Podcast
Corie Sheppard Podcast
Hosted by Corie Sheppard · EN
The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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. It’s culture in conversation—unfiltered, intergenerational, and deeply Caribbean.
Listen, subscribe, and be part of the stories that move the region forward.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Every Great Leader Understands About Communication, Trust & Respect | Lisa Ghany
3w ago01:47:19Tap to summarizeSend 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:• Why protocol is really about respect—not status• What separates great leaders from everyone else• The hidden work behind successful events• Crisis communication in the age of social media• Building a reputation that lasts a lifetime• The future of event management and AI• The story behind the Down Syndrome Family Network and why inclusion mattersWhether you're a business owner, manager, communicator, event professional or simply someone who wants to become a better leader, this conversation is full of practical lessons and timeless wisdom.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who would appreciate the conversation.Follow The Corie Sheppard Podcast for more conversations that entertain, educate and honour the people shaping Caribbean culture.
Transcribe →We've Explored Less Than 1% of Earth's Deep Ocean... And T&T Is About To Change That | Dr. Diva Amon
3w ago01:10:33Tap to summarizeSend 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• Why less than 0.001% has ever been explored• The strange creatures living kilometres beneath us• New medicines hidden in the deep sea• Swimming with sperm whales• Taking Will Smith to the bottom of the ocean• Why the deep ocean may be Earth's final frontierThis is one of the most fascinating conversations we've ever had.Join the WhatsApp Channel to follow the expedition: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7WmCK4o7qPcYbUuY0O
Transcribe →The TRUTH About "Who Let the Dogs Out" | Anslem Douglas Sets the Record Straight
4w ago01:40:28Tap to summarizeSend 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, why soca must think beyond Monday and Tuesday, and how Caribbean artists can build lasting international careers.Beyond the music, Anslem opens up about his faith, his passion for writing children's books, using his platform to raise awareness about domestic violence, and why he's still creating with the same purpose after more than four decades in the industry.A masterclass in music, storytelling, longevity, and Caribbean culture.
Transcribe →The Trinidad Tradition We Can’t Afford to Lose | Jameel ‘Jappa’ Bisnath
4w ago01:23:16Tap to summarizeSend 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 explore the history of tassa, the symbolism behind the moons and tadjahs, the 1884 Hosay Massacre, preserving traditions for future generations, and why Jameel believes St. James offers a blueprint for national unity.Whether you’ve participated in Hosay all your life or have never fully understood it, this conversation offers a fascinating look into one of our country’s richest cultural traditions.🎙️ Listen on all major audio platforms. ❤️ Support the show and get early access to every episode on Patreon.
Transcribe →He Walked Away From His Job When They Fired His Team | DJ Elon (Papi)
Jun 2201:32:22Tap to summarizeSend 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 Papi during the COVID-19 pandemic, how an Instagram Live that started with just 12 viewers became a cultural phenomenon, and the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, including launching Papi's Waterhole and navigating the realities of business ownership in Trinidad & Tobago.DJ Elon also shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Voice, touring internationally, Carnival culture, Road March competition, South Carnival, and the moments that helped shape his career.Topics include:Leaving radio for loyaltyBuilding Club PapiWorking with VoicePandemic entrepreneurshipPapi's WaterholeCarnival and Road March cultureFamily support and mentorshipDJ life and international touringBusiness lessons and failureSouth Carnival and communitySubscribe for more conversations with Caribbean leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, entertainers, and changemakers.
Transcribe →I Knew It Was Time for a Change | Blaze | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Jun 1502:00:05Tap to summarizeSend 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 the sacrifices required to stay relevant in a constantly changing media landscape.Blaze also opens up about walking away from a secure career path in accountancy to pursue his passion for music and broadcasting, the lessons he learned from success and failure, and why he ultimately decided it was time for a new chapter.In a special addendum recorded after the original interview, Blaze discusses his departure from Slam 100.5, his move to Scorch Radio, the emotions surrounding his final day, and what listeners can expect next.Topics include:Leaving Slam 100.5 after 12 yearsJoining Scorch RadioThe future of radio in Trinidad & TobagoSound system culture and radio clashesTony Lee, George Gonzales and radio mentorshipBuilding a career in broadcastingChoosing passion over securitySuccess, failure and reinventionDrama Wednesday and audience connectionThe evolution of Trinidad and Tobago media#coriesheppardpodcast #Blaze #Radio #TrinidadAndTobago #ScorchRadio
Transcribe →Jaiga: How I Helped Build Soca's Biggest Stars | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Jun 801:50:35Tap to summarizeSend 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 Montano, Destra, Iwer George and Fay-Ann Lyons, and helping launch opportunities for the next generation of talent.Jaiga also opens up about personal growth, therapy, fatherhood, relationships, men's mental health, and why he believes vulnerability is one of a man's greatest strengths.In this episode:• The real story behind Soca Star• How Voice was discovered• Why Ding Dong lived in his mother's house• The creation of Next Ten• Building careers before social media• The hustle of selling apples in the market• Touring the world with Iwer George• How Action became a soca hit• Radioactive, Synergy TV and radio history• Entrepreneurship, sales and business lessons• Fatherhood, therapy and men's mental health• Why only 4 of 106 young men knew their fathers Whether you're a fan of soca, business, entrepreneurship, media, or personal development, this episode offers a rare look at the mindset and experiences behind one of Trinidad & Tobago's most influential cultural figures.#coriesheppardpodcast #Jaiga #Soca #TrinidadAndTobago #CaribbeanCulture
Transcribe →Judaline Cassidy: From Diego Martin to New York's Plumbing Union
Jun 101:33:43Tap to summarizeSend 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 leadership development.In this episode, Judaline shares powerful stories about growing up without her parents, finding strength through her great-grandmother's guidance, overcoming discrimination as a Black immigrant woman in construction, and why she believes skilled trades can transform lives.We also discuss the importance of trade education, the future of work, the rise of AI, confidence, resilience, and why every young person should learn a skill that can take them anywhere in the world.Topics include:• Growing up in Diego Martin• John Donaldson Technical Institute• Life as a female plumber in New York• Becoming the first woman in her union• Trade school vs university• Building Tools & Tiaras• Confidence, grit and resilience• Women in construction and skilled trades• Entrepreneurship and leadership• Creating opportunities for the next generationJudaline's story is a powerful reminder that where you start does not determine where you finish.
Transcribe →Wendy Fitzwilliam on Fame, Miss Universe, Motherhood & Why Trini's “Mash Up” Our Own
May 2501:44:18Tap to summarizeSend 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 Letters to AilanBeing Underestimated As A WomanSocial Media, Fame And Public PerceptionWhy Trinidadians Often “Mash Up” Their Own PeopleAfrica, Ethiopia And IdentityFashion, Law And Personal ReinventionWendy also shares untold stories about Rihanna, Ricky Martin, Coolio, Bernie Mac, international media, and the pressure of representing Trinidad & Tobago on the world stage.This is a conversation about confidence, culture, reinvention, and what it really means to carry a country with you.
Transcribe →From Project Runway to Scaling a Luxury Brand from the Caribbean: Anya Ayoung-Chee’s Next Chapter
May 1801:31:15Tap to summarizeSend 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 fashion industry, the future of AI in creativity, Caribbean identity in design, and why she believes Caribbean creators can lead globally instead of following trends.The conversation also dives into:Winning Project Runway against experienced designersThe pressure and editing behind reality TVCaribbean fashion identity and post-colonial cultureAI, vibe coding, and the future of creative businessEntrepreneurship, impact, and building sustainable businessesNavigating public scrutiny and personal growthMusic, Xigon, sound clash culture, and creativityMotherhood, reinvention, and purposeA powerful conversation about resilience, audacity, creativity, and evolving into your next chapter.#coriesheppardpodcast #AnyaAyoungChee #ProjectRunway #Fashion #AI #CaribbeanCulture #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →