Podcast veteran and audio professional TK Dutes opens up about her journey through burnout and how she found healing through an unexpected path: getting her hands dirty. From healthcare, to radio, to podcasting, to visual arts, TK shares how she learned to literally disconnect from the digital world by diving into crafts—making plates, rings, pins, and more. Her secret? If your hands are covered in clay or paint, you can’t touch your phone or laptop.
TK traces her audio origins back to her Haitian-American grandfather’s radio rituals, shares her years as a pediatric home care nurse, and reveals how she gradually transitioned from healthcare to full-time creative work. TK takes us through finding the thing you love inside the thing you do, giving yourself permission to soft quit, and discovering that sometimes the best way to heal is to create something with your hands. Whether you’re facing burnout or just looking for permission to unplug, TK’s story will inspire you to get messy—literally.
Keisha “TK” Dutes is an award winning multidisciplinary creative, audio veteran, and community builder. She is the founder of Philo’s Future Media, where she helps producers bring stories to life with intention and authenticity, and serves as co-President of the board of the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR). A passionate educator and advocate for creative expression, TK’s work centers on healing, truth-telling, and expanding the possibilities of what audio can be. Beyond the mic, she’s an extreme hobbyist and visual artist—immersed in playful, ever-evolving creative pursuits that keep her rooted in joy. Learn more at tastykeish.com
