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 stayed. 

We met one Syrian immigrant who built a life with his family here in Michigan after fleeing Syria over a decade ago. He reflected on his time in Syria, and his hopes for the nation's future. 

GUESTS:

• Adam Yahya Rayes, data reporter, Michigan Public
• Basel Alyasin, vice president, American Syrian Arab Cultural Association 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. 

 

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 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 supreme court ruling that declared unconstitutional automatic life sentences without parole for people 18 years old and younger.

We had the chance to meet him on the day of his release.

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. 

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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

 

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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 producer April Van Buren went to the guild’s most recent meeting to learn more about this unique community of crafters. 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

 

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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 relationship with his estranged father, played by John Earl Jelks, who has reappeared in his life unexpectedly.

The Detroit Institute of Arts will screen the film Dec. 11-15.

GUEST:

Titus Kaphar, contemporary artist, producer, writer, and director of Exhibiting Forgiveness

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. 

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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"

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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 exhibition is inspired by Kafafian's forthcoming graphic novel of the same name.  

Kafafian joined Stateside to talk about their textile work and worldbuilding process. 

GUEST:

Levon Kafafian, Detroit-based artist

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. Additional music featuring 

We also featured Lara Sarkissian's Our Dead Can't Rest (Old Jugha Flute Dance)

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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

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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 work at the UM Stamps School in Ann Arbor now.

GUEST:

• Kelly Church, Anishinaabe artist

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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 winning programmer, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, founding Nine Inch Nails and current associate professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance in the Department of Performing Arts Technology.

 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.  

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