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.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Woman Behind Machel Montano: Liz Montano’s Untold Story | CSP
1w ago01:49:30Tap to summarizeSend 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 sons in completely different fieldsMarcus Montano’s journey to becoming a senior airline captain and pilot trainerThe story behind “Too Young To Soca”Managing Machel Montano for decadesBuilding Ecstatic, Monk Music & the Montano brandParenting, discipline & raising successful childrenThe importance of preserving Caribbean cultureSoca’s evolution and innovation over the decadesCollaborations with legends like Sparrow, Kitchener, Superblue & David RudderCreating businesses beyond music, including chocolate, hospitality & cultural preservationMental health, criticism, resilience & handling public pressureWhy Lady Montano believes parenting shapes societyLady Montano also reflects on her own career as an educator and guidance counsellor, her philosophy on leadership, and why legacy must be intentionally built and documented for future generations.“It’s not the teachers. It’s not the church. It’s not the community. It’s the parents.”
Transcribe →Valmiki Maharaj on Carnival, Creativity & Building Cultural Experiences | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
1w ago01:40:48Tap to summarizeSend 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 authenticity• The business behind large-scale events• Coordinating global productions and viral moments• Youth culture, identity, and Trinidad’s global image• Leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven workA powerful discussion on culture, innovation, and the responsibility of shaping experiences that represent Trinidad & Tobago to the world.#coriesheppardpodcast #ValmikiMaharaj #TRIBE #TheLostTribe #Carnival #TrinidadAndTobago #Podcast #Culture
Transcribe →Shaka Hislop on Prostate Cancer & Why Men Need to Get Tested
2w ago01:44:04Tap to summarizeSend 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 fight, and why more Caribbean men need to take their health seriously.We also get into:His response to the Trinidad & Tobago FA President’s comments on Dwight YorkeThe realities behind World Cup qualificationLife in the Premier League and the pressure of elite footballParenting, identity, and representing Trinidad & Tobago on the world stageThis is a conversation about football — but more importantly, it’s about life.
Transcribe →Coutain | Why Loyalty, Love & Peace Matter More Than Fame | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
3w ago01:45:29Tap to summarizeSend 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 he opens up about loss, grief, and the passing of his cousin Shanna, whose belief in him became a turning point in his decision to pursue music seriously. Coutain also breaks down his creative journey—from experimenting with music, finding his sound, and building a team, to working with key collaborators who helped refine his artistry and push him toward a professional career. A major theme throughout the episode is intentional living—in music, relationships, and life. He speaks candidly about loyalty, honesty, and why his personal relationship inspires his music, as well as his commitment to creating songs that go beyond surface-level themes and stand the test of time. The episode also explores:The evolution of soca and bridging genresRespecting the legacy of artists like Sparrow and KitchenerBuilding a unique sound and creative identityThe discipline required to succeed in musicWhy he’s focused on peace, purpose, and life after musicThis is more than a music conversation — it’s a story about growth, self-awareness, and choosing a different path.Coutain is a Trinidadian artist whose music blends soca, dancehall, reggae, and calypso influences, shaped by his upbringing in Sangre Grande and a strong foundation in family, faith, and culture. His work is driven by intention—focusing on storytelling, relationships, and creating music with lasting impact rather than just momentary success.Key Themes / Topics (for platforms like YouTube chapters or Spotify)Growing up in Sangre Grande & family influenceFaith, discipline, and life lessonsLoss, grief, and turning pain into purposeFinding his sound and entering the music industryLoyalty, love, and relationship valuesThe meaning behind his musicBuilding a legacy in soca and Caribbean musicLife after music and long-term vision
Transcribe →The Truth About the Entertainment Industry No One Tells You | Simon Baptiste
4w ago01:53:37Tap to summarizeSend 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 Trinidad & Tobago’s entertainment industry, the challenges facing soca music globally, and why Caribbean creatives must think beyond local markets. Simon also speaks candidly about artist management, navigating difficult personalities, and the unseen work that goes into building successful careers.This episode is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and thinking global from a small island.In this episode:How Simon Baptiste built Question Mark EntertainmentBreaking into Hollywood and the global entertainment industryThe business of events, film, and artist managementWhy Caribbean talent struggles to scale globallyThe realities behind managing artists and building brandsThe future of soca music and entertainment#coriesheppardpodcast
Transcribe →Nailah Blackman: You Don’t Know My Story | Childhood, Legacy, Struggles & Stardom
Apr 2001:40:09Tap to summarizeSend 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 differently and developing discipline earlyDoing competitions while being “against competition”Always believing she was destined for greatnessThe moments that shaped her identity as an artistThe challenges, pressure, and emotional struggles behind the scenesWhat it really takes to build a career in musicThis is a conversation about legacy, resilience, identity, and purpose — beyond the spotlight.#coriesheppardpodcast #nailahblackman #soca #trinidadandtobago #caribbeanculture #musicindustry #artistjourney #podcast #caribbeanmusic #storytelling
Transcribe →Nigel Nicholson: The Man Behind Trinidad’s Top Media Talent | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Apr 1301:34:18Tap to summarizeSend 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 connecting with an audience, and why you can’t hide behind the music forever.We also reflect on my own journey through his program — from struggling with nerves and public speaking to building The Corie Sheppard Podcast — and the lessons that still shape how I approach every interview today.This conversation is about more than radio. It’s about discipline, preparation, authenticity, and what it really takes to build a voice that people want to listen to.Topics include:The real fundamentals of great broadcastingWhy reading improves confidence, vocabulary, and deliveryHow to make guests comfortable in interviewsThe importance of authenticity and performanceThe evolution of radio vs podcastingWhat young media talent gets wrong todayBehind-the-scenes of building media careersWhether you’re into radio, podcasting, content creation, or public speaking — this episode is a masterclass.👉 Click the link in my bio for the full episode#coriesheppardpodcast #trinidadpodcast #media #broadcasting #podcasttips #caribbeanculture #communication
Transcribe →Patrick “Mista Vybe” Gordon: From Kiskidee Karavan to Soca History | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
Apr 801:40:50Tap to summarizeSend 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 reshaped youth culture and music in the Caribbean.We explore:The origins and impact of Kiskidee KaravanThe rise of youth-driven music in Trinidad & TobagoHis role in Black Mayl and early soca evolutionWriting “Billie Jean Soca” for Andy Stephenson (“the local Michael Jackson”)The creation of the iconic 98.9 Radi-Yo jingle The transition from group success to solo identity as Mista VybeBehind-the-scenes stories from an era that changed Caribbean entertainmentThis episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in soca history, Caribbean culture, and the stories behind the movement.🎧 Click the link in my bio for the full episode#coriesheppardpodcast #mistavybe #patrickgordon #kiskideekaravan #blackmayl #soca #caribbeanculture #trinidadandtobago #musicpodcast
Transcribe →Johnny Q: How I Built a Business Overnight With NO Experience
Mar 3101:45:56Tap to summarizeSend 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 experience.He shares the story of opening a hardware business overnight during COVID, the thinking behind his viral marketing campaigns like the “Tarzan” ad, and the mindset required to take risks and execute at scale.We also dive into:The evolution of Trinidad’s entertainment industryThe real economics behind Carnival and eventsWhy customer experience matters more than being rightMissed opportunities in tourism and local businessAnd what young entrepreneurs need to understand about startingThis is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, adaptability, and building a household name in the Caribbean.00:00 Introduction00:22 Meet Johnny Q01:02 Opening a hardware business overnight02:52 Learning business with zero experience03:40 The viral “Tarzan” ad strategy06:26 Early days as a DJ08:59 Breaking into radio and changing the culture12:20 How DJs transformed radio in Trinidad14:20 The evolution of parties and live entertainment20:19 Building stages and solving problems25:43 From DJ to entrepreneur27:10 Expanding into events, tents, and rentals32:04 Starting in business with no formal training33:45 The turning point: building a sound system business38:47 The business of entertainment and networking42:09 Scaling the rental and events business45:58 Expanding into security and other ventures48:05 Getting into the bar business51:25 Entering hardware and auto parts53:44 Building the Q Power brand54:23 Customer service philosophy57:08 Being hands-on in business01:02:59 Why the events business isn’t as profitable as it seems01:06:20 The reality of running events01:09:23 Creating Monday Madness01:12:42 The truth about Soca Monarch and performance01:15:14 The rise of new artists01:16:51 Giving back with the Evolution band01:19:49 Developing young talent01:22:25 Why Trinidad is missing opportunities in tourism01:32:20 Supporting artists and the Carnival economy01:34:56 The venue crisis and its impact01:36:52 Why consultation matters in decision-making01:41:17 Challenges faced during Carnival01:45:27 The business reality behind Carnival bands01:45:59 Fixing the road and parade experience01:47:01 Final thoughts
Transcribe →Raising an Autistic Adult with Joy | Josie of Autistically Speaking | Corie Sheppard Podcast
Mar 2301:08:24Tap to summarizeSend 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 & Tobago and its culture. Through her page Autistically Speaking, she documents everyday life with Andre — from barbershop conversations and grocery runs to music, soca, and family moments — showing that autism does not mean a life without joy, growth, or independence.Andre’s personality, honesty, and love for music have made him a favourite among followers, while Josie’s candid storytelling and advocacy have created a supportive community for parents navigating similar journeys.In this episode, they discuss:Andre’s autism diagnosis and early developmental challengesThe cultural stigma around disabilities in Caribbean communitiesHow Josie turned social media into a support network for familiesTeaching independence, life skills, and resilienceAndre’s love for soca music and Trinidadian cultureThe mission behind Autistically Speaking and building an autism community in Trinidad & TobagoThis is a conversation about parenthood, patience, culture, and purpose — and about finding joy in milestones that society often overlooks.
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