The Secret Life of TK: Burnout, Media Industry Truth & Reclaiming Sovereignty in Audio Storytelling

About this episode

Talib Jasir interviews Keisha "TK" Dutes about her experiences with burnout and creative sovereignty in the media industry.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Talib Jasir

Guest: Keisha "TK" Dutes

Topics covered

• burnout
• media industry
• creative sovereignty
• audio storytelling
• narrative podcasting
• collaboration
• vulnerability

Keywords

• burnout
• media pressure
• audio production
• storytelling
• narrative podcasting
• creative work
• visibility
• ownership

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Secret Life of TK

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