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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 radical defiance looks like in the pursuit of liberation.

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.

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 as generously as their wisdom.

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.

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.

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 Scorpio sun.