the chattabox

The creation and union we experience around music is something so intrinsic to the human experience. Could any of us live without it? Music tells the story of our soul, catalogs our history, inspires movements, and creates cultures. In this episode of the chattabox, Chantal Richardson (@heychantay) deep dives into the power of music, how it grounds you in the moment, and how it influences the energy of people and spaces. Chantal reflects on her journey of falling in love with the art of music and going outside of her comfort zone to network with movers within the industry. Moving from St. Maarten to the Netherlands and then to Korea, Chantal shares her experience adjusting to different cultures and how taking risks and believing in herself led her to become a platinum-winning songwriter.  Chantal breaks down how her upbringing influenced her musical signature and how she thinks about creating a new song. As an independent artist, Chantal highlights the importance of understanding the business of music and the role technology plays in making it easier for artists to amplify their voices and build their own fan base outside of a label. 

In an era of hybrid work, many feel like escaping to tropical islands is the best way to live out your days. What can be better than year-round sun and lavish beaches?  The reality of living in paradise rarely acknowledges the financial and mental health struggles of the locals living there. In this episode of the chattabox, Tracy Laville (@tracy.lalla) content creator and storyteller, shares the truth about living in the Caribbean and how her global upbringing influenced how she connects with communities. She shares how her journey of becoming a local and taking a genuine interest in communities has allowed her to tell incredibly authentic and wholesome stories about the places she has lived. As a single mom and feminist, Tracy shares how she's fighting for more equity amongst the sexes in her community and in her own home. As a content creator for St. Maarten, Tracy discusses how different Caribbean islands market themselves and the importance of highlighting the local population and culture. Tracy highlights the importance of our community moving from a mindset of resilience to one where people are thriving and how diversification, nature conservation, and developing boundaries are key for the growth and sustainability of our community.

When it comes to being vulnerable, many of us remain guarded. It's better to appear strong than to admit our weaknesses in a culture that rewards strength and power. In this episode of the chattabox, educator, and yogi, Melissa Barasona (@bar.asana) shares her journey of embracing the power of vulnerability and the beauty that can be found in being the lotus that grew out of the mud. Many of us are often caught up in the narratives that swirl in our minds and we conform to the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Melissa shares how yoga and breathwork have helped her not only create space to identify her pattern of thinking but find peace within. Together, we share stories of moments in our lives that helped us redefine who we were and how our darkest moments showed us not only how to be more empathetic but more loving for ourselves and others. 

As we move through this paradigm shift, how will we go about tilling the soil of the mind to remove seeds of untruths and delusion and plant seeds rooted in our history, intuition, and divine truth? We often say we live in the post-colonial world as if that means the frameworks and ideology of colonialism have been wiped from our collective consciousness. Traces of colonial ideas still plague the thoughts of the people, turning the oppressed into the oppressor. In this episode of the chattabox, Nelly Blaise (@stemsbynellyblaise) author, advocate for the youth, and community leader in St. Maarten shares his thoughts on how colonialism continues to impact generations of Caribbean people and the importance of reshaping the stories we tell about who we are as Caribbean people and how we came to be. Through his work at the St. Maarten Youth Brigade, Nelly shares trends amongst the island's youth and the shift towards more acceptance and empathy for others. As a health and wellness enthusiast, Nelly highlights the role jujitsu plays in his life and the various practices he incorporates to be athlete ready. Nelly shares his vision for the island and how his work to cultivate open spaces for others to express themselves has positively impacted his life and those of his community. 

We often hear we should have faith, but what does a life lived in faith actually look like? If there is one person that exemplifies what it means to love unconditionally, vibrating nothing but good vibes, it is Jakisha Brooks. In this episode of the chattabox, Jakisha (@kishax_nb) shares her philosophy of life and the role faith plays in managing fear and self-doubt. As a daughter of the soil, Jakisha shares what it has been like returning to St. Maarten since studying abroad in the US and her journey of navigating her adult life locally. Working within the waste management sector of the island, Jakisha shares how biowaste is managed locally and the opportunities to sustainably integrate biowaste back into the natural ecosystem. Jakisha is one of the kindest most loving people I've ever encountered; she highlights the role her great-grandmother played in instilling the value of love and community in her life and how this is counter to what she experienced in the US. We discuss what the future of the island could look like and opportunities to grow the local economy through small business development, technology adoption, legalization of cannabis, and increased land preservation. 

Living your truth can often come at a cost, but nothing is more beautiful than a soul that refuses to settle for anything less than 100% RAW realness. In this episode of the chattabox, Jelani Simmons (@jelvni) shares his journey of coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and navigating the backlash within conservative Caribbean communities. Coming to terms with his identity and passions led Jelani to travel the world to not only find a place to call home but a family that allows him to truly be himself. He dishes out how drag, pole, and fashion helped him in his journey of becoming and exploring his femininity and masculinity. Jelani introduces us to Miss Katrina aka Hurricane Kat aka his baddie alter-ego, and the BTS of life as a drag queen. As a ghetto fashion influencer, Jelani spills the tea on some of his most iconic looks from 2022 and the importance of sustainability when developing a look. In this episode, we get to see the soft and wild side of this bright spirit and what it takes to live in your authenticity. Jelani highlights the importance of being a voice for the LGBTQ+ community within the Caribbean and his desire to help others walking in similar heels. Purrr. 

How many of us live our lives unapologetically in our authenticity... living by each breath, moving with purpose, and being open to whatever comes? From the day we're born into this world, so many of us slowly forget who we are to become someone we should be. Being yourself can be one of the boldest statements you ever make, but so many of us filter what we show the world. We judge ourselves, neglect ourselves, and do not love ourselves as much as we deserve.  In this episode of the chattabox, free-spirited actress Mara Reltien (@marareltien) shares her perspective on living authentically and her journey of coming back to herself. Growing up on various islands, she shares the role nature plays in cultivating her divine femininity and the importance of community. In a time of so much uncertainty, Mara shares how she stays grounded and open to possibility. We each have a role in walking each other home; the question is will you join us? 

No matter where you are in your journey, returning to the breath is the easiest way to ground yourself and get in tune with the moment. This episode of the chattabox features avid meditator and yoga instructor, Thang Nguyen. Together, we explore what it means to meditate and different ways to grow your practice, the impact of being mindful, and the stages of enlightenment. Thang shares his meditation journey with Thict Nat Hanh as well as his perspective on the mind and non-dualism. 

Season 3 babeeeee! They say the third time is the charm right? A call to all the dreamers, stewards of light, curious creators, and champions of consciousness... this podcast is for you. We have to fight for the reality we know we all deserve and operate in mindful synchronicity to create it. This podcast is for the inner chattabox in all of us, using our voices to empower others and remind us of what power we all share. 

Most people that know today's guest, Bianca Dijkhoffz (@bb_bad), know all the incredible work she's done representing St. Maarteners in the entertainment industry as a dancer for top musical artists and in popular films, but in this episode of the chattabox, we get to know the girl with crazy curly red hair.  Now living in LA, Bianca shares what it has been like living on both US coasts and finding her community by tapping into the Caribbean Diaspora. Working in the entertainment industry, Bianca shares her journey of developing a thick skin and how being a St. Maartener adds to her authentic story. We share the struggles of the lack of home support for the island's talent in promoting our culture and people. Choosing a career in the arts can be a lonely road, but Bianca highlights how the support of her parents and dance community helped give her the backing to push through the highs and lows of being a professional dancer. Dance is therapy and sacred geometry. Bianca shares how her love of dance has helped heal her spirit and the parallels of Carnival as a period of healing for Caribbean communities. Re-discovering her love of sound and how she has naturally gravitated towards mediums that put you in the moment, Bianca details her journey of becoming a DJ BB BAD, getting comfortable living in uncertainty, and being a vibe. Life is a journey of self-discovery and each stage has lots to offer us. Bianca shares her thoughts on what's next for her and her pursuit of creating an authentic expression of self.