Reels & Riddims

Send us Fan Mail

Our latest episode spotlights Netflix's "Survival of the Thickest," where Michelle Buteau embodies the heart of Caribbean vivacity, and we dissect the multifaceted portrayals that resonate so powerfully with our community. We dissect the laughter and challenges woven into Caribbean parenting, and the candid, sometimes tough, conversations that shape our familial bonds, delivering a celebration of representation that's as flavorful as our cuisine.

Venture further with us as we champion the intricate brushstrokes of cultural representation in character development, highlighting the burgeoning influence of Black and Caribbean storytellers who infuse their work with authenticity. Cue the applause for "Full Circle" and the illustrious CCH Pounder, whose performances showcase the richness of Caribbean culture and the specificity of Guyanese-American families in Queens, New York. We even navigate the complex spectrum of Caribbean American accents, engaging in a candid dialogue about their evolution and significance in shaping identity. 

Join us for this conversation on diversity in media, proving that when it comes to representation, it's not just about getting the accent right—it's about crafting stories that echo our heritage.

Connect with us: 

• @reelsandriddims on Instagram
• Website  | YouTube 

A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us Fan Mail

We're peeling back the vibrant tapestry of New York City's Harlem, as seen through the eyes of four dynamic women in the Amazon series of the same name. Our conversation examines how Caribbean heritage flavors the narrative and the pivotal moments where Grace Byers and Jasmine Guy shine, bringing authenticity and complexity to their roles. This episode isn't just about the on-screen drama; it's about the reverberations in our own lives, exploring how themes of ambition, friendship, and the quest for authenticity resonate across the soundtrack of our daily hustle.

Join Kerry-Ann & Mikelah in their dissection of scenes that spark debate on cultural appropriation and identity within the Caribbean diaspora. Hear the nuanced take on Angie's faked Jamaican accent, a scene that opens the floor to talk about the intricate tapestry of heritage and how it's represented in the media. Quinn's calling out of cultural appropriation leads to a broader dialogue on the roots we claim and the ways they are woven into our public personas. And it's not all about the external; delve into the internal landscapes as we explore the show's portrayal of complex family dynamics, mental health, and the generational secrets that shape us. 

Tune in and let us know your thoughts

Connect with us: 

• @reelsandriddims on Instagram
• Website  | YouTube 

A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is a deep dive into the Lovers' Rock episode in Small Axe, the British Anthology Series. Join us to understand how an entire generation of diaspora children in the UK stamped their cultural presence in the echoes of house parties and the reverberating bass of sound systems. We'll pay homage to the women who crafted this scene and the unifying force of Janet Kay's "Silly Games," a tune that transcends time and remains a beacon of the genre's influence.

Connect with us: 

• @reelsandriddims on Instagram
• Website  | YouTube 

A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us Fan Mail

This episode features Rachel Osborn from Julie Mango TV. Together, we unpack the compelling British anthology "Small Axe," which chronicles the West Indian community's stories in London during the 1960s to 1980s. The conversation goes beyond the screen to dissect the critical need for spaces that amplify Caribbean voices in film, and we delve into the symbiosis of global Black liberation movements, highlighting the poignant themes that resonate through time.

Rachel lends her expertise on the challenges "Small Axe" faced in bridging the gap between the UK and international audiences, emphasizing the crucial roles behind the scenes that push for a more inclusive media landscape. 

Concluding with a look forward, we share our collective aspiration to see the Caribbean film industry flourish, recognizing the role of streaming services in catapulting regional and diaspora cinema to the forefront. This podcast aims not only to celebrate Caribbean narratives but also to serve as a call to action, encouraging the support and recognition these stories rightly deserve. Stay tuned for the continuation of this rich dialogue with Rachel's return, as we further analyze the cultural significance and future of Caribbean cinema.

Connect with us: 

• @reelsandriddims on Instagram
• Website  | YouTube 

A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Reels & Riddims where every episode promises an insider's peek into the captivating world of TV, film, documentaries, and live music experiences, all while showcasing the strength and diversity of Caribbean narratives that resonate with our experiences across the Americas and the UK. 

Join us as we merge our previous individual discussions from Style and Vibes and Carry On Friends, creating a collective space to share our seasoned perspectives. From shows that define Caribbean-American identity to tales that thread through the diaspora in the UK and beyond. 

Connect with us: 

• @reelsandriddims on Instagram
• Website  | YouTube 

A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us Fan Mail

Connect with us: 

• @reelsandriddims on Instagram
• Website  | YouTube 

A Breadfruit Media Production