Season 4

Episode 05 – Mersiless Amir, Detroit Hip Hop Legend

Today our guest is Ameer Stein, better known as Mersiless Amir. Ameer’s first release was A Day Without a Rhyme in 1989 and grabbed attention from record labels like Def Jam Records, Smash Records, and Warner Brothers to name a few. Tune in and discover Mersiless’s tips on navigating the music business, preserving your integrity in ambitious pursuits, and his thoughts on Eminem. Please help us welcome Mersiless Amir.

Episode 04 – Dara Hill, Ph.D., Professor, University of Michigan – Dearborn

In this episode, we have the lead researcher for the Best Classroom Project, Professor Dara Hill. A native Detroiter, Professor Hill specializes in equipping future teachers in cultural pedagogy and tools for the Reading and Language Arts Department. Prof. Hall also leads the Best Classroom Project with the vision to assist parents in Detroit to make informed decisions about their children’s school choices. Please help us welcome Professor Dara Hill.

Episode 03 – Senghor Reid, Fine Arts Department Chair, Cranbrook Schools

In this episode, we have an artist and educator, Senghor Reid. A native Detroiter, Reid discovered his artistic passions and talents, and hasn’t turned back since. He was recently featured in American Masters with PBS. The film, Senghor Reid: Make Way for Tomorrow, was showcased at the 2023 FREEP Film Festival. Please help us welcome Senghor Reid.

Episode 02 – Jerry Davis, Ph.D., Faculty Director, Business + Impact, The University of Michigan – Ross School of Business

In this episode, we have the Faculty Director of Business + Impact, Professor Jerry Davis. A dual professor of Business Administration and Sociology, Prof. Davis leads the Ross Business + Impact initiative with the vision to serve and empower the community through the lens of business with one initiative that equips entrepreneurs. Please help us welcome Professor Jerry Davis. If you want to read more about his work, check out this article.

Episode 01 – Angela Dillard, Ph.D., History Department Chair, The University of Michigan

In this episode, we have the History Department Chair of the University of Michigan, Professor Angela Dillard. A native Detroiter with her doctorate in American Culture from the University of Michigan, she focuses on the interdisciplinary study of racial issues in America within the scope of religion and bi-partisan politics. She is the author of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Now? and working on third book tentatively titled A Different Shade of Freedom. Please help us welcome Professor Angela Dillard. If you want to read more about her, check out this article.

Season 3

Episode 20 – Paul Draus, Ph.D., Faculty Director, The University of Michigan Detroit Center

In this episode, we have Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at the University of Michigan, Professor Angela Dillard. A native detroiter, Angela uses her doctorate in American Culture from the University of Michigan to explore interdisciplinary research of racial issues in America within the scope of religion and bi-partisan politics. Please help us welcome Prof. Angela Dillard. If you want to read more about her, check out this article.

Episode 19 – Lisa DuRussel, Assistant Professor, The University of Michigan

In this episode, we have Lisa DuRussel. Lisa accepted her first leadership position as the senior landscape architect and project manager with Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects in New York City for three years. Today, she is still in architecture as the senior landscape architect with the Unknown Studio and as an independent consultant. Lisa is also an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Please help us welcome the accomplished Lisa DuRussel! Check out her latest project in this article.

Episode 18 – Karla Mallette, Professor & Chair of Department, The University of Michigan

In this episode, we have Professor Karla Mallette. She is a professor of Italian and Mediterranean Studies at the University of Michigan and the Chair of the Department of Middle East Studies. Prof. Mallette is also the author of three books with her most recent book, Lives of the Great Languages: Arabic and Latin in the Medieval Mediterranean. Please help us welcome Karla Mallette!

Episode 17 – Michael Randall, Executive Director and Dale Thomson, President, Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Randall and Dale Thomson. Members of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, GRDC. The GRDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Grandmont Rosedale communities of Northwest Detroit. They organize a wide range of community improvement programs designed to help their community prosper as a place to live, work, and play. Please help us welcome Dale Thomson, President, and Michael Randall, Executive Director of the GRDC!

Episode 16 – Todd Sachse, Founder & CEO, Sachse Construction

In this episode, our next guest is Todd Sachse. He graduated from the University of Michigan with his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med. He has started and owned three businesses to our knowledge. He is the founder and CEO of the Sachse Construction company, a Partner with Broder & Sachse real estate company, and the Principal of Zolman Restoration Company. Please help us welcome Todd Sachse!

Episode 15 – David Merritt, Co-Founder, Merit Goodness

In this episode, our next guest is David Merritt, a modern Renaissance man. He graduated from the University of Michigan after leading his team as captain to the NCAA championships during the 2008-2009 season. He is the co-founder and board member of the Give Merit non-profit that is over the FATE program. Please help us welcome David Merritt!

Episode 14 – Lisa Howze, Author, The Candy Girl Mentality

In this episode, our next guest is Lisa Howze. The author of Candy Girl Mentality: Keys to Turning Bitter Moments into Sweet Success. Lisa has served as a Michigan elect for the House of Representatives, and Chief of Staff for the office of Mayor Duggan. She is now an author and entrepreneur. Please help us welcome Lisa Howze!

Episode 13 – Ryan Myers-Johnson, Founder & Director, The Sidewalk Detroit

In this episode, our next guest is Ryan Myers-Johnson. Ryan has traveled extensively as a dancer, filmmaker, and producer. She is a curator of place-based performance and installation art that specializes in community engagement. Ryan is the founder and executive director of Sidewalk Detroit. Please help us welcome Ryan Myers-Johnson.

Episode 12 – Lamont Cole, Community Organizer

In this episode, our next guest is Lamont Cole. Lamont has 20 years of experience in community organizing, project management, and educational innovation. Join us as we sit down and discuss the differences between East and West Detroit, and how to discover your multiple intelligence. Please help us welcome Lamont Cole!

Episode 11 – Isis Damil, Singer & Songwriter

In this episode, our next guest is Isis Damil. Isis earned her B.A. in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2014. Stream Her latest single, Real Love, on all platforms.

Episode 10 – Obie King Jr., Performer, Obie King and the Muthafunkas

In this episode, our next guest has performed in many live venues throughout Detroit and is the 2022 winner of the Detroit Black Music Awards Best Male Vocalist & runner up in the Entertainer of the Year. When he is not charming crowds with his performances and songwriting he is pursuing his additional career as an entrepreneur. Please help us welcome the talented Obie King Jr.!

Episode 9 – Craig Regester, Associate Director, LS&A Semester in Detroit

In this episode, Our next guest has served as the Associate Director of the U-M Ann Arbor Semester in Detroit (SID) Program since 2008. SID is an academic urban studies immersion program based in the UM Detroit Center whose mission is to “engage U-M undergraduates in substantive, sustained, and reciprocal relationships with the people and communities of the City of Detroit.”  The program, now in its 14th year, combines a semester-long residence in the city with rigorous academic study and a comprehensive community-based internship,  The DDP welcomes Craig Regester!

Episode 8 – Corie Pauling, Former President, U-M Alumni Association

In this episode, our guest is a 1993 graduate of the University of Michigan. She went on to get her JD from Northwestern University. She is the former Senior Vice President, Chief Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) Officer, and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at TIAA and was the first African American President & CEO of the UM Alumni Association. Please welcome Corie Pauling!

Episode 7 – Manuel Martinez Jr., Project Superintendent,  Michigan Central Station Project

In this episode, our guest is the Project Superintendent for the Michigan Central Station Project, Manuel Martinez Jr., an alum of the University of Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Engineering and an M.A. in both Engineering and Architecture. Please help the Distinctly Detroit Podcast welcome Manuel Martinez Jr. to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast!

Episode 6 – Brian Perrone, Co-Owner,  Slow’s BBQ

In this episode, our guest is a co-owner and operator of three Slow’s BBQ and food truck, Brian Perrone. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, our next guest became one of the best chefs to graduate from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. Please help the Distinctly Detroit Podcast welcome Brian Perrone to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast!

Episode 5 – Eugene Kelley II, Associate Broker,  Real Estate One

In this episode, our guest is an Associate Broker with Real Estate One, Eugene Kelley II. Eugene is a member of the million-dollar club and leaves no stone unturned when working with his clients. He earned his B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan. Please help the Distinctly Detroit Podcast welcome Eugene Kelly II to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast!

Episode 4 – Ericka Matthews-Jackson, Senior Director, Wayne State University Admission 

In this episode, our guest is the Senior Director for Wayne State University Admissions, Ericka Matthews-Jackson. Ericka earned her B.A. in English from The University of Michigan and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. Discover the tips for applying to university and identifying the best fit for you. Please help the Distinctly Detroit Podcast welcome Ericka Matthews-Jackson to the Distinctly Detroit Podcast!

Episode 3 – Samuel J. Donald, Founder & President, Detroit Musix

In this episode, our guest is passionate to his core, about music, art, history, and his beloved city, Detroit. He is a graduate of Wilberforce University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He is the founder and President of the Detroit Musix Museum. The DDP Welcomes Samuel J. Donald!

Episode 2 – Dana Thompson, Clinical Law Professor, University of Michigan Law School

In this episode of Distinctly Detroit, we have Clinical Law Professor Dana Thompson. Dana is a former elected board member at Wayne State University with the mission to represent and advocate for underrepresented students. Tune in for this episode and discover helpful tips to manage your dreams and career, especially in our new hustle culture. Help us welcome Dana Thompson with Distinctly Detroit.

Episode 1 – Gerry Zonca, Director, “Light Up Detroit” Civic Campaign

In this episode of Distinctly Detroit, we have the Emmy-nominated T.V. producer and the director for the “Light Up Detroit” civic campaign. Listen to the stories of Gerry outselling Michael Jackson’s Thriller album at his local record store, with his Run for the Roses album with some of his recordings from the University of Michigan football games. Join us as we welcome Gerry Zonca for the season three debut of Distinctly Detroit.