Beyond The Feathers

Episodes

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  The Business of Looking Good at Carnival 06.11.2026 31m

  Carnival can be pure magic, but the people who do it best know it is also strategy, work, and a whole lot of preparation. Chontelle Sewett breaks down how she turns island-hopping, makeup, and content creation into a whole experience that actually pays - without losing the joy of being on the road.Mikaela Ian and Chontelle get real about what first hooked them on carnival, why each island has its own energy, and how one costume can trigger an entire alter ego. Chontelle shares how she chooses which carnivals are worth the trip, how she balances partying with booking clients, and why she treats the road like both a vibe and a business.You’ll discover:Why content creators who want to win at carnival need to plan like pros before they even landChontelle’s go-to approach for carnival makeup, including why light base and bold eyes beat heavy foundation in the heatThe behind-the-scenes reality of frontline costumes, backpacks, heels, bruises, and all the things people never see on the reelHow social media has changed carnival culture and why being present still matters more than performing for the cameraThe practical mistakes people make with fit, stockings, and costume prep that can ruin the whole lookChontelle also shares what she wishes every first-timer knew before heading to the road, from researching bands and events to booking makeup, shoes, and comfort-first essentials ahead of time. If you have ever wondered how creators, artists, and carnival lovers keep showing up year after year, this conversation gives you the playbook and the perspective.And if you’ve been debating which carnival reigns supreme, Chontelle does not hold back on why Grenada keeps hitting different, even with Trinidad still holding its legendary place in the culture. Perfect for carnival lovers, creators, and anyone who wants the real story behind the sparkle.
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  Why Spicemas Is Not Your Average Carnival 30.10.2026 33m

  Spicemas is Grenada's carnival, and more and more people are talking about it. What makes it so special, and what does its growing popularity mean for the island? Mikaela Ian sits down with Tornia Charles, Chief Marketing Officer for Pure Grenada, to talk about the culture, the business and the future of the festival.Tornia explains why Spicemas is a preservation of heritage and not just feathers and costumes. She traces Jab Jab back to the days of slavery as an act of defiance and celebration. She also covers how tourism, the diaspora and press trips have helped the festival grow without losing its authenticity. Along the way she shares what first-timers need to know about J’ouvert, Monday Night Mas and Soca Monarch, and why Grenada is worth visiting long after
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  Tony X on Carnival Culture, Reading the Crowd, and Grenada’s Authenticity 23.10.2026 24m

  Mikaela Ian talks with Tony X about growing up around Trinidadian carnival culture and building a career as an MC and DJ on the international carnival circuit. They explore how he reads a crowd, why different places call for different musical choices, and how DJs can help songs become hits.Tony also shares the less visible side of the work: constant travel, little sleep, time away from family, networking, and the commitment it takes to keep going. Later, he explains what makes Grenada Carnival special to him: its confidence in its own culture and its refusal to change to suit outsiders. The conversation wraps with a quick-fire this-or-that round.Key topicsHow Tony’s grandmother and early experiences with soca helped shape his love of carnivalThe seasonal rhythm of touring and how downtime gives him a chance to reset with familyTony’s path from DJing as a teenager to working in radio and receiving international bookingsWhy a DJ or MC has to adapt to each crowd and understand the local cultureHow repetition and a DJ’s belief in a track can help a song catch onWhy different songs create different feelings—and what makes a track move a crowdThe realities behind the carnival circuit, including travel, sleep, family time, and networkingWhat Tony appreciates about Bermuda’s people and the way the island celebrates socaWhy he considers Grenada Carnival one of the best: it stays true to its own cultureThe rapid-fire this-or-that round
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  Voice: The Song That Changed Everything 09.10.2026 9m

  Trinidadian singer-songwriter Voice is one of soca’s leading artists, best known for hits including Cheers to Life, Far From Finished and Year for Love.In this episode of Beyond the Feathers, Voice sits down with Mikaela Ian to talk about the song that changed his career, almost walking away from music, what soca means to him and creating music that becomes part of people’s Carnival memories.He also opens up about vulnerability, songwriting as a form of self-expression and the music inspiring him today — before taking on Carnival This or That.Beyond the Feathers, hosted by Caribbean Cultural Storyteller and Host Mikaela Ian, goes beyond what you see on the road to explore the people, culture, music, business and conversations shaping Caribbean Carnival.