The podcast's one hundredth episode! Much love and appreciation for our listeners and viewers, whether you were part of the convo since Episode One, Episode 50, or just recently --- thank you all for rocking with us! On this milestone episode, TAJ & Will tackle the podcast’s most heralded topic: separating the art from the artist. Can you enjoy R. Kelly’s music while knowing he was found guilty of charges that include sexual exploitation of a child and sex trafficking? Did you rush to hear Kanye’s Donda album despite everything he was saying just a couple years ago? And how do we determine if someone linked to an artist is “guilty by association”? Do you tune into NFL every week with knowledge of how Colin Kaepernick was silenced? A lot of layers to this topic, and the both of them get into all of it. Then, as promised, they have a special announcement on the podcast’s one hundredth! Rock with us!
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IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
Kick it with us for this chill episode! TAJ & Will have some meaningful therapy talk after TAJ talks about having his first ever therapy session this week. Then, they talk about the representation and impact of Rihanna's Fenty show and the unfortunate truth about how things unfolded with Britney Spears and the conservatorship. TAJ & Will also find parallels between their respective emotional experiences watching Shang-Chi and the Black Panther, both getting the full Marvel blockbuster treatment. Then, they discuss R. Kelly being found guilty of all charges after 11 sexual abuse victims testified against him.
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
In this episode, TAJ & Will unpack some of the layers of Netflix's Clickbait limited series, from race to workplace privilege, plus the pros and cons of social media. They also talk about its parallels to the real-life coverage of Gabby Petito and discuss "missing white woman syndrome". Then, they touch on representation at the recent Emmys. Rest In Peace, Gabby Petito.
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will had a blast recording this one. In this entertaining episode, they disagree as they discuss Nicki Minaj's COVID-19 vaccine tweets (9:50). They also talk about the influence of celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Kyrie Irving on the public, and they get into Kyrie's mysterious tweet mentioning his "mask is off" (16:45). Other topics include the US Women's Gymnastics Olympians calling out the FBI and the system for enabling the abuse of gymnasts by Larry Nassar (36:00), the podcast's thoughts on the screening process for deciding on the best therapist for you (43:55), the latest Verzuz battle between Fat Joe and Ja Rule (0:30), the MET Gala, the US Open Women's Final, and more! Rock w/ us!
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will start the episode with a tribute to barrier breaker and legendary actor Michael K. Williams, and they talk about the memorable characters he played throughout his career (3:00). Afterward, they congratulate Derek Jeter for being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame and talk about him as a role model (17:00). Then, for the 20th anniversary of September 11, they both recount their experiences of that day as kids (26:00), the trauma that comes with seeing September 11 unfold at a young age (30:40), xenophobia, and TAJ shares his emotional experience at the 9/11 memorial in 2009 (36:40). They end the episode with their thoughts on the Texas abortion ban and rape (41:25).
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
This episode is a good one. School is back, but during such uncertain times. Is it safe for the students? Is it safe for the teachers? Should all workers be vaccinated? TAJ & Will start this episode by discussing school returning to in-person classes during covid, the remaining unvaccinated folks, required vaccinations, did society reopen too early, and more. Then, they shift gears to the polarizing Kanye West after the release of his album, "Donda" (24:30). They talk about how people flip-flopped their stance on Kanye, Kanye tying his actions and music to God, what message is Kanye trying to send, the coupling of religion and conservatives, and caring for Kanye's mental health while holding him accountable. Barrier Breakers: Shang-Chi (now in theaters!) for repping as Marvel's first Asian superhero and Nia DaCosta for being the 1st Black woman director with a top box office debut (for Candyman).
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will talk about the "Hood Olympics" and #CrateChallenge that took over social media (10:45), does society care about the health and wellbeing of sex workers plus OnlyFans reversing their plan to ban sexually explicit content (16:30), Beyonce getting backlash for the new Tiffany & Co. campaign (29:40), and much more! Other topics include a salute to MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani for his historic season, sending love to Aaliyah, and hip-hop shoutouts including Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Fat Joe.
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
And we back! Super chill episode. Will returns as a married man. TAJ & Will start the episode by reflecting on the great wedding and reception that you missed. Then, the two share recent nightmare airport and flight stories (14:50), including anti-maskers delaying TAJ's flight (23:05) and Will's return to JFK Airport from his honeymoon (29:30). Kick it with us!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
In this packed episode, TAJ & Will start with some light talk about the “speak now” wedding tradition. Then (7:00), they get into their past experiences in US history class, Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday while schools are being banned from teaching about it, critical race theory, a recent Jersey City school history assignment comparing police killings to lynchings, whether saying “Stop Asian Hate” is problematic, Pride Month and the Stonewall Riots, a recent Euro football incident as another example of not valuing mental health of athletes, and much more! Yes, in our bag.
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will start the episode with some brief mourning for the Lakers, they discuss whether the NBA really cares about the health of the players, and they compare expectations of young LeBron to young MJ. Then, they give their initial thoughts on the new season of Showtime's The Chi, the show's Black joy, and their mention of "defunding the police" (18:30). Afterward, they talk about Naomi Osaka withdrawing from the French Open while revealing mental health struggles, sports addressing (or not addressing) mental health, and how society views celebrities citing mental health issues (32:30). Rock w/ us as we cover all that and more in this episode!
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will start the episode with their thoughts on the latest episode of HBO's The Shop, which was blessed with gems from Jay-Z. Then, they talk about the 1st Round of the NBA Playoffs, surprising teams, NBA's top five players today, comparing Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry, and more. This leads to a debate about the recent incidents of disrespectful NBA fan behavior, protecting the players, and more.
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
And we back! TAJ & Will talk about the recent CDC and Biden updates on no longer wearing masks, the NBA playoffs, DC sending mental health crisis teams to some 911 calls, Gigi Bryant’s purpose, the WNBA, Showtime’s "The Chi" returns with a new season, and more. Other topics include J. Cole, "Two Distant Strangers", racism being political, and the Ellen Degeneres Show coming to an end. Rock w/ us as we run through all these topics!
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will talk about street dining during covid, some of the barrier-breaking moments of the Oscars, representation in the film industry, finding out that "Parasite" had no acting nominations, Joe Rogan VS Fauci: who are you taking health advice from, vaccine privilege in America while countries continue to struggle with shortages of crucial supplies for survival, Dr. Umar saying that Naomi Osaka should not represent Japan in the Olympics, Naomi Osaka speaking out for Black Lives Matter, and much more.
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
TAJ & Will start the podcast by showing love to DMX and talking about what made him so unique and transcend hip-hop. They also talk about celebrating legends and barrier breakers while they're here, spirituality, and assumptions about addiction. Then, they discuss the attention-seekers of social media and the desire to be "first to report" clashing with integrity and ethics in journalism (28:20). TAJ & Will also veer into an honest conversation about self-empowerment (47:30) and a common mistake people make when getting into relationships (54:00). Then, they wonder if there should be a day of "no social media access" each year (58:00). They conclude this episode with appreciation for Earth, Wind & Fire and the Isley Brothers after their incredible Verzuz battle (1:02:30). Rest In Peace, Earl Simmons!
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
One of the best episodes yet. TAJ & Will are joined by their good friend Kenny of “Conversations with YourMomsFavorite”, who calls in for this special episode. They start with some quick pro-vax talk, and then they discuss the film: Judas and the Black Messiah (7:50). Their breakdown touches on pros and cons of casting the same people for the underrepresented, and also whether films portraying the Black plight are traumatizing for Black viewers (15:45). They talk about Meghan McCain’s comments on “identity politics”, her qualifications, and representation after posting her support for #StopAsianHate (29:05). Then, TAJ & Will get into a heated discussion about whether Asian people are doing enough to lead the #StopAsianHate movement and TAJ gets into the stark reality of Asian people not being seen, heard, or checked on (37:25). The unfiltered back-and-forth continues with a discussion about Asian representation, anti-Blackness, and the root cause of societal divide (50:15). Super packed episode. Rock with us.
Want to hear us tackle a certain topic/story? Email breakbarrierpod@gmail.com or slide in the DMs with suggestions, and we’ll cover it on the pod and give you a shoutout!
Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____ @yourmomsfavpodcast
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals @yurmomsfavorite
In this episode, TAJ & Will start with a discussion about New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and whether he should resign amid allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. Then, they talk about racism within the Royal family, media coverage contrast of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, and the interview with Oprah. They also talk about NBA player Meyers Leonard uttering an anti-Semitic slur, Papa John spending months to remove the n-word from his vocabulary, anti-Asian hate crimes, and more.
Want to hear us tackle a certain topic/story? Email breakbarrierpod@gmail.com or slide in the DMs with suggestions, and we’ll cover it on the pod and give you a shoutout!
Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals