PODCAST · business
Gems From Friends
by Matthew Fewwture
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.
Episodes
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Gems Spotlight | Allan Haynes
Welcome to a new segment of Gems From Friends — Gems Spotlight.Gems Spotlight is a space for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want to build awareness, tell their story, or simply have an important message to share.In this episode, we sit down with Allan Haynes of ACH Consulting Inc., who…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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Rashida Hoyte-Hutson - The Truth About Running a Restaurant Nobody Sees
In this episode of Gems From Friends, F’ture sits down with entrepreneur Rashida Hoyte-Hutson, the woman behind Rashida’s Pizza, for an honest conversation about what it really costs to build a business. Rashida shares how she left her job, took a chance on herself and built her business while...
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The Story You Didn't Know Behind Tionne Hernandez
Everyone sees the performances. Few know the journey.In this episode of Gems From Friends, we sit down with one of Barbados' fastest-rising soca artists, Tionne Hernandez, for one of her most personal conversations to date.From being an incredibly shy little girl known as "Typhoon" to becoming…
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Hypasounds Gets Real: The Sacrifices Behind 20 Years of Success
For 20 years, Hypasounds has remained one of Barbados' most recognizable soca artists—but behind the music is a story of discipline, sacrifice, business, and resilience.In this episode of **Gems From Friends**, Matthew Ashby sits down with Damian "Hypasounds" Etienne for one of his most honest...
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From Attorney to Motivational Speaker: Raphael Saul on Faith, Fear & Purpose
In this powerful episode of *Gems From Friends*, Matthew Ashby sits down with Raphael Saul — attorney, entrepreneur, leadership consultant, motivational speaker, husband, father, and man of faith.Many people know Raphael from the stage, but this conversation goes beyond the keynote. Raphael opens...
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DJ Private Ryan, Scratch Master and Barrie Hype - Gems From Friends
In this special roundtable episode of Gems From Friends, we sit down with three respected voices in Caribbean music — DJ Private Ryan, Scratch Master, and Barrie Hype — for a deep, honest, and entertaining conversation about the real work behind the booth. This is not just a conversation about...
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Resilience In Motion | Janelle Skinner
In this episode of Gems From Friends, I speak with Janelle Skinner, a counseling psychologist and disability advocate whose story challenged me deeply. Janelle shares what life has been like navigating disability for 26 years, from grief and adjustment, to accessibility, work, faith, family, and...
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Young, Focused, and Building Legacy | Tyrique Wilson on Carrington’s Rum Cream
In this episode, I sit down with Tyrique Wilson, founder of Carrington’s Rum Cream, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, discipline, sacrifice, and legacy. Tyrique opens up about growing up in Carrington Village, starting out in photography, studying law, and eventually building a brand…
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From Toronto Hustle to Barbados Peace | Nick Wavy on Rebuilding
In this episode of Gems from Friends, I sit down with entrepreneur and content creator Nick Wavy to talk about what it really means to rebuild your life on your own terms.Nick shares his journey from growing a major YouTube platform in Toronto to building businesses like Wavy Merch, Wavy Cuts…
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Kelly Johnally | A God-Led Pivot
In this episode, Kelly Johnally reflects on what it has really been like to walk away from comfort and step fully into entrepreneurship. Two years after making the leap, she opens up about faith, risk, loss, growth, and the quiet ways God leads when the path does not always make sense.We talk…
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Surprise Guest
Coming soon
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Product of Change: Grateful Co’s Journey from Block to Big Stage
Grateful Co has one of the realest stories to ever hit this chair. In this episode, we sit down with the Bajan artist behind “I Like Her Too,” “Living Fast,” “When Last,” and “Center” to talk about way more than music. This is a full testimony on the block, bad decisions, gunshots, jail, God,...
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Different, Not Broken: Gigi on ADHD, Identity & Becoming Whole
When you’ve spent most of your life feeling “different” and out of place, what does it look like to finally come home to yourself? In this episode of Gems From Friends, I sit down with Gigi Farrier – stylist, educator, women’s wellness & mindset coach, fitness champ, and host of the solo podcast...
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Reco Moore — Behind Barbados’ Most Genuine Documenter
Reco Moore — Behind Barbados’s Most Genuine Documenter If you’ve been to an event in Barbados, you’ve seen him: the constant smile, the unstoppable energy, and the camera that feels like it’s part of his body. But behind the lens, Reco Moore carries a powerful story of resilience, trauma…
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From Rock Bottom to The Beachfront: The Sheena Lambert Story
Sheena Lambert, the owner of Seafood Shack Barbados, a popular beachside food establishment. The interview charts Lambert's career journey, beginning with her first business, a clothing store called Glam by Glamorous, and detailing the organic creation of Seafood Shack after a personal craving…
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Sean Michael Field | Art, Business, and Survival | S5 E12
Sean Field, an actor and creative director. The discussion spans Field's life, beginning with his childhood and moves between Barbados and the United States, his initial entrepreneurial ventures in Barbados selling veggie burgers and windchimes, and his eventual career in design, advertising, and...
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Chef P | Culinary Vision and Caribbean Roots | S5 E11
The interview features Chef P, a Barbadian-American culinary artist, discussing his journey and philosophy behind his innovative Afro-Caribbean cuisine and his new Blackstar Barbados initiative. He recounts his early days as a DJ and how that passion for entertainment now influences his culinary...
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DJ Puffy - Lessons, Sacrifices & Stories
We’re taking *Gems from Friends* on the road across Barbados—literally picking up past guests and continuing the conversation where we left off. In this special “Puffy Road Trip” episode, Puffy and Matthew Fewwture pull back the curtain on the so-called glamorous DJ life: sleepless nights…
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Gems at Wing Hut (Surprise)
An interview with Chef Lisa Springer, also known as Chef Pows, owner of Wing Hut, a restaurant that recently reopened at a new location in Hayman's Market. The host of the "Gems From Friends" channel, Matthew, surprises Lisa with a gift from iShop Sheraton Barbados for her new establishment. Lisa...
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Dr Crystal Haynes - Faith, Balance & Business
Crystal Haynes, who is a doctor and entrepreneur in Barbados. The discussion begins with an insightful update on Crystal's successful wellness practice, highlighting her journey of rebuilding and the lessons learned about perseverance, faith, and the importance of a holistic approach to patient...
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Kemar Roach on Fame, Money & Purpose
Hop in with us as we take a drive with West Indies cricket legend, Kemar Roach!We're cruising in the brand-new, all-electric Deepal from Inchcape Barbados, and the conversation gets real, fast. This isn't just about cricket; it's about the life behind the game. Kemar opens up about the tough...
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The Producers | Behind The Gems Podcast | S5E10
A behind-the-scenes look at the "Gems from Friends" podcast, featuring a conversation between its creator and host, Matthew Fewwture Ashby, and his co-producer and assistant editor, Jacoba Vlogman. They discuss the podcast's evolution, from its initial documentary-style season to its current…
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Natalie Abrahams | Leave Your Mark | S5E9
Natalie Abrahams, the CEO of Digicel, where she discusses her leadership philosophy and the dynamic nature of her role, highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and prioritizing well-being. She also shares personal insights on work-life balance, embracing opportunities, and her...
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Shanice Taylor | Strength and Resilience | S5E8
Shanice Taylor, a Barbadian entrepreneur and designer, who shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity. She recounts her challenging upbringing, including time in foster care and poverty, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and determination. Taylor discusses her career as a...
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Season 4 Gem Drops Compilation
The "Season 4 Gem Drops Compilation" from the "Gems From Friends" showcasing a unique concept where each guest offers a piece of wisdom or advice, a "gem," for the next, unknown guest**. Throughout the compilation, various individuals share personal insights and experiences, ranging from trusting...
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Kaddesh Preston | Self Discovery | S5E7
Kaddesh shares his personal journey, business ventures, and reflections on life. He discusses the challenges of parenting, the importance of respect over love, and the struggles men face in expressing emotions. The conversation also touches upon societal perceptions, racial classism in Barbados,...
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Nikita | Taking Back My Power | S5E6
Nikita | Taking Back My Power | S5E6 Nikita, a Barbadian singer and radio host, where she reflects on her musical journey and personal growth. She discusses her upbringing in a musical family and the pressures of the industry, including experiences with rejection based on appearance. Nikita…
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Russell Grant | Crafting Experiences | S5E5
Russell Grant, a prominent figure in Barbados's marketing, event production, and cultural scene. The conversation covers Grant's diverse background, including his brief career as an aircraft mechanic before pursuing his passion for events. Grant discusses the origins and evolution of his company,...
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Kim Angoy | Family First | S5E4
Kim Angoy is the embodiment of working hard for the life you want. Her lifelong love of art has led to a creative professional path from working as an interior designer to founding one of Barbados’ most recognisable swimwear brands, Suga Apple Swim. Having grown up working various jobs within her...
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Damian Leach | From Trouble Student to Award-Winning Chef | S5E3
Damian has earned an impressive list of accolades throughout his career, including: • Caribbean Chef of the Year 2016 • Barbados Chef of the Year 2016 and 2018 • Seafood Chef of the Year 2017 • BHTA Pastry Chef 2019 • NIFA Chef of the Year 2016 A pioneer in Caribbean cuisine, Damian's journey…
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Faith Callender | How Faith Fuels The Process | S5E2
Faith Callender has taken the Caribbean music industry by storm. For the last ten years, she has worked tirelessly cultivating her sound and talent, evolving into a charismatic performer on and off the stage. Her bold fashion style makes a head-to-toe statement, meticulously curated from striking...
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Alison Hinds | A Journey to Royalty | S5E1
As the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds needs no introduction. Her pitch-perfect vocals have continuously enriched the genre since the 1980s and her zestful live performances can energize any fete. Her time in the iconic band Square One helped mould her as an artist and performer, working with a…
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Season Break Episode 1 Featuring Alex Jordan
A candid conversation between Alex Jordan and Matthew of "Gems From Friends" during a season break. They reflect on the impact of a previous episode, discussing its resonance with viewers, particularly women, on topics like aging, race, and societal pressures. The discussion then broadens to...
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Jus Jay King | Love The Journey | S4E10
When Last has there been a deejay, event promoter, graphic artist, and record producer all rolled into one? Jus Jay King has taken the world by storm releasing hit after hit and producing some of the biggest events in Barbados and across the globe. Always going against the grain, Jus Jay kept his...
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Akhnaten Burrowes | Growth Through Faith and Fulfillment | S4E9
With titles like actor, singer, stylist, motivational speaker, social media star, and CEO of multiple businesses, Ahknaten Burrowes is a creative entrepreneur magnate with an unmatched confidence. He has grown his brand to be synonymous with quality and luxury by being intentional with his goals...
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Gov. Dr Kevin Greenidge | Think, Dream, Achieve | S4E8
Dr Kevin Greenidge is an inspiration to Barbadians everywhere. His ability to dream carried him throughout his career, from starting as an intern at the bank almost 30 years ago to becoming the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados. Nevertheless, the road to the governorship was not a smooth...
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Buggy Nhakente | Practice Makes Progress | S4E7
It's impossible to think of reggae in Barbados without thinking of Buggy Nhakente. Dedicated to music since childhood, he has continuously worked towards becoming the best artist he could be. Growing up influenced by Bajan legends like Lil Rick, Peter Ram, and Shakey Ranks, Buggy was able to...
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Scratch Master | Never Stop Learning | S4E6
Scratch Master is an embodiment of his name. His knowledge and understanding of music go beyond the average deejay, from expertly crafting mixes for daily enjoyment to electrifying live sets at parties worldwide. He has worked with legends in the industry such as Machel Montano, Bunji Garland…
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Jaicko Lawrence | From Stardom to Salvation | S4E5
Growing up surrounded by music watching his father play in the popular Bajan band 4D People, Jaicko Lawrence knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue music professionally. Learning everything he could about music and production from his dad and other local legends, Jaicko was able to hone…
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Eliseus Joseph | The Sound of Success | S4E4
Although watching your favourite performers on stage with flashing lights and pyrotechnics is fun, a concert would be nothing without good sound. Thanks to talented sound engineers like Eliseus Joseph, audiences can enjoy shows with a clear and balanced audio experience. Consistently pursuing his...
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Simon Pipe | Finding Redemption Beyond Addiction | S4E3
From the tattoos on his skin to the lyrics in his songs, Simon Pipe is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. A quick scroll through his Instagram page will show you a life full of art, love, and peaceful beach days with his sons; a life Simon worked hard to achieve after dealing with years of...
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Shane Eastmond | Applying Art to Life | S4E2
For Shane Eastmond, the world is his canvas. His distinctive style blending abstract realism, vibrant colour, and meticulous linework creates eye-catching recognizable pieces. From intricate murals highlighting our history and culture to stunning gallery pieces, Shane’s work can be found across…
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Hayley Matthews | A Life Lived in Cricket | S4E1
Hayley Matthews’ life has always been immersed in cricket. Growing up watching her dad play sparked a love for the sport and by ten years old, she had the dream to play for the West Indies team. Hayley’s determination to be the best player she could be led her to become captain of the under-13…
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Shontelle Layne | Nothing is Impossible | S3E9
We couldn’t think of anyone better to close off our fourth season than Barbados’ very own Shontelle Layne. As a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and platinum artist, she has worked with legends in the music industry including Nicholas Brancker, Alison Hinds, Akon, Beyonce, and Rihanna (just to...
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Doddy Dodson | Brains Beyond The Brawn |S3E8
If you’re looking to start a fitness journey in order to transform your life, Doddy Dodson is the man to talk to. Fueled by his in-depth knowledge and genuine passion for the science behind fitness, Doddy is able to craft truly unique programs that cater to any person’s goals, regardless of where...
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Danielle Moore | Turning Passion to Business | S3E7
Danielle Moore is the embodiment of turning a hobby into a successful business. Following YouTube videos to improve her flexibility sparked a passion that led her to become a yoga instructor. Her business, DemiYoga Fitness, has since continued to grow, offering specialized classes, providing yoga...
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Simon Alleyne | When Comedy Isn’t A Joke | S3E6
When it comes to comedy in Barbados, nobody takes it more seriously than Simon Alleyne. Affectionately known as Koke of the comedic duo, Rum and Koke, every skit and standup act becomes a platform for Simon to showcase Bajan comedy. Fueled by laughter and camaraderie, Simon's monthly standup…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Matthew Fewwture
CATEGORIES
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