The Travel Hour

This conversation goes deep. Joc sits down with Eileen Ivette, a Houston-raised, Colombia-born video producer, journalist, and the creative force behind Black Latin History.They get into everything: travel experiences across Brazil, Cuba, and Colombia, what it means to navigate the world as an Afro-Latina and how Eileen turned her passion for storytelling into a full-blown platform that's educating millions.She breaks down her journey from building a portfolio on social media to securing grants for independent documentary work, all while challenging misconceptions about race and identity in Latin America. From travel mishaps with Spirit Airlines to packing strategies that actually work, and from exploring Afro-Medellin culture to creating immersive travel experiences that center Black and Afro-Colombian heritage, this episode is packed with game.If you've ever wondered how to bet on yourself, build a brand from scratch, or use travel as a tool for cultural storytelling and community impact, this one's for you. Press play.Connect with Eileen Ivette:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eileen_ivette/TikTok (Black Latin History): https://www.tiktok.com/@blacklatinhistoryWebsite: https://eileenivette.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/eileenivetteAfro-Medellin Trip Details: https://linktr.ee/eileen_ivetteResources Mentioned:Black Travel Summit: https://blacktravelsummit.comWITS Women in Travel Summit: https://womenintravel.com/wits/Keywords: Travel, Black Latin Culture, Cuba, Houston, Brazil, Medellín, Colombia, Travel Tips, Cultural Identity, Black Latin history, Afro-Columbian culture, travel influencer, documentary, social media, Afro-Medellin, cultural storytelling, community impact, grant funding, solo travel, creator economyChapters:00:00 Introduction to Eileen Ivette and Black Travel Summit02:54 Cultural Connections: Black Latin Identity05:29 Exploring Houston's Diversity and Food Culture08:08 The Evolution of Houston: A Growing City11:09 Travel Experiences and Airport Insights24:32 Traveling with Spirit Airlines: Pros and Cons31:53 Packing Strategies for Travelers37:41 Exploring Black Latin History52:21 The Journey of Creating Black Latin History52:51 Creative Beginnings and Portfolio Building55:28 Betting on Yourself: The Journey to Success57:33 Faith and Preparation for Opportunities01:00:47 Decolonization and Challenging Racial Narratives01:12:41 Afro-Medellin: Immersing in Afro-Colombian Culture

Joc sits down with Dr. Marsha, who went from forensic psychology to building a wellness retreat empire that's changing lives for Black women everywhere. She breaks down her journey from Jamaica to navigating corporate America across Connecticut, Florida, Texas, and California, and how COVID-19 became the catalyst that pushed her to bet on herself. Dr. Marsha gets real about the mental health toll of unfulfilling work, why community and sisterhood aren't optional for Black women climbing the corporate ladder, and how manifestation became her secret weapon for personal growth. From winning awards at the Black Travel Summit in Brazil to creating safe spaces through her retreats, she's proof that life is too short to play small. If you've ever felt stuck in a job that's draining your soul, or wondered what it takes to actually trust your intuition and leap, this conversation is for you. Press play.Connect with Dr. Marsha:Website: https://www.drmarshaevans.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarshaevans/Keywords: Dr. Marsha, travel, wellness retreats, Black women, corporate America, manifestation, self-discovery, mental health, cultural experiences, COVID-19, Women's History Month, Black women entrepreneurs, wellness travel, BrazilKey Takeaways:Self-discovery and healing are essential for personal growth.Life is too short to stay in an unfulfilling job.Community and sisterhood are vital for Black women in corporate America.Manifestation can be a powerful tool for transformation.COVID-19 forced many to reevaluate their careers and mental health.Trusting your intuition and taking risks leads to breakthroughs.Gratitude is a daily practice that shifts perspective.Wellness retreats create safe spaces for Black women to heal and connect.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Marsha's Journey02:28 Transitioning from Connecticut to Florida05:05 Cultural Differences and Experiences in Miami08:04 Exploring Life in Texas and California10:42 The Impact of COVID-19 on Dr. Marsha's Career13:21 A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery16:17 Manifestation and New Beginnings18:48 Building a Wellness Retreat Business21:44 Challenges Faced by Black Women in Corporate America24:34 The Importance of Community and Sisterhood26:58 Dr. Marsha's Award at the Black Travel Summit29:51 Experiences in Brazil and Cultural Insights32:27 Future Plans and Upcoming Retreats

This conversation goes deep. Joc sits down with Kam an African diaspora traveler + storyteller. They get into African traditional religions, how Black history shapes who we become, and what it means to grow up in the church while staying curious about the world beyond it. Kam breaks down her journey from questioning different religious beliefs to finding herself fully at Howard University, where being at an HBCU gave her the freedom to just be. They talk about the power of HBCU connections that literally change your life trajectory, and how those relationships led Kam to make a bold move to Ghana right after graduation. From navigating life in Ghana to surviving and thriving through the pandemic abroad, this episode is packed with real talk about growth, exploration, and what happens when you stop playing it safe. If you've ever felt caught between tradition and curiosity, or wondered what life looks like when you actually take that leap internationally, this one's for you. Press play.Follow Kam's adventures:Instagram: @adventurousKamTikTok: @adventurousKamChapters00:00 Introduction to Black History Month08:13 Understanding Watch Night Service13:18 Curiosity about Other Religions22:24 Conversations about Different Religions28:58 Transition to Howard University35:01 Freedom to Be Black42:42 Life in Ghana: A Bold Move After Graduation59:53 Pandemic Experiences and Traveling Again

The Black in CDMX series continues, and this one’s for the families. Joc sits down with Deryle and Desiree from @gotoutgotin, and they get real about what it actually takes when a family decides to pack up and build a new life outside the U.S. This isn’t just about visas and logistics, it’s about navigating cultural differences, language barriers, parenting in a completely new environment, and making sure your kids see themselves represented in their new world. They get into the real challenges: how relationships get tested and strengthened when you’re far from home, what intentional community building actually looks like when you’re starting from scratch, and the unique experience of raising a family in Mexico City. From the residency process and its benefits to their e-book that breaks down everything you need to consider before moving abroad (no matter where you’re going), this episode is packed with valuable game for anyone considering taking their family international. If you’ve been wondering whether you can actually do this with kids in tow, or if you’re already abroad and need to know you’re not alone, press play.Follow Deryle & Desiree: https://www.instagram.com/gotoutgotin/Check out their resources:        ∙       DollarsAndStories.com        ∙       ICanYouCanVegan.com        ∙       Grab their e-book on moving abroad with location-independent insights you can apply anywhereKeywords:Mexico City, family travel, moving abroad with kids, expat families, parenting abroad, CDMX, residency process, international living, cultural immersion, community building, Black families abroad, Mexico relocation, gotoutgotin, moving abroad guide, Black in CDMX

If you've been thinking about Mexico City, this is the episode you need. Joc sits down with Mark, Founder and CEO of VisaMapAI and a key member of the Move CDMX team, and they get into everything: what it's really like being Black in CDMX, the comedy scene Mark is literally building from the ground up, Art Week, the Kanye concert that had the city buzzing, and even watching the Super Bowl halftime show from Mexico. Mark shares how he turned a potluck in his home into Comedy Kickback and eventually booked KevinOnStage, a comedian from the U.S., to perform in CDMX. He breaks down how VisaMapAI helps you find better visa options beyond the H-1B with personalized recommendations in minutes. They talk about navigating life abroad, building real community in one of the hottest expat destinations right now, and why CDMX has become a hub for Black travelers and digital nomads looking to live their best lives. Whether you're stuck in visa limbo, planning your move, or just CDMX curious, this conversation will give you the real talk and the tools you need to make your next move. Stop dreaming and start planning because the community is already there waiting for you.Check out VisaMapAI: https://visamapai.com/Next time you're in Mexico City, tap in with @themovecdmx for events of the week and to connect with community: https://www.instagram.com/themovecdmx/