Jus' Ah Conversation

What does it really mean to raise a child with special needs — and how much of that experience does the wider public actually understand? In Season 4, Episode 4 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Fabian Belgrave and Dionne Best are joined by Orlanda Atherly, Parent and Down Syndrome Advocate; Ann-Marie Johnson, Parent and Disability Advocate; and Tracey Knight-Lloyd, Autism Advocate and Parent for an honest conversation about the realities families face every day. From navigating education and he...

The climate is changing, technology is moving quickly, and the way we produce food has to keep evolving with it. In Season 4, Episode 3 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid explore what it really means to farm smarter in Barbados — and whether climate-smart agriculture can help build a stronger, more resilient food system. Joining the conversation are Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security; Dr. Chelston W. D. Brathwaite, Agricult...

Drones, robotics, coding kits and remote-controlled technology are often treated as toys — but what happens when we start looking at them as tools? In Season 4, Episode 2 of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we explore how these technologies are already being used in agriculture, mapping, environmental monitoring, education, disaster response and other emerging industries — and what that could mean for Barbados. Joining the conversation are Professor David Oscar Yawson, Director of CERMES at UWI Cave Hil...

Why do some young people feel like no matter how hard they try, they still can’t get ahead? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid sit down with Shakir Daisley, Janae Husbands, and Omari Cheltenham for a real conversation about youth, opportunity, pressure, and the growing feeling among some young people that the future is slipping further out of reach. From the cost of living and housing affordability to education, employment, social media comparison, mental hea...

Money can feel stressful, confusing, and sometimes completely out of reach — but getting a better handle on it starts with honest, practical conversations. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Aisha Reid and special guest host Sharon Austin Gilmore sit down with Nikita Gibson, Marcia Armstrong, Dwayne Jones, and Kelly Jones for a real conversation about money that makes sense. From budgeting and saving to credit, debt, financial habits, and the pressure of rising living costs, this episod...

Bashment Soca is one of the most talked-about sounds in Barbados — loved by many, criticised by others, and impossible to ignore. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Aisha Reid and Fabian Belgrave dive into the culture, controversy, and energy surrounding Bashment Soca. From its Dancehall influence and Soca foundation to its role in Crop Over, youth culture, entertainment, and national identity, this conversation explores why the genre continues to stir such strong reactions. Joini...

Workplace wellness is about more than gym memberships and the occasional team-building day. It’s about culture, inclusion, mental wellbeing, safety, and whether people can truly thrive where they work. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a closer look at what workplace wellness really means in Barbados — not just as an idea, but in practice. Joining the conversation are Dionne Harris, Director & Strategy Lead in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector; Ce...

Hurricane season is about more than watching the weather and rushing for supplies at the last minute. Too often, the biggest risks come from what people misunderstand, overlook, or leave too late. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Fabian Belgrave and Sharifa Medford-Gilkes take a closer look at what most people get wrong about hurricane season — from practical preparedness and emergency response to the emotional strain these events can place on individuals and families. Joining the con...

Sexual health is still one of those topics people are often uncomfortable talking about — even though the consequences of silence can be serious. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a current look at HIV, STIs, and sexual health in 2026. What progress have we made? What myths are still lingering? And where are the biggest gaps in education, testing, prevention, and public understanding? Joining the conversation are: Anderson Langdon — Executive Director, BFPA Dr. Ashlyn Scott-Wi...

Electric vehicles are no longer a distant idea in Barbados. More people are seeing them on the road, hearing the debate, and asking the same question: are we really ready for this shift? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, Mikul Elcock and Fabian Belgrave dig into the promise and the practical reality of EV adoption in Barbados. Beyond the hype, what does it actually mean to own, maintain, charge, insure, and respond to electric vehicles in a small island developing state? They’re joined...

Affordable housing is one of the biggest concerns facing Barbadians today. Whether you’re trying to rent, buy, or simply plan for the future, the question keeps coming up: is affordable housing in Barbados becoming a pipe dream? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid unpack the pressures around housing, home ownership, real estate, and affordability in Barbados. Joining the conversation are: Raquel Thompson – Architect Cherita O’dell – Real Estate Broker ...

Elder care is changing, and so is the conversation around what it means to age well. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Sharifa Medford-Gilkes explore the realities of elder care in Barbados today — from family responsibility and caregiving pressure to active ageing, nutrition, mobility, and maintaining independence for as long as possible. Joining the discussion are: Miss Stacia Whittaker, MPH, RDN — Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Ministry of Health &...

Menopause is something many women are expected to endure quietly — but that silence comes at a cost. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we open up an honest, informed conversation about menopause and the many ways it affects women’s lives. From hot flashes and sleep disruption to mood changes, mental health struggles, intimacy, and workplace challenges, this discussion goes beyond the usual surface-level talk. This episode explores what menopause really is, why so many women enter this ...

Non-communicable diseases continue to affect families and communities across Barbados in a very real way. But tackling NCDs takes more than check-ups and prescriptions — it takes awareness, support, and a deeper understanding of how these conditions shape everyday life. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Shayla Murrell and Fabian Belgrave sit down with three guests who each bring a different perspective to the conversation around prevention, advocacy, and community care. Joining t...

Crop and livestock theft is something many farmers in Barbados quietly deal with — but the impact is anything but small. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Aisha Reid and Fabian Belgrave sit down with voices from across the agricultural sector to talk openly about the reality of farm theft, how it affects farmers, and what it means for the future of local food production. Joining the conversation are: Barney Callender, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer with responsibility for live...

Season 3 of Jus’ Ah Conversation kicks off with a timely and important conversation about CARICOM Full Free Movement — what it actually means, what’s changing, and how it could impact your everyday life. From work opportunities and travel to residency, education, and regional integration, we break down the facts in plain language and explore both the possibilities and the concerns surrounding deeper Caribbean unity. This episode looks beyond the headlines to answer the real questions Bajans a...

Season 3 of Jus’ Ah Conversation is here. Real people. Real stories. Real perspectives. From mental health and money to culture, creativity, and everyday life in Barbados, we’re diving into the topics that matter — honestly and without filters. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk about it.

The holidays are here, and Jus’ Ah Conversation is closing out the year with a Christmas Special full of laughter, nostalgia, and pure Bajan spirit. In this festive episode, the crew comes together to reflect on the season, share Christmas memories, debate holiday favourites, and enjoy the kind of conversation that feels like a good old family lime. And Jus’ Ah Conversation is bringing back the Wildcards — this time with a Christmas twist. 🎴🎄 In this festive special, the crew comes together t...

In this Independence Day special of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we’re putting the seriousness aside and celebrating Barbados the best way Bajans know how — with jokes, big opinions, cultural nostalgia, and a little friendly madness. Hosts Mikul Elcock, Aisha Reid, Shayla Murrell and Fabian Belgrave are joined by the Jus’ Ah Conversation family for a light-hearted but meaningful look at Bajan identity. Using our own Bajan Wildcards game, the crew answers fun, outrageous, and patriotic questions abou...

This all-male edition of Jus’ Ah Conversation brings together honest voices to explore what it really means to be a man in today’s Barbados. Hosts Mikul Elcock and Fabian Belgrave lead an unfiltered discussion about leadership, mentorship, masculinity, and the shared pressures that men face — financially, emotionally, and socially. Featuring: 🔹 Fabian Sargeant – Consultant Social Worker & Founder, Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS) 🔹 Germyn Abbott – Business Electronics Sales S...

Longer lives and fewer births; how will this impact Barbados’ jobs, pensions, healthcare and social fabric? In this episode, hosts Fabian and Shayla sit down with a panel that tackles this topic from their unique perspectives. 🔉 Wayne Sobers – Chief Labour Officer 🔉 Marilyn Rice-Bowen – President, Barbados Association of Retired Persons 🔉 Dwayne Devonish – Professor, UWI, Cave Hill Campus 🎧 Watch, share, and join the conversation in the comments. #JusAhConversation #Agei...

Barbados’ future depends on how well our education system prepares students for the realities of the workforce. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a deep dive into how technical and vocational education (TVET) can help bridge the gap between classrooms and careers. Hosts Mikul Elcock and Shayla Murrell are joined by: 🔹 Erika Watson, Programme Manager at the Ministry of Labour, Social Security & Third Sector 🔹 Shanika A. Best, Employment Relations Advisor at the Barbados Em...

You’ve done your time behind bars and have now rejoined society. But where do you go next in breaking the cycle and starting over, especially in a society that is not ready to forgive or forget? In this episode, hosts Mikul and Aisha sit down with three men who have felt the impact of incarceration and are building new paths for others through education, entrepreneurship and community work. 🔉 Glenroy Babb – President, Alliance of Reform Minded Entrepreneurs 🔉 Curtis Bascombe – Member,...

Death is never easy to talk about. But if we don’t have the conversation now, our families may be left carrying not just grief — but also financial burdens, legal confusion, and emotional stress. In this powerful episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul and Aisha sit down with three experts to break down why preparing your last wishes matters more than ever: Tyrone S. Lowe – Insurance & Financial Advisor with 36+ years of experience in life insurance, financial planning, and legacy pr...

Long before illness shouts, your body sends quiet warnings — but are you paying attention? In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul and Aisha explore how to catch those early signs before they turn into major health problems. With: 💪 Jurad Mason – Classic Physique Athlete, CAC medalist, and certified personal trainer.🩺 Dr. Lana Husbands – Medical Practitioner and preventative health advocate.🥗 Roderick Lashley – Nutritionist and Body Transformation Specialist.We discuss: The small...

From karate to skateboarding to surfing, Barbados is home to athletes and coaches who have built thriving communities in sports outside the traditional spotlight. In this episode, hosts Mikul and Fabian sit down with three pioneers who’ve each helped shape the landscape of alternative sports on the island: Kelly Payne – Karate instructor, mental health therapist, third-degree black belt, international competitor, and youth counsellor.Adrian Bowen – Skateboard coach, President of the Skateboar...

As Barbados marks the Season of Emancipation, this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation brings the conversation full circle — from colonial history to contemporary calls for justice. We explore the Caribbean’s ongoing push for reparations from former colonial powers, asking what reparations truly mean in today’s world. Is it about money? Apologies? Institutional reform? Cultural revival? Our guests unpack the moral, legal, economic, and emotional layers of a movement that continues to grow in stre...

Once a celebration of the end of the sugar cane harvest and a reflection of Barbadian identity, Crop Over has evolved into a massive commercial spectacle filled with fetes, celebrities, and corporate sponsorships. But has something been lost along the way? In this episode of Just Ah Conversation, Aisha and Shayla are joined by: Patrick “Salt” Bellamy, a voice of social commentary in soca and on radio,Dane Marshall, seasoned promoter and event planner,and Ashanti Trotman, cultural advocate and...

In Barbados, the promise of education for all doesn’t always match the lived reality—especially for students with learning differences. In this powerful episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we take a hard look at the state of special education on the island. Are we truly supporting our most vulnerable learners, or are too many falling through the cracks? Hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid sit down with guests who bring both professional and personal experience to the table—educators, advocates, an...

Mental health touches us all — yet in Barbados, as in many places, it’s still something we hesitate to talk about. In this episode of Jus' Ah Conversation, we’re breaking that silence. Hosts Shayla Murrell and Fabian Belgrave are joined by: Ryan Lewis (Mental Health Programme Coordinator)Robert Croizat (Mental health advocate and public speaker)Shane Phillips (Founder, Beautiful Minds 246)We explore how mental health challenges show up in everyday life, why stigma persists — especially for me...

🎉 Welcome to Season 2 of Jus’ Ah Conversation! We're kicking things off with a hard but necessary topic: the rise in crime across Barbados — and how it's affecting our youth, families, and communities. In this premiere episode, we dive deep into the root causes of crime, the breakdown of social structures, and what we can do to build a safer future. With insight from the field, lived experience, and faith-based perspectives, our guests offer hope and practical solutions. Guests: Sharon-Rose G...

How do we protect the next generation from a health crisis already claiming 83% of lives in Barbados? The Barbados School Nutrition Policy aims to reshape how our children eat, but the challenges run deeper than food choices on a lunch tray. When one in three Barbadian children is already overweight or obese, and we're witnessing hypertension in 13-year-olds and strokes in 30-somethings, we face a critical turning point. What began as discussions between ministries in 2012 has evolved into a...

Managing money can be overwhelming, but financial literacy is for everyone—not just those with high incomes. In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, host Aisha Reid and guest host Sharon Austin-Gill-Moore explore the essentials of budgeting, saving, and investing with expert insights from: 💰 Nikita Gibson – Senior VP at Clarity Life Insurance Ltd. and Partner at Castalia Consulting Inc. 📊 David Simpson – Lead Consultant at Prestige Accounting Inc., specializing in accounting and management ...

In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we’re tackling a critical and evolving issue—New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These lab-created drugs are designed to mimic traditional illicit substances but often come with unpredictable and dangerous consequences. We’re also introducing our final main host, Fabian Belgrave, after welcoming Shayla Murrell last week! He and Aisha Reid are joined by experts in substance abuse prevention and forensic science to break down what NPS are, how they’re det...

In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, we explore the challenges faced by children with learning differences such as ADHD, autism, and speech disorders. How well does the Barbadian education system accommodate these students? What gaps exist, and what can be done to improve support for children who learn differently? Hosts Mikul Elcock and Shayla Murrell sit down with Cindy Blades, Lead Therapist at Blue Sky Speech Therapy; Dionne Best, a parent navigating the education system with an autis...

In this powerful episode of Jus' Ah Conversation, Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid dive into the raw and emotional realities of surviving hurricanes. Drawing from their own experiences—Aisha as an evacuee from Hurricane Katrina and Mikul as a media professional covering the aftermath of devastating storms like Maria and Beryl—they explore the personal toll these natural disasters take on individuals and communities. Joining the conversation are Tyson Henry, Captain Robert N. Harewood, and Ryan Bo...

It’s a new year, and we’re kicking things off with an inspiring conversation about building skills and opportunities for Barbados’ future! In this episode of Just Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid explore the transformative power of technical education and how it’s shaping the island’s workforce and economy. From vocational training to international competitions, technical education is creating pathways for success. Joining the conversation are special guests Dario Walcott, a...

In this episode of Jus’ Ah Conversation, hosts Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid tackle the pressing questions about the state of sports in Barbados. Are we truly investing in our athletes and sporting infrastructure, or are we simply going through the motions? Joined by an all-star lineup of guests—Jamal Estwick, a local cricketer and motorsports enthusiast; Renaldo Gilkes, a sports administrator and former footballer; and Annmarie Burke, a senior sports reporter and former athlete—we explore the ...

In this episode of Jus' Ah Conversation, Mikul and Aisha dive into a topic that's close to the hearts (and tables) of Barbadians: growing your own food. With the rising interest in self-sufficiency and sustainable living, we explore how home gardening can transform small spaces into abundant sources of fresh, local produce. Joining the conversation are three incredible guests: Chef Adrian Cumberbatch, a passionate advocate for local, sustainable food sourcing.Michael James, a Ministry of Agri...

Welcome to Jus' Ah Conversation – the podcast where we tackle the topics that matter most to Barbadians, blending meaningful discussions with a dash of fun and authenticity. Hosted by Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid, this series dives into trending issues shaping our lives today—think community stories, hot-button topics, and local insights—all with a relaxed and relatable vibe. From conversations about mental health and financial literacy to the future of agriculture and technology in Barbados, ...