Conversations Are Key

In this episode of Conversations Are Key, host Keyon Williams sits down with acclaimed actor Omar J. Dorsey for a powerful, honest conversation about the long game.Fresh off his 50th birthday, Omar reflects on a career built not on shortcuts or hype—but on craft, consistency, and conviction. From his Atlanta roots and lifelong immersion in the arts to unforgettable roles in Queen Sugar, When They See Us, Snowfall, Selma, Django Unchained, Bookie, and the Halloween franchise, Omar breaks down what it really takes to stay working—and evolving—in Hollywood for decades.They talk rejection that later made sense, the auditions you think you nailed (until you don’t), and how missing out on Luke Cage led to a life-changing call that reshaped his career. Omar opens up about leadership on set, protecting your peace, portraying Black men with dignity and complexity, navigating Hollywood politics, mental health, financial literacy, and why success today is about legacy—not validation.Plus, a perfectly timed Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots voiceover story that underscores the power of alignment and divine timing.This episode is a masterclass in longevity, growth, and staying ready.Follow the conversation: @ConversationsAreKey @omarjdorsey Host: @KeyWillVoice

Nineteen years. That’s how long it took executive producer and actor Markuann Smith to bring his dream project, Godfather of Harlem starring Forest Whitaker, to the screen. In this powerful episode of Conversations Are Key, Markuann sits down with host Keyon “Key Will Voice” Williams to talk about what it really costs to chase a vision with no Plan B.From growing up in Far Rockaway and Harlem, to touring the world with his brother Father MC, to doing the heavy lifting that sold Godfather of Harlem and landed him on camera as “Junie Bird,” Markuann breaks down the grind behind the glory. He shares how he literally had to audition for a role in his own show, why he’ll never compromise his vision for “peanut butter and jelly” budgets, and what creators need in place before they approach a producer: decks, scripts, research, relationships, and a clear understanding of ROI.The two dig into:Persistence as a superpower – why there’s “no bunk beds in the graveyard” and how to keep going when success is a slow burn, not microwave-fast.Ownership & the business side – attorneys, industry rates, heavy lifting, and why networks only speak the language of return on investment.Authentic storytelling – making history cool, building big, believable characters, and protecting the integrity of a story in Hollywood.Relationships & integrity – treating everyone from the mailroom to the C-suite the same, protecting your energy from jealousy and envy, and doing good business even when deals fall apart.Keys to the Street – Markuann drops his own “keys,” from staying sucker-free in a world full of lollipops to building your own door when opportunity won’t open the first one.Whether you’re a writer, actor, producer, or anyone grinding toward a dream, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, relationships, and refusing to take no for an answer.

Key Will Voice is joined by award-winning editor Deanna Nowell (Marvel’s Ironheart, Raising Dion, Sistas,) and JaBarr “Barr Foxx” Lasley, creator of Cosplay Your Way. They dive into cosplay as a space for people of color, breaking stereotypes and why authentic representation matters. Deanna shares how cosplay helped her land her Marvel dream job and drops gems for aspiring editors. Barr Foxx delivers sharp insights on nepotism vs. real talent. Real talk, real laughs, real keys.

Key Will Voice Keys It Up with Chanel Nicole Scott — the Queen of Relationship Talk, host of CheMinistry, and CMO of In The Black Network. They dive into red flags, trauma bonds, and the pain of staying too long in unhealthy relationships. Chanel also opens up about eight years of celibacy, losing everything, and the journey of rebuilding through self-love and purpose.

In the premiere episode of Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice, host Keyon Williams (Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor) sits down with two powerhouse creatives to unlock stories of culture, resilience, and legacy.Luke Burke, Emmy Award–winning Executive Producer and founder of BURKE IV, has spent over 20 years shaping groundbreaking projects for MTV News, BET, VICE, STARZ, Tyler Perry Studios, Will Packer Productions, and SpringHill. His latest work — the docu-series Years Later and its new installment Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later — revisits history with a modern lens, reminding us why storytelling matters.Joining the conversation is Ishmael Morgan, a multi-platform writer and producer known for creating bold, dynamic content across TV, film, and digital. Together, Luke and Ishmael reflect on the keys to building authentic narratives, the responsibility of creators, and the human stories that connect us all.Recorded at iHeartRadio, this episode goes beyond headlines — bringing you truth, creativity, and perspective from voices who shape the culture.This is Part 2 of 2

In the premiere episode of Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice, host Keyon Williams (Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor) sits down with two powerhouse creatives to unlock stories of culture, resilience, and legacy.Luke Burke, Emmy Award–winning Executive Producer and founder of BURKE IV, has spent over 20 years shaping groundbreaking projects for MTV News, BET, VICE, STARZ, Tyler Perry Studios, Will Packer Productions, and SpringHill. His latest work — the docu-series Years Later and its new installment Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later — revisits history with a modern lens, reminding us why storytelling matters.Joining the conversation is Ishmael Morgan, a multi-platform writer and producer known for creating bold, dynamic content across TV, film, and digital. Together, Luke and Ishmael reflect on the keys to building authentic narratives, the responsibility of creators, and the human stories that connect us all.Recorded at iHeartRadio, this episode goes beyond headlines — bringing you truth, creativity, and perspective from voices who shape the culture.This is Part 1 of 2 — stay tuned for the continuation of this powerful conversation in next week’s episode.

Conversations Are Key with Key Will Voice unlocks authentic, behind-the-scenes conversations with innovators, creators, and culture-shapers from entertainment, business, and beyond. Hosted by Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning editor, and celebrated voice actor Keyon Williams — whose voice has been heard across BET, MTV, VH1, NBC, iHeartRadio, and more — the show blends truth, humor, and perspective to reveal the human stories that inspire, entertain, and connect us all. Recorded at iHeartRadio Atlanta, each episode goes beyond headlines to deliver the keys you didn’t know you needed.