Corie Sheppard Podcast
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...
Lady Lava — From Chaguanas Hustle to International Stardom
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In 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 discipline, and why talent without structure will keep you stuck.
She also speaks passionately about helping young artists develop—not just musically but mentally and financially. From advisi...
Episode 256 | Kasey Phillips — From Antilles to LA: The Sound of Precision
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In 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 March winners. He reflects on his creative philosophy, the business of production, and why he refuses to compromise on ownership or fairness in the studio.
The conversation dives...
Episode 255 | Jimmy October
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In 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 roots with modern R&B and pop influences, and what it really took to walk away from a secure hospital job to tour and co-write “Magic” with Kes.
Jimmy shares...
Episode 254 | Mama Doreen
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Corie 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 movements like Girl Guides, Brownies, Scouts, Cadets, school bands, and the Police Band don’t just “nice up” events; they form citizens, bridge generations, and repair trust between youth and the State.
We salute bandmaster Ant...
Episode 253 | Chromatics: From Hip-Hop Battles to Cultural Commentary
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This 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 about the dream of performing on the Skinner Park and Dimanche Gras stages, the lessons learned in timing and stagecraft, and why slowing down an acou...
Episode 252 | Shira Mohammed
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From 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, the parallels with Carnival, the challenges of sponsorship, and her vision to brand Trinidad & Tobago as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Along the way, we also revisit Synergy Soca S...
Episode 251 | Gary Aboud
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This 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 shied away from standing up for what he believes in.
In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover:
The origins and growth of Mode...Episode 250 | Cindy Ann Boisson
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Cindy-Ann Boisson | Comedy, Honesty & Owning the Trini Accent
This 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 silence and punchlines.
Cindy-Ann shares raw stories—from almost being assaulted in Florida and escaping by diving out of a moving car, to navigating U.S. co...
Episode 249 | Stacey Sobers
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We 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 women in kaiso, mentorship, and the realities of competition at Skinner Park and the Savannah, her 2018 Calypso Queen win, and how she’s building her own sold-out concert bran...
Episode 248 | Kit Israel
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Kit Israel | From Kan Kan to Folklore, Calypso with a K, and the Future of Caribbean Music
Kit 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 his passion for sound to approach music as both science and art.
As the producer behind the Kan Kan Ri...
Episode 247 | Kwesi Hopkinson
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Kwesi “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, branding, and resilience.
In this episode, we talk about:
The early days of sound clashes, dubplates, and rivalries with Jugglers and othersHow branding and identity (yellow crates, yellow cars, iconic logos) mad...Episode 246 | Marc Jardine
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Marc Jardine: From Fatima Days to the Helm of RBC
In 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, agriculture, and now banking leadership.
The conversation dives into life lessons from Fatima, his experiences studying at Morehouse, the realities of oil and gas and ag...
Episode 245 | Sheena 'Ajibola' Richardson
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In 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 empowering women of all ages to embrace rhythm, balance, and self-expression.
Ajibola opens up about her deep cultural roots in parang, calypso, and African rhythms, the spiritual connection she has with th...
Episode 244 | Funny
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Celebrating the Life of Lord Funny – Calypso’s Master of Wit
In 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 biggest issues. Corie revisits classics like Farmer Brong, Sweet Sweet Trinidad, and Bamsie, weaving in reflections on the role of comedic calypso in national life.
<...Episode 243 | Adam Aboud
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In 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 business out of his mother’s kitchenScaling from baked goods to sauces, retail, and now expansionThe role of trust, presence, and community in building customer l...Episode 242 | Karega
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Step 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 brilliance of Tyker Phillips confronting difficult social issues through art, to the extraordinary journey of Maxine Williams from Trinidad to Yale to global business leadership at Facebook, each story reveals a different facet of...
Episode 241 | Jr Lee

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In 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. They talk about grief, schooldays, raising children, and why Jr Lee feels loyalty to his audience over the algorithm.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, an...
Episode 240 | Maxine Williams

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In 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 Westwood Park, to working alongside Mark Zuckerberg at one of the world’s most influential tech companies, Maxine shares the personal and professional journey that led her from WoodBrook, POS to Silicon Valley boardrooms.
They dis...
Episode 239 | Tyler Giselle Phillip

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In 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 discomfort.
We dive into her Belmont roots, her work with Belmont Freetown, and how mentors like Raymond Choo Kong, Tony Hall and Sprangalang shaped her path. Fr...
Episode 238 | XplicitMevon Bonus

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In 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 at home. He shares the powerful, never-before-heard backstory behind “Anxiety,” the emotional collaboration with Patrice Roberts recorded just days before tragedy struck.
The conversation explores:
Why soca is often seen as an...Episode 238 | XplicitMevon

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Just 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 producing Carnival and Christmas anthems like Pone Annie (with Rome), Come Home (with Nyla & Skinny Fabulous), and Take Me Home (with Freetown Collective).
We discuss...
Episode 237 | D Piano Girl

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Episode 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 her artistry. We get into the story behind her viral Savannah Grass cover, the emotional layers of her new single Forever, and how she blended Bollywood rhythms, Hindi lyrics, and Tr...
Episode 236 | Lou Lyons

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In 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 artistry, learning guitar while studying law, and how he and Muhammad Muwakil built Freetown from spoken word roots to international stages.
We also discuss:
The impact of calypso on...Kenny Phillips Bonus Episode
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After 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

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This 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 soca.
We trace his journey from building a home studio on a quarter-inch tape machine to producing over 500 livestreamed shows during COVID, and launching WACK Radio despite being told, “nobody wants to he...
Episode 234 | Glen Niles

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This 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, surgery, and early parenting, and how anger turned into purpose. He opens up about building the Down Syndrome Family Network from scratch, pushing for inclusive education, workplace integration, and most importantly, disability legi...
Episode 233 | Kurt Allen

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This 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 toilet paper in Skinner Park, and the fine art of saying what the people feel — without fear or favour. Kurt breaks down the discipline behind his performances, his years sha...
Episode 232 | Muhammad Muwakil

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On this week’s episode of Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Muhammad Muwakil — poet, performer, and frontman of Freetown Collective.
From his early childhood in Carenage to growing up at the Jamaat al-Muslimeen compound on Mucurapo Road, Muhammad shares a deeply personal account of life before, during, and after the 1990 attempted coup.
He opens up about community, and what justice really meant to him as a child watching the world shift.
We explore how Freetown’s music became a vehicle for honesty, healing, and cultural reflection — and why so...
Episode 231 | Colin Lucas

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On this week’s episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with Colin Lucas — the voice behind “Dollar Wine” and a pioneer in soca and band culture. From the foundation of Sound Revolution to his corporate leadership roles at the Port Authority, TTPost, and NCC, Colin reflects on a life that moved between big stages and boardrooms.
He shares the true origin story behind “Dollar Wine,” the groundbreaking journey of Sound Revolution, and how hits like “Stay,” “Shake It,” and “Football Dance” came to life. We talk about live music vs. backing tracks...
Episode 230 | Yellow Decode

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We finally get a chance to catch up and talk about the election results and some other matters at hand.
Enjoy!
Episode 229 | Kiegs

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This week on The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we link up with friend of the show, Kiegs - one of the best voices in Soca Parang and the life of many a wedding. From his early days performing at company competitions and house to house parang to becoming one of the most sought-after hosts in T&T.
Kiegs shares the heart, hustle, and humour and the stories behind the journey. We talk music, culture, Christmas vibes, and the magic of making a crowd feel joy — no matter the season.
Episode 228 | David Rudder

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In this unforgettable episode, we sit with the legendary David Michael Rudder—poet, prophet, and one of the most powerful voices to emerge from Trinidad & Tobago. Rudder speaks openly about his journey through music, from the early days with Charlie’s Roots to his solo classics that became anthems for the Caribbean spirit.
He shares deeply personal reflections on living with polio since childhood, his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, and how he continues to push forward with courage and grace.
Rudder also talks about bridging the generational gap, why connecti...
Episode 227 | Ozy Merrique

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In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, I reason with the one and only Ozy Merrique — entertainer, producer, author, and visual artist whose fingerprints are all over Trinidad and Tobago’s creative landscape. Ozy takes us back to his early start on Party Time, shares the hilarious story of how he borrowed (and somehow never returned) David Rudder’s classic 1986 Calypso Monarch outfit, and reflects on building spaces like Jam in the Junction, the weekly showcase that gave countless local artistes a stage before they had one.
We also dive into h...
Episode 226 | Ben Gayah

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In this week's episode, we sit with legendary sculptor and visual artist Ben Gayah — joined by his wife Janine — for a powerful conversation on art, legacy, and love. Ben shares how he got started as an artist, the challenges of making it in Trinidad and Tobago, and the stories behind his massive sculptures at St. Mary’s Fete and the mural on the Parliament building. With Janine adding her own insights and perspective, this episode offers a rare, intimate look at the life and work of one of the country’s most impactfu...
Episode 225 | Adrian Scoon

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This week we sit with Adrian Scoon, CEO of wOw Events, the company behind Spirit Mas, Soaka, Iron Park & Mecka.
Adrian dives into the business of Carnival, creativity, and cultural innovation. From the origins of Soaka to the launch of Travel Haeven, a new travel planning platform designed to help the global Carnival chaser curate their Trinidad Carnival experience.
Adrian walks us through his evolving vision for experiential events. He unpacks the mission behind wOw Events—particularly the intentional inclusion of local artistes—and shares how Spirit Mas is carv...
Episode 224 | Conrad Baird of Affordable Imports

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In this episode, we sit with Conrad Baird, founder of Affordable Imports Studios, for an inspiring deep dive into grit, growth, and creative entrepreneurship.
After being ousted from an accounting job he loved, Conrad pivoted hard — starting off by buying and selling equipment, then quickly expanding into audio-visual rentals.
What began with selling out of a van in Uncle Beddoe's carpark soon evolved into Affordable Imports Studios, a full-fledged creative space that has hosted this podcast and many others, along with videographers, photographers, con...
Episode 223 | Duvone Stewart

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In this episode, we welcome the legendary Duvone Stewart, one of the most revered steelpan arrangers and musical minds in Trinidad and Tobago. From his humble beginnings in Tobago and moving to Nelson Street, to commanding global stages with his unmatched talent, Duvone takes us on a journey through his love affair with the pan, the evolution of his craft, and the discipline that has propelled him to the pinnacle of success in the world of steelpan.
Duvone takes us deep into his journey with the bpTT Renegades and his young...
Episode 222 | Shit Talk

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What else could we name episode 222?
This episode is full of Kaiso about....you know what - and a heavy dose of cemetery kaisos of course as we were just as shocked as everyone else with 'influencer' Gabby Fequire popularly known as Gabby Fe's carnival stories. If you missed this you're under a rock and you better off staying there unless you see her coming.
Cuba came here and got dealt with while most of us were in traffic trying to get to the game. Thankfully Yorkie steered us i...
Episode 221 | Eddie Charles

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We're joined today by Traffik lead singer, Eddie Charles. Eddie is the last man standing from the era of the brass band lead singers.
Eddie has brought big band Traffik back on the road and he tells us about his gigs for the 2025 season. We got into the difference between today's artists singing with backing tracks vs using his own vocals and back up singers.
Of course we had to ask him about classic songs like No Evidence, Let me Go, Musical Healing and him being the original big...
Episode 220 | Pardy Time

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In this week's episode we join the silly season with the rest of the country.
The election date is here, Rowlers' handover is complete and Stuart Young is now the jefe.
He done establish dominance with a. cabinet reshuffle like a true top dawg. Somehow we had him down as a softy after seeing him fall off the stage what day but who knew he was a bully in his school days. Lasana Libud put an end to any thoughts of denying the incident so the PR statements and clean ups...