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

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Follow Toni:

Website https://whatspoppinpenny.com

Instagram https://instagram.com/heywhatspoppinpenny

Tiktok https://tiktok.com/@heywhatspoppinpenny

Facebook https://facebook.com/HeyWhatsPoppinPenny

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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

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