Get The App

Download the Josplay app for the best experience.

Download Now

Charts

Discover the latest hits and trending music.

Explore Charts

Podcasts

Stories, music and conversation from Africa and its diaspora.

Browse Podcasts

New Releases

Stay updated with the latest music releases.

See New Releases
← Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir
Authentic Storytelling for Founders and Small Businesses | Kenny Groom artwork

Authentic Storytelling for Founders and Small Businesses | Kenny Groom

Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir
S4 E346:07
Play episode

Show notes

In this episode of Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, host Talib Jasir speaks with founder and media strategist Kenneth Groom, creator of Beyond Normal Media, about podcasting, storytelling, and supporting small business owners and founders through audio. Kenny shares his transition from data analytics and banking into media and storytelling, and how Beyond Normal Media grew from a podcast into a full-service media company. The conversation explores why audio remains a strong foundation for content strategy, how founders can tell authentic stories without chasing trends, and what gets lost when businesses prioritize polish over meaning. This episode also covers podcasting for founders, B2B storytelling, sustainability in podcasting, the role of AI in creative workflows, and why everyday businesses often hold the most overlooked stories. It's a grounded conversation for founders, creators, and service providers thinking about long-term value and clarity in their content. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Interview Series 00:12 Meet Kenneth Groom and Beyond Normal Media 01:14 From Data Analytics to Storytelling 03:02 The Mission Behind Beyond Normal Media 04:10 Supporting Black and Brown Founders 07:20 Why Audio Still Matters 10:06 Podcasting Opportunities and Evolution 15:48 The Birth of the Beyond Normal Podcast 19:53 Untold Stories of Founders 22:55 Storytelling and Brand Identity 23:40 AI, Convenience, and Creativity 26:59 The Future of Podcasting 33:28 Authenticity Over Perfection 38:01 Sustainability and Creator Burnout 43:01 Reflections on Afros & Audio 44:52 Closing and Where to Connect To learn more about Kenny Groom and Beyond Normal Media visit: https://www.beyondnormalmedia.com Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/beyondnormalmedia/ https://www.youtube.com/@beyondnormalmedia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-normal-media/ https://beyondnormalmedia.substack.com/

More from this show

More
  1. 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 thrill…

    S4 E2751:51
  2. 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, co…

    S4 E2646:03
  3. 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 i…

    S4 E2546:43
  4. 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 Ch…

    S4 E2454:17
  5. 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 Ta…

    S4 E2301:01:49
  6. 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'…

    S4 E2245:15
Now Playing

No Track Playing

Heard!: Afros & Audio Interview Series with Talib Jasir — Authentic Storytelling for Founders and Small Businesses | Kenny Groom | Podcast | Josplay Music