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Trinidadian immigrant Wendell Riley examines the humor and friction of building an American life without losing what made him Trini in the first place.
Episodes
Latest Episode
September 24, 2026 · 37m
Send us Fan Mail In this episode Wendell reflects on how technology, and smart devices in particular, can make the world smaller, connecting us across cultures, borders, and oceans... but at what cost? Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: Follow Wendell on Facebook: Follow Wendell on Instagram: Support the show
More Episodes
Aug 31, 2026 · 44m
Send us Fan MailWendell continues his conversation with Stephen Vekovius, entrepreneur, mentor, and native of Louisiana of Syrian and European descent living in Shreveport, La, where they discuss identity, balance, and the search for personal enlightenment as middle-aged adults. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell Riley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
Aug 24, 2026 · 53m
Send us Fan MailWendell chats with Stephen Vekovius, a native of Louisiana with Syrian and European roots, to discuss his experiences growing up slightly adjacent to the norm both in physical appearance and cultural background in Shreveport, and how those differences shaped the person who he is today as a successful businessman, philanthropist, mentor, and lifelong seeker of truth. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell Riley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
Jul 16, 2026 · 1h 4m
Send us Fan MailWendell sits down with Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir, Department Chair, African American and Diaspora Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, to discuss the African Diaspora, its reach and influence in the modern world, and comparisons of the experiences of those who were sent to Louisiana vs. the Caribbean. For more information on Dr. DeCuir: https://www.xula.edu/directory/people/ssinegal.htmlhttps://www.sinegal-decuir.com/home https://www.instagram.com/dr.sinegaldecuir/Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell Riley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
Jul 1, 2026 · 29m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Wendell reflects on Trinidad and Tobago's history of attempting to qualify for the World Cup, and why the tournament brings out the best of the beautiful game, with nations of all sizes competing in a winner-take-all tournament every four years. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendell.riley.7 Follow Wendell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
Jun 25, 2026 · 32m
Send us Fan MailGreetings from Sedona, Arizona! In this episode Wendell shares the roots of his fascination with the American Southwest, and talks about the beauty and splendor on display during road trips across the United States. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendell.riley.7 Follow Wendell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
May 28, 2026 · 31m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Wendell explores the genesis of the way Trinbagonians talk, and gives a tutorial of how to communicate with other Trinis in their unique and melodic accent while using parlance from the twin-island republic. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendell.riley.7 Follow Wendell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7 Support the show
May 21, 2026 · 28m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Wendell takes a break from his crazy routine to discuss his experience of being in the "sandwich era" that is middle age, and what it's like to try to live and thrive while dealing with the competing demands of life at 50. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendell.riley.7 Follow Wendell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
May 1, 2026 · 46m
Send us Fan MailLiving in a foreign land can be lonely, especially when it means leaving a safe space of shared culture with those you grew up with. But lifelong friendships can be found in unexpected places, and common ground can exist between people from two very different backgrounds. Recorded in late 2025, Wendell sat down with Jeremy Wockenfuss to talk about how they met and connected over a shared love of horror movies, sports, and Applebee's wings. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendell.riley.7 Follow Wendell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show
Apr 21, 2026 · 37m
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Wendell discusses the pitfalls of suddenly being exposed to food culture in America when he emigrated to Maryland to study, and why his Trinidadian background made it harder for him to deal with it. Freshwater Yankee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshwateryankee Follow Wendell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendell.riley.7 Follow Wendell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendell.riley.7Support the show