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/@blacklatinhistory
• Website: https://eileenivette.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/eileenivette
• Afro-Medellin Trip Details: https://linktr.ee/eileen_ivette

Resources Mentioned:

• Black Travel Summit: https://blacktravelsummit.com
• WITS 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 economy

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Eileen Ivette and Black Travel Summit
• 02:54 Cultural Connections: Black Latin Identity
• 05:29 Exploring Houston's Diversity and Food Culture
• 08:08 The Evolution of Houston: A Growing City
• 11:09 Travel Experiences and Airport Insights
• 24:32 Traveling with Spirit Airlines: Pros and Cons
• 31:53 Packing Strategies for Travelers
• 37:41 Exploring Black Latin History
• 52:21 The Journey of Creating Black Latin History
• 52:51 Creative Beginnings and Portfolio Building
• 55:28 Betting on Yourself: The Journey to Success
• 57:33 Faith and Preparation for Opportunities
• 01:00:47 Decolonization and Challenging Racial Narratives
• 01:12:41 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, Brazil

Key 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 Journey
• 02:28 Transitioning from Connecticut to Florida
• 05:05 Cultural Differences and Experiences in Miami
• 08:04 Exploring Life in Texas and California
• 10:42 The Impact of COVID-19 on Dr. Marsha's Career
• 13:21 A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
• 16:17 Manifestation and New Beginnings
• 18:48 Building a Wellness Retreat Business
• 21:44 Challenges Faced by Black Women in Corporate America
• 24:34 The Importance of Community and Sisterhood
• 26:58 Dr. Marsha's Award at the Black Travel Summit
• 29:51 Experiences in Brazil and Cultural Insights
• 32:27 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: @adventurousKam

TikTok: @adventurousKam

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Black History Month
• 08:13 Understanding Watch Night Service
• 13:18 Curiosity about Other Religions
• 22:24 Conversations about Different Religions
• 28:58 Transition to Howard University
• 35:01 Freedom to Be Black
• 42:42 Life in Ghana: A Bold Move After Graduation
• 59:53 Pandemic Experiences and Traveling Again