Diaspora Podcast

Marie Stuppard
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Personal Journals

The Diaspora Podcast explores what it truly means to live between cultures, identities, and worlds. Through powerful conversations and personal stories, this podcast highlights the experiences of immigrants, first-generation families, and members of the global diaspora as they navigate identity, culture shock, language, family traditions, and belonging. From leaving home to building a life in a new country, each episode dives into the emotional, cultural, and personal journeys that shape the immigrant experience. We talk about the challenges of adapting to new environments, preserving cultural roots, raising children across cultures, and finding pride in where we come from. Whether it’s stories of migration from Haiti, reflections on growing up between two cultures, or conversations about language, heritage, and community, Diaspora Podcast celebrates the resilience, complexity, and beauty of living between worlds. If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures — or proud to carry multiple identities — this podcast is for you. Subscribe and join the conversation as we explore stories from across the diaspora. Produced by Juming Delmas Studios (JDS) — a premium podcast production company helping creators turn conversations into impact, authority, and growth. This podcast is part of the JDS Podcast Network, a curated network of shows designed to amplify voices, expand reach, and create powerful cross-platform visibility.

Episodes

  1. Aug 26

    Ouvri Baryè: Papa Legba and the Gate Between Worlds

    Ouvri baryè pou mwen. Open the gate for me. Before the drums rise, before the dancing begins, and before another lwa can be called, Haitian Vodou turns first to Papa Legba—keeper of the crossroads, master of communication, and gatekeeper between the human and spirit worlds. In Diaspora: The Soul of a People — Haitian Soul, host Marie explores who Papa Legba actually is, where he comes from, and how his identity transformed as Vodou crossed the Atlantic from West Africa to Haiti. The episode traces Legba’s roots to the Fon traditions of the Kingdom of Dahomey and the closely related Yoruba figure of Eshu or Elegba. In West Africa, Legba appears young, energetic, and virile. In Haiti, he becomes the familiar elderly figure with a cane, straw hat, pipe, and dogs at his side. Why did that transformation happen? Marie explores two interpretations found in scholarship and practitioner traditions: that Legba aged beneath the historical weight carried by enslaved Africans, or that the image of a frail old man became a form of camouflage for an immensely important spirit of communication, movement, and roads. The episode also examines how enslaved Haitians preserved Papa Legba under forced Catholic practice by associating him with Saint Peter, Saint Lazarus, and Saint Anthony—figures whose symbols and functions allowed an African spiritual tradition to survive in plain sight. Listeners are taken inside the opening of a Vodou ceremony, from the drawing of Papa Legba’s cornmeal vèvè and the sacred poto mitan to the prayer “Papa Legba, ouvri baryè pou mwen. Ago é.” and the slow rhythm of Yanvalou drums. Marie also follows Legba across the African diaspora, examining related—but distinct—figures such as Eleggua in Cuban Santería and Exu in Brazilian Candomblé and Umbanda. And finally, the episode confronts one of the most persistent distortions of Papa Legba in American popular culture: Papa Legba is not the devil. The demonic figure portrayed in productions such as American Horror Story: Coven bears little resemblance to the spirit recognized in Haitian Vodou tradition. Papa Legba is associated with communication, thresholds, honesty, roads, and the ability to make contact between worlds possible. He opens the gate. And when the ceremony ends, he is called once more to close it. In this episode: Who Papa Legba is in Haitian VodouThe meaning of Ouvri BaryèPapa Legba’s origins in Dahomey and West African VodunWhy Haitian Papa Legba appears as an old manSaint Peter, Saint Lazarus, and Saint AnthonyCatholic syncretism during slaveryVèvè, the poto mitan, and Yanvalou drumsHow a Vodou ceremony beginsPapa Legba as keeper of the crossroadsEleggua, Exu, and related diaspora traditionsPapa Legba in New OrleansWhy Papa Legba is not the devilCorrecting portrayals of Vodou in American popular cultureFollow Diaspora: The Soul of a People — Haitian Soul at @DiasporaHaitianSoul. Share this episode with someone who has heard the name Papa Legba in a movie, television show, costume, or joke—but has never heard the real story. Who is the gatekeeper in your life? Who makes it possible for others to be heard?

  2. Jul 22

    The Haitian Soul: Breaking Cultural Norms and Finding Your Gift

    In this episode of Diaspora: The Soul of a People, host Marie welcomes her close friend Yvey “Eevee” Valsa, a Seattle-based hair stylist, fashionista, and owner of YV Salon, for a heartfelt conversation about Haitian culture, family expectations, and the courage to pursue an unconventional calling. Marie and Yvey explore the traditional boundaries that shape many Haitian childhoods: lekòl, legliz, and lakay—school, church, and home. Education is often treated as the path to security, with children encouraged to pursue respected professions such as medicine, law, or engineering. For creative young people, however, following a different path can feel like disappointing the very family members whose sacrifices made opportunity possible. Yvey shares how his passion for styling began around age five while watching his older sister, Norita, do hair in their Haitian community. Because hair styling was considered an unusual interest for a young boy, Norita quietly became his first mentor, teaching him away from their parents’ attention. Determined to honor his family, Yvey attended college and earned a degree in environmental technologies and sustainable practices. Although he completed his education, he eventually realized that professional stability could not replace personal fulfillment. With encouragement from a friend who recognized how naturally focused and joyful Yvey became while cutting hair, he made the bold decision to attend beauty school and embrace the gift he had carried since childhood. Yvey also explains why he considers the stylist’s chair a sacred space. His salon is not merely a workplace—it is a judgment-free environment where clients can feel seen, heard, and valued. Through hair, style, and conversation, Yvey connects with people from different cultures, identities, and life experiences. The conversation also addresses assumptions about sexuality and gender within the beauty industry. As a straight man working in Seattle’s gender-fluid Capitol Hill neighborhood, Yvey approaches labels with confidence and grace. Rather than feeling threatened by comparisons to stylish members of the gay community, he accepts them as compliments and refuses to allow stereotypes to define his identity or his work. For aspiring creatives, Yvey offers a powerful message: do not allow fear to keep you from your passion. Your gift should be nurtured, protected, and developed. As Yvey explains, a genuine creative calling can become an “ultimate visa to the world.” Follow @YveyTheStylist on Instagram and TikTok. Visit YV Salon in Capitol Hill, Seattle, and watch for its upcoming Bellevue location.

    The Haitian Soul: Breaking Cultural Norms and Finding Your Gift
  • 2 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Diaspora Podcast explores what it truly means to live between cultures, identities, and worlds. Through powerful conversations and personal stories, this podcast highlights the experiences of immigrants, first-generation families, and members of the global diaspora as they navigate identity, culture shock, language, family traditions, and belonging. From leaving home to building a life in a new country, each episode dives into the emotional, cultural, and personal journeys that shape the immigrant experience. We talk about the challenges of adapting to new environments, preserving cultural roots, raising children across cultures, and finding pride in where we come from. Whether it’s stories of migration from Haiti, reflections on growing up between two cultures, or conversations about language, heritage, and community, Diaspora Podcast celebrates the resilience, complexity, and beauty of living between worlds. If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures — or proud to carry multiple identities — this podcast is for you. Subscribe and join the conversation as we explore stories from across the diaspora. Produced by Juming Delmas Studios (JDS) — a premium podcast production company helping creators turn conversations into impact, authority, and growth. This podcast is part of the JDS Podcast Network, a curated network of shows designed to amplify voices, expand reach, and create powerful cross-platform visibility.

Information

  • Creator
    Marie Stuppard
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Diaspora Podcast