The Natasha Stuart Podcast

In this episode, Jamie Thompson shares with us much of his journey to becoming and being a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. A journey that was by no means easy. From being a struggling student, not knowing how he will get the finances to get through his next semester - to his struggle and rise above the stigma of being a dancer, a male dancer in particular in Belize - to now being in the cast of Broadway's award-winning musical The Lion King.  

There is so much to learn here from Jamie, and his message. So excited and grateful to have him on the show! 

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This episode begins with an excerpt from Dominique's podcast, Walasaha. I chose to do this because it's very difficult to describe Dominique in so many words, so I figured it would be best to show you. I still cannot find words that would be sufficient to describe Dominique and all her achievements. For this reason, I urge you if you don't already, to follow her. You can also Google her to see all her amazing accomplishments, the list is endless. Dominique is a changemaker and she will definitely be leaving Belize a better place than she found it!

Show Notes: 

Podcast Begins [7:39] 

FOLLOW DOMINIQUE:

Podcast: Walasaha (available on all podcast platforms) 

Here is an important conversation we should all be having, across the world! We all can learn more and do better in regards to our environment. Climate change professionals have been calling our attention because we really do need to pay attention to the current status of our environment. I hope you listen closely to what Andre shares in this episode. I know some of us have become more environmentally conscious but most of us, myself included can be doing a much better job. We all need to be whistleblowers when it comes to this topic. And once we understand what is at stake, who is responsible, who needs to be held accountable, how we all can do a better job then I think together we can leave the world a better place than we found it. But it's vital that we do sooner than later, we simply can't continue to ignore this for our own convenience because soon enough there will be no convenience.

SHOW NOTES: 

In this episode, I am joined by Cherisse Halsall, whom we may all know from Channel 7 News. Only having started covering the news in 2019 and already becoming one of the most familiar faces and voices in Belize news. Cherisse shares her journey with us, her experience moving to Spain back in 2008, and her experience with nepotism, a hot topic here in Belize. She also shares more about the rock band Ansenthium, which she also a member of from a PR standpoint. In this episode, Cherisse also shares some of her most memorable and difficult moments as a reporter. She also encourages us to move obstacles out of our way, to dream big and beyond!   

In this episode, I am joined by Ronelli Requena, the woman behind the wedding dresses. Ronelli shares much of her journey with us and how everything that anyone has ever said she couldn't do was only a driving force in her life and led her to who she is today. There were several reminders in this episode of all the things we let stop us from achieving our goals. I hope to have Ronelli back as there's so much more to learn about her story, her brand, and her goals. I hope you all enjoy!

In this episode, I am joined by Marlon Andrews, investor, Forex trader and business owner. Marlon gets very candid in the conversation, he shares with us some of the harsh realities and life circumstances he faced and how he was able to turn his life around.

In this episode, I am joined by Belize's youngest member of the City Council, Allan Pollard Jr. who is now running for a second term in the upcoming municipal elections. Allan shares his story of how he decided to put his name on a ballot 3 years ago, some realities of being a councillor and growing up in Southside Belize City. He shares some of his experience running in the General elections and some advice for those aspiring to do great things and to be the change we wish to see. 

 **Apparently, councillor is spelled both ways (councilor and councillor) since I edited the video already we'll stick with councillor. That's how we spell it in Belize.  

In this conversation, we become more acquainted with our new Miss Universe Belize. We learn more about Iris's upbringing, we learn more about her struggles with domestic abuse, her experience in pageantry, and just the motivation we might all need to believe in ourselves and go for our goals!  

Connect: 

In this episode, I am joined by Chef Sean Kuylen. One of Belize's is top chefs! After interviewing Sean on my Instagram lives back in June we became friends. Sean gets to experience rich Belizean culture almost on a day to day basis and I have always wanted to know and experience as much of my beautiful Belize as possible. Sean reached out to me to go on a road trip to Southern Belize, very spontaneously I must add, and I accepted the invite. This episode is about our weekend of cultural adventures.

I can't thank you enough Sean, for this stunning experience!

SHOW NOTES:  

Sean's Social:

In this episode, I am joined by Monica Gallardo and Dora Guerra founders of Pop and Sip - Belize's new beverage company that is crafting signature Belizean drinks. Their first release, Tati's Cold Brew, has taken off and is all the rage on Belize's social media scene. Pop and Sip was an opportunity that was taken in the crisis. Both of their livelihoods were compromised by the pandemic but with their entrepreneurial mindsets,  a mere gift idea, and their love for all things Belize, a magically delicious product was born. One of what will be many, they are off to a great start and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds. I am so happy I asked Monica and Dora to share their story with us. I hope through their experience you are able to gain some direction on your journey as well. Thank you for listening!

NOTE: We lost Monica for a second around [30:34] so you will notice the question is repeated, oops!

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You're back for another episode! YAY! In this episode, I am joined by my ALL STAR of a friend, Kristin Marin. Kristin has done so much so far in her very short lifetime. And since I met her back in our last year of high school I have always known her to be doing the absolute MOST! Kristin shares with us her educational journey, a very quick synopsis of what she has learned through her life, her challenges, and what she is learning at Imperial College Business School in London where she is currently majoring in climate change, management, and finance. She shares with us insight on how we can make a difference in the environment and the importance of not remaining complacent, among many other things.  

Kristin has always shown promise, and I am just very excited to see what she has done, is doing, and will continue to do. I am extremely proud of her, she does our country so proud, and always wears Belize right on her shoulders.  Her passion, perseverance, and dedication will not go unnoticed. She mentioned "What can one person do?", I am sure she is one person that will do quite a lot.  

Thank you Kristin for taking this time to share with us, I wish you all the best on your future endeavors, again you make us so very proud!

Kristin's Social:

In this episode, I am joined by purpose advisor/consultant, author, speaker, and friend Alan Riva. I am very excited to be able to share this conversation with you all and I know there is only to gain from this. I already have, and if that alone was the purpose then that is perfect. This conversation will require your presence as well, your open ears, and your calm.  

 I look forward to having more of these conversations with Alan in the future, on and off the podcast. It has been so much help to have reconnected, and to be able to have someone with this type of knowledge and experience to look to for guidance. I hope this episode provides you with the calm, clarity, and insight you might need in these times,  and that this may inspire you to seek more and dive more into yourself, your purpose, and presence. I wish you the best on your life's journey, I hope this helps.   

HOW TO FIND ALAN RIVA:

In this episode, Brittany shares with us her profession, educational background, and how she was able to come this far with the help of scholarship opportunities. Brittany also gives us advice on how we can reduce our emissions, as a country and as individuals.  

Although Brittany didn't claim to be a "silent hero" I definitely agree that she is. In her choice to do what has always been an imperative profession and one even more vital now. Her choice to dedicate her life and be a part of the efforts to help the planet and in the way she is able to represent our little jewel by achieving her own dreams and goals and sitting at the table as a Belizean. Sitting at the table that makes decisions that will impact our lives for generations. It's inspiring to see Belizeans going for their dreams, taking opportunities, no matter how difficult it may be. No matter what odds are stacked against them. When one Belizean does it, it does pave the path for others even if they may not realize it. I am grateful Brittany took the time to be on my podcast to share her experience, I do hope this sparks a light within someone.