Be The Light: Season Two Begins with Heart and Hope
It’s been a while—three years, to be exact—since we last posted a Potcake Paradise video. But we're back, and Season Two is off to a meaningful and heart-filled start.
A lot has changed since our last update. We’ve moved (twice), deepened our commitment to Potcake Rescue, and recently had a surprising, uplifting moment that reminded us why we started this journey in the first place.
A Shoutout from Roman Atwood
One of the most exciting things to happen recently? Roman Atwood—yes, thee Roman Atwood—opened one of our Royal Potcake plushies on his daily vlog. For longtime viewers of Roman’s content, you know what a positive force he’s been for millions of people. He’s actually part of the reason we started vlogging all those years ago, alongside creators like Casey Neistat.
Our hope was always the same: to create something uplifting, something that made people feel seen, hopeful, and inspired. That’s why we always close our videos by saying:
“Be the light and go out into your world and make a difference.”
It’s our family’s mission, and hearing Roman say those very words back to us? That was something special.
What Is a Potcake?
Roman joked that "Potcake" sounded like a street name for something else—and he’s not the first to think that! The truth is way more wholesome: In The Bahamas, peas and rice is a staple meal. The crispy bits left at the bottom of the pot—called the "potcake"—are often fed to stray dogs. Over time, the term became the name for these resilient, lovable island dogs.
Potcake Rescue: More Than a Name
What began as a love for animals has grown into something so much more. Potcake Rescue is a platform to honor the unsung heroes working in animal shelters and rescues across the islands; and our U.S. and Canadian partners! Volunteers give everything—time, money, compassion—to make sure these dogs (and cats!) have a shot at a better life. We're just doing our part to elevate their stories.
From plushies and stickers to real-world rescue efforts, we’re building something that blends art, storytelling, and service. Our plushie designs even have a deeper artistic connection—we’re collaborating with a Bahamian artist and plan to launch a full NFT art project as part of this initiative.
Big Moves, Bigger Dreams
Since our last video, our family sold our home in Missouri, spent a few transitional months with extended family in Texas, and ultimately relocated to the Space Coast of Florida. Why? To be closer to The Bahamas, and to start making our dream of building a cottage on Green Turtle Cay a reality.
We’ve already made several trips to the islands, and each time, we fall more in love with the community, the land, and the purpose behind it all.
From Zoe, With Love
This episode also features a cameo from our daughter Zoe, who reminded us why we’re picking up the camera again. For her, Potcake Paradise isn’t just about building a house—it’s about preserving family memories, helping animals, and making the world better, one small act at a time.
What’s Next?
We’ve got lots in store—more rescue missions, art drops, updates from the islands, and eventually, the build-out of our Bahamian cottage. Thanks for sticking with us, and if you’re new here: welcome to the family.
Remember, be the light and go out into your world and make a difference.
Until next time,
—The Matlacks 🐾
