Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience Carry On Friends

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 of home.

Adapting to social media's rhythms can feel like a dance where the music keeps changing. This episode twirls through the realities of 'blowing up' online—an odyssey of patience, strategy, and the resilience to shift gears when the algorithm throws a curveball. Helena's experience is a testament to the power of connection, illustrating how showing your face and sharing your story can forge stronger bonds with your audience. As we reflect on the lessons of adaptability, we also recognize the crucial interludes of rest, the quiet times during which creativity simmers and faith marinates.

Ending on a note that's both savory and sweet, we're left with a taste of her future endeavors, a blend of culinary expression and structured business ventures. Join us for this insightful conversation.

Connect with Helena: Website | Instagram
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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 from the Caribbean to the world is peppered with tips and anecdotes that promise to transform your approach to travel.

In addition, Joanna and I trade stories about authentic cultural immersion but also reminding us that the wonders of travel need not be far-flung. We talk about the beauty of rediscovering our own backyards. Pack your bags and tune in, because this episode is your ticket to becoming a savvier, more connected traveler.

Connect with Joanna - Website | Instagram
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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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 in this episode is Bomba - a music and dance tradition created in Puerto Rico by enslaved and self-emancipated Africans.

To wrap up Viannca shares her insights on cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement with our heritage. The discussion emphasizes the need to nurture our creative spirit, championing a future that is both aware of its cultural past and eager to embrace the bold frontiers of innovation.

Reference: Puerto Rico's Bomba: A Musical Revolution (Strictly Facts Podcast)



Connect with Viannca Velez - Instagram | Website | Cultura Lovers


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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 that surround this cinematic tribute to a legend.

Feel the heat of the debate as we wade into the casting controversy that has everyone talking.  We navigate the choppy waters of social media opinions, the responsibility of filmmakers to their subjects, and how these decisions ripple through the film's authenticity and success. And we don't stop at the surface; we dig into the implications of these choices for unrecognized talents and the portrayal of cultural figures on the screen.

Concluding this episode we invite listeners to listen to part 2 of this conversation on the   Reels & Riddims podcast.

Resources mentioned:
Documentary: Marley , Remastered: Who Shot the Sheriff
Book: No Woman, No Cry by Rita Marley and Hettie Jones


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A Breadfruit Media Production

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 barriers hindering access. Andrew and I share insights on the critical need for cultural insiders in influential roles, ensuring the integrity of Caribbean narratives.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Caribbean heritage and the visionary strides of Andrew Clark and Brata Productions. Come along and follow Braata's journey from its Jamaican genesis to a broader Caribbean embrace, celebrating upcoming milestones and their foray into film, promising to infuse the Caribbean storytelling spirit into a wider audience sphere.

Connect with Braata Productions - Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
Donate to Braata Productions
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A Breadfruit Media Production

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 tribulations. Horane opens up about the real costs of content creation, from the financial hurdles to the quest for corporate support that often feels like searching for treasure in the deep blue sea. His personal tales of self-funding projects and the struggle for recognition in the industry provide an earnest perspective on the underestimated value of Caribbean storytellers. The candid conversation doesn't shy away from the stark realities behind the scenes, offering insights into the complexities that lie beneath the surface.

As we wrap up, Horane peers into the crystal ball of the Jamaican film industry, contrasting its unique prospects and challenges with the likes of Nollywood's booming market. He doesn't just highlight the obstacles; he charts a course for how Jamaica could steer its film industry towards a flourishing future. This episode not only spotlights the creative avenues for supporting Ikon Media's endeavors but also serves as a beacon for anyone passionate about carving out a space for authentic Caribbean stories in the global narrative. So, anchor up and set sail with us on this eye-opening journey through the currents of Caribbean creativity and innovation.

Connect with Ikon Media - Website | YouTube | Instagram 
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A Breadfruit Media Production