“I got the best of both worlds, country and as well as Detroit.” Tia Graham, co-host of WDET 101.9 FM’s ‘The Metro,’ brings that layered truth into this Detroit is Different conversation, tracing her family’s journey from Alabama and Arkansas to Detroit, where factory work, survival, and community shaped generations. From her grandfather “fleeing the Klan” to her Joy Rd upbringing near Exit 9, Tia opens up about the past that built her and the neighborhood that raised her. She remembers block parties, kids playing football in the street, the Boys and Girls Club, the Belle Isle strip with her Big Sister, and the everyday beauty often hidden from national & traditional media’s Detroit narrative. “It was just our neighborhood McDonald’s,” she says, challenging the way people talk about Joy Rd. This interview matters because it connects migration, memory, media, and Black Detroit’s future. Tia’s story shows how community survives through elders, siblings, culture, laughter, and people who choose to tell the truth with care. Listen to hear how a Detroit voice behind the microphone became a witness to the city’s resilience, rhythm, and responsibility.
The Vision Is Bigger Than the No: Amber Ewing’s Detroit Production Story
“The vision is bigger than the no.” Amber Ewing, Director and Executive Producer of Cooking with Comedians Challenge, brings a
The Vision Is Bigger Than the No: Amber Ewing’s Detroit Production Story
Chris Gilmer-Hill on Roots, Justice, and Organizing in Detroit
“The idea that things can fundamentally be better—and that we can make that happen—is what pulled me into organizing.” On
Chris Gilmer-Hill on Roots, Justice, and Organizing in Detroit
“I Need You to Represent Us”: How Law Led Byron Nolen into Political Leadership
“People call lawyers not because they want to, because they need them when they have a problem.” Mayor Byron Nolen’s
“I Need You to Represent Us”: How Law Led Byron Nolen into Political Leadership
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What Detroiters Should Expect if Mary Sheffield Becomes Mayor
“As a lawyer, I have to be tough—but as a mom, I balance that with my soft approach.” Attorney Renette L. Jackson, founder of Legally Mom and author of Act Like a Teen, Think Like a Lawyer, brings fire, wisdom, and Detroit-rooted love into this powerful Detroit is Different conversation. With “at least five” generations tied to the city, Jackson traces her story through veterans, nurses, Northwestern pride, and the family home near Quincy and Gladstone, where “grandma’s porch” and a clean alley shaped her understanding of safety, connection, and community. She honors her grandmother as “a general and a nurse,” a woman whose toughness and tenderness became the blueprint for Jackson’s own legal mission. From Southfield High to Washington D.C., from politics to parenting, she shares why watching Detroit leaders helped her realize, “I need to go back home.” This episode is about more than law—it is about protecting families, preparing youth, and carrying ancestral strength into the future. Jackson’s story reminds us: Detroit’s past is not behind us; it is training us.
“If you don’t have a strong foundation, that whole thing sooner or later is going to fall down.” Detroit City Council President James Tate returns to Detroit is Different for a grounded, candid conversation about the patience, pressure, and politics behind neighborhood transformation. From his early campaign days in 2009 to now serving as Council President, Tate reflects on how public leadership demands listening beyond social media noise, saying he would rather call a critic directly than argue online. The interview digs deep into Brightmoor, where Tate explains why he invested “a million dollars each year” into training programs to improve residents’ financial futures before new development raises costs around them. He names the hard truth: families living on a median income near $24,000 face many challenges & crisis living day to day lives. Tate also speaks frankly about solar farms, land value, fair compensation, and the danger of offering residents “money to move/relocate.” This episode connects Detroit’s past of disinvestment to its future of community-rooted development, asking who benefits when neighborhoods are rebuilt—and who gets to stay.
“Food is a tough business,” and Chef Ederique Goudia, founder of In the Business of Food, steps into Detroit is Different to show why love for cooking must meet licensing, safety, strategy, and community care. Known as Chef E, she breaks down how Eastern Market, the Incubator Kitchen, and her workshops support everyone from “a food truck, a lemonade stand or a chain of restaurants” to entrepreneurs selling barbecue sauce “out of their trunk” who are ready to get legal, licensed, and onto bigger shelves. This conversation moves from the real cost of spoilage to the public responsibility of feeding people safely, with Chef E reminding listeners that food “can become dangerous very quickly.” She also explains free food safety manager certifications for Detroit residents, allergy awareness, Ask an Expert sessions, manufacturing, distribution, mental health, social media, and hospitality support. This episode matters because food has always been a gateway into Detroit culture, family, business, and survival. Chef E connects the past of homegrown hustle to a future where Detroit food entrepreneurs can build businesses with knowledge, confidence, and community-rooted support.
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Unexpected Conversations: The Most Interesting Talks
"In conversations, sometimes unexpected brilliance shines through those we least expect. This excerpt from our 500th podcast episode of `Detroit is Different` delves into one such dialogue with the legend from the Four Tops. Khary Frazier engages with the fascinating storyteller who’s been behind their tour wardrobe for years. Discover why these stories are so vibrant and unmissable. Watch to be intrigued by tales that promise more depth beyond what meets the eye.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitIsDifferent #UnexpectedConversations #PodcastMilestone
The Start of Detroit is Different in 2014
"Let me introduce people to the Detroit that I know." Khary Frazier shares the vision and story behind "Detroit is Different," a podcast that began at a small French restaurant and grew into a cultural hub. Uncover the early days featuring conversations with local icons like Malik Yakini and rockers like Carolyn Striho. This platform has brought together voices from all walks of life to tell Detroit`s unique story. As we commemorate the 500th episode, join us in this celebration of community and cultural dialogue.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitStories #CulturalConversations #KharyFrazier #DetroitIsDifferent
Authentic Detroit Story
"I`m glad that I`ve built what I built, how I built it." Celebrate a milestone with Detroit is Different`s 500th podcast, featuring founder Khary Frazier. Uncover the thought-provoking dialogue that sets this podcast apart, focusing on authentic storytelling rather than superficial stories. Khary Frazier`s commitment to genuine interviews ensures a deep connection to the heart of Detroit.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitIsDifferent #PodcastMilestone #KharyFrazier #AuthenticityInStorytelling #DetroitVoices
Building Dreams with Support of my Mom, God Mother, & Dad
"My mom really is liking it...this is the last memory of me and my mom interacting." Join Khary Frazier as he opens up about the personal and professional tapestry woven through his family ties in the 500th episode of Detroit is Different. Dive into the narrative that explores a deep connection to his parents and godmother, and how these bonds have shaped his path in Detroit`s creative scene. A touching reflection not to be missed.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitLegends #PodcastAnniversary #FamilySupport
Detroit, Thank You. From living-room brainstorms to citywide storytelling, your listens, shares, prayers, and pull-ups made Detroit is Different more than a platform—it’s a people-powered movement. We’ve felt the love through every high and every hurdle, and we’re still here because you show up. To our elders, youth, artists, activists, and everyday geniuses: you are the heartbeat. The work continues—louder, safer, and stronger.
In Love for your Support through the Growth of me to share collective Detroit stories
#DetroitIsDifferent #ThankYouDetroit #CommunityPower #BlackDetroit #StorytellingMatters #shorts
From Grandma’s Bedroom on Rosa Parks to a citywide archive: Khary Frazier sits with Kahn Santori for the 500th episode of Detroit is Different this Week! No clickbait—just the heartbeat of Legacy Black Detroit: My Natural Hair Show, Collard Green Cook-offs, & much more.
#DetroitIsDifferent #Episode500 #LegacyBlackDetroit #313
With hearts full of gratitude, we invite you to Legacy of Support: A Celebration of Thank You—honoring every guest, collaborator, listener, neighbor, collard green grower, natural hair stylist, podcast producer, elder, and all who’ve poured into Detroit is Different since our first podcast in 2014. What began as a concept has grown into a mission and a community of storytellers, culture keepers, organizers, artists, and everyday Detroiters. We’ll celebrate the love and labor behind our milestones, lift up the people who’ve built with us on air, online, and in community, and share what’s next—because the vision ahead is big and only possible with you. This is our way of saying thank you for your time, trust, testimonies, and ten-toes-down commitment to Detroit culture. Come be seen, be celebrated, and add your story to the legacy.
Invitations for RSVP coming very soon
#DetroitIsDifferent #LegacyOfSupport #DetroitCulture
Success Takes Time a 20-Year Journey
"It might not happen right there, but perseverance is key. Earl `E-40` Stevens remarked on his 11-year journey in the spirits industry, emphasizing long-term vision and adaptation. In his exclusive Detroit interview, E-40 delves into the importance of understanding market trends and staying healthy in business. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating challenges and staying ahead. Don`t miss this enlightening discussion on music, business, and personal growth.
The Game Ain’t Changed—Just the Product: E-40 Talks Ownership at Taste of Black Spirits Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 494 with Earl `E-40` Stevens
#E40 #BusinessStrategies #DetroitTalks #Perseverance #IndustryInsights