Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience

Send us Fan Mail A body disappears, a country grieves, and decades later the question still won’t rest: where is Maurice Bishop? Martine Powers, a Washington Post audio journalist and senior host of Post Reports, talk about her seven-part investigative series The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop and the reporting journey that brought her deep into Grenada’s most painful modern chapter. Martine shares how her Caribbean American upbringing, with a Trinidadian mother and years of travel back...

Send us Fan Mail A coworking space can be a desk, or it can be a lifeline. We’re talking with Johanne Brierre, a Haitian American community builder who helped scale Brooklyn Commons and then took a bold leap during COVID to launch NY Beauty Suite, a private beauty suite model built for stylists, nail techs, aestheticians, massage therapists, and other wellness entrepreneurs who couldn’t get a fair shot at traditional leases. We get into the real story behind the sharing economy in Brooklyn, ...

Send us Fan Mail The pandemic didn’t just change schedules, it changed family roles, nervous systems, and the way kids act when they feel trapped, scared, or out of control. We sit down with Dr. Anne-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, author, and parent coach originally from St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, to talk about what parenting during a pandemic really looks like for Caribbean and West Indian families, especially when you’re working from home, managing remote school, and try...

Send us Fan Mail Afrofuturism gets treated like a buzzword, but Vianca helps us see it as something much more grounded: a creative practice that lets Caribbean people and the wider African diaspora imagine a future without external control. From her work at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) in East Harlem, she shows how arts and culture can move racial and social justice forward, not just talk about it. We get specific about cultural equity, what it actu...

Send us Fan Mail n 1982, at just 19 years old, Dr. Donna Barrett left Jamaica in search of greater opportunities. What followed was not an overnight success story, but decades of perseverance, faith, education, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering belief that a better future was possible. In this episode Dr. Donna shares her remarkable journey from rural Jamaica to becoming a real estate entrepreneur, author, nonprofit founder, and educator. Along the way, she reflects on navigating immigratio...

Send us Fan Mail Jamaicans will slow wine to Michael Bolton, scream the words to Celine Dion, and two-step to old country ballads like it’s the most natural thing in the world. That “soulz” section in a dance is more than a playlist, it’s a cultural habit with rules, memories, and a sound that a lot of people outside the Caribbean still don’t understand. We sit down with Jess, a Jamaican TV producer based in New York, to talk about her new film project, Roots Rock Reggae and Soulz. She share...

Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store. Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us Fan Mail Reels & Riddims is another Breadfruit Media production, where we talk about what's onscreen through a Caribbean Lens. Experience this episode of Reels & Riddims where we discuss 'Queenie' the novel by Candice Carty-Williams and the miniseries adaptation, which is available on Hulu and Disney+. We get into the big questions people argue about: what the series gets right, what the book does better, and why some viewers tap out early. From Queenie’s breakup ...

Send us Fan Mail Living across borders means more than booking flights home. It often means caring for aging parents, managing family property, navigating two legal systems, and preparing for the unexpected. In this episode, Kerry-Ann is joined by attorney Renee Kendall of Caribbean Legal Solutions to explore the realities Caribbean families face when life spans multiple countries. Their conversation goes beyond wills to discuss elder care planning, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, lan...

Send us Fan Mail Is Jamaican Patois really "broken English"? How did Caribbean languages develop, and why do debates about language continue to spark strong reactions throughout the region and the diaspora? In this crossover episode from Breadfruit Media sister show, Strictly Facts, Dr. Alexandria Miller speaks with linguist Dr. Joseph T. Farquharson about the history, structure, and future of Caribbean languages. Together they unpack common misconceptions, explore African linguistic influenc...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a first generation is told “you’re not Jamaican” in one but never fully seen as American either? In this episode, I explore Lens 6 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM): "You're Not Either Or, You're Both And". Through stories from podcast guests, family experiences, and observations over more than a decade of podcasting, I unpack the emotional complexity of Caribbean identity in the diaspora for first generation Caribbean Ameri...

Send us Fan Mail A school party should be simple: put on your outfit, meet your friends, dance for a few hours, go home. If you grew up Caribbean American, you already know it’s never that simple. Permission is a process, timing is everything, and one wrong tone can turn a “maybe” into an automatic no. This is a special crossover episode from my audio storytelling series Voice Note Stories which is built around a true story from my senior year of high school. What follows is peak Caribbean p...

Send us Fan Mail A Jamaican patty can take you back in one bite, to lunch money days or some other memory. Franklyn is a Jamaican entrepreneur helping grow to Juici Patties franchises in the United States. We talk about why that nostalgia comes with real responsibility when you’re carrying a beloved Jamaican brand into cities like New York and markets across the country. Franklyn shares his journey from Jamaica to school in Tennessee, finishing his degree in Florida, working in softwar...

Send us Fan Mail Aria Collins is Grenadian-born, Brooklyn-raised, and now based in Charlotte, North Carolina. After moving south and losing easy access to Caribbean food, she started rethinking her relationship with food, health, and culture. She turned that journey into Prep and Ting, a Caribbean-centered approach to meal prep and intentional eating. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to crave the food you grew up on when you can’t just run to the Jamaican spot or grab a roti. We ...

Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this conversation, Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown continues her discussion with organizational psychologist Dr. Kerriann Peart about what Caribbean women experience in professional spaces. This episode explores topics we rarely talk about openly, including how perimenopause, burnout, and ambition culture intersect with work and identity. Together they discuss: Why Caribbean women often push themselves to the point of burnoutThe hidden impact of perimenopause on professiona...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when Caribbean cultural identity meets corporate expectations? In this powerful conversation, Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Kerriann Peart to unpack the challenges Caribbean people - women especially, face in professional spaces. From cultural misunderstandings and workplace microaggressions to burnout, “boreout,” and the pressure to fit into corporate norms, this discussion explores how identity, authenticity, and profession...

Send us Fan Mail You were taught to work hard and let your work speak for itself. But what happens when that formula stops working? In this episode, let's explore Lens 5 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model and how cultural identity shapes how we show up at work. In This Episode We Discuss: Why Caribbean work ethic is both strength and pressureThe myth of meritocracy in corporate AmericaCultural mismatches between Caribbean values and U.S. workplace norms Resources Mentioned Caribbean D...

Send us Fan Mail I this episode I sat down with cultural heritage reconnection coach Tami Garcia to trace a path from distance to pride. Raised in Cleveland by Jamaican and Dominican family who chose assimilation for survival, Tami grew up without language, rituals, or a map for belonging; until Howard University cracked something open: pride, proximity, and a hunger for the fullness of her story. This conversation traces Tammy’s journey from disconnection to reclamation, and how that persona...

Send us Fan Mail What if you’re not losing your culture, just carrying it differently? In this solo episode, I unpack cultural evolution, identity shifts, and why growth is essential to preservation. Topics Covered Aging and cultural relevance in the diasporaFrom consuming culture to preserving itCultural guilt and letting it goThe role of elders, adults, and youth in cultural continuityKey Takeaways Cultural evolution does not equal cultural disconnectionDifferent life stages naturally empha...

Send us Fan Mail In this Read and Carry On edition of Carry On Friends, I am joined by writer Nicole Dubois and comedian and creative Onicia Muller to talk about Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias. It is a YA novel set between New York and Jamaica, filled with puppy, politics and class, but also with very real questions about identity, social media and what we do and do not tell our children. Spoiler Alert: There are some spoilers but we kept it light. Connect with Nicole: Website | ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode let's explore how cultural anchors like food, music, language, traditions, spirituality and family keep Caribbean identity alive across distance. Lens 3 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM) looks at how cultural anchors keep us rooted. This episode explains why some anchors travel easily, how others need community, and how everyday moments build memory and belonging. What is your strongest cultural anchor right now? Mentioned in the episode...

Send us Fan Mail What if losing your job could lead to the creation of a thriving business and a nonprofit dedicated to tech education? Felicia Hatcher, is a dynamic force in the tech world. Felicia recounts her inspiring journey from working at top-tier companies like Sony and Nintendo to launching a gourmet popsicle company after an unexpected job loss. Failure isn't a dead-end—it's a stepping stone to innovation. In this episode, we dig deep into the concept of failure, challenging ...

Send us Fan Mail Carnival didn’t just arrive on Eastern Parkway; people fought for it, paid for it, and sometimes lost careers over it. I sit down with Herman Hall, publisher of Everybody’s Magazine and longtime promoter to map how Caribbean culture took root in New York and how a small community magazine became a historical record. From a 1978 Bob Marley cover that sold out twice to the tumult of the Grenada revolution and Michael Manley’s labor politics, Herman walks us through the moments ...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered why Caribbean-American media still rents space on other people’s platforms, this conversation goes straight to the root: ownership, organization, and the business engine behind our stories. In this special episode in partnership with WhereItzAt Magazine, I sit down with two veteran publishers - Clive Williams of Where It’s At Magazine and Herman Hall of Everybody’s Magazine; to map what it takes to build power: an association with teeth, a revenu...

Send us Fan Mail When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the impact rippled far beyond the island. This episode explores “the middle place” — that emotional space between home and abroad — through the voices of Caribbean people across the diaspora. Through Lens 3 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM): Cultural Anchors, Kerry-Ann reflects on how faith, music, sayings, and pride keep us grounded in times of uncertainty and loss. Episode Highlights: The emotional toll of watching home...

Send us Fan Mail What if access to culture isn’t the same as connection? We dive into lens two of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience model (CDEM) and map how place and personal drive intersect to shape identity; whether you’re surrounded by patty shops and dancehall flyers in Brooklyn or piecing together community in a low-density city in middle of America. I share a grounded look at density, from high to low and how each environment changes the kind of effort it takes to stay rooted. You’ll ...

Send us Fan Mail Simone W. Johnson Smith is the author of Decoding America: The Immigrant Experience and host of The Immigrant Experience in America podcast. A Jamaican-born public servant and cultural coach, Simone supports immigrant professionals through the emotional and cultural transitions of life in a new country. Caribbean immigrants create something new and powerful when they leave their birth countries—a hybrid identity that's neither fully their native culture nor completely America...

Send us Fan Mail "When someone asks you where you're from, what's the first thing that comes to mind?" This seemingly simple question opens a window into the complex world of cultural identity for Caribbean people living in diaspora communities. Your answer likely depends on who's asking, where they're asking, and your unique migration journey. The Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM) provides a way for understanding how our cultural identities form and evolve outside the region. Unlik...

Send us Fan Mail In this riveting conversation, food security activist Peter Ivey reveals that approximately two-thirds of Jamaica's population experiences food insecurity despite the island's abundant natural resources. As founder of Mission Food Possible and CEO of The Reggae Chefs, Peter is fighting to reconnect communities with their culinary heritage and build resilient local food systems. "I didn't choose food security," Peter explains, "it chose me when I realized I probably was food ...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you follow your dreams across the Atlantic? Tahia Hobson is a Jamaican-American professional currently based in Paris, France. With a 20-year career in healthcare behind her, she recently made a bold pivot to luxury marketing, fueled by her love of culture, service, and personal growth. We talk about cultural identity, starting over, and finding Caribbean community abroad. Tsahia documents her life, studies, and insights at tsahiahobson.com Subscrib...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you leave behind the familiarity of corporate America for an uncertain future on a small Caribbean island? For Stacey Liburd, it became the first step in an extraordinary journey toward becoming the CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. Stacey's story is one of courage, faith, and purpose. Ten years ago, she abandoned her New York-New Jersey commute for Anguilla, a tiny island of just 35 square miles and 15,000 residents. What began as a personal quest tran...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when your language becomes a battleground for identity, education, and cultural sovereignty? When Oneil Madden, a Jamaican linguist who speaks five languages, joined me for this conversation, we uncovered the profound connections between language, heritage, and self-perception that shape the Caribbean experience both at home and abroad. Oneil shares his journey to becoming a lecturer at the University of Technology, where his passion for language education has f...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to back to another episode of Caribbean Adjacent, a series within the Carry On Friends Podcast! Tiffany Cohen is back on the podcast and this time she is with her husband Jorge. They are dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Flor de la Jara, an olive oil brand rooted in generations of Spanish farming and powered by cross-cultural connection. In this episode, they shared their airport meet-cute (yes, another one!), Jamaican-Spanish fusion cooking, raising a t...

Send us Fan Mail The destruction of Grenada's Carriacou Museum during Hurricane Beryl reveals a critical vulnerability in Caribbean cultural preservation that goes far beyond one building. When Majella Mark witnessed the museum's roof torn away, she saw decades of irreplaceable historical artifacts—from ancestral diaries to rare photographs—exposed to the elements, threatening to erase community memory overnight. Majella Mark is a Caribbean creative, researcher, and strategist deeply involve...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the stereotypes that Caribbean American women face in the workplace. Join us as we kick off with Deanna, a vibrant soca music party blogger, who dives into her experiences of how her Guyanese heritage often becomes a central topic at work. Contrastingly, Alysia, our returning guest, shares her decision to keep her West Indian background private in her predominantly white industry to avoid being exoticized. Together, we unravel how upbringing s...

Send us Fan Mail 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 fo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Y...

Send us Fan Mail 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 supp...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 meta...

Send us Fan Mail 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 practicesThe disaster cycle requires attention before, during and aft...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 import...

Send us Fan Mail 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 disc...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 fu...

Send us Fan Mail 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 filmm...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Loo...

Send us Fan Mail 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. T...

Send us Fan Mail 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 passi...