WongaGyal: The Podcast

Tiana & Ashley spend some time talking about their relationships with seasonings and spices, which of course is a rabbit hole that always leads to pepper - would we be Caribbean if it didn't?

Tiana & Ashley are joined again by very special guest, Miss Jamaica World 2021 - Khalia Hall. The trio talk Khalia's Beauty with a Purpose project (HEAL), navigating healthy eating and bioindividuality.

The WongaPod is BACK after an ALMOST year long hiatus, and Tiana & Ashley waste no time in diving into the meat of some serious matters: the gentrification of Jamaica food, primarily through the lens of oxtail.

Tiana & Ashley explore all the ways that their relationships with food have changed on a personal and communal level since the COVID-19 pandemic. We look at how local restaurants have pivoted, and end with some words of gratitude for our Season 2 finale.

Tiana & Ashley are joined by very special guest and close friend, Kerri Bell, to talk about the experiences as women with different body types growing up in Jamaica. Body image seems to be engrained in Caribbean culture as a conversation starter and icebreaker. We unpack what that means for each of us, while sharing our personal relationships with body positivity and food.

Tiana & Ashley take the popular Jamaican Twitter argument, "Does Jamaica even have street food?" to the podcast! They look at it from both sides, starting with a dissection of the definition of "street food". Shade is thrown.

In the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Month, Tiana & Ashley explore some of the connections between mental wellbeing and food. We talk the importance of the brain, micronutrients and the general awareness of mental health as a concept for kids, teenager and adults.

Tiana & Ashley are joined by very special guest - head cook and bottle washer of up and coming plant-based catering business Shibumi, Khalia Hall! They talk Khalia's journey into the food world after pursuing a degree in Engineering, and they even chat a bit about exploring the plant based food landscape right here in Jamaica.

Tiana & Ashley discuss the history of juice, both in general and in Jamaica, with a brief commentary of juicing diet craze! This episode is sponsored by Orijin Juice Company and features a live tasting of 2 of their 100% not from concentrate fruit juices.

Tiana & Ashley chat about the significance of food at Easter time, particularly eggs, fish and the Jamaican favourite - bun and cheese.

Tiana & Ashley talk about the significance of Chinese cuisine on Jamaican food culture, including a live tasting of 10 different noodles, courtesy of Central Trading Company Ltd.

Tiana & Ashley discuss the diversity of restaurant menus in Kingston through the lens of a foodie fave, Alfredo Pasta. Are menus lacking diversity or does it boil down to something else? And why do Jamaicans love Alfredo so much? Listen and find out.

Tiana & Ashley tackle the hard to swallow relationship between Lent & diet culture, followed by some fun answering questions from the WongaListeners! They talk prime lunch kit real estate, juice formulae and when Ashley will have goat meat for sale again?

Tiana & Ashley dissect LoopJA's 2019 article entitled "12 Must-Haves At A Jamaican Christmas Dinner". We talk about everything from the significance of Christmas Ham to Sorrel to Enchiladas & Tamales? Wishing you all a safe and prosperous holiday season, from the WongaGyal family to yours.

In this episode, Tiana & Ashley discuss the cultural significance of Box Food in Jamaican society through the scope of an in depth definition of what it entails, it's relationship to 2020's Jamaica Food & Drink Festival's "Experience in A Box", and so much more. 

Tiana & Ashley tackle the cause and effects of Lactose Intolerance, with special guest and fellow Lactose Intolerant (to Ashley), Bradley. The trio also dive into dairy milk alternatives and discuss the implications of dairy milk, soy mylk, almond mylk & oat mylk not only on human health, but on the environment. This episode is powered by Phran's Farm Organics... and features a surprise live tasting of the local plant based business' beverages.

Tiana & Ashley play another riveting game of "This or That: Foodie Edition" - tackling big debates like pancakes vs waffles, saltfish or corn pork with ackee and roast or fry breadfruit. What do you say? Roast or Fry!?

Tiana & Ashley are joined by special guest, Kii McKoy, to discuss navigating the American food landscape as tourists and foreign immigrants from Jamaica. We dive head on into defining differences between American and Caribbean food culture and investigating the social significance of meal time.

Tiana & Ashley explore the wonders of comfort food and cravings. Are the two different... or are they one and the same? And is the high that we get from eating good food purely emotional, or is it biological too?

Tiana & Ashley are joined this week by some of their closest guy friends and rum heads - Michael, Kristoff & Brandon - to discuss the changes that 2020 have ushered in for premier local liquor brand, Appleton Estate Rum, as well as the culture surrounding cocktails and mixed drinks on our little long island.

Tiana & Ashley delve into what defines Jamaican Food Culture and its connection to the past, present and future with a feature on some local favourites.

Tiana & Ashley tackle Starbucks in Jamaica - discussing the economic and cultural role that the overseas brand plays alongside natives like Cafe Blue and Cannonball Cafe.

In a game of Foodie Hot Seat: Scotch Bonnet Edition, Tiana & Ashley debate about Chicken Gravy or Curry Gravy, Boiled Dumplin vs Fried Dumplin for Breakfast and so much more.