Authentically Detroit
Authentically Detroit is the leading podcast in the city for candid conversations, exchanging progressive ideas, and centering resident perspectives on current events.
Hosted by Donna Givens Davidson and Sam Robinson.
Produced by Sarah Johnson and Engineered by Griffin Hutchings.
Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @AuthenticallyDetroit!
Episodes
335 episodes
A New Era of Politics and Journalism with Jamila Martin
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jamila Martin from the Movement Voter Project to discuss the political environment on the left - generational divides, growth of a multi-cultural coalition,...
The Vision Behind Black Beautiful & Brilliant with Tiara Jones
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Tiara Jones, founder of Black Beautiful and Brilliant to discuss how their brand is centering identity, legacy, resilience, and empowering our community.Black Beautiful & Brilliant was cre...
2026 Michigan Primary Election Recap With Branden Snyder
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the State Director of the Working Families Party to discuss the results of Michigan’s 2026 primary election.Michigan’s 2026 primary election gained significant national attention as Abdul El-S...
Bridging The Political Divide - From B(oomer) To Gen Z With Jai Smith
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Jai Smith, an official Influencer for Detroit Public Schools Community District to discuss a youth perspective on politics ahead of the 2026 Michigan Primary Election.If you’re looking to lear...
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2026 Eastside Candidate Forum Recap with Donna and Sam
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down to discuss what went down at the 2026 Eastside Candidate Forum. The Eastside Candidate Forum, held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, took place on July 18th, ahead of the 2026 Michigan U.S. H...
2026 Eastside Candidate Forum Preview with Jasmine Kaltenbach
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Organizer and Labor Policy Expert, Jasmine Kaltenbach to discuss the upcoming 2026 Eastside Candidate Forum.The Eastside Candidate Forum , held in partnership with SEIU Michigan, takes place o...
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River Rise: Flooding and Basement Backups on Detroit’s Eastside: with Latisha Johnson, Dr. William Shuster & Dr. Marie Garcia
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the City Council Person for District 4, Latisha Johnson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wayne State Dr. William Shuster, and Environmental Justice Director at Eastside Community N...
Have You Heard? Episode One
In the first episode of Have You Heard?, Arlyssa Heard sits down with father, mentor, coach, author, and youth advocate Jonathan Shropshire to discuss the rise in fighting, bullying, and violence in schools. Together, they ...
Trauma Intervention and Recovery with Sheba Rogers, Liz Kennedy, Ali Lakhani & Valerie Kelly-Bonner
In this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Sheba Rogers, Liz Kennedy, Ali Lakhani and Valerie Kelly-Bonner to discuss a series of mental health roundtable discussions Detroit Justice, Henry Ford Health’s Trauma Recovery Center, and Stra...
Beauty and Political Beef with Jessica Kwalli
In this episode, Donna and Sam ran down some of the hottest political topics across the city including some of the upcoming primary elections. They also sat down the Jessica Kwalli, the owner of Jessica Blair Beauty.Jessica Kwalli is no ...
Juneteenth Political Rundown with Sam and Donna
In this episode, Donna and Sam ran down some of the hottest political topics across the city including Mike Duggan’s exit from the governor’s race, Detroit’s census case, UAW endorsements, money out of politics, and more!They also discus...
Plowshares and Power with Gary Anderson and Cándido Tirado
In this episode, Donna and Sam welcomed director and the founder of Plowshares Theatre Gary Anderson plus playwright Cándido Tirado to discuss the world premiere of “Roberto Clemente: A Diamond Within,” an original play written by Tirado.
Rooted Wonder & Duggan’s Dirt with Kamaria Gray
In this episode, Donna and Sam welcomed the latest member of the Authentically Detroit Podcast Network, Kamaria Gray, to discuss her newly released podcast “Roots & Wonder.” Roots & Wonder Podcast is a storytime space where ...
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Divining Freedom with Sarah Johnson and JerJuan Howard
In this special live episode, Donna and Sam sat down with the producer of Authentically Detroit, Sarah Johnson and Jerjuan Howard, the owner of the newly opened Howard Family Bookstore for a powerful evening rooted in storytelling, reflection, ...
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Containing Black Utopia: A Conversation with Aaron Robertson and Michelle Adams
In this special live episode, Donna and Orlando reunite for a book talk at the Charles H. Wright Museum in collaboration with Next Chapter Books. This compelling book talk featured two exceptional Detroit authors: Aaron Robertson, a...
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Pathways Out of Poverty with Veronika Scott and Cheryl P. Johnson
In this episode, Donna and Sam welcomed Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Empowerment Plan, Veronika Scott, plus Chief Executive Officer of COTS Detroit, Cheryl P. Johnson, to discuss their 16-year partnership - centering a shared mission ...
Have You Heard? Who’s Joining the Podcast Network with Arlyssa Heard and Kevin Ashwood
In this episode, Donna and Sam introduce the latest segment on Authentically Detroit, What’s Happening at ECN featuring Outreach Manager for the Housing & Economic Department at Eastside Community Network, Kevin Ashwood.Kevin leads r...
2026 Michigan Democratic Party Convention Recap
In this episode, Donna and Sam recap some of the top headlines from the weekend’s Michigan Democratic Party Convention! Many celebrated over the weekend as Michigan progressives scored key victories. Michigan Democrats say they are ...
Amplify Outside Podcast: Welcome... To Detroit!
The Authentically Detroit Podcast Network Presents... Amplify Outside!Welcome to the Amplify Outside podcast, a show with a mission of amplifying nuanced approaches to Intersectional Environmentalism centered in no other than Detroit, Mi...
Poverty and Prosperity by the Numbers with Kim Trent
In this episode, Donna and Sam welcome the Deputy Director for Prosperity for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to discuss her work guiding and building support for efforts to boost the economic security of Michiga...
Building Just Communities with Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and Joe Drew-Hundley
In this episode, Donna and Sam welcome Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and Joe Drew-Hundley of the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities to discuss their work eradicating racism, discrimination, and systemic inequities. Rooted in the profound...
Art and Politics with Eboni Taylor, Nafeesah Symonette, and Rhonda Green
On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with State Senate hopeful Eboni Taylor to discuss her vision for Michigan’s 3rd District as well as Nafeesah Symonette and Rhonda Green who gave insight into the Summer Arts Employment Training (SAET) Pro...
Concert of Colors: A Freedom & Healing Music Festival with Charles Erza Ferrell, De’Sean Jones and Kenny Green
On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Charles Erza Ferrell, De’Sean Jones, and Kenny Green to discuss the upcoming Concert of Colors Neighborhood Programs event.The Concert of Colors in Detroit is one of the nation’s longest-runni...
Amplify Outside: Recreation as Liberation with Ian Solomon
On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with interdisciplinary artist and founder of Amplify Outside, Ian Solomon to discuss recreation as liberation and how he plans to further amplify this message as the newest addition to the Authentically D...
Rebuilding The Village with Kayana Sessoms and Tarsha Gale
On this episode, Donna and Sam sat down with Hitha Healing House Founder and Executive Director, Kayana Sessoms and Executive Director of Brilliant Detroit, Tarsha Gale to discuss how their partnership is helping Detroit moms and their families...