Authentic Storytelling for Founders and Small Businesses | Kenny Groom

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/