What's Ray Saying?

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This podcast that takes a deeper view into Black life in America by examining the intersection of history, narrative, and experience.

Ray Christian


    • May 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 52 EPISODES

    4.9 from 462 ratings Listeners of What's Ray Saying? that love the show mention: thank you ray, fla, ray s podcast, ray's, snap judgment, snap judgement, please start, black culture, african american, beautifully told, woven, moth, american history, risk, storyteller, donate, life experiences, touched, racism, addictive.


    Ivy Insights

    The What's Ray Saying? podcast is a captivating and educational show hosted by Ray Christian. With his deep baritone voice and powerful storytelling abilities, Ray takes listeners on a journey through Black history, personal experiences, and thought-provoking topics. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge and understanding of the Black American experience.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Ray's storytelling talent. He has a unique ability to weave together personal narratives with historical events, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. His stories are raw, honest, and often infused with humor, making them both entertaining and enlightening. Additionally, Ray's voice has a warmth and sincerity that draws listeners in and keeps them engaged throughout each episode.

    Another great aspect of The What's Ray Saying? podcast is its focus on lesser-known aspects of Black history. Ray delves into topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood, shedding light on important stories that deserve recognition. His research is thorough and well-informed, providing listeners with valuable insights that challenge societal narratives.

    However, one potential downside to this podcast is its irregular release schedule. As mentioned in some listener reviews, there have been gaps between episodes which can leave fans eagerly waiting for new content. It would be beneficial if the podcast had more consistent updates to keep listeners engaged and satisfied.

    In conclusion, The What's Ray Saying? podcast is an exceptional show that combines compelling storytelling with insightful discussions on Black history. Ray Christian's talent as a storyteller shines through each episode as he passionately shares his experiences and sheds light on important topics. Despite occasional delays in releasing new episodes, this podcast remains highly recommended for those seeking meaningful conversations about race, history, and personal growth.



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    Latest episodes from What's Ray Saying?

    Bonus: Our Ancestors Were Messy - Oscar Micheaux and the Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 69:17


    Let us introduce you to Our Ancestors Were Messy, a podcast covering the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines in the Black newspapers of segregated communities during the pre-Civil Rights era. On each episode, host Nichole Hill and her guests follow the story of an ancestor who went searching for opportunity, adventure, liberation, and love and made a mess - and eventually history - along the way.On this episode, Ray joins Nichole for "Oscar Micheaux and the Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood".At the turn of the century, Oscar Micheaux - a dreamer from Smallville - makes his way to the big city searching for fame, fortune...and a change to his single status! What he finds is a wife he loves, a father-in-law he hates, and a path into Black history he could have never imagined.

    Juniper Ray Christian - Dickens: Crown of Blooms

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 22:05


    In this episode, Ray lets Tiffany take over the microphone as host and Interviewer of their daughter, author and award-winning storyteller Juniper Ray Christian - Dickens. They talk about their journey as a writer, their new book, their Webby Award, and their perspective on personal identity.Crown of Blooms by R C Dickens, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

    Bonus - Best of RISK! 15

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 91:46


    Let us introduce you again to 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 best-of episode,  you'll hear stories, including one from Ray, that examine ideas of exposure, vulnerability, reunion and death. To find out more about the show, visit risk-show.com.*Listener discretion is advised.

    Talking with Dogs on the Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 10:44


    In this mini episode of What's Ray Saying, Ray whimsically explores his encounters with the “dog on the street” and the diversity of canine culture. Through dialogue that breaks down stereotypes and builds understanding, he reimagines his conversations and the epiphany of understanding difference. Special thanks to Mark Pagan, the voice of the sophisticated, street-smart-but-smooth-on-the-outside perro in Mexico, and Tiffany Christian, the voice of the former-celebrity-down-on-her-luck French poodle with chipped red fingernail polish on the streets of LA. For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com and support the show!

    Bonus: Ray on "Know What You See"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 31:01


    If you've been enjoying "What's Ray Saying?", here's another podcast we think you'll like.On “Know What You See”, host Brian Lowery delves into the ways our fundamental need to connect with others profoundly shapes our experience of life. Brian is a professor of social psychology at Stanford University, and on his podcast, he explores the surprising, perplexing and sometimes transcendent lives we create together. On this episode, Ray and Brian talk about how the stories we share, and the ones we leave out, shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. For more on "Know What You See", visit knowwhatyousee.com Hope you enjoy!

    Bonus: Ray on Little Devils

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 37:57


    We want to share with you a new podcast I was proud to do an episode for. It's called Little Devils, hosted by Jasmin Bauomy. Little Devils explores how often we are quick to judge others and ourselves for mistakes, failures and imperfections, and what happens if you move toward these things, examine how they came to be, and unearth the stories beneath them. On this episode, I tell the story of a “revenge prank” gone wrong.Little Devils is a TRZ Media Original and an independent production. This is the pilot season. You can support the show at https://www.patreon.com/littledevils. Follow them on Instagram and BlueSky @littledevilsshow / @jasminbauomy / @trz_media.

    What's Up with Ray?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 3:27


    A message from Ray.

    Voluntary and Chance Encounters: Black Fraternal and Sororal organizations

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 11:52


    In this mini episode of What's Ray Saying?, Ray talks about the significance of intentional black social connections and a chance encounter with a group of Black folks in an unexpected place. Featuring a conversation with Lynn Patterson.

    Bonus: Ray on Volume Knob

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 25:11


    In this bonus episode Ray explores story, memory and song with the podcast, The Volume Knob.The Volume Knob is a personal storytelling podcast produced by Keith Serry, a writer/producer/performer - and, when called upon, lawyer - in Montreal, Quebec. TVK debuted in the summer of 2020. Keith asks all the storytellers on his show to try and convey how music makes us feel by asking them to tell the story of "the song that saved their life".You can learn more about the Volume Knob at the show's website: www.volumeknob.net or on instagram @volume_knob or download the show wherever you get your podcasts.

    Ray's Ruminations: Empty Nesters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 9:50


    In this episode, as their two youngest prepare to leave home for college, Ray and Tiffany contemplate a new phase of their life together. What will it be like without kids in the house all the time?

    Bonus: Ray Steps Into The Confessional

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 30:57


    Here's another great podcast featuring a conversation with Ray. The Confessional is hosted by author and ordained Lutheran pastor, Nadia Bolz-Weber. She invites guests to share stories about times they were at their worst. They talk honestly about what led to that moment, what they learned from it, and how they changed as a result. Let's step into The Confessional.For more about the show, go to nadiabolzweber.com/podcast.

    Ray's Ruminations: Healthcare and caring for the sick and elderly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 14:03


    In this episode, Ray takes a trip back home and talks with his sister Janice about the challenges of caring for the sick and elderly at home. They discuss what they saw during the days of their youth, the secrecy, and the need for help.For more about Ray go to drraychristian.com and let him know what you're thinking. Thanks!

    Ray's Ruminations: Military Misinformation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 10:57


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 19:59


    A 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 spookedpodcast.org.

    Ray's Ruminations: Gender Perspectives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 9:52


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 22:19


    A 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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 10:17


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 17:09


    A 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.

    jump snap acid snap judgment adizah eghan leon morimoto
    Ray's Ruminations: Stay in your lane

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 10:40


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 56:37


    We 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. To find out more about the show, visit risk-show.com.

    Ray's Ruminations: What's a Story?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 11:03


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 29:18


    Ray 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 music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    What Do I Tell My Son About Being a Man?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 27:33


    In 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 out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    Letters Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 31:13


    After 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 The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    Know Your Place

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 33:50


    Ray 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 development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    This is the Sound of My Voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 29:27


    A 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 Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    Black in the Military

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 31:22


    Ray 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. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    Ruffling Through Our Closet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 34:50


    A 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 Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    Black Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 30:45


    To 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 and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    What's Ray Saying is Back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 2:40


    What'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 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 out more about What Ray's Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

    EP 21 Childs Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2021 37:55


    In 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

    EP 20 Blacks and Indians

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2019 30:03


    In this episode Ray explores the complex history and relationship between Black Americans and the Native people of America

    EP 19 Black Leadership Part 3 Challanging Authority

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 15:53


    Ray explores Black leadership from the 40s to present  its challenges and its legacy

    EP 18 Black Leadership Part 2 The Elite Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2018 33:30


    Ray 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2018 33:37


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2018 27:49


    In this episode Ray explores the cultural and historical significance of Afro textured hair

    EP 15 Black Americans and the Police

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2018 26:18


    In this episode Ray explores the history and complicated relationship with Black Americans and the police

    EP 14 Black in the City

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2018 29:17


    In this episode Ray explores Black American association with the South and why Black are concentrated in urban areas of the country.

    EP 13 Black American Naming Practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2018 25:44


    In 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2018 23:43


    In this episode Ray completes the long journey of getting his stories heard, tells his life story and puts storytelling in context

    Ep 11 The Storytellers Journey Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2017 25:57


    In 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.

    Ep 10 The Storytellers Journey Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2017 40:57


    This episode traces storytelling in African American culture, from its roots in Africa, through the Middle Passage and slavery, and continuing through time until today.  Ray touches on interesting topics like which stories White people hear and which stories are just for “family.”  The episode concludes with Ray’s reflections on his introduction to the art and the first steps in his own journey.

    Ep 9 An Imaginary Past

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2017 24:27


    In this episode Ray looks at the origins of a false narrative of Black American  History, its racist origins, the founder of revisionist history regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction, along with its influence on American society today

    Ep 8 Changes and Adaptation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2016 25:34


    In this episode Ray examines the nature of Black American assimilation into White culture

    Ep 7 Education: In Black and White

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2016 30:41


    What, when, how, and why Blacks learned in the US as well as what others were taught about them, from the slave quarters to HBCU’s.

    Ep 6 Dying While Black

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2016 24:36


    What happens after death?  Not in the metaphysical, existential sense. But quite literally, what happens after death?  The history of the handling of bodies of Black decedents has been filled with interesting twists and turns, from blatant desecration to unusual rituals. Explore this topic with me in this episode of What's Ray Saying?

    Ep 5 Line of Departure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2016 31:00


    This special episode marks a dividing line between the old and new, where you were and where you're going, what was and what will be.  Follow the journey from "seasoning" of slaves, to the life of a domestic worker in the 60's to current questions of assimilation and acculturation.

    Ep 4 Brothers in Arms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2016 35:06


    From the birth of this nation until today, this episode explores the complexities of life as a soldier of color in the US.

    Ep 3 Hunger

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2016 26:14


    This episode is about food stamps and gov'ment cheese, what it meant, how it helped, how we felt about it then, and what we think about it now.

    Ep 2 Complexion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2016 25:13


    This episode is a literal discussion of skin color- the range of visual nuances of appearances that we consider "Black", how those divisions came to be and their many implications. From the paper bag test and one drop rule to Rachel Dolezal, who is Black and why?

    Ep 1 Life After Slavery

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2016 21:42


    In this premiere episode, Ray details the hardships that Blacks experienced after slavery and explores the themes and patterns of struggle that continued through the generations and into his own life. This episode contains special music by Beej Gordy Brooks and cameo "appearances" by Kevin Allison and Kristina Wong.

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