Financially Free and Irie

Happy Holidays!In the last episode in the current series of Financially Free and Irie we talk to Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams about his book 'Working to Build a Stronger Nation' available now at the UWI bookshop, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados.All proceeds from book sales go to a scholarship fund for students at The University of the West Indies.This interview was taken from a live radio broadcast at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael (www.skymall.bb) on Voice of Barbados, 92.9fm, www.vob929.com on Saturday 9th December 2023.Many thanks to Voice of Barbados 92.9fm and Sky Mall.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

On this week's episode of Financially Free and Irie we talk to Marisa Daniel, Barbadian author whose first publication ‘Zuri Says you are Worthy’ is now available on Amazon and in local bookstores across the island.The book is a series of simple Affirmations for children to help them build empowering values and self-esteem. Beautifully illustrated with colorful positive images.Marisa's unique brand ‘Glow up Queen, you are Worthy' focuses on empowering women and young girls to rise up and glow up knowing their full potential, worth and value.It’s a blessing to have life coach, now author and close Sistrin Marisa Daniel to join me for the program today.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

In this week's episode I'm back at the Pelican Craft Village, in the heart of Barbados' capital city Bridgetown.There is one space here at Pelican that I love to visit.  I have even recorded a few previous episodes here. Have been MC for many cultural and musical events at this space over the years.  It has an energy and a vibe. You will always find someone artistic, musical or generally interesting here...the space is Artforms and today we speak to its director, Rev. Wayne Onkphra Wells creator of this space, visionary Pan Africanist and so much more!Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

In this week's episode I talk to Paul Ignatius Springer whose musical career, birthed here in Barbados, has taken him and his guitar to many exciting places across the world.Many thanks again to my listeners and subscribers. It's a journey...thank you for coming with me!Please continue to listen, subscribe and share and look out for more content soon.If you are interested in being a sponsor for Financially Free and Irie the Podcast forward any inquiries to [email protected] the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

On this week's episode we talk art and culture with one of the islands renowned cultural practitioners, Victor Tula Lewis.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

The next time someone looks into your eyes...they may see way more than what you can imagine!One of the first radio programs that had really piqued my interest as a young presenter on Barbados’ no 1 radio station over 20 years ago was Chantel Selman’s program sponsored by her company The Light Body Wholistic Clinic located here at Pelican Village, in our capital city Bridgetown.It was the first time I had heard of Iridology.Iridology is a holistic practice in which a person, called an iridologist, looks at your eyes and uses what they see to determine any physical ailments that may be present in the body. I have been following a vegan diet since the age of twelve and have over the years used the phrase ‘I don’t eat anything with eyes’…but have never tried or thought of raw foods and a raw food diet until meeting Chantel.With Chantel's extensive knowledge in raw foods and their healing energy she has created a space, peaceful and relaxing but also conducive to healing.In this convenient location you can purchase foods and power shakes, herbs, natural remedies as well as get an iridology consultation. Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

Hear the third and final part of this interview with Ireka Jelani from Barbados' Roots and Grasses and Ngozi Farms and Cultural Sanctuary in the heart of the parish of St. Andrew.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

We continue this journey of life...business, grief, faith and triumph over adversity with Ireka Jelani from Roots and Grasses and Ngozi Farms.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

I took a drive out in the beautiful Barbados countryside this morning to meet this week’s guest Ireka Jelani.I’m not the best with directions to be honest, but Ireka made it easy to find Ngozi Farms. I took a nice cool breezy drive to the Easterly parish of St. Andrew also known for its breathtaking Scotland District.Here in the heart of St. Andrew at Ireka’s homestead the environment here today speaks a lot to who Ireka is and what she does.Founder of Roots and Grasses, and Ngozi Farms, foundation member of the Spiritual Baptist and Rastafari Community, mother, business owner and mentor and healer to many in the community, it’s beautiful to take some time out to be with nature, sit down and reason with a Sistrin of high respect like Ireka.We originally met with me, my mic in hand! But I remember some of my earlier broadcasts at Barbados’ Pelican Craft village and Bridgetown Market, part of our Crop Over Festival with Ireka showcasing her intricate basket weaving with style at Roots and Grasses her first company.It’s also been a blessing to see, just like mine…. Ireka’s children also striving for greatness! Family is strength.  Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big Kweku fan. He’ll be on the program soon too…don’t panic! Over more recent years though…every time I catch up with Ireka she’s either getting an award, finishing a degree, or Masters or something academically Mighty, and she is currently working on her research for her PHd.Join us for this 2 part episodeSupport the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

This week’s episode is particularly Irie as we speak to creative King and Queen duo who are well known artisans and business owners on the island Azizah and Ras Sipho Onifa.Members of Barbados’ Rastafarian Community and Co-Founders of Azipho Creations today we catch up in the heart of Barbados’ capital city Bridgetown at Azipho’s Creations newest store in James Street.This small treasure chest nestled in one of the islands oldest historic sights, Nidhe Synagogue and Museum, and on the recently renovated site in keeping with Bridgetown's UNESCO World Heritage status, would have originally been used for artisans back in the day. It’s full of beautiful hand-crafted pieces…wall to wall! Azizah’s jewelry is bold and distinctive… and Ras Sipho’s work in shoes and leather craft is the perfect compliment.Specializing in jewelry making, and leathercraft this union is most highly blessed by Jah!There are so many things I love about Rastafari; one is family, and that family love, unity and strength.  Azipho’s Creations is most definitely a family affair with their daughter also following in the family footsteps with her business too.I came to Barbados over 20 years ago so I can say with confidence Azizah and Ras Sipho are foundation when it comes to Rastafari way of life and faith and also business. A couple I admire and continue to look up to over the years... I’m interested and excited to hear of their trod, the ups and the downs throughout the years.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

I had a Facebook post a few weeks back…you know one of those memories. It was a picture from 10 years ago, broadcasting live on Voice of Barbados 92.9fm with this week’s guest, Sonia Small Als.If you have ever sort of a car loan in Barbados, a credit card, debt consolidation and or more...you have probably spoken to or at least heard of Sonia.Who likes to talk openly about their personal finances? Or about our individual budget, spending habits and patterns.I recently did a small course with the National Transformation Initiative Barbados in personal financial management, to try and gain more knowledge and perspective in an area I feel ignorant in.It’s legitimately embarrassing to talk openly about our financial misgivings, most of us would prefer to put our heads in the sand. However, the short course taught me, like very thing else, to manage it, you must look in detail at how you really spend every last penny or cent. It’s like facing a fear for some…The cost of living in Barbados is now really spiraling high, making it challenging for the average person to make ends meet.After years of working in the financial sector, advising clients and enabling them to reach their financial goals Sonia Small Als joins us to share her knowledge and experience gained over these many years.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

If you have ever seen Strictly Come Dancing or Celebrity Come Dancing reality TV shows you will know of Britain's Len Goodman, the judge.  I was recently saddened to hear of the passing of my old Dance teacher and mentor from Goodmans School of Dance back in the 80’s, Dartford's beloved, Len.Mum was excited to put me into ballet and tap classes from the age of 3 but I grew up in the age of ‘Stage Schools’, ‘Fame’ the tv series and later stage show, and Disco then a popular genre of music fueling a disco dancing frenzy. I was all sequins and spray on glitter but I wouldn’t change the experience for the world.When I came to Barbados to live I just stopped dancing…actually, for years until just before the pandemic. When I decided to emark on African dance classes for the first time.It was an immediate love but also very physically challenging. Ballet is all long neck, bum 'in'...very controlled in contrast to the African styles of dance where your hips are required to move, sometimes at quite a speed! I’m still loving the process which also led me to being choreographed and taught by Carol Brathwaite, dancer, actress, model and free spirit!Carol, Welcome to financially Free and IrieSupport the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

In this week's episode we talk to Donna Tull Cox.  Recently back from Jamaica working on a Theatre mentorship program and still recovering from a very significant birthday celebration, we hear from Donna about Drama, Theatre and a lot more!Many people ask about to my training and background in broadcasting but it actually all started in Theatre for me really.From 12 years old and from its inception I was a member of The Orchard Youth Theatre in my home town, Dartford, Kent. This exposed me to numerous stage performances, auditions a small tour in Birmingham and lots of fun!I also studied A Level Drama and Theatre Studies which led me on to my degree which is in Drama, Theatre and Television Studies. Many fundamental techniques and practices I learned in drama are what make me an accomplished broadcaster today.It also led me to my friendship with Donna, instantly connecting on our love and passion for Drama, theatre and performance so today it’s a pleasure to welcome Donna Tull Cox to this week's episode of Financially Free and Irie.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

Meet Barbados' youngest CEO, fourteen-year-old Dakarai Ellis of Valid Drip Brand!What happens when a young mind turns to business? Listen to this week's episode to find out...When I was thirteen, I was mainly into boys, which ones I fancied at school... music (the Sony Walkman was ‘it’ back in those days). I was also a dancer, so everything was dance related; rehearsals and competitions to be honest. The only area that I knew I had to concentrate on and don’t mess up was schoolwork and my dancing so the thought of running a business at thirteen years old would have been completely out of the realm of my young brains understanding.But not Dakarai Ellis’Dakarai, welcome to Financially Free and IrieSupport the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

In this week's episode of Financially Free and Irie we take some time out under a shady neem tree, in our capital City, Bridgetown, to speak with Itasha from Connections Therapy Spa.An Itec certified massage therapist for over 20 years, Itasha talks of memories of Grandma's medicinal 'rub downs,' to her own new range of natural healing oils.We can never underestimate the importance of taking time out for 'self', listening to our bodies and the benefits of Itasha's therapies and oils.Itasha's voice is even soothing so it's no surprise she is now working with Reiki healing in addition to her other skills and products.Both the 'laying on of hands' and 'anointing' have many biblical and spiritual references making Connections Therapy Spa a perfect combinational of skill and product.Also available for house/villas calls, corporate events, Spa Parties and more, I'm looking forward to my next massage and relaxing body oil from Connections!Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

This week’s episode of Financially Free and Irie is called Knock Out Punch!! But we are not talking boxing…Who hasn’t heard of Garry’s Rum Punch? Not many to be honest, a well known business and brand, today we speak to its number 1 ambassador and founder, Garry, at Garry’s Rum Punch Pon the Corner, main road, Black Rock St. Michael.Established over 20 years ago from the heart of St. Michael, Garry speaks candidly about his ups and downs in business. How his business survived the pandemic and more... from his new bustling location.Garry's Rum Punch...a Taste with a Difference!Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

This week on Financially Free and Irie I’m joined by Imari from Waist Beads Barbados. “Personalised Waist Beads to Adorn your Sacred Space made with Love.” Get ready to enter our sacred space with Financially Free where we talk about business, sisterhood, and the significance of waist beads in African culture and its diaspora.Why do we adorn ourselves? what role does it play in the empowerment of the wearer?If you haven't already, I can highly recommend Getting Waisted  with Imari (also makes a great gift idea!)Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

In the second part of this program we hear more from Tito Clarke at King Blessed Creations.How did he get through at the Holetown Festival 2023?How does he market his work?Is there money to be made in art?And how you too can own your unique Tito Clarke, King Blessed Creations piece.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

This week on Financially Free and Irie I’m joined by Tito Clarke from King Blessed Wood Carvings, St. Stephens Hill, Barbados!A faithful member of the Rastafari Community Tito, with the support of his partner Jan and Rasta family has found his calling in creating beautiful and unique Mahagony wood carvings.Mahagony trees in Barbados are protected by law under The Tree Preservation Act as we know the trees importance to our environment and biodiversity. The trees play many important roles on the island including carbon sequestration from the leaves, cooling temperatures, root structures that support soil sustainability and more.King Blessed Wood Carvings promote green and natural art practices by recycling parts of legally felled mahogany trees, including the roots, to produce one of a kind eye-catching pieces.Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

In this week’s episode we hear the ‘Reel Story’ from Teddy Calderon, Director of Audio Labb Studios with his extensive career covering music, video and film production on the island of Barbados and further afield.Teddy shares his insightful journey navigating through a cultural industry that is still developing in this region.Join me your host Natalya Peters every week for Financially Free and Irie - a One Love Media Services ProductionSupport the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia

This is my first Financially Free and Irie podcast in the series!This week we talk to Tamikia Skeete from J and T's Healthy Foods Barbados about her transition from the corporate world to setting up a family business.Being given a pepper from Trinidad, passing it onto her husband who planted it surprisingly yielding hundreds of trees was the start.  Sowing that seed has now turned into a family brand available in many stores and supermarkets across the island.Listen every week on Buzzsprout for more...Support the showShow your continued support by subscribing! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2208755/supportFinancially Free and Irie Podcast 2023Host Natalya PetersA One Love Media Services Productionhttps://www.voices.com/actors/onelovehttps://www.instagram.com/natalyaonelovemedia