What happens after you win a Grammy?

For Ariel Loh and me, the award wasn't an ending—it became the beginning of a much bigger mission.

In this episode of Artivism, we explore how a chance encounter at a queer music gathering led to our Grammy-winning collaboration on Deliver, and how that experience transformed the way we think about art, identity, community, and purpose.

Ariel shares her journey through transition, founding the Trans Music Archive, preserving LGBTQ+ musical history, and creating spaces where artists can truly belong.

If you've ever felt alone as a creative or wondered how your work can make a lasting impact, this conversation is for you.

Topics include:

• Winning the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Grammy
• Creativity and community
• Building the Trans Music Archive
• Life after major success
• Music as activism
• Preserving culture through art
• Identity and authenticity
• The future of independent artists

Subscribe for more conversations exploring the intersection of creativity, healing, spirituality, and social impact.

Creators & Guests

• Ariel Loh - Guest
• Winston Studios - Producer
• Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer
• Iman Jordan - Host

In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with singer-songwriter India Shawn for an honest conversation about what it means to evolve—not just as an artist, but as a human being.

We talk about growing up singing in church, unexpectedly finding her path into music, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and why protecting your peace has become non-negotiable. India opens up about spirituality, community, meditation, boundaries, creative collaboration, and learning that not every song has to carry an obvious message to change someone's life.

We also dive into social media burnout, the pressure to constantly create, why artists don't owe the algorithm everything, and how surrendering to your own creative process can become one of your greatest strengths.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply trying to stay grounded in a noisy world, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest work comes from becoming more of yourself—not less.

In this episode we discuss:

• Growing up in church and discovering music
• Becoming a songwriter before becoming an artist
• Surviving the music industry without losing yourself
• Meditation, wellness and community
• The spiritual side of creativity
• Why "conscious art" isn't always obvious
• Collaboration and creative chemistry
• Social media, algorithms and protecting your peace
• Why artists need boundaries
• The story behind Subject to Change

Creators & Guests

• Winston Studios - Producer
• Carlos Anthony Lopez - Designer
• Iman Jordan - Host
• India Shawn - Guest

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