"Hate pushed me to leave the South, but love brought me to Detroit." In this electrifying episode of Detroit is Different, we sit down with powerhouse attorney, political strategist, and self-proclaimed vanguard of the New Great Migration, Thomaesa Bailey. From her roots in Eatonton, Georgia—home of literary icon Alice Walker—to making waves in Detroit’s political scene, Thomaesa shares her passionate journey of advocacy, civic engagement, and Black political power. She’s not just talking policy—she’s making it plain, breaking down legislative complexities, and bringing the people into the process. With experience in the Umoja Debate League, Detroit City Council, and grassroots mobilization, she’s on a mission to educate, activate, and empower. We dive deep into Detroit’s over-assessed property taxes, redistricting, and the larger fight for community self-determination. Plus, find out why an alien visitor’s first stop in the D should be the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center! Tune in for an unfiltered, inspiring conversation about the future of Black Detroit, political power, and what it truly means to be ten toes down for the people.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
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"Our problem was never just the pothole—our problem is that we don’t control the decision-making process that determines whether the pothole gets fixed." In a time when Black leadership is under attack, Detroit is standing strong with Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. This special Detroit is Different show introduces you to a leader who has carried the torch of self-determination, justice, and empowerment from Detroit to Jackson. Facing politically motivated charges, Mayor Lumumba is in the fight of his life—not just for himself, but for all of us who believe in Black power and progress. Join us for a powerful conversation on the legacy of struggle, the urgency of organizing, and why Detroit’s support is critical in this moment. It’s more than an interview—it’s a call to action. Let’s show up, speak out, and stand with Chokwe Antar Lumumba!
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
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“We are in relationship with each other, and the perception of cultural difference is just a perception,” Angelique Power. In this thought-provoking episode of Detroit is Different, Angelique Power, President & CEO of the Skillman Foundation, sits down with Kari Frazier for a deep dive into the evolution of education, community organizing, and the intersection of systems that shape young people’s futures. From her South Side Chicago roots, where activism was as common as dinner table debates, to her commitment to disrupting inequitable structures in Detroit, Angelique shares her journey with wisdom, candor, and a bit of sneak-out-the-house teenage rebellion. They unpack everything from the lasting impact of Harold Washington’s election to the power of youth-led philanthropy and the complex web of Detroit’s school landscape. Check out this episode for an inspiring, critical conversation about education, policy, and the future of Detroit.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
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Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"I know I'm not the only one that enjoys taking sexy photos, and I know I'm not the only one that may avoid it because of unwanted behavior." Photographer Bryana Williams takes us on a journey through her artistic evolution, from childhood violin recitals to finding her purpose behind the lens. In this engaging episode, Bryana shares how her passion for photography led her to create a safe, empowering space for women through boudoir photography. We dive into her family's deep Detroit roots, her love for natural light, and the balance between sensuality and self-confidence. Plus, she breaks down the artistry behind capturing Black beauty and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry. Listen in as we explore the power of self-expression, art as therapy, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the world around you. Experience her work for yourself by visiting bmoreyouphotography.com and scheduling a shoot.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher.
Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"I never saw myself working for anybody as a kid. I said, ‘I want to be a celebrity. I don’t want to work for nobody.’" Imani Elie turned her love for travel into a thriving business, Detroit Travel Co., and in this episode, she shares her incredible journey from Detroit’s east side to the Navy, traveling the world, and finally building her own travel agency. From navigating military life on an aircraft carrier to mastering the art of curating unforgettable travel experiences, Imani takes us through the highs and lows of her adventure-filled career. Hear about the moments that shaped her—from discovering peanut stew in Ghana to driving a ship near Dubai—and learn how she’s helping Detroiters see the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting your passport stamped, this conversation will inspire you to explore beyond your backyard.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher.
Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"I just want to add creativity and let it be okay to be your damn self." Detroit's own Mr. Cliffnote is a force in the world of art, music, and comedy, weaving together raw talent with an unapologetic authenticity that defines true creativity. In this in-depth conversation, he shares his journey from sketchbooks and rap notebooks as an only child to airbrushing murals that became landmarks in the city. From sharpening his pen game in Detroit’s battle rap and comedy scenes to building a sustainable business at Northland Mall (even as it crumbled around him), his story is one of resilience, passion, and the hustle that defines so many in the Motor City. This interview dives into his roots, the influences that shaped him, and why being yourself—unfiltered and undiluted—is the ultimate flex. Tune in for laughs, history, and a masterclass in Detroit creativity.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
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Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"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, resilience, and systemic barriers, discussing how poverty and racism block access to true healing. She and Kari dive into the complex dynamics between Black men and women, the shifting power structures in Detroit, and the need for reciprocity and respect. “Joy, prosperity, peace, and purpose are birthrights,” she declares, emphasizing self-love and community-driven solutions. Of course, no episode is complete without classic Detroit questions—Demarra recalls her first Ford Focus, picks Glorilla and Usher for the Detroit fireworks finale, and says if an alien landed in Detroit, she’d take them straight to the Charles H. Wright Museum for a lesson in Black excellence.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher.
Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"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 maneuvers that determine who truly owns Detroit. From the impact of the Land Bank and Community Benefits Agreements to the controversial shifts in Detroit’s tax structure, Adams lays out the real game being played with our neighborhoods. Host Khary Frazier challenges Adams to make sense of how we fight back—whether through land trusts, cooperative economics, or radical restructuring of city policies. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who cares about Detroit’s future and their own financial empowerment. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of the deal—tune in and learn how to protect what’s yours.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher.
Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"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 fresh and fearless perspective on what’s really happening in the D. We talk about the shifting landscape of independent media, the power of storytelling, and why voices from the margins deserve the mic. Get ready for a deep dive into the intersections of journalism, activism, and Detroit’s ever-evolving cultural heartbeat. Tune in for a conversation that’s insightful, engaging, and unapologetically Detroit.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher.
Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]
"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 thriving career. Raised by a lineage of strong women—including her grandmother, a self-made hairstylist and property owner, and her mother, the first in the family to attend college—Kristina was immersed in the entrepreneurial spirit of Detroit. Her career took off with Hair Wars, where she showcased elaborate, gravity-defying designs, and later with "My Hair, My Story, My Glory" at the Charles H. Wright Museum, an event celebrating the artistry and history of Black hair. Now in LA, she is shifting her focus to fine art, using hair as a medium to tell powerful stories, proving that creativity knows no bounds. With raw honesty, humor, and determination, Kristina shares her experiences navigating both the beauty industry and the art world, offering insights into what it takes to turn passion into purpose while staying true to her Detroit roots. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with laughter, real talk, and a masterclass in Black creativity and resilience.
Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different.
Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher.
Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing [email protected]