Podcasts about eastern caribbean

The Caribbean faces significant shifts as the US considers visa restrictions for four Eastern Caribbean nations with citizenship-by-investment programs, while other islands tackle financial regulation challenges and pursue new economic opportunities. Tourism officials express concern about potential travel disruptions if the US implements its proposed restrictions against Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.US State Department Puts 4 Caribbean Nations On Watch List Over Citizenship-By-Investment ProgramsBritish Virgin Islands Placed On FATF "Gray List" Due To Financial Services Industry DeficienciesBarbados Opens Its First Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary Within A Regulated FrameworkDominican Republic Coffee Exports Surge 106.6% To $41.1 Million In 2024Subscribe to Pulse of the Caribbean for weekly insights into the economic, political, and social developments reshaping the region. What Caribbean story interests you most? Please share your thoughts and join our growing community of listeners passionate about the Caribbean's future. Be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.Listen online at www.pulseofthecaribbean.com or your favorite streaming platform.Send news releases to news@pulseofthecaribean.com. If you have an interest in sponsoring our podcast, email us at  biz@pulseofthecaribbean.com.

In this powerful episode of the PowettPlay Podcast, hosts Jordan Shannon and West Indies star Kieran Powell are joined by Akeem Charles, West Indies Board Director from St Maarten, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about cricket. From producing raw cricketing talent with minimal infrastructure to the pressing need for investment in grassroots development, the trio discusses the challenges faced by players in St Maarten and the wider Leeward Islands cricket structure. The discussion highlights how, despite these hurdles, the island continues to punch above its weight producing international stars like Keacy Carty, the in-form West Indies batter, who has become a symbol of pride for St Maarten. With Kieran and Akeem sharing a friendship, the episode flows naturally into reflections on the future of Leeward Islands cricket, the importance of nurturing regional talent, and how better facilities could unlock a new era for cricket in the Eastern Caribbean. This is more than just a cricket conversation it's raising awareness, support, and sustainable development in an often-overlooked part of the cricketing world. #StMaarten #cricket #LeewardIslandsCricket #KeacyCarty #WestIndiescricket #cricketinfrastructure #Caribbeancricketdevelopment, #grassrootscricket #AkeemCharles #KieranPowell #PowettPlayPodcast #caribbeancricket #windiescricket #cricketpodcast

Ranesha Dean is a branch manager for Caribbean Alliance Insurance Company, a regional general insurance company in the Eastern Caribbean, and is responsible for the Bahamas operations. Her career in the general insurance industry began in 2009, and she has worked in various roles over the years, including sales, underwriting, claims, and compliance. She holds a BA in economics and finance from The University of The Bahamas (formerly College of The Bahamas) and several designations with The Institutes, including the CPCU designation (2022). Ranesha is an avid insurance learner eager to dive into new insurance topics as an aspiring insurance writer. In this episode of In the Know, Chris Hampshire and Ranesha explore the unique challenges of the Caribbean insurance market, the impact of climate change on business, and the impact that her CPCU designation has had on her career.   Key Takeaways Ranesha's journey into the insurance market led to branch manager. Unique challenges of insurance in the Caribbean. Capacity crunch and climate change impacts. The response of the insurance industry in the wake of 2019's Hurricane Dorian. Technology and IT advances in the Caribbean. Ranesha's message to anyone considering joining the insurance industry. The impact of the CPCU designation on Ranesha's career. Attracting new talent to the industry in the Caribbean. Surprises that Ranesha has discovered in her career. A five-year look at the future of the Caribbean insurance market. Ranesha's CPCU Society advice to her early career self.   In the Know podcast theme music written and performed by James Jones, CPCU, and Kole Shuda of the band If-Then.   To learn more about the CPCU Society, its membership, and educational offerings, tools, and programs, please visit CPCUSociety.org.   Follow the CPCU Society on social media: X (Twitter): @CPCUSociety Facebook: @CPCUSociety LinkedIn: @The Institutes CPCU Society Instagram: @the_cpcu_society

A review of Norwegian Cruise Line's brand new ship Norwegian Aqua. This was a seven-night cruise from Port Carnival to the Eastern Caribbean.  Staff writer Richard Simms has cruise news on Carnival selling a ship, Royal Caribbean bailing on Labadee, a flood on Carnival Conquest , and more. 

Send us a textIn this conversation, the guests from World Pediatrics discuss their mission to improve pediatric healthcare, particularly focusing on neonatal care. They highlight the significant global issues of infant mortality and the need for advanced healthcare access in underserved communities. The discussion covers the organization's history, the shift towards neonatal care, funding challenges, and the importance of building sustainable partnerships with local governments and communities. They also explore innovative strategies for capacity building and the adaptability of their programs in different settings. This conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of pediatric care in the Eastern Caribbean, focusing on the OECS. The speakers discuss the importance of regional cooperation, capacity building initiatives, and the need for community-centric approaches to healthcare. They highlight the significance of data sharing, training, and sustainable practices in improving neonatal care across the islands. The discussion also emphasizes the role of organizations like World Pediatrics in facilitating these efforts and the importance of connecting with healthcare professionals to enhance pediatric health outcomes.Contact: Contact - World PediatricsAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

A review of Carnival Venezia on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. Dan Skilken from TripInsurance.com answers listener-related travel insurance questions. 

What happens when we break down communication barriers—especially for those who are speech-delayed or don't use words to speak? In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sheryl Rosin, Speech-Language Pathologist, researcher, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals. We explore how to unlock communication using a strengths-based, person-centered approach that empowers individuals across the spectrum. From augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to the importance of presuming competence, Dr. Rosin shares transformative insights for parents, professionals, and anyone who believes every voice deserves to be heard.About Dr. RosinSheryl Rosin Ph.D.,CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and Certified Autism Specialist with 28 years of experience in the field. Dr. Rosin has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to evidence-based practices in assessment and intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She has been published in both national and international research journals related to ASD assessment and intervention practices. She is the founder, owner and executive director of Palm Beach Speech & OT Specialists and Play Pals Early Learning Program for preschoolers in West Palm Beach, Florida and Boston Speech & OT Specialists in Wellesley, Massachusettes. Dr. Rosin serves as adjunct professors at: 1) University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and 2) Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is a supervisor and master trainer for The Play Project, an evidence based early intervention program for children with autism. She is also the Founder and President of Star Foundation - a 501(c)3 supporting children with autism and other related disorders living in underserved and low-resourced areas of the world. She has developed an international autism program within the Caribbean and is the Founder and Consulting Director of The St. Kitts Spectrum Services Centre in St.Kitts, the first Autism assessment and intervention clinic in the Eastern Caribbean. Dr.Rosin is the winner of the 2016 Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Clinician of the Year Award and the 2017 Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Recent Clinical Achievement from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.About TheresaA wife and a mother to two children and grandmother, Theresa Alexander Inman is a Parenting Coach, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Infant Toddler Development Specialist. She was introduced to the field of behavior analysis in 2007 after working in many capacities in the juvenile justice system.Her goal is to improve the lives of children and families by helping them strategize child develop skills to prevent or reduce the effects of possible delays while having fun! She also served as a panelist on the first annual Autism World Summit.Theresa is also an author, having published ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“Pathways to Early Communication”⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in 2022.Connect with Theresa today!• Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theresa Inman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theresa Inman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• BabyBoomer.org | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theresa Inman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• YouTube | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parenting with Confidence⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• Tiktok | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@parentcoachtheresa• Spotify via Anchor.fm | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Parenting with Confidence ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: https://www.theresaalexanderinman.com/About Parenting on the SpectrumRaising autistic children comes with unique joys, challenges, and learning moments. Join host Theresa as she explores the diverse experiences of parenting kids on the spectrum. Each episode features expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies to help you navigate this journey with understanding, compassion, and strength. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or ally, this podcast is your go-to resource for fostering connection and celebrating neurodiversity. Please share, comment, rate, and download! Be blissful! Theresa

Since scholarship on the topic discussed is limited, a large portion of the details heard on this episode was taken from “The Making of ‘The Comrade': The Political Journey of Ralph Gonsalves" by Ralph GonsalvesToday, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is the one of the longest serving head of government in Caribbean history. As of this episode recording, he is the current prime minister of St.Vincent and the Grenadines - a post he has held since 2001. Beloved throughout the region, he has affectionately called Uncle Ralph and Comrade Ralph. But back in the 1970's, this affection was non-existent as he was persona non-grata throughout the Eastern Caribbean.For additional reading information on this episode and to view our transcript for this episode, visit our website at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tenementyaadmedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't forget to follow us on our social mediaTwitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tenementyaad_?lan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky: ⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/tenementyaadmedia.com⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tenementyaad_/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@tenementyaad_⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to support The Yaad monetary? Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to make a donation

On today's Disney Podcast, we are reviewing everything we experienced on the Disney Treasure this past week for Spring Break. We did so many new things that we have never done! We were contestants on Match Your Mate. We got haircuts in Hook's Barbery. We had couple's massages in the Zero Gravity Suite in Senses […] The post Our Disney Treasure 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Trip Report appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.

Send us a textThe Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 222 - This week, we finish with days 5, 6, and 7 of our cruise on the Disney Treasure.  There's dinner at Worlds of Marvel and the Day of the Dead at Plaza de Coco.  We had a day at sea and a stop at Castaway Cay.  And we saw two great shows.  Plus, there's news from EPCOT, Disney Cruise, Disney Springs, and more on episode 222 of the Mickeyphile Podcast. Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/946434275769168/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mickeyphile_podcast/Music: “Cân thema (Mickeyphile Podcast Theme)” copyright Scott Daves 2024

No pleasant introductions, or quaint toast at the end of this one folks. We may have moved past the brink, and into the abyss, but that's to discuss in later episodes....Today, three long-term USAID staffers  now retired and free to talk describe their anger over how  the foreign aid  program has been gutted and colleagues maligned, their fear about global suffering and losses that will result ,and their hope for a  come back  in the future.Francisco Bencosme was formerly the China Policy Lead for USAID, the principal advisor on issues relating to China and Taiwan. Prior to joining USAID, he was deputy to the Special Presidential Envoy for Compact of Free Association talks, helping conclude agreements with the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau in the Pacific Islands. He was at the same time senior advisor to the assistant secretary for East Asian and the Pacific Affairs.Before joining the Biden/Harris administration, he was a senior policy advisor at the Open Society Foundations covering Asia and Latin America. During his time at Amnesty International USA, Bencosme led the US human rights policy and advocacy program towards the Asia Pacific.  In 2018, he was named one of The Hill's Top Lobbyist for a campaign on Myanmar Rohingya issues. He also has served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff.Ann Posner spent more than 32 years working in USAID missions in the Czech Republic, Russia, Albania, Bosnia and the West Bank-Gaza.  As a Foreign Service Executive Officer she led local administrative staffs and helped manage programs involving issues ranged from crop marketing in the Eastern Caribbean, anti-corruption and free election laws in Russia, and agricultural aid in Albania to investigation journalism and judicial reform in BosniaSusan Reichle is a retired Senior Foreign Service officer of USAID and former president and CEO of the International Youth Foundation — global non-profit working to equip and inspire young people everywhere to transform their lives. Before joining IYF, Susan spent 26 years in leadership positions at USAID missions overseas and in Washington, D.C. During her last three years at USAID, she served as the Counselor to the Agency, USAID's most Senior Foreign Service Officer, and advised the administrator and senior leadership on global development policies and management issues. She served in Haiti, Nicaragua, Russia, Colombia and her last assignment in USAID/Washington she led the Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance bureau.

We are currently sailing on Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Treasure, for a seven night Eastern Caribbean cruise over Spring Break. We are so excited to be able to experience this ship again and sail an itinerary that we have never been on before. From the specialty dining to the new fun things […] The post Our Disney Treasure 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Pre-Trip Report appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.

Today we are excited to be joined by Listener Michael from Indiana to discuss his cruise on the Disney Treasure last month! We talk about how 15 friends got together to experience Disney Cruise Line's newest ship and their initial thoughts on this unique experience! We discuss first impressions, staterooms, dining, entertainment, and more, so we hope you enjoy some time virtually "out at sea" with us today! We hope you can continue the conversation with us this week in the Be Our Guest Podcast Clubhouse at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Send us a textPart 1:  Karen and Scott discuss the first 5 days of their cruise on the Disney Treasure, including stops in Tortola, British Virgin Islands and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.  We talk about food, Magician Jess!ca Jane, the show Disney Seas the Adventure, and more food.  Including the Concierge Level (and Lounge)!  Live from St Thomas, USVI.  Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/946434275769168/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mickeyphile_podcast/Music: “Cân thema (Mickeyphile Podcast Theme)” copyright Scott Daves 2024

A review of Royal Caribbean's mega ship Icon of the Seas on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Miami, Florida.  Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn  | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  | Twitter | Patreon

A review of Carnival Vista on an eight night Eastern Caribbean review. Richard Simm has cruise news.  Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn  | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  | Twitter | Patreon

Many of us take roads for granted, but islands can have a harder time keeping them available. Farah Nibbs, assistant professor of emergency and disaster health systems at University of Maryland Baltimore County, looks into why. Farah Nibbs is a disaster scientist who studies the intersection of critical infrastructure and disasters in Small Island Developing […]

Chris from DCLCruisingDad.com joins us to discuss his family's 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing on the Disney Fantasy. Chris provides a…

Something a little different for you today.I am speaking at the Battle of Ideas this weekend on three rather different matters:* Immigration and Demographics* Who Is the World's Greatest Comic?* Why Cash Keeps Us FreeDo come. You can get tickets here. With this years Battle in mind, the Academy of Ideas asked me to write one of its Letters on Liberty. Here it is for your reading or listening pleasure. (There is a PDF version here).It begins with this note from the Academy.What are Letters on Liberty?It's not always easy to defend freedom. Public life may have been locked down recently, but it has been in bad health for some time.Open debate has been suffocated by today's censorious climate and there is little cultural support for freedom as a foundational value. What we need is rowdy, good-natured disagreement and people prepared to experiment with what freedom might mean today.We stand on the shoulders of giants, but we shouldn't be complacent. We can't simply rely on the thinkers of the past to work out what liberty means today, and how to argue for it.Drawing on the tradition of radical pamphlets from the seventeenth century onwards - designed to be argued over in the pub as much as parliament - Letters on Liberty promises to make you think twice. Each letter stakes a claim for how to forge a freer society in the here and now.We hope that, armed with these Letters, you take on the challenge of fighting for liberty. Academy of Ideas teamWhy Cash Keeps Us Free by Dominic FrisbyGive most people the choice of living and working anywhere in the world, I bet the large majority would choose the US. For all its many shortcomings, it's still the land of opportunity. It's exciting, it's dynamic. Wonderful things can happen there. In terms of tech, with Silicon Valley and all the ensuing social media and ecommerce, it is very much the world leader. And yet, Americans still use cheques.When was the last time you used a cheque in Europe? Donkey's years ago. As much as 5 per cent of all financial transactions in the US last year were by cheque. For all its modernity, the US is - in terms of fintech - a good 10 years behind Europe or Australia. Not only do they use cheques, but people in the US still go out with cash in their pockets. Bunch of luddites.However, things are slowly changing, and the US is following the rest of the developed word to cashlessness. It is inevitable, I'm afraid. Technology is destiny.It's also a great shame. Cash empowers its usersWhen I pay you in cash, nobody else gets in on the transaction - it's a direct transfer from me to you. No grubby middlemen can cream off their percentage. No prying eyes of the state can monitor what we do. Big Tech can't glean information from the exchange, to be used at some later stage to sell you stuff or, worse, report back to Big Brother, Big Insurance or whichever Big wants in on your data. Nobody can stop you making the transaction. With cash, you can buy and sell and store your wealth outside of the financial system, if you so choose. There are plenty of reasons, both practical and moral, to do this.Cash means control. Just take the recent de-banking scandals from Canada to the UK, where truckers had their fundraised money withheld because of their views on lockdown, and a UK politician was kicked out of Coutts for holding the wrong opinions. Both the Canadian truckers and their families, and Nigel Farage, had one thing in common – they held views outside of the liberal mainstream. And because their money wasn't under their mattresses but in banks and websites, they lost control of their own cash.Indeed, instability is nothing new. We are repeatedly told how, in 2008, we were ‘on the brink', how close the system was to imploding. Surely, then, it makes practical sense to keep money outside of the system? When Cyprus' banks teetered on the cliff of financial disaster in 2011, there were bail-ins. Ordinary people's money, sitting in deposit accounts, was sequestered to save the system. If your life savings were threatened with confiscation to bail out an organisation you considered profligate, I imagine you too would want little part of it.What you do with your money says more about you than what you say  - no wonder so many want access to this information.Indeed, the former governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, has admitted that banking is not fixed - and we will see financial panic again. It makes sense to hoard some cash, if only as emergency money.In 2016, the Japanese central bank imposed negative rates to try to goad people into spending rather than saving, as the ageing Japanese are prone to do. The spectre of being charged a fee to keep your money in the bank loomed, and so much cash was then withdrawn that the country sold out of safes. Who can blame the Japanese? In Germany, Denmark and Switzerland, some high-net-worth individuals with more than 100,000 euros were charged for being wealthy. There was plenty of talk of confiscation and bail-ins during the financial panic that came with Covid, though fortunately it proved to only be talk. Nevertheless, when in the bank, your money can become a tool of government. How often do you support what your government is doing? Not that often, I imagine. People don't seem to realise this, but when you deposit money in the bank, you are actually lending it to the bank. The bank, under government orders, can then decide who you can and can't send money to (anyone tried sending money from a UK bank to a bitcoin exchange recently? Most banks won't allow you to). The bank can certainly monitor and then disclose what you do with your money. In times of financial panic, it is within the bank's power to confiscate money, again, on government orders. Cash protects you against all of this. It enables you not to play the game - if you don't want to.What you do with your money says so much about you - no wonder so many want access to this information. From the apparently benign (we can see what books you have bought, and so can suggest other books you might like) to the sinister (we can see what books you have bought, and therefore now have you marked down as a problem). When I was at university, a rumour circulated that various organisations monitored who took which books out of the library. Anyone who borrowed Mein Kampf went on a list as potential spy material - I'm not sure on who's side.These are all, in my view, quite legitimate reasons to want to keep money outside of the system. I'm not saying we should take all of our money out of the bank, but that we should all have the option to do so. It's our money, not the banks'. We need cash because it is private.Privacy - and why it matters‘Who are you? Why do you hide in the darkness and listen to my private thoughts?' - William ShakespeareIt's so obvious why we all need some privacy in the real world that it almost doesn't need explaining. Yet, in the digital world, so many of us don't realise just how much of our privacy we are giving away. On a daily basis, we sacrifice privacy for convenience. Different people know different things about you. You might supply your doctor with information you wouldn't give your taxi driver, but your taxi driver knows where you are going - and your doctor might not. You might supply your lover with information you wouldn't give your lawyer. Then again, you might tell your lawyer something you wouldn't tell your lover. The difference is, information you supply online - what you say, read, watch, share, buy or sell - can be used for purposes beyond those for which it was supplied.Information is taken, without you realising that you are granting permission, and is used to shape your behaviour.How often has this happened to you? I was talking to my daughter on the landing outside my bedroom about a trip I was planning. I said, ‘should I bring my Timberlands or my hiking boots?' She said ‘your Timberlands'. I said that they were a bit old. I got into bed, looked at my phone, and Amazon was flogging me Timberlands. Your phone is listening - accumulating information with which you did not deliberately supply it.It's not all bad - often that information might be used advantageously. I'm a huge Game of Thrones fan but I only discovered the books all those years ago because Amazon recommended them. YouTube frequently suggests videos to me that I'm interested in, which I might not otherwise have found. Nevertheless, information is taken, without you realising that you are granting permission, and is used to shape your behaviour and influence the decisions you make. The same data mining is taking place every time you use your credit card, or Apple Pay. It is used to determine the content you receive, to sell things to you, to make decisions about you - the loan, insurance, job or the opportunities you are offered. It is used to influence the political decisions you make. And all this information could be stolen. In the wrong hands, it could be used against you in some way. It can and is being used to spy on you.With financial transactions in the online world, you have little idea what information about you is being used, how it is being used or by whom. You have little say in its use - no ability to object nor power to amend that information. You have no control. There are no such concerns when using cash.You have nothing to hide‘If you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to hide' is the common argument against worrying about privacy. But if you are exploring new ideas - dangerous ideas, ideas that go against the orthodoxy, perhaps investigating the concept that the world might not be flat and is in fact round - do you really want some hidden power knowing what you are up to? The effect of this threat of intrusion is to censor free thought - to censor your inquisitiveness.One solution is to become a drone, to not do anything experimental or anything wrong. Perhaps that's what they - whoever they are - want. Gmail reads the emails you draft but decide not to send. Effectively it knows what you thought, but decided not to say. How dark is that?A better solution is to protect privacy - to limit the scope that others have to use our information beyond the purpose for which it was supplied. It allows us to have greater control over our online reputation and enables us to grow and mature without being shackled by foolish things we might have said or done in the past. It enables us to explore new ideas outside the mainstream, without fear of being watched. Those that know about us have power over us. Protecting privacy limits that power. Cash is key to this.But, of course, protecting privacy costs money. The internet is, mostly, free. Protecting your privacy takes effort. If you protect your privacy, you lose all the benefits that your phone and computer knowing a bit about you brings, from saved passwords to helpful book recommendations.This is the dilemma we all face, and most choose convenience without even realising it. This, above all, is why the world is going cashless. It's more convenient to pay with your phone, or with a card, than it is to carry cash. In the marketplace, convenience always wins.Mobile phones and the naysayersHere's a little story for you. By 2023, some 85 per cent of the global population - 6.8 billion people - had a smart phone. That's more people than have a toilet. Yet, at its peak in 2008, there were 1.3 billion landlines for a global population near 7 billion. Why did the mobile, and then the smartphone, succeed where the landline failed?Yes, superior wireless technology made widespread coverage more possible. But there is another, simpler reason: to get a landline, you need a bank account. When more than half of the world's population is ‘unbanked', as it was in 2008, without access to basic financial services, telecoms companies saw no potential custom. Those companies would have built lines in the Arctic circle if there was profit to be made by it, but there wasn't. Too many people were financially excluded. The infrastructure was never built, and people were left with fewer possibilities to communicate. A mobile, on the other hand, you can buy with cash. You don't need to be banked. The financial system was a barrier to progress for the world's poor. Cash is a facilitator for them - it means total financial inclusion, a luxury the better off take for granted. Without financial inclusion - and there will always be some that, for whatever reason, often some bureaucratic quirk, won't have it - you are trapped in poverty. Beware the war on cash.The irony is that the smartphone now facilitates financial inclusion, whether via traditional finance (banking etc) or modern alternatives - the likes of the African mPesa (a widely used currency based on airtime) or bitcoin and other crypto currencies.Handy cashCash still has its uses for small transactions - a chocolate bar, a newspaper or a pint of milk. It will always be the fastest form of payment there is - think of the change you might put in a busker's hat or the bucket of someone collecting money for charity. It is also the most direct payment there is.For many people not at the top end of the economic scale, cash is still king. For example, I like to tip waiters in cash, knowing they will receive that money without it being syphoned off by some unscrupulous employer. I like to shop in markets, where new businesses often start out. Cash is widespread - it's fast, it's cheap. I can buy directly from the producer knowing they will receive all the money, without middlemen shaving off their percentages. Goodness knows it's hard enough for new, small businesses as it is.A quick look at a recent British Retail Consortium report shows that, surprisingly, cash remains the least costly payment method to process. I want to maximise new businesses profits where I can. Many new businesses starting out need the cash economy. Small businesses need it. The financially excluded need the cash economy. The war on cash is a war on them. Cash also has its uses for private transactions, for which there are many - and by no means are all of them illegal. But if you listen to the scaremongering, you'd start to think that all cash users are either criminals, tax-evaders or terrorists. Sure, some use cash to evade tax, but it's paltry compared to the tax avoidance schemes multi-national corporations employ. Starbucks doesn't use cash to avoid tax, it's all done via legislative means.I have a confession to make - even I, with my highfalutin principles, no longer carry cash, guilty though it may make me feel.A quick poll of my Twitter followers showed that 36 per cent no longer carry any cash when they go out. This is also a generational thing. The number of no-cash-users is much higher among the under-30s. I have four kids between the ages of 18 and 23, none of them carry cash. Nor do their friends. It's the older (wiser?) generation who still carry cash, even if only as emergency money. The problem is, cash is like playing records, when the rest of the world is on Spotify.Use of cash fell quite dramatically with Covid, but it still accounts for 14% of all retail payments in the UK, according to a 2023 House of Commons paper. Projections are that, by 2031, this number will fall to 6%. (Obviously, if you include other payments the proportion is much lower.)In mainland Europe, the use of cash is higher at around 20% of all retail transactions. Germany, Italy and Spain are still at 35-50% cash, while the Nordic countries are below 10 per cent. In the US, the number is in the 20-25% region. But the trend is very much down. But here I have a confession to make - even I, with my highfalutin principles, no longer carry cash, guilty though it may make me feel. The truth is, cash is dying. The convenience of fintech is killing it. Money is now almost entirely digital.Bitcoin and digital cashTech might have doomed cash, but it is also coming to the rescue in the form of bitcoin and other crypto currencies. Bitcoin itself was invented to be a digital replication of the cash process. A can send money directly to B without there having to be any middleman to process the transaction. Bitcoin is cash for the internet.Among the many breakthroughs which got people so excited about this new technology was that Satoshi Nakamoto's blockchain solved the problem of ‘double spending' - making sure you can't spend the same money twice - without having to use third parties such as banks to process the transaction. There is now a plethora of copycat currencies, with many of them focused on privacy in order to make their usage anonymous.At the other end of the scale, we have central bank digital currencies - CBDCs. These have been piloted in various countries around the world and, fortunately, nowhere has really got them to work. They have been met with neither trust nor understanding, and in many cases the tech has fallen short. In Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean, they went beyond the pilot phase and have been out and out failures. Even in the Bahamas, the one place where a CBDC is said to have worked, adoption has been much lower than hoped. I asked my friend who lives there how successful it had been. He gave me this reply: ‘LOL. I have never seen one person use it.'Fortunately, government incompetence is on our side.Money has always been a bottom-up technology. Users prefer what is convenient. The fiat currency we use in the West today has evolved over many hundreds of years, especially as communication technology has developed. All you are doing when you make a payment is, effectively, sending a promise - the money itself does not exist. There is no gold or anything tangible backing it.Cash is slightly different, because you are handing over something physical. But read what's on that piece of paper - it's just another promise. Once upon a time, you might have been able to swap a 10-pound note for 10 pounds of sterling silver (not quite true as silver was abandoned before paper money became widespread) or 10 gold sovereigns (true). But today, all it says is ‘I promise to pay the bearer the sum of 10 pounds' - it is a promise of nothing. How the whole house of cards doesn't come tumbling down is beyond me, but there you go.Many central banks want to make the transition to CBDCs, despite zero democratic mandate. The planners want it because it then allows for money to become even more of a tool of government policy: whether it be monetary policy, taxation, welfare, surveillance or control. Fortunately, government incompetence is on our side. The history of government IT is so bad, it's unlikely any will succeed, thank goodness, especially not in countries with large populations. Heck, they can't even fix the potholes! But that's not to say they won't try. Always end on a song That's an old show-business maxim. Why don't we do just that?‘Programmable Money', a song I wrote last year about CBDCs, summarises everything there is to be worried about. Enjoy!If you liked this song, you should sign up for my comedy newsletter.Lyrics C - B - D - C. C - B - D - CProgrammable money. Programmable money.We'll monitor every purchase you make,Every transaction or decision you take.If you're not doing wrong, what is there to hide?How you spend money is for us to decide.Your social-credit rating, how do you score?If you're compliant you will get your reward.You may only own what we deem you can own.If you don't register, we'll block your phone.Wait! You'll be late for the expiry date.The state has mandated your money terminatesSo spend, speculate before it's confiscatedThis is what we're going to orchestrateNo more savingProgrammable money. Programmable money.C - B - D - CC - B - D - CYour money's now a tool of policy.You will be living in a smart city.You may only travel in a limited range.Energy and meat rations cos, climate change.We'll take your dough if we think it's owed.No matter if you do not think it's so.Taxes and fines, fares, fees of all kinds.All embedded in the lines of code.Hail Big BrotherProgrammable money. Programmable money.C - B - D - CC - B - D - CTears of the sun, fallen from heaven.Empires fall. Radiant droplets everlasting.We will implant you with a microchip,AI and other forms of censorship.We will decide what is good for you.Total control there's nothing you can do.Bitcoin fixes this!From here.Here's a PDF of today's piece.Finally, here are some videos I made of recent articles, for your viewing pleasure. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theflyingfrisby.com/subscribe

This week we brought Frank's wife Scotti on the podcast to discuss their 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas. In this episode, we discuss their first impressions, the first day onboard, and what they did in St Thomas, St Kitts, and Cococay. Stay tuned for another episode about the ship, the entertainment, and the dining next week! St Kitts Snorkel Excursion - https://www.viator.com/tours/St-Kitts/Catamaran-Sailing-and-Snorkeling-Tour-With-Lunch/d930-9358P3?pid=P00006171&uid=U00463400&mcid=58086¤cy=USD (This link is an affiliate link so we get a small commission if you book through this and it will not cost you anything extra) Ready to book a cruise with Cruise Conversations? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fill out our form or send us a text at (704) 313-8556 for latest pricing!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have a question or topic suggestions for a future episode? DM us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CruiseConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or send us an email at cruiseconversations@gmail.com. Follow along on social media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cruiseconversations/support

The following podcast was not recorded for commerical purposes. On this episode, hear Jen and Frank's musings onboard the Disney Fantasy on Days 4, 5 and 7 of their Eastern Caribbean cruise. Dillo's Diz. 55 Gerard St. #987. Huntington, NY 11743 Affiliate Links Music & Themes produed by Matt Harvey. Feedspot's Top 25 Siblings Podcasts You Must Follow AND Top 100 Disney Podcasts You Must Follow. ONE STOP SHOP ALL THE @DillosDiz LINKS! DIllo's Diz Resort Guests: Theme Park Rob, Schmelty, The Cretin's Guild, Nathaniel Hardy, Dr. Val of #FigmentsInTime, Lee Taylor, Michael Matande, Matt Smith, Ryan Alexander, PixieDustPhD, Tony Orgelfinger, Holly Maddock, Lexi Andrea, Adam Elmers, DCLDuo, Question or Comment? We LOVE interacting with listeners! FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/dillosdiz FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dillosdiz/ SUBSCRIBE to Dillo's Diz on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/dillosdiz LIKE Dillo's Diz on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/DillosDiz/  

Happy Friday, everyone! Today, Mike, Scott and Rikki are back together as Mike recaps his 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy last week! Hear about his pre-night stay at Disney's Old Key West Resort, getting to the Port via limo, thoughts on their Family Verandah stateroom, dining experiences, including Palo Brunch and dinner, entertainment for teens and adults, tastings, Port Adventures in Tortola, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay, and more! Please share your thoughts over on the Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/discord. We hope you enjoy today's podcast!  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

The Premier announces the Cayman Islands government have approved approximately $1 million Cayman Islands dollar in both financial and tangible aid to our regional neighbors who have been impacted by Hurricane Beryl. #rcnews #radiocayman #caymannews

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today's show is a bit different as Mike is currently sailing around the Eastern Caribbean on the Disney Fantasy, so he recorded this one a bit early with the help of the BOGP Listeners! Today, we have a Live Call-in Draft where Mike goes head-to-head against the audience in the "Best Ways to Cool Down at the Disney Destinations!" Hear all 6 rounds of the draft and then vote for who has the best overall list in the BOGP Clubhouse at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse. We hope you enjoy today's podcast!  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Mike arrives at Disney's Old Key West today for a quick one-night stay before getting on the Disney Fantasy tomorrow for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing with his family! In honor of this, we discuss one positive and one "thing to consider" for each of the 5 Disney Cruise Line ships! What do you think of what we brought up? Please share your thoughts over on the Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/discord. We hope you enjoy today's podcast!  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

In this episode of the Global Voices Podcast, Migrant Worker Rights in Canada, we dive into the complexities and challenges faced by migrant workers in Canada. Host Bernice Mwaura is joined by two notable guests; Professor Ethel Tungohan and Gabriel Allahdua, to explore Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program in all its facets, while exposing the systemic abuse and issues that require reform.Meet the Speakers: Gabriel Allahdua is a former migrant farm worker from St Lucia, an island in the Eastern Caribbean. He has been an organizer with the collective, Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) for almost a decade. He is currently an Outreach Worker working with migrant workers across Ontario. He was Activist in Residence (AIR) at the University of Guelph, the first person to hold that position, which brought activists and researchers together. He is the author of the recently published award winning book 'Harvesting Freedom' published by Between the Lines.Ethel Tungohan is an Associate Professor of Politics and a Canada Research Chair in Canadian Migration Policy, Impacts and Activism at York University. Her research looks at social movements, immigration and labour policy, and Canadian/comparative politics. She recently published, 'Care Activism: Migrant Domestic Workers, Movement Building and Communities of Care,' which won the National Women's Studies Association First Book Prize.Note: Since the recording of this episode, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a new and enhanced pilot program for Caregivers set to grant permanent residence status on arrival. While this does seem to be a step in the right direction; a number of barriers still exist including meeting the language requirement for the program. It is yet to be seen whether the program will truly encompass all the recommendations migrant rights organizations have been calling for. About the Podcast:Through the third season of the Tapestry 2030 Podcast: Global Voices, a few members of the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC) Youth Policy-Makers Hub (YPH) are aiming to amplify key global issues from the perspective of voices often unheard or excluded from policy and international development conversations. Learn more about the work of OCIC. 

AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports there are emergency shelters opening on Mexico's Caribbean coast ahead of Hurricane Beryl's arrival.

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports Hurricane Beryl is roaring towards Mexico, after leaving destruction in Jamaica and the eastern Caribbean.

Here's a nine-night review of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. This ship belongs to the Freedom class of Royal Caribbean and was launched in 2007. The cruise went to the Eastern Caribbean and Bermuda, departing from Cape Liberty in New Jersey. Kurt provides a comprehensive review covering the entire ship from bow to stern. Staff Writer Richard Simms has cruise news on a fire aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, Carnival Corporation bringing in $92 million for Q2 2024, Carnival signing a 10-year agreement with the port of Seattle, and double loyalty points for a cruise line.  Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn  | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  | Twitter | Patreon

This is a BONUS Live Call-in Show today as we had a last-minute cancellation for the Trip Report interview!  We opened up the phone lines and got calls from Tricia LIVE from Disney's Coronado Springs with a review of her stay at French Quarter and her meal just an hour prior at Maya Grill!  We also got a great review from Marco in South Carolina of his Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean Cruise!  Emily called in to discuss strategies for using Genie+ with Park Hopping on her upcoming trip awe well!    Lots of other fun calls as well to round out today's show!   Come join us in the BOGP Clubhouse this week at www.beourguestpodcast.com/discord.  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.  Become a patron of the Be Our Guest Podcast over at www.patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

We have one more Disney Cruise Line show for you today as we head to Philadelphia to speak with Listener Sharon about a couple of cruises that she took within a month of each other! We spend the majority of the show discussing her sailing on the Disney Magic on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise out of Miami with her 2 young children and husband. We discuss the ports, rotational dining, onboard entertainment, kids' clubs, and more! Then, we talk about her experience two weeks prior sailing Concierge-level on the Disney Wish on a 3-night Bahamian sailing and compare the two ships a bit!  We hope you can continue the conversation with us this week in the Be Our Guest Podcast Clubhouse at www.beourguestpodcast.com/discord! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Craig gives us a review of his seven-night sailing on Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess. 

Technical Issue For Carnival Vista is the lead story on Thursday's Travel and Cruise Industry News, May 9, 2024 with Chillie Falls. Technical Issue For Carnival Vista has resulted in itinerary changes. Originally set to depart from San Juan at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the ship did not depart until about 7:30 a.m. yesterday. The unscheduled overnight has resulted in Carnival Cruise Line rearranging the itinerary of its 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Carnival also changed the order in which it visited St. Thomas and St. Maarten yesterday and today. Also today, Technical Issue For Carnival Vista; Three Sailors Rescued After Mayday Call; Lost Luggage Concierge; One Cruise At A Time; ; Whale Found On Ship's Bow In NY Harbor; Celebration Key Empowers Workers; and Lots more LIVE today at 11 AM EDT. CLICK HERE to access video feed #thursdaytravelandcruiseindustrynews #podcast #cruisenews #travelnews #cruise #travel #chilliescruises #chilliefalls #carnivalvista #whill_us Thanks for visiting my channel. NYTimes The Daily, the flagship NYT podcast with a massive audience. "Vacationing In The Time Of Covid" https://nyti.ms/3QuRwOS Cruise Ship Doctor Cruise: https://bookayt.net/cruisedoctor/ To access the Travel and Cruise Industry News podcast; https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/trav... or go to https://accessadventure.net/ To subscribe: http://bit.ly/chi-fal As always, I appreciate super chats or any other donation to support my channel. For your convenience, please visit: https://paypal.me/chillie9264?locale.... Chillie's Cruise Schedule: https://www.accessadventure.net/chillies-trip-calendar/ For your mobility needs, contact me, Whill.inc/US, at (844) 699-4455 .or Scootaround, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ChilliesCruises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillie.falls Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChillieFalls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilliefalls/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chilliescruises Business Email: chillie@chilliefalls.com Accessible Travel Blog: https://accessadventure.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You and me, baby, ain't nothin' but mammals, and in this week on the podcast, both of our storytellers share some Discovery Channel worthy tales about coitus. Part 1: A new baby and a new job make Edith Gonzalez feel distant from her husband, so she decides to spice things up. Part 2: While working at the zoo, Lee Osorio learns a lot about zoo animal sex and himself. Edith Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of Archaeology and Critical Museum Studies at the University at Buffalo - SUNY. She studies the global flow of ecological knowledge within the context of transatlantic slavery. Edith is a Fulbright Scholar of the Eccles Centre for American Studies at the British Library, will be a Research Fellow at All Souls College - Oxford University in 2024, and is committed to decolonizing the spaces in which she works. Her current NSF-funded field research takes place on the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda in the Eastern Caribbean, but she is not there on vacation no matter what the photos of pina coladas might indicate. She is a two-time champion of the Smut Slam sex storytelling show because of her creative use of profanity and complete lack of shame. Her dedication to logic and sci-fi fangirldom have earned her the nickname of "the Puerto-Rican Mr. Spock.” Lee Osorio is an actor and playwright based in Atlanta, GA. You can catch him Guest Starring on NBC's Found, or make the trek down to Savannah to catch him in his one person show, Prisontown, premiering at Savannah Rep in May. To learn more visit his website at LeeOsorio.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leland Lazarus joins Juliet to talk about Chinese and Taiwanese engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean, from official diplomatic activities to BRI projects to transnational organized crime. Leland Lazarus is the Associate Director of National Security at Florida International University's Jack D. Gordon Institute of Public Policy. He is an expert on China's relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and manages a team of researchers and interns that collect data and analysis on U.S. national security and governance in the region. Fluent in both Mandarin and Spanish, he holds an M.A. in U.S.-China Foreign Policy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a B.A. in International Relations at Brown University. His past experience includes work in the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang, China, and former work as an Associate Producer at China Central Television and as a Fulbright Scholar in Panama. Recommendations:Leland:Earth League International's work, particularly that of Andrea Crosta, founder, executive director, and board memberChinese Activities in LAC Dashboard (soon to release 2.0)FIU flagship conference: Hemispheric Security Conference on May 9 and 10Juliet:China in Global Capitalism: Building International Solidarity Against Imperial Rivalry by Eli Friedman, Kevin Lin, Rosa Liu, Ashley Smith (coming June 2024)

This week, I am magnifying the voice of Nicholas Roberts. Nicholas is the Regional Manager, Human Resources (Barbados & The Eastern Caribbean) at Coralisle Group Ltd. and the President of the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados (HRMAB). In this episode, Nicholas shares his HR origin story. I was today years old when I learned that Nicholas has a culinary background. Nicholas also shares some of the amazing things happening at HRMAB, including their upcoming conference in October and why he believes HR professionals need to utilize LinkedIn more. My favourite quote from this episode is, "You cannot eat HR."

This week's episode takes us to Saba, a small island in the Caribbean that makes up for what it lacks in land mass with abundant biodiversity both above and below the water. This beach-less island turns out to be an unexpected crown-jewel of the Caribbean! This is what Lynn Costenaro fell in love with when she moved to the island to work at and eventually become the owner of Sea Saba. Since 2003, she has incorporated annual eco-programming in her dive shop's operations, and eventually this became so successful that these programs became their own standalone organization known as Sea and Learn Saba. Lynn and her team have spent the past several years investing in this initiative which helps to educate visitors and conserve the nature and culture of Saba along with sister islands! Tune in this week to learn all about the amazing work this organization is doing in the Eastern Caribbean. Head over to https://www.seaandlearn.org/ to learn more about Lynn and her team's work! Find us on Instagram and Facebook at @Todiveforpodcast to see pictures from this episode and more! head to https://slbartco.com/pages/to-dive-for-podcast for podcast merch! Intro music and edits by Haley Daviscover art by Sydney Bell (SLB Art Co)

In this special episode, we have part of our group who sailed together on our first Me and the Magic group cruise. We recap the cruise, sharing our favorite memories as we talk about the Disney Fantasy ship, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, excursions at Tortola and St. Thomas, activities on board the ship, and what it was like to sail on a Very Merrytime cruise.  Thanks to everyone for being on the show today, and a special thanks to Beci Mahnken and Grace Korba, with MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, for sailing with us. And thanks to Grace for being part of this episode recap.Connect with Grace online on Facebook, or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com to plan your next trip. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Online Shop Buy some fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at our online shop! 

A conversation with Ambassador Matthew Wilson As part of our ambassadors' series, for this episode we invited the Permanent Representative of Barbados, Ambassador Matthew Wilson, to explore the role of Barbados in the Caribbean region and in the world today, and its enduring partnership with the UN over 40 years. Ambassador Wilson talks with Francesco Pisano, Director of the Library & Archives, providing us with a comprehensive insight into Barbados' fascinating history, its position as the hub for the UN Multi-Country Office (MCO) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and as a Permanent Representative of the key global challenges facing multilateralism, and its profound engagement with the UN as a small country. Where to listen to this episode  Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy YouTube: (2) Barbados in the UN and in the world - YouTube Content    Speaker: H.E. Ambassador Matthew Wilson Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives Producer: Amy Smith Editing & social media: Mengna Chen, Amy Smith Recorded & produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva 

Prepare to be hungry, as Amanda shares her list of the best restaurants in Walt Disney World. There are restaurants on the list in each of the four parks, around the Disney resorts, and of course at Disney Springs. See if your favorite restaurants made the list, and discover new places to dine on your next visit to Walt Disney World! Resources Check out these past Me and the Magic episodes that Amanda references in this episode: Episode 7 - Top 10 Walt Disney World Restaurants to Dine Solo Outside of the Parks, with guest Lou Mongello, host of the WDW Radio podcast.  Episode 048 - Toledo and Dahlia Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Episode 038 - Boma Buffet Reviews at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Episode 090 - Top 10 Meals at Disney Springs, with guest Lou Mongello Also, listen to the WDW Radio podcast Episode 726 for our Nomad Lounge Review.  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram as we cruise together! And join us on November 10th at Disney Springs for our meet-up!  In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop!

Are you going on a Disney cruise, but you're not sure what to pack? Join Amanda as she shares the ultimate Disney cruise packing list, cultivated from lessons learned on her several Disney cruises and from interviewing cruise experts and others who love sailing on Disney cruises.  Want more details? Visit Me and the Magic for an in-depth article about this Disney Cruise packing list, and also explore the ultimate Disney Cruise planning checklist. Download your free Disney Cruise packing list PDF. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips!  In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram as we cruise together! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop!

There's a lot that goes into planning a Disney cruise. This ultimate Disney Cruise checklist will help you plan your next cruise vacation. Learn the steps to be ready for booking activities and excursions. Listen as Amanda shares her lessons learned for the online check-in process.  Want more details? Visit Me and the Magic for an in-depth article about this Disney Cruise checklist. Download your free Disney Cruise planning checklist PDF. Resources: LIsten to previous episodes about planning for a Disney cruise: Episode 073: What to Do Before Your Cruise Episode 051: Top 10 Planning Tips for a Disney Cruise Episode 005: Planning a Disney Cruise - Solo and Family Look up your departure port in the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation page. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips! Join us for one, or both, of these amazing vacations! In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Click here to learn more and request a free quote! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop! 

What is it like to experience small group adventure travel? Have you considered overseas adventure travel but weren't sure where to go or how to make that trip happen? Owner and founder of JUMP Adventures Jackie Nourse, also known as Traveling Jackie, shares how she plans small group adventure trips and why these types of trips are ideal for solo travelers. So if you are looking for solo adventure travel, this is the episode for you!  Jackie and Amanda also have a great discussion about the benefits and challenges of solo travel and why we believe solo travel is so important. Plus, Jackie shares what nomadic living is like! This episode is packed with information, tips, and inspiration for your next adventure!  Connect with Jackie at JUMP Adventures and on Instagram. Listen to the JUMP with Traveling Jackie podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Want to learn more about the Northern Patagonia JUMP Adventures trip? Check out the itinerary here, and use code AMANDA for $100 off when you book your trip! Explore how JUMP Adventures is taking important steps toward Sustainability in travel. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips! Join us for one, or both, of these amazing vacations! In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Click here to learn more and request a free quote! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop! 

Grace Korba and Jaime Williams are back to share their top tips for saving money as you plan your next trip, and how to travel on a budget. We all share money-saving tips specifically for solo travelers as well. Connect with Grace online on Facebook, or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com . Connect with Jaime online at Journeys by Jaime Leigh and on Facebook. Also, you may contact Grace and Jaime through MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. Resources: Google Flights is great for comparing flight prices and itineraries for your next trip. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips! Join us for one, or both, of these amazing vacations! In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Click here to learn more and request a free quote! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop!

Have you ever considered a staycation? There are many reasons why a staycation may be the perfect type of vacation for you! Learn different ideas for a staycation and how to make the most of your time off, even if you stay home. Resources New York Times: “How to Make a Staycation Feel Like an Actual Break” by Catherine Pearson, July 8, 2023. New York Times: “Reconsidering the Staycation” by Melissa Kirsch, July 15, 2023. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips! Join us for one, or both, of these amazing vacations! In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Click here to learn more and request a free quote! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop!

In this episode… Air travel issues have been in the news a lot lately. We are going deep into everything  you need to know to have the best experience possible in airports and with air travel overall. Connect with Angela Batista at AdventuresByAngela.com, on Facebook and on Instagram. Resources: Samantha Brown just released an excellent article, My Ultimate Airport Survival Guide.  Learn more about the Clear Reserve program. Check out Timeshifter's Jet Lag app.  Frommers shared the The 10 Worst Airports in the U.S.  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips! Join us for one, or both, of these amazing vacations! In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Click here to learn more and request a free quote! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop!

In this episode… Jim Smith is back, as we pick up with Part 2 of where to find Walt Disney's influence around the Walt Disney World Resort.  Connect with Jim Smith at Disney Facts and Figment. Enjoy Jim's 2-part article, The Very Best Places to Appreciate Walt Disney in Walt Disney World, on the Me and the Magic website.  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@meandthemagic.com.   Are you on Instagram? Follow Me and the Magic to see the latest posts, stories, and IGTV.  Subscribe to the Me and the Magic weekly newsletter for exclusive content, including solo travel tips! Me and the Magic has voicemail! Leave a voicemail or text to 1-347-74MAGIC (1-347-746-2442). Share your thoughts about this episode, a future episode topic idea, or just say hi! Podcast Subscribe to this podcast so you will be the first to hear new episodes!  If you are enjoying the podcast, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. The reviews help other people find this podcast.  Upcoming Events We have two upcoming group trips! Join us for one, or both, of these amazing vacations! In November 2023, we will be sailing on the Disney Fantasy on a Very Merrytime 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise! Click here to learn more and request a free quote! In September 2024, we will be going on a very special Adventures by Disney vacation to Southern California and Disneyland for 6 days / 5 nights! Click here to read more details and request a free quote! Online Shop Buy fun and magical travel and pop culture shirts, including the recently released Loungewear: Parks Edition and more, at our online shop!

Welcome aboard! This week we welcome on guest Sarah. She is fresh off the Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean Sailing.  Find her @stolch314 on Twitter or X which ever you call it.   Word of the day - Windward News- Charging For Pizza? Wild Fires, Viva Sails, and Up, Up, and Away is under maintenance.  Make sure to check out Back to the Mouse  Find us on Social Media More of Michelle Contact Michelle for a quote michelle@touringplans.com More of Doug The original Rope Drop Radio

A review of Carnival Magic from New York City down to the Eastern Caribbean.