Corie Sheppard Podcast

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1725191/open_sms] In this unforgettable episode, we sit  with the legendary David Michael Rudder—poet, prophet, and one of the most powerful voices to emerge from Trinidad & Tobago. Rudder speaks openly about his journey through music, from the early days with Charlie’s Roots to his solo classics that became anthems for the Caribbean spirit. He shares deeply personal reflections on living with polio since childhood, his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, and how he continues to push forward with courage and grace.  Rudder also talks about bridging the generational gap, why connecting with today’s youth matters to him, and the enduring power of calypso to tell our stories and shape our future. It’s a rare, moving, and inspiring conversation with a national treasure.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1725191/open_sms] In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, I reason with the one and only Ozy Merrique — entertainer, producer, author, and visual artist whose fingerprints are all over Trinidad and Tobago’s creative landscape. Ozy takes us back to his early start on Party Time, shares the hilarious story of how he borrowed (and somehow never returned) David Rudder’s classic 1986 Calypso Monarch outfit, and reflects on building spaces like Jam in the Junction, the weekly showcase that gave countless local artistes a stage before they had one. We also dive into his life as a published author and his work as a painter and visual artist, exploring how his creative expression evolved beyond the stage and into new mediums. Of course, no lime with Ozy would be complete without some laughs — including the unforgettable saga of Suck Tongue Sabrina that had the whole set nearly falling off their chairs! From the early hustle to a lifetime of artistic contribution, Ozy’s journey is a reminder that real creativity never stays in one lane. Help keep Jam in D Junction alive — click the link below to support Ozy’s GoFundMe https://fundmetnt.com/campaign/raize-a-light-support-local-talent-with-jam-in-de-junction-season-3-beyond [https://fundmetnt.com/campaign/raize-a-light-support-local-talent-with-jam-in-de-junction-season-3-beyond]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1725191/open_sms] In this week's episode, we sit with legendary sculptor and visual artist Ben Gayah — joined by his wife Janine — for a powerful conversation on art, legacy, and love. Ben shares how he got started as an artist, the challenges of making it in Trinidad and Tobago, and the stories behind his massive sculptures at St. Mary’s Fete and the mural on the Parliament building. With Janine adding her own insights and perspective, this episode offers a rare, intimate look at the life and work of one of the country’s most impactful creatives.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1725191/open_sms] This week we sit with Adrian Scoon, CEO of wOw Events, the company behind Spirit Mas, Soaka, Iron Park & Mecka. Adrian dives into the business of Carnival, creativity, and cultural innovation. From the origins of Soaka to the launch of Travel Haeven, a new travel planning platform designed to help the global Carnival chaser curate their Trinidad Carnival experience. Adrian walks us through his evolving vision for experiential events. He unpacks the mission behind wOw Events—particularly the intentional inclusion of local artistes—and shares how Spirit Mas is carving its own lane.  The conversation also explores his efforts to spotlight traditional characters through Mecka, challenging the look and feel of mainstream Carnival events. Whether you’re in it for the fete, the culture, or the strategy, this one’s a masterclass in how to think differently about Trinidad Carnival.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1725191/open_sms] In this episode, we sit with Conrad Baird, founder of Affordable Imports Studios, for an inspiring deep dive into grit, growth, and creative entrepreneurship.  After being ousted from an accounting job he loved, Conrad pivoted hard — starting off by buying and selling equipment, then quickly expanding into audio-visual rentals. What began with selling out of a van in Uncle Beddoe's carpark soon evolved into Affordable Imports Studios, a full-fledged creative space that has hosted this podcast and many others, along with videographers, photographers, content creators, cabnival bands and artists across Trinidad & Tobago. 🔊 Press play to hear how Conrad turned loss into legacy, and hustle into a hub for creatives as he continues to build and grow.