Stars and Stars with Isa

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...

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 aire...

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 p...

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 AdsWiz...

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tiana Major9 just released her debut album November Scorpio, a sonically rich record that reflects her signature blend of jazz, R&B and soul. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Tiana to discuss how her exploration of love, faith and money reflect her Scorpio sun’s devotion to authenticity and passion. They also discuss how Tiana’s many Sagittarius placements push her to constantly evolve and seek new experiences.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week comedian and writer Malik El, or better known as Malik the Oracle, sits down with Isa. They discuss how Malik balances his deep value for justice as a Scorpio rising with his needs for comfort as a Taurus sun; and how his Sagittarius moon pushes him out of his comfort zone into success. Malik and Isa talk about Zohran Mamdani and Malik’s advocacy for human rights.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Actress, artist and activist Rowan Blanchard had to navigate growing up in the public eye. Having worked as an actress since she was five years old, this Capricorn rising has learned how to honor her outspoken nature while protecting her inner growth. Isa Nakazawa and Rowan discuss how as a Libra sun she centers her values, love and dark humor to move through this world. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The hit podcast returns from Futuro Studios for its third season. La Brega tells stories of the Puerto Rican experience.

In Season 3 of La Brega, we’re bringing you stories of Puerto Rico’s champions. We’re going to go to the ballfields and cultural battlegrounds where carrying the flag takes on even more meaning. We’ll meet fighters who have represented us in courtrooms and in boxing rings, and icons who have worn Puerto Rico on their sashes and their jerseys. We’re going to ask: what do we learn about Puerto Ricanness by spending time with our c...

Indya Moore is an award-winning actress who has used their voice to elevate and fight for the lives of people of color, trans and nonbinary people. As a Sagittarius rising, Indya moves through the world as a seeker, and sometimes that endless curiosity has brought her to challenging places in her life. In this special live conversation, Isa Nakazawa and Indya break down all that Sagittarian energy in her chart by diving into her spiritual journey, and they discuss how she eventually found a spiritual home in Islam.  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.a...

You’ve probably heard a lot about how eventful, and maybe even scary, the 2026 astrology is going to be. In this episode, Isa Nakazawa goes beyond the fear-mongering and the wild predictions, to dive into what the cosmos really has to say about 2026. Isa explains major, generational transits, momentous eclipses, and which rising signs can expect transformation in areas of purpose, love and leveling up this year.  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professor Viet Thanh Nguyen is learning to embrace vulnerability these days. Fatherhood in particular has softened his Aquarius sun spirit.  In this episode, Viet talks about how the act of witnessing can unlock truths about us, the wisdom in accepting the unknown, and accessing family memory. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As an Aquarius rising, Sagittarius sun and Scorpio moon, writer and sex educator Ericka Hart was born to subvert norms, dismantle oppressive myths and nudge us all to some deeper truth about ourselves. Her forthcoming book “Nasty Work” embodies her mission by taking apart society’s deeply entrenched colonial views on sex and gender. In this episode, Ericka talks about how she’s learned to take major risks and cultivate community, and the importance of self-pleasure.  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adver...

With nearly 400,000 social media followers, Naley by Nature combines stunning visuals with a resolute and powerful commitment to cover stories from Palestine to Venezuela. Naley is a filmmaker, producer, writer and coach who’s not afraid to challenge mainstream narratives, a true living embodiment of her Libra rising’s devotion to justice and voice. In this episode, Naley talks about her own spiritual journey, her public work, and how she nurtures and builds trust in her personal relationships.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pers...

adrienne maree brown is always cultivating a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, she is a singular writer and thinker. Her essential works include Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, We Will Not Cancel Us and their most recent, Loving Corrections, offering us all ideas and practices for transformation. Isa Nakazawa and adrienne discuss the discernment of her Virgo, the underworld of her Scorpio and the risk taking of her Aries.

This episode originally aired in February 2025. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.a...

Writer, poet and podcast host Saeed Jones effortlessly moves between registers of depth and levity. He inspires his listeners to think critically while laughing at life’s absurdity. Saeed recently published The Peoples Project with writer Maggie Smith, a literary anthology aimed at cultivating purpose, community and action in the face of today's political uncertainty. Isa Nakazawa and Saeed discuss how his Sagittarian appetite for life balances his Taurus moon, which satiates at home, or what Saeed calls the “party hermit.”

This episode originally aired in May 2024. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ads...

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. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an A...

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 Sim...

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.c...

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 Si...

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...

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...

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 u...

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.

Ho...

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. 

Hos...

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...

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 radic...

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 pc...

adrienne maree brown is always cultivating a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, adrienne has authored essential works such as Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, We Will Not Cancel Us and their most recent, Loving Corrections. From the mystical to the earthly, adrienne finds the equilibrium she needs in carefully working with all of the perspective her big three provide. Isa Nakazawa and adrienne discuss the discernment of her Virgo, the underworld of her Scorpio and the risk taking of her Aries. Along the way, adrienne shares their mistakes...

Content creator and authority on all things culture & fashion, Jade Fox is the internet’s go-to expert on androgynous and masc style. Her work has been featured in outlets like Paper Magazine, Hypebeast and VH1. As a Leo moon conjunct Chiron, the asteroid representing wounds and healing, Jade shares how her early relationship with her parents now manifests in her romantic relationships. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Curatorial director at PACE Gallery in New York, writer, and fulltime Leo, Kimberly Drew is a curator of beauty and pleasure. Kimberly has published two books – Black Futures and This Is What I Know About Art. She is also known for her work in arts institutions ranging from the Met to New York Fashion Week. Kimberly’s careful curation of everything in her life, especially her style, screams fire sign, but her earth and water placements reveal a more private side. She and Isa Nakazawa discuss how she has learned to unguard with those closest to her.

Ho...

Independent singer, songwriter and producer, Madison McFerrin has deep roots in music. Her grandfather Robert McFerrin Sr. was the first Black man to sing with the Metropolitan Opera. Her grandmother, Sara McFerrin, is a classically trained vocalist who toured as a background singer for Sam Cooke. And of course, there’s Madison’s father, Bobby McFerrin, the Grammy-winning jazz vocalist. Yet, Madison has found a way to distinguish herself with a sound all her own. Madison and Isa Nakazawa discuss how after a life-altering break up and growing her career, Madison has learned to embody the soft core of her...

Sophia Roe is known for her delicious meals, gorgeous plating and blunt honesty. She’s also a James Beard Award winning chef, writer, and Emmy-Award nominated TV host. Her relationship to food is deeply informed by her experience in the foster system and with food insecurity. Sophia’s vision for a more liberated world starts with the stomach. Isa Nakazawa sits down with Sophia to discuss how her Scorpio sun means she’s no stranger to the grin-and-bear-it mentality that helped her reach this zenith of success, and how her Cancer rising is calling on her to lead a softer...

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.

Hosted by Simp...

Growing up on the border, Mexican-American singer-songwriter Renee Goust is unafraid to transgress artificially drawn lines. She works within and also transforms traditional Mexican music, writing and singing about people like her, who have historically been left out of roots music. She has written some of the most iconic feminist and LGBTQ hymns in Latin America and the U.S. Renee and Isa Nakazawa discuss how Renee’s Libra rising means she’s moved to action by her sense of justice while her Leo moon ensures her loyalty and attention bring those at the margins to the forefront of the...

Writer and model Naomi Shimada grew up between Japan and Spain in a multilingual family. She entered the fashion industry as a model at age 13 when she was scouted at a local restaurant. As she grew up in the industry, she became known for talking publicly about the dirty secrets behind the plus-sized fashion world. In 2019 she co-authored the book Mixed Feelings with fashion journalist Sarah Raphael – exploring the emotional impact of our digital habits. Naomi and Isa Nakazawa discuss how Naomi has followed the true expression of her soft Cancer sun and knowledge-seeking Sagittarius rising into the study of...

Jill Louise Busby is affectionately known by her social media handle jillisblack. In 2016 she went viral for critiquing what passed as progressive. But the longer she operated under the social media handle, the more it became a character – cutting her off from her true self. In 2021 she published her book “Unfollow Me: Essays on Complicity.” Today, she is the Artistic Director at Northwest Film Forum and is at work on a one-woman-show and her next book. Jill’s third house Capricorn moon has her constantly seeking to implode hierarchies while her Sagittarius sun creates an urgency in sharing her truth –...

Award-winning journalist Tonya Mosley is motivated by deep curiosity and a true interest in understanding people. That’s what informs her work as the co-host of NPR’s Fresh Air program. As a kid her friend’s father nicknamed her “scoop,” and she’s been following that destiny ever since. Tonya’s Taurus Sun and Virgo Rising keep her grounded and put together, but lately she’s been learning to be comfortable with her vulnerability while being a public-facing reporter.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...