331: [Toni Kennedy] STORYTELLING, GRIEF & BUILDING A CHILDREN'S MEDIA BUSINESS

Toni Kennedy, author and creator of the children's audio adventure "What's Poppin' Penny?" joins the show to share the incredible, emotional journey that led her to build a purpose-driven media business. This is more than just a conversation about money; it’s a masterclass on turning deep personal experiences into a successful, mission-focused enterprise.

Toni dives into the nuts and bolts of budgeting a scripted podcast, the power of storytelling, and the importance of passing on a valuable legacy to the next generation. In this episode, you will learn: // The Emotional Why: Toni shares the deeply personal story of her husband's illness and how her granddaughter inspired the creation of "What's Poppin' Penny?" // Building a Podcast on a Budget: Get a breakdown of the key financial line items, from actor fees and studio time to editing costs. // The Art of Storytelling: How Toni purposefully crafts narratives that reflect "Black realism" and introduce complex topics like grief and segregation to children in a safe, hopeful way. // From Audio to Vertical Growth: Toni's plans to expand the project into tangible children's books to promote literacy and bring American Sign Language (ASL) to her videos to be more inclusive. // Respecting Money Over Coveting: Toni’s personal philosophy on wealth, financial lessons learned through costly mistakes, and the importance of professional due diligence. =|| Chapters ||= 00:00 Introduction to What's Poppin' Penny? 01:26 The Inspiration Behind the Podcast 03:00 Finding Joy in Storytelling During Hard Times 07:18 The Importance of Multi-Generational Stories 09:33 Reality vs.

Fantasy in Children's Entertainment 10:50 The Role of Parents and Grandparents in Children's Lives 12:28 Showcasing Black Realism in Storytelling 17:41 The Legacy of Work Ethic and Family Values 19:43 Creating a Podcast: Budgeting and Planning 29:20 Navigating the Podcasting Industry 35:02 The Importance of Actionable Feedback 37:57 Managing Finances in Podcasting 40:31 The Role of Editing in Podcast Quality 42:35 Creating Meaningful Content for Children 45:29 The Legacy of Storytelling in Podcasting 48:51 Navigating Difficult Conversations Through Story 52:46 The Impact of Podcasting on Family Dynamics 56:10 The Journey from Podcast to Book 59:57 The Art of Storytelling in Finance 01:02:49 Curiosity as a Host's Superpower 01:10:25 Integrating Literacy with Podcasting 01:13:37 Empowering Children Through Music 01:16:05 The Importance of Predictability in Learning 01:18:26 Understanding Routines and Rewards 01:20:18 Patience and Opportunity in Success 01:22:18 Learning from Financial Mistakes 01:27:25 Respecting Money and Relationships 01:29:50 The Need for Inclusivity in Education 01:32:07 Defining Wealth and Living Within Means 01:34:30 Lessons from Past Financial Mistakes 01:36:45 Influential Books and Their Impact 01:41:51 Favorite Dishes and Family Traditions __________ Follow Toni: Website Instagram Tiktok Facebook Want more shows like this? - go to Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Episode 331