This episode brings creative energy to the forefront as Lisette Nieves sits down with multidisciplinary artist Kandy G. Lopez to explore the intersections of identity, culture, and artistic expression. From an unexpected start in the arts to becoming a bold voice in contemporary portraiture, Kandy shares how her work centers Afro-Latinidad, visibility, and the power of representation.

The conversation moves through her evolving creative process, from paint to fiber to glass, and how personal experiences, including motherhood, have reshaped both her practice and perspective. With honesty and edge, Kandy reflects on breaking norms, building community through art, and what it means to truly be seen.

This is a conversation about creativity as resistance, identity as power, and the relentless drive to keep evolving

In this episode, Lisette Nieves speaks with Dr. Gisele Castro, President and CEO of Exalt, about the transformative power of second chances and the systems that shape young lives. Gisele shares her personal journey into this work and how Exalt is redefining support for justice-involved youth through mentorship, education, and real-world opportunities. Together, they challenge common narratives about youth and the justice system, emphasizing healing, dignity, and the importance of community. The conversation also explores leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build pathways for the next generation to thrive.

In this powerful opening episode, Lisette Nieves sits down with veteran journalist Cheryl Wills for a deeply personal conversation on legacy, identity, and purpose. Cheryl shares her journey uncovering her great-great-great-grandfather’s history as a Civil War soldier, and the decade-long effort to honor him. Together, they reflect on reclaiming erased histories, the role of storytelling in shaping truth, and the resilience required to stay the course. This episode captures what it means to stand at a true “junction”, where past, present, and purpose meet.

In this episode, Lisette Nieves is joined by bestselling author Xochitl Gonzalez for a candid and thought-provoking conversation on voice, power, and creative purpose. Xochitl reflects on her unconventional path to writing, her commitment to telling fuller, more honest stories about identity and class, and the responsibility that comes with visibility. Together, they explore what it means to create space, not just within existing systems, but by building new ones. The conversation also offers a glimpse into her upcoming novel Last Night in Brooklyn and the evolving journey of her work.