“You can go your whole life and not look back… until it’s necessary.” Keisha Brooks shares a soul-stirring journey through Detroit’s West Side porches and East Side power, weaving a story that reclaims ancestry, heals through touch, and reminds us why the Mack Alive Parade still marches strong after 35 years. In this intimate conversation with Khary Frazier, Keisha reflects on growing up on Hazelwood and Greenview, her transition from Mumford Mustang to Western Michigan student, and finding her calling in healing arts through massage therapy. From the hip hop shop on 7 Mile to Cafe Mahogany, Keisha gives voice to the women who shaped the city’s culture in the 90s—and reveals how today’s work with Mack Alive brings it full circle. “I’m massaging ancestors out of people’s backs,” she jokes, but the impact is serious. Learn how Praise in the Park and the East Side’s biggest parade are not just events, but Black Detroit legacy in motion—from Jackson, Mississippi roots to Connor and Harper streets, and back again. This is a masterclass in how memory, music, and movement continue to define Detroit’s healing future.
I Set Up Shop and Built the Vision, Jason Phillips on Art, Ink, and Detroit Legacy
“I really knew that I could do something with it when I started making money with it,” Jason Phillips shares
I Set Up Shop and Built the Vision, Jason Phillips on Art, Ink, and Detroit Legacy
Breaking Curses, Building Community: Inside the Modern Day High Priestess with Ber-Henda Williams
“Detroit has always been a magical city, always been a place of love and a place that welcomes,” says returning
Breaking Curses, Building Community: Inside the Modern Day High Priestess with Ber-Henda Williams
From Scripts to Fatherhood: MJ the Don on Creativity, Patience, and Legacy
“Detroit has definitely created its own ecosystem for the film world,” and in this Detroit is Different conversation, Return Mark
From Scripts to Fatherhood: MJ the Don on Creativity, Patience, and Legacy
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What Detroiters Should Expect if Mary Sheffield Becomes Mayor
“We’re more in control of our own destiny now.” That’s the charge from Marshalle Favors, founder of the Detroit Black Film Festival and creative visionary behind The Collective—a 13-filmmaker-owned production hub that’s changing the game for independent Black cinema in Detroit. In this powerful episode, Marshalle builds with Khary Frazier about the art, business, and unapologetic legacy of storytelling from the heart of the Blackest city in America. From working as an extra in Sparkle alongside Whitney Houston, to curating an international festival rooted in Detroit soul, Marshalle shares how Black film is being reclaimed—on our terms. They dive deep into the sixth year of the Detroit Black Film Festival, why venues like the Charles H. Wright Museum and the Love Building matter for cultural connection, and what it means to create a platform where “everybody wants to see each other win.” If you’re a creator, this episode is your push: “It doesn’t matter how small you start. It matters how consistently you build.” Whether it’s a courtroom scene shot in Southfield or a social justice doc playing at the Downtown YMCA, this is a masterclass in building Black Detroit’s future from its brilliant past. The message is clear: Detroit isn’t just a music or car city anymore—it’s a film capital in the making.
“When we first started this, we were up against a powerful current—guys just around the corner selling dope, others robbing folks. Meanwhile, we were giving out book bags and feeding people. And slowly they began putting the dope away, putting their guns down, and coming over—not because we preached at them, but because we showed them love,” Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur. In less than 30 minutes, this powerful interview between Khary Frazier of Detroit is Different and Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur, Executive Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities, reveals how two decades of love, resistance, and vision have transformed Detroit’s Zone 8 through the Ava Joe and Durron Festival & Backpack Giveaway. With over 30,000 backpacks distributed, a crack house turned community hub, and the memory of elders guiding the way, this story is a blueprint for building a just and beloved community. It’s raw, real, and rooted in the grit, dignity, and joy of Black Detroit. Watch this and be inspired to plant seeds and pour water where you stand.
“You gotta lead with your curiosity if you want to build a platform.” That’s just one of the gems Denzell Turner drops in this in-depth Detroit is Different episode hosted by Khary Frazier. Denzell—founder of the Black Fridays Podcast—shares his journey from growing up on Ashbury Park, surrounded by four generations under one roof, to crafting media that speaks directly to Black Detroit’s present and future. The conversation digs deep into how Turner’s experiences at Cass Tech, U of M, and the Midnight Golf Program shaped not only his understanding of business and marketing but his mission to amplify Detroit’s underrepresented voices. “I had to figure out how to put the Denzell spin on it,” he says, recalling his inspiration from Earn Your Leisure. With a studio of his own, a new podcasting course, and nearly a million impressions across his content, Denzell is part of a new wave of Legacy Detroiters transforming the creative economy. This episode is a full-circle moment—documenting a Detroit story generations deep, with a future rooted in cultural storytelling and community power.
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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