Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir

Vanguard Podcast Network

"Heard!", hosted by Talib Jasir, visionary founder of Afros & Audio is a key platform spotlighting the legacy and contributions of Black professionals in podcasting and audio. Join Talib as he engages with Black podcasters, audio creators, and industry experts, delivering essential insights and forward-thinking perspectives on the future of podcasting. "Heard!" is where indie creativity meets industry expertise. Each episode offers actionable advice, explores emerging trends, and uncovers real opportunities for growth in the podcasting space. Whether it's mastering audio storytelling or leveraging the latest podcasting tech, you'll find practical takeaways to enhance your craft. Subscribe to "Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir" and be part of a movement dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and pushing podcasting forward.

  1. Inside Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi | Nyasha Hatendi on Producing Cultural Horror in Audio

    FEB 27

    Inside Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi | Nyasha Hatendi on Producing Cultural Horror in Audio

    In Episode 27 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Nyasha Hatendi to discuss Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi, the Audible Original supernatural thriller set in Zimbabwe. Sacrilege follows an American family whose luxury safari turns into a fight for survival after disturbing sacred ground and awakening an ancient spirit known as the Mbirwi. Produced in Dolby Atmos, the audio drama blends cultural horror, generational trauma, and immersive sound design to deliver a cinematic listening experience. In this conversation, Nyasha reflects on adapting Zimbabwean folklore into a global thriller, developing an Audible Original from concept to production, and navigating storytelling across film, television, and audio drama. We examine how horror reveals emotional and historical tension, how immersive audio builds atmosphere without visuals, and why cultural specificity strengthens international storytelling. For fiction podcasters, screenwriters, producers, and media creators interested in audio drama, immersive sound, or global narrative development, this episode offers both craft insight and industry perspective. Listen to Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi on Audible. Subscribe to Heard! Afros & Audio for more conversations on podcasting, fiction storytelling, and independent media innovation. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Nyasha Hatendi & Sacrilege 05:00 – The Origin of Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi 10:00 – Zimbabwean Folklore & Cultural Horror 15:00 – Generational Trauma as Narrative Structure 20:00 – Developing an Audible Original 25:00 – Building Immersive Audio in Dolby Atmos 30:00 – Horror as Emotional Truth 35:00 – Moving Between Film, Television & Audio Drama 40:00 – Working with Cast & Performance Direction 45:00 – The Future of Global Audio Storytelling Listen to Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi exclusively on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Sacrilege-Curse-of-the-Mbirwi-Audiobook/B0F3Y3BKYW?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Get Tickets for "Master Harold"...and the Boys Running from 04.08 – 05.10.2026 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, CA https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/master-harold-and-the-boys  Written By: Athol Fugard Directed By: Emily Mann & Tarell Alvin McCraney Featuring: Ben Beatty, Nyasha Hatendi & John Kani

    52 min
  2. Community, Capital & Content Strategy: Denzell Turner on Growing Black Fridays Podcast

    FEB 26

    Community, Capital & Content Strategy: Denzell Turner on Growing Black Fridays Podcast

    In Episode 26 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Denzell Turner, founder and host of the Black Fridays Podcast, to discuss podcast monetization, community wealth, and building a business platform rooted in Detroit entrepreneurship. Launched during the 2020 Blackout Tuesday movement, Black Fridays Podcast began as a way to spotlight Black-owned businesses and founders. What started as Instagram Live conversations evolved into a long-running podcast documenting revenue strategies, civic engagement, and the realities of growing a sustainable brand through audio. In this conversation, Denzell shares how corporate marketing systems informed his approach to podcasting, why consistency determines long-term monetization, and how content creators can build trust within their local ecosystems. We examine the difference between short-form growth and long-form depth, the economics of podcasting beyond sponsorships, and why most podcasters stop before their platform compounds. This episode speaks directly to podcasters, entrepreneurs, and community builders thinking about longevity, audience trust, and translating content into tangible economic impact. Listen to Black Fridays Podcast wherever you stream podcasts. Subscribe to Heard! Afros & Audio for more conversations on podcasting, media strategy, and creative entrepreneurship. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + Who is Denzell Turner? 05:00 – The Origin of Black Fridays During Blackout Tuesday 10:00 – Why Revenue Conversations Matter in Podcasting 15:00 – Interviewing Detroit's Mayor + Civic Engagement Through Podcasting 20:00 – Corporate Marketing Strategy Applied to Black Entrepreneurs 25:00 – From IG Live to Studio Recording: Evolution of the Show 30:00 – Short-Form, YouTube Strategy & Attention Economics 35:00 – Why Consistency Determines Monetization 40:00 – Making Podcasting Work Beyond Direct Revenue 45:00 – Podcast Coaching Program + Building a Creator Community To learn more about Denzell Turner visit https://blackfridayspod.com Listen to Black Fridays Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/8d54ddbb-c761-4366-b866-d9b661d6fb4a Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/blackfridayspodcast   This episode is brought to you by The Secret Life of TK Dutes Visit: www.tastykeish.com/secretlifepod Follow on Instagram @tastykeish (IG) and @philosfuturemedia (IG- pronounced Fee-Lows)

    46 min
  3. The Secret Life of TK: Burnout, Media Industry Truth & Reclaiming Sovereignty in Audio Storytelling

    FEB 25

    The Secret Life of TK: Burnout, Media Industry Truth & Reclaiming Sovereignty in Audio Storytelling

    In Episode 25 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Keisha "TK" Dutes to discuss The Secret Life of TK, a narrative podcast exploring burnout, media industry pressure, and creative sovereignty in audio storytelling. TK is a veteran audio producer whose career spans terrestrial radio, streaming platforms, and podcasting. In this conversation, she reflects on shifting from producing other people's stories to telling her own and how burnout became both a physical and emotional turning point. We examine what burnout looks like inside the media industry, the difference between visibility and being valued, and why reclaiming ownership of your narrative can redefine your relationship to the work. TK shares how she structured The Secret Life of TK as an immersive audio project, allowing different producers to shape each episode and create layered storytelling beyond traditional interview formats. This episode explores boundaries, collaboration, vulnerability, and podcasting as public record. It also speaks directly to media professionals and creators navigating systemic pressure while trying to sustain their voice and well-being. If you are a podcaster, producer, journalist, or creative professional thinking about burnout recovery, narrative podcasting, or building sovereign creative work, this conversation offers perspective grounded in lived experience. Listen to The Secret Life of TK Dutes wherever you stream podcasts. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & The Evolution of The Secret Life of TK 05:00 – When the Concept Changed in Real Time 10:00 – Letting Producers Lead & Creative Trust 15:00 – Immersive Audio & Producer-Driven Structure 20:00 – Burnout as a Physical Event 25:00 – Visibility vs Being Valued in Media 30:00 – Boundaries, Public Record & Protecting Peace 35:00 – Reciprocity, Collaboration & Time as Currency 40:00 – Permission to Change Your Mind 45:00 – Creative Practice as Restoration & Sovereignty Listen to The Secret Life of TK Dutes on all major podcast platforms: https://podlink.com/1796520216 Subscribe to Heard! Afros & Audio for more conversations on podcasting, narrative craft, and independent media leadership. To learn more about The Secret Life of TK Dutes visit: tastykeish.com/secretlifepod Follow on Instagram @tastykeish (IG) and @philosfuturemedia (IG- pronounced Fee-Low's...)

    47 min
  4. From BlogTalk Radio to PGC Media: Leo Ra'Chel on Authenticity, Culture & Long-Term Impact

    FEB 24

    From BlogTalk Radio to PGC Media: Leo Ra'Chel on Authenticity, Culture & Long-Term Impact

    In Episode 24 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Leo Ra'Chel to explore her journey from BlogTalk Radio in 2011 to building PGC Media (Phat Girl Chronicles), a podcast network grounded in authenticity, culture, and long-term impact. Before podcasting became mainstream, Leo was already creating audio spaces for conversation, community, and plus-size empowerment. Over time, that foundation evolved into PGC Media, a multi-show platform focused on Black storytelling, mental health dialogue, and audience-centered programming. This conversation examines how early audio platforms shaped today's podcast landscape, why authenticity creates deeper audience trust than trend-driven content, and what it takes to grow from a single show into a sustainable podcast network. Leo reflects on protecting culture while scaling, maintaining integrity in content creation, and building community that feels intentional rather than transactional. For podcasters, network founders, and creators focused on longevity over virality, this episode offers perspective on building infrastructure that supports both voice and ownership. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Leo Ra'Chel's Podcasting Journey 05:00 – Starting on BlogTalk Radio in 2011 10:00 – Finding Her Voice Through Audio 15:00 – Turning a Podcast into PGC Media 20:00 – Authenticity vs Algorithm Culture 25:00 – Plus-Size Empowerment & Representation 30:00 – Building Community That Feels Like Home 35:00 – Mental Health & Media Responsibility 40:00 – Long-Form Content in a Short-Form Era 45:00 – Protecting Culture While Scaling 50:00 – Advice for Creators Focused on Longevity To learn more about Leo Ra'Chel and PGC Media visit: Linktr.ee/pgcmedia  Follow on Social Media: Leo Ra'Chel: @iamleorachel (on all platforms) PGC Media: @pgcmediaco Phat Girl Chronicles: @thephatgirlchronicles This episode is brought to you by The Secret Life of TK Dutes Visit: tastykeish.com/secretlifepod Follow on Instagram @tastykeish (IG) and @philosfuturemedia (IG- pronounced Fee-Low's...)

    54 min
  5. Anime for Your Ears: Ambie Winner Aaron David Harris on Worldbuilding & Fiction Podcasting

    FEB 23

    Anime for Your Ears: Ambie Winner Aaron David Harris on Worldbuilding & Fiction Podcasting

    In Episode 23 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Aaron David Harris, Ambie Award–winning audio drama creator and producer of the fiction podcast Tales of Fists & Fireballs. Aaron's series blends martial arts, anime-inspired storytelling, and character-driven narrative into what he calls "anime for your ears." In this conversation, we explore how audio drama creates immersive worlds without visuals, why fiction podcasting is evolving rapidly, and how independent creators can build award-winning work outside of major studio systems. We discuss the craft of worldbuilding in audio, the debate between narration and dialogue-driven storytelling, and how Aaron transitioned from screenwriting and animation into fiction podcast production. He reflects on winning the Ambie Award for Best Fiction Podcast, competing alongside large networks, and why audio drama offers creative freedom for writers working within budget constraints. This episode also examines Black oral storytelling traditions, genre fiction, and how podcasting allows creators to expand beyond traditional film and television gatekeeping. If you are a fiction podcaster, screenwriter, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur interested in audio drama, immersive storytelling, or building an independent media brand, this conversation offers insight into both craft and strategy. Listen to Tales of Fists & Fireballs wherever you stream podcasts. Subscribe to Heard! Afros & Audio for more conversations on podcasting, audio storytelling, and independent media innovation. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Aaron David Harris & Tales of Fists & Fireballs 05:00 – Why Audio Drama Feels Like a "Stepchild" in Podcasting 10:00 – Winning the Ambie Award for Best Fiction Podcast 15:00 – From Screenwriting to Fiction Podcasting 20:00 – Narration vs Dialogue in Audio Drama 25:00 – Cultural Storytelling & Black Oral Tradition 30:00 – Building Worlds Without a Camera 35:00 – Personal Stories Inside Genre Fiction 40:00 – Competing with Major Studios as an Indie Creator 45:00 – Budget Tools for Audio Drama Production 50:00 – Turning Screenplays into Audio Fiction 55:00 – The Future of Audio Drama & Platform Expansion 🎧 Listen to Tales of Fists & Fireballs wherever you stream podcasts. 📲 Connect with Aaron at adhx2.com and on Instagram @aarondavidharris Subscribe for more conversations on podcasting, audio storytelling, and independent media innovation. Audio Production Tools & Resources Mentioned Audacity – Free audio editing software Pro Sound Effects – Purchased sound effects pack PremiumBeat.com – Licensed music Freesound.org – Free sound effects (with attribution) YouTube Audio Library – Free music for creators Directories & Community Resources Black Audio Dramas Exist Directory – Growing directory of Black audio drama creators https://msha.ke/blkaudiodramas#black-audio-drama-directory Richard Seneque – Visionaires: Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Season 3 This episode is brought to you by The Secret Life of TK Dutes Visit: tastykeish.com/secretlifepod Follow on Instagram @tastykeish (IG) and @philosfuturemedia (IG- pronounced Fee-Low's...)

    1h 2m
  6. Building a Home for Podcast Creators | Angel Livas on 4 Years of Alive Podcast Network

    FEB 22

    Building a Home for Podcast Creators | Angel Livas on 4 Years of Alive Podcast Network

    In Episode 22 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Angel Livas, Founder and Owner of Alive Podcast Network, on the 4-Year Anniversary of the network's launch. Alive Podcast Network was built to create ownership, monetization, and community for Black podcast creators. In this conversation, Angel reflects on four years of building an ecosystem where creators can grow their shows, maintain control of their content, and operate without sacrificing their intellectual property. We discuss why ownership is non-negotiable in podcasting, how education gaps affect access to technology and distribution, and what creators need to understand about contracts, monetization, and long-term leverage. Angel shares how her 25+ years in media shaped her approach to network building and why she prioritizes helping podcasters structure their shows, refine their storytelling, and protect their masters. This episode also explores what it means to create a "home" for podcast creators, how community strengthens sustainability, and why networks must move beyond visibility to infrastructure and education. Alive Podcast Network now supports over 100 shows across audio and digital platforms, providing distribution, collaboration opportunities, and strategic guidance for podcasters at different stages of growth. This episode is for podcasters, media entrepreneurs, network founders, and creators who want to build sustainable platforms rooted in ownership and community. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Celebrating 4 Years of Alive Podcast Network 05:00 – Why Angel Built Alive: Ownership & Economic Equity 10:00 – Education Gaps & Access in Podcasting 15:00 – Audio as Craft & Emotional Connection 20:00 – Building for the Listener & Creator 25:00 – Why Ownership Is Non-Negotiable 30:00 – Contracts, Visibility & Creative Leverage 35:00 – Converting the 2025 Summit to CTV 40:00 – Why Connected TV Is the Next Podcast Frontier 45:00 – Measuring Success for Creators 50:00 – What "Home" Means in a Podcast Network Download the Alive Podcast Network app in your app store or on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Samsung TV. Subscribe for more conversations on podcasting, creative ecosystems, and independent media leadership. To learn more about Alive Podcast Network visit: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivepodcastapp

    45 min
  7. Media Credibility, Cultural Commentary & Multimedia Longevity with Mike Sargent

    FEB 21

    Media Credibility, Cultural Commentary & Multimedia Longevity with Mike Sargent

    In Episode 21 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Mike Sargent to explore media credibility, cultural commentary, and building longevity across film, radio, television, and podcasting. Mike is an award-winning cultural critic, filmmaker, journalist, and broadcaster whose career spans decades of multimedia storytelling. As a Black film critic covering all cinema, he has helped shape public discourse around movies while co-founding the Black Film Critics Circle and contributing to national and international media outlets. This conversation centers on what it takes to sustain credibility in a shifting media landscape. We discuss the evolution of film criticism from television review shows to independent radio and podcasting, the responsibility of cultural commentators in mainstream spaces, and how editorial independence strengthens long-term authority. Mike reflects on creating and hosting nationally broadcast film programs, co-hosting the Webby and SIGNAL Gold Award–winning Brown & Black podcast, and navigating the balance between institutional platforms and independent media ownership. We also examine radio drama, genre filmmaking, and why adaptability is essential for creators working across multiple formats. This episode is for podcasters, critics, filmmakers, journalists, and multimedia creators who want to understand how credibility is built, protected, and sustained over time. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Mike Sargent & A Career Across Media 05:00 – Becoming a Black Film Critic Covering All Cinema 10:00 – Founding Black Film Critics Circle & Industry Impact 15:00 – From Television Review Shows to Radio & Podcasting 20:00 – The Evolution of Film Criticism in the Digital Era 25:00 – Independent Broadcasting & Editorial Voice 30:00 – Brown & Black Podcast & Long-Form Cultural Commentary 35:00 – Radio Drama, Storytelling Craft & Adaptability 40:00 – Filmmaking & From The Shadows 45:00 – Longevity, Credibility & Media Ownership 50:00 – Advice for Podcasters & Multimedia Creators To learn more about Mike Sargent visit: https://linktr.ee/Iammikesargent and https://themikesargent.com Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/mikeonscreen Learn more about A James Scott Adventure: https://themikesargent.com/audio-drama

    48 min
  8. Cultural Bridges, Global Storytelling & Creative Sovereignty with Toni Blackman

    FEB 20

    Cultural Bridges, Global Storytelling & Creative Sovereignty with Toni Blackman

    In Episode 20 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Toni Blackman to explore cultural bridges, global storytelling, and creative sovereignty through music and media. Toni shares the vision behind her upcoming podcast TOALA, short for Travels of a Lyrical Ambassador, an audio project centered on African music, Afrobeats, hip hop culture, and diaspora connection. Drawing from her experiences traveling across Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Angola, China, and beyond, she reflects on how artists build cultural bridges that transcend geography. This conversation moves through African music's global impact, diaspora identity, creative discipline, and the responsibility that comes with storytelling across borders. Toni speaks about trusting intuition over validation, practicing as a daily discipline, and protecting creative sovereignty in an attention-driven media landscape. We also discuss Bloom Afrique Microfund and her work supporting African entrepreneurs, the role of artists in shaping cultural narratives, and why global storytelling requires both humility and leadership. This episode is for podcasters, artists, cultural strategists, and entrepreneurs interested in African music, diaspora storytelling, creative leadership, and building media platforms rooted in vision. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream. Podcast: TOALA (Travels of a Lyrical Ambassador) Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction: Toni Blackman, First U.S. Hip Hop Ambassador 05:00 – African Music, Senegal & Expanding the Diaspora Through Sound 10:00 – Touring Africa, Global Hip Hop & Cultural Diplomacy 15:00 – Diaspora Identity, Afrobeats & Reframing Black History 20:00 – Creative Discipline, Freestyle Speaking & Practice Over Performance 25:00 – Trusting Vision, Micro Content Strategy & Launching TOALA 30:00 – Artists vs Institutions: Why Creators Build Connection Differently 35:00 – Bloom Afrique Microfund & Investing in African Entrepreneurs 40:00 – Leadership, Fear, Mentorship & Generational Disruption 45:00 – Opening Your World Through Music & Diaspora Exploration 50:00 – Meditation Projects, Healing Work & Final Reflections Spotify Artist Link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/48ho4Mg0LK4KH5D7y6tOEs?si=IUY1TEThT_6XSZja-tyI_g Connect with Toni Blackman: Bloom Afrique Microfund and collaborations: hello@toniblackman.com Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/toniblackman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissBlackman1/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toniblackman5 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toniblackman/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToniBlackman Check the links below to learn more about the artists Toni mentioned in the episode:  Orchestra Baobab: https://youtu.be/m4yFmRNcX3I?si=quMufW_iHbk1jPFH M.anifest: https://youtu.be/ibEc2aLamCk?si=cdKzlWyQJPl9YeLZ Fritz Francois: https://youtu.be/aXjYp8GIGos?si=oek_Scj_dlIT0GE5 Breez Evahflowin': https://youtu.be/pm_Zv2ZCinY?si=EVDTOYnqmoww48fc Rhyme Like a Girl Nairobi: https://youtu.be/SYK7_JmgKkE?si=DLfn0LPw3DmDDTu9 Franck Biyong: https://youtu.be/c6nUhLVcSSk?si=CeyoLoohOWwOygeT Fid Q: https://youtu.be/e5Imz9qzxFw?si=JS-nF-J6W5wMYjvX

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

"Heard!", hosted by Talib Jasir, visionary founder of Afros & Audio is a key platform spotlighting the legacy and contributions of Black professionals in podcasting and audio. Join Talib as he engages with Black podcasters, audio creators, and industry experts, delivering essential insights and forward-thinking perspectives on the future of podcasting. "Heard!" is where indie creativity meets industry expertise. Each episode offers actionable advice, explores emerging trends, and uncovers real opportunities for growth in the podcasting space. Whether it's mastering audio storytelling or leveraging the latest podcasting tech, you'll find practical takeaways to enhance your craft. Subscribe to "Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir" and be part of a movement dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and pushing podcasting forward.

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