Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will
By TAJ and Will
Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & WillApr 09, 2020
Episode 100 - Milestone
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!
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Email: breakbarrierpod@gmail.com
Episode 99 - I Guess You Don't Own Your Own Body
Episode 98 - Therapy, Rih, Shang-Chi
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
Episode 97 - Missing White Person Syndrome
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
Episode 96 - Take Yours Off
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
Episode 95 - Twenty Years Later
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
Episode 94 - Kanye's Message
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
Episode 93 - Blood Diamond
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
Episode 92 - Decompress
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
Episode 91 - Inclusion and Man-Made Laws
Episode 90 - Let Me Hold You
Episode 89 - Critical Race Theory
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
Episode 88 - Black Joy and Mental Health
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
Episode 87 - Fan Behavior
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
Episode 86 - Mask Off
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
Episode 85 - Adobo and Coon Chips
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
Episode 84 - Administrative Leave
Episode 83 - Saint Was a Saint
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
Episode 82 - Jesus Was My Homeboy
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!
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IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____ @yourmomsfavpodcast
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals @yurmomsfavorite
Episode 81 - N-Word Withdrawal
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
Episode 80 - Stick to Sports
TAJ & Will's good friend Dennis calls in, and they talk about the WNBA sparking movements for positive change, new Atlanta Dream ownership, and whether Maya Moore should return to the WNBA. Then, they discuss the NBA season, Kyrie Irving's thoughts on Kobe Bryant becoming the new logo, football player Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticizing LeBron James, and more. [This episode, they also gave their All-Star weekend predictions, which turned out to be strong and wrong lol]
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!
Find us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Google, etc.
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 79 - When We Don't Control the Narrative
Episode 78 - Kylo Shkreli
Happy birthday to Will, a young king! Cash app this man, $WilliamJamesRyals!
For this episode, now that the dust seems to have settled (or nah), TAJ & Will talk about Gamestop, Robinhood, and good ol' capitalism. They also acknowledge the recent loss of some historical barrier breakers, including Cicely Tyson. Then, they discuss churches making political stances, plus much 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
Episode 77 - The Government Listens to our Podcast
Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this episode, TAJ & Will talk about the side of Dr. King that wasn't taught in their elementary schools. They also revisit the "Get Out" theory from Episode 58 of this podcast and wonder how the present will be viewed in history books 50 years from now. Other topics include censorship, freedom of speech, the Nets, LeBron VS Jordan, and much 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
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IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 76 - End White Supremacy to Lower Gas Prices
The first episode of 2021 is here! No surprises in this one: TAJ & Will quickly exchange pleasantries before diving right into the recent attack on the Capitol and the many layers of what unfolded. They also talk about Showtime's new TV series Your Honor and the parallels it has to "the system". Other topics include Georgia and Stacey Abrams, the NBA season, and much 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
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IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 75 – Morrow and the Boys (NBA Edition)
In celebration of the podcast’s second birthday, TAJ & Will invite special guest Dennis for an NBA edition on the season tipoff week! Topics include Dennis holding on to hope with the Knicks, Will’s high expectations of the Lakers, and TAJ’s loyalty to the Nets during the struggle years in Newark. They clash on playoff predictions, and they talk about the Bucks, the Rockets, James Harden, Lebron James, and much more. Kick it with us for a much-needed stress-free episode of laughs and basketball.
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!
NEW on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 74 - Obama's Rollout
NEW on YouTube! The goal is 30 subscribers by the end of 2020! Get your friends! Get your family! Subscribe! Rock with us, and we'll be posting exclusive video content!
This episode, TAJ & Will jump right into their issues with the Grammys and mainstream award shows, including snubs of artists like The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar. Then, they talk about Barack Obama being against the slogan “defund the police”. Other topics include Vanderbilt kicker Sarah Fuller being the first woman to score in a Power Five college football game, soccer star turned COVID19 doctor, and much more!
As always, big shoutout to the legends, AZ and Nas!
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!
NEW on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 73 - Home Box Office Maximilian
NEW on YouTube! The goal is 30 subscribers by the end of 2020! Get your friends! Get your family! Subscribe! Rock with us, and soon we'll be posting exclusive video content!
TAJ & Will are back from the holiday break and talk about the much needed glimpse of normalcy with family time in 2020. They also talk a bit about COVID concerns putting a hold on Christmas and holiday gatherings. Then, as the episode title implies, they talk about many things HBO, from The Undoing to the pros and cons of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion. They also talk about Euphoria’s comeback, and they show their appreciation for shows like Grey’s Anatomy that address COVID and current social issues.
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!
NEW on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qneYn1sQUikJknAXVjKjA
Available on all podcast streaming platforms!
IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 72 - The Real Heroines Among People of Color
Rock with us for one of our looser episodes! They talk about Eva Longoria's recent comments that came across as a slight to Black women voters (she apologized for this), and they get into a discussion about when the term "people of color" becomes problematic. They also salute to Barrier Breaker Kim Ng as the first woman to become an MLB General Manager, and they show love to the great Alex Trebek and what he meant to family dinner time. Other topics include them adjusting to video recording (we are now on YouTube!), the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, murder mysteries, and much more. TAJ & Will are all over the place in this episode with sidebars, jokes, and reminiscing about past shows and simpler times.
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!
Help the Philippines! https://www.simplygiving.com/event/MTBmN2NkMTItZjY0ZS00ZjM4LWFlNTMtZDFkNWUyNDRhZGNl?secret=true
NEW on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaPM4erObAERU2-W9EQuLO7uMUssFpE6r
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IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 71 - Pole Workers
Recorded this the night before Joe Biden was declared the winner, but some people have not yet let go. TAJ and Will are back to discuss the election, electoral college, historic turnout of voters, people realizing the importance of their vote, swing states, the "cool and lazy" take on politics and government, why are religion and politics mixed together so often, the NBA rushing into the next season, 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!
Available on all major streaming platforms! YouTube too?! Stay tuned!
IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 70 - Pinoy
Throughout this episode, TAJ and Will celebrate Filipino American History Month! TAJ reflects on his experience growing up as a Filipino American (10:18) and they talk about Filipino culture going unnoticed in the mainstream (14:36). Then, they get into the End SARS movement in Nigeria and compare it to the current protests in the US (23:14). They also talk about the history of corruption in the Philippines around the 70s, plus the assassination of Ninoy Aquino Jr. leading to the People Power Revolution (28:40). They also have an unfiltered discussion about hypocrisy in religion (38:28), San Francisco’s CAREN Act and Will’s suggestion for improved emergency calls (45:40), and our Nigerian correspondent shares his thoughts on the End SARS movement (48:20).
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!
Available on all major streaming platforms!
IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 69 - Reparations and Contracts
TAJ and Will salute to the NBA as this episode’s Barrier Breaker and show love to Jeanie Buss as the first woman to win an NBA championship as the team’s controlling governor. Then, they discuss California potentially becoming the first state to follow through with reparations (13:34). They also talk about a new program in Denver that sends a paramedic and mental health expert to 9-1-1 calls instead of police (15:53), and then they give their takes on the backlash Ice Cube has gotten for connecting with Trump (25:00).
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!
Available on all major streaming platforms!
IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 68 - Justice for Wontons
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IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 67 - Notorious
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IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 66 - Crabs and Celebrations
TAJ and Will start with some exciting news to share about the podcast! Then, since school is back (for now), they talk about schools reopening. Then, TAJ presents a pyramid scheme that he feels everyone would love to join and speaks out against the “crabs in a bucket” mentality (9:35). Back with another Switch Up (until they hilariously fail and abandon it mid-segment): TAJ and Will tackle the mention of White privilege after Steve Nash becomes the Nets head coach (16:45). Then, they celebrate some of today’s Barrier Breakers, including Naomi Osaka for winning the US Open while honoring Black victims of racial injustice (39:25), Dak Prescott for opening up about depression and anxiety (46:30), and NFL players locking arms for unity during the national anthem and being met with boos (54:20). Then, TAJ and Will address “All Buildings Matter” and share their experiences on September 11, 2001 (57:00). Will brings up the issue of this country’s fixation on trauma (1:02:35), and TAJ talks about news coverage and society’s infatuation with sensationalism and negativity (1:06:20).
Want to hear us tackle a certain topic/story? Email breakbarrierpod@gmail.com or slide in the DMs with suggestions, and we’ll try to cover it on the pod and give you a shoutout!
Available on all major streaming platforms!
IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 65 - Purpose
TAJ and Will dedicate the podcast to King Chadwick Boseman and start the podcast by reflecting on his influence, life purpose, and his ability to wear the hero cape in real life. Then, the two of them have a vulnerable conversation about their takes on everything that’s come with 2020 (18:20). Then, friendly banter ensues to lighten the mood, including the fate of TAJ’s beard potential and Will on gray hair (23:12). Then, they talk about the Jacob Blake shooting (23:00) and the raw responses of the WNBA, NBA and sports world (46:00), the NBA resuming the season with a plan of action for addressing social issues (57:00), and more!
Also mentioned in this episode: disability bias, representation matters, not giving good people their flowers while they’re here, misconceptions of politicians, athletes not shutting up and dribbling, and more.
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IG: @thebreakbarrierpod, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 64 - Chin Strap
The podcast starts with TAJ sharing his experiences with hospital food (2:15) before he and Will talk about the impact of COVID19 on hospitals. This leads to a discussion about the recent report that Black newborns are more likely to die when looked after by White doctors (11:30). Then, they discuss Megan Thee Stallion breaking her silence about the situation with Tory Lanez and then have an honest conversation about how society treats Black women (26:20). They also talk about the footage that was just released of the altercation involving an arena security officer and Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri (48:00).
Also mentioned in this episode: capitalism in health, the surprise teams of the NBA playoffs, Luka Doncic, Lori Loughlin’s prison sentence in college admissions case, Kamala Harris, USPS issues ahead of the election, and more!
Stay tuned for more updates from us. Some good stuff on deck!
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IG: @tajfcruz, @ryals____
Twitter: @breakbarrierpod, @tajfcruz, @therealryals
Episode 63 - Lord Knows, Periodt
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Episode 62 - Caping for the Kardashians
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Episode 61 - I Don't Believe in Science, I Believe in Signs
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Episode 60 - Black Lives Better
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Episode 59 - Tweets and Out In These Streets
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Episode 58 - Kick Rocks Karen
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Episode 57 - Do Not Mess with the Algorithm
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Episode 56 - A System Too Far Gone
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Episode 55 - Not Even Mike Could Be Like Mike
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Episode 54 - Social Refraining
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Episode 53 - Amid World Crumbling, Do You Still Want Children
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Episode 52 - Why Is Everything Chrome
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Episode 51 - Numb to the Panic
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