Gems From Friends is a podcast where real stories spark deeper conversations. Hosted by Matthew “fewwture” Ashby, the show features honest discussions with creatives, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven people, uncovering lessons on life, business, wellness, and personal growth. Each episode is designed to leave you with practical gems, fresh perspective, and something meaningful to carry into your own journey.
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April 13, 202658 min
Resilience In Motion | Janelle Skinner
In this episode of Gems From Friends, I speak with Janelle Skinner, a counseling psychologist and disability advocate whose story challenged me deeply.Janelle shares what life has been like navigating disability for 26 years, from grief and adjustment, to accessibility, work, faith, family, and purpose. She offers a powerful look into the daily realities many people never stop to consider, while also reminding us that persons with disabilities are not defined by limitation, but by value, creativity, and contribution.This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and full of perspective.
April 5, 20261 hr 16 min
Young, Focused, and Building Legacy | Tyrique Wilson on Carrington’s Rum Cream
In this episode, I sit down with Tyrique Wilson, founder of Carrington’s Rum Cream, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, discipline, sacrifice, and legacy.Tyrique opens up about growing up in Carrington Village, starting out in photography, studying law, and eventually building a brand that carries both family history and personal purpose. We talk about what it means to create value, why story matters in business, and how young entrepreneurs can stay grounded while building for the long term.This is a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and building something real.
March 22, 202644 min
From Toronto Hustle to Barbados Peace | Nick Wavy on Rebuilding
In this episode of Gems from Friends, I sit down with entrepreneur and content creator Nick Wavy to talk about what it really means to rebuild your life on your own terms.Nick shares his journey from growing a major YouTube platform in Toronto to building businesses like Wavy Merch, Wavy Cuts, and Wavy Buds, and why he eventually chose to walk away from the pressure, the overhead, and the fast-paced grind to return to Barbados.We talk about content creation before “influencer” was even a word, the mental weight of chasing success in a concrete jungle, the courage it takes to start over, and why vulnerability may be the most valuable currency in today’s world.This conversation is about more than business. It is about identity, consistency, peace, purpose, and having the courage to be real while the world is busy performing.If you’ve ever felt stuck between money and meaning, comfort and growth, or pressure and peace, this one is for you.In this episode, we discuss:Why Nick left Toronto and chose BarbadosThe truth about the rat race and high-overhead livingBuilding and walking away from successful businessesFalling back in love with content creationWhy vulnerability creates real influenceStarting over without letting ego get in the wayThe power of consistency in business and lifeWhy Barbados still has global potential through contentFollow Nick Wavy:YouTube / Instagram / TikTok: @Nick_WavyJoin The Gem City Community www.gemcity.app
March 8, 20261 hr 32 min
Kelly Johnally | A God-Led Pivot
In this episode, Kelly Johnally reflects on what it has really been like to walk away from comfort and step fully into entrepreneurship. Two years after making the leap, she opens up about faith, risk, loss, growth, and the quiet ways God leads when the path does not always make sense.We talk about the difference between having an idea and actually building a business, the emotional weight of comparison, the lessons that come from losing money, and why surrender has become her word for this season. Kelly also shares what it means to trust God while navigating uncertainty, standing by your convictions, and learning to focus on the strengths you were naturally given.If you are building something, questioning your next step, or trying to balance faith with ambition, this conversation will speak to you. Kelly’s story is honest, practical, spiritual, and full of perspective for anyone on the journey of becoming.In this conversation, we cover:Leaving a stable career to pursue purpose Faith-led entrepreneurship and surrenderThe difference between an idea and a real businessKnowing your audience and building with intentionLessons from loss, risk, and hard pivotsGrowth, boundaries, and becoming more confident in who you areIf this episode speaks to you, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that bring clarity, courage, and real perspective.Project 700 (Work with Fewwture) ---- https://shorturl.at/A0a8v Learn More - https://bio.fewwture.comFollow the Gem City Network www.gemcity.app#GemsFromFriends #Entrepreneurship #FaithAndBusiness #KellyJohnally #Leadership #ChristianEntrepreneur #Purpose #BusinessJourney #Podcast #Barbados
January 8, 202647 min
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December 15, 20251 hr 16 min
Product of Change: Grateful Co’s Journey from Block to Big Stage
Grateful Co has one of the realest stories to ever hit this chair.In this episode, we sit down with the Bajan artist behind “I Like Her Too,” “Living Fast,” “When Last,” and “Center” to talk about way more than music. This is a full testimony on the block, bad decisions, gunshots, jail, God, fatherhood, and finding purpose.🎙 In this conversation, we get into:Growing up in St. John and chasing music from Junior Monarch daysHow the girls, the hype and the hustle first pulled him toward entertainmentWhen the music money wasn’t making sense and the streets stepped inGetting caught up in war, being shot in the back by police and living with the bullet to this dayJail time, loneliness, and the first “click” moment when his daughter was born while he was locked upThe emotional battle of trying to be a present father when systems, family and past choices are against youHow he found his way back through God, gratitude and a second chance at lifeThe meaning behind his name “Grateful Co” and why he calls himself a “Product of Change”His dream to start a Product of Change foundation to help youth, ex-offenders and anyone trying to escape the cycleThis episode is for:Anyone who thinks they’re “too far gone”Fathers fighting to be in their children’s livesYouth flirting with the streetsPeople who judge from the outside but never really listen to the storyIf you ever needed proof that anybody can change, this is it. 💎📌 Stay connected with Gem City & F’turePodcast & platform: gemcity.appInstagram: @gemsfromfriends | @gemcitynetworkHost: @iamfture👇 Drop a comment with your favorite quote from this episode & who you think needs to hear this story. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone on the edge of a big turning point. #ProductOfChange #GratefulCo #GemsFromFriends
December 1, 20251 hr 23 min
Different, Not Broken: Gigi on ADHD, Identity & Becoming Whole
When you’ve spent most of your life feeling “different” and out of place, what does it look like to finally come home to yourself?In this episode of Gems From Friends, I sit down with Gigi Farrier – stylist, educator, women’s wellness & mindset coach, fitness champ, and host of the solo podcast Wake Up to Wisdom – for one of the realest conversations we’ve had on the show.We talk about:Growing up feeling like you never quite fit inThe culture shock of studying abroad and working in the beauty industryPanic attacks, “social anxiety,” fibromyalgia and a breast lump cancer scareGetting late diagnosed with ADHD + autism and finally understanding her own brainHow bodybuilding became one of the best things that ever happened to herReturning to school to study psychology after 20 yearsBeing multi-passionate in a world that wants you to be just one thingSupport, “majority theory,” and accepting that your biggest cheerleaders might be strangers, not familyWhy she started Wake Up to Wisdom and the power of sharing your storyIf you’ve ever felt misunderstood, underestimated, “too much,” or like you’re always pivoting and people can’t keep up – this episode is for you.👂 LISTEN IF YOU NEED:Permission to reinvent yourselfLanguage for your own neurodivergent or “different” experienceMotivation to go back to school, switch careers or start overA reminder that your resilience is not an accident👍🏾 If this episode hits home, don’t forget to:Like the videoDrop a comment with your favourite takeawayShare this with a friend who needs this conversationSubscribe for more stories from Caribbean creators, founders & professionals🔗 CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @fewwture Podcast & platform: Gems From Friends / Gem City Network🏷 TAGS / HASHTAGS #gemsfromfriends #gemcitynetwork #GigiFarrier #WakeUpToWisdom #CaribbeanPodcast #ADHD #Autism #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #WomensWellness #MindsetCoach #Bodybuilding #FitnessJourney #PsychologyStudent #CaribbeanCreators #Barbados🌐 WEBSITES Gem City Network: https://www.gemcity.app F’ture / Projects & Studio: https://www.fewwture.com
November 17, 20251 hr 11 min
Reco Moore — Behind Barbados’ Most Genuine Documenter
Reco Moore — Behind Barbados’s Most Genuine DocumenterIf you’ve been to an event in Barbados, you’ve seen him: the constant smile, the unstoppable energy, and the camera that feels like it’s part of his body. But behind the lens, Reco Moore carries a powerful story of resilience, trauma, triumph, and the inner battles that shaped one of Barbados’s most beloved documentors.In this deeply personal episode, Reco opens up like never before — sharing the moments that built his character, tested his spirit, and transformed his life.In this conversation, you’ll hear: 🔥 How his camera became his second heartbeat 🔥 Why he embraced the stigma around Alma Parris School 🔥 The hilarious (and humbling) disaster of his first professional assignment 🔥 His philosophy of life as a marathon through a dark tunnel 🔥 His courageous decision to speak publicly about being a male survivor of sexual assaultThis is more than a story about photography. It’s a story about surviving, laughing through pain, finding purpose, and turning scars into strength.If you’ve ever battled judgment, failure, trauma, or self-doubt — this episode will speak to you.Watch, share, and give Reco his flowers. Barbados knows the man with the camera. Now meet the man with two hearts.
October 26, 202545 min
From Rock Bottom to The Beachfront: The Sheena Lambert Story
Sheena Lambert, the owner of Seafood Shack Barbados, a popular beachside food establishment. The interview charts Lambert's career journey, beginning with her first business, a clothing store called Glam by Glamorous, and detailing the organic creation of Seafood Shack after a personal craving led to overwhelming customer demand. Lambert discusses the challenges of pivoting her business during a time when her first venture was draining resources, the importance of manifesting and focusing to secure her desired beach location, and the personal development necessary for leadership, including overcoming past mistakes like time served in prison. Finally, she shares details about the Seafood Shack's growth into a major brand with multiple locations and a new sub-brand called Shakos, while also emphasizing her focus on providing a full and positive customer experience.
October 12, 20252 hr 9 min
Sean Michael Field | Art, Business, and Survival | S5 E12
Sean Field, an actor and creative director. The discussion spans Field's life, beginning with his childhood and moves between Barbados and the United States, his initial entrepreneurial ventures in Barbados selling veggie burgers and windchimes, and his eventual career in design, advertising, and acting in New York and Los Angeles, including his experience on the film Hancock. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Field's personal challenges, including a kidney cancer diagnosis and the recent loss of his mother, leading to reflections on resilience, mental health (especially for Black men), the importance of seizing opportunities, and the need for creatives in the Caribbean to value their work in the "show business" industry.
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