Corie Sheppard Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What really happened when Helon Francis' Calypso Monarch performance was interrupted during the television broadcast? Was it a technical failure, something deliberate, or a controversy that exposed deeper issues within the calypso fraternity? Two-time National Calypso Monarch and former Independent Senator Helon Francis joins us on The Corie Sheppard Podcast for a revealing conversation about calypso, politics, artistic integrity and his extraordinary journey. For the first t...

Send us Fan Mail You know the songs. Now hear how they happened. Kernal Roberts joins us to share the stories behind “Palance,” “Jumbie” and “It’s Carnival”—from an unexpected phone call and a melody inspired by Roman trumpets to a visit to his father’s statue that helped unlock a missing lyric. The songwriter, producer and musician takes us through his journey as the son of the Grandmaster, Lord Kitchener, while building a musical identity of his own. We revisit school calypso competitions, ...

Send us Fan Mail You know the laugh, the energy and the songs. In this conversation, we get to know the man behind them. Viking Ding Dong joins us for one of our most wide-ranging conversations yet, tracing his journey from Point Fortin and unpaid overnight radio shifts to touring with Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons—and taking the chance to build his own singing career. He shares the preparation behind his performances, the stories behind “Outside,” “Horn” and “Drink and Party,” and why being...

Send us Fan Mail For 20 years, Jules Sobion has helped shape some of the Caribbean's most unforgettable Carnival experiences through Caesar's Army. But behind the sold-out events, spectacular productions and international success is a business he describes as “the casino.” In this revealing conversation on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Jules explains why producing events is such a high-stakes business, the challenges of building Caesar's Army, and why he's now preparing to take the brand in an ...

Send us Fan Mail Angela Hunte helped write an anthem the world knows. Behind the music is a story of rejection, recognition, motherhood—and a health crisis that changed everything. In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Angela shares the unexpected journey behind “Empire State of Mind”: writing it while homesick in London, its initial rejection, Lady Gaga’s interest, and why she believed Alicia Keys should sing the hook instead of her. From growing up between Brooklyn and Trinidad to ...

Send us Fan Mail Already established in Saint Lucia, Teddyson John had to introduce himself all over again in Trinidad. “Allez” opened the door—but his story goes far beyond one hit. Teddyson joins us to talk about teaching himself instruments, leaving school two weeks before his exams, and navigating the tension between his church upbringing and his passion for performing. We explore the meaning behind “Allez,” the pressure to deliver a new hit every Carnival, his friendship with Kes, and re...

Send us Fan Mail His father wanted him to become a doctor. Carl “Beaver” Henderson imagined that future—and realised he could be successful and still be unhappy. He walked into his pre-med exam, handed in a blank paper and never went back. This week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with musician, producer and pioneer Carl “Beaver” Henderson for a conversation about choosing your own path, challenging convention and helping shape the sound of Trinidad and Tobago. Beaver takes us insi...

Send us Fan Mail Behind Chucky Gordon’s smile and stage presence is a story of depression, self-doubt, and finding a reason to keep going. Roderick “Chucky” Gordon joins us for an honest, funny, and fearless conversation about how the performing arts helped save his life, his search for his father’s attention and approval, and the journey to finding his own voice. The two-time Calypso Monarch also opens up about the shock of missing the finals, the pressures of speaking truth to power, and wh...

Send us Fan Mail Justice Westmin James’ journey to the bench didn’t begin where many might expect. Born in Morvant/Laventille and raised without significant financial means, he attended Mucurapo Junior Secondary, St James Secondary and Tranquility Government Secondary before eventually making his way to the Faculty of Law at The University of the West Indies, graduating with First Class Honours and later earning a scholarship to study at Cambridge. transcript-judging-in-the-real-… Today, Just...

Send us Fan Mail Peter C. Lewis grew up watching television through a neighbour’s window. Years later, he created Synergy TV and helped put a generation of Caribbean talent on screen. We sit down with Peter to trace the journey from the Bread Boys and his years in soca to performing with Machel Montano and building a television station from the ground up. He shares the night he finally found his confidence on stage, the work behind Synergy’s early shows, and the personal promise that led him ...

Send us Fan Mail After nearly 25 years as Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves joins us for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about losing power, accepting the will of the electorate and adjusting to his new role as Leader of the Opposition. He reveals why he removed every personal possession—even his toothbrush—from the Prime Minister’s residence before each election and explains the philosophy behind his declaration: “My brain is not defeated. My spirit...

Send us Fan Mail Long before she became one of the Caribbean’s most recognisable sporting voices, Alex Jordan was building a career that would take her from radio in Barbados to the BBC, SportsMax, the Olympic Games and the CPL. In this wide-ranging conversation, Alex shares the unlikely path behind her success—from leaving a comfortable life in Barbados and struggling to find her break in London, to learning live television while the entire region watched. She speaks candidly about overcomin...

Send us Fan Mail Adrian Chandler is the founder of Strictly FX, the boss behind Fitt St and a co-founder of Air Committee—but his journey has included enormous risks, painful losses and moments when survival was far from guaranteed. Adrian takes us behind the scenes of Trinidad and Tobago’s events industry, revealing the real cost of producing major Carnival experiences, why large crowds do not always mean profit and what happened with Keyshia Cole’s shortened performance at RB Brunch. He als...

Send us Fan Mail Before urban radio became part of everyday life in Trinidad and Tobago, Adrian “Third Bass” Hackshaw was among the young DJs helping to take the music of the streets, maxi taxis and record shops onto national radio. In this episode, Third Bass takes us from the little boy who practised being a radio announcer at home to becoming one of the pioneering voices of 98.9 FM and 96.1 FM. He shares how Third Bass was formed, why he left his first 9-to-5 job before lunchtime, the rise...

Send us Fan Mail Behavioural psychotherapist and body-language expert Gayatree Dipchan shares the deeply personal story of surviving a violent sexual assault—and the long journey from trauma to healing, purpose and peace. Gayatree opens up about the night that changed the course of her life, the relationships that helped her survive, raising and protecting her daughter, and why she refuses to let her most traumatic experience define the rest of her story. We also explore what our bodies commu...

Send us Fan Mail Destra Garcia has spent more than two decades becoming one of the defining voices and performers in soca. But behind the Queen of Bacchanal is a story of faith, family, ambition, sacrifice and an unwavering love for Caribbean culture. In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Destra takes us from growing up as a pastor’s kid and becoming “addicted” to the applause at just 10 years old, to Roy Cape taking her under his wing, her decision to go solo and the songs that woul...

Send us Fan Mail What began as friends laughing, playing games and being themselves became one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most joyful online movements. Avril, KP and Shinzy of Cheerful Company join us for a lively and deeply personal conversation about their friendship, their contrasting personalities and the unexpected journey from casual TikTok videos to millions of views. They share how messages from people struggling with depression inspired the name Cheerful Company, why faith remain...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s solo episode starts with an apology to the Mighty Conqueror after last week's search for the “wordiest” calypso — before Corie tells the story of being challenged to attend Lady Lava’s birthday Steam aboard the Harbour Master. From figuring out what you’re actually supposed to wear to a Steam, to arriving at a boat ride at the correct Trinidadian time, trying to keep up with the younger generation, discovering new music and eventually learning that sometimes your ...

Send us Fan Mail Born without arms, Veera Bhajan learned from childhood how quickly the world can define someone by what it believes they lack. But behind her remarkable academic achievements and successful legal career was a much deeper struggle involving survival, shame, depression and the pressure to continually prove her worth. In this deeply personal conversation, Veera explains how achievement became connected to acceptance—and why she eventually realised that much of her life had becom...

Send us Fan Mail Apparently, Trinidad and Tobago has been having some trouble with words lately — so this week, we're putting our vocabulary to the test. After somehow producing a 30,788-word conversation with KES, I go searching for some of the wordiest and best-written calypsos of all time, with classics from Relator, Mighty Spoiler, Lord Blakie, David Rudder, The Mighty Sparrow and more providing the soundtrack to the conversation. But as always, the music leads us into some bigger discuss...

Send us Fan Mail What takes someone from the Canadian military to Afghanistan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan and Algeria — and eventually to Carnival, J’ouvert, panyards and life in Trinidad and Tobago? In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Michael Callan, High Commissioner of Canada to Trinidad and Tobago, for a wide-ranging conversation about diplomacy, conflict, culture and the experiences that have shaped his life. Michael takes us inside his time in Kandahar,...

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest thing dividing Trinidad and Tobago isn't race, politics or religion—but the way we choose to treat each other? This week, I reflect on the response to our Dominic Hadeed interview before exploring the conversations that dominated the Emancipation weekend. From the Indian High Commission controversy and the Emancipation Village to politics, identity and national discourse, one question kept coming back: Why do we so often extend grace to strangers, yet stru...

Send us Fan Mail Fresh off the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour, Kes joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast for one of his most personal and insightful conversations to date. Known for timeless hits and electrifying performances, Kes reflects on the journey behind the music, the responsibility of representing the Caribbean on the global stage, and why introducing new audiences to Soca has become his mission. In this episode, we discuss: The vision behind the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour Taking Soca to audiences ...

Send us Fan Mail From 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 ...

Send us Fan Mail Vaughnette 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 opportuniti...

Send us Fan Mail Cro 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...

Send us Fan Mail The 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 head...

Send us Fan Mail Kevin 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, performin...

Send us Fan Mail Behind 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 m...

Send us Fan Mail We 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 se...

Send us Fan Mail Before 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, why soca must think beyon...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 great...

Send us Fan Mail DJ 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 jou...

Send us Fan Mail Blaze 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 Gon...

Send us Fan Mail Jaiga 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 a...

Send us Fan Mail Judaline 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,...

Send us Fan Mail Wendy 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 Mi...

Send us Fan Mail Anya 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail Elizabeth “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...

Send us Fan Mail Valmiki 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 explo...

Send us Fan Mail Shaka 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 ...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 i...

Send us Fan Mail Simon 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail Nailah 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 differently and developing discipline earlyDoing competitions while being “against competition”Alw...

Send us Fan Mail Nigel 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 connecting with an audience, and why you can’t hide behind the music forever. We also reflect on m...

Send us Fan Mail Patrick “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 reshaped youth culture and music in the Caribbean. We explore: The origins and impact of Kiskidee ...

Send us Fan Mail Johnny 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 experience. He shares the story of opening a hardware business overnight during COVID, the thinking be...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 & Tobago and its culture. Through her page Autistically Speaking, she documents everyday life with And...

Send us Fan Mail DJ Bravo: From Santa Cruz to Global Champion | The Corie Sheppard Podcast Dwayne “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 global champion on the biggest stages in world cricket. Bravo shares powerful stories about hi...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 rejection, early professional failures, and the unexpected gap-year experience that strengthened h...