Gems From Friends

In this special roundtable episode of Gems From Friends, we sit down with three respected voices in Caribbean music — DJ Private Ryan, Scratch Master, and Barrie Hype — for a deep, honest, and entertaining conversation about the real work behind the booth. This is not just a conversation about playing music. We talk about what it means to move a crowd, how different islands respond to soca and eve...

In this episode of Gems From Friends , I speak with Janelle Skinner , a counseling psychologist and disability advocate whose story challenged me deeply. Janelle shares what life has been like navigating disability for 26 years, from grief and adjustment, to accessibility, work, faith, family, and purpose. She offers a powerful look into the daily realities many people never stop to consider, whil...

In this episode, I sit down with Tyrique Wilson , founder of Carrington’s Rum Cream , for a conversation about entrepreneurship, discipline, sacrifice, and legacy. Tyrique opens up about growing up in Carrington Village , starting out in photography, studying law, and eventually building a brand that carries both family history and personal purpose. We talk about what it means to create value, why...

In this episode of Gems from Friends, I sit down with entrepreneur and content creator Nick Wavy to talk about what it really means to rebuild your life on your own terms. Nick shares his journey from growing a major YouTube platform in Toronto to building businesses like Wavy Merch, Wavy Cuts, and Wavy Buds, and why he eventually chose to walk away from the pressure, the overhead, and the fast-pa...

In this episode, Kelly Johnally reflects on what it has really been like to walk away from comfort and step fully into entrepreneurship. Two years after making the leap, she opens up about faith, risk, loss, growth, and the quiet ways God leads when the path does not always make sense. We talk about the difference between having an idea and actually building a business, the emotional weight of com...

Coming soon

Grateful Co has one of the realest stories to ever hit this chair. In this episode, we sit down with the Bajan artist behind “I Like Her Too,” “Living Fast,” “When Last,” and “Center” to talk about way more than music. This is a full testimony on the block, bad decisions, gunshots, jail, God, fatherhood, and finding purpose . 🎙 In this conversation, we get into: Growing up in St. John and chasing...

When you’ve spent most of your life feeling “different” and out of place, what does it look like to finally come home to yourself? In this episode of Gems From Friends , I sit down with Gigi Farrier – stylist, educator, women’s wellness & mindset coach, fitness champ, and host of the solo podcast Wake Up to Wisdom – for one of the realest conversations we’ve had on the show. We talk about: Gro...

Reco Moore — Behind Barbados’s Most Genuine Documenter If you’ve been to an event in Barbados, you’ve seen him: the constant smile, the unstoppable energy, and the camera that feels like it’s part of his body. But behind the lens, Reco Moore carries a powerful story of resilience, trauma, triumph, and the inner battles that shaped one of Barbados’s most beloved documentors. In this deeply personal...

Sheena Lambert, the owner of Seafood Shack Barbados, a popular beachside food establishment. The interview charts Lambert's career journey, beginning with her first business, a clothing store called Glam by Glamorous, and detailing the organic creation of Seafood Shack after a personal craving led to overwhelming customer demand. Lambert discusses the challenges of pivoting her business during a t...

Sean Field, an actor and creative director. The discussion spans Field's life, beginning with his childhood and moves between Barbados and the United States, his initial entrepreneurial ventures in Barbados selling veggie burgers and windchimes, and his eventual career in design, advertising, and acting in New York and Los Angeles, including his experience on the film Hancock. A significant po...

The interview features Chef P, a Barbadian-American culinary artist, discussing his journey and philosophy behind his innovative Afro-Caribbean cuisine and his new Blackstar Barbados initiative. He recounts his early days as a DJ and how that passion for entertainment now influences his culinary approach, emphasizing the creation of a holistic dining experience rooted in Caribbean culture and rhyt...

We’re taking *Gems from Friends* on the road across Barbados—literally picking up past guests and continuing the conversation where we left off. In this special “Puffy Road Trip” episode, Puffy and Matthew Fewwture pull back the curtain on the so-called glamorous DJ life: sleepless nights, constant travel, and the real sacrifices behind the spotlight. It’s unfiltered, honest, and built for anyone...

An interview with Chef Lisa Springer, also known as Chef Pows, owner of Wing Hut, a restaurant that recently reopened at a new location in Hayman's Market. The host of the "Gems From Friends" channel, Matthew, surprises Lisa with a gift from iShop Sheraton Barbados for her new establishment. Lisa shares her journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and inspirations behind...

Crystal Haynes, who is a doctor and entrepreneur in Barbados. The discussion begins with an insightful update on Crystal's successful wellness practice, highlighting her journey of rebuilding and the lessons learned about perseverance, faith, and the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. The dialogue also touches upon Crystal's recent departure from politics, her focus on fami...

Hop in with us as we take a drive with West Indies cricket legend, Kemar Roach! We're cruising in the brand-new, all-electric Deepal from Inchcape Barbados, and the conversation gets real, fast. This isn't just about cricket; it's about the life behind the game. Kemar opens up about the tough realities of professional travel, the crucial importance of financial management for athletes, and the min...

A behind-the-scenes look at the "Gems from Friends" podcast, featuring a conversation between its creator and host, Matthew Fewwture Ashby, and his co-producer and assistant editor, Jacoba Vlogman. They discuss the podcast's evolution, from its initial documentary-style season to its current studio format, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. The conver...

Natalie Abrahams, the CEO of Digicel, where she discusses her leadership philosophy and the dynamic nature of her role, highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and prioritizing well-being. She also shares personal insights on work-life balance, embracing opportunities, and her passion for music, revealing a vibrant personality beyond her corporate image. The conversation further e...

Shanice Taylor, a Barbadian entrepreneur and designer, who shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity. She recounts her challenging upbringing, including time in foster care and poverty, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and determination. Taylor discusses her career as a crochet and apparel designer and makeup artist, highlighting a significant moment when Rihanna wore one...

The "Season 4 Gem Drops Compilation" from the "Gems From Friends" showcasing a unique concept where each guest offers a piece of wisdom or advice, a "gem," for the next, unknown guest**. Throughout the compilation, various individuals share personal insights and experiences, ranging from trusting the process and believing in oneself to honoring those who have provided...

Kaddesh shares his personal journey, business ventures, and reflections on life. He discusses the challenges of parenting, the importance of respect over love, and the struggles men face in expressing emotions. The conversation also touches upon societal perceptions, racial classism in Barbados, and the impact of his upbringing on his identity and choices, highlighting his dedication to personal g...

Nikita | Taking Back My Power | S5E6 Nikita , a Barbadian singer and radio host, where she reflects on her musical journey and personal growth . She discusses her upbringing in a musical family and the pressures of the industry , including experiences with rejection based on appearance . Nikita shares her decision to step away from radio and emphasizing the importance of self-care and overcoming i...

Russell Grant , a prominent figure in Barbados's marketing, event production, and cultural scene. The conversation covers Grant's diverse background, including his brief career as an aircraft mechanic before pursuing his passion for events. Grant discusses the origins and evolution of his company, Event Hub , which began by building event infrastructure to reduce rental costs and has expan...

Kim Angoy is the embodiment of working hard for the life you want. Her lifelong love of art has led to a creative professional path from working as an interior designer to founding one of Barbados’ most recognisable swimwear brands, Suga Apple Swim. Having grown up working various jobs within her family's businesses, Kim developed a deep work ethic and a clear understanding of what it takes to...

Damian has earned an impressive list of accolades throughout his career, including: • Caribbean Chef of the Year 2016 • Barbados Chef of the Year 2016 and 2018 • Seafood Chef of the Year 2017 • BHTA Pastry Chef 2019 • NIFA Chef of the Year 2016 A pioneer in Caribbean cuisine, Damian's journey began as a troubled student at St. Michael's school, where a Food and Nutrition class unexpectedly...