331: [Toni Kennedy] STORYTELLING, GRIEF & BUILDING A CHILDREN'S MEDIA BUSINESS
FEB 10, 2026106 MIN
331: [Toni Kennedy] STORYTELLING, GRIEF & BUILDING A CHILDREN'S MEDIA BUSINESS
FEB 10, 2026106 MIN
Description
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 Podcast03:00 Finding Joy in Storytelling During Hard Times07:18 The Importance of Multi-Generational Stories09:33 Reality vs. Fantasy in Children's Entertainment10:50 The Role of Parents and Grandparents in Children's Lives12:28 Showcasing Black Realism in Storytelling17:41 The Legacy of Work Ethic and Family Values19:43 Creating a Podcast: Budgeting and Planning29:20 Navigating the Podcasting Industry35:02 The Importance of Actionable Feedback37:57 Managing Finances in Podcasting40:31 The Role of Editing in Podcast Quality42:35 Creating Meaningful Content for Children45:29 The Legacy of Storytelling in Podcasting48:51 Navigating Difficult Conversations Through Story52:46 The Impact of Podcasting on Family Dynamics56:10 The Journey from Podcast to Book59:57 The Art of Storytelling in Finance01:02:49 Curiosity as a Host's Superpower01:10:25 Integrating Literacy with Podcasting01:13:37 Empowering Children Through Music01:16:05 The Importance of Predictability in Learning01:18:26 Understanding Routines and Rewards01:20:18 Patience and Opportunity in Success01:22:18 Learning from Financial Mistakes01:27:25 Respecting Money and Relationships01:29:50 The Need for Inclusivity in Education01:32:07 Defining Wealth and Living Within Means01:34:30 Lessons from Past Financial Mistakes01:36:45 Influential Books and Their Impact01:41:51 Favorite Dishes and Family Traditions__________Follow Toni:Website https://whatspoppinpenny.comInstagram https://instagram.com/heywhatspoppinpennyTiktok https://tiktok.com/@heywhatspoppinpennyFacebook https://facebook.com/HeyWhatsPoppinPennyWant more shows like this? - go to https://aboutthatwallet.comDisclaimer: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 331Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/about-that-wallet/donations