Haitian pride is loud. Unapologetic. And sometimes… unchecked.

In this episode of Roots 2 Realities, Shou and Kevin B. the Brand unpack the beauty, pressure, humor, and contradictions of Haitian culture, from unshakable pride and inherited ambition to the wisdom hidden in proverbs, riddles, and tough love. They explore how cultural identity shows up in work ethic, parenting, health, and even the food on our plates.

The conversation weaves through Haitian representation on the global stage, including moments like the World Cup, while also pulling back the curtain on how generational expectations and survival mindsets can quietly shape trauma, burnout, and self-neglect. Through personal stories, laughter, and honest reflection, Shou and Kevin examine what it really means to honor your roots without letting them run your life.

This episode is about resilience, but also about rest. About pride, but also self-respect. And about choosing growth without losing your heritage.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

• You’ve wrestled with cultural pride vs. personal wellbeing
• You grew up on proverbs, tough love, and “figure it out” energy
• You care about Haitian representation in sports, media, and global spaces
• You’re navigating parenting through a cultural lens
• You want to break unhealthy generational patterns without erasing your roots
• You believe heritage should inform your life—not imprison it

This episode is for anyone navigating Haitian-American identity, raising children through a cultural lens, or learning how to honor tradition while choosing healthier, more intentional lives.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Exploring Haitian Pride

04:39 Understanding Proverbs and Their Significance

07:46 The Role of Ambition and Trauma

10:39 Celebrating Achievements and Milestones

13:38 Cultural Reflections and Personal Experiences

21:12 Cultural Pride and Representation

23:31 Historical Resilience and Contributions

26:26 Celebrating Haitian Achievements in Sports

31:39 Haitian Proverbs and Wisdom

38:29 Personal Stories and Cultural Identity

42:30 Tough Love and Self-Talk

43:30 Food and Childhood Memories

46:22 Cultural Food Practices and Health

49:22 Generational Food Traditions

54:22 Favorite Haitian Dishes and Cooking Experiences

01:00:34 The Tradition of Squash Soup

01:04:42 Cultural Resilience and Identity

01:08:37 Navigating Generational Differences

01:14:21 Lessons for the Next Generation

01:23:17 Outro

Thank you for tapping into Roots 2 Realities, where we talk about the things that shape us, challenge us, and connect us.

If something in this episode made you pause, reflect, or feel seen, that’s the point.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs the conversation.
We’ll see you next time, same roots, realer conversations.

✨ Culture. Legacy. Real Talk. ✨