PODCAST · society
Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will
by TAJ and Will
Pop culture meets racism and privilege. An homage to diversity. Each episode, TAJ and Will tackle social issues ranging from racism to gender bias and discuss how they dictate current events, whether in pop culture, across the globe, or somewhere in between.
Episodes
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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:...
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Episode 99 - I Guess You Don't Own Your Own Body
One away from the podcast’s hundredth episode! Big announcement coming in Episode 100, so don’t miss it! In Episode 99, TAJ & Will hold no punches against the anti-vaxxers of the NBA, and they discuss whether LeBron James should speak up on this matter, plus the vaccine becoming politicized and...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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...
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Episode 91 - Inclusion and Man-Made Laws
A lot to unpack in this episode. TAJ & Will have opposing perspectives on the recent controversy involving ESPN's Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor (5:00), and they discuss ESPN's history of mishandling issues linked to race, diversity VS inclusion, Bill Cosby being released from prison after…
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Episode 90 - Let Me Hold You
In this episode, TAJ & Will start with Bow Wow and Soulja Boy’s impact on them growing up. Then they talk about the Florida condo collapse as they switch from rescue to recovery mode, possible causes, and climate change. They also salute Carl Nassib for becoming the first active player in the NFL...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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Episode 84 - Administrative Leave
This episode, TAJ & Will discuss the defense of the Derek Chauvin trial, some of the recent shootings, the loopholes that exist within "the system", administrative leave, community and police discourse, and much more. Available on all podcast streaming platforms! IG: @breakbarrierpod, @ryals____...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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Episode 79 - When We Don't Control the Narrative
In this episode, TAJ & Will address the attacks targeting Asian American communities, Asians "not belonging" in society, the Britney Spears documentary, the power of rhetoric and media in controlling public perception, celebrating Black excellence, and much more! Want to hear us tackle a certain...
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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...
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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....
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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"....
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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Episode 68 - Justice for Wontons
In this episode, TAJ and Will talk about the Lakers winning the 2020 NBA championship (9:20) and show love to the Seattle Storm for winning the 2020 WNBA championship (14:40). Then, they share their thoughts on charges in the Breonna Taylor case not being related to her death (16:35), the...
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Episode 67 - Notorious
TAJ and Will kick off the podcast by showing love to Ruth Bader Ginsburg as one of the great Barrier Breakers of all time. Then, they talk about Lori Loughlin getting to choose her prison facility (7:30), White people not being comfortable with the fact that they have privilege (11:04), the…
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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...
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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)....
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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...
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Episode 62 - Caping for the Kardashians
Hip Hop Harry would be proud of this episode. TAJ and Will love hip hop, so it’s only right that they talk about recent events involving some of the biggest names of the genre. They start with their thoughts on the Verzuz battle of DMX vs Snoop Dogg. Then, they continue the hip hop conversation...
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Episode 61 - I Don't Believe in Science, I Believe in Signs
TAJ and Will discuss international college students being targeted during COVID-19 and education not being prioritized (10:50), Chance the Rapper’s stance on Kanye West for President, and how that perspective has an impact on the political game (24:30). Then, they talk about how society...
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Episode 60 - Black Lives Better
TAJ and Will give their thoughts on the 2020 BET Awards. Then, they discuss Lil Wayne’s take on police brutality (13:10), Terry Crews doubling (and tripling) down on his stance on the Black Lives Matter movement with concerns of “black lives matter” becoming “black lives better” (19:51), the need...
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Episode 58 - Kick Rocks Karen
In this super packed episode, TAJ and Will start by diving right into Karen culture (4:20). TAJ revisits the Get Out movie to give a wild conspiracy theory relevant now more than ever (is he right?) (10:20). They also talk about the complexity of mental illness being exploited, and Will stresses...
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Episode 57 - Do Not Mess with the Algorithm
During this episode, we have friend of the show Porsalin call in as we resume the necessary conversation about racism and privilege today. They discuss Blackout Tuesday, the patience and persistence of black people, media’s coverage of the protests, who are the “allies”, and much more. Be sure to...
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Episode 56 - A System Too Far Gone
Note: This episode was recorded the evening of May 28, 2020. During this episode, TAJ and Will talk about systemic racism, George Floyd, being black in America, protesting, white privilege, debate whether there is hope for “the system” to change for the better, and much more. Stay safe and…
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Episode 55 - Not Even Mike Could Be Like Mike
A doubleheader – two episodes drop in one day! On the night of “The Last Dance” Documentary’s final installment, TAJ and Will talk about the perception of Michael Jordan, revisit the GOAT debate of Lebron VS Jordan and its flaws, why being like Mike was an impossible task even for him, and more....
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Episode 54 - Social Refraining
TAJ and Will’s good friend Dennis is back to talk about haircuts during COVID-19, NCAA having to adjust to the athlete empowerment movement, young NBA prospects getting paid for their likeness without NCAA, does Lavar Ball deserve his flowers, and more. Like what you hear? Give us that 5-star...
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Episode 53 - Amid World Crumbling, Do You Still Want Children
TAJ and Will are joined by their good friend Dennis to discuss PTSD, mental health, nurses and doctors quitting during the pandemic, whether animals know about COVID-19, the new normal, streaming VS movie theaters, and much more. Serious talk to chill talk. Kick it with us! Like what you hear?…
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Episode 52 - Why Is Everything Chrome
TAJ and Will catch up and talk adjusting to the quarantine life, an update on Will’s health, hip-hop to the rescue yet again, TAJ hates uncertainty, taking in too much news could threaten your mental health, and more! Like what you hear? Give us that 5-star rating on Apple! Subscribe on Apple and...
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Episode 51 - Numb to the Panic
At times, there’s a disconnect between what the everyday person learns from the media and what’s actually happening. Early this week, TAJ and Will spoke to a nurse currently in the trenches during COVID-19. During this episode, Will gets a real-time diagnosis based on his symptoms (does he have…
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Episode 50 - Stop Naming Viruses After Locations
During this episode, TAJ and Will talk about celebrities and wealthy potentially getting priority testing over everyone even if they show no symptoms, TAJ sounds off as an Asian American against the use of the phrase “Chinese virus” in reference to COVID-19, the importance of not continuing the...
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Episode 49 - Coronavirus Cancels Socializing
During this important episode, TAJ and Will discuss the breaking news in the NBA that caused a ripple effect throughout all sports, staying calm while taking precautions, how privilege and wealth are at play, the importance of leadership on all levels at this time, the problem with the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Pop culture meets racism and privilege. An homage to diversity. Each episode, TAJ and Will tackle social issues ranging from racism to gender bias and discuss how they dictate current events, whether in pop culture, across the globe, or somewhere in between.
HOSTED BY
TAJ and Will
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will have?
Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will about?
Pop culture meets racism and privilege. An homage to diversity. Each episode, TAJ and Will tackle social issues ranging from racism to gender bias and discuss how they dictate current events, whether in pop culture, across the globe, or somewhere in between.
How often does Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will release new episodes?
Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will?
You can listen to Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will?
Breaking the Barrier with TAJ & Will is created and hosted by TAJ and Will.
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