“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.
“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 Glo-Rilla 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 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.
“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.
“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 Detroiter with roots stretching back to Alabama and Tennessee, Mikiah grew up in a household of 13 siblings, surrounded by music, community, and entrepreneurship. Watching her mother run a successful daycare business while cooking unforgettable meals for the family, she learned early on that building something of your own requires passion, resilience, and love. Her introduction to wine at age 21 sparked a curiosity that grew into a full-fledged passion, leading her to launch Brix, a place where wine, culture, and community come together. But success didn’t come without setbacks—when the original Brix location closed, it forced Mikiah into a period of deep reflection, healing, and personal growth. Through prayer, meditation, and grief work following the loss of her mother, she emerged stronger, ready to bring Brix 2.0 to life with a renewed vision. Now, she’s not just running a wine bar—she’s building a movement, creating a space where Detroiters can gather, connect, and celebrate their culture over a glass of thoughtfully curated wine. With plans to add a nonprofit component featuring a community garden and farm-to-table programming, Mikiah is proving that wine is more than just a drink—it’s a story, a connection, a legacy. Tune in to hear her candid reflections on entrepreneurship, spirituality, and the power of reinvention, and discover why Brix is more than a business—it’s a love letter to Detroit.
“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.
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 incorporate right, you’re going to go in there and you’re going to be undervalued for sure,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and support in navigating corporate spaces. When she lost her job, she took a bold step into software development through a coding bootcamp, ultimately launching her own digital communications firm. Now, she’s a leader in Detroit’s tech scene, advocating for diversity and teaching coding to youth. Through it all, her foundation has remained unwavering: “I am my sister’s keeper. This is who’s supposed to have you in a hard time when you need to come home and reset your life.” Gale’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, community, and self-determination.
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 the biggest thing is about having the conversation with folks,” she says, highlighting the importance of community dialogue in her work. A firm believer in financial literacy, she stresses, “You have to get friendly with your financials,” crediting programs like the Goldman Sachs Black in Business cohort for sharpening her business acumen. Through partnerships with local organizations like the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network, she not only promotes food access but also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, ensuring that knowledge and opportunity are passed forward. “No matter what I’ve learned, it’s not for me, it’s for me to move it back to the community,” she affirms. Dr. Anderson’s work embodies the intersection of wellness, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation, making her a vital force in Detroit’s food and health movement.
