Corie Sheppard Podcast
byCorie Sheppard
ComedyInterviewsNewsEntertainmentSocietyCulture
The Corie Sheppard PodcastA 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 le...
Episodes(40 episodes)
How Dominic Hadeed Built Blue Waters by Solving Problems
Send us Fan MailFrom building one of Trinidad and Tobago's most recognised brands to developing a philosophy centred on solving problems, Dominic Hadeed shares the ideas that have shaped his approach to business, leadership and life.In this conversation, Dominic explains why success is often the absence of failure, why every entrepreneur must define their end game before chasing it, and how learning to embrace honest feedback can transform both business and personal growth.We discuss Blue Waters, entrepreneurship, leadership, company culture, problem solving, Trinidad and Tobago's business environment, the future of...
Published: Aug 1, 2026Duration: 1h 57m 17s
Vaughnette Bigford on Depression, Petrotrin, Menopause & Finding Her Authentic Voice
Send us Fan MailVaughnette Bigford is one of Trinidad & Tobago's most celebrated performers, but behind the sold-out concerts and standing ovations was a deeply personal journey through depression, perimenopause, identity and rebuilding her life.In this powerful conversation, Vaughnette opens up about the hardest year of her life, why she believes more women need to speak openly about menopause, the devastating closure of Petrotrin, building her own brand without waiting for opportunities, and how studying at Berklee changed the way she viewed Caribbean music forever.She also reflects on entrepreneurship, confidence, parenting...
Published: Jul 27, 2026Duration: 1h 42m 49s
Cro Cro: "They Turned Off My Mic... But They Could Never Silence Me"
Send us Fan MailCro Cro is one of Trinidad & Tobago's most influential calypsonians, and in this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast he reflects on a career built on fearless social commentary, political criticism and some of the most memorable songs in calypso history.From Common Entrance and Apology to Nobody Ain't Gonna Know , Breastfed and Pass the Ball, Cro Cro explains the stories behind his biggest hits, why he wrote them and the public reaction they created.He also shares his views on the current state of calypso, why...
Published: Jul 20, 2026Duration: 1h 35m 23s
Honouring Bill Trotman | Making Sense of Trinidad's Biggest Stories
Send us Fan MailThe passing of Bill Trotman is a reminder of why we must celebrate the people who shaped Trinidad and Tobago's culture while they're still with us.In this week's commentary, I pay tribute to one of our great cultural icons and reflect on why preserving these stories matters. From there, we unpack some of the biggest issues affecting the country—from CARICOM and economic diversification to Nestlé's future in Trinidad and Tobago, government spending, public safety and the headlines that have dominated the week.These episodes are...
Published: Jul 16, 2026Duration: 1h 39m 48s
Kevin Soyer on How Being Completely Paralysed Led Him to Make Thousands Laugh
Send us Fan MailKevin Soyer has become one of Trinidad and Tobago's most respected stand-up comedians—but very few people know the extraordinary journey that brought him here. In this episode, Kevin shares the life-changing illness that left him completely paralysed, the terrifying moment he could only move his eyes, and the long road back to rebuilding his life. He also opens up about finding purpose through comedy, growing up in Hardin Place, learning theatre after his diagnosis, performing on stages around the world, the rise of Trinidad's stand-up comedy scene, and why laughter became the wa...
Published: Jul 13, 2026Duration: 1h 53m 55s
What Every Great Leader Understands About Communication, Trust & Respect | Lisa Ghany
Send us Fan MailBehind every successful event, respected leader, and trusted organisation is something most people never see.In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, event strategist, communications expert and protocol specialist Lisa Ghany shares the lessons she's learned from decades working in corporate communications, government, banking, crisis management and event production.From advising Trinidad and Tobago's first female Prime Minister to helping build some of the country's most recognisable organisations, Lisa explains why preparation, respect and relationships matter far more than most people realise.We also discuss:• Wh...
Published: Jul 6, 2026Duration: 1h 47m 19s
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 waters aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor Too searching for species never before seen by science.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why 70% of Trinidad and Tobago is deep ocean<br...
Published: Jul 3, 2026Duration: 1h 10m 33s
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 Music to Dance, Jump and Mash Up the Party, and When Ah Dead Bury Meh Clothes<...
Published: Jun 29, 2026Duration: 1h 40m 28s
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 Hemisphere, and how a tradition rooted in mourning became one of Trinidad & Tobago’s greatest examples of multicultural harmony.We also...
Published: Jun 26, 2026Duration: 1h 23m 16s
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 & Tobago's entertainment industry, and the support his parents gave him throughout his journey.We also explore the accidental creation of Club...
Published: Jun 22, 2026Duration: 1h 32m 22s
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 broadcasting.He reflects on growing up around music, learning from pioneers like Tony Lee, George Gonzales, Starchild and Master Mike, building his career in radio, and...
Published: Jun 15, 2026Duration: 2h 0m 5s
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.We discuss the creation of Soca Star, the origins of Next Ten, discovering artists like Voice and Ding Dong before they became household names, building Radioactive, working alongside Machel...
Published: Jun 8, 2026Duration: 1h 50m 35s
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 Judaline became one of the first women in her union, built a successful career in the skilled trades, and founded Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit that empowers young girls through trade skills, confidence-building, and le...
Published: Jun 1, 2026Duration: 1h 33m 43s
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 explores:The Reality Behind Miss UniverseCelebrity Culture And Media TrainingDonald Trump And The Miss Universe OrganizationTrinidad & Tobago’s Relationship With SuccessMachel Montano, Minshall, Brian Lara And National IdentityVulnerability, Motherhood And Her Book Le...
Published: May 25, 2026Duration: 1h 44m 18s
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 recognizable creative entrepreneurs.Anya speaks candidly about grief after losing her brother Pilar, the turning points that shaped her life, and how those experiences pushed her toward fashion and entrepreneurship. She also breaks down the realities of the fash...
Published: May 18, 2026Duration: 1h 31m 15s
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, and the core values that shaped both Machel and Marcus Montano into the men they are today.The conversation explores:Discovering Machel Montano’s talent at age 5Raising two highly successful...
Published: May 12, 2026Duration: 1h 49m 30s
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 behind some of Trinidad & Tobago’s most impactful cultural moments.The conversation explores:• The evolution of TRIBE and The Lost Tribe• Creativity, storytelling, and experiential design• The future of Carnival and preserving aut...
Published: May 11, 2026Duration: 1h 40m 48s
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 symptoms, and how a routine test may have saved his life. He shares the emotional challenge of telling his children, the mindset he adopted to fi...
Published: May 4, 2026Duration: 1h 44m 4s
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 grandparents, the importance of discipline, and how early life experiences helped shape his mindset and identity. The conversation takes an emotional turn as h...
Published: Apr 27, 2026Duration: 1h 45m 29s
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 talent to the Caribbean. He breaks down the power of relationships, spotting opportunity, and the “angles” that helped him open doors most people never even see.The conversation explores the evolution of Trini...
Published: Apr 25, 2026Duration: 1h 53m 37s