Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Barker.
Hi Danielle , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in radio began with a small yet impactful opportunity during high school. As a sophomore in 2002, I interned with Hot 105 through the Boys and Girls Club Creative Unit in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My role was simple: come in once a week and edit a weekly weekend show highlighting heroes within our community. That one moment sparked an immense passion for radio and media that has stayed with me ever since.
As I progressed through college, I expanded my experience by interning on street teams for 99 Jamz in Miami and contributing to the local radio station at Florida Atlantic University. At that time, I envisioned a future where I would combine my love for media with a career as a entertainment lawyer, eventually becoming a commentator on CNN and other mainstream shows.
But life has a funny way of shifting plans. During college, I became pregnant, and my dreams of a career in radio and television were put on hold as I focused on providing for my daughter. Fast forward 23 years, and the passion for radio and media still runs deep in my veins.
In an unexpected twist, I found myself in banking—a career I’ve built over the past 15 years. When I tried to re-enter mainstream media and radio, I discovered that my professional background didn’t align with the opportunities I wanted. Then, three years ago, Atlanta radio legend Twanda Black gave me invaluable advice: “If they won’t let you in the door, make your own way!” While even dealing with the rejection of opportunities in radio, it opened my heart to who I am at the core, “a creative!” During that time of not being accepted I began to pray and focus on who God made at the core! It unraveled this beautiful journey of learning how to run my own radio station, create my own shows/podcast and drop a poetry album along the way!
Now, three years later, I’m proud to celebrate two successful years of Crowned Radio Station being in business, with a new division launching soon. While also celebrating my second poetry album entitled, “The Heart of a Poet.” Lastly, embracing another year of our podcast series, “Real Talk with Dani B.”
This journey has been anything but linear, but it’s a testament to resilience, passion, and the willingness to create opportunities when doors don’t open while trusting God. This year 2025, is about celebrating every win no matter bigger or small. It is about embracing the beautiful things, people and opportunities around me and live in the moment of that! I no longer dream about being the next BIG THING because I’m actually truly A BIG deal in my world with my people!!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been far from smooth. At times, it can feel incredibly difficult. We live in a society where success is often measured by social media followers, which can be discouraging. Over the past few years, I’ve learned to shift my focus away from follower counts and instead concentrate on how I’m leading my business and contributing to the industry. My priority has always been to operate with excellence, especially because our mission is to spread the love of God through radio and media.
This business isn’t about me or numbers—it’s about the countless stories I’ve heard from people whose lives have been impacted by the shows and interviews on Crowned Radio Station.
As a single mother of four, balancing my personal and professional responsibilities can be financially and emotionally exhausting. My kids will always be my first priority. This past year, I’ve made a conscious effort to give myself grace. If I needed to extend a deadline, I allowed myself that flexibility instead of staying up into the early hours of the morning and becoming frustrated with my kids. I’ve learned to take breaks, be honest with myself, and lean on prayer—asking God for wisdom in every business decision I make. When working on my album this past year, I decided to record it in my home and make my own beats! That saved time, money and gave me creative control while making sure I was home with my kids! The other amazing challenge but beauty is I get to expose my kids to entrepreneurship and artistry when recording. I tell you, my kids are a beast on Canva and that comes from watching their mom even in her hardest season making a way!
My best advice? Extend grace to yourself as an entrepreneur, especially if you’re a single parent. It’s important to prioritize self-care and recognize that you’re doing your best, even when the road is bumpy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Crowned Radio Station is dedicated to spreading the love of God through 24/7 non-stop Christian hip-hop, Christian soul, Christian talk radio, and powerful sermon series. Our mission is to share stories of how God moves in people’s lives and how He uses them as creatives to inspire others.
What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence in presenting media within the Christian space while embracing and loving all of God’s people. We believe in creating a platform that not only entertains but also uplifts and transforms lives through God’s Word.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve built a space that feels authentic and impactful. Another milestone I cherish is the release of my album, The Heart of a Poet, which dropped last September. I produced it entirely at home, pouring my heart and creativity into every aspect of it. It was a chance to tell my story and share my faith in a deeply personal way.
I want readers to know that Crowned Radio Station is here for you. We invite you to tune in, download our app, follow us on social media, and join us on this journey of faith and creativity. If you’re a Christian artist, we’d love to hear from you—send us your music! Together, let’s continue to spread God’s love through the power of media and music.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Please reach out by email @: danib@crownedradio.com Instagram: @danibspeaks
Instagram for Radio: @theofficialcrownedradio
Facebook: danibspeaks & Crowned Radio Station
Follow me on Threads and X with the same information above!!!!
Itunes:, https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-heart-of-a-poet/1769732702
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crownedradio.com & www.danibspeaks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danibspeaks/ and https://www.instagram.com/theofficialcrownedradio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePoetDaniBSpeaks/ and https://www.facebook.com/crownedradiostation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaniB.Speaks and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChRK7MA4UbC9-0fJWP2P1Lg
