Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Maria Franklin, a powerhouse leader committed to uplifting Detroit’s youth and community. A fourth-generation Detroiter, Maria’s journey from a military upbringing to becoming Executive Director of the non-profit Life Leaders is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and purpose. She shares how losing her father at 16 shaped her work ethic, and how teaching nutrition in Detroit schools exposed her to systemic challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and limited opportunities. Fueled by these experiences, Maria now leads efforts to empower young people through leadership and entrepreneurship training, offering them mentorship, resources, and a vision for success. In this candid discussion, Maria delves into the importance of youth voices in decision-making, the transformative power of exposure, and her unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for Detroit’s next generation. With her eye on the future, Maria Franklin proves that when young people are empowered, entire communities can thrive. Don’t miss this conversation packed with wisdom, passion, and actionable insights for change.

T.Barb, a powerhouse comedian and entertainer, proudly represents the Detroit is Different family, bringing laughter and light to the heart of Detroit and beyond. A natural-born performer, T.Barb’s talent is rooted in her family’s rich legacy of creativity, with her father and great-grandparents blazing trails in entertainment before her. She has taken the stage by storm with her comedy album, Retired Hood Rat Podcast, and her newest venture as executive producer of the hit Tubi series Only in My Hood. Through triumphs and challenges—including the profound losses of her brother and sister—T.Barb remains resilient, turning personal pain into creative inspiration. Boldly declaring herself one of the best stand-up comedians in the nation, she is unapologetic about her greatness and passionate about elevating Detroit’s incredible talent. T.Barb also embraces her role as a mentor, grooming her son Reggie to continue the “family business” and championing the importance of community and collaboration. With her unshakable confidence, sharp humor, and heartfelt dedication to her city, T.Barb is amplifying Detroit’s unique stories on national platforms and proving that her voice—and Detroit’s—is unforgettable.

Detroit’s legacy breathes through the lives and voices of those who’ve carved pathways of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, and Mama Lohnren’s journey is a testament to this spirit. Lohren Carter-Nzoma story is a vivid tapestry of cultural preservation, family legacy, and transformative education rooted in Detroit’s Black community. A second-generation Detroiter with familial ties to Alabama’s rich agricultural heritage, she embodies a connection to both the South’s resilience and the North’s industrial promise. Her mother’s fearless advocacy for justice and her father’s unyielding discipline instilled a foundation of excellence that shaped Lohren’s Pan-African identity. From navigating racially divided schools in Waterford to leading Montessori classrooms in Pontiac, Lohren’s journey is a masterclass in bridging gaps and fostering unity. Her discovery of African dance and drum at Oakland University, sparked by a chance meeting with the legendary Mama Safiya Tsekani, unlocked an immersive understanding of African-centered education. This ignited a lifelong passion for grounding youth in the stories, movements, and rhythms of their ancestors. Through Nsoroma Institute, she cultivated a space where children thrived in cultural empowerment and collective responsibility, ensuring that education extended beyond books to embrace community, tradition, and the richness of Black identity.

Every Detroiter carries a tapestry of stories woven from history, resilience, and boundless creativity, and Loke’s narrative is a masterclass in how place shapes purpose. Detroit native Loke embodies the vibrant intersection of culture, creativity, and community that defines the city. Rooted in generations of storytelling, from his grandmother’s migration from Eufaula, Alabama, to Detroit for opportunities during the Great Migration, to his mother’s Parisian roots as the daughter of a veteran, Loke’s lineage is as rich as the Detroit soil that nurtured him. Growing up between Midtown’s cultural corridors and suburban enclaves, he absorbed a dynamic worldview shaped by both struggle and progress. His educational journey began at Flix, an immersion school where language and cultural diversity built his foundation of global awareness. At U Prep, he explored ancient Egypt and grassroots organizing, experiences that now resonate in his multifaceted artistry. From freestyle ciphers to poetry inspired by the Last Poets, Loki’s creative path weaves Detroit’s hip-hop legacy with his own vision of uplifting communities. This passion carried him to stages like the KRS-One benefit concert for Highland Park’s Avalon Village, where his words connected Detroit’s historical legacy to its present struggles and triumphs. Through collaborations with organizations like Detroit Future City and Vanguard CDC, Loki’s work transcends art, becoming a beacon of empowerment for Detroiters navigating a rapidly evolving cultural and economic landscape.

In this dynamic episode of Detroit is Different, we dive deep into the rich, multifaceted journey of Brent Smith—a hip-hop artist, urban gardener, and community builder. Raised in a family steeped in the legacy of Detroit and Flint, Brent’s narrative threads through generational agriculture, black artistry, and grassroots organizing. Discover how his early days performing in local open mics and forming the rap group “Cold Men Young” shaped his artistry and how the hustle of music tours and urban gardening ignited a new vision. From growing collard greens for downtown restaurants to activating spaces for hip-hop in Detroit’s urban gardens, Brent reflects on balancing creativity, culture, and community. This conversation is a vibrant tapestry of resilience, innovation, and Detroit pride, showcasing the power of hip-hop and agriculture to transform spaces and inspire growth. Tune in for a story about breaking molds, growing roots, and cultivating legacy.

Step into the Detroit is Different studio for a dynamic conversation with the legendary Miles Dixon, a trailblazer in Detroit’s podcasting and hip-hop scenes. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Motor City storytelling, Miles’s journey is as vibrant as the city itself. Raised in a family rich with resilience and creativity, Miles’s roots span from a father who worked with jazz legend Miles Davis to a mother with ties to Philly soul, including a deep connection to Teddy Pendergrass. His upbringing on Detroit’s west side shaped his commitment to community and culture. In this episode, we explore Miles’s groundbreaking work in Detroit hip-hop, from being one of the first MCs to perform with a live band to his production work in legendary Detroit studios alongside artists like George Clinton. His story is steeped in a love for music, innovation, and a commitment to the grind, from performing to producing and now pioneering Detroit’s podcasting space. Learn how Miles has carried his family’s legacy of courage into building platforms that amplify Detroit’s voices, culminating in endeavors like the Pod Awards and daily live shows. With insights on content creation, community building, and the unyielding spirit of Detroit, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into a platform. Tune in for laughter, wisdom, and a celebration of the culture, family, and creativity that fuel Detroit’s heartbeat.

Find out what does a tunk strategy, family humor, and the perfect collard greens have in common. In this episode of Detroit is Different, we’re joined by Howie Bell, a comedic force whose story is as inspiring as it is entertaining. From his roots in Detroit’s Mumford neighborhood to graduating from King High School, Howie shares how his family built a legacy of laughter. We delve into the art of tunk, exploring how this beloved card game reveals strategies and perspectives on life. Howie takes us on a journey to Hollywood, where he found success, hosted legendary house parties known for incredible food, and became a fan-favorite judge in the Collard Green Cook-Off. With humor, heart, and a dash of culinary wisdom, Howie Bell’s story is a testament to perseverance, family, and creativity. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that blends comedy, cooking, and culture.

Step into the vibrant world of Detroit hip-hop and cultural storytelling with Kahn Santori Davison, a writer whose work has become the heartbeat of the city’s artistic narrative. From losing his parents in a tragic incident and being raised by his grandparents, to building a legacy as a columnist for The Michigan Citizen and Metro Times, Kahn has spent over 20 years chronicling the evolution of Detroit’s rap scene and community resilience. In this captivating episode of Detroit is Different, Kahn shares powerful reflections on his time with Grace Lee Boggs at Detroit Summer, his contributions to the Detroit Institute of Arts, and how hip-hop has transformed into a cornerstone of American culture. Don’t miss this intimate and inspiring conversation with a voice that has shaped the stories of a city that refuses to quit.