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The Digital Jamaica Podcast

The Digital Jamaica Podcast

By The Digital Jamaica Podcast

A podcast dedicated to amplifying Jamaican voices in digital and tech spaces.
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Currently playing episode

The Jamcovid Scandal, repercussions & impact with Trevor Forrest

The Digital Jamaica PodcastMar 03, 2021

00:00
01:24:42
S03EP7 : Web3 - The Promised Neverland With Glen Henry

S03EP7 : Web3 - The Promised Neverland With Glen Henry

Glen Henry is the Founder and Project Director of Sprite Wrench Studios. A micro games development studio based in Kingston, Jamaica.

As  the "loudest Member" of the Jamaica Game Developer Society (JGDS), he uses his experience to nurture and encourage the growth of the region's Game Development sector.

In this episode Glen shares why he is hesitant about Blockchain and some of the misgivings he has specifically as a gaming insider.

It's not that he isn't excited about new technology, and he's not dismissing web 3 outright, but he's just not impressed with the current state of the space and believes there already exists better, more sustainable ways for gamers and creatives to earn.

If you like the Digital Jamaica Podcast, rate the show and leave a review.

Follow Digital Jamaica on social media on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

You can also catch us over on YouTube and visit the blog.

Aug 19, 202250:30
S03EP6 : NTFS & The Creative Renaissance with Roshaun Clarke

S03EP6 : NTFS & The Creative Renaissance with Roshaun Clarke

Roshaun Clarke more popularly known as BAY-C, is an International recording artist and member of the record breaking dancehall reggae group T.O.K. Roshaun is a technologist in his own right being the lead for Spatial Innovision Services, the leading GPS and GIS solutions provider in the Caribbean.
In this episode Roshaun and I discuss the exploitative nature of creative industries and how the technologically driven renaissance, and how in this instance web 3 applications like NFT's can go a long to right some of those wrongs, outing the power back into the hands of the creative.
Listen to Bay-C's new Album King Bass here and follow on Instagram.
If you like the Digital Jamaica Podcast, rate the show and leave a review.
Follow Digital Jamaica on social media on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
You can also catch us over on YouTube and visit the blog.
Jul 28, 202201:01:44
S03EP5 : Crypto Art - Marketing, Community & Scams with Shannon Chen See
Jul 18, 202256:51
SO3EP4 : Blockchain Powered - Food Stability, Supply Chain Management & NIDS with Odayne Haughton
Jul 04, 202241:58
S03EP3: The Inevitability of Blockchain, Skepticism & Politics with Nicholas Kee
Jun 27, 202259:44
S03EP2 : A Thousand Better Ideas - Blockchain Use Cases with Donald Porter
Jun 17, 202201:19:33
SO3EP1 : Web 3 Origins - Harnessing Blockchain Technology to Advance the Future of Work & Business with David Palmer Blockchain Lead for IoT, Vodafone Business

SO3EP1 : Web 3 Origins - Harnessing Blockchain Technology to Advance the Future of Work & Business with David Palmer Blockchain Lead for IoT, Vodafone Business

Jun 10, 202251:46
Chaniel Andran : Infusing 'Jamaicanness" into The Creative Process
Dec 27, 202146:33
Robin Johnson : On Being A Bridge

Robin Johnson : On Being A Bridge

At just 31 Robin Johnson has carved out a solid career for herself as the go to person for finding, nurturing and 'putting on' talent.

Having worked at 3 of arguably the biggest tech companies in the world (Uber, Apple and now Netflix), she has positioned herself to become a bridge for black creatives who traditionally have been excluded from these spaces.

Through her organization, the Indie Creator Society and equity free grant program the Indie Creator Fund, Robin leverages the insider access she now has to create inclusive spaces, networks and opportunities in tech and other creative spaces.

Find out more about the Indie Creator Society and the Fund here.

Support the Digital Jamaica Podcast for more stories like this … Download the episodes, subscribe, and leave a review.

Follow Digital Jamaica on social media on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

You can also catch us over on YouTube and visit the blog.

Sep 30, 202143:35
Dr. Carlene Campbell : From A Small District in Clarendon to Global Game Changer
Aug 13, 202158:24
Jonathan Sinclair : Shifts In Digital Culture from London to Jamaica

Jonathan Sinclair : Shifts In Digital Culture from London to Jamaica

From our lost files...
Last year Jonathan Sinclair and I connected on LinkedIn and got together to have this short but insightful tête-à-tête about the shifts in digital culture from London to Jamaica and the need for digital transformative systems and aggressive integration.
Follow Digital Jamaica on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe and leave a review.
Jul 23, 202144:40
Where The Money Resides With Kalilah Reynolds

Where The Money Resides With Kalilah Reynolds

Kalilah had a hunch that the time was right to start talking about financial literacy. After all as an award winning journalist she had access to esoteric information and the privilege of being able to attract people the know to her platform. What's more she quickly realized that she did not need the permission of traditional media gate-keepers to broadcast, or to earn and that where the money truly resided was in building her own brand and platform.
And so despite having a toddler, being on her 3rd pregnancy, contracting Covid and no longer having the 'safety' net of a successful job, Kalilah Reynolds decided to jump into her passion of bringing financial literacy to the masses.
The reward for standing in her conviction? 26 million dollars in revenue in under a year.
Find out more about Kalilah Reynolds media here ... Subscribe to her YouTube channel here and follow her on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn
Jul 01, 202155:06
Dr. Camir Ricketts : How Early Exposure, Parental & Community Support Paved The Way To Success

Dr. Camir Ricketts : How Early Exposure, Parental & Community Support Paved The Way To Success

May 23, 202151:04
Kemal Brown : A Philosophical Approach to Life & Business

Kemal Brown : A Philosophical Approach to Life & Business

In this episode of the Digital Jamaica Podcast we talk to Kemal Brown, CEO & Founder of Digita Global Marketing Limited a marketing and technology solutions agency. He shares with us how the philosophy of Kaizen and Stoicism has influenced and shaped the way he approaches business and life.

Apr 23, 202156:18
Bias in TechCrunch Reporting on JamCovid? Data Privacy Attorney, Samantha Simms shares her concerns.

Bias in TechCrunch Reporting on JamCovid? Data Privacy Attorney, Samantha Simms shares her concerns.

On today's show we're still talking about JamCovid except this time looking at how the story was reported and asking the question was there bias? At first the reporting was standard but some started to question the motivations of TechCrunch, specifically Zack Whittaker who seem to have taken a personal interest in exposing every flaw and in great details. Data Privacy, Tech & Intellectual Property Attorney Samantha Simms, was one person who openly questioned the reporting asking why, out of all the Covid data collection systems was this one compromised and reported on so aggressively? Samantha knows all too well how these scenarios play out since she is often the attorney that gets called in to manage the fall out of a data breach. And as you'll hear this is not at all how these things are usually reported. It's a very interesting conversation and one that made me question whether I was too quick to dismiss the suspicions. It's not as if Jamaica hasn't been the target of vicious reporting in the past and nobody I've spoken thinks the government handled it well but given the barrage maybe in retrospect their response wasn't so terrible??? Let's hear what Samantha has to say about it. Watch the full conversating on YouTube.  Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe and leave a review.
Mar 22, 202101:35:48
The Jamcovid Scandal, repercussions & impact with Trevor Forrest

The Jamcovid Scandal, repercussions & impact with Trevor Forrest

Mar 03, 202101:24:42
Stephen Phillip Ibar : The Island Adventurer/Explorer & Riverside Cooking Aficionado

Stephen Phillip Ibar : The Island Adventurer/Explorer & Riverside Cooking Aficionado

Think of Stephen as part adventurer, part island explorer and full time foodie. 

On his YouTube Vlog he has successfully managed to combine all those things into one very fascinating and super entertaining channel.

With its over 74k subscribers and 10+million views, the Stuck On An Island Vlog is a well established Jamaican YouTube channel with a diverse  viewership eager to see where Stephen goes next and what he's going to catch and cook when he gets there.

Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe, leave a review and share.

Jun 15, 202039:06
Jessica Hylton-Leckie : The Business of Blogging

Jessica Hylton-Leckie : The Business of Blogging

In this episode Jessica Hylton-Leckie a.k.a Jessica In The Kitchen, popular Jamaican Food Blogger.

She is giving us the skinny on how you can turn your hobby into a lucrative full time career.

At the end of this conversation you're going to come away knowing more than you did before about building an authentic global brand while remaining true to your Jamaican roots.

Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

There are four FREE ways you can help the Podcast grow

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Ready to get started building your awesome digital brand or business? Let's talk about it, click here or you can jump on my upcoming Social Media Basics Webinar 

Music : Sifu Dub by Foshan Roots

©2020, The Digital Jamaica Podcast, All Rights Reserved

Mar 24, 202001:18:40
Jhanelle Golding : Surprisingly Good Jamaican Vegan Grub

Jhanelle Golding : Surprisingly Good Jamaican Vegan Grub

In this episode I had a tête-à-tête with Jhanelle Golding creator of the  "From The Comfort of My Bowl' and the "Surprisingly Sweet Ja" foodie platforms where she introduces her largely Jamaican audience to delicious, hearty Jamaican inspired vegan comfort meals and desserts.  

Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe, leave a review and share.

Mar 02, 202024:17
Chef Adrian Morris : From KFC Worker to Fine Dining Chef and Now Popular Foodie YouTuber

Chef Adrian Morris : From KFC Worker to Fine Dining Chef and Now Popular Foodie YouTuber

Chef Adrian Morris has been taking pictures of his food creations from the time he was working his first restaurant job at KFC back in high school. From KFC to Fine Dining at the Moon Palace Hotel (then Jamaica Grand), his passion for food exploded and so did his incessant need to photograph his work.

It was only after he started posting those images to social media that he realized that this hobby was something his friends and family also loved, and not only did they want to see pics they also wanted to know how he made those amazing dishes.

The Morris Time Cooking YouTube channel was launched in January 2017 and within two short years has amassed over 131 Thousand subscribers with over 5 million video views, making it one of the biggest  Jamaican YouTube Food centric Channel.

This episode is the first in the Digital Foodie Series, where I feature Jamaican chefs, cooks and food enthusiast who are creating platform reintroducing  the world to authentic Jamaican cuisine.

Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe, leave a review and share.

Feb 10, 202026:44
Javon Davis : No Visa? No Problem! How Jamaican Techies Can Find & Land Remote Job Opportunities
Jan 27, 202053:02
David Yarde : Overcoming Stereotypes, Cultural Trauma & Mental Health as a Jamaican Creative

David Yarde : Overcoming Stereotypes, Cultural Trauma & Mental Health as a Jamaican Creative

In this episode I am talking to David Yarde, a multitalented Jamaican born digital creator who lets us in on his secret struggles with being a Jamaican living in the diaspora, working in non-traditional spaces with all the attendant stereotypes all the while battling depression and trying to overcome childhood trauma.
It was an unexpected foray into the mind of an introverted creative who has to navigate awkward and sometimes unfriendly spaces, especially when those unfriendly spaces are in the home.
I also opened up about my struggles with mental health, how it affects my work and developing healthy coping mechanisms,
Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe, leave a review and share.
Jan 13, 202053:39
The Thanksgiving Edition (DA ONE YAH A FI UNUH )
Dec 23, 201929:52
Gavin Dennis : Cyber Security & The Caribbean

Gavin Dennis : Cyber Security & The Caribbean

Gavin Dennis is a young Jamaican Cyber Security expert based in Germany who has been quietly (and mostly single handedly) working to bring about the evolution of the Information Security Industry in the Caribbean. 

That he is doing by raising awareness of and addressing several pressing issues within the field such as gender discrimination. He is also providing mentorship, support and resources for Caribbean Cyber Security & ICT professionals.

Through his non-profit, the Gavin Dennis Foundation he is also tackling the issue of Education with several funding initiatives geared towards the furtherance of education for Caribbean nationals. 

Gavin truly epitomizes what it means to be an actualized, passionate and determined entrepreneur and philanthropist living in purpose.

Find links to things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please download, subscribe, leave a review and share.


Nov 18, 201901:13:52
Twain Richardson - Say Yes To Everything & Figure It Out After

Twain Richardson - Say Yes To Everything & Figure It Out After

The story of how Twain Richardson came to be the co-founder of  Frame of Reference Production Company, the only post-production company in the English-speaking Caribbean epitomizes so many things about the Jamaican spirit. Immeasurable drive in the face of brokeness, tough headed go-get-it-ness, nough-an-inna-everything-ness, kicking ass in spaces we don't belong-ness. This is going to sound extremely cliché but likkle but tallawah is an apt description for him and the company he has built.

Find links to some things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please subscribe, leave a review and share.

Nov 04, 201954:14
Matthew Cowen : The Human Cost of Digital Transformations

Matthew Cowen : The Human Cost of Digital Transformations

When a company goes digital the effects can be way more dramatic than just changes in the operational and or management structure. A Digital transformation can also change culture, disrupt norms and in some instances devastate an unprepared labour force. 

In this episode I'm talking to Matthew Cowen, Digital Transformation Consultant and author of The Future Is Digital, one of my favourite digital newsletters. Together we examine the human consequences of technological change, AI, data, and the growing anti-digital movement. Matthew also shared his perspective on how all of these things has and will continue to affect us in the Caribbean and how we can better position ourselves to take advantage of it all.

Find links to some things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please subscribe, leave a review and share.

Oct 21, 201901:00:49
Ronnia Cherry : Authentic Cultural Representation In Storytelling
Oct 07, 201958:18
Matthew Chin : The Globetrotting Entrepreneur

Matthew Chin : The Globetrotting Entrepreneur

In this episode we are talking to Matthew Chin, Jamaican Travel Blogger, entrepreneur and one half of the adventurous duo from the new We Deh Yah Suh Travel Series.  On the show besties Matthew and Suzie have loads of fun  exploring local attractions hidden and popular and lots of laughs as they engage with the colourful Jamaicans they meet along the way.

"We're trying to bring a little bit of I guess exposure to some of these spots in Jamaica some spots secret,some spots are not so secret or hidden. But whatever it is, they are fun things that we enjoy doing. So I do these things on an often enough basis, and it just clicked to me one day like why is nobody recording this?"

What makes me excited about this series is that whether intentional or otherwise it frames Jamaica as a place for great adventures. And, with world class accommodations and attractions for every interest, taste level and pocket, it's a stand out option for  travel blogger/vacationers both local and overseas.

Find show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please leave a review and share, it is very much appreciated.

Sep 02, 201946:09
Christopher Gayle: Building an Experiential Based Tech Future for Jamaica

Christopher Gayle: Building an Experiential Based Tech Future for Jamaica

By the time Chris landed in fourth form (grade 10) he had already found his lane and was testing the hell out of those boundaries. In second form he was busy 'acquiring' source codes for games, editing the characters or altogether rebuilding those games. In third form his games were so popular online that it got the attention of the makers of Dragon Ball Z. Let us say they were not flattered by the similarities nor were they interested in friendly competition so they sent him and his nerd gamer friends a cease and desist letter. 

Christopher Gayle a.k.a Chris Gizzada is a Jamaican tech prodigy. A completely self taught programmer, software designer & developer. And, now founder of Gizzada Limited, a premier, world class software development company creating apps that "help people get things done." 

What makes me truly excited about Chris and his team at Gizzada Limited is that they are behind some of the most innovative software solutions coming out of Jamaica at the moment. What's more they are collaborating with other young innovators like Yekini Wallen-Bryan and his team at PreeLabs to create affordable world class, high tech devices and solutions for the everyday Jamaican. 

Jamaica is decades behind the curve so we need more visionary, innovative, out-of-the-box, non-traditional and non-linear thinkers like these two to lead the tech revolution in Jamaica. Maybe then we can finally stop playing catch up and GET THERE already. 

Connect with Christopher on social media to stay up to date on all the wonderful  tech happenings Gizzada and his friends gets up to.

Find show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please leave a review and share, it is very much appreciated.




Aug 19, 201901:14:15
Naomi Garrick : How to Develop a Personal Brand on Social Media

Naomi Garrick : How to Develop a Personal Brand on Social Media

 "I am a strong believer in the journey being the reward, and everything we do in our lives, the good things, the bad things, the hard things,the easy things, the failures, the wins, they make us who we are today." - Naomi Garrick

All I can say after this amazing conversation is,  Naomi is one brave woman. Listening to her talk about her journey to becoming Naomi Garrick the PR Chick I couldn't help but think this must be what showing up in your own life looks like. 

Naomi is Jamaica's resident Public Relations guru and personal branding coach nee expert. She is an international speaker and author of three books on personal branding. She is also the head of Garrick Communications a Public Relations  company she founded back in 2009 that's still going strong. 

Naomi, a certified Reputation Champion by the Public Relations Society of America has worked with over 100 brands and individuals and has been in the business side public relations for over 16 years. In 2017 Naomi became a Scotiabank Vision Achiever and has been recognized by the Jamaica Gleaner for her work in Communications.

 This episode is from my 'lost files'. It was one of the recordings I thought I had lost in a  systems melt down a couple months ago. Thankfully, I was able to piece it back together and  am so glad I was able to publish because baaaabbbaaay Naomi went through the ABC'S of branding on social media and it was like sitting in on one of her amazing coaching sessions. So get your pens and notebooks ready to catch some of the gems she dropped throughout the episode ... Enjoy!

 ︾

Connect with Naomi Garrick on social media or her website for workshops, coaching sessions and to get your hands on her books.

Find show notes and links to some of the things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please leave a review and share, it is very much appreciated.


Jul 22, 201929:49
Heneka Watkis-Porter : How to Build Connections & Thrive in the Digital Space

Heneka Watkis-Porter : How to Build Connections & Thrive in the Digital Space

In this episode I talk to the woman who inspired me to start podcasting, Mrs. Heneka Watkis-Porter  the Godmother of podcasting in Jamaica.

Heneka is a Jamaican Author, Entrepreneur, Podcaster and Speaker. This powerhouse business woman and influencer first came on the scene in 2007 with the launch of the acclaimed Patwa Apparel an indigenous clothing line celebrating the Jamaican vernacular arguably a trend she popularized.

From apparel designer to inspirational leader, Heneka launched the most ambitious phase of her career with the Entrepreneurial You brand, which targets leaders, entrepreneurs and startups challenging them to excel in life and business. This inspired her to bring the Leadercast series to Jamaica. Through workshops and events Leadercast Kingston and Leadercast Women is helping to shape "leaders worth following".

Find show notes and links to some things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please leave a review and share, it is very much appreciated.

Jul 08, 201949:48
Sharine Taylor : Curating A Global Jamaican Voice
May 03, 201901:04:41
Denell Florius : The Caribbeans Green Tech Ambassador
Mar 26, 201947:16
Ingrid Riley : The Digital Doyen

Ingrid Riley : The Digital Doyen

 "𝘞𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘫𝘶𝘢𝘯𝘢, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰f 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤u𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨." 

Is Jamaican content marketable? As far as Ingrid Riley is concerned Jamaican content is more powerful than our Marijuana, but we need to first understand what makes Jamaica special.

What defines us, what is our unique selling point (USP), then and only then will we be able to create authentic Jamaican content that can be monetized.

It was an incredibly edifying conversation, that went in so many directions with unique insights and perspective from someone who has been a leader in this field for decades.

Find show notes and links to some things mentioned during this episode on the blog and follow the show on our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, If you liked this episode please leave a review and share, it is very much appreciated.

Jan 09, 201901:02:34
Sue-Tanya McHorgh: The Digital Powerhouse
Oct 31, 201838:44
Kadia Francis : The Pineapple Lady Intro
Oct 27, 201831:09
Shaniel Mahoney : Building a Digital Legacy
Oct 17, 201841:41
Damion Miller : E-commerce and the Future of Business in Jamaica Part 2/2
Oct 10, 201843:40
Damion Miller : E-commerce and the Future of Business in Jamaica Part 1/2
Oct 10, 201831:21