Carry On Friends The Caribbean American Podcast Carry On Friends

Join us for an insightful tour around the world with Marcus Haynes, a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur with an intriguing Caribbean-African-American heritage. Picture this - you're a kid from New York, raised in Africa, and you find yourself bewildered in an American college, surrounded by an alcohol-heavy culture, a stark contradiction to the values instilled in you by your Pan-Africanist parents. That's Marcus's story, and he's here to share his unique perspective on cultural identity, global experiences, and life's unexpected twists and turns.

Ever wondered what it's like to live in a remote African village? Marcus vividly transports us to a humble community outside Kasumu, Kenya, where language barriers, cold showers, and constrained resources are part of everyday life. This journey doesn't stop there; we follow him to South Africa, where he navigates the contrasting lifestyles of Soweto and Johannesburg amidst socio-political change. And if you think that's fascinating, wait until you hear about his unexpected encounter with Nelson Mandela and the subsequent culture shock of returning to college life in the US!

As our conversation with Marcus progresses, we address more than just global travel and cultural experiences. We delve into his entrepreneurial journey and his work as an HR Consultant. Marcus uses his multicultural background to offer valuable insights into the growing emphasis on DEI, diversity, equity, and inclusion in companies. But it's not all serious. So, grab your headphones and prepare to step into Marcus's world – a blend of cultural exploration, personal growth, and plenty of humor that you won't want to miss.

Connect with Marcus - Website | LinkedIn
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A Breadfruit Media Production

What happens when a Guyanese-American food blogger discovers her gluten sensitivity? How does this revelation transform her understanding of Caribbean cuisine and her own dietary habits? This episode's guest, Althea Brown, shares her riveting journey from discomfort and confusion to awareness and adaptation. Althea opens up about the nuances of the Paleo diet, how it echoes the principles of Caribbean culinary traditions, and the fascinating way she remixes classic Guyanese recipes to suit her new lifestyle.

Have you ever wondered about your gut health? In this enlightening conversation, Althea and I explore how the evolution of our diets can dramatically impact our wellbeing. Althea's personal story of research and discovery in the face of troubling food allergies is a compelling study in self-awareness, dietary habits, and health. We also navigate the labyrinth of diet culture, shedding light on the need for balance and understanding in our approach to food, especially when our loved ones may not share our dietary choices. 

Food enthusiasts, make sure you stick around for this. Get a sneak peek into Alvia's book, Caribbean Paleo, as she spills some delicious Paleo-friendly recipes. Althea  highlights how crucial it is to listen to our bodies and realize the effects of different foods on our health. We discuss her struggle with gluten intolerance and her journey to discover scrumptious Paleo-friendly alternatives. This episode isn't just about food; it's about understanding our bodies, our cultures, and the beautiful interplay between the two. We promise it's going to be a feast of knowledge and insight!

Connect with Althea - Website | Instagram
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

This episode's guest, British-Jamaican-American Marsha Archer, takes us through her compelling journey and dives into the fascinating world of public relations.

Public relations is more than just a job for Marsha; it's an art form. We delve into the nuances of crafting a compelling story in PR, and Marsha shares how she ensures her clients stand out, reflecting their brand tone and unique voice. We get a glimpse into the exciting clients on the, M Squared PR agency roster.  Plus, Marsha opens up about her road to a better work-life balance - how she started her own business and the trade-offs she had to make.

As we round up our conversation with Marsha, she offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. From taking a leap of faith to start her business, how relationships have been the bedrock of her success, to admitting her weaknesses and learning to delegate effectively. Marsha's story is packed with practical nuggets of wisdom. So, don't miss this episode full of rich insights, powerful lessons, and an unforgettable success story.

Connect with M Squared PR - Website | Instagram
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

Ever wondered about the nuances of Caribbean animation and the storytelling it encapsulates? Come aboard as we journey through the world of Alain (Alan), a trailblazing Martinican animator and producer who has successfully woven the rich cultural tapestry of Martinique through his enchanting animations. We explore Alan's lived experiences; from growing up in the 80s, grappling with colonial implications, to his personal triumph over stuttering - cultivating this challenge into a narrative powerhouse which propelled his foray into creative writing and illustrations. We also touch upon the changing societal perspectives on cultural identity and the profound influence of technology in fueling his dreams.

As the conversation unfolds, Alan offers a riveting account of the hurdles and victories of creating animation films in Martinique. His animations, deeply rooted in the exploration of Martinican/French identity.  A captivating amalgamation of culture, creativity, and compelling storytelling awaits you. So tune in and immerse yourself in this captivating voyage of animation and cultural identity.
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

The hilarious White Yardie takes center stage in our chat, sharing the canvas of his life colored by his unique upbringing in the Jamaican countryside of St Elizabeth and his odyssey to England. 

Our conversation branches out to the vibrant yet challenging arena of Caribbean comedy. He provides a candid insider's view of the hurdles Caribbean comedians encounter, while championing the slogan - collaboration over competition. The discussion evolves to encompass White Yardie's tours, lifting the veil on the trials tied to securing performance venues and the overwhelming wave of support he's netted from fans worldwide.

We wrap up by emphasizing how the power of online content and social media is a potent tool for preserving Caribbean culture and inspiring others. Illuminating the importance of staying true to one's culture and relentlessly pushing forward in the face of adversity. From exploring identity representation to discussing opportunities in entertainment and unity, this episode with White Yardie is a veritable treasure trove of insights. Don't miss the chance to ride this exhilarating wave of laughter, culture, and inspiration.
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

Growing up in a Caribbean family inspired Wesly-Jean Simon Wesley to open a restaurant celebrating his rich heritage. Join us for a mouthwatering conversation with this Haitian Caribbean American entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York, as we explore the delicious world of Caribbean culinary art and culture. We'll also discuss how Wesly's restaurant and brewery, Zanmi, serves up authentic Caribbean dishes.

You may not know that the Caribbean has given us hot chocolate and the origins of rum! In this episode, we'll dive into the incredible contributions of Caribbean culture. As we chat with Wesley, we'll learn about the challenges he faces in running multiple restaurants in an expensive city like New York and his ambitious plans to showcase Caribbean food on TV shows, news outlets, and podcasts.

Finally, we'll discuss the importance of apprenticeships and the need for speed and agility to truly be a chef. Wesly's story is a testament to his determination and passion for preserving and sharing the authenticity of Caribbean culture with the world. So, prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing journey into the flavors and stories of Caribbean cuisine and culture.
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production