Carry On Friends has been a journey! As the host, I've sometimes felt the weight of creation on my shoulders, balancing life's incessant demands with crafting meaningful content for you, the listeners. In today's heartfelt reflection, I unwrap the struggles and triumphs of this journey. A pivotal conversation with Helena, better known as ThatNurseCanCook, shed new light on the beauty of every interaction, leading to a profound shift in how I view our community's connection. I'll share the...

When Helena Faustin, also affectionately known as That Nurse Can Cook, graced us with her presence on the show, we uncovered more than just the ingredients to her tantalizing Jamaican dishes. We journeyed together through her story, which is steeped in rich culture and spiced with personal transformation. Our conversation navigated  the audacious decision to take her kitchen creations to the vibrant world of social media, engaging an audience hungry for authenticity and the comforting flavors...

Unlock the secrets to globe-trotting on a budget with Joanna Niles where she spills the beans on making travel affordable without skimping on fun. This episode isn't just about saving pennies; it's a roadmap to rich, cultural experiences through planning. Joanna, a seasoned writer and adventurer, joins us to debunk myths about the 'right time to buy airfare' and champions meticulously crafted itineraries that make every trip, whether solo or with the family, a easier. Her personal journey...

Viannca Velez is a passionate advocate for cultural preservation from the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute.  Our discussion starts off with the significance of cultural equity amidst centuries of historical adversity and the essential role of equitable funding to sustain the vibrancy of cultural institutions and practices that shape our identity and future. We also discuss Afrofuturism - what is it and why it's an important tool in cultural preservation. Also discussed...

Our latest episode is a joint episode with Style & Vibes and Reels and Riddims with guests from the Breadfruit Media family. Including Chris Williams and Alexandria Miller as well as friends of the show, Indira, Mikey T and Jendai. We dissect the impact of this film's release on Valentine's Day. From the precise timing to the casting of Kingsley Ben Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, we unpack the layers of expectation, excitement, skepticism and  fervent conversations...

In this episode, I'm circling back to my very first guest on the podcast, Andrew Clarke of Braata Productions. In addition to catching up with Andrew since he last appeared on the show, we discuss: The importance of digital preservation in keeping our vibrant heritage alive. The representation hurdles confronting Jamaican and Caribbean talents in the mainstream media landscape. We look at the various challenges, from the industry's preference for diluted cultural portrayals to the structural...

From his humble beginnings in the pews of a church to the helm of Ikon Media, Horane Henry's story unfolds in our latest episode, painting a vivid picture of the Caribbean's potential in the media production landscape. As a Jamaican-born powerhouse in engineering and media production, Horane's curiosity fuels his creative drive, while also shedding light on the milestones achieved by his own production company. Navigating the world of filmmaking comes with its own set of trials and...

As a follow up to our previous episode, Reframing Competition and Collaborative Success - in this episode you'll hear from some members of the audience and their perspectives on competition.  The episode unwraps the complex emotions that come with competing. You'll hear voices that consider competition an unnerving pressure, preferring to concentrate on their personal paths. On the flip side, you'll hear from individuals for whom competition serves as a powerful motivator, propelling them...

What if competition, typically viewed as a negative force, could be reframed as a catalyst for collaboration and growth? The friends - Chris and Mikelah are back and we're discussing how a healthy competitive spirit can be the key to fostering collective advancement and empowering one another. In our discussion, we try to define competition and explore whether competition is considered "bad mind" and jealously. We champion the idea of appreciating collaboration, working together, and...

Attention, I've interrupted our 2 month holiday break to bring you this bonus episode.  In this episode I get different views on the Hulu series, Black Cake. This discussion emphasizes the importance of accurate cultural representation in media, the need for diverse narratives, and the impact of these factors on viewers' understanding and appreciation of different cultures. We also discuss the lack of marketing to the Caribbean American audience and more. Take a listen. Did you watch the...

As we wrap up a stellar season of enlightening and engaging conversations on Carry On Friends, it's time to slow down, take a moment to breathe, and reflect on the wonderful journey we've been on together. From life-transforming discussions with Ingrid Murray to humorous banter with White Yardie, and finance-centric wisdom from Keisha Bailey, we've covered a lot of ground this year. Not forgetting the insightful chat with Kemoy (Part 1 and Part 2), this year has been a rollercoaster of...

Introducing a new series within Carry On Friends call "Circle Back" where I catch up with past guests and check in on what they've been up to since they last appeared on the podcast. In this episode, I catch up with Kamilah Campbell, jewelry designer and founder of The Pink Locket. Kamilah first appeared on the podcast November 2015. Now with 15 years of business ownership experience under her belt she imparts invaluable insights on pivoting swiftly, understanding customer interests, and...

Jamaica's real estate scene is booming. In this episode, my guest, Ruth Lacey from Proven Properties guides us through the intriguing and thriving property market of Jamaica. The allure of owning a piece of this tropical paradise is drawing not only Jamaicans living abroad but also international investors. Also discussed in this episode: Sustainable development and environmental friendly measures because it's important that we preserve Jamaica's beauty. Affordable Housing for local...

Join us for an insightful tour around the world with Marcus Haynes, a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur with an intriguing Caribbean-African-American heritage. Picture this - you're a kid from New York, raised in Africa, and you find yourself bewildered in an American college, surrounded by an alcohol-heavy culture, a stark contradiction to the values instilled in you by your Pan-Africanist parents. That's Marcus's story, and he's here to share his unique perspective on cultural identity, global...

What happens when a Guyanese-American food blogger discovers her gluten sensitivity? How does this revelation transform her understanding of Caribbean cuisine and her own dietary habits? This episode's guest, Althea Brown, shares her riveting journey from discomfort and confusion to awareness and adaptation. Althea opens up about the nuances of the Paleo diet, how it echoes the principles of Caribbean culinary traditions, and the fascinating way she remixes classic Guyanese recipes to suit...

This episode's guest, British-Jamaican-American Marsha Archer, takes us through her compelling journey and dives into the fascinating world of public relations. Public relations is more than just a job for Marsha; it's an art form. We delve into the nuances of crafting a compelling story in PR, and Marsha shares how she ensures her clients stand out, reflecting their brand tone and unique voice. We get a glimpse into the exciting clients on the, M Squared PR agency roster.  Plus, Marsha...

Ever wondered about the nuances of Caribbean animation and the storytelling it encapsulates? Come aboard as we journey through the world of Alain (Alan), a trailblazing Martinican animator and producer who has successfully woven the rich cultural tapestry of Martinique through his enchanting animations. We explore Alan's lived experiences; from growing up in the 80s, grappling with colonial implications, to his personal triumph over stuttering - cultivating this challenge into a narrative...

The hilarious White Yardie takes center stage in our chat, sharing the canvas of his life colored by his unique upbringing in the Jamaican countryside of St Elizabeth and his odyssey to England.  Our conversation branches out to the vibrant yet challenging arena of Caribbean comedy. He provides a candid insider's view of the hurdles Caribbean comedians encounter, while championing the slogan - collaboration over competition. The discussion evolves to encompass White Yardie's tours, lifting...

Growing up in a Caribbean family inspired Wesly-Jean Simon Wesley to open a restaurant celebrating his rich heritage. Join us for a mouthwatering conversation with this Haitian Caribbean American entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York, as we explore the delicious world of Caribbean culinary art and culture. We'll also discuss how Wesly's restaurant and brewery, Zanmi, serves up authentic Caribbean dishes. You may not know that the Caribbean has given us hot chocolate and the origins of rum! In...

As we hit the mid-year mark, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey of Carry On Friends thus far. Beginning with the listener takeover series with Kemoy, navigating through Ingrid's business lessons, Keisha's financial wisdom, and Anthony's intriguing tour tales, we've journeyed far and wide. But we're not stopping here - with the debut of our episodes on YouTube, we're ready to scale new heights! The heart of Carry On Friends is its community - a group that believes in sharing...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to switch up your accent to fit in with the cultural dynamics of two different Caribbean countries? Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Melecia Munroe, who was born in Belize and whose mother is from Jamaica, as she shares her unique experiences growing up between these two Caribbean cultures. Navigating the workplace as a woman of color can be challenging, and Melecia shares her journey of maintaining her identity while...

Discover the work of the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation as we chat with its founder and chairman, Michael Thomas. Learn how the organization is making a difference in disaster relief, senior veteran services, and youth arts educational programming. As well as  their ambitious goal to expand nationally. Join us as we delve deeper into the importance of cultural education and embracing the nuances that lead to better understanding. We discuss the Foundation's efforts to connect...

Are you prepared for potential financial hardships? This week, we had an enlightening conversation with Keisha Bailey of Profit Jumpstarter. Keisha is also known as Keisha the teacher, an investment guru passionate about helping people build wealth and create a legacy for themselves and their families. As we discussed the global financial marketplace and the unexpected challenges, Keisha shared her strategies for navigating inflation, looming layoffs, and the importance of having an emergency...

I’m excited to welcome the multi-talented Anthony Cole on the podcast this week. Anthony hails from Trinidad and Tobago and leads the Critical People Programs for Amazon Music while pursuing a music career. Anthony shares how he got started with music and how his music career evolved over the years. He talks about opportunities such as creating a music video and song for Amazon's Bar Riser Program, and the launch of his EP called Good Vibes only. Through this conversation we get a glimpse...