Freshwater Yankee
Wendell Riley, a Trinidadian creative, community leader, educator, and cultural commentator living in the United States, explores themes of immigrant life, building identity in new places, and finding beauty and humor wherever you may go. Through personal stories, lively discussions, and cultural insights, Freshwater Yankee (a Trinidadian term for someone Americanized after time abroad) explores what makes us different across towns, regions, and countries, and ultimately, what connects us all.
Podcasting since 2026 • 5 episodes
Freshwater Yankee
Latest Episodes
Trinidad Carnival 2026 – Potential to Kinetic Energy
Wendell gives an oral account of his experiences playing mas in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, and he explores the personal, emotional, and spiritual journey of wearing costumes and ‘jumping up’ on the road on Monday and Tuesday. Lea...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
27:36
Go Potty!
Wendell reflects on his first two pets back in Trinidad and Tobago, and explores the nature of pet ownership in America and how it differs from when he was growing up in the Caribbean. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
39:33
Home Is Where The Heart Is... Right?
Wendell sits down with Miranda Restovic, President and Executive Director of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the Executive Director of PRIME TIME, Inc. Miranda tells her story of coming to America at the age of eleven...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
55:54
A Taco By Any Other Name
Wendell sits down with British-born Dr. Helen Taylor, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at LSU Shreveport to discuss living in America, the importance of expanding one's horizons, raising American kids, and the difficulties of or...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
50:22