Detroit Is Different

Detroit is Different is about culture and business makes up a lot of that for our city. The products, services, and the style/ process in which they’re delivered are uniquely Detroit. The gate of the Detroit River has welcomed world travelers for centuries. Today the port remains America’s busiest border for importing and exporting goods. I’ve always felt the best asset we’ve offered the world are Detroiters.Dr. Paul Thomas is one of the Detroiters going against conventional wisdom. Dr. Thomas leads Plum Health which is a family medical practice. The likes of the conglomerate giants Henry Ford Health Systems, Beaumont, and the Juggernaut of the Detroit Medical Center has changed the way medicine is delivered here. America has witnessed the medical industry change over the decade to decade more than any other industry that flourishes. Dr. Thomas provides an old school style practice with today’s technology and savvy for clients. His 24 hour service, home visit, and [...]

Off-Rip has since toured the nation with hits like ‘Don’t Show Up When I Blow Up’ and ‘Dollar Sign.’ He visited the Detroit is Different podcast studio to talk about creativity and music. We explore his ties to the 12^th Street neighborhood, basketball, his father Mr. Hariston, and even his travels with San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popavich. Rip is one of the many hip-hop artists bringing national attention to Detroit’s industry today. His work with artist Cap brands Detroit Hip-hop for national appeal. Rip’s music has garnered the same response from many fans as I do ‘Why don’t you move out of Detroit?’ and we explore that question.This was a great podcast interview to introduce, re-introduce, and establish the connection between myself and one of the hip-hop artists I’ve worked with from the beginning (shouts out to Mike Posner, Earlly Mac, Big Sean, and Tone Tone, too). Listen to the Detroit is Different podcast interview with Off Rip [...]

Howie Bell! If you’re a live performer of any sort I suggest going to witness Howie Bell live on stage. Bell’s comedic style is a blend of energy, tone, and spirit that has a touch of drama with the rhythm of music. Bell began as an actor and transitioned to stand-up comedy. In the mid 90’s he worked on the production team for his brother’s play which starred Detroit legends Keith Washington, Tony Roberts, and more. Between takes and set-up he quickly learned that he had a calling for stand-up comedy. From backstage joking and sanctifying with Tony Roberts he took to the mic himself.His stories of family, growing up, and Detroit life are hilarious. Classic TV appearances on BET’s Comic View and Showtime’s Bad Boys of Comedy have added to the cult legacy of those series.

Boldy James is a rapper with a story many have. Boldy’s voice and approach to telling the story of a hustler is prolific. Born and raised in Detroit from family with Carthage Mississippi roots, Boldy James has spent a lifetime hustling. Boldy’s mixtapes ‘Trapper’s Alley,’ ‘Cosignment,’ and ‘Trapper’s Alley 2’ are music of street knowledge. His artistry welcomed the support of Nas, the Cool Kids, Alchemist, and more. Last week Boldy James and DJ Butter (a Detroit hip-hop legend) released the EP ‘Art of Rock Climbing.’ This feature is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and other digital distribution/streaming services.Boldy’s story of redemption, survival, vulnerability, is explicitly clear through stories of years of hustling. I sit down and have a deep and colorful discussion with Boldy about family, Detroit [...]

The best asset anyone in entertainment can haveis a smart and dedicated attorney. I have a special Detroit is DifferentPodcast with Attorney’s Stephanie Hammonds & Daniel Hoops. This was a paneldiscussion hosted in August part of the Ortheia Barnes Music Festival.Stephanie Hammonds has been my attorney for years and I don’t trust anyone morethat her when it comes to contracts, representation, support, and businessadvice legally. Daniel Hoops is a friend/ mentor of mine that represents manyof my mentors. Attorneys Hammonds and Hoops join me for a fulfilling discussionabout planning, business, and protecting your assets.<font face="Arial, sans-serif"></font>Contact Attorney Stephanie Hammonds at stephanielyn [...]

<font face="Arial, Verdana">Detroit is Different Techonomy Wrap-up Report with Shelytia Cocroft and Heidi Jugenitz of Social Imagination.</font>

Thomas Ermacora founder of Clear VillageFind out more at www.clear-village.org

Natalia Petraszczuk founder of VizBeFind out more at www.vizbe.com

James Marsh Assistant to the Dean Odette School of Business University of WindsorFind out more at www.uwindsor.ca

Jess Kutch founder of CoWorkerFind out more at www.coworker.org

Eric Thomas founder of Saga MarketingFind out more at www.sagamktg.com

David Kirkpatrick founder of Techonomy Find out more at www.techonomy.com

Andrew Yang founder of Venture for AmericaFind out more at www.ventureforamerica.org

Todd Russell Perkins shared a humbling amount of knowledge and commitment. The entrepreneur opened up about his interest in business and start of his now leading Perkins Law Group. The podcast interview was part of the 1^st Friday event hosted by Perkins Law Group highlighting Black businesses throughout Detroit. An active engaged audience asked about law, his views on the current Police brutality headlines, and reparations. The insight and drive of Attorney Perkins is evident and amazing.

Detroit is Different podcast interview with Visual Artist Mike Willingham by Khary WAE Frazier. Please visit www.detroitisdifferent.com

Detroit is Different podcast interview with Visual Artist Jocelyn Rainey by Khary WAE Frazier. Please visit www.detroitisdifferent.com

Detroit is Different’s March 2015 feature was the great Thornetta Davis. We spent a month together sharing stories, artistry, and ideas. Saturday March 31, 2015 at the Jam Handy Thornetta Davis joined me for a live recording of the Detroit is Different Podcast. We discussed her start as a vocalist. During our discussion for the podcast she highlighted her interest in the Blues. Thornetta shared the story of her introduction into singing, writing, and performing the Blues. Thornetta is a gem to Detroit’s artistry. The most intriguing fact she shared was the making of her [...]

Yusef ‘Bunchy’ Shakur is an Author and Freedom Fighter. The month of February 2015 highlighted Yusef as the feature for the Detroit is Different website (www.detroitisdifferent.com). On this podcast I interview Yusef along with a host of audience members. This interview took place after Yusef delivered his 2015 State of Black Detroit Address.

Saturday February 21, 2015 Yusef Bunchy Shakur delivered his 2015 State of Black Detroit Address at Nandi’d Knowledge Cafe in Highland Park MI. He discusses opportunity, conflicts of interest, Detroit’s status relative to the nation, and the need for Detroiters to see one another as resources.

Detroit is Different’s November 2014 theme was Politics and as a podcast guest I welcomed the Honorable Sharon McPhail. We discuss her commitment, fight, plans for Detroit, and family.