Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience

Send us a text 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 hear the difference between ambient culture and intentional culture, why businesses become community anchors, and how motivation shifts across life phases: leaving home, starting a family, chasing opportunity, or confronting moments that make you cling tighter to who you are. We explore the four density motivation quadrants, real stories that span Brooklyn to Wisconsin and even a Paris–Iowa thread, and the inventive ways people adapt. The big takeaway is simple and strong: your environment influences your cultural connection, but your intention determines it. That mindset changes how we see one another across the diaspora and how we show up where we live and moving from passive consumption to active stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered whether living far from a cultural center means losing yourself, this conversation offers a roadmap for staying rooted and making roots wherever you are. If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for the next lens on cultural anchors, and leave a review so others can find the show. Then tell us: where do you land on the density–motivation spectrum? Missed previous episodes covering CDEM? You can catch up here. Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 American, but according to Simone, a third culture person with unique strengths and perspectives. Key Takeaways: This conversation complements the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM), developed by Carry On Friends to help Caribbeans better understand their evolving identity across time, place, and life stages. Connect with Simone - thebridgeconcepts.org Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text "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. Unlike academic theories, this model emerges from real lived experiences – my own family's migration story, countless conversations with community members, and insights gathered through years of podcast interviews. It offers six interconnected lenses that help us articulate what many have felt but struggled to express about our complex cultural journeys. In this deep dive into the first lens – "Where You Start Shapes the Journey" – we explore how your starting point profoundly influences your relationship with Caribbean culture. Whether you migrated as an adult with established cultural connections, came during formative teenage years like I did at 14, arrived as a young child with few concrete memories, or were born in the diaspora with varying degrees of cultural connection, each starting point creates a different foundation with unique challenges and strengths. The model acknowledges that even within families, different starting points create entirely different relationships to culture. My brothers and I all left Jamaica together, yet our age differences mean we each carry very different connections to our homeland. The model also considers what was happening when your cultural journey began – the decade, political climate, and social context that shaped how freely Caribbean culture could be expressed in your new home. Someone who migrated during the dancehall explosion of the 1990s had vastly different opportunities for cultural expression than someone who arrived during earlier decades when Caribbean cultural visibility was more limited in diaspora spaces. Understanding your starting point isn't about determining who is "more Caribbean" – it's about gaining clarity on your unique journey and extending grace to others whose experiences differ from yours. As we continue exploring the remaining lenses in future episodes, you'll discover how location, cultural anchors, identity shifts, professional expression, and embracing multiplicity all build upon the foundation established by where you began. How has your starting point shaped your cultural journey? Reflect on this question as we continue unpacking the language and framework that helps us make sense of our beautiful, complex Caribbean diaspora experience. Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 insecure my whole life growing up in Jamaica." His organization identifies the most valuable local produce in different parishes, then trains school canteen workers, parents, and community leaders to create nutritious, affordable meals using these ingredients. The impact? Over 60,000 people, mostly children, now have improved diets and communities are regaining lost culinary skills. Peter's mission reminds us that food security isn't just about having enough to eat – it's about maintaining the cultural knowledge, skills, and connections that allow communities to thrive independently. Links & Resources: missionfoodpossible.com@peteriveyofficial Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 transformed into professional leadership when she was appointed to Anguilla's Tourist Board and later became Director of Tourism. Her recent appointment as Grenada Tourism Authority CEO represents not just a career achievement but a vision for community-centered tourism development. Throughout our conversation, Stacey shares her approach to destination management – one where success is measured by how tourism dollars reach small local businesses, not just major resorts. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparency, community buy-in, and developing local talent to assume management positions throughout the hospitality industry. Beyond Grenada itself, Stacey articulates a compelling vision for regional collaboration to enhance Caribbean tourism. For anyone contemplating a major career pivot or seeking to lead with greater purpose, Stacey's journey offers profound inspiration. As she reflects on the principle that guides her work – "To whom much is given, much is required" – we glimpse the heart behind her leadership: gratitude expressed through service, opportunity translated into responsibility, and personal success measured by community impact. Connect: Grenada Tourism Authority - https://www.puregrenada.com/ Stacey Liburd - LinkedIn Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 fueled groundbreaking research. The revelation that really struck me was his experience of being told by a French supervisor that he was bilingual—something he hadn't fully internalized until his twenties despite growing up speaking both Jamaican Creole and English. This moment mirrors so many of our experiences as Caribbean people, where our native language is often dismissed as merely "bad English" rather than recognized as the sophisticated linguistic system it truly is. We dive deep into the challenges facing Jamaican Creole today—from standardization efforts by the Jamaican Language Unit to the fascinating paradox that while most Jamaicans speak Patois fluently, many struggle to read it in its codified form. The translation of the New Testament into Jamaican Creole serves as a powerful example of both the progress made and the distance still to travel. As artificial intelligence increasingly enters the language landscape, we confront complicated questions about who "owns" Jamaican Patois. Is it something to gatekeep, or should we celebrate its growing global influence? . Language shapes how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. If you've ever felt your accent was a weakness rather than a strength, or if you're curious about the future of Caribbean languages in a digital age, this conversation will resonate deeply. Resources Mentioned: Jamaican Language Unit at UWI MonaUN Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032)BBC article on Patois in Toronto Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 trilingual son, and building a legacy together. From curry chicken with a Spanish twist to navigating language mix-ups, this is a joyful celebration of culture, family, and flavor. Connect with Tiffany & Jorge: Flor de la Jara - Website | Instagram Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 involved in preservation and sustainable development. She sits on the board of the Carriacou Museum, co-founded the Eco House Collective in Brooklyn, and is a founding director of the Caribbean Futures Forum. Her work bridges climate resilience, community planning, and cultural storytelling. In this episode, Mela shares her bold vision for preserving Caribbean culture and building a sustainable future—from Carriacou to Brooklyn. Links mentioned in the episode: https://www.majellamark.com/https://www.carriacoumuseum.gd/ Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 shapes the decision to share cultural identities, the pressures to conform, and the complex balance between personal and professional lives. What do assumptions like "All Caribbean people are Jamaican" or "Caribbean women work slowly" reveal about workplace misconceptions? Through personal anecdotes and real-life experiences, we dissect these biases and the distinct perceptions faced by Caribbean-born individuals versus American-born individuals of Caribbean descent. Alysia sheds light on the different challenges each group encounters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional integrity while navigating these preconceptions. This episode is packed with insights on how cultural diversity influences workplace dynamics and the subtle ways Caribbean colleagues communicate and bond over shared heritage. Whether you're a freelancer or navigating corporate America, embracing and expressing your cultural identity is crucial. We explore the importance of sharing traditions, fostering understanding among colleagues, and dealing with microaggressions. Hear practical advice for young Caribbean professionals on integrating their cultural heritage into their careers without compromising their true selves. From attending cultural events to explaining traditional meals, we highlight the value of open dialogue and the impact of being proud of one's roots. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of cultural identity in the workplace while staying true to who they are. Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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: Connect with Dr. Kerry - https://kerrymitchellbrown.com/ Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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 If you're not already subscribed to the Carry On Friends newsletter, sign up using the link below to join our community discussing culture, diaspora experiences, and more. I'd love to hear if this model resonates with your experience and which elements reflect your journey. Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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 supportive artistic communities, Jermaine brings both vulnerability and wisdom. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Follow Jermaine's work, upcoming projects at JermaineRowe.com Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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 heritages. This episode is filled with heartwarming stories, travel adventures, cultural insights, laughs and, of course, a little spice! Connect with Randy, Shauna + West Indies Peppa Sauce: Website | Instagram Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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 metaphorically on top of the world, she experienced a moment of clarity that would change everything. Facing a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, impending single motherhood, and an uncertain future, Nicole turned to writing as therapy. "Unparalyzed" offers a uniquely Caribbean-American perspective on universal challenges, exploring complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and the liberation that comes from owning your story. Connect with Nicole: Website | Instagram Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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. Resources Mentioned: https://cariphilalliance.org/Kerry-Ann's commentaryCaribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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, art, legacy, and even everyday conversations with our elders become vital acts of preservation. I also reflect on how my own relationship with Jamaican culture has evolved over the years, especially as a parent, and how we make room for both tradition and change. This episode is a love letter to 10 years of Carry On Friends, but more importantly, it’s an invitation to explore where we’re headed next—together Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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 of documenting our creative legacy. 🔗 Connect with Malene: 🌍 Website: https://www.malenebarnett.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malene.barnett/ Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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: Connect with Diana McCaulay: Website | Instagram Get "A House for Miss Pauline" Support How to Support Carry On Friends Join the Community: Sign up for one of our paid membershipsJOIN TODAY!Donate: consider making a donationGet Merch: purchasing merchandise from our store Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

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 Podcast! In this conversation, we dive into: Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or someone navigating career transitions, this episode is filled with insights and motivation to keep pushing forward. Connect with Carey - Website | YouTube | Instagram Sign up for Sendwave and you will receive a $20 credit for your first transfer! To receive the credit sign up for Sendwave, click this link to download the app. The value may change to $10, $15 and up to $20 at any time. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production