What's Ray Saying?
84 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 572 ratingsStoryteller 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.
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Episodes
Ray's Ruminations: Military Misinformation
July 03, 2024 20:30 - 10 minutes - 12.5 MBIn this episode, Ray talks with Tiffany about the nature of military stories he hears on various shows and the degree of mis-information he perceives from them, and the possible reasons for why the general public and producers may seem less interested in factual details than him.
Bonus: Spooked - Creepy Crawly
June 19, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MBA Ray story produced by Spooked: "The Birds" - As a little boy in Richmond Virginia, raising pigeons, Ray Christian made a friend with the same hobby. But there was something mysterious about Ray’s new pal. Spooked features true-life supernatural stories, told firsthand by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. Be afraid. Created in the dark of night, by Snap Judgment Studios, in partnership with KQED & PRX. It is hosted by Glynn Washington. For more, visit spookedpo...
Ray's Ruminations: Gender Perspectives
June 05, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this episode, Tiffany takes over the direction of the discussion and asks Ray to examine his views and perspectives on gender expectations for their own children.
Bonus - Snap Judgment: Fight Club
May 22, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 25.5 MBA Ray story produced by Snap judgment: The first rule about fight club is you do not talk about fight club. Ray Christian breaks that rule. Produced by Mark Ristich, original score by Renzo Gorrio. For more incredible stories from around the world -- listen to Snap Judgment whenever you get your podcasts, or go to SnapJudgment.org to learn more about the show.
Ray's Ruminations: Staying Flexible
May 08, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode, Ray talks with Tiffany about the need for Black Americans to be flexible to move forward in their chosen profession, and the difference between a crack in the door and an open door to inclusion.
Bonus: Snap Judgment - Acid Jump
April 24, 2024 10:00 - 17 minutes - 19.6 MBA Ray story produced by Snap judgment: When morale is low among the paratroopers in his company, Sergeant Ray Christian takes them on an unexpected trip. Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto. For more incredible stories from around the world -- listen to Snap Judgment whenever you get your podcasts, or go to SnapJudgment.org to learn more about the show.
Ray's Ruminations: Stay in your lane
April 10, 2024 10:00 - 10 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this episode Ray asks Tiffany if and when it is appropriate to speak about groups outside of your own, particularly should he do an episode about women.
Bonus - RISK!: Black Lives #5
March 27, 2024 10:00 - 56 minutes - 64.8 MBWe know you love a good story, so here's another show we think you'll enjoy. RISK! is a live show and weekly podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public, created and hosted by Kevin Allison (MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix). In this episode, the fifth in the show's Black Lives series, Jenn Kamara, Ashton Cynthia Clarke, and Brian Russell share about life experiences where being Black mattered. It features guest-host Dr. Ray Christian. T...
Ray's Ruminations: What's a Story?
March 13, 2024 10:00 - 11 minutes - 12.7 MBIn this episode, Ray reflects on the elements of a story, and in a conversation with Tiffany, gives an example of a story he is contemplating.
A River Runs Through It
December 27, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 67.1 MBRay goes back to Richmond and examines his evolution from ghetto kid to seasoned storyteller, taking a prideful look at the ways our environments and the bonds of family shape us. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original ...
What Do I Tell My Son About Being a Man?
December 20, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 63 MBIn a drive to the airport with his son, Ray talks about the perilous crossroads he faced in defining his masculinity. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find ...
Letters Home
December 13, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 71.5 MBAfter getting a response from a 30-year-old letter, Ray explores a legacy of correspondence—from his personal experience writing for illiterate parents and soldiers to the fascinating role mail has played in Black military history. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from...
Know Your Place
December 06, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 77.5 MBRay has a candid conversation with scholar and journalist Chenjerai Kumanyika, looking at the historic legacy of Jim Crow, how each of their families learned to navigate these codes, and the ways both men work against the idea of “staying in your place”. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with d...
This is the Sound of My Voice
November 29, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MBA young Ray Christian becomes captivated by the mysterious voices coming out of the radio and quickly discovers that there are rules and repercussions to being Black and talking a certain way. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seid...
Black in the Military
November 22, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MBRay looks back on his decision to join the army, unraveling a complicated history of Black military service and reflecting on the surprising changes the armed forces made in his life. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Origi...
Ruffling Through Our Closet
November 15, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 79.8 MBA look at Black fashion—from zoot suits to Soul Train to a complicated history of advertising. Plus, Ray reflects on the time he dropped out of school because he didn't have the right clothes. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seid...
Black Medicine
November 08, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 70.4 MBTo better understand the treatment of the ills, injuries and minds of Black Americans, Ray reflects on his first experience of going to the doctor. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian an...
What's Ray Saying is Back!
November 01, 2023 07:00 - 2 minutes - 6.14 MBWhat’s Ray Saying is back! Immerse yourself in a world of Southern-baked personal narratives, interwoven with Black American history, all told through the lens of Ray Christian's remarkable life. In each episode, the award-winning storyteller, combat veteran, historian, and devoted father of six, invites you to become part of his community, as he shares stories from the scenic mountains of Appalachia. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded...
EP 21 Childs Play
April 18, 2021 13:41 - 37 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode Ray explores the legacy of Black Children taken as slaves from Africa, growing up on Plantations and their social worth and development in America
WRS Classic: Childs Play
April 18, 2021 13:41 - 38 minutes - 87.5 MBIn this episode, Ray explores the legacy of Black Children taken as slaves from Africa, growing up on plantations and the impact on their social worth and development in America.
Childs Play
April 18, 2021 13:41 - 37 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode Ray explores the legacy of Black Children taken as slaves from Africa, growing up on plantations and the impact on their social worth and development in America.
Blacks and Indians
August 21, 2019 04:55 - 30 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this episode Ray explores the complex history and relationship between Black Americans and the Native people of America.
WRS Classic: Blacks and Indians
August 21, 2019 04:55 - 30 minutes - 69.6 MBRay explores the complex history and relationship between Black Americans and the Native people of America.
EP 20 Blacks and Indians
August 21, 2019 04:55 - 30 minutes - 33.4 MBIn this episode Ray explores the complex history and relationship between Black Americans and the Native people of America
WRS Classic: Black Leadership Part 3—Challenging Authority
August 06, 2019 02:23 - 16 minutes - 37.1 MBRay explores Black leadership from the 1940s to now to reflect on it challenges and its legacies.
Black Leadership Part 3: Challenging Authority
August 06, 2019 02:23 - 15 minutes - 17.7 MBRay explores Black leadership from the 1940s to now to reflect on it challenges and its legacies.
EP 19 Black Leadership Part 3 Challanging Authority
August 06, 2019 02:23 - 15 minutes - 17.7 MBRay explores Black leadership from the 40s to present its challenges and its legacy
WRS Classic: Black Leadership Part 2—The Elite Class
December 21, 2018 23:38 - 33 minutes - 77.4 MBRay explores Black leadership from the emergence of an elite class, with varying perspectives and experiences.
Black Leadership Part 2 The Elite Class
December 21, 2018 23:38 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MBRay explores Black leadership from the emergence of an elite class, with varying perspectives and experiences.
EP 18 Black Leadership Part 2 The Elite Class
December 21, 2018 23:38 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MBRay explores Black leadership from the emergence of an elite class, with varying perspectives and experiences.
EP 17 Black American Leadership Part 1 Sources and Origins
June 14, 2018 02:14 - 33 minutes - 37.4 MBIn this episode part 1 of a 3 part series on Black leadership Ray explores the origins of Black influence and authority in America.
WRS Classic: Black American Leadership Part 1—Sources and Origins
June 14, 2018 02:14 - 33 minutes - 77.7 MBIn this episode part one of a three part series on Black leadership, Ray explores the origins of Black influence and authority in America.
Black American Leadership Part 1: Sources and Origins
June 14, 2018 02:14 - 33 minutes - 37.4 MBIn this episode part 1 of a 3 part series on Black leadership Ray explores the origins of Black influence and authority in America.
EP 16 Black Hair Issues
February 26, 2018 04:17 - 27 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode Ray explores the cultural and historical significance of Afro textured hair
Black Hair Issues
February 26, 2018 04:17 - 27 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode Ray explores the cultural and historical significance of Afro textured hair
WRS Classic: Black Hair Issues
February 26, 2018 04:17 - 28 minutes - 64.4 MBRay explores the cultural and historical significance of Afro textured hair.
Black Americans and the Police
February 11, 2018 21:39 - 26 minutes - 31.4 MBIn this episode Ray explores the history and complicated relationship with Black Americans and the police
WRS Classic: Black Americans and the Police
February 11, 2018 21:39 - 26 minutes - 61 MBRay explores the history and complicated relationship with Black Americans and the police.
EP 15 Black Americans and the Police
February 11, 2018 21:39 - 26 minutes - 31.4 MBIn this episode Ray explores the history and complicated relationship with Black Americans and the police
WRS Classic: Black in the City
January 31, 2018 01:18 - 29 minutes - 67.8 MBRay explores Black American association with the South and why Black are concentrated in urban areas of the country.
EP 14 Black in the City
January 31, 2018 01:18 - 29 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this episode Ray explores Black American association with the South and why Black are concentrated in urban areas of the country.
Black in the City
January 31, 2018 01:18 - 29 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this episode Ray explores Black American association with the South and why Black are concentrated in urban areas of the country.
WRS Classic: Black American Naming Practices
January 24, 2018 02:38 - 26 minutes - 59.7 MBRay talks about Black American naming practice, history, traditions and conventions from slavery to the 20th century.
EP 13 Black American Naming Practices
January 24, 2018 02:38 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MBIn this episode Ray talks about Black American naming practice, history, traditions and conventions from slavery to the 20th century
Black American Naming Practices
January 24, 2018 02:38 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MBIn this episode Ray talks about Black American naming practice, history, traditions and conventions from slavery to the 20th century
EP 12 The Storytellers Journey Part 3
January 13, 2018 22:31 - 23 minutes - 27.2 MBIn this episode Ray completes the long journey of getting his stories heard, tells his life story and puts storytelling in context
WRS Classic: The Storyteller's Journey Part 3
January 13, 2018 22:31 - 24 minutes - 55.1 MBRay completes the long journey of getting his stories heard, tells his life story and puts storytelling in context.
The Storyteller's Journey Part 3
January 13, 2018 22:31 - 23 minutes - 27.2 MBIn this episode Ray completes the long journey of getting his stories heard, tells his life story and puts storytelling in context
WRS Classic: The Storytellers Journey Part 2
April 17, 2017 04:28 - 26 minutes - 60.1 MBRay continues to explore his storytelling journey after the RISK! show. He talks about his appearance on The Moth Radio Hour, a story in Readers Digest and his performance on Snap Judgment, the impact of this story and his reflections on storytelling.
The Storytellers Journey Part 2
April 17, 2017 04:28 - 25 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode Ray continues to explore his storytelling journey after the Risk show. He talks about his appearance on the Moth Radio hour, a story in Readers Digest and his performance on Snap Judgment, the impact of this story and his reflections on storytelling.