The Natasha Stuart Podcast Natasha Stuart

I mean besides the fact that I have done influencer-like things, like a podcast. I just really don't think that's something that I am, or that I do or that's a thing at all. This is just me expressing this at random, just because I missed talking into a mic, basically. 

In this episode, Jamie Thompson shares with us much of his journey to becoming and being a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. A journey that was by no means easy. From being a struggling student, not knowing how he will get the finances to get through his next semester - to his struggle and rise above the stigma of being a dancer, a male dancer in particular in Belize - to now being in the cast of Broadway's award-winning musical The Lion King.  

There is so much to learn here from Jamie, and his message. So excited and grateful to have him on the show! 

FOLLOW JAMIE: 

Instagram: 

Jamie Thompson

JT Arts Foundation

Kungo Dance

This episode begins with an excerpt from Dominique's podcast, Walasaha. I chose to do this because it's very difficult to describe Dominique in so many words, so I figured it would be best to show you. I still cannot find words that would be sufficient to describe Dominique and all her achievements. For this reason, I urge you if you don't already, to follow her. You can also Google her to see all her amazing accomplishments, the list is endless. Dominique is a changemaker and she will definitely be leaving Belize a better place than she found it!

Show Notes: 

Podcast Begins [7:39] 

FOLLOW DOMINIQUE:

Podcast: Walasaha (available on all podcast platforms) 

Twitter 

Instagram

LinkedIn

Dominique's Must-Reads:  

Dear Ijeawele: A Feminist Manifesto by Chiamanda Ngoze Adiche

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Friere

Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper

X Communication by Evan X Hyde or really any words this man writes most accessible via the From the Publisher Column in the Amandala

Groundings with my Brothers by Walter Rodney

God the Politician by Peterkins Manyong

Free Yuh Mind by Aondofe Iyo

Dominique's favorite essay that every activist or citizen of a nation must read: Walter Rodney and the Question of Power by CLR James

Here is an important conversation we should all be having, across the world! We all can learn more and do better in regards to our environment. Climate change professionals have been calling our attention because we really do need to pay attention to the current status of our environment. I hope you listen closely to what Andre shares in this episode. I know some of us have become more environmentally conscious but most of us, myself included can be doing a much better job. We all need to be whistleblowers when it comes to this topic. And once we understand what is at stake, who is responsible, who needs to be held accountable, how we all can do a better job then I think together we can leave the world a better place than we found it. But it's vital that we do sooner than later, we simply can't continue to ignore this for our own convenience because soon enough there will be no convenience.

SHOW NOTES: 

Andre's Podcast: MadaFyah on Twitter coming out early April! 

Books: A Trip Too Far Rosaleen Duffy

News Letter: Generation Dread

Ya'axche Conservation Trust

In this episode, I have a conversation with Vladimir Vargas, who has found passion in travel and exploration. Vladimir recently spent two years backpacking North, Central, and South America through couch surging and hitchhiking. Of course, the pandemic brought his travels to a pause but Vladimir reached out to me in hopes of encouraging others to go out and experience different people and cultures whenever we can, in authentic ways, to live with the people and totally immersing. I agree that travel is the biggest and best way to learn and grow!  



 Check out Vladimir's Blog:  https://naaya.net/

In this episode, I am joined by Cherisse Halsall, whom we may all know from Channel 7 News. Only having started covering the news in 2019 and already becoming one of the most familiar faces and voices in Belize news. Cherisse shares her journey with us, her experience moving to Spain back in 2008, and her experience with nepotism, a hot topic here in Belize. She also shares more about the rock band Ansenthium, which she also a member of from a PR standpoint. In this episode, Cherisse also shares some of her most memorable and difficult moments as a reporter. She also encourages us to move obstacles out of our way, to dream big and beyond!   



Follow Cherisse on IG especially if you are a musician or aspiring musician!