A Talking Point: Conversations that Shape the Caribbean Narrative

Thomas.A Public Relations Ltd.
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Culture meets commerce in this new podcast. Real voices from the Caribbean will inspire and educate us as we discuss the stories and strategies shaping the region's future. The diversity of our guests embodies the makeup of the Caribbean—taking us from the boardroom to the performing arts stage, where we'll learn directly from those making a difference in their walks of life. Together, we'll explore how the Caribbean is not just telling its own story but exporting its culture, creativity, and influence to the global stage, and showing the world what it truly means to be West Indian.

  1. From Crop Over to Kenya: Taking Caribbean Culture Global with Jovan Reid

    AUG 15

    From Crop Over to Kenya: Taking Caribbean Culture Global with Jovan Reid

    In our final episode of the season, we’re going beyond our borders to explore how Barbados’ beloved Crop Over — with its rich history and resistance roots — can become a sustainable global export.Barbadian diplomat and policy analyst Jovan Reid, speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, shares how Caribbean culture is connecting with audiences across Africa, the strategies we can use to license and scale our festivals abroad, and why we must stop underestimating the value of our own stories.If you’re a creative, brand, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights on turning culture into a year-round business.A Talking Point is where we unpack Caribbean culture, creativity, and commerce, and this episode will leave you seeing our festival season in an entirely new light.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb) For more information visit www.thomasapr.com

    43 min
  2. The Billion Dollar Vibe – Why Crop Over Deserves More with Keisha Blades

    AUG 15

    The Billion Dollar Vibe – Why Crop Over Deserves More with Keisha Blades

    Is Caribbean entertainment really a billion-dollar industry — or just a billion-dollar vibe?In this powerful episode, host Tracy Fowler sits down with economist Keisha Blades to unpack the real numbers behind Crop Over and Caribbean festivals. From the unseen economic value of creatives to the urgent need for structure, data, and investment, this episode makes a bold case for treating entertainment as serious business, not just seasonal fun. They delve into:Why creatives need to start capturing dataHow the industry contributes to GDP (and why we don't know for sure)What Barbados can learn from Trinidad Carnival and Notting HillHow to move from hustle to full-blown industryWhat role should the private sector really play?Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb) For more information visit www.thomasapr.com

    37 min
  3. From Story to Strategy — Building Brands That Travel with Aprille Thomas

    AUG 15

    From Story to Strategy — Building Brands That Travel with Aprille Thomas

    How do you turn a Caribbean story into a global brand?In this episode of A Talking Point, PR strategist and Thomas. A Public Relations founder Aprille Thomas joins host Tracy Fowler for a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling blueprint behind successful tourism and cultural campaigns.With experience spanning luxury hospitality, national festivals, and international PR, Aprille breaks down:How to build a narrative that resonatesThe balance between authenticity and aspiration in brand storytellingWhy PR is about strategy, not spinWhat Caribbean brands need to compete globallyWhether you're in government, culture, or creative business, this episode will challenge how you see PR.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb) For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.

    40 min
  4. Protect the Work: Building a Sustainable Music Career with Scott Galt

    AUG 15

    Protect the Work: Building a Sustainable Music Career with Scott Galt

    What’s the cost of not protecting Caribbean music?In this episode of A Talking Point, Tracy sits down with Scott Galt, one-half of the legendary production duo The Red Boyz, to talk about the realities of building a long-term music career in the Caribbean and what’s at stake when we fail to treat our art like a business.We discuss: What it really takes to build a music brand that lastsWhy Soca and Caribbean artists must protect their creative workThe risks of exploitation when we don’t register, license, or own our contentThe balance between passion, ownership, and longevity in the entertainment industryFrom behind-the-scenes studio strategy to artist development and publishing rights, this is a powerful look at the business behind the hits.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb) For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.

    40 min
  5. From Local Vibe to Global Brand: Building Creative Businesses with Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby

    AUG 15

    From Local Vibe to Global Brand: Building Creative Businesses with Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby

    What does it really take to scale a Caribbean brand?In this episode of A Talking Point, brand strategist and creative entrepreneur Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby breaks down the business side of culture, from managing artist brands like DJ Puffy, to scaling events, building brand trust, and learning when to pivot.We’re talking: Why strategy is everything for creativesHow to structure your brand like a businessWhen to expand your image and how to stay authentic while doing it What makes a Caribbean event or artist truly exportableHow to build a team when you have no budget (yet)This one’s for anyone trying to turn vibes into value and build something that lasts.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

    42 min
  6. Artist Development: Building a Legacy Beyond the Stage with Adanna Asson

    AUG 15

    Artist Development: Building a Legacy Beyond the Stage with Adanna Asson

    In this conversation, Tracy Fowler and Adanna Asson delve into the intricacies of artist development within the Caribbean music industry. They explore the challenges artists face, including financial constraints and the need for a supportive team. Through the lens of her experience working with artistes such as Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Lady Lava and more, Adanna speaks to the importance of branding, narrative building, and monetization strategies beyond live performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaborations, global strategies, and the need to reduce the seasonality of Caribbean entertainment. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for emerging artists to navigate their careers with intention and authenticity.Takeaways Artist development is a comprehensive process that includes various elements like PR, branding, and training.Financial constraints are a significant challenge for Caribbean artists, often limiting their growth.Building a supportive team from your close circle can help artists grow without immediate financial burdens.Authenticity in branding is crucial; artists should show up as their true selves.Collaborations should be sincere and based on mutual benefit, not just popularity.Artists need to be prepared for opportunities by staying ready and understanding their market.Support from the community is essential for artists to feel confident in their creative expressions.Artists should not be boxed into specific genres; they should be free to explore their creativity.Understanding the role of a manager is vital for artists to choose the right support.Emerging artists should focus on honing their skills and knowing their brand identity.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)

    43 min
  7. Building Entertainment Wealth with Michael Jordan

    AUG 15

    Building Entertainment Wealth with Michael Jordan

    Season 2 of A Talking Point kicks off with real money moves for Caribbean creatives with Michael Jordan, Executive Director of JMMB International (Barbados). This conversation is a blueprint for turning talent into long-term wealth. In this powerful episode, we get into: Funding your creative hustleHow to make seasonal income stretchTurning your talent into long-term wealthWhy your story is your secret weapon for sponsorshipsAnd the money moves entertainers should be making nowCredits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb) Find out more at www.thomasapr.com

    39 min

  8. JUN 16

    Season 1 Finale

    Let's go down memory lane and review the lessons learned from all of our amazing guests as we wrap up Season 1!

    15 min
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About

Culture meets commerce in this new podcast. Real voices from the Caribbean will inspire and educate us as we discuss the stories and strategies shaping the region's future. The diversity of our guests embodies the makeup of the Caribbean—taking us from the boardroom to the performing arts stage, where we'll learn directly from those making a difference in their walks of life. Together, we'll explore how the Caribbean is not just telling its own story but exporting its culture, creativity, and influence to the global stage, and showing the world what it truly means to be West Indian.

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