Musarra - Break the Cringe. Make the Art. 16.02.2026 42мин

  What if fear — not talent — is the only thing holding you back?If you’re an independent artist navigating social media, AI, burnout, and the pressure to be perfect — this episode is your wake-up call.In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with Connor Musarra, the artist who wrote, produced, and posted a new song every single day for 365 days. No perfection. No label. No waiting.We talk about creative discipline, overcoming perfectionism, surviving the algorithm, the truth about streaming money, AI-generated music, corporate control, and why virality is a trap. Connor breaks down why limitation creates better art, why personality now matters more than playlists, and why artists must protect their spark in a tech-driven world.Create anyway.Post anyway.Survive and keep making the work.Because expression is activism.Creators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Rasheed Augustin - Producer Connor Musarra - Guest
• 
  KÉO - You Haven’t Defined Success—And That’s the Problem 09.02.2026 48мин

  Who are you as an artist when the old labels, personas, and definitions fall away?In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with KÉO—R&B/pop artist, producer, and wellness practitioner—for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, identity, and the courage it takes to come back to yourself as an artist.KÉO shares her journey from performing behind a persona to shedding old skins, redefining success, and integrating healing practices—like sound frequencies and deep listening—directly into her music. We talk about the moment she almost quit music, why “making it” nearly broke her, and how slowing down became the doorway to clearer, more resonant work.This episode explores what it really means to evolve creatively and spiritually—without rebranding, forcing clarity, or chasing validation.If you’re an artist questioning your path, rebuilding after burnout, or sensing that your old way of creating no longer fits, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we explore:The danger of building an artist identity around masks and personasRedefining success beyond numbers, charts, and industry approvalHow healing practices can live inside music—not outside itLetting go of control, certainty, and the pressure to “arrive”Why art can be medicine—even when no one knows it’s happeningCreators & Guests Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer Iman Jordan - Host Keo - Guest Click here to view the episode transcript.
• 
  RM47 - Making Art in the Age of Burnout: Is the Digital Age Burning Artists Out? 30.01.2026 35мин

  In this engaging conversation, Iman Jordan explores the intersection of art and activism, discussing the challenges artists face in maintaining creativity amidst burnout and societal pressures. They delve into the making of RM47's project 'Cyber', the financial struggles within the music industry, and the importance of group dynamics in artistic collaboration. The discussion also highlights the significance of visual storytelling, measuring success beyond metrics, and the impact of social media on creativity. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for artists to reconnect with their purpose and foster genuine connections in a digital age.Creators & Guests Iman Jordan - Host Rasheed Augustin - Producer Winston Studios - Producer Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer RM47 - Guest Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript.