Carry On Friends has been a journey! As the host, I've sometimes felt the weight of creation on my shoulders, balancing life's incessant demands with crafting meaningful content for you, the listeners. In today's heartfelt reflection, I unwrap the struggles and triumphs of this journey. A pivotal conversation with Helena, better known as ThatNurseCanCook, shed new light on the beauty of every interaction, leading to a profound shift in how I view our community's connection. I'll share the candid thoughts that almost led me to hang up the mic, and the clarity that emerged, reinforcing the impact and purpose of our conversations over more than a decade.

Friendship and gratitude—two forces that have propelled me through the highs and lows of hosting this podcast. In the second half of this episode, I unveil the transformative power of supportive relationships and the importance of expressing heartfelt thanks for the shared wisdom and intangible successes, like the connections we've fostered here. As I extend my deepest gratitude to you for shaping our content with your feedback and encouragement, I'm eager to hear your thoughts for our upcoming summer episodes. Together, we've built a community that not only has contributed to my personal growth but has also been an integral part of Carry On Friends' ever-evolving legacy.

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When Helena Faustin, also affectionately known as That Nurse Can Cook, graced us with her presence on the show, we uncovered more than just the ingredients to her tantalizing Jamaican dishes. We journeyed together through her story, which is steeped in rich culture and spiced with personal transformation. Our conversation navigated  the audacious decision to take her kitchen creations to the vibrant world of social media, engaging an audience hungry for authenticity and the comforting flavors of home.

Adapting to social media's rhythms can feel like a dance where the music keeps changing. This episode twirls through the realities of 'blowing up' online—an odyssey of patience, strategy, and the resilience to shift gears when the algorithm throws a curveball. Helena's experience is a testament to the power of connection, illustrating how showing your face and sharing your story can forge stronger bonds with your audience. As we reflect on the lessons of adaptability, we also recognize the crucial interludes of rest, the quiet times during which creativity simmers and faith marinates.

Ending on a note that's both savory and sweet, we're left with a taste of her future endeavors, a blend of culinary expression and structured business ventures. Join us for this insightful conversation.

Connect with Helena: Website | Instagram

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Unlock the secrets to globe-trotting on a budget with Joanna Niles where she spills the beans on making travel affordable without skimping on fun. This episode isn't just about saving pennies; it's a roadmap to rich, cultural experiences through planning.

Joanna, a seasoned writer and adventurer, joins us to debunk myths about the 'right time to buy airfare' and champions meticulously crafted itineraries that make every trip, whether solo or with the family, a easier. Her personal journey from the Caribbean to the world is peppered with tips and anecdotes that promise to transform your approach to travel.

In addition, Joanna and I trade stories about authentic cultural immersion but also reminding us that the wonders of travel need not be far-flung. We talk about the beauty of rediscovering our own backyards. Pack your bags and tune in, because this episode is your ticket to becoming a savvier, more connected traveler.

Connect with Joanna - Website | Instagram

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Support the Show.

Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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Our latest episode is a joint episode with Style & Vibes and Reels and Riddims with guests from the Breadfruit Media family. Including Chris Williams and Alexandria Miller as well as friends of the show, Indira, Mikey T and Jendai.

We dissect the impact of this film's release on Valentine's Day. From the precise timing to the casting of Kingsley Ben Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, we unpack the layers of expectation, excitement, skepticism and  fervent conversations that surround this cinematic tribute to a legend.

Feel the heat of the debate as we wade into the casting controversy that has everyone talking.  We navigate the choppy waters of social media opinions, the responsibility of filmmakers to their subjects, and how these decisions ripple through the film's authenticity and success. And we don't stop at the surface; we dig into the implications of these choices for unrecognized talents and the portrayal of cultural figures on the screen.

Concluding this episode we invite listeners to listen to part 2 of this conversation on the   Reels & Riddims podcast.

Resources mentioned:
Documentary: Marley , Remastered: Who Shot the Sheriff
Book: No Woman, No Cry by Rita Marley and Hettie Jones

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In this episode, I'm circling back to my very first guest on the podcast, Andrew Clarke of Braata Productions. In addition to catching up with Andrew since he last appeared on the show, we discuss:

• The importance of digital preservation in keeping our vibrant heritage alive. 
• The representation hurdles confronting Jamaican and Caribbean talents in the mainstream media landscape. We look at the various challenges, from the industry's preference for diluted cultural portrayals to the structural barriers hindering access. 

Andrew and I share insights on the critical need for cultural insiders in influential roles, ensuring the integrity of Caribbean narratives.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Caribbean heritage and the visionary strides of Andrew Clark and Brata Productions. Come along and follow Braata's journey from its Jamaican genesis to a broader Caribbean embrace, celebrating upcoming milestones and their foray into film, promising to infuse the Caribbean storytelling spirit into a wider audience sphere.

Connect with Braata Productions - Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
Donate to Braata Productions

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From his humble beginnings in the pews of a church to the helm of Ikon Media, Horane Henry's story unfolds in our latest episode, painting a vivid picture of the Caribbean's potential in the media production landscape. As a Jamaican-born powerhouse in engineering and media production, Horane's curiosity fuels his creative drive, while also shedding light on the milestones achieved by his own production company.

Navigating the world of filmmaking comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. Horane opens up about the real costs of content creation, from the financial hurdles to the quest for corporate support that often feels like searching for treasure in the deep blue sea. His personal tales of self-funding projects and the struggle for recognition in the industry provide an earnest perspective on the underestimated value of Caribbean storytellers. The candid conversation doesn't shy away from the stark realities behind the scenes, offering insights into the complexities that lie beneath the surface.

As we wrap up, Horane peers into the crystal ball of the Jamaican film industry, contrasting its unique prospects and challenges with the likes of Nollywood's booming market. He doesn't just highlight the obstacles; he charts a course for how Jamaica could steer its film industry towards a flourishing future. This episode not only spotlights the creative avenues for supporting Ikon Media's endeavors but also serves as a beacon for anyone passionate about carving out a space for authentic Caribbean stories in the global narrative. So, anchor up and set sail with us on this eye-opening journey through the currents of Caribbean creativity and innovation.

Connect with Ikon Media - Website | YouTube | Instagram 

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As a follow up to our previous episode, Reframing Competition and Collaborative Success - in this episode you'll hear from some members of the audience and their perspectives on competition. 

The episode unwraps the complex emotions that come with competing. You'll hear voices that consider competition an unnerving pressure, preferring to concentrate on their personal paths. On the flip side, you'll hear from individuals for whom competition serves as a powerful motivator, propelling them toward personal benchmarks and professional triumphs. .

How do you feel about competing/competion?

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What if competition, typically viewed as a negative force, could be reframed as a catalyst for collaboration and growth? The friends - Chris and Mikelah are back and we're discussing how a healthy competitive spirit can be the key to fostering collective advancement and empowering one another.

In our discussion, we try to define competition and explore whether competition is considered "bad mind" and jealously. We champion the idea of appreciating collaboration, working together, and celebrating collective success rather than fostering an unproductive "me versus you" mindset.

We delve into our personal journeys, sharing how we overcame the challenges of negative collaborations and learned to trust our instincts. We invite you to join us as we explore these dynamics, emphasizing the necessity of a collaborative mindset and shedding light on how to thrive amidst competition.

Stay connected with us on social media for more enriching discussions - we promise this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

Connect with Chris & Mikelah on Instagram

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Attention, I've interrupted our 2 month holiday break to bring you this bonus episode.  In this episode I get different views on the Hulu series, Black Cake.

This discussion emphasizes the importance of accurate cultural representation in media, the need for diverse narratives, and the impact of these factors on viewers' understanding and appreciation of different cultures. We also discuss the lack of marketing to the Caribbean American audience and more.

Take a listen. Did you watch the series, share your thoughts.

Connect with our guests:
Georgie - LinkedIn
Alexandria - Instagram

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As we wrap up a stellar season of enlightening and engaging conversations on Carry On Friends, it's time to slow down, take a moment to breathe, and reflect on the wonderful journey we've been on together. From life-transforming discussions with Ingrid Murray to humorous banter with White Yardie, and finance-centric wisdom from Keisha Bailey, we've covered a lot of ground this year. Not forgetting the insightful chat with Kemoy (Part 1 and Part 2), this year has been a rollercoaster of knowledge, laughter, and reflection.

Now, it's time for a brief respite as I take a much-needed break to recharge and rejuvenate. But fret not, while I'm away, seize this chance to catch up on any episodes you might have missed or revisit your favorites. Also, I'd love to know your thoughts on this season, so do share your feedback in our survey. Your inputs will shape the future of our podcast. I'll still be around on social media, promoting past episodes and interacting with you all. Here’s to an amazing 2023 season, and can't wait to connect with you soon in the new year!

Please complete the  2023 Audience Survey

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