Kulcha Shock with Charm

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Monique Kelly an  Assistant Professor at the Michigan State University. Monique is a former track athlete from Kingston, Jamaica. We dive into aspects of the classism and racism debate and specific social issues initiated by Slavery and colonialism in Jamaica.  In addition, Monique tackles controversial topics such as skin bleaching and the political contribution to racism in Jamaica, and disparities in access to wealth.Bio:Dr. Kelly received her Ph.D. in 2019 at the University of California Irvine. She joined MSU Sociology in 2019 as one of the College's first Dean's Research Associates.Her research broadly focuses on racial and ethnic identities, attitudes, and inequality, as well as on immigration processes connected to those social dynamics. Her current research agenda uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate race, colorism, stratification, and inequality comparatively within the Anglo-Caribbean ( English Speaking) and the larger black diaspora. Source: Michigan State /University News.Dr. Kelly's Publication on race:Jamaican Ethnic Oneness: Race, Colorism, and Inequality.  core.ac.uk/reader/224399710References:Jamaica's response to the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. https://www.refworld.org/docid/51ed188d4.htmlDr. Carolyn Cooper's New York Times OpED ' Who is Jamaica?' https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/opinion/who-is-jamaica.htmlModern Blackness- Nationalism, Globalization, and the Politics of Culture in Jamaica (Latin America Otherwise)by Deborah A Thomas https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00EHBS9L0&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_AQ8844E5RYXFG9VJJ

As Jamaicans, we grew up seeing our parents and grandparents toil day and night to provide. We saw working hard as a sign of strength and an avenue to success. Many did not stop to think about how the workaholic culture impacts our mental health.In this episode, Sara Joi, a mental wellness expert and self-care advocate discusses Jamaican culture and self-care.Sara Joi Trowers was  born and raised in Mandeville, Jamaica, and migrated to the US in 2001She is the Director of Day Services supporting adults with disabilities and a Self-Care and & Lifestyle Blogger. Sara is married to her childhood friend who both attended DeCarteret College. The two have a 4-year old son who colors their world. Sara also has a BA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Iona College.Follow her journey on https://www.sarajoi.com/ and on Instagram : @iamsarjoi 

My guest is former Jamaican high school athlete now turned Mental Wellness Coach and Professor, Dr. Claudia Marshall. We talk about ways to overcome imposter syndrome and step into your greatness.We also dive into the cultural aspects of growing up Jamaican and what helps or hinders us when navigating imposter syndrome. Dr. Claudia C. Marshall is a Jamaican born , former athlete who persevered and achieved her PhD in Counsellor Education and Supervision from Auburn University.Dr. Marshall offers several ways to work together:SPSS Data Analysis ConsultingDissertation Coaching Mental Wellness Coaching Personal Development Through MentoringClaudia's Podcast: Talk the Truth https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-the-truth/id1539067876Claudia's Website:https://marshallcoachingandmentoring.com/

New Year!New Look!New opportunity to start afresh!Hey! Allow me to reintroduce my Podcast! ⁣⁣I started the podcast journey without being fully prepared. However, the only way to improve is to start!⁣⁣⁣⁣There was a name, a concept, bad audio but I kept pushing.⁣ What I've learned along the journey is that perfection can stifle or kill dreams. ⁣⁣⁣

Just call me First cousin Charmaine and we will be fine!!!Meet the Mitchell (MTM) family is a modern Jamaican and Chinese blended family who launched a YouTube channel chronicling their day to day life.The family, led by Dancehall artiste Tami Chin (Tami Chynn) and Wayne Mitchell ( Wayne Marshall) shows us their life as parents of 4 boys with a multi cultural, extended family in Jamaica.In this episode I examine 12 cultural impacts of the MTM family dynamic .Make sure you subscribe to their channel Meet the Mitchells and join in on what everyone's talking about!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfzdy0NEa2uR7d4_cGCraQ

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Recently John Legend and Chrissy Teigen shared a heart wrenching story of infant loss and this sparked so much conversation among women who suffer in silence with this issue. As Jamaicans and possibly the Caribbean, this is not something that we speak about growing up, our women for the most part suffer in silence . In this episode Kay, a Jamaican born registered nurse in the UK , shares her struggles with multiple infant losses and her journey through IVF. We talk about the family pressures and support needed for woman ensuring this ordeal. She hopes that her story helps families cope and offered resources and decisions that worked for her.

In this episode Ryan Strachan shares the prospects for investing in Jamaica and tips for first time investors. Ryan Strachan is the Assistant Vice President of Investor Relations - Grace Kennedy Capital Management Limited , a private equity and investment advisory arm of GraceKennedy.Ryan Strachan has over 10 years of experience in the local financial services industry. Brokerage Resources mentioned in the episode:TD Ameritrade - TDAmeritrade.comCharles Schwabb - Schwab.comJtrader.com for online trading. Catch up on Ryan’s latest articles in the Jamaica Observer : The new normal Coexisting with COVID-19 requires growth2020: The year SPACS and APO's took hold in the equity marketsContact Ryan : Ryan.Strachan@gkco.com http://gk-capital.com/

And We're Back!!!! In this episode Charm introduces Season 2 which will share ideas on legacy building and dealing with life struggles that we must consider when taking the next step towards generational wealth for Caribbean people and the Diaspora. This season will be sprinkled with fun conversations as usual but the time is now to define what our future goals.

Traveling in the Covid-19 Pandemic is filled with uncertainties. On this episode I share my experiences traveling to my Island of birth and what you'll need to know before booking your trip .

On this episode my guests Florida Attorneys Harold Pryor and Nikeisha Pryor gives us the historical and legal context that helps us understand racial tensions in 2020. I have known Niki, as she is often affectionately called, since high school in our small town in Manchester, Jamaica . Personally she has been a role model and inspiration to me and so many of our high school peers. I was delighted to interview her and even happier that her husband was able to join the conversation and provide sound historically context as a fifth generation Floridian.On the episode, Niki provides a unique perspective on issues affecting to the black community as well as cultural differences in how Black Americans and Caribbeans Americans are perceived. She is currently the proud founder of Pryor Law Group and Cornerstone Florida Title & Abstract in Broward County Florida , where she focuses on commercial and residential real estate matters, as well as corporate transactions. Previously, Niki served as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County. More information is available on her website at https://www.pryorlawgroup.com/Harold Pryor , in addition to serving as an Assistant State Attorney, has worked as an Associate Attorney in two prominent Florida Law firms. Harold now serves as In-house Counsel for a telecommunications company where he specializes in business litigation, FCC consumer related issues, employment law, and commercial transactions.On August 18, 2020 Harold will be on your ballot as he is running for Office as a State Attorney in Florida!!! His vision and commitment to justice reform is exciting to hear. Read his vision, volunteer and donate on his website at https://www.haroldpryor.com/We need resources to create the change we would like to see, so please lets help get Harold in Office!Caribbean people, if you can, VOTE! Every decision we make today will affect the lives of our family , friends, visiting relatives and our United States brothers and Sisters!HAROLD PRYOR DEMOCRAT FOR STATE ATTORNEY!

In this episode we discuss the top Pros and Cons associated with dating Jamaican men. You may be surprised at some of the responses from women across the globe.

Jamaicans are everywhere! When I say everywhere I mean we literally dash way like salt! ( For my non-patois listeners this means we really are everywhere just like salt)Not only are we dispersed all over the world sprinkling scotch bonnet pepper in every corner; but we also play an integral role in key sectors of society. Healthcare is one such area where Caribbean people shine! According the the US Census Bureau 2015 report , Caribbean nationals make up 16% of all the foreign born healthcare workers. We are in the frontline of this pandemic!Dr. Michael Daley is a Jamaican Born Montegonian (Big up Compre!) who pursued a career in Medicine and now has a unique perspective working in the Emergency Care department of multiple Hospitals in the Chicago area. In this episode we dive into the current concerns, the impact on the Caribbean community and what to expect in terms of treatment and vaccine possibilities.

In this episode we discuss the highlights of Trinidad carnival and most importantly, why it is a MUST go for Soca lovers and persons who are up for a good cultural immersion. This episode also highlights great resources that can be found on globalcarnivalist.com, concierge service /booking scams to be on the look out for with a few crazy stories sprinkled in. Whew!

This episode examines the challenges the world is facing with an ever evolving Global Pandemic caused by Covid-19. This is a new space for many of us and as Caribbean natives there are aspects of our upbringing that can help us cope with this new normal.

This episode examines some of the dating challenges faced by many single women today. We talk survival tips on how to cope with social media pressures and society expectations. I share dating horror stories and how women I know have handled them real time.

Traveling anywhere in world during the Christmas holidays can be pricey to say the least! However if you are a Jamaican native traveling back home for the holidays is not only a hassle but in most cases the most expensive vacation of the year. Considering the fact that airline prices may even triple during this time; many Jamaicans do an annual evaluation of whether this trip is worth it or not.In this episode we explore the various factors and review of pricey activities that leaving most of us saying.."Maybe another Christmas I'll go; not this year."

In this episode I reflect on some of my personal life lessons on the year and decade. In addition I dive into some steps you can incorporate in your daily routine to maximize your potential and shine as the BEST YOU!

Jamaican Born wife, mother and fitness expert Ann Marie Meeks joins Kulcha Shock with Charm family to discuss life in Down Under. Ann Marie describes cultural adaptation, interracial marriage and the impact of her upbringing in rural Jamaica on her life abroad.

My Guest Dr. Tiphanie Ivey is a Jamaica born scholar, wife and mother of 3 children who shares her experiences with living abroad and balancing the challenges of having a family away from her place of birth. Tiphanie provides helpful insight and tips that may help mothers in particular find a balance between personal , career aspirations and raising a family.

This episode describes common questions that we sometimes ask blindly without thinking of the impact on others. I have certainly asked these questions before only to find out how it triggered someone else as well as being on the receiving end of thoughtless questions. This may resonate with you or invoke serious thought prior to having these conversations.

Setting Boundaries with family in a crucial component in maintaining healthy, functional relationships especially while abroad. Financial success can be onerous for many individuals and we explore ways to balance demands and gauge expectations as a family.

In this episode we will look at 10 ways to increase your travel Budget and pay for the vacation of your dreams.Save your coins. Becoming more disciplined in preparing and sticking to your monthly budget in key when trying to pay for nice vacations. Review the budget and find areas where you can cut back on current monthly expenses. Great budgeting resources: Classic Happy Planner : available at Michaels.com Classic Happy Planner Budget Inserts: available at Michaels.com ToniTone Budget Template : https://www.tonitone.co.uk/budget-template Mint.com Budgetsimple.com Rewards cards. Every savvy traveller need a credit card with Great travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees. Talk to your bank or lender and they can advise you on the best option available to you. Top Rewards card resource: Thepointsguy.com Earn while doing Surveys. Gettin paid for doing online surveys using inboxdollars.com and panelapp.com is becoming a new trend that you may want to look into.Earn cash back on purchased. A great way of earning cash back for day to day online purchases can be achieved by using apps such as Rukaten and Dosh. Find Family to Stay with . A good way to save money for travel is finding friends or family members to stay with. Please exercise some discretion, brings a nice gift and offer to help when you can. Be a nice house guest!!Utilize your Skills. Find areas where you can leverage and monetize your skills. Ideas to Leverage you current skills: Graphic T-shirt line Hair stylist Freelance graphic or web design at Fiverr.com Do It Yourself (DIY). You can save hundreds on your bills on a given month if you try a few home repairs on your home. Youtube and Google can be your best friend here. Rent Your home or ‘Housesit’ someone’s home on vacation. Listing your property on websites such as airbnb.com and homeaway.com can pay for your vacation depending on your location. Similarly, you can house sit someone’s home while on vacation using housesitter.com.Cook on Vacations. There isn’t too much to say in this regard. The bottom line is saving more coins by eating out less. Get a part-time job to boost your monthly income. Uber.com , Postmates.com are great food delivery services that offer flexibility. In addition you can try babysitting or a cleaning gig after hours. Thanks for Listening! Talk soon!

Set an annual travel budget and ensure it remains untouched.Choose reasonably prices destinations . Eternalarrival.com is a resource that gives a good breakdown of the most inexpensive country and the cost per day to visit.Check visa requirements for each country you are planning to visit even if it is a layover using passportindex.orgChoose off-peak travel is you can and if not ensure that you are booking 3-6 months in advance for peak travel time travel. lonelyplanet.com is a great resource to find destinations and the best time to travel.Watch your flights using Hopper app and check all neighboring airports for the best deals.Pack Light and save on baggage fees. Be prepared to take public transportation and walk . Use Rome2rio App to help you find trains and GURUmaps app to download offline city maps. Buy Travel insurance to help in the event of an unexpected medical emergency. Visitorscoverage.com is a good place to start.

Welcome to the Kulcha Shock with Charm family. This episode introduces various concepts surrounding culture shock and how it impacts the Caribbean community abroad. Our first episode describes the show concepts and topics the listeners can expect.