The Ryles Report

The Ryles Report
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You’re hearing all these buzzwords in the news and on social media. And if you don’t understand the historical context then you won’t understand what is happening today in the world around us. Well no worries because you’re now listening to the Ryles Report. This is our chance to sit down and connect the dots between history and the world we live in today. My name is Richard Ryles and as an attorney and community leader, I blend candid conversations with historians, artists, educators, and changemakers. Together, we explore how the past shapes the issues, culture, and people we care about most.Love, Life, and Politics.So follow along wherever you get to your podcast. 

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 205 - Boyah Farah Returns to Tackle the Global "Psychological Warfare" of Racism

    In this episode of The Ryles Report, host Richard Ryles welcomes back author Boyah J. Farah for his second appearance on the show to discuss the profound intersections of the African diaspora and the American experience. Farah, who wrote America Made Me a Black Man, shares his unique journey from arriving as a Somali refugee in 1993 to navigating the "psychological warfare" of American racism. Throughout their rigorous dialogue, they cover a wide range of topics, including the disconnect between African immigrants and African Americans, the role of media propaganda in shaping negative stereotypes, and how the Somali community utilizes faith and ancient traditions to maintain cultural resilience. The conversation concludes with a forward-looking analysis of the rise of Africa and the necessity of creating an "African-driven democracy" that prioritizes the family unit over Western capitalist models. Share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #Rylesreport

    53 min

  2. 7 MAY

    Ep. 204 - Don't Lose Big Mama's House: Professor Bernadette Atuahene on The Fight for Reparative Justice

    On this episode of The Ryles Report, Richard Ryles sits down with Professor Bernadette Atuahene, a property law professor, community organizer, and scholar whose work focuses on land stolen from Black people. Professor Atuahene is the author of Plunder: How Public Finance Became Public Theft, as well as We Want What’s Ours: Learning from South Africa’s Land Restitution Program. Her research has taken her from South Africa’s post-apartheid land restitution efforts to Detroit, where she uncovered widespread, unconstitutional property tax assessments that devastated Black homeowners and contributed to mass tax foreclosures.  Together, Richard and Professor Atuahene discuss how racist policies—not just individual prejudice—shape housing, wealth, and opportunity in America. They explore Detroit’s property tax foreclosure crisis, the impact of redlining, racial covenants, urban renewal, blockbusting, appraisal bias, heirs’ property, and the racial wealth gap. Professor Atuahene also explains her work with the Coalition for Property Tax Justice and the Dignity Restoration Project, which seeks compensation for Detroit residents harmed by illegally inflated property taxes. The conversation also turns to South Africa, land theft, reparations, and what communities can do to challenge unjust tax systems and protect Black homeownership. Listen in, learn something new, and join the conversation online. Use the hashtag #TheRylesReport to share your thoughts on social media.

    50 min

  3. 30 APR

    Ep. 203 ESPN journalist and author Howard Bryan talks Sports & Politics

    In this episode of The Ryles Report, Richard welcomes ESPN journalist Howard Bryant to discuss his book, Kings and Pawns, which examines the complex intersection of the Cold War and the lives of Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson. The conversation explores how Robeson, a brilliant "Renaissance man" and All-American athlete, was effectively erased from history due to his independent political stance and refusal to disassociate from anti-capitalist ideologies during the Red Scare. Bryant details the 1949 House Un-American Activities Committee testimony that pitted these two icons against one another, analyzing the "double consciousness" of the Black experience and the strategic decision by the Black establishment to decouple domestic civil rights from global Pan-African movements.  The discussion also challenges the idealized narrative of baseball integration, specifically re-evaluating Branch Rickey’s motivations. Bryant reveals that Rickey was a conservative anti-New Dealer who initially sought to integrate the game using international Latin American players on work visas to avoid upsetting domestic segregation. Moving into the present day, Richard and Howard critique the modern state of baseball, noting how stylistic choices and business decisions have led to a decline in Black American participation, making the sport a "white suburban game reinforced by foreign labor".  Share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #TheRylesReport

    47 min

  4. 23 APR

    Ep. 202 Decolonizing Education and Institutions with Brian Knowles

    In this episode of The Ryles Report, host Richard Ryles welcomes Brian Knowles back to the studio to discuss the critical intersection of historical truth, community agency, and the "immortal" nature of Jim Crow. Together, they examine how false historical narratives are weaponized in public education and explore the urgent need for the Black community to reclaim its own educational and institutional destiny. Key discussion points include a candid critique of the "Teddy Bridgewater law" and its impact on urban youth sports, the psychological impact of internalized oppression, and a pointed examination of why some organizations founded for progress may now be working against community interests. Join us for this powerful conversation and share your thoughts on social media using #RylesReport.

    40 min

  5. 16 APR

    Ep. 201 - Fabienne Josaphat Joins The Ryles Report to Discuss Kingdom of No Tomorrow

    We’re back! Season 2 of The Ryles Report kicks off with an unforgettable episode featuring Fabienne Josaphat, acclaimed author of Kingdom of No Tomorrow—a historical fiction novel that has left a lasting impact on host Richard Ryles. In a rare turn, Ryles—who openly admits he doesn’t usually read fiction—reveals that this book has become one of his personal favorites, striking a deeply personal chord from the very first pages.  In this thought-provoking conversation, Josaphat shares the inspiration behind her novel, which explores the Black Power era, the legacy of the Black Panther Party, and the emotional truths that fiction can uncover in ways history books often cannot. The discussion dives into powerful themes including activism versus individualism, the role of community in social progress, the parallels between 1960s Haiti and modern-day America, and the importance of collective responsibility in today’s cultural climate. Listeners will also hear insights on: The historical roots and impact of the Black Panther PartyHaiti’s political past and its influence on identity and resistanceThe dangers of “radical individualism” in modern societyHow storytelling can bridge gaps across the African diasporaWhy community-building—not just capitalism—is essential for real changeThis episode is a compelling blend of history, culture, and forward-thinking dialogue that challenges listeners to reflect on where we’ve been—and where we’re headed. 🎧 Tune in, join the conversation, and let us know your thoughts using #RylesReport.

    42 min

  6. 19 FEB

    Ep. 22 - Proof That One Choice Can Echo for Generations: Legacy, Education & Opportunity

    In Episode 22 of The Ryles Report, Richard Ryles sits down with attorney and author Walter Pryor for a powerful conversation about legacy, sacrifice, and the life-changing impact of family. From growing up in the rural South to navigating elite institutions, Pryor shares how his grandmother’s handwritten letters, faith, and bold decisions shaped not only his future—but generations after him. This episode dives into themes of education, identity, colorism, resilience, and the enduring strength of community. It’s a story about where we come from, who we carry with us, and what it really takes to change a family’s trajectory. Listen now and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts using #RylesReport.

    31 min

  7. 13 FEB

    Ep. 21 - Exposing Cultural Wars, Federal Secrets, and NFL Corruption with Attorney Dedrick Straghn

    In this episode of The Ryles Report, Richard Ryles is joined by Attorney Dedrick Straghn to tackle the intersection of cultural identity and systemic power. They kick things off by dissecting the recent halftime show controversy between Bad Bunny and Turning Point, using the debate to explore the historical reasons why the U.S. has no official federal language. The conversation challenges the idea that "Black faces in high places" always equate to progress, offering a grounded perspective on the difference between representation and true advocacy. The duo also pulls back the curtain on the NFL, examining Eric Dickerson’s claims of corruption and the league's troubled history with race-norming and the Rooney Rule. With no Black head coaches hired in the most recent cycle, Richard and Dedrick investigate whether the system is designed to fail. It’s a candid, unfiltered look at sports, law, and liberty that you won't want to miss. Use the hashtag #RylesReport to share your thoughts on the episode!

    54 min
  8. Ep. 20 - APARTHEID VS. JIM CROW: The Universal Fight for Black Rights

    5 FEB

    Ep. 20 - APARTHEID VS. JIM CROW: The Universal Fight for Black Rights

    In this episode of The Ryles Report, host Richard Ryles sits down with South African creator Sanelisiwe Jobodwana to explore the striking parallels between the African American and South African experiences. From the haunting legacy of Jim Crow to the modern complexities of post-apartheid South Africa, they discuss the universal fight for rights, land, and economic liberation. Sanelisiwe offers a raw look at what has truly changed since 1994 and why a new generation of "revolutionary leaders" is essential to finishing the work their parents started. Share your thoughts on the episode using the hashtag #TheRylesReport.

    48 min
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About

You’re hearing all these buzzwords in the news and on social media. And if you don’t understand the historical context then you won’t understand what is happening today in the world around us. Well no worries because you’re now listening to the Ryles Report. This is our chance to sit down and connect the dots between history and the world we live in today. My name is Richard Ryles and as an attorney and community leader, I blend candid conversations with historians, artists, educators, and changemakers. Together, we explore how the past shapes the issues, culture, and people we care about most.Love, Life, and Politics.So follow along wherever you get to your podcast. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Ryles Report
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean

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