DG Speaks Blog: Fresh Perspectives on Culture, Travel & Life

Welcome to the DG Speaks Blog, a space for storytelling, cultural commentary, travel experiences, food, film, lifestyle, and conversations that connect us across borders and perspectives.

At DG Speaks, we believe stories help us better understand the world and each other. This platform explores culture through lived experience, curiosity, creativity, and honest conversation.

From international travel and independent film to food systems, music, social issues, and everyday life, DG Speaks highlights voices, ideas, and experiences that deserve space and attention.

Featured Stories 

View The Posts ⟶
Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes Airbnb Consultant

Meet Mercedes

I’m a global development consultant, writer, educator, and storyteller with more than two decades of experience working across food systems, gender equity, sustainability, culture, and international development.


I created DG Speaks as a space where I could bring all of those worlds together honestly and unapologetically.

My work has taken me from rural farming communities in Africa to film festivals, museums, cities, farms, classrooms, and conversations across multiple continents. Along the way, I realized the stories that stay with us most are the ones that make us feel connected to each other.

DG Speaks is where I share those stories. So grab a cup of coffee, stay awhile, and explore the world with me.

All of the posts, or feature your favorite categories….

Don’t Forget The Podcast

iPhone showing DG Speaks Thoughts and Talks Podcast