The Moreish Podcast: Caribbean History, Culture, and Cuisine
More than jerk chicken, beaches and Carnival, the cultures of the Caribbean is unique and diverse with influences from all over the world. Join Hema and guests on The Moreish Podcast as they talk about the history of the Caribbean, and how history influences current day culture and cuisine. The Moreish Podcast: Where Caribbean history meets culture and cuisine.What is moreish? | more·ish ˈmōrish | informal, of food, causing a desire for moreIf you are enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a rating and review. Join us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to continue the conversation. Music from #Uppbeat (free for C...
A Love Letter to Indo-Caribbean Women with Keisha Bissram
Black Cake, Indo-Caribbean identity, and making space to be seen
Black Cake is a love letter to Indo-Caribbean women and their traditions. Keisha Bissram, writer & actor, joins Hema to talk about her short film Black Cake, a story centred on an Indo-Caribbean family in Queens, NY, as they deal with grief, loss, and loneliness.
They explore how the film uses food, music, jewellery, grief, and family tension to reflect a culture that is often overlooked on screen, while also unpacking the pressures of survival, silence, and colonial mindsets that shape diaspora life.
Keisha...
Ancestral Memory, Caribbean Cookbooks, and Doubles with Stephanie Ramlogan
What started as a conversation about Stephanie’s This is Doubles Instagram, turned into a conversation about ancestral memory in the kitchen, the stories that are told about Caribbean food, and how powerful a united Caribbean could be.
Stephanie Ramlogan, a Trinidadian writer based in New York City, explains why doubles is more than bara and channa: it is memory, migration, identity, and a fight over who gets to define a culture in public. She shares her thoughts on cooking being passed down through observation, sound, and smell versus just steps in a cookbook, and how the fu...
Chef Osei “Picky” Blackett: Building a food brand from Trinidad to NYC
Chef Picky on Trinidadian food, Caribbean identity, and building his food brand
Chef Osei “Picky” Blackett, has been called “the driving force behind Brooklyn’s modern Caribbean dining scene” and has been recognized for his work at Ariapita and Everything Oxtail.
In this episode, we start at the beginning of Osei’s journey: his introduction to food entrepreneurship as a child in Trinidad with family businesses and through his Uncle, moving to New York City at the insistence of his mother because he was getting into trouble, and falling into the culinary world by happenstance. Washing dish...
Language, Indentureship, and Indo-Caribbean Memory with Vinay Harrichan
In this episode, Hema and Vinay discuss how language and the words you may have grown up saying in a Caribbean household are actually living records of survival, migration, and cultural memory.
Vinay Harrichan, founder of The Cutlass Magazine, breaks down how Indo-Caribbean language, food, and identity were shaped by Indian indentureship, traces the line from indentureship to the Caribbean expressions, family words, & food terms that still show up in everyday language across Trinidad and the Caribbean today.
We discuss why words like bandhania, parathai, mohan bhog, and gulab jamun carry layered histories that don't...
How Food Became Political in the US Virgin Islands with Stephanie Chalana Brown
The Virgin Islands of the United States does not have one tidy food story. Disputes over the national dish, generational divides over what constitutes a Virgin Islands plate, and influences from Africa, Europe, and other Caribbean nations, as well as American policies that limit food production creates a narrative that isn’t straightforward. It’s why this conversation with Stephanie Chalana Brown, historian and visual documentarian, is so informative and fascinating.
Chalana gives us a peek behind the curtain on how politics, migration, colonial history, and identity have all shaped what ends up on the plate in the...
Queer Identity in the Caribbean Diaspora with Shaharah Gaznabbi
Queeribbean
In the final episode of Season 3, Hema and Shaharah Gaznabbi, a Toronto-based Indo-Caribbean theatre creator and drag performer, talk about the history, language, and cultural nuances of being queer in the Caribbean diaspora, how colonization has shaped attitudes towards queeribbean folks, and the evolving acceptance within communities and families.
Shaharah shares their personal coming out experience, their role as the Chair of the Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association’s group EPIC (Equality and Pride for Indo-Caribbeans), and provides some insight into acceptable language in the LGBTQ+ community and relclaiming the term ‘queer’.
About Shaharah: Shahar...
Book Talk: The British Monarchy and Slavery with Brooke N. Newman
The role of the British Royals in the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Dr. Brooke N. Newman discusses her book The Crown's Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery in the Americas in which she explores the British monarchy's involvement in slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.
Spanning hundreds of years and drawing on thousands of pages of archival records, the book starts with Queen Elizabeth I, the first British monarch to knowingly invest in and profit from the transatlantic slave trade and brings us all the way to present day. In this episode...
Book Talk: Layaway Child with Chanel Sutherland
Exploring Caribbean migration experiences and barrel children through short stories
In this episode, Hema talks to Chanel Sutherland about her first book, Layaway Child, a collection of short stories exploring the Caribbean immigrant experience.
Chanel shares her personal journey of being a ‘layaway child’ (often called barrel children), growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with her grandparents while her mother migrated to Montreal, Quebec (Canada) to set up a new life for her family, and travelling with her younger sister to reunite with their mother.
The discussion delves into the themes of s...
Book Talk: The Caribbean Cookbook with Rawlston Williams
In this episode Hema chats with Rawlston Williams, author of The Caribbean Cookbook, graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and he was the chef-owner of the award-winning Brooklyn restaurant The Food Sermon. He shares stories from his childhood growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where his connection to food began. From cooking in the kitchen of his aunt Gloria to helping the neighbour handmake chocolate from cacao growing in her yard, and learning how to churn butter before moving to the United States to join his family.
Rawlston shares a behind-the-sceens look at developing the...
Doubles: The Origin Story with Vinay Harrichan
The History of Doubles: Trinidad's Iconic Street Food
Doubles is the quintessential Trinidadian street food, and often the dish that people most associate with Trinidad. In this episode, Hema chats with Vinay Harrichan, founder of The Cutlass Magazine, to talk about the origins of doubles, local lore and stories behind the dish, variations, and they each share their doubles order. It turns out that Hema’s order is what Vinay would describe as starter doubles, or what you would order for a small child!
Vinay shares the etymology of bara and channa, and talks a bi...
The Virgin Islands of the United States: A Journey Through History and Identity with Stephanie Chalana Brown
Exploring the US Virgin Islands: History, Identity, and Cultural Shifts
Stephanie Chalana Brown joined me to discuss the history of the Virgin Islands, a territory of the United States. Comprised of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John plus smaller islets and cays, it’s often described as laid-back, with quaint towns, turquoise waters, a perfect vacation spot for sailing, divers, and sun-seekers.
In this episode we go beyond that. From its indigenous Taino roots, colonial past with strong Danish influences, and present-day struggles, Chalana shares her personal insights into citizenship issues, her ancestral family history, an...
The History of Jerk in Jamaica with Alyssa Sperry Bertrand
Many foods come to mind when people think of Jamaica, and one most often associated with Jamaican cuisine is jerk chicken. In this episode Hema is joined by Alyssa Sperry Bertrand, a retired pastry chef turned academic and historian, to discuss the evolution of jerk, from traditional methods to modern interpretations. They explore the origins as a food preservation method, the influence of the Taino people, Maroons and African cultures, and pimento wood, the one must have for authentic jerk.
Listen as we dive into the history and cultural significance of jerk in Jamaican cuisine, the must-have...
ENCORE: Culinary Colonialism and Caribbean Cookbooks with Keja Valens
Dive into the history of Caribbean cookbooks with Keja Valens, author of Culinary Colonialism, Caribbean Cookbooks, and Recipes for National Independence.
In this encore episode Keja Valens, Professor of English at Salem State University and author of 'Culinary Colonialism, Caribbean Cookbooks, and Recipes for National Independence' discusses creolization, early cookbook authors, and the cultural significance of historical cookbooks in the Caribbean. Keja shares insights from her academic research highlighting how colonialism shaped and transformed Caribbean food and culture.
About Keja Valens
Keja Valens is Professor of English at Salem State University. She teaches...
Jamaica: The connection between salt and spirituality with Alyssa Sperry Bertrand
How salt shaped Jamaica’s culture and subcultures
Hema is joined by Alyssa Sperry Bertrand, a retired pastry chef turned academic and historian, about her research on the historical and cultural significance of salt in Jamaica. Starting with the colonial era and the Spanish followed by the British, they explore the transition of Jamaica from a salt-producing island to a sugar-centric economy, the role of women in salt production, and the spiritual and practical implications of salt in the lives of Jamaican Maroon and Rastafarian communities.
Alyssa shares how she got the nickname ‘Salt Woman’ and th...
Book Talk: The Last Turtlemen of the Caribbean with Sharika D. Crawford
The Story of the Turtlemen: Navigating the Waters of Caribbean History
Who are the turtlemen of the Cayman Islands? In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Sharika Crawford, historian and author of The Last Turtleman of the Caribbean delves into the history and cultural significance of sea turtle hunting in the Caribbean, particularly focusing on the turtlemen of the Cayman Islands. She discusses the rich maritime culture that has often been overshadowed by plantation histories in the Caribbean, how turtle hunting evolved from a subsistence activity to a commercial enterprise, driven by demand for turtle meat and...
Book Talk: Exploring Caribbean Heritage Through Food with Marie Mitchell
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Exploring Caribbean Identity, Food, and Family Stories with Marie Mitchell
Marie Mitchell, a chef, writer, and author of Kin: Caribbean Recipes for the Modern Kitchen joins Hema to talk about her Caribbean heritage and stories through the lens of her narrative cookbook, that blends Caribbean history, culture, and cuisine.
Marie’s book shares an intimate look at her family's journey, sadness & joy, and their resilience, plus her personal journey of connecting with her roots through cooking. Highlighting the significance of her family's legacy and the broa...
The Repair Campaign: Caribbean Reparations Explained with Brian Royes
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Understanding Reparations and Caribbean Justice with Brian Royce, Campaign Manager for The Repair Campaign
Hema is joined by Brian Royes, Campaign Manager for The Repair Campaign, an organization that amplifies for the call for former colonial powers to acknowledge their role in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans.
They delve into CARICOM's 10-point plan for reparations and reparatory justice, emphasizing the importance of an apology and accountability from those who benefitted from chattel slavery, the long-term socioeconomic and cultural impacts still being felt today, and...
Indo-Caribbean Canadian Culture & Community: A Conversation with Ryan Singh
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The Indo-Caribbean Canadian Experience with Ryan Singh
In the last full episode of 2025, Hema is joined by Ryan Singh, the Founder of the Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association (ICCA). They explore the nuances of Indo-Caribbean identity, the impact of colonial history, and the struggle for cultural recognition in Canada.
Ryan shares the origin story and mission of ICCA, various community programs such as youth mentorship, support for single parents, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, plus the Share Yuh Rice initiative that brought the Association to Hema’s att...
Caribbean Christmas: Traditions, Folktales, and Togetherness with Kesha Christie
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Caribbean Christmas Traditions and an Anansi story with Kesha Christie
In the final Caribbean folklore episode of 2025, Kesha shares some traditions and unique ways different Caribbean nations celebrate at Christmas, including bamboo bursting and Junkanoo, plus some of the favourite food & drink made at the end of the year. Of course, an episode with Kesha is not complete without a folktale and this time it’s Anansi and Sorrel.
Listen to more Caribbean folklore episodes
Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie
Caribbean Folklore: The Lantern in the Cane Field, A Chinese-Caribbean Folktale with Kesha Christie
We'd love to hear from you!
Exploring the Untold Stories of Chinese-Caribbean Heritage
In this episode, storyteller and frequent guest Kesha Christie dives into the often-overlooked Chinese-Caribbean heritage, exploring folktales and oral histories that highlight the rich cultural fusion in the Caribbean.
Kesha talks about her research journey uncovering the often untold Chinese-Caribbean stories from Trinidad, Guyana, and Jamaica. The folktale 'The Lantern in the Cane Field,' brings in recognizable Chinese symbols like the dragon and lantern into Caribbean setting.
Resources
Event: Surfacing - Ch...
Book Talk: Belly Full Cookbook, Caribbean Food & Ingredients with Lesley Enston
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Caribbean Cuisine with Lesley Enston, author of Belly Full: Exploring Caribbean Cuisine Through 11 Fundamental Ingredients and Over 100 Recipes [A Cookbook]
Join Hema and Lesley as they talk about Caribbean cuisine and history through the lens of Lesley's debut cookbook Belly Full, where she delves into Caribbean food through 11 fundamental ingredients.
In this episode, Lesley shares her personal background and family stories, some of her favourite dishes, and her views on Caribbean cuisine.
She describes the cultural melting pot that...
Exploring Bahamian Culture through History with Sasha Wells
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Exploring Bahamian History: From Indigenous Roots to Modern Identity
In this episode, Hema and Sasha Wells, a PhD student in Caribbean History at Florida International University, delve into the rich history of The Bahamas. The discussion spans multiple eras, from the indigenous Lucayan people, the effects of European colonization, the cultural and racial dynamics influenced by loyalist migration, and the eventual road to independence from the British Crown in 1973.
Sasha highlights the ongoing social and cultural challenges, including the remnants of colonialism and the importance of preserving...
Caribbean Folklore: The Pumpkin Daughter, An Indo-Caribbean Folktale with Kesha Christie
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We’re back with another Caribbean folktale, told by Kesha Christie.
In this episode, Kesha shares an Indo-Caribbean folktale from Trinidad titled 'Kadoo Ki Beti' or 'The Pumpkin Daughter.' The story, which dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, revolves around Mama Savitri, an old woman who desperately wishes for a child. Through prayers and a magical pumpkin, her wish is partially granted. This folktale has themes of spirituality, cultural cues, and community.
Hema and Kesha discuss the importance of preserving these ora...
Exploring Guyana’s Foodways with Dr. Geoffrey Giddings
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Guyanese Culinary Traditions
From Guyana’s six peoples to the impact of Guyana’s new wealth, and the national dish of pepperpot, Hema and Dr. Geoffrey Giddings discuss the ever-evolving foodways in Guyana.
Geoffrey, an expert in African American studies and a passionate advocate for Guyanese food culture, delves into the rich history of Guyana, known as the land of six peoples, highlighting the culinary influences from Indigenous, European, African, Indian, Portuguese, and Chinese heritages. He shares personal stories from his early years growing up with h...
Historical Roots of Guyana with Melissa Goolsarran Ramnauth
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The History of Guyana with Melissa, West Indian Diplomacy
Melissa Goolcharran Ramnauth, Editor-in-Chief of West Indian Diplomacy, shares her knowledge of the history of Guyana on this episode of the podcast.
From the early Indigenous peoples to the colonial power struggles between the Dutch and the British, Hema and Melissa dive into key historical moments in Guyanese history: the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade taking enslaved African people to Guyana to work on plantations, the abolition of slavery leading to indentured labourers from India, China and Portugal, t...
Caribbean Food History with Dr. Candice Goucher
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Exploring Caribbean Culture through Foodways with Dr. Candice Goucher
In this episode Hema chats with guest Dr. Candice Goucher, author of "Congotay! Congotay! A Global History of Caribbean Food," about the dynamic and fraught history of Caribbean food and culture.
From the reconstruction of Caribbean culture, the contributions of Indigenous, African, Indian, Chinese, and European peoples to Caribbean culture & cuisine, and the significant role of food in preserving history and culture, Hema and Dr. Goucher discuss the concept of creolization, the impact of European colonization...
Caribbean Folklore: The Lady and Her Three Sons - A Grenadian Folktale with Kesha Christie
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A Folktale from Grenada with Kesha Christie
Welcome to Season 3 of The Moreish Podcast! We kick off with Toronto-based storyteller and podcaster Kesha Christie’s rendition of a humorous Grenadian folktale, 'The Lady and Her Three Sons,' which highlights the Caribbean tradition of descriptive nicknames.
Hema and Kesha chat about the cultural significance of nicknames, superstitions, and community spirit within the Caribbean diaspora, and they share their thoughts on why these stories and traditions are essential to preserving their heritage.
Through the conv...
ENCORE: Slave Voyages with Dr. Gregory O’Malley and Dr. Nafees M. Khan
Exploring the Legacy of the Slave Voyages Database
In the final episode of season two of The Moreish Podcast, Hema wraps up with an encore episode featuring Dr. Nafees M. Khan and historian Dr. Gregory O'Malley from the Slave Voyages Consortium. The conversation delves deep into the Slave Voyages database, a comprehensive online resource documenting the transatlantic and intra-American slave trades through shipping records and other historical documents. With a focus on the Caribbean, the experts discuss the role this database plays in understanding the cultural impact on the African diaspora. We dive into the history of...
Caribbean Folklore: Making a deal with Death told by Kesha Christie
One Caribbean: Exploring Dominican Folklore and Storytelling
In this final folklore episode of this season of The Moreish Podcast, Kesha and Hema celebrate the interconnectedness of Caribbean culture through stories. The episode features a bit of a dark folktale from the Dominican Republic about Joe, a lazy young man who makes a deal with Death to become rich. The story's undertones reflect the island's religious beliefs, and the discussion delves into how such tales highlight the shared yet diverse heritage of the Caribbean. They conclude by reflecting on the deep-rooted cultural ties that make the Caribbean a...
The Irish-Caribbean Connection: Unmasking Myths with Dr. Ellen Howley
Debunking the Irish-Caribbean Connection: Unravelling Myths and Historical Realities
Dr. Ellen Howley joins Hema to discuss the complex and nuanced history between Ireland and the Caribbean.
In the context of Irish history from the 17th century, the British Empire, and the forced migration under Cromwell, Dr. Howley shares the complexity of some Irish people being sent to the Caribbean as indentured servants, while others chose to go and even prospered under the British Empire.
The Irish presence in the Caribbean, particularly on islands like Montserrat and Barbados, remains today, including the ongoing St...
Caribbean Folklore: A Lizard’s Lesson with Kesha Christie
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...
Book Talk: Caribbean Culinary History with Keshia Sakarah
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.
<...Caribbean Folklore: The Power of Pataki Stories in Cuba with Kesha Christie
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 & Ba...
Papiamentu: The Language of Curaçao with Sheedia Jansen
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...
Caribbean Folklore: Anansi’s Antics in Antigua & Barbuda with Kesha Christie
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 ad...
Discovering the Flavours of Tobago with Devonne Adanna
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...
Tobago's Past Revisited with Devonne Adanna
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
What is...
Caribbean Folklore: Trickster Tales with Kesha Christie
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...
Exploring Trinidad Part 2: Culture and Influence with Sunity Maharaj
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 about 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...
History of Trinidad Part 1: Tales of Heritage and Resistance with Sunity Maharaj
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...
