jamaica

399. Gordon James on Finding Passion and Building Empathy

I had the pleasure of sitting with Gordon James, a man whose life journey spans four countries—Jamaica, Kenya, the USA, and Canada. Gordon’s experiences living in such diverse places have shaped his perspective on the world. In our conversation, we explored how these experiences have fueled his passion for life, fostered empathy, and equipped him to combat racism through meaningful dialogue.

Read more
phil chen

In Memoriam: Da Bass Man Phil Chen

Phil Chen is a well-known Jamaican bassist that I called ‘Uncle Phil’ throughout my life.  He was one of England’s most utilized session bassists during the 1970s and 1980s, including Jeff Beck, and the Rod Stewart band, but is probably best known for his later work with The Doors.  He has played with high-profile musicians like Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Elton John, BB King, The Skatalites, Chuck Berry, and Bob Marley to name a few.

Read more
phil chen

81. Phil Chen, bassist, on music and Jamaican culture

Phil Chen is a well-known Jamaican bassist who now lives in Los Angeles. He was one of England’s most utilized session bassists during the 1970s and 1980s, including Jeff Beck, and the Rod Stewart band, but is probably best known for his later work with The Doors.

Read more

71. Owen Everard James on Jamaican by Birth, American by Choice

Owen Everard James is a family friend we know through the Jamaican community.  He has been a teacher, civil servant, banker and worked for nearly thirty years as a manufacturing executive with a Fortune 500 American multi-national corporation. He has lived and worked in the Caribbean, Canada, the United States, and East and Southern Africa.

Read more

40. Margaret Suzy Wong Chan: Breast Cancer survivor on tai chi and Jamaican culture

I’m wrapping up breast cancer awareness month with a very special interview… my mom! Margaret Suzy Wong Chan joins me on the podcast today, and it is also her 70th birthday! Happy birthday Mom! We discuss her experience with breast cancer, and her healing process. My mom did not opt for chemotherapy, but instead healed with her strong spirit and practiced ancient art form of tai chi chuan. We of course do not recommend this for everyone, but listen on to hear survival story. We also go back in time and discuss her music career in Jamaica that carried over to the US. I love hearing about her life as a singer on the road, and she shares some fun stories of her adventures.

Read more