Souvni On The Mike
Souvni On The Mike stands as a vibrant cultural beacon in the digital soundscape, offering a weekly immersion into the heart of Haitian language and life. Every Friday night at 8 PM, this Haitian Creole podcast transforms the airwaves into a dynamic classroom and cultural salon, where education, entertainment, and community connection converge. The show's very name, "Souvni," meaning "Remember," signals its core mission: to be a living archive of cherished experiences and a bridge between generations of Haitians, both at home and across the diaspora.
At its foundation, the program is a powerful tool for language acquisition. Recognizing the challenges faced by intermediate and advanced learners, Souvni On The Mike provides a full transcript in Creole for every episode. This thoughtful feature allows students to read along as they listen, reinforcing their comprehension, expanding their vocabulary, and tuning their ears to the natural cadence and nuances of authentic Haitian speech. It moves beyond simple vocabulary drills, placing learners directly into the flow of real conversation, humor, and storytelling, making the process of mastering Creole both engaging and effective.
The soul of the show is its signature segment, "La Famille Pòt" (The Pòt Family). This weekly skit injects a dose of drama and comedy that is both relatable and distinctly Haitian. Through the lives, laughter, and squabbles of the Pòt family, the show explores everyday situations, cultural touchstones, and social dynamics in a way that is both entertaining and illuminating. This recurring drama not only captivates listeners but also provides rich context for language learners, showcasing how Creole is used in real family settings, complete with idioms, affectionate teasing, and the warmth of familiar interaction. It is this blend of humor and heart that makes the podcast feel less like a lesson and more like a visit with old friends.
Hosted on the widely accessible platform Buzzsprout.com, Souvni On The Mike ensures its reach is as broad as its ambition. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone, from a curious language student in Europe to a homesick Haitian in North America, to tune in and download episodes and transcripts. This accessibility is crucial to the show's goal of fostering a deeper connection within the global Haitian community and providing a welcoming gateway for outsiders.
Ultimately, Souvni On The Mike is more than just a podcast; it is a cultural touchstone. It serves as a vital link for Haitians longing to relive the memories and rhythms of their homeland, offering a sonic space where their language and culture are celebrated with pride and authenticity. Simultaneously, it extends a warm invitation to foreigners, demystifying Haitian culture and offering an enjoyable, participatory way to engage with its vibrant spirit. By blending practical language tools with compelling entertainment, Souvni On The Mike succeeds in its mission to educate, unite, and entertain, one Friday night at a time.
Episodes
19 episodes
The Haitian Flag Stands Tall - Drapo Ayisyen Kanpe Kin
In this Flag Day special, Souvni on the Mike brings history to life with a vivid, cinematic retelling of the birth and evolution of the Haitian flag. Souvni and Valentin explore the courage behind the colors, including five powerf...
The Haitian's Sixth Sense - Sizyèm Sans Ayisyen an
In today’s episode, Souvni and Valentin dive into the mystery and magic of the Haitian “sixth sense” — that instinct, intuition, and alertness Haitians are famous for. They explore how history, community, and lived experience shape a kind of co...
Respè pou Tèt ou. Lanmou pou Tèt ou! Sa se Self-love!
In this fiery and heartfelt episode of Souvni on the Mike, Souvni dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in the Haitian community: self‑love. With humor, honesty, and a little piman, she breaks down why lovi...
Health, Prevention and the Haitian Lifestyle
In this powerful and entertaining episode of Souvni on the Mike, Souvni and Valentin take listeners on a deep dive into the health challenges affecting Haitians at home and across the diaspora. From high blood pressure and diabetes to ...
Creole Truth Bombs! - Verite Sou Tanbou!
Today on Souvni on the Mike, Souvni and Valentin dive into a series of Creole Truth Bombs — the funny, heartfelt, and unforgettable realities that shape Haitian life at home and in the diaspora. It’s culture, comedy, and memory all in one conve...
Lang Manman nou, Lang Peyi nou - Our Mother's Tongue
Today’s program dives into the remarkable journey of Haitian Creole — a language that survived oppression, stigma, and centuries of misunderstanding to become the official national language of Haiti. We explore the challenges Creo...
Sakrifis Modèn pou Sèjousi - Modern Sacrifices
Today's heartfelt radio program explores everyday modern sacrifices—small, intentional acts of selflessness that transform both the giver and receiver. We're talking about sacrifices, little gestures, that could ripple outward, creating u...
Gason ak Fanm, kilès ki Gen Rezon - Battle of the sexes.
Step into the vibrant, complicated world of Haitian gender dynamics where tradition clashes with modern reality. In this raw and unfiltered podcast, we dive deep into the unspoken rules, cultural expectations, and debates that define the battle...
Navigating Sexual Health for Young Haitians in the Modern Era
This podcast addresses the unique sexual health challenges facing young Haitians today. We discuss topics like contraception, STI prevention, healthy relationships, and sexual consent through a Haitian cultural lens. The podcast creates a...
So you're from Haiti? - Donk se Ayiti w sòti?
In this deeply insightful episode, we embark on an empowering journey to master the art of gracefully and confidently responding to the common remarks people make when they discover your beautiful Haitian heritage. We'll explore thoughtful, dig...
Haitian Natural Medicine - Medsin Fèy Ayisyen
We are sharing basic recipes for preparing Haitian teas, tonics with specific plants and herbs used to treat common ailments and promote well-being. On La Famille Pòt, Dyak recounts his perilous journey from Haiti to the USA.
Lending a Friend Money. Prete Zanmi Lajan
Can we lend a friend money without damaging the friendship? In La Famille Pòt, a member of Ovila's savings club dies. Èske nou ka prete zanmi lajan san nou pa detui amitye a? Nan La famille Pòt, yon manm nan sòl Ovila a mouri.
Divorcing a Very Bad Friend
Is it time to end the friendship. Let's talk about ending a friendship where you feel consistently drained, unsafe, and ignored, or you feel pressured and judged rather than supported.On La Famille Pòt, Freya is ill and Ovila knows how t...
Valentine's Day Special
Talk about love and sex. On La Famille Pòt, Dyak puts his foot in his mouth.
Childhood Memories
Souvni and Valentin talk about memories of Haiti. Ovila's sister pays her a visit
Spill Your Secrets or Not.
Valentin and Souvni debate whether it's wise to tell your partner everything. Ovila offers Bryan a plate of corn maize and herring.
Cell phones in the bathroom Stalls
You are on a call on your cell and you got to pee.... what to do... hmmm. La famille Pòt puts Dyak in a situation.
