Episode Notes

Julia Lynk is a true Eastsider now offering Metro-Detroit a mix of specialized, custom, exercise classes. Fitness by Julie is a movement that is Yoga, Aerobics, Hip-hop, Youth, and You! Julie opened Commit 2B Fit Studio11839 Gratiot Detroit, MI 48213. She shares her journey of entrepreneurship, building a family, and working with all ages/ backgrounds/ and genders with fitness. Visit www.fitnessbyjulie.net to join a class and movement of Fitness by Julie. Also, share www.detroitisdifferent and tell a friend about where the stories of Detroit's culture are.

Episode Notes

Chris Shorter is from Vicksburg MS but grew up on Detroit's Westside. Central HS graduate and FAMU scholar Shorter now is in the mix of Detroit's sister Chocolate City. Directing Washington DC's Department of Public Works is a life journey but only one side of the prism. Father, Son, Brother, and DC homeowner (in DC) Chris shares his vision on Detroit, Leadership, and Community Development.

Episode Notes

Stephanie L Hammonds grew up learning music and now spends a majority of her time protecting the artistry of music creators. Publishing, copyright, negotiation, licensing, are all dynamics of intellectual property that are becoming more and more important by the day. The internet has changed the way people get entertainment (streaming, downloading, subscription service) so Attorney Hammonds and others in the field are working harder to ensure fairness on behalf of artists. We artistic independence, art, and content. Reach Stephanie at (313)340-0440. Also, share and like Detroit is Different visit www.detroitisdifferent.com and tell a friend.

Episode Notes

Philadelphia PA, Oakland CA, and Brooklyn NYC all welcomed the spirit and artistry of Toby Barlow. A career in advertising led Barlow on travels across the nation as he honed his skills as a writer (Huffington Post, Sharp Teeth) . His fiction novels have taken on a life welcoming thousands of fans enthralled in stories of people, life, and circumstances. The circumstances he covers best is horror writing. The creativity oozes from Barlow’s takes on life. In this Detroit is Different interview Barlow shares his upbringing, ideas on Detroit today, and staying creative in the Motor City.

Episode Notes

1971 ushered the Sampson Family to Detroit MI from Louisville KY. Dr. Frederick Sampson accepted the role as pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church and brought with him a voice that’s changed the community. Membership at Tabernacle expanded from 1,500 to 5,000 in months. Throughout his 30 year tenure serving as pastor Sampson’s reign cast a shadow of the passion, commitment, and spirit that placed him in the esteem of Detroit preachers like Charles Adams, CL Franklin, and Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman.

May 19, 2018, Frederick G Sampson Foundation joins The Ecumenical Theological Seminary to honor the legacy of Dr. Fredrick G Sampson at the ‘Frederick G Sampson Symposium: Think I Said Something.’ The social activism and spiritual proclamation of Sampson’s work will be honored. Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. (Emeritus Trinity UCC IL), Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas (Christian Theological Seminary IN), Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III. (Friendship West Baptist Church TX), Rev. Dr. Mayowa Reynolds (Fellowship Chapel) and a host of many other guests in walks of Faith who were all impacted by Rev Sampson. This interactive event welcomes everyone. Click here to purchase your ticket to attend and be inspired.

Freda Sampson (co-host of Detroit is Different’s Black Coffee Podcast) joined me to talk about her Father’s legacy. This was a fun interview. Rev. Sampson was a preacher I remember impacting so much of Detroit. In this discussion, I learned about his relationship with Muhammad Ali in Louisville KY. We also talked about his time leading the Detroit NAACP, working with Dr. Martin Luther King, and much more.

Episode Notes

Detroit is internationally recognized for Motown, Auto Motors, and today’s craft cocktails. The drink wizards using blends of natural juices, mixers (Shout Out Steve & Wolf Moon soon a guest again on Detroit is Different), and liquors are costing more than the traditional mojito, and so much better. Justice Akuezue & Davante Burnley are developing an experience through the Exchange combining fine dining and high-end drinks for Black culture. Both young Black men building their business with experience as the head chef for (Savannah Blue) and bartending experience (Grey Ghost & Detroit City Distillery) have the premise for a top-notch experience. Here Devantae and Justice give their takes on Detroit’s restaurant culture, Black business, and their aspirations.

Episode Notes

Attorney Howard Hertz started his career as an attorney, in entertainment law, and developing artist platforms all organically. Decades of practice began through relationships of trust providing opportunity. Born in Canada and raised in the Linwood Davison neighborhood his perspective of life is from a Detroit state of mind. Today he is the founder of the Detroit Music Awards, represented a host of international icons, and a Blues player himself. This Detroit is Different interview is full of his strides in work from Wayne County’s Public Defender’s office in the 1970’s to represent George Clinton & Eminem. This was a fun, interesting, and insightful interview. Particulars as to representation, rights in music today, and independent artistry are explored.

Episode Notes

Marcus Ware has defied the odds on many levels. We originally met through his cousin DJ Drummer B (Leonard Ware) when Marcus was released from serving 4 years in prison. Finding Marcus, Leonard, Leland Stein Jr, and a host of other younger guys always saw me as someone finding my way through artistic entrepreneurship so pre-Detroit is Different they heard my takes on success, vision, and cool Detroiters. Ware has come to embody all of that and now is one of the stories I often share. From his WCCCD Associates degree to certification at Dorsey as a chef he used school as a platform of opportunity. Starting as a dishwasher he now is the head chef of the Menagerie Lounge in Pontiac MI. His time at Katoi running their kitchen, corporate pop-ups, and detail to making desserts all have welcomed this grand opportunity. The doors of the Menagerie Lounge opened a week ago and have been standing room waits since. In this interview we talk his family’s Mississippi roots, making vegetable stock (shout out to my Grandma Vel), and how cooking’s a family tradition.

Episode Notes

Luther Keith is my example of mixing art, business, and community together to have fun. Keith joined me for a great interview where we talk family, journalism, and the Blues. Saturday, April 28, 2018, @ 9pm we open the ‘Bourbon, Blues, and the Badman,’ concert series at Tony V’s Tavern (5756 Cass Detroit MI). Luther Keith loves playing the guitar and belting out some originals and classic blues tunes. His show is a lot like his approach to life, inclusive and experiential. On this interview, we talk about his father’s work organizing ‘Negro History Week’ in Detroit, him being the first journalist to cover Emmanuel Stewart and the Kronk boxers, and the art of giving a show. As always Luther talks Detroit community and his passion for ARISE Detroit and Detroit love.

Episode Notes

Herman Davis is full of joy and a classic smile. Davis believes and has discovered the value of kindness and work ethic are gateways to success. In his podcast interview, we explore how his life has been filled with knowing how recreation and fun add to the character of children. A Detroit School Board member in the 1970’s and as recent as the 2010’s between the time owned and operated Northland Roller Rink with his family. The family-run business for over 20 years was a destination for all Detroiters. He discusses the TV show on local CBS ‘Northland Roller Skating,’ DJ Doc Elliot, and how the need for wholesome recreation led him to the million dollar deal in 1980 that purchased Northland roller rink. He shares many gems of his business, family, and life success. Herman Davis also shares why today in leading the Cherrylawn Block Association is as much of a commitment as entrepreneurship.

Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to listen to the Herman Davis interview in full.