Send us a text Caribbean-American women are leaders—but do our workplaces recognize that? In this episode, Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown joins me to unpack how cultural identity is a leadership strength. From code-switching to radical self-care, we explore what it means to lead boldly, confidently, and Caribbean. Takeaways: Cultural identity is not a weakness—it’s a strategic advantage. Workplace narratives can be rewritten through self-awareness and storytelling. Radical self-care is essential for s...
Jun 24, 2025•50 min•Season 2025Ep. 259
Send us a text This episode introduces The Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model™ (CDEM) . The model offers a guide for understanding how Caribbean cultural identity forms, evolves, and expresses itself in diaspora communities. Based on real-life experiences and stories shared through ten years of podcasting, this model validates the diverse ways people connect to their Caribbean heritage outside the region. The 6 Lenses of CDEM Where You Start Shapes the Journey Where You Live + What You Seek = H...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min•Season 2025Ep. 258
Send us a text Jermaine Rowe is a Jamaican-born storyteller, professor, theater maker, and cultural curator. Jermaine shares his incredible journey from Spanish Town, Jamaica to the global stage, blending Caribbean folklore with contemporary storytelling. This conversation dives deep into the intersections of identity, creativity, mentorship, and the challenges and triumphs of being a multi-hyphenate creative in the diaspora. From the importance of honoring Jamaican culture to building supportiv...
May 27, 2025•54 min•Season 2025Ep. 257
Send us a text Welcome to Caribbean Adjacent, a brand-new series within the Carry On Friends Podcast! Randy Pulayya is back on the podcast and this time he is with his wife Shauna. They are dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind West Indies Pepper Sauce, From meeting at JFK Airport to blending their Guyanese and Vietnamese-American backgrounds, Randy and Shauna share their journey of embracing each other's traditions, preserving cultural legacies, and raising a new generation proud of both heritage...
May 13, 2025•20 min•Season 2025Ep. 256
Send us a text What happens when life hits you with multiple life-altering challenges at once? For Nicole Dubois, it was the catalyst for a profound journey of healing, self-discovery, and ultimately, sharing her story with the world. Nicole's memoir "Unparalyzed" began during a solo trip to Greece—a journey she took after leaving a note on the refrigerator for her husband of 17 years announcing her decision to divorce. Standing atop the Acropolis in Athens, feeling both literally and metaphoric...
Apr 29, 2025•32 min•Season 2025Ep. 255
Send us a text In this episode, Anthea McLaughlin from the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance helps to reshape our understanding of disaster relief and philanthropy across the Caribbean's 22 nations. Together they explore how strategic, year-round support builds stronger communities that can withstand increasingly severe climate events. Caribbean philanthropy isn't just for wealthy donors but is deeply embedded in community practices The disaster cycle requires attention before, during and after h...
Apr 15, 2025•45 min•Season 2025Ep. 254
Send us a text In this episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations had on the podcast so far this year—with the team behind Sugar Dumplin’ , Natalie Bennett, Diana McCaulay, and Malene Barnett. What started as individual interviews became something more—more clear and focused themes around cultural preservation, identity navigation, and evolving expressions of Caribbean-ness. I explore how these episodes other others from the podcast's catalog, show how storytelling, ar...
Apr 01, 2025•28 min•Season 2025Ep. 253
Send us a text This episode's guest is multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, and author Malene Barnett. From her Caribbean heritage (St. Vincent & Jamaica) to her latest book, Crafted Kinship: Inside the Creative Practices of Contemporary Black Caribbean Makers, Malene shares insights on art, storytelling, and preserving cultural traditions. Discover the power of art, kinship, and cultural identity as Malene reflects on her journey, the inspiration behind her work, and the importance o...
Mar 18, 2025•32 min•Season 2025Ep. 252
Send us a text In this episode acclaimed Jamaican author Diana McCaulay to discuss her latest novel "A House for Miss Pauline." Before we get to the book Diana and I discuss her journey from insurance professional to environmental activist; Jamaica's changing landscape, environmental challenges, the delicate balance between preservation and progress. We dive into the inspiration behind the novel, "A House for Miss Pauline," which explores themes of land, legacy, and connection. We also discuss: ...
Mar 04, 2025•48 min•Season 2025Ep. 251
Send us a text I'm circling back! Carey Lee Dixon, also known as Carey Digital returns to the podcast for the first time since 2018 to reflect on her entrepreneurial evolution, career pivots, and the power of community. Since her last appearance, Carey has navigated challenges—from being fired and finding resilience to becoming a Canva Design Community Ambassador and a champion for women entrepreneurs. But this episode is extra special—we’re also celebrating 10 years of the Carry On Friends Podc...
Feb 18, 2025•18 min•Season 2025Ep. 250
Send us a text This episode features Jamaican American, Natalie Bennett who shares her journey from working at Google to entrepreneurship after facing layoffs. The conversation highlights redefining success, finding one's purpose, and the importance of personal leadership. • Exploring success beyond accolades • Understanding the impact of layoffs • Emphasizing the significance of personal "why" • Overcoming scarcity mindset • The role of personal branding and networking • Embracing full identity...
Feb 04, 2025•58 min•Season 2025Ep. 249
Send us a text Tristan Barrocks and Donisha Prendergast join us for a lively conversation that explores the heart and soul of Jamaican storytelling. Tristan's film "Sugar Dumplin" starring Oliver Samuels is a heartfelt story of family, dementia, and cultural legacy. This conversation celebrates Jamaican artistry and storytelling. Learn about the vision for the project, its social impact, and how communities can support Caribbean films. We discuss the challenges faced by independent filmmakers li...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 2025Ep. 248
Send us a text This episode celebrates a major milestone - ten years of Carry On Friends! Thank you for your support over the years. I will be celebrating the milestone all year long and would love to hear from you. Which episodes are your favorite, or who is your favorite guest? Your stories and reflections will be featured throughout the year, so don't hesitate to share. As we commemorate ten years, it's your support and engagement that truly make this podcast a thriving community. Looking ahe...
Jan 13, 2025•4 min
Send us a text Is the Caribbean prepared for the next hurricane season, or are we stuck in a reactive cycle? As I look back on the turmoil of the 2024 hurricane season, I question the chaotic and fragmented approach to disaster relief efforts in the diaspora. Many in the diaspora are eager to help but are caught in a web of mistrust surrounding donation processes. The absence of a centralized organization that can effectively manage and coordinate relief efforts leaves us at a crossroads. The Ca...
Jan 07, 2025•19 min•Season 2025Ep. 247
Send us a text As we prepare for 2025, I'm excited to unveil a major milestone— January 13, 2025 will be the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Carry On Friends Podcast! 🎉 In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the podcast and looking to the future, I am excited to announce the birth of the Carry On Friends membership community! The Carry On Friends Community of Friends Membership will launch on January 13, 2025. This new membership community is designed to bring together passionate indiv...
Dec 26, 2024•10 min
Send us a text Reggae Carols, Christmas Hymns: Caribbean Christmas Vibes! In this debut of the Sounds and Color series, I dive into the music that shaped my holidays in Jamaica—from classic hymns and American Christmas staples to Reggae-infused carols and Dancehall riddims. I revisit the music that bring the season alive. Chat to Mi! What's your favorite Christmas hymn from their childhood? What's your favorite Reggae Christmas song? What was Christmas like "back home" or at home? Share in the c...
Dec 10, 2024•20 min•Season 2024Ep. 246
Send us a text Have you ever felt trapped in the endless cycle of learning without ever taking action? In this episode hear my strategies for mitigating the grip of information overload and found a way to prioritize actionable learning. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, content creators, and business professionals who find themselves constantly seeking the latest strategies but never putting them into practice. I'll uncover the pitfalls of overanalyzing and emphasize the importanc...
Nov 26, 2024•16 min•Season 2024Ep. 245
Send us a text Imagine being stuck in the endless grind of a long commute and an unfulfilling job while pregnant. That's where Jamila Soufrant found herself before she stumbled upon the FIRE movement, a discovery that would propel her into a life of financial independence. This episode takes you through Jamila's inspiring journey from her Brooklyn roots to becoming a leading voice in financial empowerment with her platform, podcast, "Journey to Launch" and book, "Your Journey to Financial Freedo...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min•Season 2024Ep. 244
Send us a text As a first-generation Guyanese American, Randy Pulayya's journey from the vibrant streets of Richmond Hill, Queens, to over 60 countries, has uniquely shaped his entrepreneurial vision. In this episode, Randy shares his experiences living in Southeast Asia and the curiosity he encountered about Caribbean culture, drawing fascinating parallels between Caribbean and Asian culinary traditions. Randy takes us behind the scenes of building West Indies Pepper Sauce, shedding light on th...
Oct 29, 2024•30 min•Season 2024Ep. 243
Send us a text In this episode Shari, a spirited Jamaican entrepreneur, shares her remarkable journey from Jamaica to the UK, to the bustling streets of New York, and finally to Kampala, Uganda. Starting with her challenging yet eye-opening experiences in the UK, Shari talks about adapting to new environments and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and an adventurous spirit, as she navigates her way through different cultures, eventually ...
Oct 15, 2024•59 min•Season 2024Ep. 242
Send us a text In this episode I sit down with J.O., a multifaceted Jamaican American filmmaker, songwriter, and content creator whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From the musically rich influences of Bob Marley and Michael Jackson during his childhood to the pivotal moment of appearing on Extreme Makeover in 2005, J.O. shares his story of perseverance, growth, and relentless ambition. Our conversation uncovers the layers of J.O.'s career, from the continuous effort of honing his craf...
Oct 01, 2024•55 min•Season 2024Ep. 241
Send us a text Have you ever faced the heart-wrenching dilemma of ending a friendship? In our latest episode of Carry On Friends, I'm thrilled to welcome the wonderful hosts of the Queens of Social Work podcast, Queen H and Queen P. These remarkable women share their Caribbean roots and how they came together to create a podcast that resonates deeply with their audience. We kick things off with a profound discussion on the complexities of friendship dynamics, exploring why some friendships come ...
Sep 17, 2024•57 min•Season 2024Ep. 240
Send us a text In this Carry On Friends, Style & Vibes, Reels & Riddims crossover episode Mikelah and I chat with with Jessica Shaw a Jamaica American TV Producer about her upcoming documentary " Roots Rock Reggae Souls " which has received an overwhelming response on social media. We talk about "Souls" being a catchall term Jamaicans use for music from a variety of genres, including country, R&B, pop, ballads and soft rock. Prepare to be immersed in stories and personal memories of ...
Sep 03, 2024•59 min•Season 2024Ep. 239
Send us a text Paul C. Brunson, is a dynamic Jamaican American television host, author, and professional matchmaker. Learn how Paul transitioned from the high-octane world of investment banking to managing a Turkish billionaire's investments, and ultimately becoming one of the first full-time Black matchmakers globally. Paul sheds light on his motivations for entering the matchmaking industry, underscoring the significant impact single-parent households have on children’s development. He offers ...
Aug 20, 2024•50 min•Season 2024Ep. 238
Send us a text What if everything you thought you knew about Caribbean cuisine was wrong? Join us for a flavorful exploration of the vibrant and diverse world of Caribbean food in this episode of Strictly Facts. We welcome three extraordinary guests: Jamaican-Canadian chef Noel Cunningham, seasoned home cook Leslie Enston, and Caribbean paleo cooking expert Althea Brown. Together, they share their journeys of representing and evolving Caribbean cuisine. Discover the historical and cultural influ...
Aug 06, 2024•58 min•Season 2024Ep. 237
Send us a text In our episode, Tiffany also opens up about her entrepreneurial journey with her husband as they merge Jamaican and Spanish traditions to create their unique olive oil brand, Flor de la Jara. We discuss the challenges they face in the import-export business and the strengths they leverage to navigate these obstacles. Discover the incredible health benefits of their preservative-free olive oil and their mission to promote well-being within Caribbean communities. Connect with Tiffan...
Jul 23, 2024•25 min•Season 2024Ep. 236
Send us a text In this episode I sit down with Darren, an athlete with rich Jamaican and Guyanese heritage, to explore his latest venture, Backcourt, which is set to transform Caribbean sports experiences. From the monumental Jamaica Boys and Girls Champs to the pulse-pounding cricket matches, Darren shares how Backcourt aims to offer the most authentic and electrifying sports tourism packages. Cricket fans, this one's for you! Discover how the T20 format, spearheaded by the Indian Premier Leagu...
Jul 09, 2024•37 min•Season 2024Ep. 235
Send us a text Can tracing your roots transform your understanding of family and self? In this episode I share my personal journey to uncover my Caribbean ancestry. Inspired by my fascination with history and guided by the methods seen in "Finding Your Roots," I delve into the complexities and joys of piecing together my family tree. From contacting Jamaican genealogical agencies to finding precious documents like my great-great-grandparents' marriage license from 1893, I share my experience thr...
Jun 25, 2024•25 min•Season 2024Ep. 234
Send us a text Embark on a remarkable journey through Caribbean history with us as we welcome Martine Powers, the senior host of the Washington Post Reports, as well as the host creator of the gripping series "The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop." Martine's personal connection to the Caribbean, stemming from her Trinidadian heritage and family ties to Grenada, brings an intimate and profound perspective to the complex story of Maurice Bishop. Discover the intricate mysteries surrounding Bishop's e...
Jun 11, 2024•36 min•Season 2024Ep. 233
Send us a text From the nature island to the international stage, join us as we sit down with the multifaceted Jael Joseph from Dominica, whose journey is as rich as the music she champions. Our episode kicks off with tales from Jael's upbringing, her eclectic career trajectory, and her fierce advocacy for Dominican Culture, Music, Producers and Artists. We also discuss her film on the Kalinago people, the indigenous inhabitants of Dominica. Jael brings to the fore the challenges they face, from...
May 28, 2024•48 min•Season 2024Ep. 232
