Syrian immigrant reflects on regime change
Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country after a surprise offensive launched by opposition groups, ending the 50-year rule of the Assad family. For many Syrians living outside of the country, it's opened up the possibility of returning home, or visiting loved ones who …
One juvenile lifer’s second chance
Joe Cedillo was released Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from the Muskegon Correctional Facility after spending 38 years behind bars for a crime he committed when he was 18 years old. Cedillo’s case marks a significant milestone as the first in Kent County to regain his freedom following a state supr…
Gymnast Frederick Richard flips from Paris to Ann Arbor
University of Michigan gymnast Frederick Richard sits down for a conversation about the summer in Paris for the Olympics, growing men's gymnastics at the collegiate level at home, and building his brand on social media. GUEST: Frederick Richard, UM gymnast and Olympian
Black quilt guild binds craft and community
Nothing quite beats snuggling up under a handmade quilt on a cold winter day. But for the members of the Great Lakes African American Quilters’ Network, quilts are more than just a way to stay warm. They are works of art, connecting their makers to a shared culture and to each other. Stateside pr…
Titus Kaphar on "Exhibiting Forgiveness"
This year, acclaimed contemporary artist and Kalamazoo native Kaphar made the leap into narrative filmmaking. His semi-autobiographical film is titled Exhibiting Forgiveness. The film follows painter Terrell, played by André Holland, as he wrestles with generational trauma and navigates his relat…
Confronting a broken healthcare system
Author and journalist Tracie McMillan discusses her family's harrowing time navigating the American healthcare system after her mother was diagnosed with MS and then suffered a traumatic brain injury. GUEST: Tracie McMillan, journalist and author of "The White Bonus"
Weaving a fantastical Armenian future
Levon Kafafian's new exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit features artifacts of an fantastical, imagined future for the Armenian diaspora. The show, titled Portal Fire: Shrine of the Torchbearer, features a mix of soft sculptures, wall hangings, carpets, and costumes. The exhibit…
Police Officer in Lyoya killing to stand trial
The Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed resident Patrick Lyoya two years ago will stand trial on murder charges. That's after the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear the officer's appeal on the charges. GUEST: Dustin Dwyer, West Michigan reporter, Michigan Public
Anishinaabe Basketry Fuses Tradition And Art
The practice of Anishinaabe contemporary artist Kelly Church marries traditional craft with stunning visuals in her Black Ash basketry. In this conversation you'll hear how she learned the craft, how it's done, and the impact of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer on the tradition. You can see Kelly's w…
From 90s music icon to UM Prof
This podcast originally published September 5, 2024. Founding Nine Inch Nails drummer shares his journey from performing on stage and producing electronic music to teaching the next generation musicians. GUEST: Chris Vrenna, Multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, composer, Grammy award winnin…