Writing & Storytelling W/ Nadja Naabie

Writing & Storytelling W/ Nadja Naabie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] Writers Wanted  In this episode of the Podcast we are talking about writing and storytelling  with Nadja Adora Nabbie, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadja-nabbie-0491492b1/] a dynamic writer, educator, and creative whose work spans literature, film, and education.  She is the Co-founder of The Write Space, a platform dedicated to nurturing writers and creatives. Nadja holds both a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Masters of Arts in Creative and Critical Writing.  In this conversation, Nadja talks about her journey as a writer, her studies in Trinidad and England, working in Advertising, the creative sector, film and how she was able to intentionally pursue her passion for writing and publishing books. Plus the impactful work she’s doing to build community through The Write Space. She talks about living abroad and being open to understand different cultures and saying "yes" to new experiences. Which helped her as a writer and shaped her understanding about herself, to develop her mental and emotional capacity.  So what does it take to become a writer? We chat about Nadja's creative process and rituals for writing. She likes dancing and to channel her emotions and experiences into characters. She said that "stories tend to write themselves"  in the writing process the beauty is being curious, having fun and letting yourself explore the story.   We discussed the publishing of books, which fall into two categories. Traditional publishing where you get a literary agent and they find you a publisher and book deal. The website https://querytracker.net/ [https://querytracker.net/] can help with this. Nadja said when finding Agents, the Agent fee is usually free.  The other category is Self publishing, where you do the entire process yourself - the Author takes on the business of their book. Writing, editing, marketing, designing, typsetting and everything from start to finish.  Nadja spoke about the value of having an Editor, their role is to advise and contribute during the writing process. It is very important that they be qualified - that is have the knowledge, expertise and experience to give you sound technical advice.  We spoke about the making of her literary works adaptations into a documentary and film and what it took for those projects to come to life.  We discussed The Write Space - they hosts retreats, workshops, online courses and events; for creatives, writers and for anyone who have stories to tell. This is the space where they can express themselves and get expertise on how to develop and explore their writing.  Nadja shared about their Charlotteville Retreats, a vibrant community space that is being built. Which involves a bit of Yoga and wellness activities, nature walks and exploration, workshops, personal writing times and wonderful communal gatherings.  Nadja's advice for aspiring writers is to pick up a book and pen and start writing. She said it's words on a page, don't take it too seriously, the process begins when you start. So type the first words on the laptop or write it on a page.  For stories (fiction) the basics are - who, what, when, why. Then begin and have fun with it, because writing can bring you a lot of joy. She said you don't need to know everything about the story or character, that comes and evolves during the process.  Do your first draft without making it perfect, to get a sense of your story. Then revisit it to dissect, refine and to find out what you are trying to say.   For ALL writers observation is important; look at people, trends, read books, watch movies, news, arts and engage in creative experiences.  We can be a mirror for society and tell those stories in books.   She said storytelling is addictive, when you begin you will discover that you must get the story out and you will want to see what is next.  What's Nadja's next chapter? She talks about travel, building the  Community The Write Space and working on more books. Nadja said this is an exciting time in her life building and working with her spiritual gifts to see what value she can bring to people and to contribute and make a positive impact on the world.  Her final words to us is to "believe that your words are worth telling and tell it."

Breathwork W/ Alyssa Rostant

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In the latest episode of the Podcast we learn about Breathwork with Alyssa Rostant the Founder and Chief Pulmonaut (Breath Geek) at Mindset Breath; which uses science-backed tools to help persons live Alivefully.  In this conversation Alyssa shares about how she teaches people to Add Breath to enhance their clarity under pressure to accelerate recovery and unlock new levels of energy and presence. Plus much more.  Alyssa talks about her early years working in a plant as a Process Operator, her studies - she has a Degree in Linguistics and her move to the Netherlands for Graduate school. Alyssa said that travelling and living abroad can give one perspective and change the trajectory of your life.  On her return to Trinidad, she spoke about practicing breathwork, after which she decided to hone her craft and learn more by attending a school with breathwork facilitation. She then became a certified Breathwork Practitioner and added Somatic Experiencing training to her practice.  Her practice is centered in a global reality and grounded in the melanated people. It creates space for the people of Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean and the world.  She spoke about what is Breathwork - it involves understanding and learning that breath is not automatic, about the conscious use of breathing, and using patterns to influence your state and mind body system.  She spoke about its impact on the body, and how we are affected by it. Breathwork is a way to directly interface and tap into your internal state. Also about the correlation of the mind and breathing and the effects of breath to calm of state.  Alyssa said when our state changes our breath changes, like when we are afraid, happy or excited. Breathwork is by directional, if we change the way we breathe we change our state - therefore the body can  lead.  We spoke about the signs within the body to identify how breathwork can show up, which indicates how it is working. For example persons can experience physical changes; clarity, a lift and feeling lighter, a settling, emotional peace or calm. You can sleep well, have intense dreams or a tingling in your body. It is a state shift.  Alyssa spoke about her practice, classes and her website. She indicated that she works with clients across the region and the globe.  Her clients tend to be high-functioning individuals who need support through life transitions. We discuss the state of human beings today  - who after realizing that their life has been what it is, they reach crosswords where the culture dictates how they live and they now discover that it is not supporting their wellbeing.  Alyssa spoke about her life's journey, to which she is grateful and that she has found her passion, vocation and calling. Which has become as easy as breathing - which it is.  Alysssa shared about what it means to live Alivefully - that is allowing life to move through all of us, to Live vitally and joyfully. To fully inhabit our lives with the vigor that the breath allows us.  Therefore, breathwork is to understand and to embrace that our breath is the Superhero in us. As such we must attend, notice and pay attention, because it can influence our state. We then have agency, so we are no longer at the mercy of our internal or external environment.  Breathwork exercise - Inhale and exhale... let it go and receive it, more that once and feel the agency of choosing to exhale and to see what comes next.

The Media Maven / Tamara Williams

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Podcast, we are talking about broadcasting and working on a radio station with Tamara Williams  [https://www.instagram.com/tamwilliamsg/]an experienced media practitioner and the Managing Director of Whole Media Empire. We chat about how she started her radio and broadcasting career, as one of the few young women who worked on radio at that time and her evolution; as she charts her way forward in this new chapter of her life.  It started with her passion for the arts, music and communications, and after hearing an Ad for persons to train to become a DJ, she signed up and and took the training, discovering that the focus was more on presenting and  broadcasting. She was told by the trainer that she had a knack for broadcasting, as such she decided to lean into this and learnt the skill.  Tamara then began her career as a presenter on the radio, her first gig was with 96.1 in on the "grave yard shift" while working and juggling a day job. It was in the night shift, where she was able to hone her skills and develop to improve her presenting craft.  Through diligence and hard work she was able completely shift to working full time on radio and in media. Instead of choosing the "normal" 8 to 4 conventional jobs, careers and professions.  Over the years Tamara continued to develop her skills in presenting and broadcasting; and moved into hosting events and voicing ads for various brands, companies and clients.  When asked what she likes most about her career; Tamara said that she is able to connect, communicate and evoke emotions in people, using her voice. She loves that she can impact, encourage and inspire others.  On navigating this very male centric industry, Tamara indicated that at first it was a bit intimating, but over time she was able to navigate the space and define her brand in a meticulous and intentional way. Her advice to others and women in particular on how to deal with challenges in this industry; Tamara said as a broadcaster when the Mic is in front your face you have to be ready. So learn to think on your, feet, prepare and deal with challenges as they come.  Her tips for interviewing people is that you MUST first research, get as much information as possible, learn about the guest, which will put them at ease and therefore make the overall interview flow better.  Tamara's evolution and transition was triggered by her feeling a bit stuck, after doing some of the same things for years. So today she is currently one of the Program Managers at Red 96.7, where she can grow and contribute to the Station from her experience and knowledge over the years.  We spoke about her company Whole Media Empire, which reflects the full scope of what she does. They help brands and people to show up more in the media or in the ways they need to, in this evolving media landscape,  When describing herself today, Tamara said she is more grounded, purposeful and creating more impact. She loves wine, DYI and meeting her friends.  On legacy she says the word is a bit elusive now, but she wants to be remembered as being authentic and known for using her voice in a positive way.  Her advice to young women who are getting into broadcasting and media. Don't wait to feel ready, use your voice and grow into it. Practice and prepare so that when the opportunity arises you can jump in and seize the moment.  We discuss music and production in the age of AI. Tamara said it is leveling the playing field somewhat, because now anyone can make music, but the true creatives - create music and art with emotions, heart and soul. However, they will and can both coexist in the future.  We talk about the relevance of Radio in the age of traditional vs. digital media. Tamara said the key is to know your product and audience, then build your advertising strategy to cater to the places they will show up.  For Tamara, what's next is that she is refining and expanding her brand and taking life as comes. Moving in faith and being guided by the divine.

Travel Lust W/JetSet Sarah

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast we are going island hopping with Sarah Greaves-Gabbabon [https://www.instagram.com/jetsetsarah/], also known as Jet Set Sarah. She is a writer, on-air travel expert, lifestyle creator, and proud self-described “Carivangelist.” She is also the founder of JetSetSarah.com, [https://www.jetsetsarah.com/] where her passions for travel, style, and fitness come together in a vibrant and inspiring way. In this delightful conversation we talk about Sarah's journey from the moment she got the travel bug at 3 1/2 years old, to her career, life as a travel writer, the places she has been and how she is curating a well lived beautiful life.   Sarah spoke about her Caribbean roots; she was born in England, has roots in Barbados and lived between Jamaica and England; she now resides in the US in Florida. Having studied Hotel Management, her first job (internship) in Tourism was in Jamaica at the Hedonism Resort. Where she ended up in the PR and Events department.  Her career then transitioned to being a writer and Editor in Magazines like Caribbean Travel & Life. After the closure of the magazine she became a Freelancer writer.  We spoke about her life and how working in the space shaped her personality, world view and personal style. The immersion in Caribbean culture as a people has given her the space and wings to express herself.  She spoke about her passion for the Caribbean and her mission as a "Carivangelist"  which is to show people the diversity of the region and it's culture, history, beauty and charm. Sarah wants people to explore the islands and not just stay in the resorts or hotels; to go beyond the gates. When asked about some of the most memorable places she visited,  Sarah said Dakar Senegal, Cape Verde, the Safari in Kenya, Antarctica and Tokyo in Japan.  We spoke about the places in the Caribbean people "must experience" the power of brand Jamaica, the euphoria of Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival and some of the other islands. Sarah said that the Caribbean is  "The world's favorite warm weather destination"  Sarah shared some tips on travelling; like flying in the week versus weekend if possible, she said go opposite to the crowd. Book tickets and hotels early, join affinity and loyalty clubs to get discounts and perks.  She shared about some travel essentials that you must take with you when travelling. Also one luxury if you can treat yourself with when travelling is access to the Airport Lounges.   Sarah spoke about her journey and intentional move towards living more healthy and about the healing power of nature.  Also about the shift to "Wellness Travel" like sleep retreats, wellness resorts and locations, event silent and reading retreats. Plus more. Body and Soul experiences is the new norm.  What does a personal day look like for Sarah? It is rising early by using the Magic Hour App (sunrise and sunset hours) where she exercises as the sun rises. She meets her friends, shops and visits museums and galleries.  Her beautiful well lived life looks like travelling, having a partner or cat, exploring new things and movement. Sarah said she is happy and grateful for this season in her life.  She ends by saying "Travel Well".

Living Abroad A Migration Story W/Astrid Morillo

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In this week's episode we are talking about migration and living abroad. My guest today is Astrid Morillo Pulchan [https://www.instagram.com/astridfit7/], a Venezuelan educator, media host, and advocate who has transformed her journey of migration into a powerful mission of empowerment. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Physics Education (with honors) from the Rafael Maria Baralt University, Zulia in Venezuela and a Master degree in University education (1st semester approved). In this conversation, we explore Astrid’s courageous journey; from her life in Venezuela to rebuilding in Trinidad and Tobago, the challenges of migration, and her ongoing mission to uplift and empower others to thrive far from home. Astrid talks about working in PDVSA (Petroles de Venezuela (Petroleum Company) which was her dream with lots of perks. She was happy, building her career, living a middle class lifestyle and thriving. During that period she was able to travel back and forth to T&T learning English and exploring life.  After her father passed away, her life and financial situation changed because he was the main breadwinner of the family who was working with Petrocaribe.  To survive she pushed herself to focus on her studies and became a top student scoring the highest in her subjects. She obtained a Scholarship to attend the University and worked and study for five years to get her degree. She graduated with honors.  Astrid spoke about the climate and the deterioration of things happening on the island of Venezuela, which made her family decide to move to T&T.   She spoke about the immigration process and not being able to enter the Country at first, they were deported. However the second time around they were prepared and was successful.   We spoke about how Astrid had to settle into life in Trinidad. For the first few years, she worked a bit but was feeling unfulfilled, because she was a career woman, with a full active life.   She then spoke about the trigger which made her decide to take back her life. So she started entering pageants, modeling and attended events to integrate into life in T&T. Which gave her back her spark and her confidence.  We spoke about her TV Show La Voz Latina and the intent to showcase her Venezuela's people. To showcase their talents, giftings and ability; to show another perspective and change the narrative of immigrants and foreigners in the island.   We spoke about the view of immigrants not just in the Caribbean but around the world. Astrid said not everyone should be viewed in the same light as what is portrayed in some new cycles.   We chat about Astrid's journey from Venezuela to Trinidad and what she is most proud of. Which is translating free courses from English to Spanish for Venezuela's to learn and improve themselves, to find work.  Astrid's advice for persons who want to migrate and live abroad is first to research, get the knowledge get the information. Try to integrate into society, build the right connections, start a group if you can, network and make friends. Put yourself out there.  We spoke about the power of networking and how it can open connections and opportunities for development and growth. Her advice to foreigners is "follow your dreams, don't stop, follow your goals, do what you love".  She said to find your light and trust in God, because your help comes form above, All that you want to achieve you can achieve, through discipline perseverance and being consistent.