A Talking Point: Conversations that Shape the Caribbean Narrative

In our final episode of the season, we’re going beyond our borders to explore how Barbados’ beloved Crop Over — with its rich history and resistance roots — can become a sustainable global export. Barbadian diplomat and policy analyst Jovan Reid, speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, shares how Caribbean culture is connecting with audiences across Africa, the strategies we can use to license and scale our...

Is Caribbean entertainment really a billion-dollar industry — or just a billion-dollar vibe? In this powerful episode, host Tracy Fowler sits down with economist Keisha Blades to unpack the real numbers behind Crop Over and Caribbean festivals. From the unseen economic value of creatives to the urgent need for structure, data, and investment, this episode makes a bold case for treating entertainme...

How do you turn a Caribbean story into a global brand? In this episode of A Talking Point, PR strategist and Thomas. A Public Relations founder Aprille Thomas joins host Tracy Fowler for a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling blueprint behind successful tourism and cultural campaigns. With experience spanning luxury hospitality, national festivals, and international PR, Aprille breaks down:H...

What’s the cost of not protecting Caribbean music? In this episode of A Talking Point, Tracy sits down with Scott Galt, one-half of the legendary production duo The Red Boyz, to talk about the realities of building a long-term music career in the Caribbean and what’s at stake when we fail to treat our art like a business. We discuss: What it really takes to build a music brand that lasts Why Soca...

What does it really take to scale a Caribbean brand? In this episode of A Talking Point, brand strategist and creative entrepreneur Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby breaks down the business side of culture, from managing artist brands like DJ Puffy, to scaling events, building brand trust, and learning when to pivot. We’re talking: Why strategy is everything for creatives How to structure your bra...

In this conversation, Tracy Fowler and Adanna Asson delve into the intricacies of artist development within the Caribbean music industry. They explore the challenges artists face, including financial constraints and the need for a supportive team. Through the lens of her experience working with artistes such as Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Lady Lava and more, Adanna speaks to the importance of b...

Season 2 of A Talking Point kicks off with real money moves for Caribbean creatives with Michael Jordan, Executive Director of JMMB International (Barbados). This conversation is a blueprint for turning talent into long-term wealth. In this powerful episode, we get into: Funding your creative hustle How to make seasonal income stretch Turning your talent into long-term wealth Why your story is you...

Let's go down memory lane and review the lessons learned from all of our amazing guests as we wrap up Season 1!

This week we sat down with visual storyteller, Leah de Gannes, whose work has taken her around the region, including Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados. In this episode, Leah talks about her journey transitioning to her passion of videography during the pandemic, and the impact its had on the culture. Businesses and creatives will get insight into the transformative power of bringing you...

“We need to embrace technology or get left behind.” This week we sat down with regional multimedia journalist Krystal Hoyte, whose storytelling has inspired many across the region. In this episode, Krystal talks about her journey from writing stories to editing content carried on CNN. Brands and creatives will be inspired to embrace technology and seek creative ways to get their stories to their a...

"Creation isn’t always invention; sometimes it’s the art of reimagining the known in ways that make it feel brand new." This week we sat down with Barbadian author and filmmaker,  Shakirah Bourne , whose award-winning children’s books and screenwriting work have brought Caribbean folklore to global audiences. In this episode, Shakirah shares how a last-minute writing challenge led to a b...

"All art at its core is about love." This week we sat down with Bajan author and writer, Cherie Jones, whose novel ' How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House ' has taken Barbados, the U.K. and the world by storm. In this episode we hear about her writing process, inspirations, and why she doesn't have a sequel in her immediate plans. Brands seeking storytelling guidance will get tips on the inspi...

This season of ‘The Women Who Write Our Stories’ kicks off in Jamaica with Sharma Taylor . Hear how she handles confronting vulnerabilities and uncomfortable conversations, all while navigating the complexities of being a multifaceted woman in the Caribbean space. Her passion for her writing inspires even non-writers to get up and go after the discovery of their true selves. Plus, listen to see wh...

🎙️ A Talking Point Podcast – Trailer Episode    Welcome to A Talking Point Podcast, the go-to space for powerful Caribbean conversations! Produced by  Thomas. A Public Relations , a premier Caribbean PR agency, this podcast dives deep into the voices shaping the region in business, literature, culture and everyday experiences.    In this episode you’ll hear from  Aprille Thomas , founder of Thomas...