What's Ray Saying?
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.
Episodes
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 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 ac
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 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 inter
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 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 w
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, 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, a
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 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 ca
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 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
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 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. 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 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 eventual
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 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 drraychristia
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. 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 eventuall
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 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
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
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 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
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 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
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 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 th
What's Up with Ray?
A message from Ray.
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 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 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 t
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 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,
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 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 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 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 Studio
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 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.
Bonus: Snap Judgment - Acid Jump
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.
Ray's Ruminations: Stay in your lane
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
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 shar
Ray's Ruminations: What's a Story?
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
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
What Do I Tell My Son About Being a Man?
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 d
Letters Home
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. Jona
Know Your Place
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 th
This is the Sound of My Voice
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.
Black in the Military
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 edi
Ruffling Through Our Closet
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.
Black Medicine
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
What's Ray Saying is Back!
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
WRS Classic: Childs Play
In 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.
WRS Classic: Blacks and Indians
Ray explores the complex history and relationship between Black Americans and the Native people of America.
WRS Classic: Black Leadership Part 3—Challenging Authority
Ray explores Black leadership from the 1940s to now to reflect on it challenges and its legacies.
WRS Classic: Black Leadership Part 2—The Elite Class
Ray explores Black leadership from the emergence of an elite class, with varying perspectives and experiences.
WRS Classic: Black American Leadership Part 1—Sources and Origins
In this episode part one of a three part series on Black leadership, Ray explores the origins of Black influence and authority in America.
WRS Classic: Black Hair Issues
Ray explores the cultural and historical significance of Afro textured hair.
WRS Classic: Black Americans and the Police
Ray explores the history and complicated relationship with Black Americans and the police.
WRS Classic: Black in the City
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
Ray talks about Black American naming practice, history, traditions and conventions from slavery to the 20th century.
WRS Classic: The Storyteller's Journey Part 3
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
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.
WRS Classic: The Storytellers Journey Part 1
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 shares which stories white people hear, which stories are just for “family”, and reflections on Ray’s introduction to the art of storytelling.
WRS Classic: An Imaginary Past
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.
WRS Classic: Changes and Adaptation
Ray examines the nature of Black American assimilation into white culture.
WRS Classic: Education—in Black and White
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.
WRS Classic: Dying While Black
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?
WRS Classic: Line of Departure
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.
WRS Classic: Brothers in Arms
From the birth of this nation until today, Ray explores the complexities of life as a soldier of color in the US.
WRS Classic: Hunger
From food stamps to gov'ment cheese—what it meant, how it helped, how we felt about it then, and what we think about it now.
WRS Classic: Complexion
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?
WRS Classic: Life After Slavery
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.
WRS Classic: Welcome to "What's Ray Saying?"
Want to know what this podcast is all about? Listen to Ray, the host, share a little of his vision and focus for the show as well as a little about himself.
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