Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience

Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience

Carry On Friends has an unmistakable Caribbean-American essence. Hosted by the dynamic and engaging Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown, the podcast takes listeners on a global journey, deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. It serves as a melting pot of inspiring stories, light-hearted anecdotes, and stimulating perspectives that provoke thought and initiate conversations. The podcast invites guests who enrich the narrative with their unique experiences and insights into Caribbean culture and identity. With an array of topics covered - from lifestyle and wellness to travel, entertainment, career, and entrepreneurship - it encapsulates the diverse facets of the Caribbean American experience. Catering to an international audience, Carry On Friends effectively bridges cultural gaps, uniting listeners under a shared love and appreciation for Caribbean culture.

Episodes

July 1, 2025 52 mins

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In this episode we discuss the stereotypes that Caribbean American women face in the workplace.  Join us as we kick off with Deanna, a vibrant soca music party blogger, who dives into her experiences of how her Guyanese heritage often becomes a central topic at work. Contrastingly, Alysia, our returning guest, shares her decision to keep her West Indian background private in her predominantly white industry to avoid b...

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Caribbean-American women are leaders—but do our workplaces recognize that? In this episode, Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown joins me to unpack how cultural identity is a leadership strength. From code-switching to radical self-care, we explore what it means to lead boldly, confidently, and Caribbean.

Takeaways:

  • Cultural identity is not a weakness—it’s a strategic advantage.
  • Workplace narratives can be rewritten through self...
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This episode introduces The Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model™ (CDEM). The model offers a guide for understanding how Caribbean cultural identity forms, evolves, and expresses itself in diaspora communities. Based on real-life experiences and stories shared through ten years of podcasting, this model validates the diverse ways people connect to their Caribbean heritage outside the region.

The 6 Lenses of CD...

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Jermaine Rowe is a Jamaican-born storyteller, professor, theater maker, and cultural curator. Jermaine shares his incredible journey from Spanish Town, Jamaica to the global stage, blending Caribbean folklore with contemporary storytelling.

This conversation dives deep into the intersections of identity, creativity, mentorship, and the challenges and triumphs of being a multi-hyphenate creative in the diaspora. From th...

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Welcome to Caribbean Adjacent, a brand-new series within the Carry On Friends Podcast! 

Randy Pulayya is back on the podcast and this time he is with his wife Shauna. They are dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind West Indies Pepper Sauce, 

From meeting at JFK Airport to blending their Guyanese and Vietnamese-American backgrounds, Randy and Shauna share their journey of embracing each other's traditions, preserving c...

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What happens when life hits you with multiple life-altering challenges at once? For Nicole Dubois, it was the catalyst for a profound journey of healing, self-discovery, and ultimately, sharing her story with the world.

Nicole's memoir "Unparalyzed" began during a solo trip to Greece—a journey she took after leaving a note on the refrigerator for her husband of 17 years announcing her decision ...

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In this episode, Anthea McLaughlin from the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance helps to reshape our understanding of disaster relief and philanthropy across the Caribbean's 22 nations. Together they explore how strategic, year-round support builds stronger communities that can withstand increasingly severe climate events.

  • Caribbean philanthropy isn't just for wealthy donors but is deeply embedded in communi...
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In this episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations had on the podcast so far this year—with the team behind Sugar Dumplin’, Natalie Bennett, Diana McCaulay, and Malene Barnett. What started as individual interviews became something more—more clear and focused themes around cultural preservation, identity navigation, and evolving expressions of Caribbean-ness.

I explore how these episodes othe...

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This episode's guest is multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, and author Malene Barnett. From her Caribbean heritage (St. Vincent & Jamaica) to her latest book, Crafted Kinship: Inside the Creative Practices of Contemporary Black Caribbean Makers, Malene shares insights on art, storytelling, and preserving cultural traditions.

Discover the power of art, kinship, and cultural identity as Malene ...

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In this episode acclaimed Jamaican author Diana McCaulay to discuss her latest novel "A House for Miss Pauline."

Before we get to the book Diana and I discuss her journey from insurance professional to environmental activist; Jamaica's changing landscape, environmental challenges, the delicate balance between preservation and progress.

We dive into the inspiration behind the novel, "A House for Miss ...

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I'm circling back! Carey Lee Dixon, also known as Carey Digital returns to the podcast for the first time since 2018 to reflect on her entrepreneurial evolution, career pivots, and the power of community.

Since her last appearance, Carey has navigated challenges—from being fired and finding resilience to becoming a Canva Design Community Ambassador and a champion for women entrepreneurs.

But this episode is extra s...

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This episode features Jamaican American, Natalie Bennett who shares her journey from working at Google to entrepreneurship after facing layoffs. The conversation highlights redefining success, finding one's purpose, and the importance of personal leadership.

• Exploring success beyond accolades
• Understanding the impact of layoffs
• Emphasizing the significance of personal "why"

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Tristan Barrocks and Donisha Prendergast join us for a lively conversation that explores the heart and soul of Jamaican storytelling. Tristan's film "Sugar Dumplin"
starring Oliver Samuels is a heartfelt story of family, dementia, and cultural legacy. This conversation celebrates Jamaican artistry and storytelling. Learn about the vision for the project, its social impact, and how communities can s...

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This episode celebrates a major milestone - ten years of Carry On Friends! Thank you for your support over the years.

I will be celebrating the milestone all year long and would love to hear from you. Which episodes are your favorite, or who is your favorite guest?
Your stories and reflections will be featured throughout the year, so don't hesitate to share. As we commemorate ten years, it's yo...

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Is the Caribbean prepared for the next hurricane season, or are we stuck in a reactive cycle? As I look back on the turmoil of the 2024 hurricane season, I question the chaotic and fragmented approach to disaster relief efforts in the diaspora. Many in the diaspora are eager to help but are caught in a web of mistrust surrounding donation processes. The absence of a centralized organization that can effectively manage...

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As we prepare for 2025, I'm excited to unveil a major milestone— January 13, 2025 will be the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Carry On Friends Podcast! 🎉

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the podcast and looking to the future, I am excited to announce the birth of the Carry On Friends membership community!  The Carry On Friends Community of Friends Membership will launch on January 13, 202...

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Reggae Carols, Christmas Hymns: Caribbean Christmas Vibes!

In this debut of the Sounds and Color series, I dive into the music that shaped my holidays in Jamaica—from classic hymns and American Christmas staples to Reggae-infused carols and Dancehall riddims. I revisit the music that bring the season alive. 

Chat to Mi!

  • What's your favorite Christmas hymn from their childhood?
  • What's your favorite...
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Have you ever felt trapped in the endless cycle of learning without ever taking action? In this episode hear my strategies for mitigating the grip of information overload and found a way to prioritize actionable learning. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, content creators, and business professionals who find themselves constantly seeking the latest strategies but never putting them into practice. I&apos...

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Imagine being stuck in the endless grind of a long commute and an unfulfilling job while pregnant. That's where Jamila Soufrant found herself before she stumbled upon the FIRE movement, a discovery that would propel her into a life of financial independence. This episode takes you through Jamila's inspiring journey from her Brooklyn roots to becoming a leading voice in financial empowerment with her platform...

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As a first-generation Guyanese American, Randy Pulayya's journey from the vibrant streets of Richmond Hill, Queens, to over 60 countries, has uniquely shaped his entrepreneurial vision. In this episode, Randy shares his experiences living in Southeast Asia and the curiosity he encountered about Caribbean culture, drawing fascinating parallels between Caribbean and Asian culinary traditions.

Randy takes u...

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