Island Girls Rock Podcast

In this episode of the Island Girls Rock Podcast, we sit with actor, dancer, wellness instructor, and teaching artist Nikeva Stapleton for a grounded and generous conversation on presence, purpose, and possibility.Nikeva reflects on Nevis as her place to simply be, shares what it means to fully claim life as a multi-hyphenate, and speaks openly about manifestation and the power of naming what you’re calling in.From global stages and screens to movement, wellness, and community work across the Caribbean, this conversation is an invitation to listen closely to yourself, your path, and what you’re ready to speak into existence.This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna HolmesEdited by Island Girl BreAnna HolmesShow NotesConnect with Nikeva:Instagram: @kevakevsThe Intuit Body: https://www.theintuitbody.com/More From NikevaMore 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 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 week, our very special guest Sherween Gonzales, brings her familiar warmth, wit, and grounded wisdom. An educator, entrepreneur, co-host of The *(Relate)able Podcast, and the vibrant spirit behind High Times with Sherween, she is well known for her blend of laughter, honesty, and those unmistakable Sherweenisms her audiences adore.In this conversation, Sherween opens up about the threads that run through her life’s work. Education, wellness, spirituality, food sovereignty, and the courage it takes to keep evolving. We talk about her years in the classroom, her commitment to community entrepreneurship, her creative journey with Know Your Caribbean’s “Trying a Ting,” and the deep personal practices that guide her healing work.You’ll hear moments of vulnerability, plenty of joy, and a few surprises as she reflects on where she has been and where she is headed. Including her vision for regenerative farming, community empowerment, and spiritual offerings rooted in her island heritage.It’s a rich, uplifting episode filled with insight, humour, and heart.This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna HolmesEdited by Island Girl BreAnna HolmesShow NotesConnect with Sherween:Instagram: @sherween_gonzalesMore 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 vibrant conversation, Chantal sits down with media powerhouse, storyteller and voice over artist Vanessa James,the dynamic voice behind global brands, beloved Caribbean festivals, and empowering creative spaces. From lending her bilingual voice to campaigns for Netflix and JetBlue, to founding Food, Wine & Fete and Women of Impact, Vanessa shares how she’s used her platform to celebrate culture, amplify others, and stay rooted in her Trinidadian heritage. It’s a joyful, inspiring exchange about purpose, passion, and the power of showing up for your community.Show NotesJoin us at "Food, Wine & Fete" 2026! Details HereConnect with Vanessa James:Website: vanessajamesmedia.comInstagram: @vanessajamesmediaMore 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.