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Conversations Are Key
Ep #9 - Dennis L.A. White on Notorious, Being Blackballed, Red Carpet Stories & Staying Relentless
Actor, coach, and creative leader Dennis L.A. White joins Conversations Are Key for one of our most powerful and honest episodes yet.
Known for portraying D-Roc in Notorious and his roles in The Brave One and Parenthood, Dennis has over 80 film and television credits to his name. In this conversation, he opens up about:
- Grinding through the trenches in NYC
- Being racially profiled in South Carolina and the resulting Hollywood fallout
- Losing representation after speaking out
- Building a career across 25+ cities
- Coaching the next generation of actors
- Why he refers to today’s performers as “microwave actors”
- Unforgettable red carpet moments with Will Smith and Ice-T
This episode dives deep into integrity, legacy, resilience, and protecting your peace in an industry that constantly asks, “What have you done for me lately?”
If you are an actor, creative, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating purpose through pressure, this episode is for you. Be sure to stay until the end for "Keys to the Street."
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Ep#17 - The Invisible Architect Behind Modern Trap — Budda Beats
01:10:27|On this episode of Conversations Are Key, Key Will Voice sits down with multi-platinum producer Budda Beats for a powerful conversation about the hidden side of the music industry.Known for records with artists like Lil Baby, Quavo, NLE Choppa, and more, Budda Beats opens up about the real process behind hit records, navigating the business of music production, producer recognition, AI in creativity, scoring television, and why Atlanta continues to shape the sound of modern culture.The conversation also explores faith, rejection, longevity, entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to be an “Invisible Architect” in entertainment.This is a conversation for producers, artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something behind the scenes.Hosted by Emmy-nominated producer/editor and voice actor Keyon Williams.Follow:@ConversationsAreKey@KeyWillVoice@budda_beats_
Ep#16 - The IRS Scam That Hits After You File (And How to Protect Your Money)
37:57|Think you’re done with taxes because you already filed? Think again.In this episode of Conversations Are Key, Key Will Voice sits down with Dr. Gwennetta Wright, CEO of Xpert Tax Service and a tax professional with over 20 years of experience, to break down how scammers are targeting people before and after filing — and why so many are losing money without realizing it.From fake IRS emails and phone calls to AI-driven impersonation scams and fraudulent refund promises, this conversation exposes how these schemes actually work in real life — and what you need to do to protect yourself.Dr. Wright also dives into the bigger picture: how misinformation is costing people thousands, why tax mistakes can follow you into your everyday life, and how understanding the tax system can help you protect and build your income long-term. In this episode:Why tax scams don’t stop after you fileHow people are being promised fake $10K+ refundsThe red flags that instantly signal a scamWhat the IRS will NEVER doWhat to do immediately if you get a suspicious messageHow an IP PIN can protect your identityThe truth about taxes, income, and building wealthIf you’ve filed, filed late, or still need to — this episode could save you thousands.Keys to the Street included.
EP #15 - AI vs The Human Pen: The Truth About Songwriting, Hit Records & Survival In The Music Industry
57:21|In this episode of Conversations Are Key, Key Will Voice sits down with Grammy-nominated songwriter and recording artist Alvin Garrett for a powerful conversation about the evolving music industry and what it means for creatives today.From writing for artists like Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Joe, and Ruben Studdard, to building his own lane in “inspirational soul,” Alvin shares the real truth about songwriting, rejection, and longevity.The conversation takes a deep turn into artificial intelligence and its growing role in music, exploring whether AI is a threat or a tool, if it can truly replicate human emotion, and what happens when machines begin to compete with creators.Alvin also breaks down why the best songs don’t always become hits, the importance of infrastructure and visibility, and how artists can maintain authenticity in a rapidly changing landscape.In one of the most powerful moments of the episode, Alvin shares a life-changing story about his early partnership with Ruben Studdard and how a single act of obedience and belief helped set the stage for a journey that would ultimately change both of their lives.He also discusses his latest album Talk To Her Like This, available now, featuring the standout single “Roll Slide Roll”—a feel-good record with a deeper message about relationships, communication, and connection.Plus, Alvin opens up about his initiative The Write Life, using music as a tool for healing and transformation in underserved communities.This episode is a must-listen for artists, creatives, and anyone navigating the future of culture, technology, and ownership.
EP #14 - Nino Breeze: From Prison to Purpose, Family, Mental Health & the Rick Ross Co-Sign
46:15|In this episode of Conversations Are Key, Key Will Voice sits down with Nino Breeze for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about transformation, responsibility, and the true cost of second chances.Nino opens up about his journey from the streets of Florida to federal prison and the mental and emotional challenges that came with it. While many focus on the personal struggle of incarceration, he shares a deeper reality: the impact it had on his family, including navigating serious mental health challenges while he was away.He also discusses:The hardest part of being incarceratedThe emotional toll on his familyLessons learned from adversityHis growth and mindset after prisonConnecting with Rick Ross and entering the Maybach Music Group ecosystemWhy success still requires relentless work — even with a record dealThis is more than a music interview, it’s a conversation about accountability, resilience and what it truly means to rebuild your life.🎙 Conversations Are Key is hosted by Keyon Williams, bringing you real stories from culture, business, and entertainment.
Ep #13 - Building Amber & Opal: The Story Behind Ja Rule’s Whiskey Brand
54:53|In this episode of Conversations Are Key, host Key Will Voice sits down with entrepreneur Sandy Sandiford, co-owner of the premium whiskey brand Amber & Opal, created in partnership with hip-hop icon Ja Rule.Amber & Opal has quickly captured attention as one of the newest brands entering the spirits industry. In this conversation, Sandy shares the origin story behind the brand, how the partnership with Ja Rule came together, and the strategy behind building a premium whiskey company from the ground up.Key Will and Sandy discuss the realities of launching a spirits brand, the importance of culture and storytelling in modern business, and the lessons learned while building a product designed to stand out in a competitive market.The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, partnerships, and the mindset required to turn a bold idea into a growing lifestyle brand.In This Episode• The origin story of Amber & Opal • How Ja Rule became involved in the brand • Developing a premium whiskey product • The business of launching a spirits company • Entrepreneurship, culture, and brand building • Lessons from building a modern lifestyle brand
Ep #12 - How Creatives Can Use AI Right Now (Before It’s Too Late) | Justin Burns
46:26|In a time where work is shifting faster than most people can process, many creatives and professionals are asking the same question: what do we do now?In this episode of Conversations Are Key, Keyon Williams sits down with Justin Burns, founder of Miestro, to unpack how artificial intelligence is impacting creative industries, business, and everyday work.As a producer, editor, and voice actor, Key Will Voice brings a grounded, real-world perspective to the conversation — reflecting on what he’s seeing firsthand:Work slowing downBudgets shrinkingAI tools becoming part of everyday workflowsInstead of focusing on hype, this episode focuses on clarity and application:How can people actually adapt right now? Where are real opportunities emerging? And what does it look like to start using AI without being technical?The episode also introduces a live experiment: The 30-Day AI Challenge — documenting the process of building something from scratch using AI in real time.This is a grounded conversation for creatives, freelancers, and working professionals trying to understand what comes next.
Ep # 11 - Danielle LaRoach: Truth, Legacy & Taking Your Power Back
01:39:49|In this powerful Women’s History Month episode of Conversations Are Key, host Key Will Voice sits down with rising actress Danielle LaRoach for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and the journey to self-worth.From her breakout role as Belinda on Zatima to working within the world of Tyler Perry, Danielle opens up about the realities of the industry, the discipline behind the craft, and what it truly takes to build a lasting career in entertainment. But this conversation goes far beyond Hollywood.Danielle shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma, finding her voice, and learning how to reclaim her power — offering a message that speaks directly to women navigating their own paths to healing and purpose.Key and Danielle also dive into the cultural impact of this year’s awards season, reflecting on long-overdue recognition for Black creatives and what those moments mean for the future of storytelling. This episode is about truth. It’s about faith. And it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.Listen, reflect and join the conversation — because Conversations Are Key.
Ep #10 - Why It’s C.O.O.L. to Be S.M.A.R.T. – A Conversation with Tech Executive Reginald “Cool Mill” Shareef
01:25:56|In this episode of Conversations Are Key, host Key Will Voice sits down with tech executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Reginald “Cool Mill” Shareef, founder of The E.D.G.E. Foundation (Educate, Develop, Grow, and pursue Excellence).After building a successful career working with global organizations including Microsoft and Lockheed Martin, Shareef shifted his focus toward empowering the next generation through education, technology, and leadership development.Through his national initiative “It’s C.O.O.L. to Be S.M.A.R.T.”, he is challenging outdated cultural narratives and encouraging young people to embrace intelligence, curiosity, and excellence as a pathway to opportunity.In this conversation, Keyon and Reggie explore:• Why intelligence must be celebrated again• The difference between information and real intelligence• The importance of HBCUs in developing leaders• Corporate America vs entrepreneurship• The future of technology, AI, and robotics• Why investing in your mind is the most important investment you can makeThis episode is a powerful conversation about education, culture, ownership, and preparing the next generation for a rapidly changing world.Listen now and join the conversation.