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What happens when your language becomes a battleground for identity, education, and cultural sovereignty? When Oneil Madden, a Jamaican linguist who speaks five languages, joined me for this conversation, we uncovered the profound connections between language, heritage, and self-perception that shape the Caribbean experience both at home and abroad.

Oneil shares his journey to becoming a lecturer at the University of Technology, where his passion for language education has fueled groundbreaking research. The revelation that really struck me was his experience of being told by a French supervisor that he was bilingual—something he hadn't fully internalized until his twenties despite growing up speaking both Jamaican Creole and English. This moment mirrors so many of our experiences as Caribbean people, where our native language is often dismissed as merely "bad English" rather than recognized as the sophisticated linguistic system it truly is.

We dive deep into the challenges facing Jamaican Creole today—from standardization efforts by the Jamaican Language Unit to the fascinating paradox that while most Jamaicans speak Patois fluently, many struggle to read it in its codified form. The translation of the New Testament into Jamaican Creole serves as a powerful example of both the progress made and the distance still to travel.

As artificial intelligence increasingly enters the language landscape, we confront complicated questions about who "owns" Jamaican Patois. Is it something to gatekeep, or should we celebrate its growing global influence? .

Language shapes how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. If you've ever felt your accent was a weakness rather than a strength, or if you're curious about the future of Caribbean languages in a digital age, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Resources Mentioned:

• Jamaican Language Unit at UWI Mona
• Jamaican New Testament (via Bible app)
• UN Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032)
• BBC article on Patois in Toronto
  
  

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Welcome to back to another episode of Caribbean Adjacent, a series within the Carry On Friends Podcast!

Tiffany Cohen is back on the podcast and this time she is with her husband Jorge. They are dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Flor de la Jara, an olive oil brand rooted in generations of Spanish farming and powered by cross-cultural connection.

In this episode, they shared their airport meet-cute (yes, another one!), Jamaican-Spanish fusion cooking, raising a trilingual son, and building a legacy together. From curry chicken with a Spanish twist to navigating language mix-ups, this is a joyful celebration of culture, family, and flavor.

Connect with Tiffany & Jorge: Flor de la Jara - Website | Instagram

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The destruction of Grenada's Carriacou Museum during Hurricane Beryl reveals a critical vulnerability in Caribbean cultural preservation that goes far beyond one building. When Majella Mark witnessed the museum's roof torn away, she saw decades of irreplaceable historical artifacts—from ancestral diaries to rare photographs—exposed to the elements, threatening to erase community memory overnight.

Majella Mark is a Caribbean creative, researcher, and strategist deeply involved in preservation and sustainable development. She sits on the board of the Carriacou Museum, co-founded the Eco House Collective in Brooklyn, and is a founding director of the Caribbean Futures Forum. Her work bridges climate resilience, community planning, and cultural storytelling.

In this episode, Majella shares her bold vision for preserving Caribbean culture and building a sustainable future—from Carriacou to Brooklyn.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Majella's website - https://www.majellamark.com/
• Carriacou Museum - https://www.carriacoumuseum.gd/

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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 being exoticized. Together, we unravel how upbringing shapes the decision to share cultural identities, the pressures to conform, and the complex balance between personal and professional lives.

What do assumptions like "All Caribbean people are Jamaican" or "Caribbean women work slowly" reveal about workplace misconceptions? Through personal anecdotes and real-life experiences, we dissect these biases and the distinct perceptions faced by Caribbean-born individuals versus American-born individuals of Caribbean descent. Alysia sheds light on the different challenges each group encounters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional integrity while navigating these preconceptions. This episode is packed with insights on how cultural diversity influences workplace dynamics and the subtle ways Caribbean colleagues communicate and bond over shared heritage.

Whether you're a freelancer or navigating corporate America, embracing and expressing your cultural identity is crucial. We explore the importance of sharing traditions, fostering understanding among colleagues, and dealing with microaggressions. Hear practical advice for young Caribbean professionals on integrating their cultural heritage into their careers without compromising their true selves. From attending cultural events to explaining traditional meals, we highlight the value of open dialogue and the impact of being proud of one's roots. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of cultural identity in the workplace while staying true to who they are.

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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-awareness and storytelling.
• Radical self-care is essential for sustainability and impact.
• Leadership doesn’t require a title—it’s about influence and clarity of purpose.
• You can’t do it all at once—and that’s okay.

Connect with Dr. Kerry - https://kerrymitchellbrown.com/

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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 CDEM

1. Where You Start Shapes the Journey
2. Where You Live + What You Seek = How You Connect
3. Cultural Anchors Keep Us Rooted
4. Your Identity Will Shift—That’s the Point
5. Cultural Identity Influences How We Show Up at Work
6. You’re Not Either/Or—You’re Both/And

If you're not already subscribed to the Carry On Friends newsletter, sign up using the link below to join our community discussing culture, diaspora experiences, and more.

I'd love to hear if this model resonates with your experience and which elements reflect your journey.

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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 the importance of honoring Jamaican culture to building supportive artistic communities, Jermaine brings both vulnerability and wisdom.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Jermaine’s roots in Spanish Town and the early sparks of his creativity
• How church, school, and community shaped his artistic expression
• The journey from performer to professor and playwright
• The power and legacy of Caribbean folklore in modern art
• Why community support and cultural investment matter
• Daily practices that sustain creativity and well-being
• The importance of expanding beyond labels and embracing all of who you are

Follow Jermaine's work, upcoming projects at JermaineRowe.com

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Support How to Support Carry On Friends

1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
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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 cultural legacies, and raising a new generation proud of both heritages. This episode is filled with heartwarming stories, travel adventures, cultural insights, laughs and, of course, a little spice!

Connect with Randy, Shauna + West Indies Peppa Sauce: Website | Instagram

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Support How to Support Carry On Friends

1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
2. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store.

Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production