What Shapes Us

In this compelling episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with legendary big wave surfer Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) to explore the mental, physical, and emotional depths of riding some of the world’s biggest waves. Ian opens up about his journey growing up on Maui, the meticulous preparation required for big wave surfing, and how he balances fear and focus to perform under extreme pressure. Beyond the ocean, Ian reflects on the challenges of supporting his partner through a life-changing health journey, sharing lessons of resilience, community, and the power of a strong support system. Whether you’re a fan of surfing, adventure sports, or stories of grit and humanity, this episode will leave you inspired.Follow: Ian Walsh: @ian.walsh Selema Masekela: ⁠⁠@selema⁠⁠ What Shapes Us: ⁠⁠⁠@whatshapesuspodcast⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of What Shapes Us Selema welcomes Brick Howze. Brick is a 26-year-old musician, producer, and founder of Black Sand, a surf and arts collective in LA. In this deep dive interview Brick tells his story about what shaped him into creative power Howze he has become.

On this episode of the What Shapes Us Podcast Selema welcomes writer, actor, producer, director and close friend Radha Blank. Radha talks about how the pandemic gave her a new perspective on life. They talk about her movie "The Forty-Year-Old Version" and both Selema and Radha share family memories that shaped them into the creatives they are today. 

The loop Daddy himself Marc Rebillet joins Selema to talk about how he became an incredible force that took the internet by storm. They talk about what shaped his musical style, how Marc found what was important in his life during the lockdown, and how he got the queen herself Erykah Badu to do a livestream performance. All this and so much more on this episode of the What Shapes Us podcast.   If you’re enjoying this podcast and would like to show your support please subscribe, comment, rate us 5 stars, and share with others that you think this will resonate with. Thank you for your support.

This week Selema Talks to Joy Bryant After a 6 month hiatus, What Shapes Us returns! In this episode, Selema gets candid about why the podcast took such a long layoff and how the net effect of Covid, American race relations and the election took a definitive toll on his mental health. This week features a conversation between Selema and one of his dearest friends, the incredible actress and producer, Joy Bryant. Joy talks about her life growing up in the Bronx, the importance of her Grandmother, getting into and deciding to leave Yale and also the value of self belief when the stakes are high and the cards are dealt against you.

In this episode Selema reflects on the high stakes, polarizing dance that is the social media landscape  whilst musing on the stamina necessary to last in the podcast game. Selema proudly welcomes chef Matty Matheson for a raw and open conversation about pivoting, race, family, honesty and the importance of remaining true to who you are over everything else.

The ocean has a deep meaning to me and in this episode I get into why surfing and the ocean is so imbedded in who I am as a human being. That is why on this episode I’m beyond ecstatic about our guest, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. She is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She is founder and CEO of Ocean Collectiv, Urban Ocean Lab, and co-created the Blue New Deal. She also has a new book out available to preorder called, “All We Can Save” about the climate movement, and solutions to lead humanity forward. We talk about how she found her life’s work, and what her visions are for the future.

In this episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with South African surfer and creative soul Mikey February (@mikeyfebruary) for a conversation about carving your own path—on and off the board.From competitive circuits to free-surfing liberation, Mikey opens up about how music, community, and his Cape Town roots have shaped his fluid style and global perspective. The two explore how Mikey redefined success in surfing by stepping away from the rigid structure of contests, embracing his role as a cultural connector, and allowing intuition and joy to guide his work.Expect stories of purpose-driven travel, soul-infused style, and reflections on what it means to create movement—through art, water, and life.Follow us:Host: @selemaGuest: @mikeyfebruaryShow: @whatshapesuspodcast

From Olympic podiums to personal pivots, Jagger Eaton (@jaggereaton) joins Selema Masekela on What Shapes Us for a raw and real conversation about what it takes to thrive in the pressure cooker of pro skateboarding. They dive into the mental toll of being the “youngest ever,” the lonely road of elite competition, and the surprising ways self-worth evolves outside of contest results. Jagger opens up about learning to slow down, rediscovering his love for skating, and building an identity not just on the board, but beyond it.Whether you're chasing medals or meaning, this one’s for anyone redefining success on their own terms.Follow Us:Jagger Eaton: @jaggereatonSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this illuminating episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with documentary filmmaker, activist, and lifelong runner Faith Briggs Rose (@faithbriggs) to explore the intersection of identity, storytelling, and the outdoors. From running across national parks in This Land to co-directing award-winning films like Bearlike, Faith shares what it means to chase truth and community through movement.She opens up about navigating predominantly white outdoor spaces as a woman of color, the responsibility of shaping narratives from behind the lens, and how becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with creativity and time. With warmth, curiosity, and conviction, Faith reminds us that the act of storytelling—much like running—isn’t always about speed. It’s about endurance, direction, and showing up for the long haul.Social Media Tags:Faith Briggs Rose: @faithbriggsSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this colorful and captivating episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with Olympic skateboarder and radiant free spirit Bryce Wettstein (@brycewettstein) to explore what it means to live, skate, and dream with unfiltered imagination. Known for her whimsical style and lyrical soul, Bryce opens up about growing up in Encinitas, navigating the competitive world of skateboarding, and why she approaches life more like a poem than a performance.They discuss the evolution of women’s skateboarding, her experience competing in the Tokyo Olympics, and how self-expression, creativity, and joy remain her guiding forces both on and off the board. Whether she’s playing the ukulele or carving backyard bowls, Bryce embodies the beauty of staying uniquely you.Follow us:Bryce Wettstein: @brycewettsteinSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this powerful episode of What Shapes Us Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with Olympic gold medalist and alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn) for an intimate conversation about identity reinvention and the mental toll of greatness. Lindsey reflects on her journey from a fearless kid on the slopes of Minnesota to becoming one of the most decorated skiers in history and what happened when the racing stopped.With vulnerability and insight she opens up about navigating injury fame depression and the pressure to constantly prove herself. Selema and Lindsey dive deep into what it means to grieve the loss of your former self the healing that comes with stillness and how she’s finding new purpose through entrepreneurship writing and giving back through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation.Whether you're a fan of sports resilience or real conversations about evolving beyond a singular identity this episode offers hard won wisdom and inspiring perspective.Follow us:Lindsey Vonn: @lindseyvonnSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this captivating episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with professional surfer and storyteller Koa Smith (@koasmith) for an intimate conversation about surfing, spirituality, and finding resilience through adversity. Koa recounts growing up on the North Shore of Kauai, chasing waves with childhood heroes, and making the pivotal choice to step away from competitive surfing in favor of exploration and creative expression.Koa opens up about the trauma and recovery from a life threatening head injury, sharing how plant medicine, meditation, and listening to his inner voice reshaped his path. Together, he and Selema reflect on vulnerability, the nature of addiction and ego, and the deep lessons gleaned from moments of crisis.Through stories of chasing perfect barrels, long rehab sessions, and spiritual breakthroughs, this conversation reminds us that healing is an ongoing journey and one that can illuminate new ways to connect, create, and live authentically.Follow us:Koa Smith: @koasmithSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this heartfelt episode of What Shapes Us Selema Masekela (@selema) sits down with Olympic snowboarder and global icon Chloe Kim (@chloekim) for a powerful conversation about what happens behind the gold medals. Chloe opens up about the intense pressure of performing on the world stage as a teenager the isolation that came with fame and her decision to step away from competition to prioritize her mental health.From family sacrifice and cultural identity to therapy and rediscovering joy Chloe shares what it took to reclaim her voice and rewrite her relationship with snowboarding on her own terms. Vulnerable grounded and wise beyond her years this is a side of Chloe Kim you rarely get to hear.Social Media Tags:Chloe Kim: @chloekimSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast#WhatShapesUs #ChloeKim #MentalHealthMatters #OlympicChampion #Snowboarding #GenZVoices #AsianAmericanStories #WomenInSports #SelemaMasekela #VulnerabilityIsStrength #WhatShapesUsPodcast

In this episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela talks with photographer, journalist, and surfer Gabriella Angotti-Jones (@ga.briella) about carving space in the often-exclusive world of surf media and doing it with radical honesty. Gabriella opens up about growing up as a Black surfer in Southern California, breaking into legacy newsrooms, and why she left it all behind to tell stories on her own terms.Her stunning photo memoir I Just Wanna Surf blends raw surf culture with intimate explorations of race, gender, joy, and burnout. In this conversation, Gabriella shares how the ocean became both refuge and rebellion, and why creative freedom especially for women of color is worth fighting for.🎞️ Order Gabriella’s book: gabriellaangojo.rocksFollow Us:Gabriella Angotti-Jones: @ga.briellaSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this deeply moving episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with professional skier, visual artist, and filmmaker Chris Benchetler (@chrisbenchetler) to explore a life shaped by mountains, creativity, and unwavering love. From his legendary skiing career and collaborative art projects with The Grateful Dead to co-parenting and creating through his wife Kimmy Fasani’s cancer battle, Chris shares an emotional and inspiring journey about purpose, resilience, and radical support.The two discuss fatherhood, the healing power of nature, and the story behind the acclaimed documentary Butterfly in a Blizzard an intimate portrait of Kimmy's cancer diagnosis and their evolving love story. Chris opens up about choosing family over ego, finding catharsis through creativity, and how his latest film project Mountains of the Moon honors the spirit of late NBA legend Bill Walton.Whether you’re an artist, athlete, partner, or parent, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what it means to show up, let go, and keep carving your line through life’s hardest terrain.Social Media Tags:Chris Benchetler: @chrisbenchetlerSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this soul-stirring episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with cultural shape-shifter Trevor Andrew (@troubleandrew) Olympic snowboarder, musician, visual artist, and the creator behind the globally recognized persona Gucci Ghost. From dropping into the halfpipe at the Nagano Olympics to dropping genre-defying albums and art installations, Trevor reflects on a life fueled by fearless creativity and obsessive passion.Trevor opens up about leaving Nova Scotia at 14, visualizing success in spaces where he was told he didn’t belong, and how snowboarding gave him the mental strength to push boundaries in music and art. With humility and humor, he talks about fatherhood, artistic integrity, finding purpose in pain, and embracing a fluid identity in a world that wants you to choose a lane.Whether you’re a skater, creator, parent, or just someone figuring out how to chase your vision with everything you've got this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Social Media Tags:Trevor Andrew: @troubleandrewSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this special episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with the most iconic figure in skateboarding history, Tony Hawk (@tonyhawk). Together, they dive deep into the incredible journey that took Tony from a bullied kid hiding his skateboard in high school to the global pioneer who changed action sports forever. Tony shares raw, powerful stories about the highs and lows of his career: from the near-collapse of skateboarding in the early '90s, to the life-changing night he landed the first-ever 900, to the unexpected explosion of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game.Beyond the tricks and trophies, this conversation is about perseverance, community, and building a culture that now belongs to everyone. Whether you're a lifelong skater, an X Games fan, or someone who appreciates stories of grit and evolution, this episode captures a rare look inside the mind of a true cultural architect.Follow us:Tony Hawk: @tonyhawkSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this emotional and adrenaline-charged episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with freestyle motocross legend Tyler Bereman (@tylerbereman) for an unforgettable conversation about risk, legacy, and healing. From his preschool dreams of going pro to 14 X Games medals, Tyler opens up about his deep-rooted passion for two wheels, the influence of his family’s racing lineage, and his relentless pursuit of creativity through freeriding.But this episode goes far beyond dirt bikes. Tyler gets real about the toll of repeated injuries, including devastating concussions, and the quiet battle with mental health that followed. He shares how grief, therapy, and a commitment to self-work helped him heal from trauma and why projects like Red Bull Imagination and Zion’s House are reshaping how athletes approach performance, purpose, and vulnerability.Whether you’re a fan of motorsports, an athlete dealing with your own mental health, or someone who’s just looking for a powerful story of grit and growth this one’s for you.Follow us:Tyler Bereman: @tylerberemanSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us Podcast: @whatshapesuspodcast

In this profound episode of What Shapes Us, Selema Masekela sits down with legendary athlete, wellness leader, and unapologetic truth-teller Gabrielle Reece (@gabbyreece). From dominating the volleyball court to shaping the future of wellness with XPT and Laird Superfood, Gabby opens up about the evolution of her identity—athlete, partner, mother, entrepreneur—and how she navigates leadership, reinvention, and vulnerability across every chapter. She shares intimate reflections on her marriage with Laird Hamilton, building community through challenge, and the power of showing up fully as yourself. With wisdom earned through decades of high performance and human connection, Gabby’s insights go far beyond fitness—this is about how to live, lead, and love with intention.Follow us:Gabby Reece: @gabbyreeceSelema Masekela: @selemaWhat Shapes Us: @whatshapesuspodcast