About A Talking Point: Conversations that Shape the Caribbean Narrative
Culture meets commerce in this new podcast. Real voices from the Caribbean will inspire and educate us as we discuss the stories and strategies shaping the region's future.
The diversity of our guests embodies the makeup of the Caribbean—taking us from the boardroom to the performing arts stage, where we'll learn directly from those making a difference in their walks of life.
Together, we'll explore how the Caribbean is not just telling its own story but exporting its culture, creativity, and influence to the global stage, and showing the world what it truly means to be West Indian.
From Crop Over to Kenya: Taking Caribbean Culture Global with Jovan Reid
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 festivals abroad, and why we must stop underestimating the value of our own stories.If you’re a creative, brand, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights on turning culture into a year-round business.A Talking Point is where we unpack Caribbean culture, creativity, and commerce, and this episode will leave you seeing our festival season in an entirely new light.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
For more information visit www.thomasapr.com
15 Aug 2025
The Billion Dollar Vibe – Why Crop Over Deserves More with Keisha Blades
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 entertainment as serious business, not just seasonal fun. They delve into:Why creatives need to start capturing dataHow the industry contributes to GDP (and why we don't know for sure)What Barbados can learn from Trinidad Carnival and Notting HillHow to move from hustle to full-blown industryWhat role should the private sector really play?Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
For more information visit www.thomasapr.com
15 Aug 2025
From Story to Strategy — Building Brands That Travel with Aprille Thomas
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:How to build a narrative that resonatesThe balance between authenticity and aspiration in brand storytellingWhy PR is about strategy, not spinWhat Caribbean brands need to compete globallyWhether you're in government, culture, or creative business, this episode will challenge how you see PR.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.
15 Aug 2025
Protect the Work: Building a Sustainable Music Career with Scott Galt
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 and Caribbean artists must protect their creative work
The risks of exploitation when we don’t register, license, or own our content
The balance between passion, ownership, and longevity in the entertainment industry
From behind-the-scenes studio strategy to artist development and publishing rights, this is a powerful look at the business behind the hits.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
For more information, visit www.thomasapr.com.
15 Aug 2025
From Local Vibe to Global Brand: Building Creative Businesses with Matthew 'Fewwture' Ashby
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 brand like a business
When to expand your image and how to stay authentic while doing it
What makes a Caribbean event or artist truly exportable
How to build a team when you have no budget (yet)
This one’s for anyone trying to turn vibes into value and build something that lasts.Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
15 Aug 2025
Artist Development: Building a Legacy Beyond the Stage with Adanna Asson
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 branding, narrative building, and monetization strategies beyond live performances. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaborations, global strategies, and the need to reduce the seasonality of Caribbean entertainment. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for emerging artists to navigate their careers with intention and authenticity.Takeaways
Artist development is a comprehensive process that includes various elements like PR, branding, and training.
Financial constraints are a significant challenge for Caribbean artists, often limiting their growth.
Building a supportive team from your close circle can help artists grow without immediate financial burdens.
Authenticity in branding is crucial; artists should show up as their true selves.
Collaborations should be sincere and based on mutual benefit, not just popularity.
Artists need to be prepared for opportunities by staying ready and understanding their market.
Support from the community is essential for artists to feel confident in their creative expressions.
Artists should not be boxed into specific genres; they should be free to explore their creativity.
Understanding the role of a manager is vital for artists to choose the right support.
Emerging artists should focus on honing their skills and knowing their brand identity.
Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
15 Aug 2025
Building Entertainment Wealth with Michael Jordan
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 your secret weapon for sponsorships
And the money moves entertainers should be making now
Credits: Hosted by Tracy FowlerProduced by Thomas.A Public Relations (@thomas.apr)Distributed by Barbados TODAY (@barbadostoday) / BT Lifestyle (@btlifestylebb)
Find out more at www.thomasapr.com
16 Jun 2025
Season 1 Finale
Let's go down memory lane and review the lessons learned from all of our amazing guests as we wrap up Season 1!
4 Jun 2025
Leah de Gannes Has 'An Island Eye for Stories'
Visual storyteller Leah de Gannes discusses her transition to videography during the pandemic and its cultural impact, offering businesses and creatives insight into bringing their work to life in this interview.
31 Mar 2025
Krystal Hoyte Talks ‘Marrying Journalism and Storytelling’
Multimedia journalist Krystal Hoyte discusses her journey in journalism and storytelling, highlighting the importance of technology for creatives to reach audiences in this interview.
23 Mar 2025
Shakirah Bourne Talks 'Breathing New Life into Old Stories'
"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 book deal; her passion for preserving regional stories through fantasy and film; and why authenticity—not trend—is the secret to impactful storytelling. Brands and creatives alike will walk away with insights on repurposing legacy, taking creative risks, and staying true to your voice... especially when the world expects otherwise.
About our guest
Shakirah Bourne is a Barbadian writer and filmmaker whose debut children’s book, Josephine Against the Sea, (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54776548-josephine-against-the-sea)was a Best Book of 2021 by the School Library Journal and the Black Caucus of the ALA, and an Ignite Award finalist. Her works Nightmare Island and Beware the Heart Man draw on Caribbean folklore and have been widely acclaimed. A former Commonwealth Short Story Prize finalist and recipient of the Governor General Award for literary fiction, Shakirah has also co-edited the YA nonfiction anthology Allies and continues to push Caribbean narratives onto the global stage through both literature and film.
Drop a comment & let us know how you're loving the series!
Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: info@thomasapr.com
16 Mar 2025
Cherie Jones Talks 'Why No-one Can Tell Your Story Like You'
"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 (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53369488-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 inspiration process and why you don't have to worry about copycats - your story is unique to you!
About our guest
Cherie Jones is a Barbadian novelist and short story writer whose short fiction credits include Reflex Fiction, The Feminist Wire, PANK, Eclectica, and BBC Radio 4. She is a former fellowship awardee of the Vermont Studio Centre and the International Writers Programme of the University of Iowa. She is an alum of the MA Writing Programme at Sheffield Hallam University where she was awarded the Archie Markham Award and the AM Heath Prize and completed her PhD at the University of Exeter where her research centred on the poetics of violence against women in contemporary Anglo-Caribbean literature. Her first novel ‘How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House’ was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2021, the OCM BOCAS Prize in 2022 and the Internationel Literaturpreis Prize in 2023 and was translated into French and German. The French translation of her novel won the Prix Carbet des lycéens 2023.
Drop a comment & let us know how you're loving the series!
Want to recommend a guest? Seeking a PR agency to partner with to tell your story? Get in touch with us: info@thomasapr.com (mailto:info@thomasapr.com)
8 Mar 2025
Sharma Taylor Talks 'Confronting Vulnerabilities in Storytelling'
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 what brands can takeaway about being honest and transparent with their clients and audiences.
About our guest
Sharma Taylor, a Jamaican writer and lawyer, was awarded the 2023 Institute of Jamaica’s Musgrave Bronze Medal for contribution to Literature; and the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) appointed her its Writer-in-Residence for semester II, 2024. Her work has won the 2020 Wasafiri Queen Mary New Writing Prize, the 2020 Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Award, and the 2019 Bocas Lit Fest’s Johnson and Amoy Achong Caribbean Writers Prize. She has been shortlisted four times for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
She has also judged on numerous prestigious writing panels, and her debut novel “What a Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You” was published in 2022.
#CaribbeanAuthors #BookTok #Jamaica #ThomasAPR #CaribbeanStorytelling
7 Mar 2025
The Women Who Tell Our Stories
🎙️ 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.A Public Relations, about her background and the inspiration for the podcast.
The first season ‘The Women Who Write Our Stories’ will launch tomorrow on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), celebrating Caribbean women storytellers: authors, journalists, and writers whose craft holds valuable lessons for businesses and brands. We’ll explore how their storytelling techniques can be applied to marketing and communication strategies to create more impactful and engaging messages.
Co-hosted by Empress Zingha for the first season, each episode dives into the power of storytelling, helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives harness Caribbean narratives to stand out in their industries.
📌 Follow & Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more to stay connected.
👉🏾 Listen now & join the conversation to be part of the story!
#ATalkingPointPodcast #CaribbeanStories #CaribbeanVoices #Storytelling #CaribbeanPRAgency
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