Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir

About Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir

"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.

Publisher

Vanguard Podcast Network

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

4 Mar 2023

Latest episode

27 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

113 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Feb 2026

   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

2. 

   26 Feb 2026

   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)

3. 

   25 Feb 2026

   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...)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

21,989

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 80 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

94

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

89

Contact Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.