In this episode of Heard!, Afros & Audio's Black History Month interview series, host Talib Jasir sits down with Warren Shaw, co-founder of 19 Media Group, to discuss the network's mission and journey. 19 Media Group is dedicated to creating a liberated collective of authentic voices, with a particular focus on supporting Black and Brown creators and amplifying the voices of Black women.
Warren reflects on the origins of 19 Media Group, its collaborative ethos, and the challenges of staying true to its values while navigating business development, sponsorships, and the evolving podcasting industry. The conversation delves into the importance of building supportive networks, maintaining authenticity, and delivering consistent, quality content.
Shaw also shares insights on balancing the demands of passion projects with family, the role of community-building, and the opportunities presented by alternative revenue streams and AI-driven platforms. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in podcasting, while celebrating the successes of 19 Media Group and their vision for the future.
00:00 – Introduction to Warren Shaw
01:03 – Founding 19 Media Group
02:29 – Creating a liberated collective of authentic voices
03:41 – Building a supportive community
06:55 – Challenges and opportunities in podcasting
12:37 – Maintaining authenticity in content creation
16:53 – Balancing growth with core values
20:27 – Navigating the AI-driven social media landscape
20:49 – Balancing passion projects with family support
21:52 – Securing sponsorships and partnerships
22:36 – Consistency and quality as key pillars
22:49 – Exploring alternative revenue streams
24:30 – Resourcefulness and innovation in podcasting
25:07 – Trends and challenges in the podcast industry
26:22 – The unique culture of 19 Media Group
28:08 – Staying motivated and building connections
29:50 – Celebrating success and envisioning the future
34:27 – Final thoughts and future plans
This episode offers an inspiring look at the power of authenticity, community, and resilience in podcasting. Warren Shaw's insights are a must-listen for anyone interested in creating meaningful content while staying aligned with their mission and values.
To learn more about Warren Shaw, network owner of 19 Media Group visit www.19mediagroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/shawsports
https://www.instagram.com/19mediagroup
Learn more about the 7th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival, October 17-19, 2025 in Baltimore, MD: https://www.afrosandaudio.com
Visit https://linktr.ee/afrosandaudio for additional information and opportunities!
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by guests of Afros & Audio's Black History Month interview series are their own and do not reflect the values, mission, or business of Talib Jasir, Afros & Audio, Black Podcasters Association, Vanguard Podcast Network, or any other names, podcasts, events, businesses, or organizations mentioned in the video or audio of this series unless explicitly stated.
