Best Briana and Sophie Podcasts (2025)

1
Our Culture Doesn't Break, It Transforms: Evolving Caribbean Identity 9:35

7d ago9:35

9:35

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. What remains of Caribbean identity when our most treasured traditions begin to shift? Bridging thoughts from our recent episodes, I tackle this profound question on cultural evolution. Caribbean culture has never been static—born from struggle, layered with influences, and shaped by resistance, our …

1
The Caribbean Front Room as Architecture and Cultural Archive with Dr. Stacy Scott 45:28

21d ago45:28

45:28

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Step into the Caribbean front room – that formal, pristine space with plastic-covered furniture, carefully displayed china, and family photographs that many Caribbean descendants immediately recognize. Dr. Stacey Scott joins us to explore how this distinctive domestic space functions as both cultura…

1
Bandit's Tit-Bits 4:05

22d ago4:05

4:05

There was one particular call in that Soph just couldn’t bite her tongue about until we do the dedicated episode. Nothin like a nosy, self entitled, presumptuous stranger to get our blood boiling in the supermarket am I right?? Send us a textBy Briana and Sophie

1
Unsolicited Advice - How about you F@#k off? (Part 2) 27:28

23d ago27:28

27:28

Welcome back! If you haven't listened to Part 1, head back for a little context and to see how quickly we went through the wines to end up here. There were so many responses for this topic, too many to fit into 2 episodes. So some of those hard hitting topics are going to get their own special place in the spotlight where we can really dive in, and…

1
Unsolicited Advice - How about you F@#k Off? (Part 1) 37:21

29d ago37:21

37:21

The Bird and Bandit are back with a two-parter! We had such a massive response from listeners after the first episode with stories of some real doozies, and to be honest we got a little carried away. There were so many messages and responses about "heroes" chiming in wherever they can to offer tips like "have you tried feeding them", weird, uninvit…

1
What Happens When Art Preserves What Nations Cannot? with Keisha Oliver 42:54

1M ago42:54

42:54

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. The Caribbean's artistic traditions reveal profound truths about our history, identity, and resilience. Keisha Oliver, PhD candidate at Penn State, joins Strictly Facts as we discuss Bahamian visual culture that challenges conventional understandings of Caribbean creativity. From the gendered practi…

1
How's that PRESSURE, babe? 50:10

1M ago50:10

50:10

TW: We want to let you know that this episode discusses pregnancy loss. While this can be a difficult and sensitive topic, it is an important and common aspect of the fertility journey. In our commitment to being open and honest with you, we want to share that pregnancy loss has been a part of both of our experiences and so these discussions may oc…

1
Cheers B.A.B. Cheers 2:49

1M ago2:49

2:49

Hey BABS! We did it, we started a f#@king podcast! We are so excited that you're here but we cannot stress this enough.... we have ZERO idea what we are talking about or what we are doing, please be gentle. This sexy little teaser is just a welcome to the chaos, basically. Something to wet your whistle, if you will. So if you love a tipple, thrive …

1
Split Me in Two: Exploring Dougla Identity in the Caribbean 7:50

2M ago7:50

7:50

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Have you ever wondered about the beautiful complexity that arises when different cultures blend? The Caribbean term "Dougla" captures exactly that—specifically describing people of mixed African and Indian heritage in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname. Today we unpack this fascinating identi…

1
Banking on Community: The Caribbean's Alternative Economy with Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein 52:26

2M ago52:26

52:26

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. The Caribbean's financial revolution has been quietly unfolding for generations. We delve into the powerful world of rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) known throughout the region as Padna, Susu, Boxhand, and countless other names. Dr. Caroline Hossein joins us as we reveal how these …

1
How One Pregnant Woman Helped Lead a Revolution: The Story of Lumina Sophie 10:04

3M ago10:04

10:04

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Dive into the extraordinary story of Lumina Sophie (1848-1879), a lesser-known yet powerful figure in Caribbean history, as we explore her inspiring journey during a time of revolutionary fervor. Born in a post-emancipation Martinique, Sophie defied traditional gender roles by leading a revolt for l…

1
A Brief History of the West India Regiments with Isaac Crichlow 43:14

3M ago43:14

43:14

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Join Strictly Facts as we uncover the hidden stories of the Caribbean's military past, featuring the intriguing West India Regiments established by the British Army. Our guest, Isaac Crichlow, a graduate student from the University College of London, helps us explore the paradoxical roles of these s…

1
How Faith Built Bridges for Black Unity in the Guianas with Dr. Briana Royster 42:32

4M ago42:32

42:32

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Journey through Black history and Caribbean connections, revealing the incredible legacy of Black missionaries in the British and Dutch Guianas. Dr. Briana Royster joins us to discuss how the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the National Baptist Convention played pivotal roles in connecting Af…

1
The Legacy of Jose 'Cha Cha' Jimenez: The Young Lords' Path of Radical Action 7:19

4M ago7:19

7:19

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Learn about the visionary leadership of Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez (August 8, 1948 – January 10, 2025), who turned the Young Lords from a street gang into a powerful political force. Jimenez, inspired by the Black Panther Party, reshaped the landscape of Latino activism in the U.S., addressing systemic …

1
Celebrating Milestones and Hidden Histories for the New Year! 4:22

4M ago4:22

4:22

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. As we kick off a new year and celebrate five incredible years of Strictly Facts, we're taking a fresh angle by focusing on those narratives that lie just beneath the surface, often ignored by mainstream stories. This year, we're shining a light on hidden treasures. These overlooked stories not only …

1
Art and Heritage of the Cayman Islands with Maia Muttoo 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Art speaks volumes about history and resilience. Join us as we chart the artistic evolution of the Cayman Islands with Maia Muttoo, Education Manager at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. With her fascinating pan-Caribbean roots, Maia offers a unique perspective on how storytelling, history…

1
Tracing Ancestral Threads: A Journey from the West to Sierra Leone with Alya Harding 35:24

6M ago35:24

35:24

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Our history of migration spans across the world. Join us as we journey with Alya Harding, a community organizer and PhD student, who shares her heartfelt exploration of Sierra Leonean Creole/Krio culture and her personal quest to uncover her Trinidadian roots. We examine the historical migrations th…

1
The Multinational Identities & Impact of Caribbean Icons 6:36

6M ago6:36

6:36

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Have you ever considered how the people we associate with one Caribbean island might actually hail from another, and how these stories of migration shape identities? Join me as we uncover the intriguing tales of Caribbean icons and their unexpected island origins. This episode of Strictly Facts take…

1
Exploring Aruba: Cultural Resilience, Autonomy, and Identity with Dr Gregory Richardson 43:34

7M ago43:34

43:34

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. What can Aruba teach us about cultural resilience and the quest for autonomy? Join Strictly Facts as we sit down with Dr. Gregory Richardson from the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano to unveil the intricate layers of Aruba's history and culture. Dr. Richardson, a notable educator and researcher, sheds l…

1
The Hidden Leaders of Martinique's Schools with Nora Eguienta 46:20

7M ago46:20

46:20

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Join Strictly Facts as we share the captivating journey of education in the French Caribbean, focusing on Martinique's rich history throughout the 20th century. With the insightful PhD candidate Nora Eguienta by my side, we unravel the largely untold stories of women educators who profoundly shaped …

1
Rhythms of St. Kitts and Nevis: The Evolution of Wylers and Caribbean Music with Dr. Jessica Swanston Baker 48:01

8M ago48:01

48:01

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. What if the rhythm of an island could reshape global music? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jessica Swanston Baker who both brings her rich family heritage and academic expertise to trace the roots and evolution of wylers, its integral role in Carnival, and reveal how Caribbean music has profo…

1
The Sociology of Trinidad and Tobago's National Development with Dr. Zophia Edwards 45:33

8M ago45:33

45:33

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Recently celebrating 62 years of independence, Trinidad and Tobago is regarded as one of the most successful nations in the Caribbean. However, what are the signs of a successful independent nation? In this episode, Dr. Zophia Edwards joins us to discuss the complexity of what constitutes “success” …

1
Crossover with Carry On Friends: Martine Powers on Creating ‘The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop’ 37:04

9M ago37:04

37:04

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Embark on a remarkable journey through Caribbean history with us as we welcome Martine Powers, the senior host of the Washington Post Reports, as well as the host creator of the gripping series "The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop." Martine's personal connection to the Caribbean, stemming from her Tri…

1
The Dominican Republic's Restoration Day: Reclaiming Independence and Shaping National Identity 5:36

9M ago5:36

5:36

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. What if your country had to fight for its independence not once, but twice? Join us as we unveil the incredible story of the Dominican Republic's Restoration Day, celebrated on August 16th. This episode of Strictly Facts explores the Dominican Restoration War from 1863 to 1865, during which the nati…

1
Throwback Big People Tings: The Life and Legacy of Claudia Jones 8:35

10M ago8:35

8:35

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. With the renowned Notting Hill Carnival coming up at the end of the month, what a better time than now to reshare about the extraordinary life and work of one of its co-founders, activist and intellectual Claudia Jones. Jones was a pioneering Caribbean activist whose contributions have shaped moveme…

1
The Legacy of the Negritude Movement and Black Women’s Activism in the French Caribbean with Dr. Sanyu Mulira 1:01:23

10M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. In this episode of Strictly Facts, we're joined by Dr. Sanyu Mulira, a recent NYU graduate with a passion for feminism and anti-colonial activism in the Francophone Black Atlantic. Together, we discuss the intricate history of the French Caribbean through the Negritude movement and its impact on glo…

1
From Soup Joumou to Flying Fish & Cou-Cou: Exploring Caribbean Food Stories through Haitian and Bajan Cuisine 1:00:39

11M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. We continue our Caribbean culinary voyage with Haitian and Bajan cuisine alongside experts, Kerline Ordeus and Leanna Pierre. Together, we uncover the culinary ties between West African and Caribbean dishes, drawing enlightening parallels between the shared heritage of cassava and okra through Haiti…

1
From Mofongo to Sancocho: Caribbean Food Stories in the Hispanic Caribbean with Dr. Mónica Ocasio Vega 45:09

11M ago45:09

45:09

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. The food on our plates tell stories of colonialism, cultural resistance, and resilience. Join Strictly Facts and guest Dr. Mónica Ocasio Vega, esteemed cultural scholar, cook, and assistant professor at Trinity University for a fascinating culinary journey through the Hispanic Caribbean. Drawing ins…

1
From Jerk to Pepper Pot: Caribbean Food Stories from Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago 57:47

11M ago57:47

57:47

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Ever wondered how Caribbean cuisine became a melting pot of flavors and cultures? Join us for the first part of an eye-opening series with three culinary experts who have dedicated their lives to celebrating and preserving the rich food traditions of the Caribbean. Featuring Jamaican-Canadian chef N…

1
The Producer's Perspective: History and Heritage in Caribbean Podcasting with Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown 43:21

12M ago43:21

43:21

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. From the cobblestone streets of Montego Bay to the airwaves of your favorite podcasting platform, Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown, founder of Breadfruit Media and producer of Strictly Facts, joins us as we reflect on the evolution of Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History & Culture and discuss her passio…

1
The Return of the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp: A Tale of Cultural Heritage and Reparations with Dr. Shani Roper 42:14

1y ago42:14

42:14

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Join us for a riveting discussion with Dr. Shani Roper, Curator at the University of West Indies Museum, as we celebrate a monumental event—the homecoming of the Jamaican Giant Galliwasp from Scotland, an emblem of natural heritage that's been away since the 1850s. The stirring tale of this lizard's…

1
Shaping Identity and Preserving Heritage: The Evolution of Caribbean Museums with Mr. Kevin Farmer 55:00

1y ago55:00

55:00

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Joined by Mr. Kevin Farmer of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, we explore identity, cultural preservation, and the journey of Caribbean museums from colonial-era institutions to centers that shape national consciousness and safeguard heritage. Mr. Farmer's insights illuminate the evolutio…

1
Language as Liberation: The History of French-based Antillean Kwéyòl with Soir Smith 29:15

1y ago29:15

29:15

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Join us as we journey through the linguistic heritage of Saint Lucia with Soir Smith, a passionate St. Lucian Kwéyòl advocate, guiding us through the colorful landscape of French-based creole languages that flourish across the Caribbean. These tongues, far from just a derivative of French, are rich …

1
Exploring the History and Diversity of Caribbean Sign Languages with Kris M. Ali 35:02

1y ago35:02

35:02

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. The Caribbean is a region of a myriad of languages, Caribbean sign languages included. In this episode, we’re joined by Caribbean sign language scholar Kris M Ali to discuss the diversity of sign languages, from the shores of Jamaica to the Bay Islands. It's not just about communication; it's a tape…

1
On the Wrong Side Women's History: Judith Phillip's Role in the Colony of Grenada 13:39

1y ago13:39

13:39

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. There are stories we typically don't tell during Women's History Month, one of whihc is the narrative of Judith Phillip (1760-1848), an enslaver from Grenada whose family's dominion over Carriacou and Petit Martinique tells a story not just of land and wealth but race and colonial allegiances agains…

1
The Fabric of Words: Caribbean Women Weaving History in Literature with Dr. Warren Harding 40:16

1y ago40:16

40:16

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. As we weave through Women's History Month and International Women's Day, the patchwork of Caribbean women's literature takes center stage. With scholar Dr. Warren Harding, we celebrate the novels and poetry that carve out a space for the stories of Caribbean women. Our conversation turns the pages o…

1
What's In a Name? Geography, Governance, and the Grit of National Identity 6:25

1y ago6:25

6:25

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Join us as we voyage through the seas of Caribbean geography and politics as we explore the layers of history etched into nations' names and named and unnamed islands that are part of them. From twin islands like Antigua and Barbuda to archipelagos such as The Bahamas, we explore the entwined nature…

1
Navigating the Crossroads of Law, Race, and Sovereignty in Puerto Rico with Dr. Mónica Jiménez 1:01:43

1+ y ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Join the conversation with Dr. Mónica Jiménez on Strictly Facts, where we peel back the layers of Puerto Rico's unique political situation and the heavy hand of U.S. legislative decisions on the island's fate. Through Dr.Jiménez's personal ties and her scholarly examination in her forthcoming book, …

1
The History behind the Guyana-Venezuela Border Dispute 15:08

1+ y ago15:08

15:08

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Celebrate with us as Strictly Facts hits a milestone 75th episode—our heartfelt thanks goes out to each one of you for embarking with us on this journey of enlightenment and shared knowledge. Today, we raise the curtain on the contentious and historic border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, a s…

1
Embracing Our Legacy and Honoring Ancestral Wisdom: Reflections on Another Year of Strictly Facts 5:20

1+ y ago5:20

5:20

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. The echoes of Caribbean carnivals, the rhythm of calypso, and the wisdom of our elders - these are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of our heritage. As I navigated the bittersweet waves of personal loss this holiday season, I was reminded just how vital it is to preserve the legacy of our an…

1
Caribbean Footprints: Tracing Jamaican Influence in American Culture through the Life of Martha Gayle with Damion R. Evans 45:53

1+ y ago45:53

45:53

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. The Caribbean influence in the United States is undeniable, especially in states like New York. In this episode, guest Damion R. Evans helps illuminate this story through the engrossing life story of Ms. Martha Gayle, a Jamaican immigrant who journeyed to the US almost a century ago. He'll also be s…

1
Framing Culture through Caribbean Cinema with Klieon John 52:30

1+ y ago52:30

52:30

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. In this episode, Klieon John, founder of Twin Island Cinema, joins Strictly Facts as we shed light on the pivotal role Caribbean films have played in shaping the region's vibrant culture and history. Expect a deep dive into the evolution of Caribbean cinema, from the early days of foreign influence …

1
Citizenship through Education and Imperialism in the Dominican Republic with Dr. Alexa Rodriguez 39:31

1+ y ago39:31

39:31

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. We're thrilled to have Dr. Alexa Rodriguez join us for a deeply engaging discussion through the Dominican Republic's educational history. With her unique insights developed through her Dominican heritage and academic background, Dr. Rodriguez deftly unveils the obscured narratives of education under…

1
Education and Empire: Schooling, Colonialism, and Migration, in Britain and the British Caribbean with Deanna Lyncook 54:08

1+ y ago54:08

54:08

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Education shapes lives - but how is this journey shaped by race, colonialism, and migration? Join us as we navigate the establishment of school systems in the British Caribbean post-Emancipation to the increasingly diverse classrooms of mid-20th century Britain. We're enlightened by the insights of …

1
Turtle Soup, Maritime Boundaries, andTurtlemen in the Cayman Islands: An Environmental Odyssey with Dr. Sharika Crawford 1:05:34

1+ y ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Our guest, award-winning author and U.S. Naval Academy professor, Dr. Sharika Crawford, takes us on a historical journey to the heart of the Cayman Islands, unearthing the complex relationship between the environmental landscape and the Islands; inhabitants through turtle soup. Together, we traverse…

1
Cuban Domestic Labor: A Complex History Unearthed with Dr Anasa Hicks 34:33

1+ y ago34:33

34:33

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this episode promises to enlighten you with a deep dive into the complexities of Cuba's domestic labor history, guided by the expert insights of our guest, Dr Anasa Hicks, Associate Professor of History at Florida State University. We journey toge…

1
Exploring Black Women's Impact in Early 20th-Century Cuba with Dr. Takkara Brunson 38:07

1+ y ago38:07

38:07

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Have you ever wondered what Cuba was like before the 1959 Revolution? This fascinating episode promises to take you there. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we are joined by Dr. Takkara Brunson for a riveting exploration of the Republic of Cuba period (1902-1958) through the lens of Black…

1
Considering Caribbean Students' Experiences with Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus 44:16

1+ y ago44:16

44:16

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Learning as a Caribbean person doesn't stop with understanding our history. In this episode, Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus joins us for a discussion on the challenges of being educated outside of the region and how students can seek support and resources as they pursue their education. Dr. Emmanuela is a…

1
A Brief History on Caribbean Myths, Legends, and Folklore with Amanda Alcántara 40:06

1+ y ago40:06

40:06

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. Did you grow up hearing chilling stories of duppies and jumbies? Have you ever thought about what these tales and legends mean for Caribbean history and culture? In this episode, Amanda Alcántar joins us to do just that as we explore the impact of Caribbean folklore on our past and uphold their impo…

1
Six Moments in Jamaican Sports Her-story for Sixty-one Years of Independence 7:25

2y ago7:25

7:25

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts. One of my favorite parts of Caribbean culture is how we rally our islands and show our regional pride for our sports teams. In honor of Jamaica celebrating 61 years of independence and Jamaica's Reggae Girls making women's football history, I'm sharing six of my favorite Jamaican women's sports mome…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Briana And Sophie Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen