Artivism with Iman Jordan

Iman Jordan

Artivism bridges creativity, spirituality, and social impact — from the inside out. Hosted by Iman Jordan, recipient of the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award at the 2025 Grammys, the show shares real conversations with artists living inside the industry, navigating purpose and pressure, healing and hustle. Grounded, urban, and soulful — it’s spirituality for the real world, born from the studio, the struggle, and the stage.

Episodes

  1. Shaun Ross - The Power of Being Unapologetically Yourself

    2d ago

    Shaun Ross - The Power of Being Unapologetically Yourself

    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.

    1h 1m
  2. Elsewhere: Aja Monet on Imagination, Community & Liberation

    Jun 4

    Elsewhere: Aja Monet on Imagination, Community & Liberation

    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.

    1h 5m
  3. Devin Tracy – Finding Your Sound in Silence

    May 13

    Devin Tracy – Finding Your Sound in Silence

    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.

    44 min
  4. Figgy Baby - Breaking the Binary: Rethinking Expression, Artistry & Hip Hop

    Apr 22

    Figgy Baby - Breaking the Binary: Rethinking Expression, Artistry & Hip Hop

    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

    46 min
  5. Gavin Turek - Dancing Through the Heavy: Joy, Embodiment, and Staying Open as an Artist

    Apr 7

    Gavin Turek - Dancing Through the Heavy: Joy, Embodiment, and Staying Open as an Artist

    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

    40 min
  6. Jair - Consistency, Identity & Virality: Why Your Mindset Matters Most

    Mar 24

    Jair - Consistency, Identity & Virality: Why Your Mindset Matters Most

    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 advantage Beyond 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

    31 min
  7. Adiv - Creator vs Commentator: Artists Speaking Truth in a Noisy World

    Mar 10

    Adiv - Creator vs Commentator: Artists Speaking Truth in a Noisy World

    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

    33 min
  8. Gayathri Krishnan - What If You’ve Already "Made It"?

    Feb 25

    Gayathri Krishnan - What If You’ve Already "Made It"?

    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

    32 min
  9. Connor Musarra - Break the Cringe. Make the Art.

    Feb 17

    Connor Musarra - Break the Cringe. Make the Art.

    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

    43 min
  10. KÉO - You Haven’t Defined Success—And That’s the Problem

    Feb 10

    KÉO - You Haven’t Defined Success—And That’s the Problem

    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.

    48 min
  11. RM47 - Making Art in the Age of Burnout: Is the Digital Age Burning Artists Out?

    Jan 30

    RM47 - Making Art in the Age of Burnout: Is the Digital Age Burning Artists Out?

    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.

    35 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Artivism bridges creativity, spirituality, and social impact — from the inside out. Hosted by Iman Jordan, recipient of the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award at the 2025 Grammys, the show shares real conversations with artists living inside the industry, navigating purpose and pressure, healing and hustle. Grounded, urban, and soulful — it’s spirituality for the real world, born from the studio, the struggle, and the stage.

Information

  • Creator
    Iman Jordan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The ArtWell Coalition
  • Show Website
    Artivism with Iman Jordan

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