Growing up in the fashion industry, writer Naomi Shimada first became known for sharing the dirty secrets of the plus-sized fashion world. In 2019 she co-authored the book Mixed Feelings with journalist Sarah Raphael, exploring the emotional impact of our digital habits. This year, Naomi launched a somatic coaching and guidance practice, Soft Landing. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Noami to discuss how she has followed the true expression of her soft Cancer sun and knowledge-seeking Sagittarius rising into the study of healing and spirituality.

This episode originally aired in December 2024.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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