Story & Lesson Highlights with Isaiah Smith of Nola

We recently had the chance to connect with Isaiah Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Isaiah , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy is in this moment. My life has been nothing full of love and support with my support circle. Having a group of people around that I can call when I’m at my lowest is priceless. I’m truly blessed for this moment.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Zaya is a dramatist, podcast host, and creative force whose work thrives at the intersection of authenticity and performance. Known for The Zaya Show, a podcast that has become a safe space for raw conversations about identity, resilience, and joy, Zaya blends theatrical flair with heartfelt storytelling. Whether stepping onto the stage, behind the mic, or into new creative projects, he brings an old Hollywood sensibility wrapped in modern representation—sequins, vintage charm, and all. His brand radiates community and empowerment, but also dares to ask difficult questions, using storytelling not just as entertainment but as a mirror for liberation. With a golden glow—both in hair and spirit—Zaya is redefining what it means to be a voice for this generation: bold, whimsical, and unapologetically true.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that I’m releasing is the need to constantly prove myself. For a long time, I carried this weight of trying to meet everyone’s expectations—whether it was as an artist, a host, or just as a person navigating life. That pressure served its purpose; it gave me drive, discipline, and resilience. But now, I realize it also kept me from simply being. I don’t need to chase validation anymore. I want to move forward with more freedom, more trust in my voice, and more joy in the process itself. Releasing that part of me feels like making space for growth, for authenticity, and for a deeper connection to my art and my community.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
What I would tell myself is that you’re emotional expression don’t show weakness. As a child, I was very emotional through all my feelings. The same thing I was a shamed of, is what highlight my life through theatre and now podcasting. People want to be seen and heard. Using my emotions can represent what others can’t say.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a part of the real me, but not the whole story. What people see—the performer, the storyteller, the host—is very real, but it’s also curated. It’s me leaning into certain truths, certain aesthetics, certain moments that I choose to share. The real me is softer, more vulnerable, sometimes messy in ways the public doesn’t always get to see. I think that’s the beauty of what I do, though—I get to weave both versions together. The public me creates a safe space for others, while the private me is still learning, growing, and finding peace. Both are authentic, just expressed in different ways.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Right now, I’m investing in building a body of work and a legacy that I know won’t fully show its impact for years. Every podcast episode, every story I write, every creative risk I take—it’s all laying a foundation. I’m nurturing relationships, growing a community, and developing my craft with the long game in mind. It may not bring instant rewards, but in 7–10 years, I want to look back and see that these seeds grew into something lasting—a platform, a space, and a voice that continues to inspire even beyond me.

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