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Send us Fan Mail Nailah 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

Send us Fan Mail Nigel 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 broadcasting Why reading improves confidence, vocabulary, and delivery How to make guests comfortable in interviews The importance of authenticity and performance The evolution of radio vs podcasting What young media talent gets wrong today Behind-the-scenes of building media careers Whether 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

Send us Fan Mail Patrick “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

Send us Fan Mail Johnny 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 Introduction 00:22 Meet Johnny Q 01:02 Opening a hardware business overnight 02:52 Learning business with zero experience 03:40 The viral “Tarzan” ad strategy 06:26 Early days as a DJ 08:59 Breaking into radio and changing the culture 12:20 How DJs transformed radio in Trinidad 14:20 The evolution of parties and live entertainment 20:19 Building stages and solving problems 25:43 From DJ to entrepreneur 27:10 Expanding into events, tents, and rentals 32:04 Starting in business with no formal training 33:45 The turning point: building a sound system business 38:47 The business of entertainment and networking 42:09 Scaling the rental and events business 45:58 Expanding into security and other ventures 48:05 Getting into the bar business 51:25 Entering hardware and auto parts 53:44 Building the Q Power brand 54:23 Customer service philosophy 57:08 Being hands-on in business 01:02:59 Why the events business isn’t as profitable as it seems 01:06:20 The reality of running events 01:09:23 Creating Monday Madness 01:12:42 The truth about Soca Monarch and performance 01:15:14 The rise of new artists 01:16:51 Giving back with the Evolution band 01:19:49 Developing young talent 01:22:25 Why Trinidad is missing opportunities in tourism 01:32:20 Supporting artists and the Carnival economy 01:34:56 The venue crisis and its impact 01:36:52 Why consultation matters in decision-making 01:41:17 Challenges faced during Carnival 01:45:27 The business reality behind Carnival bands 01:45:59 Fixing the road and parade experience 01:47:01 Final thoughts

Send us Fan Mail In 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.

Send us Fan Mail DJ Bravo: From Santa Cruz to Global Champion | The Corie Sheppard Podcast Dwayne “DJ Bravo” Bravo is one of the most iconic cricketers in the history of West Indies cricket and one of the most successful T20 players of all time. In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Bravo reflects on his journey from growing up in Santa Cruz and playing cricket in Tranquillity to becoming a global champion on the biggest stages in world cricket. Bravo shares powerful stories about his upbringing, the influence of his father, and the early mentors who shaped his discipline and love for the game. He explains how joining the Queen’s Park Cricket Club as a child transformed his understanding of structure and professionalism, ultimately setting the foundation for his international career. The conversation explores Bravo’s debut for West Indies at Lord’s under Brian Lara, the sacrifices he made early in his career, and the mindset that helped him thrive under pressure in high-stakes moments. Bravo also discusses the evolution of T20 cricket, his role in redefining the all-rounder position, and how his success helped inspire the next generation of West Indies cricketers. Beyond cricket, Bravo opens up about building the 47 brand, trademarking his identity as an athlete and entertainer, and his unexpected journey into music. He recounts the story behind his global hit “Champion,” the influence of Jamaican dancehall culture, and how his friendship with Beenie Man helped introduce him to the music industry. The episode also dives into leadership, discipline, fatherhood, and Bravo’s transition into coaching, where he now focuses on developing young players and giving back to the sport that shaped his life. This is a candid and insightful conversation about ambition, resilience, Caribbean culture, and what it truly means to be a champion. Topics Covered Growing up in Santa Cruz and TranquillityEarly cricket development at Queen’s Park Cricket ClubMaking his West Indies debut at Lord’sPlaying under Brian LaraThe rise of T20 cricket and the modern all-rounderBuilding the 47 brand and trademarking his identityThe story behind the song ChampionDancehall, Beenie Man, and Bravo’s music journeyLeadership, discipline, and handling pressureCoaching and developing the next generation of cricketersWatch / Listen to the full episode. Click the link in my bio for the full episode. #coriesheppardpodcast #djbravo #westindiescricket #champion #47 #t20cricket #caribbeanculture #trinidadandtobago #cricketlegend

Send us Fan Mail In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, former Massy Group CEO Gervase Warner reflects on the setbacks, risks, and defining decisions that shaped his journey from a struggling secondary school student to Harvard Business School, McKinsey partner, and one of the Caribbean’s most influential business leaders. Warner shares the lesser-known stories behind his path — academic rejection, early professional failures, and the unexpected gap-year experience that strengthened his leadership foundation. He explains why he left a prestigious global consulting career to return to the Caribbean, and how he helped transform Neal & Massy into Massy through culture change, strategic divestment, and purpose-driven leadership. The episode explores: Competing — and succeeding — in elite global institutions Building and leading at McKinsey Returning home to lead during a complex corporate transition Rebranding and reorganising a Caribbean conglomerate Conscious capitalism and why focusing on people can drive stronger performance Navigating public controversy and leadership under scrutiny The role of self-awareness, discipline, and personal growth in executive leadership Race, identity, and responsibility in regional leadership This is a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the reality behind corporate leadership at the highest level. A story about failure, growth, and the courage to evolve.

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a sneak peek into the kind of conversations our Patreon community enjoys every week — deeper discussions, cultural analysis, and unfiltered reasoning about current events through a Caribbean lens. We explore: How global tensions can impact small nations like Trinidad & TobagoThe connection between oil, economics, and everyday life at homeKaiso as social commentary — from Lord Blakey to Bunji GarlinThe lasting message behind “nobody wins a war”The recent Calypso Monarch controversyKenny Phillips joining the conversation to share his side of the story regarding Helon’s muted micAs always, the focus is culture, context, and conversation — not noise. We reason through history, music, economics, and media, and reflect on why the microphone still matters in shaping public dialogue. If you enjoy thoughtful, culturally grounded discussions like this, Patreon is where we go even deeper. Click the link in my bio for the full episode. #coriesheppardpodcast

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit down with soca artist Jadel Legere for a raw conversation about resilience, reinvention, and building success on her own terms. Jade opens up about growing up in a strict religious household, struggling with identity and self-esteem, and how “pink” became a symbol of reclaiming the childhood she never had. From studying law and battling depression to singing in casinos and eventually touring internationally, her journey is one of discipline, manifestation, and relentless belief. We explore: Her transition from church singer to soca performerWriting, producing, and engineering her own musicThe business realities of being an independent female artistGoing viral with “Shake Up Yuh Batty Girl”Building consistency without relying on a “monster hit”Touring internationally and finding greater reception abroadSacrificing comfort and image to secure financial stabilityPurchasing and investing in property as a long-term strategyTurning pain, heartbreak, and criticism into fuelThis episode is about ownership — of your story, your finances, your brand, and your future. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone rebuilding your life from the ground up, Jade’s honesty and strategy will resonate. click the link in my bio for the full episode #coriesheppardpodcast #JadeLegere #SocaMusic #TrinidadAndTobago #WomenInMusic #CaribbeanCulture #MusicIndustry #EntrepreneurMindset 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Why Pink Is Her Power 03:30 – The $25,000 Valentine’s Day Booking Request 06:00 – Body Image, Confidence & Public Scrutiny 10:30 – School Days & Being Called “Big Bottom Reds” 14:30 – Heartbreak During Law School 18:20 – “Stand By Another Man” Explained 24:30 – Writing with XplicitMevon 26:00 – Growing Up Strict & Sheltered 30:00 – Reclaiming Her Childhood Through Motherhood 33:00 – Moving House to House Growing Up 36:30 – Religious Upbringing & Identity Struggles 40:00 – Studying Law & Financial Pressure 45:30 – The Casino Turning Point 52:00 – From $3K a Month to $3K a Night 54:30 – Joining Surface & Traffic 58:30 – Going Solo & Learning Music Production 1:06:00 – Creating “Haunted” with Kernal Roberts 1:12:00 – Shake Up Yuh Batty Girl Goes Viral 1:17:00 – Sacrificing Image to Build Property 1:23:00 – Why Breaking into Soca Is Hard 1:30:00 – Touring Internationally vs Local Reception 1:36:00 – Do You Need a Monster Hit? 1:38:30 – Final Reflections

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Send us Fan Mail Carnival 2026 sparked big conversations — and Omari Ashby is not holding back. In this powerful and deeply cultural breakdown, Omari Ashby joins us to unpack the moments that defined the season: the Calypso Monarch controversy, the Helon broadcast incident, Road March debates, commentary competence, Panorama pride, and the evolving spirit of Juve and mas. We discuss: • The semifinal and final judging questions • Transparency, censorship, and protecting the art form • Why Terry’s Monarch performance was untouchable • Voice vs. Machel — and what Road March really represents • The commercialization of mas and rising fete prices • The importance of steelpan and youth continuity • Juve energy, generational shifts, and “phone vs. frenzy” • Why Carnival is bigger than politics — and always rights itself Omari brings history, honesty, and perspective — reminding us that Carnival isn’t just wine and bacchanal. It’s rebellion. It’s identity. It’s legacy. If you care about culture, this conversation matters. Click the link in my bio for the full episode. #coriesheppardpodcast #OmariAshby #Carnival2025 #Calypso #RoadMarch #Panorama #TrinidadCarnival

Send us Fan Mail In Part III of the 3 Canal: Kings of J’Ouvert trilogy, we sit with Roger Roberts — vocalist, producer, theatre practitioner, and one of the foundational voices behind 3 Canal’s sound and philosophy. From sweeping yards on J’Ouvert morning as a child to commanding Olympic stages with Peter Minshall, Roger reflects on a life shaped by ritual, resistance, and responsibility. This episode traces the journey behind the voice — from choir training and theatre with Derek Walcott to the pivotal decision to leave a secure banking career after confronting systemic injustice. For Roger, art was never about entertainment alone — it was about reflection, truth-telling, and holding up a mirror to society. We explore: The formation of 3 Canal and the birth of “Blue”The chaos and cultural shift of the original Blue J’Ouvert bandLosing John Isaacs and carrying the group forwardThe discipline behind vocal harmony and performanceWhy Carnival is ritual — not productMentorship, the Black Box, and creating space for young artistsTrinidad & Tobago as a “zone of peace” and the responsibility of artists to defend that idealRoger speaks candidly about closing the J’Ouvert chapter after 30 years, the emotional weight of watching Carnival evolve, and why performance remains the most sacred part of his work. This is not just the story of a singer. It is the story of a cultural architect who chose purpose over comfort, stage over security, and truth over applause. This is Part III of the 3 Canal: Kings of J’Ouvert trilogy. If you care about Carnival, craft, conscience, and the future of Trinidad & Tobago’s creative identity — this episode is essential listening.

Send us Fan Mail In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation, Machel Montano joins The Corie Sheppard Podcast to break down what most people misunderstand about Road March, performance, and longevity in Caribbean music. Machel explains why Road March is not about choosing a song, but about understanding energy, momentum, build-up, release, and timing. Drawing from decades of experience, he walks us through the science of taking people “to the ramp,” why you can’t leave them there, and how great Road March songs are engineered to keep rising. The conversation goes far beyond competition. Machel reflects on: The philosophy behind his creative process and live performances Why legacy is built backstage, not just onstage His openness, vulnerability, and spiritual journey Lessons learned from losing, winning, and being booed The importance of teams, collaboration, and cultural memory Why Caribbean music must invest in education, documentation, and systems — not just hits He also shares personal stories about burnout, reinvention, mentorship, and why he continues to show up after everything he’s achieved. This episode is a masterclass in artistry, intention, and cultural leadership — from one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music history.

Send us Fan Mail Mical Teja joins us for a powerful conversation on legacy, resilience, and redefining modern soca through history. From the making of DNA and its Road March journey, to the deeper cultural intention behind Last Train, Hall of Fame, and Runaway, Teja opens up about songwriting, production, and why emotional connection matters more than hype. We talk about: The story behind revisiting calypso classics and preserving heritage Why he refuses to chase formulas — and how he builds timeless music Performing in calypso tents and respecting the icons The National Philharmonic collaboration at NAPA Panorama, pan arrangements, and cultural responsibility Dealing with criticism, DJs, and industry pressure Why Trinidad & Tobago is still the Capital of Carnival This is a masterclass in artistry, humility, and vision from one of the most important voices in Caribbean music today. 🎧 Click the link in my bio for the full episode. #coriesheppardpodcast

Send us Fan Mail In this J’Ouvert Morning release, we sit with Stanton Kewley — co-founder of 3 Canal, master craftsman, sculptor, teacher, and one of the true Kings of J’Ouvert. From the raw, rope-less energy of early J’Ouvert mornings to the evolution of rapso as philosophy, Stanton reflects on what Carnival has lost — and what must be preserved. He speaks passionately about the ritual of waiting for dawn, the transformation of paint and powder into spirit, and why J’Ouvert was never just about mud… it was about meaning  transcript-blue-ritual-and-the-… . We explore: The birth and growth of 3 Canal’s J’Ouvert band Why ritual matters more than spectacle The philosophy of rapso: “Representing A Positive Social Outlook” Mentorship, teaching, and guiding the next generation The making of Blue and the idea of “making a statement”  transcript-blue-ritual-and-the-… Craftsmanship in mas, sculpture, and stage design The danger of cultural self-contempt and losing our voice Stanton shares powerful reflections on stepping away from leading the J’Ouvert band after 30 years, choosing instead to mentor youth through spaces like the Black Box and Backyard Jams. For him, Carnival is not competition — it is communion. Not product — but expression.