Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"

Henry K
  • 4.9 (79)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Rootsland is a long-form storytelling podcast about music, resistance, and what remains. Hosted by Henry “K” Karyo — one of the first American producers to move to Kingston, Jamaica — the series blends first-person memoir with cultural history, tracing a journey into reggae’s underground world and far beyond it. Set inside reggae culture but driven by human story, Rootsland explores creative survival, unlikely friendships, and the deeper truths music carries long after the noise fades. These are stories about craft, community, and memory — the things that don’t scale, can’t be optimized by algorithms, and still require us to sit still and listen. Stories that are music to your ears. © Henry K

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  1. "Resistance" The Tan Umbrella

    EPISODE 1

    "Resistance" The Tan Umbrella

    Rootsland: Resistance – Episode 1: “The Tan Umbrella”In the debut of Rootsland: Resistance, hosts Henry K and Sia explore what it truly means to “put up resistance” — in life, in music, and in the modern world. Inspired by Beres Hammond’s timeless anthem, their conversation weaves personal stories with social truths, showing how the fight to stay strong is both deeply personal and profoundly collective. Sia’s reflections as a cancer survivor bring the theme to life, revealing quiet acts of courage and the daily power of perseverance. Together, the hosts connect these struggles to a broader cultural battle — the fight to preserve authenticity in an age of algorithms and modern Babylon. At once intimate and thought-provoking, this episode reminds us that resistance isn’t a relic of the past — it’s a living rhythm. Support Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories" Support the Rootsland Team Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica Intro by Kim Yamaguchi Closing Song: Putting Up Resistance performed by Jakoostik - YouTube featuring Wayne Armond and Seretse Small ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

    21 min
  2. "Resistance" Every time I plant a Seed

    EPISODE 2

    "Resistance" Every time I plant a Seed

    In this powerful new episode of Rootsland: The Resistance, Henry K and Sia tell the story of Bipin Joshi — a young Nepali rapper and farmer who left home to learn modern agriculture in Israel, only to find himself caught in one of history’s darkest moments. Through Bipin’s journey and his family’s unwavering love, Rootsland explores courage, loss, and the quiet power of resistance — and how even in the blood-soaked soil, hope still finds a way to grow. Support Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories" Support the Rootsland Team Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica Intro by Kim Yamaguchi Opening/Closing Music Bipin Joshie Pashna प्रश्न… song by my brother bipin Joshi. Waiting for his safe release. #rescuebipinjoshi. - YouTube Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise As Israel’s Hostages Came Home, Bipin Joshi’s Mother From Nepal Learned Her Son Would Not - WSJ  By Krishna Pokharel

    23 min
  3. "Hurricane Melissa Special" Sense of Purpose

    EPISODE 3

    "Hurricane Melissa Special" Sense of Purpose

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Henry K and Sia reflect on Jamaica’s unbreakable spirit — and what it truly means to live with purpose. From the humor of “Wild Gilbert” to the wisdom of a Cornell study, this episode explores how resilience, rhythm, and compassion keep the island — and all of us — moving forward. Featuring heartfelt stories, reggae insight, and a call to rebuild with love and intention. Fundraiser by William Brawner : Rebuilding For The Future In The Wake of Hurricane Melissa Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica "Row Jimmy" (Garica/Hunter) performed by Judy Mowatt ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

    21 min
  4. "Resistance" Many Rivers to Cross

    EPISODE 4

    "Resistance" Many Rivers to Cross

    In the episode "Many Rivers to Cross" Henry K and Sia explore the quiet but powerful weight of regret—how it can hold us back, and how it can set us free. Their conversation centers on the inspiring true story of Ryan Rae Harbuck, a young swimmer paralyzed at sixteen whose deepest regret wasn’t her accident, but the potential she never allowed herself to embrace before it. Ryan’s journey back to the water, her pursuit of Paralympic dreams, and her determination to create a life with no regrets reveal how regret can become a driving force rather than a burden. Henry reflects on his own rebirth after years of music-industry heartbreak, sparked by a sunrise, a walk, and Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross.” The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to missionary pilot Alexander Wurm and his daughter Serena, who were tragically killed while transporting hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica. Their final mission becomes a reminder of love, service, and the courage to show up for others. A moving episode about resilience, purpose, and the power to change your own ending. Fundraiser by William Brawner : Rebuilding For The Future In The Wake of Hurricane Melissa Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

    20 min
  5. "Sitting in Limbo" Jimmy Cliff Tribute

    EPISODE 5

    "Sitting in Limbo" Jimmy Cliff Tribute

    "Sitting in Limbo" pays tribute to the profound impact of the late reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, whose recent passing has left an indelible void in the world of music and culture. As the host Henry K reflects on Jimmy's legacy, he recounts personal anecdotes that illuminate the essence of his character and the power of his artistry. Cliff’s songs resonated deeply, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience for many, including Henry during a tumultuous period in his life. Jimmy Cliff's unwavering spirit and the emotional depth of his music remind us of the necessity for such light in our current times. This episode is not merely a tribute; it is a heartfelt exploration of how one individual’s journey can inspire and uplift others, even in the face of loss. Support Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories" Support the Rootsland Team closing Song "Sitting in Limbo" performed by Jimmy Cliff Jimmy Cliff - Sitting in Limbo (Live in On Airstreaming) - YouTube Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica Intro by Kim Yamaguchi ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

    22 min
  6. "Resistance" The Vibes Man

    EPISODE 6

    "Resistance" The Vibes Man

    In this episode of Rootsland Resistance Henry K lifts the curtain on the unsung heroes of Jamaican music — the vibes men, the background innovators who lit up dancehall without ever chasing the spotlight. We remember the legendary dancehall icon Joe Lickshot, and Henry K recounts an unforgettable This American Life story about a kid from Jersey named Luis who willed himself into greatness. A show about sound, struggle, joy… and the people who make the stars shine. Support Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories" Support the Rootsland Team Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise subscribe to the Herb and Legends feed below closing theme: Deadly Headley Bennett Rockers out West

    19 min
  7. "Resistance" Babylon by Bus

    EPISODE 7

    "Resistance" Babylon by Bus

    In this powerful Rootsland Season 9 Finale Henry K guides you from the abandoned farmhouses of early American country music… to the zinc fences of Trenchtown, and straight onto a tour bus rolling through London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam. We follow how songs became passports — how Bob Marley didn’t escape Babylon, but infiltrated it… carrying truth through the system instead of running from it. And just when the past feels far away — the story comes crashing into right now. AI bands topping reggae charts Digital life replacing lived life. A world leaving humanity behind… without a map back home. This is a journey about how music carries us home — even when the world is changing faster than we can hold on. Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise Legends of Reggae | Facebook

    21 min
See All Season 9 (7)

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4.9
out of 5
79 Ratings

About

Rootsland is a long-form storytelling podcast about music, resistance, and what remains. Hosted by Henry “K” Karyo — one of the first American producers to move to Kingston, Jamaica — the series blends first-person memoir with cultural history, tracing a journey into reggae’s underground world and far beyond it. Set inside reggae culture but driven by human story, Rootsland explores creative survival, unlikely friendships, and the deeper truths music carries long after the noise fades. These are stories about craft, community, and memory — the things that don’t scale, can’t be optimized by algorithms, and still require us to sit still and listen. Stories that are music to your ears. © Henry K

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