In Episode 22 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Angel Livas, Founder and Owner of Alive Podcast Network, on the 4-Year Anniversary of the network's launch.

Alive Podcast Network was built to create ownership, monetization, and community for Black podcast creators. In this conversation, Angel reflects on five years of building an ecosystem where creators can grow their shows, maintain control of their content, and operate without sacrificing their intellectual property.

We discuss why ownership is non-negotiable in podcasting, how education gaps affect access to technology and distribution, and what creators need to understand about contracts, monetization, and long-term leverage. Angel shares how her 25+ years in media shaped her approach to network building and why she prioritizes helping podcasters structure their shows, refine their storytelling, and protect their masters.

This episode also explores what it means to create a "home" for podcast creators, how community strengthens sustainability, and why networks must move beyond visibility to infrastructure and education.

Alive Podcast Network now supports over 100 shows across audio and digital platforms, providing distribution, collaboration opportunities, and strategic guidance for podcasters at different stages of growth.

This episode is for podcasters, media entrepreneurs, network founders, and creators who want to build sustainable platforms rooted in ownership and community.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.

00:00 – Introduction & Celebrating 4 Years of Alive Podcast Network
05:00 – Why Angel Built Alive: Ownership & Economic Equity
10:00 – Education Gaps & Access in Podcasting
15:00 – Audio as Craft & Emotional Connection
20:00 – Building for the Listener & Creator
25:00 – Why Ownership Is Non-Negotiable
30:00 – Contracts, Visibility & Creative Leverage
35:00 – Converting the 2025 Summit to CTV
40:00 – Why Connected TV Is the Next Podcast Frontier
45:00 – Measuring Success for Creators
50:00 – What "Home" Means in a Podcast Network

Download the Alive Podcast Network app in your app store or on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Samsung TV.

Subscribe for more conversations on podcasting, creative ecosystems, and independent media leadership.

To learn more about Alive Podcast Network visit: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alivepodcastapp