Conversations Are Key

KEYON WILLIAMS

Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice unlocks authentic, behind-the-scenes conversations with innovators, creators, and culture-shapers from entertainment, business, and beyond. Hosted by Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor Keyon Williams — whose voice you’ve heard on Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy, across BET, WEtv, VH1, NBC, iHeartRadio, and more — the show blends truth, humor, and perspective to reveal the human stories that inspire, entertain, and connect us all. Recorded at iHeartRadio, each episode goes beyond headlines to deliver the keys you didn’t know you needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 10 FEB

    Ep #8 - Fired Into Freedom: Coach K on Grants, AI, and Access to Capital

    Access to capital can determine whether a business survives—or never gets off the ground. In this episode, I sit down with Jekwenta “Coach K” Primm, a former corporate banker turned nationally recognized grant-funding strategist, to break down what most entrepreneurs misunderstand about grants, funding, and financial access. After spending 15 years in corporate banking, Coach K was fired for teaching business owners how to pursue non-dilutive funding. That moment became the catalyst for building a seven-figure education company and helping thousands of entrepreneurs rethink how they fund their businesses—without taking on debt or giving up equity. We talk about: What the grant funding ecosystem really looks like (and who it’s actually built for)The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when applying for grantsHow AI is changing the way founders search and apply for fundingWhy mindset, structure, and preparation matter more than luckRedefining work-life balance while scaling as a single parentThis conversation goes beyond headlines and hype to explore access, accountability, and strategy—and what it truly takes to position your business for opportunity. Tap in for a grounded conversation at the intersection of entrepreneurship, funding literacy, and economic empowerment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  2. 30 JAN

    Ep #7 - Malik Buie on BET’s Rap City, Mixtape Culture & Tale of the Tape | Hip Hop Documentary

    Episode Chapters & Search Keywords 00:00 – Mixtape Culture Origins Mixtape era history, hip hop before streaming, DJs as gatekeepers, street tapes, cassette culture 02:00 – Malik Buie’s Career at BET BET Rap City, hip hop television, music video culture, behind-the-scenes BET stories 06:30 – Rap City & the Birth of the Cypher Rap City freestyles, Hip Hop Awards cypher origins, BET programming innovation 12:10 – Why Tale of the Tape Had to Be Made Hip hop documentary filmmaking, mixtape history, preserving Black culture 14:45 – Early Footage: Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole & More Kendrick Lamar early career, J. Cole mixtapes, Big Sean rise, Future first TV appearance 16:40 – Clark Kent Interview & Hip Hop Archives DJ Clark Kent interview, hip hop historians, archival storytelling, Peerspace filming 21:40 – Challenges of Independent Documentary Filmmaking Independent film production, editing challenges, budget constraints, creative perfectionism 27:15 – Mixtapes vs Streaming & Playlists Spotify playlists, Apple Music, Rap Caviar, DJs vs algorithms, music discovery changes 38:15 – Owning Your IP & Cultural Preservation Intellectual property, owning your masters, archival rights, Black media ownership 41:35 – Combat Jack & Mixtape Legal History Mixtape legality, DJ Drama case, hip hop law, music industry prosecution 49:25 – DJ Mentorship & Voiceover Influence Megatron radio DJ, DJ mentorship, voiceover technique, mic control 55:30 – Advice to Filmmakers & Creators Creative advice, documenting the process, never taking no for an answer 57:25 – Legacy of Tale of the Tape Hip hop legacy films, Style Wars, Beat Street, hip hop documentaries 64:50 – What’s Next for Malik Buie Red Summer TV, HBCU Honors, Morgan State hip hop history, upcoming projects 68:20 – Key to the Streets Motivation, belief in yourself, creative perseverance, hip hop wisdom Tale of the Tape: How the Mixtape Revolutionized Hip Hop is available now on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi. Follow Red Summer TV for more hip hop documentaries, DJ culture stories, and archival footage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m

  3. 6 JAN

    Ep # 6 - Omar J. Dorsey: Craft, Consistency & the Long Game

    In this episode of Conversations Are Key, host Keyon Williams sits down with acclaimed actor Omar J. Dorsey for a powerful, honest conversation about the long game. Fresh off his 50th birthday, Omar reflects on a career built not on shortcuts or hype—but on craft, consistency, and conviction. From his Atlanta roots and lifelong immersion in the arts to unforgettable roles in Queen Sugar, When They See Us, Snowfall, Selma, Django Unchained, Bookie, and the Halloween franchise, Omar breaks down what it really takes to stay working—and evolving—in Hollywood for decades. They talk rejection that later made sense, the auditions you think you nailed (until you don’t), and how missing out on Luke Cage led to a life-changing call that reshaped his career. Omar opens up about leadership on set, protecting your peace, portraying Black men with dignity and complexity, navigating Hollywood politics, mental health, financial literacy, and why success today is about legacy—not validation. Plus, a perfectly timed Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots voiceover story that underscores the power of alignment and divine timing. This episode is a masterclass in longevity, growth, and staying ready. Follow the conversation: @ConversationsAreKey @omarjdorsey Host: @KeyWillVoice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 32m

  4. 17/12/2025

    EP #5 - Shi Eubank: Dirt Poor to 28 Cars, 23 Companies & a New Genre of Country

    From dirt-poor Memphis beginnings to owning 23 roofing locations, 11 companies, a sunglasses brand, and a cult-following in country music — Shi Eubank has lived every lyric he writes. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Keyon Williams sits down with the man behind “Shi Country” to unpack the grind, the trauma, the entrepreneurial hustle, and the music that turned his story into a movement. Shi opens up about growing up with nothing, the moment he took accountability for his life, the two years he lived on $5 a day, and how he turned $1,200 into a multi-million-dollar empire. He also shares unheard stories about Memphis grit, the toxic relationship that pushed him to Nashville, the insane COVID controversy that landed him in jail twice, and the 73-songs-in-13-days writing camp that changed everything. This episode is heavy, inspiring, hilarious, and vulnerable — one of the most powerful conversations on Conversations Are Key to date. Timestamps: 00:00 — Shy Country origins 05:10 — Growing up dirt poor 13:40 — Accountability & the $5-a-day grind 23:00 — How he built 11 roofing companies 38:20 — The Nashville move & toxic love 55:00 — The COVID controversy 1:08:00 — Car collection & Shy’s Garage 1:21:00 — Keys to the Street 🔑 Follow Shi Eubank: @shieubank (all platforms) 🎵 Stream the music: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube 🎙️ Follow Conversations Are Key: @conversationsarekey @keywillvoice 🔗 Subscribe for more interviews with culture-shifting creators & visionaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 28m

  5. 16/11/2025

    Ep #4: Persistence Changes Everything with ‘The Godfather of Harlems’ Excutive Producer & Actor Markuann Smith

    Nineteen years. That’s how long it took executive producer and actor Markuann Smith to bring his dream project, Godfather of Harlem starring Forest Whitaker, to the screen. In this powerful episode of Conversations Are Key, Markuann sits down with host Keyon “Key Will Voice” Williams to talk about what it really costs to chase a vision with no Plan B. From growing up in Far Rockaway and Harlem, to touring the world with his brother Father MC, to doing the heavy lifting that sold Godfather of Harlem and landed him on camera as “Junie Bird,” Markuann breaks down the grind behind the glory. He shares how he literally had to audition for a role in his own show, why he’ll never compromise his vision for “peanut butter and jelly” budgets, and what creators need in place before they approach a producer: decks, scripts, research, relationships, and a clear understanding of ROI. The two dig into: Persistence as a superpower – why there’s “no bunk beds in the graveyard” and how to keep going when success is a slow burn, not microwave-fast.Ownership & the business side – attorneys, industry rates, heavy lifting, and why networks only speak the language of return on investment.Authentic storytelling – making history cool, building big, believable characters, and protecting the integrity of a story in Hollywood.Relationships & integrity – treating everyone from the mailroom to the C-suite the same, protecting your energy from jealousy and envy, and doing good business even when deals fall apart.Keys to the Street – Markuann drops his own “keys,” from staying sucker-free in a world full of lollipops to building your own door when opportunity won’t open the first one.Whether you’re a writer, actor, producer, or anyone grinding toward a dream, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, relationships, and refusing to take no for an answer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m

  6. 25/10/2025

    Ep #3: From Cosplay Your Way to Marvel: Deanna Nowell & Barr Foxx Unmasked

    Key Will Voice is joined by award-winning editor Deanna Nowell (Marvel’s Ironheart, Raising Dion, Sistas,) and JaBarr “Barr Foxx” Lasley, creator of Cosplay Your Way. They dive into cosplay as a space for people of color, breaking stereotypes and why authentic representation matters. Deanna shares how cosplay helped her land her Marvel dream job and drops gems for aspiring editors. Barr Foxx delivers sharp insights on nepotism vs. real talent. Real talk, real laughs, real keys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m

  7. 11/10/2025

    Ep. 2: Ignoring red flags, trauma bonding, and losing everything — Key and Chanel Nicole Scott get brutally honest about relationships.

    Key Will Voice Keys It Up with Chanel Nicole Scott — the Queen of Relationship Talk, host of CheMinistry, and CMO of In The Black Network. They dive into red flags, trauma bonds, and the pain of staying too long in unhealthy relationships. Chanel also opens up about eight years of celibacy, losing everything, and the journey of rebuilding through self-love and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  8. 04/10/2025

    Episode 1 Part 2 – Storytelling, Truth, and Legacy with Luke Burke & Ishmael Morgan (Part 2 of 2)

    In the premiere episode of Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice, host Keyon Williams (Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor) sits down with two powerhouse creatives to unlock stories of culture, resilience, and legacy. Luke Burke, Emmy Award–winning Executive Producer and founder of BURKE IV, has spent over 20 years shaping groundbreaking projects for MTV News, BET, VICE, STARZ, Tyler Perry Studios, Will Packer Productions, and SpringHill. His latest work — the docu-series Years Later and its new installment Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later — revisits history with a modern lens, reminding us why storytelling matters. Joining the conversation is Ishmael Morgan, a multi-platform writer and producer known for creating bold, dynamic content across TV, film, and digital. Together, Luke and Ishmael reflect on the keys to building authentic narratives, the responsibility of creators, and the human stories that connect us all. Recorded at iHeartRadio, this episode goes beyond headlines — bringing you truth, creativity, and perspective from voices who shape the culture. This is Part 2 of 2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  9. 27/09/2025

    Episode 1 – Storytelling, Truth, and Legacy with Luke Burke & Ishmael Morgan (Part 1 of 2)

    In the premiere episode of Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice, host Keyon Williams (Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor) sits down with two powerhouse creatives to unlock stories of culture, resilience, and legacy. Luke Burke, Emmy Award–winning Executive Producer and founder of BURKE IV, has spent over 20 years shaping groundbreaking projects for MTV News, BET, VICE, STARZ, Tyler Perry Studios, Will Packer Productions, and SpringHill. His latest work — the docu-series Years Later and its new installment Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later — revisits history with a modern lens, reminding us why storytelling matters. Joining the conversation is Ishmael Morgan, a multi-platform writer and producer known for creating bold, dynamic content across TV, film, and digital. Together, Luke and Ishmael reflect on the keys to building authentic narratives, the responsibility of creators, and the human stories that connect us all. Recorded at iHeartRadio, this episode goes beyond headlines — bringing you truth, creativity, and perspective from voices who shape the culture. This is Part 1 of 2 — stay tuned for the continuation of this powerful conversation in next week’s episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m

  10. 25/09/2025

    Conversations Are Key Promo

    Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice unlocks authentic, behind-the-scenes conversations with innovators, creators, and culture-shapers from entertainment, business, and beyond. Hosted by Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor Keyon Williams — whose voice has been heard across BET, MTV, VH1, NBC, iHeartRadio, and more — the show blends truth, humor, and perspective to reveal the human stories that inspire, entertain, and connect us all. Recorded at iHeartRadio Atlanta, each episode goes beyond headlines to deliver the keys you didn’t know you needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice unlocks authentic, behind-the-scenes conversations with innovators, creators, and culture-shapers from entertainment, business, and beyond. Hosted by Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor Keyon Williams — whose voice you’ve heard on Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy, across BET, WEtv, VH1, NBC, iHeartRadio, and more — the show blends truth, humor, and perspective to reveal the human stories that inspire, entertain, and connect us all. Recorded at iHeartRadio, each episode goes beyond headlines to deliver the keys you didn’t know you needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    KEYON WILLIAMS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © KEYON WILLIAMS
  • Show Website
    Conversations Are Key