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...
Viking Ding Dong: The Pain Behind His Smile & Betting on Himself
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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 seen as “a DJ who sings” gives him even more reason t...
Jules Sobion: 20 Years Gambling on Carnival — Why Caesar’s Army Is Changing
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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 entirely new direction.
🎧 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ON PATREON
There's more to this co...
Angela Hunte: The Real Story Behind “Empire State of Mind,” “Party Done” & Learning to Walk Again
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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 finding her place in the music industry, Angela takes us inside a career...
Teddyson John: Starting Over, Finding His Voice & Life Beyond “Allez”
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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 representing Saint Lucia on the Tiny Desk stage. He also shares the vision beh...
His Father Wanted a Doctor. He Chose Music | Carl “Beaver” Henderson
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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 inside his sessions with Shadow and Lord Shorty, his unexpe...
Chucky Gordon: Music Saved My Life | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 why he refuses to compromise his convictions. From soca suc...
From Laventille to the High Court: Justice Westmin James’ Unlikely Journey
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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, Justice James is a Judge of the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago, a Judge on the Caribbean Community Administrative Tribun...
He Grew Up Without a TV. Then He Built Synergy TV | Peter C. Lewis
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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 back to his faith.
Watc...
Ralph Gonsalves: “My Spirit Is Not Defeated” | Life After 25 Years in Power
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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 is not defeated.”
We explore his Trinidadian roots, relationship with Kamla Persad-Bissessar, lifelong f...
Alex Jordan: The Voice That Raised a Generation
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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 overcoming the fear of looking unprepared, finding confidence in what she uniquely brings to broa...
He Sold Everything to Survive—Then Built Fitt St | Adrian Chandler
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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 also opens up about losing his father, the death of his br...
Third Bass: The Untold Story of Trinidad’s Urban Radio Revolution
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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 of Dancehall Good to Bean...
I Survived the Unthinkable—and Chose to Thrive | Gayatree Dipchan
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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 communicate when words cannot, the cultural norms that leave children vulnerable, and what it tr...
Destra: “I Love My Soca. I Love My God.” | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 would eventually travel around the world.
👑...
They Were Just Having Fun—Then Millions Started Watching | Cheerful Company
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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 remains at the centre of everything they do, the realities of turning viral content into a business, and how...
I Went a Steam… At My Big Age | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 body simply tells you when the party is over — it was an experie...
I Thought Achievement Made Me Worthy | Veera Bhajan
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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 become performative.
She takes us inside her childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, being rejected from preschool, learning to...
Supplequental Parade Route
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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 discussions.
We revisit the debate surrounding the new police and army posts at...
🇨🇦🇹🇹 From Afghanistan to Trinidad: A Diplomat’s Extraordinary Journey | Michael Callan
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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, Afghanistan, where he worked as a civilian alongside the military in an increasingly dangerous environment. He r...
We Divide Our Own.....But Welcome Everyone Else
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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 struggle to show that same grace to our own people?
Along the wa...
Kes on Taking Soca Global, Family & the Mission Behind the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour
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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 around the world
The stories behind some of his...
How Dominic Hadeed Built Blue Waters by Solving Problems
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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 Waters, entrepreneurship, leadership, company culture, problem solving, Trinidad and Tobago's business environment, the future of...
Vaughnette Bigford on Depression, Petrotrin, Menopause & Finding Her Authentic Voice
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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 opportunities, and how studying at Berklee changed the way she viewed Caribbean music forever.
She also reflects on entrepreneurship, confidence, parenting...
Cro Cro: "They Turned Off My Mic... But They Could Never Silence Me"
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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 views on the current state of calypso, why...
Honouring Bill Trotman | Making Sense of Trinidad's Biggest Stories
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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 headlines that have dominated the week.
These episodes are...
Kevin Soyer on How Being Completely Paralysed Led Him to Make Thousands Laugh
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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, performing on stages around the world, the rise of Trinidad's stand-up comedy scene, and why laughter became the wa...
What Every Great Leader Understands About Communication, Trust & Respect | Lisa Ghany
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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 most recognisable organisations, Lisa explains why preparation, respect and relationships matter far more than most people realise.
We also discuss:
• Wh...
We've Explored Less Than 1% of Earth's Deep Ocean... And T&T Is About To Change That | Dr. Diva Amon
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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 seen by science.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why 70% of Trinidad and Tobago is deep ocean
The TRUTH About "Who Let the Dogs Out" | Anslem Douglas Sets the Record Straight
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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<...
The Trinidad Tradition We Can’t Afford to Lose | Jameel ‘Jappa’ Bisnath
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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 greatest examples of multicultural harmony.
We also...
He Walked Away From His Job When They Fired His Team | DJ Elon (Papi)
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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 journey.
We also explore the accidental creation of Club...
I Knew It Was Time for a Change | Blaze | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 Gonzales, Starchild and Master Mike, building his career in radio, and...
Jaiga: How I Helped Build Soca's Biggest Stars | Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 and Ding Dong before they became household names, building Radioactive, working alongside Machel...
Judaline Cassidy: From Diego Martin to New York's Plumbing Union
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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, and founded Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit that empowers young girls through trade skills, confidence-building, and le...
Wendy Fitzwilliam on Fame, Miss Universe, Motherhood & Why Trini's “Mash Up” Our Own
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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 Miss Universe OrganizationTrinidad & Tobago’s Relationship With SuccessMachel Montano, Minshall, Brian Lara And National IdentityVulnerability, Motherhood And Her Book Le...From Project Runway to Scaling a Luxury Brand from the Caribbean: Anya Ayoung-Chee’s Next Chapter
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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 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...
The Woman Behind Machel Montano: Liz Montano’s Untold Story | CSP
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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 conversation explores:
Discovering Machel Montano’s talent at age 5Raising two highly successful...Valmiki Maharaj on Carnival, Creativity & Building Cultural Experiences | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 explores:
• The evolution of TRIBE and The Lost Tribe
• Creativity, storytelling, and experiential design
• The future of Carnival and preserving aut...
Shaka Hislop on Prostate Cancer & Why Men Need to Get Tested
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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 telling his children, the mindset he adopted to fi...
Coutain | Why Loyalty, Love & Peace Matter More Than Fame | The Corie Sheppard Podcast
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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 identity.
The conversation takes an emotional turn as h...
