Corie Sheppard Podcast

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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 he believes social commentary is disappearing from the competition, why he stopped competing in the Calypso Monarch, and why he believes calypso was born to challenge power rather than avoid controversy. The conversation explores judging, TUCO, political commentary, censorship, freedom of expression and whether today's calypsonians are still willing to speak truth to authority.

Beyond the controversy, Cro Cro opens up about his songwriting process, learning from legends like Sparrow and Shadow, his early years in the tents, the discipline behind his stage performances, and what it takes to write songs that stand the test of time. He also discusses Machel Montano, Kurt Allen, Orlando Octave, the People's Choice award, and why he has never compromised his writing to satisfy judges or public opinion.

Whether you've followed Cro Cro throughout his career or you're discovering his music for the first time, this conversation offers a rare insight into one of calypso's greatest writers and performers, and the philosophy that has defined his career.

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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 simply a chance to slow down, look beyond the headlines and make sense of the issues shaping our country.

Topics covered:

• Honouring the life and legacy of Bill Trotman
• Remembering The Mighty Wanderer
• CARICOM and Trinidad & Tobago's role in the region
• Oil, gas and economic diversification
• Nestlé's strategic review and what it means for local dairy farmers
• Government spending and the national budget
• Public safety, politics and accountability

What are your thoughts on the issues discussed? Join the conversation in the comments.

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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 way he transformed trauma into healing. This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, family, ambition and finding purpose after life changes forever.

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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:
• Why protocol is really about respect—not status
• What separates great leaders from everyone else
• The hidden work behind successful events
• Crisis communication in the age of social media
• Building a reputation that lasts a lifetime
• The future of event management and AI
• The story behind the Down Syndrome Family Network and why inclusion matters

Whether you're a business owner, manager, communicator, event professional or simply someone who wants to become a better leader, this conversation is full of practical lessons and timeless wisdom.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who would appreciate the conversation.

Follow The Corie Sheppard Podcast for more conversations that entertain, educate and honour the people shaping Caribbean culture.

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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
• Why less than 0.001% has ever been explored
• The strange creatures living kilometres beneath us
• New medicines hidden in the deep sea
• Swimming with sperm whales
• Taking Will Smith to the bottom of the ocean
• Why the deep ocean may be Earth's final frontier

This is one of the most fascinating conversations we've ever had.

Join the WhatsApp Channel to follow the expedition: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7WmCK4o7qPcYbUuY0O

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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, why soca must think beyond Monday and Tuesday, and how Caribbean artists can build lasting international careers.

Beyond the music, Anslem opens up about his faith, his passion for writing children's books, using his platform to raise awareness about domestic violence, and why he's still creating with the same purpose after more than four decades in the industry.

A masterclass in music, storytelling, longevity, and Caribbean culture.

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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 explore the history of tassa, the symbolism behind the moons and tadjahs, the 1884 Hosay Massacre, preserving traditions for future generations, and why Jameel believes St. James offers a blueprint for national unity.

Whether you’ve participated in Hosay all your life or have never fully understood it, this conversation offers a fascinating look into one of our country’s richest cultural traditions.

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 ❤️ Support the show and get early access to every episode on Patreon.

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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 Papi during the COVID-19 pandemic, how an Instagram Live that started with just 12 viewers became a cultural phenomenon, and the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, including launching Papi's Waterhole and navigating the realities of business ownership in Trinidad & Tobago.

DJ Elon also shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Voice, touring internationally, Carnival culture, Road March competition, South Carnival, and the moments that helped shape his career.

Topics include:

• Leaving radio for loyalty
• Building Club Papi
• Working with Voice
• Pandemic entrepreneurship
• Papi's Waterhole
• Carnival and Road March culture
• Family support and mentorship
• DJ life and international touring
• Business lessons and failure
• South Carnival and community

Subscribe for more conversations with Caribbean leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, entertainers, and changemakers.

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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 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 years
• Joining Scorch Radio
• The future of radio in Trinidad & Tobago
• Sound system culture and radio clashes
• Tony Lee, George Gonzales and radio mentorship
• Building a career in broadcasting
• Choosing passion over security
• Success, failure and reinvention
• Drama Wednesday and audience connection
• The evolution of Trinidad and Tobago media

#coriesheppardpodcast #Blaze #Radio #TrinidadAndTobago #ScorchRadio

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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 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