What’s Ray Saying?
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- 65
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- monatlich
- Letzte Folge
- 28. Okt. 2026
Über den Podcast
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.
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The People America Doesn’t Study
America loves to study Black elites, celebrities, activists, and trauma but not the everyday working-class Black people who built the country. In this episode, Ray Christian turns his attention to the people …
Shownotes
America loves to study Black elites, celebrities, activists, and trauma but not the everyday working-class Black people who built the country. In this episode, Ray Christian turns his attention to the people who raised him, worked beside him, and shaped his understanding of the world: housekeepers, janitors, factory workers, veterans, bus drivers, and domestic workers.
Ray explores why these lives rarely appear in textbooks, documentaries, or curated museum exhibits and why the absence matters. He argues that the majority of Black Americans live stories that institutions never document, and that oral history becomes the only archive for people whose lives are essential but invisible. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider who they think represents Black America and why the people who keep the country running are the ones least likely to be studied.
Who Gets to Tell the Story?
In this episode, Ray addresses how a childhood spent in the grayness of working class Black life becomes a lens for understanding who America trusts to tell its stories. Ray revisits moments that shaped him …
Shownotes
In this episode, Ray addresses how a childhood spent in the grayness of working class Black life becomes a lens for understanding who America trusts to tell its stories. Ray revisits moments that shaped him, like a mother, too embarrassed to admit she couldn’t read, coal and kerosene keeping the house warm, government cheese keeping the family fed, and exposing the quiet truth: class decides who gets heard. This episode challenges the polished, institution-approved versions of Black history and asks listeners to reconsider who they rely on to interpret our collective past. History from the bottom isn’t optional. It’s the missing piece.
For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com
The Desert, the Mud and the Man
In this episode, Ray explores how a simple stretch of desert can turn into a place that asks bigger questions. He examines the pull of solitude, the way the land tests you, and the strange moment when the …
Shownotes
In this episode, Ray explores how a simple stretch of desert can turn into a place that asks bigger questions. He examines the pull of solitude, the way the land tests you, and the strange moment when the ground itself seems to rise up and remind you who you are. It’s a grounded, inviting story of heat, grit, and a man moving through his own thoughts. It’s how the mud becomes an unexpected place where everything slows down just enough for clarity to surface.
For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com.
The Day We Decided
An exploration of voting as a lived experience rather than a political act. Through personal stories, community memory, and historical context, this episode looks at how ordinary people understand the moment …
Shownotes
An exploration of voting as a lived experience rather than a political act. Through personal stories, community memory, and historical context, this episode looks at how ordinary people understand the moment they step into a voting booth. From first-time voters to elders who’ve seen decades of elections, the episode traces how choice, identity, and responsibility intersect in one quiet act. It’s not about candidates it’s about the people who carry democracy forward in their own hands.
For more in Ray, visit drraychristian.com.
The Chaplains Corps: Faith, Power, and the Cost of Service
The Chaplains Corps was created to offer comfort, guidance, and moral clarity to soldiers in the hardest moments of their lives. But chaplains also serve inside a system that demands obedience, violence, and …
Shownotes
The Chaplains Corps was created to offer comfort, guidance, and moral clarity to soldiers in the hardest moments of their lives. But chaplains also serve inside a system that demands obedience, violence, and silence. In this episode, Ray examines the long arc of the Corps — from its early entanglement with American wars to the modern pressures reshaping its mission today. Drawing on interviews, archival history, and his own years in uniform, Ray asks a deeper question: What does it mean to be a spiritual witness inside an institution that can break the very people it claims to protect? This is a story about faith, duty, and the quiet human cost that rarely makes it into the official record.
For more on Ray visit drraychristian.com.The Making of a Moral Leader: Reforming the Chaplain Corps
Ray and Chaplain Shabazz turn toward the future — what must change, what leadership should look like, and how the Chaplain Corps can evolve to meet the moral challenges of a new generation. Drawing on lived …
Shownotes
Ray and Chaplain Shabazz turn toward the future — what must change, what leadership should look like, and how the Chaplain Corps can evolve to meet the moral challenges of a new generation. Drawing on lived experience and institutional insight, Shabazz lays out a vision for a Corps rooted in justice, empathy, and real accountability. A closing conversation about courage, reform, and the work of building an institution worthy of the people it serves.
For more on Chaplain Colonel Shabazz, find him on Facebook or TikTok, and visit Ray at drraychristian.com.
The Making of a Moral Leader: Faith Under Pressure
In the heart of the series, Ray and Chaplain Colonel Shabazz confront the moments that tested him — morally, spiritually, and institutionally. They explore the conflicts he witnessed, the burdens he carried …
Shownotes
In the heart of the series, Ray and Chaplain Colonel Shabazz confront the moments that tested him — morally, spiritually, and institutionally. They explore the conflicts he witnessed, the burdens he carried, and the realities of being a Black Muslim officer in a system that often misunderstands both. This is where the quiet truths come out: the cost of service, the weight of conscience, and the thin line between obedience and survival. A powerful look at what happens when faith meets the machinery of war.
For more on Chaplain Colonel Shabazz, find him on Facebook or TikTok, and visit Ray at drraychristian.com.
The Making of a Moral Leader: The Story of Chaplain Colonel Shabazz
In this three-part series, Ray sits down with Chaplain Colonel Khallid Shabazz — a Muslim chaplain, a combat-tested officer, and a man who has spent his career navigating faith, duty, and the contradictions of …
Shownotes
In this three-part series, Ray sits down with Chaplain Colonel Khallid Shabazz — a Muslim chaplain, a combat-tested officer, and a man who has spent his career navigating faith, duty, and the contradictions of military life. Through candid conversation and hard-earned truth, Ray explores what it means to serve a country that doesn’t always serve you back, and how a Black Muslim officer carries moral authority inside an institution built on hierarchy, obedience, and tradition.
This series digs into the personal cost of leadership, the ethical weight of orders, and the quiet courage required to speak truth inside a system that often prefers silence. It’s a story about faith under pressure, conscience in uniform, and the long shadow of American history — told through the life of a man who has lived all three.
Visit Ray at https://drraychristian.com.
Bonus: Gear - Articles of Interest
This week, we're sharing an episode of the acclaimed podcast Articles of Interest, a show that explores the hidden history and surprising cultural power of what we wear. Ray talks with the show's creator, Avery …
Shownotes
This week, we're sharing an episode of the acclaimed podcast Articles of Interest, a show that explores the hidden history and surprising cultural power of what we wear. Ray talks with the show's creator, Avery Trufelman, as part of AOI's "Gear" series, which looks at the military and outdoor clothing we wear in our daily lives — from uniforms to specialized apparel — and how those design choices ripple outward into society, identity, and future fashion trends.
For more on Articles of Interest, visit https://www.articlesofinterest.co/podcast, and for more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com.
Obedience, Loyalty, and Survival
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 …
Shownotes
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 been the real engine of American progress. A sharp look at power, duty, and the courage it takes to say “no” when it matters most.
Tropes: Saying What You Mean
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 …
Shownotes
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 Tiffany Christian. For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com and support the show!
Bonus: Death, Sex and Money - What Military Service During “Peacetime” is Really Like
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 …
Shownotes
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 faced leaving military life behind. He reflects on the trauma he carried, his time as a paratrooper and drill sergeant, and how he eventually found his way into academia and storytelling. The conversation continues what Anna does best: exploring the hard questions and hidden struggles that shape our lives. You can find Death, Sex and Money wherever you get your podcasts.
Tropes - That Sounds Familiar
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 …
Shownotes
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, predetermined outcomes. As a public service, Ray presents his own prime example of the ultimate trope.
For more on Ray, visit drraychristian.com and support the show!Bonus: Our Ancestors Were Messy - Oscar Micheaux and the Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood
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 …
Shownotes
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
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 …
Shownotes
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.
Bonus - Best of RISK! 15
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 …
Shownotes
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
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 …
Shownotes
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"
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 …
Shownotes
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"
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 …
Shownotes
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.Voluntary and Chance Encounters: Black Fraternal and Sororal organizations
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 …
Shownotes
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
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 …
Shownotes
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
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
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 …
Shownotes
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
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 …
Shownotes
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
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 …
Shownotes
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
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 …
Shownotes
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
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
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 …
Shownotes
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
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.
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