Despite the pandemic, artistes continue to entertain us – on social media, without singing! Let’s discuss how artistes are using social platforms to engage us, how this changes the dynamic between artistes and listeners and what it means for their brand. Are artistes effectively using social media to build and expand their brand – intentionally or unintentionally? Which ones are “winning the internet”? We touch on this as well as on the initial position of the NCC to not host any (virtual) events for the Carnival season and how important it is to stimulate economic activity locally, despite not having tourists.

It’s us again, we’re discussing virtual fetes…or are they really virtual concerts? Because they are two different things right? Either way, it’s likely that half the panel will not attend but let's recap some of the past virtual events and what will set future events apart. It's also safe to say that we've copyrighted '#socajesus'! The fete calendar looks really different this year. How much are you willing to pay for a virtual concert/fete? Follow us on IG and Twitter @soapboxcbean to keep the converstaion going! #SOCAorDie #SOD

We’re back at it, talking about some of the releases for 2021. We even touched on the Soca Parang offerings from Christmas (yes! ALL Soca matters!). Anyway, we deal with the new songs that are ahead of the pack and discuss whether without the fetes and the parade: is 2021 a good year for new artistes? What does it mean for Soca in general? Would artistes “save” power releases for 2022? What do you think?

We reach! In this episode we recap the 2020 season (I don’t know whose idea it was to try to do that on Ash Wednesday but clearly that did not work…so we’re doing it now!). We revisit the Road March and Soca Monarch competitions and of course we get into some serious conversation about what’s next for International Soca Monarch, how the competition could be improved and most importantly, how do we create meaning and value behind it. Follow us on social media @SOAPBOXcbean and subscribe to our channels. #SOAPBOX #SOCAorDie #SOD # Carnival2021

In the Finale we wrap up what was perhaps our quickest season yet! Full of interviews and insights, this season started earlier than anticipated but our guests were on-board to get on their SOAPBOX at a moment's notice. To our panels, listeners and viewers - THANK YOU! We'll be back for Season 5 of SOAPBOX! and for Season 2 of our spin-off SOCA or Die! Until then, #GetOnYourSOAPBOX Look out for our video cast and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and our website www.soapboxpodcast.com

What’s in a budget? In this episode, instead of just doing a recap of the Minister of Finance’s presentation, I take you through the budget process and budget debate. Typically, the tradition is that commentators rush to be the first and immediately respond to the Minister’s presentation…but is that the best practice? Especially given that the Minister’s presentation or “Budget Day” is really only the beginning of the debate and only the tip of the iceberg. In the recap, we go through what stood out to me from the “Budget Day” presentation, key measures announced by the government and the Opposition Leader’s response. We go through the macro-economic outlook and some key figures presented to the nation. #GetOnYourSOAPBOX Look out for our video cast and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and our website www.soapboxpodcast.com

In this episode we recap the swearing-in of the new government in Trinidad and Tobago and some of the surprise Ministers and portfolios. I give my perspectives on the things that we should look out for and some of the shifts within the Cabinet. Definitely a lot for us to delve into in the future. We discuss the appointments to the Senate: government, opposition and independent senators. As the Twelfth Republican Parliament takes shape, we have some exciting things in store! Now more than ever before we are ready to #GetOnOurSOAPBOX! Look out for our video cast and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, iTunes, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and our website www.soapboxpodcast.com !

After an external perspective in the last episode, we reflect locally on the General Elections 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago. We are chatting with Daniella James and Daryll Griffth, and this time we dig a little deeper into the campaigns – the songs, the ads, the manifestos and the lead up to the polls. We consider youth participation; misinformation; and the role of social media in the campaign. Hear about the voting experience given the pandemic and our ideas on what the next administration and future elections might look like! #GetOnYourSOAPBOX Look out for the videocast on Facebook and Youtube!

In this episode, we get an external voice to discuss the result of the Trinidad and Tobago election and provide some political and regional perspectives on the Trinidad and Tobago. We chat about international observers; what is next for the leaders of various political parties; my revelations about politics in Trinidad and Tobago; marginal seats and third parties; and the regional outlook and Caribbean elections this year and those to come. It’s a long one! So grab a snack! NB: Data from the Elections and Boundaries Commission was not public at the time of recording, due to recounts taking place in five (5) constituencies. Episode Guide (to be updated soon): • Initial reaction to the result • Third parties • Voter turnout • Leadership and what next • Recounts and Marginal Seats • Observers • Regional outlook and elections to come Look out for the videocast on Facebook and Youtube: SOAPBOX (Caribbean) – for this and other episodes this season! #GetOnYourSOAPBOX

With rights, come responsibilities. Not voting is effectively picking a side anyway... without registering your views. Historical oppression, voter suppression and active participation – there is always a choice to be made. Regardless of who you vote for, civic engagement is necessary in this "group project" and passive citizenship must be a thing of the past. The most effective way to #GetOnYourSOAPBOX is to go out and vote!