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Exploring Papiamentu: The Unique Language of Curaçao

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and guest Sheedia Jansen delve into the 300-year-old history of Papiamentu, the vibrant lingua franca of Curaçao.

Sheedia, a Freedom Alchemist born and raised in Curaçao, explains how Papiamentu emerged from a blend of influences from West Africa, Portuguese, Dutch, Indigenous Caquetios, and Spanish cultures, and is a result of Caribbean colonization. 

The conversation highlights the evolution of the language, its official recognition in 2007, and its survival in the face of past colonial restrictions. Speaking to the rich cultural tapestry of Curaçao, Sheedia also discusses her own efforts in promoting the language through her online course and the importance of preserving such a unique aspect of her heritage.

Connect with Sheedia:
https://www.heysheedia.com/
Learn Papiamentu with Sheedia
YouTube
Learn Papiamentu YouTube playlist
The Dungeon podcast

Episodes mentioned:
History of Curaçao with Sheedia
Curaçao's Culinary Heritage
Puerto Rican History with Laura Ortiz

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Antiguan Folktales: Anansi's Wisdom and Lessons

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Kesha Christie, a renowned storyteller and Ted Talk speaker, joins the show to explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean folktales, focusing on the iconic trickster hero, Anansi. This captivating Anansi story from Antigua & Barbuda has it’s origins in Ghana (Africa).

Hema and Kesha discuss how these stories reflect and preserve cultural and spiritual beliefs, the nuances and variations across different Caribbean islands, as well as the impact of historical influences, understanding pre-colonial African history and how these timeless stories continue to adapt while maintaining their core messages.

To learn more about Kesha and her work:

Website
Instagram
Walk Good Podcast

Resources:
The Caribbean Storyfinder by Sharon Barcan Elswit 

More episodes with Kesha Christie:
Exploring Caribbean Folklore
Trickster Tales

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Exploring the Rich Culinary Culture of Tobago

In the second episode on Tobago, one half of the twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, Hema and guest Devonne Adanna, a storyteller and Caribbean history enthusiast from Tobago, dive into the diverse culinary traditions of Tobago. 

The discussion covers the historical influences on the islands' food, the distinction between Trinidad's fast-paced, street food culture and Tobago's homestyle cooking, and the unique flavours and dishes from both islands, including popular meals like pelau, curried crab, and doubles. 

The episode touches on local folklore, the influence of African culture across the Caribbean, and various snacks and sweets that are cherished in Tobago. Devonne shares some of her childhood favourite foods and memories.

Throughout the conversation we share some must-try foods and recipes, plus a one-day itinerary if you want to visit Tobago but are limited on time.

Connect with Devonne:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Episodes mentioned:
Tobago's Past Revisited with Devonne Adanna
Exploring Dominican Republic with Harry Alvarez
Caribbean Culinary History with Keja Valens

Resources:
Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve
Tobago Cocoa Estate
Tobago Heritage Festival
Store Bay
Nylon Pool
Tobago Tourism

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In this episode host Hema and guest Devonne Adanna, a Caribbean history enthusiast, discuss the intricate historical backgrounds of Trinidad & Tobago, with a focus on Tobago. They delve into the impact of European colonization, the economic struggles Tobago faced post-slavery, and the distinct cultural evolution of both islands before they amalgamated to become one country. 

Devonne also shares her advocacy for autism awareness through her content creation, highlighting the intersections of history and personal narratives. 

Connect with Devonne:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Previous episode: Trinbagonian Chats with Devonne

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The Rich Tradition of Anansi Stories, Monkey Tales and Caribbean Folklore

In this bonus episode, Hema and guest Kesha Christie explore the origins and rich tradition of Caribbean folklore and trickster tales. Starting with an Anansi story skillfully told by Kesha, they follow it up with a talk about the origins and roots, tracing it back to West Africa, specifically Ghana. 

Kesha shares another tale, Monkey Who Loves Trouble, followed by a discussion on how these narratives have travelled and evolved across different cultures and Caribbean countries. The stories, shared by passionate storyteller Kesha Christie, offer deep lessons wrapped in engaging and entertaining plots, making them valuable for audiences of all ages. The episode also highlights the significance of communal storytelling in passing down wisdom and cultural heritage.

Previous episode: Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie

To learn more about Kesha and her work visit her website.

Connect with Kesha on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Walk Good Podcast

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Exploring Trinidad's Rich History and Cultural Blends

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, host Hema and guest Sunity Maharaj delve into the historical influences on Trinidad's food and culture. We chat the profound influence of diverse cultures on Trinidadian music, spirituality, and daily life, emphasizing the creativity and unique cultural fusion evident in the society. The conversation touches on economic challenges stemming from a plantation economy left from colonization, the influence of historical events on modern Trinidad, and insights into the Lloyd Best Institute's efforts to promote independent thought and decolonize the education system, drawing inspiration from the Trinidadian steel pan. This episode showcases the depth beyond Trinidad's - and the Caribbean’s -  renowned elements of sun, sea, and sand, revealing a vibrant and complex society.

Part 1: History of Trinidad: Tales of Heritage and Resistance with Sunity Maharaj

Resources and Links:

Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean
Lloyd Best Institure of the Caribbean Archive
Pelau: The unofficial, National Dish of Trinidad & Tobago
Life in Trinidad & Tobago
Recipes from Teri's Food Therapy

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Exploring the Rich History of Trinidad: From Indigenous Roots to Cultural Fusion

This episode is the first of two parts with host Hema and guest Sunity Maharaj. They explore the history of Trinidad, uncovering the island's rich cultural tapestry. From the Indigenous people to the effects of European colonization, the relevance of understanding the island’s history is critical to comprehend present circumstances and promote compassion. 

Sunity shares her expertise as a journalist and director at the Lloyd Best Institute, emphasizing the importance of Caribbean development. The episode covers the island's Indigenous people, the impact of European colonization, the African influence, Indian indentured labourers and the resilience of Trinidad's culture, culminating in a discussion on present-day economic and social dynamics.

Come back in two weeks for the second part of the episode where we dive into food, music and culture.

Resources
The Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean
The Banwari Man
Banwari Trace
Celebrating the First Peoples of Trinidad and Tobago
Peggy Mohan
Lise Winer
Maureen Warner-Lewis
Dr. Kelvin Singh
Patois Song Dodo Piti Popo

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and Kesha, a Jamaican-Canadian storyteller, chat about the rich tradition of Caribbean folklore. 

Kesha discusses the timeless relevance of folktales, the cultural significance embedded in them, and how they have evolved and intermixed across Caribbean countries. From trickster tales featuring Anansi to the eerie stories of Lagahoo and La Jablesse / La Diablesse, Kesha explains how these narratives continue to shape social behaviours and cultural identity. She also touches on the influence of colonization and the fusion of African, Indian, and Indigenous traditions in Caribbean folklore.

Connect with Kesha:
Website
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Walk Good Podcast

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Discovering Curaçao's Food Culture with Sheedia

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast Hema and Sheedia chat about the vibrant and diverse food culture of Curaçao. Following up on all we learned in the history of Curaçao episode, we dive into the Caribbean island's culinary influences from African, Dutch, and Indigenous cultures, and how the proximity to Venezula has influenced what is eaten. Sheedia gets into dishes like funchi, iguana soup, and keshi yena, and sweets that may have been influenced by the Sephardic Jews. Join us for a delicious exploration of Curaçaoan cuisine!

Connect with Sheedia
Website
YouTube
The Dungeon Podcast

Resources
Top 10 Dishes You Need to Try in Curaçao
Keshi Yena recipe
Blue Curacao

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema is joined by Sheedia Jansen, a Freedom Alchemist from Curaçao. Together they delve into the rich history and culture of the Caribbean island. Sheedia shares insights on Curaçao's colonial past, from its Indigenous Caquetio inhabitants to Spanish and Dutch rule, the TransAtlantic Slave Trade, and the influential contributions of the Afro-Caribbean, Dutch, and Jewish communities, and explains the relationship with the Netherlands as part of the Netherland Antilles.

The island's linguistic diversity with four languages, and the shift from oil refinery to tourism as its main economic driver, Curaçao was known as the Caribbean's best kept secret!

The conversation highlights the importance of preserving local culture amidst a blend of global influences, and listeners are encouraged to explore the unique elements of Curaçao's heritage and contemporary life.

Connect with Sheedia:
https://www.heysheedia.com/
YouTube
The Dungeon podcast

Resources:

https://www.britannica.com/place/Curacao
https://www.curacaohistory.com/ 

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Diving into the History of Carnival in the Caribbean with David Bremang

In this encore episode Hema revisits her chat with David Bremang about the rich and complex history of Carnival in the Caribbean. From the African origins, Carnival of the French colonized islands and Cedula population, and the rebellion that brought Carnival as we know it today, David shares the origins, cultural significance, and evolution of Carnival, particularly in Trinidad and Toronto. He delves into the Canboulay riots, the various forms of Carnival music, and the importance of preserving the true meanings behind the festivities.

David, who has deep ties to both Trinidadian and Ghanian cultures, shares his experiences and knowledge about the traditions, music, and storytelling that define Carnival across the Caribbean.

Connect with David:
Instagram
Found Missing

Season 1 Full Episode

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A Year in Podcasting & Trinbagonian Talk with Devonne Adanna

The final episode of 2024 is a fun, bonus episode filled with language and laughter. Hema reflects on the year-long journey of The Moreish Podcast, some highs and lows and gratitude.

This episode is a bit of behind-the-scenes chats with storyteller Devonne Adanna, talking about Caribbean culture, the name of the podcast, plus language, sayings and proverbs from Trinidad and Tobago.

Connect with Devonne Adanna

Storyteller & Caribbean Culture Content Creator | Neurodivergent Parenting
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

The Caribbean Proverbs That Raised Us 

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Exploring Trinbagonian Christmas Recipes with Teri's Food Therapy

In this special bonus Christmas episode, Hema chats with Teri from Teri's Food Therapy about Trinbagonian Christmas recipes. 

Teri shares her journey as a self-taught cook, her love for sharing recipes through social media and e-cookbooks, and reminisces about traditional Trinidadian Christmas foods such as ham, hops bread, sorrel, pastelles, and black cake. Tune in to discover the vibrant flavours and cultural significance of Trinbagonian cuisine during the festive season.

Connect with Teri:
https://terisfoodtherapy.com/

https://terisfoodtherapy.com/cookbooks-2/ 

https://www.instagram.com/teris_food_therapy/

https://www.tiktok.com/@terisfoodtherapy

https://www.youtube.com/@terisfoodtherapy

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In this heartfelt and lively episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema chats with Chef Marissa Leon-John, a private chef from Montreal who brings her rich Caribbean roots from St. Lucia and St. Vincent into every dish she creates. 

Marissa shares her exciting journey on MasterChef Canada, her unique experiences working as a guest chef in St. Lucia, and the joy of infusing traditional Caribbean flavours into upscale dishes. The conversation delves into more personal topics, including the challenges and beauty of growing up with a dual identity in Canada, and her passionate advocacy for young Black and LGBTQ youth in the culinary world, plus, get the scoop on her spice line, Fairy Dust, and her plans for documenting cherished family recipes. 

Resources:
Connect with Marissa Leon-John:
ElleJays Website
ElleJays on Instagram
Fairy Dust Spices on Instagram

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Cuban Heritage and Identity: A Journey Back to Havana

Imagine being the first person in your family to head back to your home country in over 60 years. The first to experience the culture and set aside everything you've heard for an an immersive experience, a chance to create memories and form your own opinions.

Growing up as a Cuban-American-Canadian, Lisette Alvarez's journey to Havana, Cuba was like opening a door to the past. The first in their family to go back in over 60 years. Through the lens of this journey, Hema & Lisette explore complex themes of Cuban identity, politics, and cultural heritage, including the racial dynamics of Cuban-Americans and the ongoing U.S.-Cuba relations. 

Hema and Lisette met at the Podcast Movement conference and reconnect in this episode of The Moreish Podcast to talk about Lisette's trip to Cuba and what it's like growing up between 2 cultures.

Lisette shares a bit about their two related podcasts, 'Once Upon a Time in Havana' and the upcoming 'Havana Syndrome,' shedding light on their immersive and personal experiences in Cuba.

Resources

Lisette Alvarez 

Stormfire Productions, Stormfire Productions on Instagram

Podcasts: Once Upon a Time in Havana podcast, Havana Syndrome

Beyond Roots

The Big Cigar

Season 1: The largest island in the Caribbean Sea: Cuba

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Delving into Puerto Rican Culinary and Cultural Richness with Laura Ortiz

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, host Hema chats with Laura Ortiz, a historian and food & culture tour operator from Puerto Rico, to explore the island's rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions. The discussion highlights traditional dishes like mofongo, rice & beans, and roasted pork, influenced by Taino, African, and Spanish roots. Laura explains the importance of cooking methods such as barbacoa and talks about some notable dishes like fritters, cassava bread, and plantains. 

Laura recommends some cookbooks, and also touches on festive foods like blood sausage and pasteles, the cultural impact of Puerto Rican migration to Hawaii, and the vibrant traditional dances that you can find predominately in the town of Loiza with African influences such as Bomba and Plena.

Connect with Laura on:
TikTok
Instagram

Resources:

First cookbook: El Cocinero Puerto-Riqueño o Formulario, was published in 1859, Anonymous https://libros787.com/products/el-cocinero-puerto-riqueno 

War Against All Puerto Ricans, Nelson A Denis: https://libros787.com/products/war-against-all-puerto-ricans

Eating Puerto Rico, Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra: https://uncpress.org/book/9781469629971/eating-puerto-rico/

Puerto Rican Cookery, Carmen Valldejuli: https://libros787.com/products/puerto-rican-cookery

Puerto Rican Dishes, Berta Cabanillas, Carmen Ginorio: https://www.alibris.com/Puerto-Rican-Dishes-Berta-Cabanillas/book/5467945?

Cocinero Puertorriqueño: https://libros787.com/products/el-cocinero-puerto-riqueno

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Unveiling Puerto Rico: A Deep Dive into Culture, History, and Identity

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema chats with Laura Ortiz, an historian and tour operator from Sofrito Tours, for an enlightening discussion on Puerto Rico's rich history and vibrant culture.

In this episode they dive into the Taino people's matrilineal society and their tragic decline due to Spanish colonization, the introduction of enslaved African people, the encomienda system, and the drastic transitions under U.S. control. It highlights the mixed reactions to U.S. colonization, the significance of the Spanish-American War, the abolition of slavery, and the implications of the Jones Act of 1917 granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans.

The episode also explores the enduring impact of African, Spanish, and Taino influences on Puerto Rican culture, grappling with identity amidst American influence, and addressing contemporary issues such as hair discrimination. The narrative underscores Puerto Rico’s deep cultural heritage, its demographically diverse identity, and its welcoming nature.

Connect with Laura on:
TikTok
Instagram

Laura's book recommendations:
Puerto Rico: A National History, Jorell Melendez-Badillo
Economic History of Puerto Rico: Institutional Change and Capitalist Development, James L. Dietz

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Hema, host of The Moreish Podcast, chats with Harry Alvarez about the history, culture and cuisine of the Dominican Republic.

Harry, a Dominican-American and co-founder of Offbeat Travel,  shares insights into the cultural influences in the Dominican Republic from the Indigenous Taino-Arawak, Spanish and African people, and how those influences show up in the food from ingredients and techniques used today in preparing everyday meals.

He emphasizes the strong African influence in Dominican culture while addressing the societal reluctance to acknowledge these roots due to colorism and shadism. In this conversation they touch on how the history of Hispaniola is taught in schools, often focusing on the independence from Haiti rather than emphasizing the importance of its independence from Spanish oppression.

To close out this episode, Harry shares some thoughts on tourism and encourages visitors to explore beyond resorts to experience the rich and diverse geographical beauty of the Dominican Republic and the Dominican people.

Resources:

Offbeat Travel website

Offbeat Travel on Instagram

Trova Trip

WITS Travel Creator Summit

Listen to the Dominican Republic episode from Season 1

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Get ready for the launch of Season 2 of The Moreish Podcast. In this recap episode Hema revisits the key themes and highlights from Season 1.

The podcast explores the intricate history of the Caribbean, examining how colonialism has shaped present-day culture and cuisine. We look back at key discussions including Keja Valens' insights on colonialism, the historical accounts of the Arawak and Carib peoples, and the enduring influences of colonization on local food traditions. 

The episode also touches on the significant contributions of British, French, Dutch, and other European powers in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the introduction of indentured servants from South Asia. 

In Season 2 we'll dive deeper into Caribbean history with expert guests and personal stories, continuing to trace cultural practices and cuisine back to their historical roots.

Resources:
Caribbean Yard Campus courses

This episode includes excerpts from:
Exploring Caribbean Culinary History with Keja Valens
Land of 365 Beaches: Antigua & Barbuda
The Nature Island: Dominica
Hairouna, Land of the Blessed: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
One Island, Two Countries: St. Martin / Sint Maarten
Slave Voyages: Interview with Gregory O’Malley and Nafees M. Khan
West Indian Diplomacy: An Interview with Melissa, West Indian historian
Djamil Ninsoo, Afro-Indo Jamaican Cultural Advocate
Carnival Chronicles: From Roots to Roads with David Bremang
More Than Jerk Chicken: Jamaica
The Spice Island: Grenada

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema chats with Tiara Jade Chutkhan, a writer and book blogger in the Canadian publishing industry. 

Tiara discusses her efforts to promote diverse literature focused on Indo-Caribbean heritage, her book series 'Two Times Removed: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Fiction,' and the motivation behind it. The conversation touches on the balance of Indian roots, Caribbean heritage, and North American upbringing, exploring cultural identity, representation, and the Indo-Caribbean diaspora. Tiara also talks about her involvement with Brown Gyal Diary and the future projects she is excited about.

Resources:

Connect with Tiara on Instagram, TikTok or on her website.

Two Times Removed: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Fiction

Two Times Removed Volume II: An Anthology of Contemporary Indo-Caribbean Stories

Two Times Removed Volume III: An Anthology of Indo-Caribbean Futures

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema delves into the rich and complex history of Caribbean cuisine with Keja Valens, Professor of English at Salem State University and author of 'Culinary Colonialism, Caribbean Cookbooks, and Recipes for National Independence.'

They discuss creolization, the myth of cannibalism, and the political and cultural significance of historical cookbooks in the Caribbean.

Keja shares insights from her academic research and other works, highlighting how colonialism shaped and transformed Caribbean food and culture. Don't miss this deep dive into the intricate tapestry of Caribbean culinary and cultural history.

Resources:
Learn more about Keja Valens

Culinary Colonialism, Caribbean Cookbooks, and Recipes for National Independence - Keja Valens

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In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and David Bremang delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Carnival in the Caribbean, David’s work with Caribana in Toronto and Caribbean music.

From the Cedula population in the French Caribbean islands, African traditions, and storytelling, David uncovers the layers to tell the story of Carnival starting in Trinidad and spreading across the region. He touches on the Canboulay Riots, J'Ouvert, and his personal favourite music.

Connect with David:
Instagram
FoundMissing.co

Links:
Friyie
CrownMas TO

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In this bonus episode of the Moreish Podcast, Chef Devan Rajkumar, known for his Cityline appearances and social media presence as Chef Dev, talks about his Guyanese and South Asian roots and culinary journey.

He shares insights into his debut cookbook, 'Mad Love: Big Flavours Made to Share from South Asia to the Caribbean', recounts his early career, the influence of his family's heritage, and his world travels. The episode also explores the cultural connections in Indo-Caribbean cuisine and Chef Dev's mission to modernize traditional dishes.

Resources:

Connect with Devan Rajkumar on his website, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Mad Love Cookbook

The Food Dudes

Chef Dev on CityLine

Foodie Nation

Chef Jason Peru
The Social

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In this bonus episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema chats with Djamil Ninsoo, also known as douglabwoy on social media, an Afro-Indo Jamaican cultural advocate and anthropologist. 

Djamil, who has authored a children's book 'Eva My Nani-Ji', shares his experiences of promoting Jamaican culture and heritage, specifically focusing on the contributions of indentured Indians. They discuss the nuances of Afro-Indo Jamaican identity, the historical context of indentured servitude, and the integration of diverse cultural influences. 

Djamil shares insights on terms like 'dougla' and 'coolie', their offensive and reclaimed usages, and the cultural intersections with the Chinese indentured laborer community. He also speaks about his personal journey of reconnecting with his roots and the impact of diaspora on cultural identity. The episode wraps up with Djamil talking about his upcoming books and his efforts to preserve and celebrate his heritage through storytelling.

Resources

Connect with Djamil on Instagram and TikTok

Eva My Nani-Ji by Djamil Ninsoo

Article: Putting the Half-Stories Back Together Again with Djamil Ninsoo

Article: Do Jamaicans Dream of Dhal Puri?

The Last Kantraki

Pardes Chale, Beverly Panchan Ramprasad

Finding Samuel Lowe

Black Cake (book)

The Cutlass Podcast

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