"When you set out to heal the world, you realize that you yourself have healing to do.” In this Detroit is Different episode, Dr. Demarra West, founder of Rest Like a Queen Retreat & Day Retreats in Detroit, shares her journey of self-discovery, purpose, and community impact. Having moved to Detroit just eight months ago, she reflects on how the city called her to do deep healing work, both personally and for others. As a licensed therapist and holistic healer, Demarra unpacks trauma, resili...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Season 6Ep. 87
"If You Don’t Own Land, You Don’t Own Power." Ownership is the key to generational wealth, but in Detroit, that power is constantly under attack. From over-assessed property taxes to deed fraud and predatory real estate schemes, Black Detroiters are losing land—and with it, the foundation of community stability and wealth-building. In this powerful discussion, Anthony Adams, a legal and political mind with deep experience in city government, breaks down the policies, politics, and legal maneuver...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 6Ep. 85
"Detroit is more than a city—it’s a movement, a rhythm, a story waiting to be told." In a media landscape where legacy outlets are losing their grip and independent voices are rising, Detroit is Different brings you the raw, unfiltered stories that shape the culture and politics of the city. This episode features journalist Sam Robinson, a writer who doesn’t just report on Detroit—he lives it. From covering state politics in Lansing to exposing community challenges in Cass Corridor, Sam brings a...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Season 6Ep. 86
"My grandmother died when I was four months old. From the stories I got, she just had the gift of gab. One, she was beautiful. Two, she was also a hairstylist." The world of hair artistry, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling with Kristina the Glam Tech, a Detroit-born stylist and artist whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From braiding hair in her basement as a teen to making waves in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, Kristina’s passion for hair has transformed into a t...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 83
“I believe in my heart and in my core, it’s all because I had to get me together. So this right here, this is what I am on the inside. What you see in here, what you feel when you walk in—this is what I feel on the inside.” In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Detroit is Different, we sit down with Mikiah Glynn, the visionary owner of Brix Wine, to explore the journey that led her to create one of Detroit’s most inviting and community-centered wine spaces. A third-generation Detroite...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 6Ep. 84
Dr. Velonda Anderson ’s journey from military service to health-focused entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience, purpose, and community impact. Originally from Washington D.C., she lived in cities like Oakland and Atlanta before making Detroit her home in the 1980s. With a background in nursing, data processing, and personal training, she pursued a doctorate in nutrition, eventually founding Sweet Potato Delights, a company specializing in vegan, sweet potato-based baked goods. “I think th...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 82
Gale Henderson ’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted community values. A third-generation Detroiter with family ties to Alabama, she grew up on the west side of the city, where her family owned multiple homes and businesses, fostering a strong sense of connection and support. Her journey took her from journalism to corporate communications in the automotive industry, where she learned firsthand the challenges of being a young Black woman in a male-dominated field. “If you i...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 6Ep. 81
The legacy and wisdom of Detroit’s own Helen Moore, a trailblazer in community organizing and education advocacy, as she shares an inspiring journey spanning nearly nine decades. From surviving the racial tensions of 1940s Detroit to her pivotal role in shaping the city's educational landscape, Moore reflects on her family’s migration story, Detroit’s history of rebellion, and her relentless fight to empower Black children through equitable education. Listen as she weaves stories of courage, str...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 6Ep. 80
Journey into the heart of Detroit's vibrant culture as we welcome Ber-Henda Williams to the Detroit is Different podcast. In this powerful and introspective conversation, Ber-Henda reflects on her journey as an educator, poet, and community leader rooted in the legacies of Detroit’s Black history. From the resilience of her family’s migration story to her father’s dynamic contributions as a Southfield volunteer, Ber-Henda weaves tales of artistry, hope, and transformation. A bilingual poet and S...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 6Ep. 79
Unapologetic conversation with political strategist Brandon Jessup, who’s on a mission to ignite Black political power and transform grassroots organizing in Michigan. In this episode, we dissect the frustrations fueling voter apathy, explore how systemic disenfranchisement has left Black communities politically homeless, and chart a bold path forward. As a national leader in advancing equity and a candidate for chair of the Michigan Democratic Black Caucus, Jessup delivers an inspiring blueprin...
Jan 30, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 78
T.Barb, a powerhouse comedian and entertainer, proudly represents the Detroit is Different family, bringing laughter and light to the heart of Detroit and beyond. A natural-born performer, T.Barb’s talent is rooted in her family’s rich legacy of creativity, with her father and great-grandparents blazing trails in entertainment before her. She has taken the stage by storm with her comedy album, Retired Hood Rat Podcast, and her newest venture as executive producer of the hit Tubi series Only in M...
Jan 23, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 77
Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Maria Franklin, a powerhouse leader committed to uplifting Detroit’s youth and community. A fourth-generation Detroiter, Maria’s journey from a military upbringing to becoming Executive Director of the non-profit Life Leaders is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and purpose. She shares how losing her father at 16 shaped her work ethic, and how teaching nutrition in Detroit schools exposed her to systemic challenges like poverty, food insecurity...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 76
Detroit’s legacy breathes through the lives and voices of those who’ve carved pathways of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, and Mama Lohnren’s journey is a testament to this spirit. Lohren Carter-Nzoma story is a vivid tapestry of cultural preservation, family legacy, and transformative education rooted in Detroit’s Black community. A second-generation Detroiter with familial ties to Alabama’s rich agricultural heritage, she embodies a connection to both the South’s resilience and the ...
Jan 17, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 75
Every Detroiter carries a tapestry of stories woven from history, resilience, and boundless creativity, and Loke’s narrative is a masterclass in how place shapes purpose. Detroit native Loke embodies the vibrant intersection of culture, creativity, and community that defines the city. Rooted in generations of storytelling, from his grandmother's migration from Eufaula, Alabama, to Detroit for opportunities during the Great Migration, to his mother's Parisian roots as the daughter of a veteran, L...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 74
Step into the Detroit is Different studio for a dynamic conversation with the legendary Miles Dixon, a trailblazer in Detroit's podcasting and hip-hop scenes. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Motor City storytelling, Miles's journey is as vibrant as the city itself. Raised in a family rich with resilience and creativity, Miles’s roots span from a father who worked with jazz legend Miles Davis to a mother with ties to Philly soul, including a deep connection to Teddy Pendergras...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 6Ep. 72
In this dynamic episode of Detroit is Different, we dive deep into the rich, multifaceted journey of Brent Smith—a hip-hop artist, urban gardener, and community builder. Raised in a family steeped in the legacy of Detroit and Flint, Brent’s narrative threads through generational agriculture, black artistry, and grassroots organizing. Discover how his early days performing in local open mics and forming the rap group "Cold Men Young" shaped his artistry and how the hustle of music tours and urban...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 6Ep. 71
Find out what does a tunk strategy, family humor, and the perfect collard greens have in common? In this episode of Detroit is Different, we’re joined by Howie Bell, a comedic force whose story is as inspiring as it is entertaining. From his roots in Detroit’s Mumford neighborhood to graduating from King High School, Howie shares how his family built a legacy of laughter. We delve into the art of tunk, exploring how this beloved card game reveals strategies and perspectives on life. Howie takes ...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 69
Step into the vibrant world of Detroit hip-hop and cultural storytelling with Kahn Santori Davison, a writer whose work has become the heartbeat of the city’s artistic narrative. From losing his parents in a tragic incident and being raised by his grandparents, to building a legacy as a columnist for The Michigan Citizen and Metro Times, Kahn has spent over 20 years chronicling the evolution of Detroit’s rap scene and community resilience. In this captivating episode of Detroit is Different, Kah...
Dec 26, 2024•2 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 68
Eric Cook’s story is a testament to Detroit’s spirit of perseverance and innovation. With roots in the historic Number Streets on the Westside, Eric’s journey is woven into the fabric of the city, where he’s built a thriving presence along the iconic West McNichols corridor. As the proud owner of Raw Space, located at 8420 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221, Eric has transformed this venue into a hub for creativity, connection, and community. From high school days in New York to earning a history...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 6Ep. 67
In the summer of 1967, as Detroit was embroiled in one of its most transformative moments, Glady's Bettis found herself halfway across the globe in Germany, where her journey as a trailblazer began. In this inspiring episode, Glady's—known affectionately as "MaBus"—shares her incredible story of leadership as a big sister, her role as a guiding force for siblings, children, and NFL moms, and her unwavering commitment to family. Discover how she initially resisted her son Jerome's passion for foo...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Season 6Ep. 66
In this episode of the Detroit is Different podcast, host Khary Frazier welcomes Jason Ford, widely known as “Squeeze,” a Saginaw-born and Detroit-rooted writer, poet, actor, performer, and producer whose spoken word artistry and theatrical writing have transformed stages and sparked dialogue across the city. Squeeze reflects on the journey that led him from Eastern Michigan University’s cultural organizing spaces to the heart of Motown’s creative scene, including the honor of becoming a Motown ...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 65
"Cultivating Queens of Creativity": In this enlightening episode of Detroit is Different, host Khary Frazier welcomes Alexis Smith, whose radiant passion for nurturing young Black girls’ artistry beams as bright as a mural on a summer day in the city. Smith, shaped by the rich history and legacy of Malcolm X Academy and guided by the vision of Dr. Watson, reflects on being among the first female students and one of Nefertari’s mentees to carry forward this spirit of empowerment. With vivid recol...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Season 6Ep. 64
Discover how dreams, community, and history intertwine in the heart of Detroit with Shalece Daniels. Listen to our conversation about transformative community initiatives and personal journeys on the Detroit is Different podcast. Transitioning from personal history to present endeavors, Shalece and Khary delve into the significance of community work and homeownership in Detroit. Shalece's involvement in two dynamic initiatives—Renewed Homes and Black Leaders Detroit—highlights her commitment to ...
Nov 28, 2024•2 hr 7 min•Season 6Ep. 63
Dive into the heart of Detroit hip hop history with P Groove! From the legendary Rhythm Kitchen era to today's scene, discover the beats and stories that shaped it all. Through thick waves of artistic evolution, P Gruv grows his skill set during his school years, embodying the diversity of hip hop culture. Highland Park High School becomes a breeding ground for networking and artistic exchange, leading to influential connections with names like DJ Butter, Super MC, and others who share his passi...
Nov 20, 2024•58 min•Season 6Ep. 62
Detroit is Different welcomes back Baba Malik Yakini for the 10-year anniversary episode of the Detroit is Different podcast. As both a witness and a catalyst for change, Baba Malik shares his personal growth over the years. Understanding the importance of vision, institutional resilience, and community engagement, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building a sustainable movement. His commitment to creating spaces where Detroiters can reclaim agency over their food systems stands as ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 6Ep. 61
From humble beginnings at a Detroit club (now a laundromat) on Livernois and McNichols, DJ Stacey Hotwaxx Hale emerged as Detroit's first female house music artist, guided by her engineering background and inspired by her mother's groundbreaking work in federal government contracting in the 1970s. Known as the Godmother of House Music, Hale's masterful ability to play the right song at the right time has taken her from underground dance clubs like Studio 54 and The Warehouse to prestigious venue...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 6Ep. 60
Tonya Myers Phillips, an attorney deeply committed to justice for Detroit, has long advocated for Right to Counsel for residents facing foreclosure and many other community-centered causes. At the Sugar Law Center, where she serves as Community Partnerships & Development Director, Tonya collaborates closely with local organizations, working to establish community benefits agreements and offer legal guidance on economic issues impacting Detroiters. Now a candidate for Michigan State Represent...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 6Ep. 59
All Things Detroit is Metro Detroit's largest small business shopping experience, bringing hundreds of local vendors and thousands of shoppers together in Eastern Market's Sheds 3, 4, and 5 each Spring and Fall. Curated by Jennyfer Crawford over the past decade, the event showcases Detroit-made food, clothing, candles, and even Faygo jams and jellies, creating a unique celebration of local culture and commerce. In this interview on Detroit is Different, Jennyfer shares her vision for the next de...
Oct 31, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 58
Baba Ari Shen has been cutting, sculpting, and celebrating natural Black hair for over 56 years, from the 1970s to now, witnessing the transformation of Black hair culture through different eras. His journey began in Indiana, where he learned from legends in Black hair care and became a master of his craft. His work has taken him across the country to cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, but it was Detroit that captured his heart. Since the early 1980s, Baba Ari Shen has embraced Detroit's rich ...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 57
Carolyn Baker of the General Baker Institute shares her passion for preserving the legacy of her father, General Gordon Baker, Jr., and her mother’s advocacy, while also honoring other legends in the fight for Black social justice. The General Baker Institute (GBI) is dedicated to providing educational courses, programs, and activities for the community, with a focus on young people. It examines the revolutionary life of General Baker (September 6, 1941 - May 18, 2014), his contributions to huma...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 56
