Corie Sheppard Podcast
The Corie Sheppard Podcast is a trusted space for honest, Caribbean-rooted conversations that connect generations, challenge norms, and celebrate culture through real stories and perspectives. Hosted by Corie Sheppard-Babb, the podcast explores the lives, journeys, and ideas of the Caribbean’s most compelling voices—artists, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, changemakers, and everyday people with powerful stories. Each episode goes beyond headlines and hype to uncover the values, history, humour, struggle, and brilliance that shape who we are. Whether it’s music, business, creativity, identity, advocacy, or community, this podcast holds space for the kind of dialogue that inspires reflection, empowers expression, and preserves our legacy.
Episodes
We've Explored Less Than 1% of Earth's Deep Ocean... And T&T Is About To Change That | Dr. Diva Amon
Send us Fan MailWe know more about the surface of the Moon than we do the deep ocean.Dr. Diva Amon is a Trinidadian deep-sea biologist, National Geographic Explorer, co-founder of SpeSeas and Chief Scientist leading the historic Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas expedition.For the first time, a Trinidad and Tobago-led team will spend a month exploring the nation's deep wat
The TRUTH About "Who Let the Dogs Out" | Anslem Douglas Sets the Record Straight
Send us Fan MailBefore the world knew "Who Let the Dogs Out," the song belonged to Anslem Douglas.In this episode, the Trinidad and Tobago music icon shares the untold story behind the Grammy-winning hit, clearing up decades of misconceptions about its journey from the Caribbean to the global stage.We also explore the golden era of Carnival, the making of classics like Raggapumpum, Good
The Trinidad Tradition We Can’t Afford to Lose | Jameel ‘Jappa’ Bisnath
Send us Fan MailWhat is Hosay really about?For many Trinidadians, it’s something we’ve grown up seeing—but few of us truly understand its history, meaning, or why it continues to unite an entire community.In this episode, community leader and Hosay historian Jameel Bisnath explains the origins of Hosay, the story of Imam Hussein, why St. James has become the largest Hosay community in the Western
He Walked Away From His Job When They Fired His Team | DJ Elon (Papi)
Send us Fan MailDJ Elon (Papi) joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast to share the untold story behind one of the biggest career decisions of his life.In this episode, DJ Elon discusses why he walked away from a major radio position after his team was fired, the importance of loyalty, and the financial risk that followed. He reflects on turning down a military career, building his reputation in Trinidad
I Knew It Was Time for a Change | Blaze | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailBlaze has been one of Trinidad and Tobago's most recognizable radio personalities for decades, but after 12 years at Slam 100.5, he made a career move that surprised listeners across the country.In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Blaze shares the story behind his journey from sound systems and radio clashes to becoming one of the most influential voices in local br
Jaiga: How I Helped Build Soca's Biggest Stars | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailJaiga joins us for one of the most revealing conversations ever recorded about the evolution of soca music, talent development, radio, entrepreneurship and mentorship in Trinidad & Tobago.From selling apples in the market as a teenager to becoming one of the most influential figures behind the scenes of Caribbean entertainment, Jaiga shares the stories that shaped his journey.W
Judaline Cassidy: From Diego Martin to New York's Plumbing Union
Send us Fan MailJudaline Cassidy's journey began in Diego Martin, Trinidad, where she grew up facing poverty, abandonment, and countless obstacles. Unable to afford university, she made a decision that would change the course of her life forever—she enrolled in plumbing at the John Donaldson Technical Institute.What followed was an extraordinary journey from Trinidad to New York City, where J
Wendy Fitzwilliam on Fame, Miss Universe, Motherhood & Why Trini's “Mash Up” Our Own
Send us Fan MailWendy Fitzwilliam joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for one of her most open and revealing conversations ever.From winning Miss Universe and navigating global fame, to growing up in Trinidad, studying law, motherhood, media pressure, and the psychology of Caribbean success, Wendy reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey both publicly and privately.The conversation explore
From Project Runway to Scaling a Luxury Brand from the Caribbean: Anya Ayoung-Chee’s Next Chapter
Send us Fan MailAnya Ayoung-Chee joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for one of her most open and reflective conversations yet. From winning Project Runway with almost no formal sewing experience to navigating public scandal, entrepreneurship, motherhood, AI, Caribbean identity, and rebuilding her fashion brand — this episode explores the mindset behind one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most recognizabl
The Woman Behind Machel Montano: Liz Montano’s Untold Story | CSP
Send us Fan MailElizabeth “Lady” Montano joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a powerful conversation about motherhood, legacy, discipline, culture, business, and the journey behind one of the Caribbean’s most influential families.Known by many as the mother and longtime manager of Machel Montano, Lady Montano shares the untold stories behind Machel’s early career, the sacrifices made as parents,
Valmiki Maharaj on Carnival, Creativity & Building Cultural Experiences | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailValmiki Maharaj — Creative Director of The Lost Tribe, Director of TRIBE, and head of Ultimate Events — joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a deep conversation on creativity, Carnival, culture, and the business of building unforgettable experiences.From redefining modern mas to coordinating IShowSpeed’s viral Trinidad IRL stream, Valmiki shares the vision, pressure, and innovation
Shaka Hislop on Prostate Cancer & Why Men Need to Get Tested
Send us Fan MailShaka Hislop joins us for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had.From representing Trinidad & Tobago at the 2006 FIFA World Cup to building a career at the highest levels of English football and broadcasting, Shaka reflects on legacy, pressure, and purpose.But this episode goes deeper.Shaka opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, the reality of having no sy
Coutain | Why Loyalty, Love & Peace Matter More Than Fame | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Coutain for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about pain, purpose, love, and the journey behind his music.Coutain shares his story growing up in Sangre Grande, shaped by family, faith, the block, and the cultural influence of calypso, reggae, and Caribbean music. He reflects on the lessons from his grandparen
The Truth About the Entertainment Industry No One Tells You | Simon Baptiste
Send us Fan MailSimon Baptiste, founder of Question Mark Entertainment, joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a deep dive into the business of entertainment, global ambition, and the realities behind building a career in the industry.With over 25 years of experience, Simon shares how he went from Trinidad to working in Los Angeles, producing films, managing artists, and bringing international talen
Nailah Blackman: You Don’t Know My Story | Childhood, Legacy, Struggles & Stardom
Send us Fan MailNailah Blackman joins us on The Corie Sheppard Podcast for one of her most open and revealing conversations yet.Known for her powerful voice and stage presence, Nailah shares the real story behind her journey — from her unique upbringing to becoming one of the Caribbean’s leading artists.In this episode, we explore:Her grandfather’s influence and living off the landGrowing up diffe
Nigel Nicholson: The Man Behind Trinidad’s Top Media Talent | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailNigel Nicholson is one of the most influential voices behind media in Trinidad & Tobago — founder of Star Broadcasting and the man responsible for training some of the biggest personalities on radio today.In this episode, we go deep into the fundamentals of broadcasting that most people overlook — from why reading is the “miracle cure” for confidence, to the real skill of conne
Patrick “Mista Vybe” Gordon: From Kiskidee Karavan to Soca History | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailPatrick “Mista Vybe” Gordon joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most influential yet under-told journeys in Trinidad & Tobago’s music and cultural landscape.From his early days in Kiskidee Karavan and the Party Time era, to being a member of Black Mayl and working closely with $hel $hok, Mista Vybe shares firsthand insight into a generation that res
Johnny Q: How I Built a Business Overnight With NO Experience
Send us Fan MailJohnny Q is one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most iconic entrepreneurs — but his journey didn’t start in business. It started with DJing, sound systems, and figuring things out in real time.In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Johnny Q to unpack how he built multiple businesses across events, hardware, auto parts, and entertainment — often with zero experie
Raising an Autistic Adult with Joy | Josie of Autistically Speaking | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Corie sits down with Josie, the creator of the growing social media platform Autistically Speaking, where she shares the real, unfiltered journey of raising her son Andre, a young adult on the autism spectrum.Originally from Sangre Grande, Josie has spent over two decades living abroad but remains deeply connected to Trinidad & Tobag
DJ Bravo: The Mindset Behind the Champion | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailDJ Bravo: From Santa Cruz to Global Champion | The Corie Sheppard PodcastDwayne “DJ Bravo” Bravo is one of the most iconic cricketers in the history of West Indies cricket and one of the most successful T20 players of all time. In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Bravo reflects on his journey from growing up in Santa Cruz and playing cricket in Tranquillity to becoming a
Gervase Warner - Failures Forged a Leader | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this candid and wide-ranging conversation, former Massy Group CEO Gervase Warner reflects on the setbacks, risks, and defining decisions that shaped his journey from a struggling secondary school student to Harvard Business School, McKinsey partner, and one of the Caribbean’s most influential business leaders.Warner shares the lesser-known stories behind his path — academic reje
War Tunes And The Price Of Peace
Send us Fan MailThis episode is a sneak peek into the kind of conversations our Patreon community enjoys every week — deeper discussions, cultural analysis, and unfiltered reasoning about current events through a Caribbean lens.We explore:How global tensions can impact small nations like Trinidad & TobagoThe connection between oil, economics, and everyday life at homeKaiso as social commentary
Jadel Legere: Tomboy to Pink Power | Soca Hustle & Building Her Empire | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with soca artist Jadel Legere for a raw conversation about resilience, reinvention, and building success on her own terms.Jade opens up about growing up in a strict religious household, struggling with identity and self-esteem, and how “pink” became a symbol of reclaiming the childhood she never
Building Your Own Stage: Simi D Trini On Comedy, Courage, And Community
Send us Fan Mail
Canaval 2026 Wrapup with Omari Ashby
Send us Fan MailCarnival 2026 sparked big conversations — and Omari Ashby is not holding back.In this powerful and deeply cultural breakdown, Omari Ashby joins us to unpack the moments that defined the season: the Calypso Monarch controversy, the Helon broadcast incident, Road March debates, commentary competence, Panorama pride, and the evolving spirit of Juve and mas.We discuss:• The semifinal a
3 Canal: Kings of J’Ouvert – Roger Roberts | The Voice & The Harmony
Send us Fan MailIn Part III of the 3 Canal: Kings of J’Ouvert trilogy, we sit with Roger Roberts — vocalist, producer, theatre practitioner, and one of the foundational voices behind 3 Canal’s sound and philosophy.From sweeping yards on J’Ouvert morning as a child to commanding Olympic stages with Peter Minshall, Roger reflects on a life shaped by ritual, resistance, and responsibility.This episod
Mical Teja on Calypso Legacy & Why We’re Still the Capital of Carnival | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailMical Teja joins us for a powerful conversation on legacy, resilience, and redefining modern soca through history.From the making of DNA and its Road March journey, to the deeper cultural intention behind Last Train, Hall of Fame, and Runaway, Teja opens up about songwriting, production, and why emotional connection matters more than hype.We talk about:The story behind revisiting c
Machel Montano on Road March, Longevity, and the Philosophy Behind His Greatest Songs
Send us Fan MailIn this wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation, Machel Montano joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast to break down what most people misunderstand about Road March, performance, and longevity in Caribbean music.Machel explains why Road March is not about choosing a song, but about understanding energy, momentum, build-up, release, and timing. Drawing from decades of experience,
3 Canal: Kings of J’Ouvert – Stanton Kewley | The Rhythm of Resistance
Send us Fan MailIn this J’Ouvert Morning release, we sit with Stanton Kewley — co-founder of 3 Canal, master craftsman, sculptor, teacher, and one of the true Kings of J’Ouvert.From the raw, rope-less energy of early J’Ouvert mornings to the evolution of rapso as philosophy, Stanton reflects on what Carnival has lost — and what must be preserved. He speaks passionately about the ritual of waiting
3 Canal: Kings of J’Ouvert – Wendell Manwarren | The Carnival Imagination
Send us Fan MailIn this special J’Ouvert Morning release, we sit with Wendell Manwarren — co-founder of 3 Canal, pioneer of rapso, and one of the true Kings of J’Ouvert.From Belmont to the Savannah stage, Wendell unpacks the philosophy behind Carnival, the power of the rope as symbol, and how 3 Canal transformed social commentary into anthem. We explore the origins of Blue, the ritual of J’Ouvert,
Private Ryan: Building Carnival, Shaping Soca & the Art of the Mix | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, we sit down with DJ, producer, and cultural architect Private Ryan to unpack his journey from sound system culture and radio to becoming one of the most influential figures in modern Carnival.We explore how Soca Brainwash evolved from a mixtape concept into a global Carnival brand, why DJ culture matters as much as artists, and
Attillah Springer | The True Origins of Carnival | Canboulay Ritual & Ancestral Resistance
Send us Fan MailThis episode is our salute to Attillah Springer, Pearl Eintou Springer, and the entire team behind the Canboulay Ritual Enactment — honouring their work in preserving the spiritual and historical foundation of Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival.In this powerful conversation, we explore the true origins of Carnival through the lens of Canboulay — resistance, ancestral memory, African
George Singh on Building Chutney Soca Monarch and Fighting Cultural Tokenism
Send us Fan MailFor over 30 years, George Singh has shaped Carnival history as the founder of Chutney Soca Monarch, building what has become the most important Indo-Caribbean cultural competition in the world.In this in-depth conversation, George takes us behind the scenes of how Chutney Soca Monarch began in 1996, the resistance he faced bringing chutney music into Carnival, and why fusion music
Nadia Batson on Writing Timeless Soca, Owning Her Artform & Building Her Own Table
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most respected and intentional soca artists — Nadia Batson.Nadia opens up about her creative philosophy, explaining why she refuses to compete with her past hits and how trusting her instincts has led to songs like “Pieces” taking over TikTok and Carnival stages across the Caribbean. We dive d
From Montserrat Runways To Calypso Crowns: Terry Lyons On Grit, Culture, And Craft;
Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Terri Lyons — Calypso Monarch, Queen of Queens, performer, and cultural torchbearer — for an expansive conversation on calypso, resilience, legacy, and Caribbean identity.Terri unpacks what it truly means to represent Trinidad & Tobago on regional stages such as Montserrat and Carifesta, the
Braveboy on Trapso, Soca, Zumba & Building a Global Music Career | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Braveboy — artist, songwriter, and cultural strategist — for a deep conversation on music, identity, and navigating global creative spaces from Trinidad and Tobago.Braveboy traces his journey from early soca and trapso roots to international collaborations across EDM, Zumba, hip hop, and global club music. He shares ho
Kory & Kevon (Full Blown Entertainment): Writing Soca’s Biggest Anthems, Big Links Controversy & Building Culture
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Kory and Kevon of Full Blown Entertainment, the songwriting and production duo behind some of soca’s most iconic modern anthems.From Antilles, Mr. Fete, Fog, Like a Boss, and People’s Champion, to the globally impactful Big Linksrhythm, Kory and Kevon break down how these songs were created, why some artists initially
Etienne Charles: Jazz, Kaiso, and the Responsibility of Culture | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and educator Etienne Charles for a wide-ranging conversation on music, memory, and cultural responsibility.Etienne reflects on growing up in Trinidad, his formative years at Fatima College, and how calypso, jazz, steelband, and African diasporic traditions shaped his artistic v
Year-End Review And Big Plans
Send us Fan MailJust a quick check in from Corie & David to say thanks for being a part of the journey in 2025 and to share some of our plans to make 2026 even greater!
Alvin Daniell: Calypso Showcase, Cultural Memory & the Art of Interviewing Trinidad’s Legends | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this special on-location episode, we sit with Alvin Daniell — cultural archivist, lyricist, educator, engineer, and the visionary creator of Calypso Showcase — for an in-depth conversation on legacy, preparation, and preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural memory.Recorded in Miami, this episode explores Alvin Daniel’s journey from mathematics teacher and engineer to one of the
Christmas Morning Kaiso Parang
Send us Fan MailWe’re back with our annual Christmas episode, sharing calypso and parang music from Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹 — a simple holiday check-in we do every year for our audience.As always we’re joined by my son and our producer Zachary for a relaxed Christmas lime filled with music, laughter, and conversation. Together, we revisit Christmas traditions, talk about music old and new, refle
Building as a Young Artiste: Performance, Discipline, and Finding Your Voice
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Sackie, a young artiste and performer whose journey reflects the reality, resilience, and creativity of a new generation of Caribbean artists.Sackie opens up about finding his voice through performance, growing up between church, football, and music, and navigating grief, discipline, and self-belief at a young age. We
Rome: Culture, Carnival, and the Business of Entertainment | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this wide-ranging conversation, Rome joins us to unpack a career that spans engineering, music, radio, television, and cultural leadership. From his early days as a mechanical engineer at Petrotrin to becoming one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognisable entertainment voices, Rome reflects on the risks, pivots, and purpose that shaped his journey.We dive deep into the state of
Umba (Matsimela) on Sound Clash Strategy, Dubplates & Trinidad Sound System History
Send us Fan MailUmba (Matsimela): Foundation Dubplates, Sound Clash History & Trinidad’s Sound System LegacyIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Umba, selector and driving force behind Matsimela, Trinidad & Tobago’s most formidable sound system. From playing records as a child to clashing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Umba breaks down the real history of soun
Every Day Leadership: The Lessons That Shaped Ken Corbie
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Ken Corbie — musician, educator, and one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most respected cultural voices. Ken takes us through his remarkable journey in music, the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service to culture and community.From his early years discovering his love for music, to the people
Dane Gulston: The Trinidad All Stars & Panazz Legend Who Transformed Pan Performance
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit with Trinidad & Tobago cultural icon and legendary pannist Dane Gulston — the face of Trinidad All Stars and one of the most recognisable steelpan performers of the last four decades.Dane takes us deep into his journey from Nelson Street and Eastern Boys’ Government School to touring the world with Trinidad All Stars, training under musical giants, and e
Erphaan Alves: From Junior Monarch to Soca Hitmaker | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailIn this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we sit with Erphaan Alves — artist, songwriter, performer, and one of the most influential voices shaping modern soca. From his earliest days as a child performer in Chaguanas, to writing for giants like Machel Montano and Kes, to creating anthems like Bumper Like Rain, Overdue, No Abla, Background, and Spirit, Erphaan charts the full sto
Dominic Kalipersad on Communication, Journalism & New Media | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailDominic Kalipersad joins us for a reflective, insightful conversation on communication, journalism, professionalism, language, and how Trinidad and Tobago is adapting to new media in the 21st century.With 50 years across television, radio, print, and now digital platforms, Dominic shares what he’s learned about speaking with clarity, communicating with purpose, and educating throug
Adonai Dieu: Why He Left the past Behind — The Real Story | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Send us Fan MailAdonai Dieu — formerly known as Daniel Loveless, the creator of the viral Caribbean street show “What Yuh Know”— joins us on The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a powerful, transparent, and transformational conversation.In this episode, we explore his full journey:• Growing up and building one of the Caribbean’s biggest digital brands• The rise of What Yuh Know and the pressures of fame
Beverley Ramsey-Moore: Leading Pan Trinbago and the Spirit of Tobago
Send us Fan MailIn this special episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Beverly Ramsey-Moore — proud daughter of Black Rock, Tobago, President of Pan Trinbago, and lifelong member and leader of the iconic Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra — as we join with Pan Trinbago to mark the official launch of Panorama 2026. 🎶Beverly shares her remarkable journey from the panyard to national lead
Champions of Innovation
Send us Fan Mail✨ Paid partnership with bmobile Business ✨We’re kicking off our Champions of Business special with Kiran Maharaj, Chair of the T&T Chamber’s Awards Committee. This year’s spotlight: *The Innovation Award 2025 sponsored by bmobile Business* — highlighting a longstanding partnership between bmobile Business and the Chamber in celebrating innovation across Trinidad & Tobago.I
Pelham Goddard: From Panyard To Platinum Groove
Send us Fan MailPelham Goddard — legendary arranger, composer, and bandleader — sits down with Corie Sheppard-Babb for a deep dive into five decades of Trinidad and Tobago’s musical evolution. From his early days in St. James panyards to arranging for Charlie’s Roots, David Rudder, and SuperBlue, Pelham shares untold stories behind timeless anthems like “Sugar Bum Bum,” “Woman on the Bass,” “Soca
Raymond Ramnarine: Faith, Family, and the Legacy of Dil-E-Nadan
Send us Fan MailIn this powerful conversation, Raymond Ramnarine, frontman of Dil-E-Nadan, sits with Corie Sheppard to share the faith, discipline, and family values behind one of Trinidad & Tobago’s longest-running bands.Raymond opens up about:🎵 Growing up in the Ramnarine family band and carrying the legacy after his father’s passing.🙏 The mantra “We pray before we play” and how faith shapes
Lady Lava — From Chaguanas Hustle to International Stardom
Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring and unfiltered conversation, Lady Lava shares how authenticity, hustle, and survival shaped her into one of the most influential voices in modern soca.She talks about building from the ground up—selling slippers, coconut water, and ice cream to fund her dreams—and why every stage of the grind made her unstoppable. Lava opens up about artist independence, income di
Episode 256 | Kasey Phillips — From Antilles to LA: The Sound of Precision
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Corie sits down with Kasey Phillips, the world-renowned producer and CEO of Precision Productions, whose sound has defined a generation of soca and shaped the evolution of Caribbean music.Kasey opens up about his journey from engineering hits for KMC and Machel Montano to crafting global soca anthems like Antilles and countless Road Ma
Episode 255 | Jimmy October
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Trinidadian artist and poet Jimmy October opens up about his creative evolution, the story behind New Calypso, and his new project Episode 3 — a four-track EP that moves from the high-energy “Bam Bam” to the reflective “Desires.” He explains how fashion became self-expression (“the three belts story”), why his sound blends Calypso root
Episode 254 | Mama Doreen
Send us Fan MailCorie dedicates this episode to the late matriarch “Mama Doreen,” whose Girl Guides guard-of-honour in a packed Tacarigua church sparked a bigger conversation: the crisis of community and how strong institutions can pull Trinidad & Tobago back from its apparent moral decline. Anchored by memories from the funeral and repass—hymns, kaiso, and hard truths—Corie argues that moveme
Episode 253 | Chromatics: From Hip-Hop Battles to Cultural Commentary
Send us Fan MailThis week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Chromatics — rapper, radio host, and founder of OUR Radio — to talk about music, entrepreneurship, and the courage to carve your own path.From the cultural shockwaves of Carnival Rap Up to the reflective storytelling of Tobago Chokey, Chromatics shares how he built his career on authenticity and adaptability. He opens up abo
Episode 252 | Shira Mohammed
Send us Fan MailFrom Milan to Arena, from Synergy Soca Star to the founding of Trinidad & Tobago Restaurant Week — Shira Mohammed’s story is one of grit, creativity, and culture. In this episode, we trace her unlikely journey from a love child in Italy to becoming the driving force behind one of the country’s biggest culinary festivals. Shira opens up about the hustle behind Restaurant Week, t
Episode 251 | Gary Aboud
Send us Fan MailThis week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Gary Aboud — businessman, activist, and long-time Corporate Secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS).From building Mode Alive into one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognizable retail brands to decades of outspoken advocacy on issues like oil spills, coastal protection, and sustainable fishing, Gary has never sh
Episode 250 | Cindy Ann Boisson
Send us Fan MailCindy-Ann Boisson | Comedy, Honesty & Owning the Trini AccentThis week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, comedian Cindy-Ann Boisson joins me for a hilarious and powerful conversation about the craft of stand-up, surviving the grind, and staying authentic. We talk about her upcoming comedy competition Punched Up, why repeating jokes is part of the art form, and the balance between
Episode 249 | Stacey Sobers
Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Stacey Sobers — calypsonian, actor, and entrepreneur — for an inspiring conversation on music, resilience, and community. Stacey shares her journey from growing up in Chaguanas to starring in Queen of the Road - Calypso Rose: The Musical, the untold story behind “Let Me Know When You’re Coming,” and the moment that shifted her from soca to calypso.We talk about wom
Episode 248 | Kit Israel
Send us Fan MailKit Israel | From Kan Kan to Folklore, Calypso with a K, and the Future of Caribbean MusicKit Israel of AdvoKit Productions joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a deep dive into the music, culture, and vision that drive his work. The son of legendary musician and producer Roger Israel, Kit brings both heritage and innovation to the table — combining his degree in Mathematics with h
Episode 247 | Kwesi Hopkinson
Send us Fan MailKwesi “Hoppy” Hopkinson has been a driving force in Trinidad & Tobago’s entertainment and media landscape for decades. From his teenage years building Radioactive and Players Inc, to shaping the party culture with iconic events like Soca Picnic, to creating platforms such as Scorch Magazine, Scorch Radio, Island E-Tickets, and now Scorch TV — Hoppy’s story is one of vision, bra
Episode 246 | Marc Jardine
Send us Fan MailMarc Jardine: From Fatima Days to the Helm of RBCIn this episode, Corie sits down with Marc Jardine, Managing Director and VP of Commercial Banking at RBC Royal Bank Trinidad and Tobago. They reflect on their shared Fatima College roots, school days, and the importance of mentorship and fatherhood. Marc opens up about his unexpected career path—from dreams of ornithology to finance
Episode 245 | Sheena 'Ajibola' Richardson
Send us Fan MailIn this vibrant and heartfelt conversation, percussionist, vocalist, and cultural advocate Ajibola (Sheena Richardson) joins Corie to share her journey from drumming on her mother’s Bible at age three to gracing stages with icons like Ella Andall, Vaughnette Bigford, Etienne Charles, and Machel Montano. She reflects on her mission with Girls Can Play Drums Too, an initiative empowe
Episode 244 | Funny
Send us Fan MailCelebrating the Life of Lord Funny – Calypso’s Master of WitIn this heartfelt and laughter-filled episode, Corie pays tribute to the late great Lord Funny, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most beloved calypsonians. From his razor-sharp social commentary to his unforgettable humour, Funny’s music could both break the tension in a heated calypso tent and shine a light on the nation’s bi
Episode 243 | Adam Aboud
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Corie sits down with the founder of Adam’s Bagelry for an unfiltered conversation about business resilience, brand building, and the mindset it takes to last over 30 years in the game.They discuss:The origin story behind Adam’s Bagelry — and how a bagel shop in New York sparked a lifelong businessThe impact of the 1990 coup on Adam’s first storeGrowing a family bus
Episode 242 | Karega
Send us Fan MailStep into a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural heartbeat as we mark Emancipation Day with powerful reflections on the guardians of our heritage. This special episode weaves together the melodious rapso rhythms of Karega Mandela while taking you behind the curtain of my recent conversations with some of our nation's most brilliant minds.From the theatrical brill
Episode 241 | Jr Lee
Send us Fan MailIn this wildly funny and unexpectedly honest episode, Jr Lee sits down with Corie for a raw conversation about comedy, politics, family, friendship, and fighting for relevance. From lying on the podcast table to explaining why he can’t get a visa — nothing is off limits.He breaks down his approach to skits, why he doesn’t beg for followers, and how he deals with being misunderstood
Episode 240 | Maxine Williams
Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode, Corie sits down with Maxine Williams, VP Head of Accessibility and Engagement at Meta (formerly Chief Diversity Officer), Rhodes Scholar, Oxford and Yale graduate, for an honest, inspiring, and deeply Trinidadian conversation. From acting on stage in Earl Lovelace's the Dragon Can't Dance with Brother Resistance and playing the evil Isis in West
Episode 239 | Tyker Giselle Phillip
Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, playwright and cultural force Tyker Phillip brings real Jamette energy and opens up about the making of her acclaimed play Poison, a gripping drama born from the haunting lyrics of Dexter Dapp’s “Breaking News.” She breaks down her creative process, the casting of Nikolai Salcedo and Tafar Chia, and why she chose intimate spaces to make the audience sit in d
Episode 238 | XplicitMevon Bonus
Send us Fan MailIn this bonus episode we get back with super producer XplicitMevon for an unfiltered conversation that dives even deeper into the beats, stories, and realities behind some of Trinidad & Tobago’s most impactful music.Mevon recounts his transformative experience leading a music workshop in Anguilla—where he was welcomed like royalty—and contrasts that with the lack of recognition
Episode 238 | XplicitMevon
Send us Fan MailJust in time for Christmas in July, in this inspiring episode, we sit with super producer XplicitMevon Sooden.Mevon Soodeen—aka Explicit Boy—is the Trinidadian music producer behind some of the biggest soca, soca parang & hiphop hits in recent years. In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we dive into Mevon’s journey from a self-taught beatmaker in St. James to produci
Episode 237 | D Piano Girl
Send us Fan MailEpisode Description:In this episode, we sit down with pianist, singer, and producer Johanna Chukaree — better known as D Piano Girl — for an honest and uplifting conversation about creativity, healing, and purpose.Johanna shares her journey from early classical training and national music festival wins to a corporate career in engineering and HR — before finally stepping fully into
Episode 236 | Lou Lyons
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Lou Lyons shares the journey from growing up in a strict Tobago household with no TV to co-founding Freetown Collective and becoming a voice for cultural introspection. We talk about his early love for vinyl, the creation of Full Disclosure, and how the pandemic pushed him deeper into music and self-discovery. Lou reflects on the spiritual responsibility of artistr
Kenny Phillips Bonus Episode
Send us Fan MailAfter that conversation with Kenny Phillips, we had to do this!Here’s a special bonus episode featuring the actual music he spoke about—Machel, Baron, chutney soca beginnings, and more.Enjoy!#coriesheppardpodcast #kennyphillips #soca #calypso #trinidadandtobago #bonusvibes #wackradio
Episode 235 | Kenny Phillips
Send us Fan MailThis week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Kenny Phillips — legendary guitarist, producer, studio owner, and the cultural force behind WACK Radio. From playing with Kitchener and Singing Sandra to mentoring a young Dexter Simmons (who went on to engineer for Beyoncé and Michael Jackson), Kenny shares the untold stories behind soca, calypso, chutney soca, and ragga so
Episode 234 | Glen Niles
Send us Fan MailThis week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Glen Niles, founder and president of the Down Syndrome Family Network. What started as a deeply personal journey—navigating the unexpected birth of his son Tyrese with Down syndrome—evolved into a national advocacy movement challenging outdated systems, stigma, and silence.Glen shares the emotional rollercoaster of diagnosis
Episode 233 | Kurt Allen
Send us Fan MailThis week we welcome the ever-relevant, ever-fierce Kurt Allen — calypsonian, social commentator, and one of only three people who have won both Calypso and Soca Monarch. From his early days as a teen composer to leading Roy Cape All Stars and shaking up Skinner Park with hard-hitting commentary, “The Last Badjohn of Calypso” holds nothing back.We talk competition politics, getting
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