Island Girls Rock Podcast

In this episode we sit with creator, scholar and proud Nevisian, Simone Mills, known online as @everytingsimsimma, for a rich and grounded conversation on culture, Carnival, identity and the quiet ways we continue to resist.Simone shares how she tells our stories through two essential lenses: the creative and the academic. She speaks openly about “nerding out” over history, constantly tracing threads between our present day traditions and their deeper roots. Her research into Carnival as resistance has shaped not just her work but the way she moves through the world.We talk about showing up in spaces that were not made with us in mind, and how disruption does not always need to be loud to be powerful. Simone also offers a beautiful reflection on growing up between worlds, feeling too West Indian for American folks and too American for her Caribbean family, and how that in between space helped her anchor herself in her identity.For her, the islands are not just heritage. They are home.This is a thoughtful and heart full conversation with a woman who studies, celebrates and lives her Caribbean identity with clarity and joy!This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna HolmesEdited by Island Girl BreAnna HolmesShow NotesConnect with Simone:Instagram: @everytingsimsimmaTikTok: @everytingsimsimmaTwitter/X: @icegreenandgoldMore About Island Girls RockVisit our website: islandgirlsrock.comConnect with us on Instagram: @igr_love Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode arrives a little later than usual because we chose to pause, to organise ourselves for relief efforts, and to honour and share the work that communities and organisations across the Caribbean and diaspora are doing to support those affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.In this conversation, recorded on September 16, 2025, we speak with Senator Janelle K. Sarauw of the U.S. Virgin Islands. During our discussion, she reflects on her first term which began after two Category 5 hurricanes devastated the islands. After much consideration, we decided to keep this part of the conversation in as it naturally occurred because it shows the resilience of our people and reminds us of how we continue to rebuild with hope.Senator Sarauw shares her journey from the classroom to the Legislature, her experiences showing up authentically in leadership spaces, and her work advocating for youth, culture, and the environment. Her story is a reminder that strength and leadership take many forms, and that showing up as yourself can be a powerful act of service.If you are looking for ways to support Caribbean communities at this time, these are the organisations we are aligning with in our relief efforts: Girls Care JA and White Ribbon UK for Jamaica, and in Haiti - Hope for Haiti and Haiti Air Ambulance, all doing vital work to support those most affected.If this episode resonates with you, we would love for you to rate, review, and share it with a friend, so others can be inspired by Senator Sarauw’s story of leadership, resilience, and authenticity.This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna HolmesEdited by Island Girl BreAnna HolmesShow NotesConnect with Senator Janelle K. Sarauw:Website: www.janelleksarauw.comInstagram: @jksarauwMore About Island Girls RockVisit our website: islandgirlsrock.comConnect with us on Instagram: @igr_love Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by writer Cleyvis Natera, author of Neruda on the Park and The Grand Paloma Resort. Together, we explore her journey as a storyteller shaped by her Dominican roots and her experiences living between two cultures. Cleyvis reflects on belonging, identity, and history (including the complex ties between Haiti and the Dominican Republic), in a conversation filled with warmth, honesty, and insight.Show NotesThe Grand Paloma Resort is available now at all major bookstores.Connect with Clevis Natera:Website: https://cleyvisnatera.com/Instagram: @cleyvisnateraMore About Island Girls RockVisit our website: islandgirlsrock.comConnect with us on Instagram: @igr_loveThis podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna HolmesEdited by Island Girl BreAnna Holmes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this month's episode, Chantal was joined by artist, filmmaker and historian Fiona Compton. It's a great conversation about Black history and fairytales. If you've ever wanted to know how to link the Haitian Revolution to the Wizard of Oz, tune in!(Season 1 Episode 9)@fiona758@Igr_love@Chantimedia@Weareunedited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this month's episode Chantal had the pleasure of speaking to yogini, humanitarian and Universal Empress, Nadine McNeil. The two talked about Nadine's journey from Jamaica to Bali, the importance of self care for those who heal others and so much more.(Season 1 Episode 7)@Univempress@Igr_love@Chantimedia@Weareunedited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this very special episode, Chantal is joined by her cousin Lea Parris-Cambridge.Lea talks about how her faith helped her through Cancer THREE times, her journey to veganism, and how outstanding treatment via the NHS compelled her to help those with Cancer on her beloved island of Nevis.(Season 1 Episode 5)@ParrisCambridge@Igr_love@Chantimedia@Weareunedited Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.