Corie Sheppard Podcast

Corie Sheppard
  • 4.9 (41)
  • Society & Culture
  • Weekly

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 legacy. It’s culture in conversation—unfiltered, intergenerational, and deeply Caribbean. Listen, subscribe, and be part of the stories that move the region forward.

  1. 1d ago

    Kernal Roberts: The Stories Behind Palance, Jumbie & It’s Carnival

    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, his first paying gigs, touring with Traffik and the opportunity that brought him together with Machel Montano and Destra Garcia for a Carnival classic. We also get into preserving Kitchener’s legacy, grieving his mother, AI’s place in music, friendly Road March rivalry and why even an experienced hitmaker can’t always predict which song will last. Plenty history, plenty laughs, and the stories behind music that continues to bring us together. 🎧 Part 2 is available now on Patreon, where we continue the conversation. Which Kernal Roberts song holds the biggest memory for you? Tell us in the comments. CHAPTERS 00:00 Preview: The stories behind the hits 01:42 Intro & supporting the podcast 02:20 Meet Kernal Roberts 04:00 School days & calypso competitions 06:39 Keeping Lord Kitchener’s legacy alive 10:12 Remembering his mother & “Sugar Bum Bum” 11:28 Pelham Goddard’s contribution to the classics 12:10 AI, Suno & the future of music 17:02 Can you predict a classic? 18:47 How the “Palance” story began 20:06 Part 2 on Patreon 20:31 Writing “Palance” for JW & Blaze 26:34 When “Palance” took over 27:59 The Roberts family’s Road March legacy 30:20 Competing with Fay-Ann Lyons 32:28 Creating “Jumbie” & his father’s inspiration 42:37 Machel Montano & recognising a winning song 44:01 Being ready for your opportunity 45:14 Advertise with us 45:59 Living the rock star life 46:44 Leaving school & choosing music 48:35 Drumming, steelpan & his early opportunities 57:48 The opportunity to join Traffik 01:04:28 Years with Traffik & moving to Machel 01:06:42 Destra, friendship & finding his voice as a writer 01:08:57 Working with Charlies Roots & Superblue 01:12:12 “Tremble It”: The song they believed in 01:16:14 A disappointing follow-up & starting again 01:17:20 Turning “Time After Time” into “It’s Carnival” 01:19:22 Finding the right collaborator 01:20:10 Touring struggles & pitching the song to Machel 01:26:38 Bringing Machel & Destra together 01:27:23 Learning “It’s Carnival” on the road 01:30:40 What’s coming in Part 2 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎧 SUPPORT THE PODCAST Get early access, exclusive episodes and behind-the-scenes content on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/coriesheppardpodcast 📱 FOLLOW CORIE SHEPPARD 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coriesheppod 👍 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/coriesheppardpodcast 𝕏 X https://x.com/coriesheppod ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

  2. 6d ago

    Viking Ding Dong: The Pain Behind His Smile & Betting on Himself

    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 seen as “a DJ who sings” gives him even more reason to prove himself. We also get into selling roast fish during the pandemic, rebuilding his fitness, fatherhood and the emotional impact of his parents’ separation. Ding Dong speaks openly about how those early experiences shaped his relationships—and why his smile means much more than people realise. Plenty laughter, honest reflection and a different side of Viking Ding Dong. 🎙️ Pledge on Patreon for the extended conversation and support The Corie Sheppard Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/c/CorieSheppardPodcast Subscribe and tell us in the comments: what surprised you most about Ding Dong’s story? #VikingDingDong #CorieSheppardPodcast #Soca #TrinidadAndTobago #CaribbeanStories

  3. Oct 24

    Jules Sobion: 20 Years Gambling on Carnival — Why Caesar’s Army Is Changing

    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 entirely new direction. 🎧 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ON PATREON There's more to this conversation! Become a paid member of The Corie Sheppard Podcast on Patreon to unlock the extended interview and enjoy more of the stories, insights and moments that didn't make the YouTube release. 👉 Become a member here: https://www.patreon.com/c/CorieSheppardPodcast ABOUT THIS EPISODE From the early days of Radioactive, Players and J3 to building Carnival experiences across Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and beyond, Jules shares the remarkable journey behind one of the Caribbean's most recognizable entertainment brands. He recalls the excitement of Rihanna attending one of his events, the international expansion that brought Caribbean culture to new audiences, and the difficult lessons learned from event failures, public criticism and changing consumer expectations. But this conversation goes far beyond Carnival. Jules opens up about his father, former Attorney General Keith Sobion, who became his first investor, mentor and greatest influence. He reflects on losing his father in 2008, the importance of family, and how becoming a father himself has changed his perspective on life, business and legacy. Now, after two decades of building Caesar's Army, Jules shares his vision for a Caribbean Army — a movement aimed at taking Caribbean creativity, culture and experiences to the world. IN THIS EPISODE: Why Jules describes the event business as a casinoThe financial risks behind Carnival's biggest partiesThe rise of Caesar's Army and its reputation for exclusivityWhat event promoters can learn from failure and public backlashWhy Caesar's Army is evolving into a Caribbean ArmyStories involving Rihanna, Usain Bolt and international Carnival experiencesThe early days of Radioactive, Players and Trinidad's party sceneHow Keith Sobion shaped his son's business philosophyLosing his father, finding purpose and embracing fatherhoodThe future of Caribbean culture on the global stageThe Corie Sheppard Podcast is a trusted space for meaningful, Caribbean-rooted conversations that connect generations, challenge norms and uplift our culture. Subscribe to the channel and join us for more stories from the people who shape the Caribbean and its diaspora. Follow The Corie Sheppard Podcast: @coriesheppod Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/CorieSheppardPodcast #CorieSheppardPodcast #JulesSobion #CaesarsArmy #Carnival #CaribbeanCulture

  4. Oct 19

    Angela Hunte: The Real Story Behind “Empire State of Mind,” “Party Done” & Learning to Walk Again

    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 finding her place in the music industry, Angela takes us inside a career spent creating songs across genres, often away from the spotlight. She shares the stories behind “Party Done” with Machel Montano and “Mon Bon Ami,” the encouragement she received from Kes when she considered stepping away from music, and the reality of balancing performing with a newborn at home. In one of the conversation’s most personal moments, Angela opens up about major heart surgery, learning to walk and talk again, and finding renewed purpose through music, television and film. In this conversation: • Growing up between Brooklyn and Trinidad • Ghostwriting, recognition and the business of songwriting • Machel Montano, “Party Done” and motherhood • Creating “Mon Bon Ami” in one take • Kes and finding the motivation to keep making music • The story behind “Empire State of Mind” • Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Kanye West and Lady Gaga • Heart surgery, recovery, faith and starting again • Building a future in television and film Subscribe to The Corie Sheppard Podcast, share this conversation, and tell us which part stayed with you. #AngelaHunte #EmpireStateOfMind #TheCorieSheppardPodcast

  5. Oct 12

    Teddyson John: Starting Over, Finding His Voice & Life Beyond “Allez”

    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 representing Saint Lucia on the Tiny Desk stage. He also shares the vision behind his stripped-back concerts—and why an artiste’s entire body of work deserves to be celebrated. A conversation full of laughter, faith, music and pride in where we come from. 🇱🇨 Enjoyed the episode? Like, share and subscribe to The Corie Sheppard Podcast. For early access and extended conversations, join us on Patreon.

  6. Oct 10

    His Father Wanted a Doctor. He Chose Music | Carl “Beaver” Henderson

    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 inside his sessions with Shadow and Lord Shorty, his unexpected first assignment producing Denise Plummer, and the early experiments that helped soca evolve. He also shares the remarkable story of Marlon Asher’s “Ganja Farmer”—from getting little encouragement from radio to finding an audience far beyond Trinidad. We explore: • Leaving medicine for music—and the rift with his father • The lesson Shadow taught him about a “wrong” chord • The Last Supper and his early band days • Funk, technology and the evolution of soca • Why he believes competition prizes can limit creativity • The making and breakthrough of “Ganja Farmer” • His account of early chutney soca experiments • Why young creatives need opportunities and support A conversation about trusting your instincts, staying curious and refusing to let other people define your future. Subscribe and join us in the comments: have you ever had to choose between the life expected of you and the life you wanted? Support The Corie Sheppard Podcast on Patreon for early access and extended conversations. #CorieSheppardPodcast #CarlBeaverHenderson #Soca #TrinidadAndTobago #GanjaFarmer

  7. Oct 6

    Chucky Gordon: Music Saved My Life | The Corie Sheppard Podcast

    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 why he refuses to compromise his convictions. From soca success to his signature “Jiggy Calypso,” we explore what it takes to build your own lane—and keep standing in it. In this episode: • Depression, healing, and finding community through music • His father Roland Gordon’s influence and legacy • The disappointment of being left out of the Calypso Monarch finals • Politics, artistic freedom, and the responsibility of a calypsonian • Soca hits, industry cliques, and reclaiming his identity • Bringing calypso to a new generation Subscribe, share, and tell us which part of the conversation stayed with you. For early access and extended episodes, join us: https://www.patreon.com/CorieSheppardPodcast #CorieSheppardPodcast #ChuckyGordon #Calypso #Soca #TrinidadAndTobago

  8. Oct 3

    From Laventille to the High Court: Justice Westmin James’ Unlikely Journey

    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, Justice James is a Judge of the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago, a Judge on the Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal and the IDB Administrative Tribunal, having previously served as a Judge of the High Courts of Belize and Barbados. In this episode, we go beyond the titles and into the realities of life on the bench: the restrictions judges live with, security concerns, friendships and social media, unconscious bias, the intimidation of the courtroom and why justice can sometimes take so long. We also get into one of the biggest changes facing the legal profession — Artificial Intelligence. Justice James reveals that people are already using AI to represent themselves in court and recounts encountering AI-generated “hallucinations” in legal submissions, which led him to address the ethical use and verification of AI in one of his judgments. transcript-judging-in-the-real-… But at the heart of this conversation is a remarkable Caribbean story about opportunity, education, ambition and what can happen when someone is given a chance. This is Justice Westmin James on The Corie Sheppard Podcast.

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4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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 legacy. It’s culture in conversation—unfiltered, intergenerational, and deeply Caribbean. Listen, subscribe, and be part of the stories that move the region forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Corie Sheppard
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    358
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Corie Sheppard Podcast
  • Show Website
    Corie Sheppard Podcast

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