Kudzukian Media Production is a Memphis-based audio and visual content and event production company. Formed in 2014, the company has created a wide variety of podcast series, including Humans Being with Kirk Whalum, Breaking Bread with the Chief led by Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis and I was Told There Would be Snacks. The Journey, is a podcast series chronicling stories of Black men in business hosted by Larry Robinson, CEO and founder of Kudzukian.
Describing the intent of the series, Larry says, “It unspools the ups and downs, twists and turns faced by these local gentlemen. There is no straight or narrow or neat path.” The common denominator, however, is that these men have all experienced success and they want to share the journey with young men in our city. These stories are also shared in the public schools to help further spread the message. “We are leaving bread crumbs for our young men to follow. Memphis needs as much support from African American males as possible. The city needs us.”
Larry is following what he refers to as an “assignment” that started with his first company Lasting Perceptions. Larry recognized super talent when he first saw the Beale Street Flippers perform downtown. He saw something special in them and felt like the world needed to see it. He worked hard to get them the opportunity to perform at a Grizzlies game, helped them win a Nike contract and realized he had a purpose with those young boys that went well beyond flipping.
“With those young men, I got to talk to them about responsibilities that come with being a man. I took them all over the country, spent a lot of time with each of them. I still feel like my job is to protect boys and show them a better way. I feel personally responsible that if all men in the community would step up, we wouldn’t have the problems we are having in our community. These youth are 20% of the population and 100% of our future.”
After a successful marketing career at Lasting Perceptions that kept him busy and away from home, Larry knew it was time to move in a different direction. After praying during a long road trip, Larry says God nudged him in the sports radio direction and told him to include Howard Roberts, sports fan and former athlete. Howard and Larry began the R&R On Sports Podcast series in 2013 and Larry’s new career in media production was off and running. Renamed Kudzukian in 2014, their clients include Fed X, International Paper, Nike, Le Bonheur, Ford and several local hospitals and government agencies. For these clients, they are able to help with podcasts, event production and overall content management.
In creating Kudzukian and KMG, the non-profit arm of the business, Larry decided, “Instead of standing on a soap box and complaining, it was my responsibility to act and look for like-minded individuals to partner with me to help these kids.” Larry has amassed an incredible staff for whom he is grateful. “I couldn’t do it without the help of all the creative and productive individuals on the team.”
In one of The Journey episodes, Larry asks Rodney Herenton, “What is your why?” When asked the same question, Larry says, “I have always wanted to be a blessing to others. As an only child, I realized the importance of relationships and loyalty. I don’t worry about success. I feel it every single day as I wake up and do what I love.”