Corie Sheppard Podcast

Corie Sheppard

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. Jun 15

    I Knew It Was Time for a Change | Blaze | The Corie Sheppard Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail 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 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

    2 hr
  2. Jun 8

    Jaiga: How I Helped Build Soca's Biggest Stars | Corie Sheppard Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail 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 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

    1h 51m
  3. Jun 1

    Judaline Cassidy: From Diego Martin to New York's Plumbing Union

    Send us Fan Mail 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 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 generation Judaline's story is a powerful reminder that where you start does not determine where you finish.

    1h 34m
  4. May 18

    From Project Runway to Scaling a Luxury Brand from the Caribbean: Anya Ayoung-Chee’s Next Chapter

    Send us Fan Mail 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 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

    1h 31m
  5. May 12

    The Woman Behind Machel Montano: Liz Montano’s Untold Story | CSP

    Send us Fan Mail 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 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.”

    1h 50m
4.9
out of 5
30 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.

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