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Artwork for What's Ray Saying?

What's Ray Saying?

Ray Christian
Military Service
Black History
History
Black Masculinity
Street Dogs
Black Cinema
Richmond, Virginia
Masculine Identity
Father-Son Relationships
Racial Identity
Emotional Expression
Generational Differences
Black Podcast Awards
Racial Dynamics
Chicago Defender
Homesteading
Storytelling
Crown Of Blooms
Black Fashion
Healthcare Disparities

Storyteller Ray Christian shares personal stories as a sixty-something combat veteran, historian, and goat-wrangling father of six living in the rural mountains of Appalachia, all told through the fabric of centuries of Black history.

PublishesInfrequentlyEpisodes56Founded10 years ago
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Arts

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Artwork for What's Ray Saying?

Latest Episodes

In this episode Ray breaks down how obedience, loyalty, and survival collide in America — in the military, in politics, and in Black life. From lawful orders to the legacy of Black resistance, he explores why conscience, not compliance, has always be... more

In this episode, Ray takes another look at tropes, specifically euphemism, stories that follow the path of misunderstanding by substituting words and phrases to deflect or minimize the impact of negativity. He's joined again by Kory Thomas May, and T... more

We want to share with you this special episode of Death, Sex & Money, a Slate podcast. Ray joins host Anna Sale to share why he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978, what it was like serving in the years between major conflicts, and the challenges he fa... more

In this mini-episode of What's Ray Saying?, Ray is joined by Kory Thomas May and Tiffany Christian. He ponders the characteristics of familiar narratives and storylines and the limits of understanding and expectations that are inherent in predictable... more

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Recent Guests

Ray Christian
Army veteran, educator, storyteller, podcaster, and former public radio storyteller.
What's Ray Saying?
Episode: Bonus: Death, Sex and Money - What Military Service During “Peacetime” is Really Like
Chenjerai Kumanyika
Assistant Professor of Journalism, Peabody Award-winning podcaster, poet, and hip hop artist.
NYU
Episode: Know Your Place
John Good
Writer, poet, fellow storyteller and veteran from Richmond.
Episode: Black in the Military

Host

Ray Christian
Storyteller, combat veteran, and host sharing deeply personal narratives interwoven with Black history.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 829 ratings
  • Ray is a really great guy who has lived (and continues to live!) a full life, *and* he knows how to tell stories like nobody's business. Sometimes you can learn something from his stories; sometimes they just leave you with a lot to think about. Either way, they're always fantastic.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    TedinRVA
    6 months ago
  • Always look forward to Ray’s wisdom!

    You have been missed! Perhaps you have spoken about this, but if not, please share with us your stories of church ladies and their hats.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cinderonthemtn
    United States7 months ago
  • I just found Ray and am enraptured by his stories!

    Podchaser
    5
    Dr Jen Brown
    7 months ago
  • A Master Story Teller

    When I found out that Ray now has his own podcast I have been listening ever since. I was and instant fan when I heard his contribution on

    “Snap Judgement.” Ray has this voice that makes me think that I am having a conversation with a friend. Keep doing what you do Ray, I am locked in.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Maurice_71
    United Statesa year ago
  • Love Dr.Ray’s Stories

    Great stories filled with knowledge.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    J.R.getsDown
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The engaging method of sharing life stories makes many listeners feel connected and invested in the narratives presented.
The emotional depth and personal anecdotes resonate well, with many highlighting the blend of humor and historical context.
Listeners highly appreciate Ray's storytelling ability, describing it as captivating and relatable.
Feedback often emphasizes the importance of understanding racial and cultural issues through the lens of personal experiences.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bonus: Death, Sex and Money - What Military Service During “Peacetime” is Really Like
Q: When did you get the diagnosis of PTSD? How did you start to think of yourself as someone with PTSD?
I was forced to go see a psychiatrist, and it didn't take him no time to diagnose me with severe PTSD, with psychotic features.
Bonus: Death, Sex and Money - What Military Service During “Peacetime” is Really Like
Q: What do you think your reason was at 18? How do you say it? Like, just like, why'd you join? Why'd you do this?
My reason, our classic reason is to get ahead, just as a start, to start my life, to be taken seriously in the broader, you know, white dominated world.
Bonus: Ray on "Know What You See"
Q: What does storytelling mean for you?
It describes my lived experience and allows me to communicate feelings that are difficult to articulate.
Bonus: Ray on "Know What You See"
Q: How do you decide what story you'll tell in front of what audience?
I adjust my stories based on what I feel about them and the parameters the producers want.
Bonus: Ray on "Know What You See"
Q: Why did you choose history?
It was always a subject of great interest for me, especially African American history.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About What's Ray Saying?

What is What's Ray Saying? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content navigates the intricate landscape of personal narratives while intricately weaving together themes of Black history and identity. Noteworthy is the storytelling prowess of the host, who shares rich experiences from his life as a combat veteran and father, offering listeners a poignant exploration of cultural memory and historical context. Episodes often touch on vital contemporary issues, storytelling tropes, and the complexities of identity, making it a unique platform for understanding the intersection of personal and collective histories. The blend of humor, humanity, and deep reflections, paired with relatable anecdotes, likely draws in listeners who appreciate authentic, thought-provoking storytelling.

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Which podcasts are similar to What's Ray Saying??

These podcasts share a similar audience with What's Ray Saying?:

1. Snap Judgment
2. The Moth
3. Selected Shorts
4. This American Life
5. RISK!

How many episodes of What's Ray Saying? are there?

What's Ray Saying? launched 10 years ago and published 56 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on What's Ray Saying??

Recent guests on What's Ray Saying? include:

1. Ray Christian
2. Chenjerai Kumanyika
3. John Good

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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