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

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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.

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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 to divorce. Standing atop the Acropolis in Athens, feeling both literally and metaphorically on top of the world, she experienced a moment of clarity that would change everything. Facing a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, impending single motherhood, and an uncertain future, Nicole turned to writing as therapy.

"Unparalyzed" offers a uniquely Caribbean-American perspective on universal challenges, exploring complex family dynamics, cultural expectations, and the liberation that comes from owning your story.

Connect with Nicole: 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.

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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 community practices
• The disaster cycle requires attention before, during and after hurricanes through mitigation, preparation and recovery
• Organizations like CDEMA coordinate regional disaster response while civil society organizations implement on the ground
• Women are particularly vulnerable during disasters yet lead many community resilience efforts
• Mental health support is critically overlooked in disaster response but essential for long-term recovery
• The diaspora can have greater impact by pooling resources through trusted organizations
• Supporting Caribbean resilience creates a "multiplier effect" that strengthens global networks
• Building relationships with trusted organizations ensures donations reach intended communities
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance - https://cariphilalliance.org/
• Kerry-Ann's commentary on Caribbean Disaster Relief
• The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)

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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.

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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 other others from the podcast's catalog, show how storytelling, art, legacy, and even everyday conversations with our elders become vital acts of preservation. I also reflect on how my own relationship with Jamaican culture has evolved over the years, especially as a parent, and how we make room for both tradition and change.

This episode is a love letter to 10 years of Carry On Friends, but more importantly, it’s an invitation to explore where we’re headed next—together

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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.

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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 reflects on her journey, the inspiration behind her work, and the importance of documenting our creative legacy.

🔗 Connect with Malene:
🌍 Website: https://www.malenebarnett.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malene.barnett/

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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