Gems From Friends is a podcast where real stories spark deeper conversations. Hosted by Matthew “fewwture” Ashby, the show features honest discussions with creatives, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven people, uncovering lessons on life, business, wellness, and personal growth. Each episode is designed to leave you with practical gems, fresh perspective, and something meaningful to carry into your own journey.
From Poverty to CEO: Alison Browne-Ellis’ Story of Faith, Sacrifice & Leadership
What does it really take to rise from humble beginnings to leading one of Barbados’ most recognized financial brands?
In the Season 7 finale of Gems From Friends, Matthew sits down with Alison Browne-Ellis, CEO of Payce Digital, for an open conversation about the journey behind the title.
Alison shares her story of growing up with a single mother, experiencing financial hardship, being unable to afford the traditional university path, and ultimately building a career that would see her lead the transformation of Cave Shepherd Card into Payce Digital.
But success came with a cost.
She speaks candidly about motherhood, marriage, burnout, imposter syndrome, breaking generational cycles, and experiencing one of the lowest periods of her personal life while simultaneously reaching the peak of her career.
They also explore leadership, financial inclusion, empowering women, her book Life Lessons: A Purpose Driven Leadership Journey, the evolution of Payce Digital, and the role faith and surrender continue to play in her life.
“I was at the peak of my career and at the lowest in my life.”
This is a conversation about what we achieve, what it costs us, and who we become along the way.
Gems From Friends — Season 7 Finale
Powered by Payce Digital, formerly Cave Shepherd Card Services — serving Barbados for over 50 years.
Recorded at Dream Real Studio.
22 Aug 2026
Peter Coppin: Building a Radio Empire While Fighting for My Health
Three years after his first powerful conversation on Gems From Friends, Peter Coppin returns for Part 2 — and this time, the story goes even deeper.
Peter opens up about the reality of building and sustaining his own radio station, the sacrifices entrepreneurship has demanded, caring for his 90-year-old mother, his battle with stress and depression, and a recent early-stage prostate cancer diagnosis.
We also get into the state of Barbadian music, 30 years of Bashment Soca, why local artists need to think beyond Crop Over, the importance of collaboration, and how AI is changing music creation.
But beneath the business, music and accomplishments is a much more personal question: What does Peter Coppin actually want now?
His answer is simple: peace, family and a life worth sharing with someone.
This is a conversation about ambition, faith, health, loneliness, legacy and understanding that success means very little if you lose yourself while chasing it.
Gems From Friends — Peter Coppin: Part 2.
16 Aug 2026
Senator the Hon. Shane Archer - Gems From Friends
Fewwture sits down with Senator the Hon. Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture, for a candid conversation about leadership, creativity and the future of Barbados.
Shane reflects on his journey through sport, community, entertainment and entrepreneurship before entering government, and how those experiences now influence his approach to leadership.
The conversation goes deeper into the creative economy and youth development — from treating creatives as legitimate professionals and creating opportunities beyond Crop Over, to improving systems, getting creatives paid faster, developing community spaces and preparing young Barbadians for a future shaped by technology and new industries.
Shane also shares his vision for initiatives such as Studio on Wheels and using community centres to bring creative, technical and entrepreneurial opportunities directly to young people.
As Shane puts it: “We can’t be operating in a 1994 model in 2026.”
This episode is about what happens when culture is viewed as more than entertainment — and instead becomes a tool for economic development, community building and creating opportunity.
Gems From Friends is powered by Payce Digital.
Payce Digital, formerly Cave Shepherd Card Services, has been serving Barbados for over 50 years, offering convenient payment solutions, limits up to $10,000, manageable monthly payments, worldwide acceptance and 24/7 account access through the Payce Digital mobile app.
Learn more at paycedigital.com/cards or call 246-539-4444.
More ways to pay. More ways to Payce.
Who has been a guest on Gems From Friends
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Shanice Taylor
various guests
Kaddesh Preston
Nikita
Russell Grant
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
150,486
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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