HireMe! Akiya McKnight
Podcast Producer and Creative Producer with credits on acclaimed series such as The Laverne Cox Show, The R Spot with Iyanla Vanzant, and Bridgerton: The Official Podcast.
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HireMe! Akiya McKnight
Professional Title
Creative and Podcast Producer
Location
New York City, USA
About Akiya
Akiya McKnight is a multidisciplinary storyteller, producer, and art curator with over 15 years of experience across New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Her creative portfolio spans short films—including SERVED, Black Mask, Drift, Bone Deep, Daddy’s Home, and Monet—as well as branded content for the Recording Academy.
In podcasting, Akiya has produced acclaimed series such as The Laverne Cox Show, The R Spot with Iyanla Vanzant, and Bridgerton: The Official Podcast. During her five years at Shondaland Audio, her work earned multiple Webby and Signal Awards, with additional Ambie and iHeart nominations. She also executive produced Wellness Noire, a wellness-focused podcast for Headspace.
Akiya has spoken on panels at the Outlier Podcast Festival (2019 and 2023) and teaches podcast production to youth at high schools nationwide. She is a member of the Podcasting Academy and a 2025 Signal Awards judge. Beyond her creative work, Akiya serves on the boards of The Michael’s Daughter Foundation (Los Angeles), the Ely Center of Contemporary Art (New Haven), and the Harlem Fine Arts Show (New York).
Career Philosophy
“Storytelling is a tool for healing, connection, and transformation. Through audio, I bridge communities by blending expression, entertainment, and education—centering voices that challenge, inspire, and illuminate. My mission is to produce work that uplifts cultural narratives, sparks dialogue, and creates space for truth, nuance, and collective growth.”
Fun Fact
Akiya is also an art curator, bringing her passion for visual storytelling into her work.
Areas of Focus
Content Development: concept creation, show format planning, 360 campaigns
Operations & Logistics: scheduling, project management
Additional Expertise: branded/corporate content, social media storytelling, video-first content (YouTube, TikTok, IGTV Shorts)
Opportunities & Achievements
Work Interests
Roles: Senior Producer, Creative Producer
Projects: Fiction/Storytelling, Lifestyle & Wellness, Society & Culture
Formats: Branded content, social media storytelling, hybrid formats, video-first production
Career Highlights
Managed a 7-person production team
Produced a podcast ranked Top 10 in Wellness & Lifestyle
Produced two NAACP nominee shows
Produced three Webby Award–winning shows
Produced a Signal Award–winning show
Executive producer of Wellness Noire with Headspace
Frequent festival speaker and podcasting educator
👉 Currently open to freelance, contract, part-time, and full-time opportunities.
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Availability & Preferences
Open to Work: Yes
Employment Type: Contract, Freelance, Full-Time, Part-Time
Location: New York City, USA
Worksite: Hybrid, Remote
Travel: Up to 25 miles / 40 km (open to possibilities)
Relocation: Maybe
Experience: 8 years (podcasting) / 15+ years (creative industries)
Languages: English
Sample Work
The R Spot with Iyanla Vanzant — podcast series - Listen here
Resume
Contact & Links
LinkedIn: View Profile
Instagram: @Visionarher
Preferred Contact Email: akiyamcknight@gmail.com
👉 If you’re looking for a senior producer or creative producer to help grow your podcast, Akiya is open to new opportunities.
HireMe! — powered by Walter Gainer II, founder of Boss Locks Media
Walter Gainer II is a creative director, podcast producer, and founder of Boss Locks Media, a storytelling company built to spark conversations and capture attention.
He has partnered with brands like Urban One, where he helped launch the Urban One Podcast Network, and has produced branded podcasts and video series for major corporations.
Walter’s proven experience in storytelling and media makes him the perfect partner to power HireMe! and connect podcast professionals with opportunity.
Learn more about Walter & Boss Locks Media by clicking here!
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