Why the Ground Lizard Doesn't Sleep in Trees Anymore - A St. Martin / Sint Maarten Story

Hema and Kesha continue to delve into the fascinating, fun and informative folktales from the Caribbean. This week Kesha shares a story from St. Martin/St. Maarten that explains why ground lizards no longer sleep in trees. Through this short folk story, we learn about Sammy, the ground lizard, tamarind trees and the twin island of St. Martin / Sint Maarten. This one small Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles is divided into two, with one side belonging to the French Republic and the other side belonging to the Kington of the Netherlands.  

Alongside the tale, the hosts discuss the cultural blend of Dutch and French influences on the island, emphasizing the richness of Caribbean folklore and traditions. They also touch on the significance of tamarind and other regional linguistic variations, while reflecting on the broader historical impact of colonization on the Caribbean islands.

More Caribbean folktales:

Pataki Stories from Cuba

Anansi's Antics in Antigua & Barbuda

Trickster Tales

More episodes:
One island, two countries: St. Martin & Sint Maarten 

Papiamentu: The Language of Curaçao with Sheedia Jansen explores another Caribbean nation that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

To learn more about Kesha and her work:

Website

Instagram

Walk Good Podcast

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A Deep Dive into Caribbean Culinary History with Keshia Sakarah

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, host Hema chats with Keshia Sakarah, a self-taught chef, food writer, and educator of Montserratian and Barbudian descent. Based on topics raised in her first book Caribe A Caribbean Cookbook with History they explore the rich history of the Caribbean and its influence on contemporary food and culture. From the Indigenous names for each nation, unique ingredients used in everyday cooking and a plethora of recipes, the conversation celebrates the diverse and resilient heritage of Caribbean people and cuisine.

The discussion delves into Keshia’s personal connection to the Caribbean, the immigrant experience in her home in the UK, and the evolution of traditional recipes. The episode provides enlightening insights into how Caribbean cuisine maintains its authenticity while adapting to new environments. 

Connect with Keshia
Website
Instagram
About the book Caribe by Keshia Sakarah (US RRP of $45)

Episodes referenced in this episode
Exploring Caribbean Culinary History with Keja Valens

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Exploring Pataki Stories: The Tale of Obara and His Gift

Continuing the Caribbean folklore series, Kesha Christie joins Hema on the podcast to dive into Pataki stories of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, focusing on the Orishas and their unique powers. 'The Gift’, told by Kesha, is the story of Obara, the once-poor Orisha and how he received his Ashe. The conversation highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of these sacred stories, their connection to Yoruba culture, and their role in teaching morals and guiding rituals.

More Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie:
Anansi's Antics in Antigua & Barbuda
Trickster Tales
Exploring Caribbean Folklore

More about Cuba:
Cuban History and Food
Cuban Roots: Lisette's Journey to Havana

To learn more about Kesha and her work:

Website
Instagram 
Facebook
Walk Good Podcast

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Exploring Papiamentu: The Unique Language of Curaçao

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and guest Sheedia Jansen delve into the 300-year-old history of Papiamentu, the vibrant lingua franca of Curaçao.

Sheedia, a Freedom Alchemist born and raised in Curaçao, explains how Papiamentu emerged from a blend of influences from West Africa, Portuguese, Dutch, Indigenous Caquetios, and Spanish cultures, and is a result of Caribbean colonization. 

The conversation highlights the evolution of the language, its official recognition in 2007, and its survival in the face of past colonial restrictions. Speaking to the rich cultural tapestry of Curaçao, Sheedia also discusses her own efforts in promoting the language through her online course and the importance of preserving such a unique aspect of her heritage.

Connect with Sheedia:
https://www.heysheedia.com/
Learn Papiamentu with Sheedia
YouTube
Learn Papiamentu YouTube playlist
The Dungeon podcast

Episodes mentioned:
History of Curaçao with Sheedia
Curaçao's Culinary Heritage
Puerto Rican History with Laura Ortiz

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Antiguan Folktales: Anansi's Wisdom and Lessons

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Kesha Christie, a renowned storyteller and Ted Talk speaker, joins the show to explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean folktales, focusing on the iconic trickster hero, Anansi. This captivating Anansi story from Antigua & Barbuda has it’s origins in Ghana (Africa).

Hema and Kesha discuss how these stories reflect and preserve cultural and spiritual beliefs, the nuances and variations across different Caribbean islands, as well as the impact of historical influences, understanding pre-colonial African history and how these timeless stories continue to adapt while maintaining their core messages.

To learn more about Kesha and her work:

Website
Instagram
Walk Good Podcast

Resources:
The Caribbean Storyfinder by Sharon Barcan Elswit 

More episodes with Kesha Christie:
Exploring Caribbean Folklore
Trickster Tales

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Exploring the Rich Culinary Culture of Tobago

In the second episode on Tobago, one half of the twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, Hema and guest Devonne Adanna, a storyteller and Caribbean history enthusiast from Tobago, dive into the diverse culinary traditions of Tobago. 

The discussion covers the historical influences on the islands' food, the distinction between Trinidad's fast-paced, street food culture and Tobago's homestyle cooking, and the unique flavours and dishes from both islands, including popular meals like pelau, curried crab, and doubles. 

The episode touches on local folklore, the influence of African culture across the Caribbean, and various snacks and sweets that are cherished in Tobago. Devonne shares some of her childhood favourite foods and memories.

Throughout the conversation we share some must-try foods and recipes, plus a one-day itinerary if you want to visit Tobago but are limited on time.

Connect with Devonne:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Episodes mentioned:
Tobago's Past Revisited with Devonne Adanna
Exploring Dominican Republic with Harry Alvarez
Caribbean Culinary History with Keja Valens

Resources:
Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve
Tobago Cocoa Estate
Tobago Heritage Festival
Store Bay
Nylon Pool
Tobago Tourism

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In this episode host Hema and guest Devonne Adanna, a Caribbean history enthusiast, discuss the intricate historical backgrounds of Trinidad & Tobago, with a focus on Tobago. They delve into the impact of European colonization, the economic struggles Tobago faced post-slavery, and the distinct cultural evolution of both islands before they amalgamated to become one country. 

Devonne also shares her advocacy for autism awareness through her content creation, highlighting the intersections of history and personal narratives. 

Connect with Devonne:
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Previous episode: Trinbagonian Chats with Devonne

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The Rich Tradition of Anansi Stories, Monkey Tales and Caribbean Folklore

In this bonus episode, Hema and guest Kesha Christie explore the origins and rich tradition of Caribbean folklore and trickster tales. Starting with an Anansi story skillfully told by Kesha, they follow it up with a talk about the origins and roots, tracing it back to West Africa, specifically Ghana. 

Kesha shares another tale, Monkey Who Loves Trouble, followed by a discussion on how these narratives have travelled and evolved across different cultures and Caribbean countries. The stories, shared by passionate storyteller Kesha Christie, offer deep lessons wrapped in engaging and entertaining plots, making them valuable for audiences of all ages. The episode also highlights the significance of communal storytelling in passing down wisdom and cultural heritage.

Previous episode: Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie

To learn more about Kesha and her work visit her website.

Connect with Kesha on social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Walk Good Podcast

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Exploring Trinidad's Rich History and Cultural Blends

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, host Hema and guest Sunity Maharaj delve into the historical influences on Trinidad's food and culture. We chat the profound influence of diverse cultures on Trinidadian music, spirituality, and daily life, emphasizing the creativity and unique cultural fusion evident in the society. The conversation touches on economic challenges stemming from a plantation economy left from colonization, the influence of historical events on modern Trinidad, and insights into the Lloyd Best Institute's efforts to promote independent thought and decolonize the education system, drawing inspiration from the Trinidadian steel pan. This episode showcases the depth beyond Trinidad's - and the Caribbean’s -  renowned elements of sun, sea, and sand, revealing a vibrant and complex society.

Part 1: History of Trinidad: Tales of Heritage and Resistance with Sunity Maharaj

Resources and Links:

Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean
Lloyd Best Institure of the Caribbean Archive
Pelau: The unofficial, National Dish of Trinidad & Tobago
Life in Trinidad & Tobago
Recipes from Teri's Food Therapy

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Exploring the Rich History of Trinidad: From Indigenous Roots to Cultural Fusion

This episode is the first of two parts with host Hema and guest Sunity Maharaj. They explore the history of Trinidad, uncovering the island's rich cultural tapestry. From the Indigenous people to the effects of European colonization, the relevance of understanding the island’s history is critical to comprehend present circumstances and promote compassion. 

Sunity shares her expertise as a journalist and director at the Lloyd Best Institute, emphasizing the importance of Caribbean development. The episode covers the island's Indigenous people, the impact of European colonization, the African influence, Indian indentured labourers and the resilience of Trinidad's culture, culminating in a discussion on present-day economic and social dynamics.

Come back in two weeks for the second part of the episode where we dive into food, music and culture.

Resources
The Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean
The Banwari Man
Banwari Trace
Celebrating the First Peoples of Trinidad and Tobago
Peggy Mohan
Lise Winer
Maureen Warner-Lewis
Dr. Kelvin Singh
Patois Song Dodo Piti Popo

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