Raised in Trinidad. Lost in Canada. Found Himself through the art / Antonio Michael Downing

In this episode of The Kidd & Friends Podcast, Christopher "Kidd" Perry sits down with award-winning author, musician, broadcaster, and host of CBC Radio's The Next Chapter, Antonio Michael Downing.From his childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, being raised by his deeply influential grandmother, to navigating life after immigrating to rural Canada, Antonio shares an honest and powerful story of identity, race, family, creativity, and resilience.Together, they explore:Growing up in Trinidad and the lessons his grandmother instilled in himThe culture shock of moving to rural CanadaFinding purpose through music, writing, and storytellingWhy belonging is something we create—not something we're givenThe inspiration behind Saga Boy, Black Cherokee, and Stars in My CrownWhat he's learned from interviewing some of the world's greatest writers as host of CBC Radio's The Next ChapterHow our past shapes us without defining our futureThis is a conversation about becoming comfortable in your own skin, embracing your story, and discovering that every chapter—even the difficult ones—has a purpose.🎙️ Listen, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates with you.Antonio Michael Downing🌐 Website: https://www.antoniomichaeldowning.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntonioMichaelDowning📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniomichaeldowning🎵 Music (John Orpheus): https://www.johnorpheus.com📚 CBC – The Next Chapter:https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter🔗 Stay connected & join the journey:📍 TikTok: @thekiddandfriendspodcast📍 Instagram: @dynamokidd | @thekiddandfriendspodcast📍 X (Twitter): @dynamokidd📍 LinkedIn: Christopher Perry💥 Support the podcast & explore these awesome resources:AMENTARA — https://www.amentara.comAmentara is an ethnobotanical marketplace and education hub focused on ethical sourcing, transparent info, and helping you make informed choices. Explore botanicals like Blue Lotus, Kanna, Kava, and more.💥 10% off: use code KIDD10 at checkout.🎬 World of Literature and Film Festival – Explore groundbreaking films & literature:🔗 Wolf Media Festival🍄 Cultivating Wisdom – Microdosing & mushroom-inspired apparel (use code Perry for 20% off!):🔗 Shop Now🎶 MuseFlow – Learn how to sight-read music & play piano (use code Kidd50 for a special discount!):🔗 Start Playing Today25% OFF All ETHA Kratom ProductsCode: KIDD25Shop: https://www.ethanaturals.com/discount/kidd25Premium, lab-tested kratom.If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a review. It helps us continue bringing you fascinating guests exploring consciousness, health, spirituality, science, and the mysteries of being human.#AntonioMichaelDowning, #SagaBoy, #BlackCherokee, #TheNextChapter, #CBCRadio, #Storytelling, #Identity, #Belonging, #PersonalGrowth, #SelfDiscovery, #Memoir, #Authors, #CanadianAuthors, #Trinidad, #Creativity, #Purpose, #Inspiration, #Books, #Podcast, #TheKiddAndFriendsPodcast