“You only sustain a business when your team feels like family and your customers feel like home.” In this powerhouse episode of Detroit is Different, entrepreneur and Good Cakes and Bakes founder April Anderson returns to the studio to deliver game like only she can. From rocking Chadsey gear around the Northwestern representer, territory to diving deep into the ever-evolving landscape of Detroit’s small business ecosystem, April keeps it raw, insightful, and inspiring. She unpacks what 12 years of entrepreneurship has taught her—especially post-pandemic—about leadership, empathy, culture, and customer service. Whether it’s discussing her journey from building an e-commerce platform before it was trendy, maintaining payroll through lean seasons, or how she’s learned that she might need to be less of a boss and more of a bridge, this episode is pure gems. April lays out the real on building a team, making tough calls, and the pivot from selling sweets to sustaining community. It’s about legacy, leadership, and lemon meringue cupcakes. Don’t miss this masterclass in Black business brilliance from one of Detroit’s most respected voices.
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
“If you never lived in a beloved community, you’ll never know what it’s all about.” In this powerful and personal episode of Detroit is Different, Coach Kellogg known on the ballot as Kevin Jones—steps into the studio not just as a lifelong Eastsider but as a griot of the neighborhood he loves and serves. From growing up on St. Aubin and Leland to organizing one of Detroit’s largest neighborhood cookouts and now running for City Council in District 5, Kevin drops gems like, “We are not just restoring homes, we are restoring hope.” This conversation covers everything from his family’s Great Migration story out of Bessemer, Alabama, to the transformative power of youth basketball leagues, and the resilience it took to turn incarceration into community planning. As he says, “My nonprofit was born behind prison walls, but its mission was born from love.” If you’ve ever questioned what real grassroots leadership looks like in Detroit, this is the blueprint. Tune in for a dialogue packed with purpose, Eastside pride, and the kind of truth that makes you lean in and listen harder.
“I used to think I had it all together—until I saw my own Facebook post saying I was studying in the library the same semester I failed every class.” This brutally honest, powerful, and uplifting Detroit is Different episode features Shawntae Harris Mintline, Detroit Center Director for Grand Valley State University’s OMNI program, who shares her incredible story of resilience through housing insecurity, financial struggle, and academic burnout. From couch surfing through the Great Recession to eventually earning multiple degrees and shaping innovative higher ed solutions, Shawntae breaks down how navigating systemic gaps turned her into an empathetic, radically student-centered leader. With raw reflections on poverty (“It costs more to be poor”), emotional truths about being a first-gen college student, and sharp insights into building support systems for adults with unfinished degrees, Shawntae shows how lived experience becomes expertise. Hosted by Khary Frazier, this episode is a masterclass in how personal transformation meets institutional change—with Montell Jordan playing in the background and a trip to Bert’s BBQ sealing the Detroit stamp of approval. Tune in to hear why Grand Valley’s Detroit Center is not just another campus—it’s a place where doors open, people say “yes,” and education bends to meet you where you are.
“The breath is the spirit, and your diaphragm is the altar.” In this episode of Detroit is Different, Bryce Detroit opens the mic and the mind. From respiratory therapy to rap, ancestral stories from Lexington, Mississippi to Kinston, North Carolina to the East Side of Detroit, Bryce reveals the roots that shaped his revolutionary rhythm. “You know your breath ain’t right when your shoulders rise—that’s not breath, that’s stress.” A deep dive into the soul science of breathing, Black migration, music engineering, and building Black economic infrastructure. Bryce drops life lessons, laughs, and liberation philosophies. “We’re not mimicking the system—we’re building our own damn machine.” Tune in for ancestral tributes, Halle Raiders memories, Cast Tech revelations, and how a Merlot Benz, Jarvis from Iron Man, and Trading Places all connect to healing through culture. “Call yourself the thing, then do the thing—identity is the key to behavior.” You’ll learn, feel, and be inspired to build the new Detroit.
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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