Breaking Barriers Podcast

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The Breaking Barriers Podcast is a weekly conversation about changing the narrative for boys and young men of color in Buffalo, New York. Hosted by Daniel Robertson of Say Yes Buffalo, the podcast will feature guests who are working to change how young men of color are viewed and shine a spotlight o…

Breaking Barriers Podcast


    • Oct 20, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 46 EPISODES

    5 from 14 ratings Listeners of Breaking Barriers Podcast that love the show mention: buffalove.



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    Latest episodes from Breaking Barriers Podcast

    Breaking Barriers Podcast feat. Reggie Keith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 33:17


    On this episode, Dorian and new Breaking Barriers Podcast co-host Tyeler, sit down with Reggie Keith. Reggie is the Founder of Canna House, Western New York's premiere cannabis social club. The guys chop it up with Reggie about how he ventured into the cannabis space, the opportunities presented by the cannabis industry, now that it's legal in New York State, the challenges for young people in the space and so much more.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast feat. O.J. Barker

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2022 57:44


    Check out the latest episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast. Joe, Xavier and Dorian sit down with Drumwork Music Group's O.J. Barker. They discuss the flourishing music scene in Buffalo, the ascension of Drumwork Music, keeping the legacy of O.J.'s brother Weeze alive and much more.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast feat. Byron Cogdell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 39:45


    Xavier and Dorian sit down with Byron Cogdell, Owner of the Hoagie Stop in Buffalo. They discuss how he started his business from his backyard, how it's becoming one of Buffalo's fastest growing small businesses, his plan on growing and franchising the brand and much more. To see this interview, head over to YouTube or just CLICK HERE.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast feat. Yusef Burgos

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 49:49


    Xavier, Joseph and Dorian sits down with entrepreneur, accountant and owner of The Cellar, Yusef Burgos. The chop it up about how he balances working full time as an accountant with owning Buffalo's only luxury sneaker boutique, the importance of keeping your books together in business, the idea of the "Black Tax" and much more.

    Season 5 - Episode 2 feat. Jerrell Mason

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 58:24


    Check out the latest episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast featuring Jerrell Mason, Director of Community Engagement for Best Self. Daniel, Xavier and Dorian chop it up with Jerrell about how his troubled past helped direct his steps in becoming a mentor, community leader and advocate for those suffering from homelessness.

    Season 5 - Episode 5 feat. Bruce Warrick

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 52:43


    The Breaking Barriers Podcast is back for the launch of season 5. Daniel, Xavier and new co-host Dorian sit down with the Founder of Trust God Ministries and the Trust God clothing brand Bruce Warrick. Bruce gets personal about his tumultuous relationship with his parents coming up, his marriage and family, his commitment to the youth, how he came to God, how he built a wildly successful clothing brand and so much more.

    Season 4 - Episode 6 feat. Stefan Coker

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 49:31


    What's Pop-In?? Check out the latest episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast. Xavier and Daniel sit down with Stefan Coker of Whats Pop-In Gourmet Popcorn. The guys chop it up about Stefan's incredible backstory, the business of popcorn, the power of entrepreneurship and so much more.

    Season 4 - Episode 5 feat. Terrance DuBois

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 61:42


    Dwayne, Xavier and Daniel sit down with financial advisor and Founder of the TLD Financial Literacy Cards, Terrance DuBois, to discuss all things financial literacy, the importance of investing, building generational wealth and so much more. For more information about TLD Financial Literacy Cards, visit: https://www.tldflashcards.com Also follow Terrance on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tl_dubois

    Season 4 - Episode 4 feat. Ivory Robinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 64:09


    On this episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, Xavier and Daniel sit down with Ivory Robinson, CEO of HARP Data Connections. They discuss Ivory's upbringing, the importance of reliable technology in underserved communities, closing the digital divide for disproportionately disadvantaged communities and so much more.

    Season 4 - Episode 3 feat. Chef Stephen Forman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 53:46


    Breaking Barriers teamed up with the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals for their fourth annual Black Restaurant Week in Buffalo. In addition to experiencing some of the most amazing food in Buffalo, during this week, the Breaking Barriers Podcast will highlight some of the most prolific and sought after chefs in the city. On this episode, Dwayne, Xavier and Daniel sit down with Chef Stephen Forman, Executive Chef at Delaware North and Owner of Thyme-n-Honey. Chef Stephen chops it up with the fellas about what goes into making the perfect meal and even gives them a cooking demonstration

    Season 4 - Episode 2 feat. Manna @ Northland

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 38:13


    Breaking Barriers teamed up with the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals for their fourth annual Black Restaurant Week in Buffalo. In addition to experiencing some of the most amazing food in Buffalo, during this week, the Breaking Barriers Podcast will highlight some of the most prolific and sought after chefs in the city. On this episode, Dwayne, Xavier and Daniel sit down with Chef Holt and Chef Ingram, Owners of Manna @ Northland. They talk about how Manna quickly became one of the most in demand restaurants in the city. The chefs also make a bold claim about just how good their fried chicken is.

    Season 4 - Episode 1 feat. Dr. Carl Stokes Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 46:04


    Happy 2021! On the season premiere of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, Daniel and Xavier sit down with Dr. Carl Stokes Jr., an award-winning social worker, educator and speaker. They talk to Dr. Stokes about his new book, "Reclaim Your Visibility", his own challenges of navigating fatherhood at a young age, The Black Fatherhood Pledge, and so much more.

    Season 3 - Episode 15 - 2020 Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 43:58


    On this episode, Daniel, Dwayne, Xavier and newest member of the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council, Deonte, wrap up what has been a very eventful 2020 calendar year. They also discuss what the are looking forward to going into 2021, as well as invite Breaking Barriers Podcast Producer Jamil Crews to the pod.

    Season 3 - Episode 14 feat. Christopher Smitherman, II

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 48:32


    On this episode, Dwayne and Daniel sit with Christopher Smitherman, II, Operations Associate for McDonald's Corporation. They discuss Chris' journey to Buffalo, the difference between McDonald's Corporation and the franchise model of McDonald's, career paths at McDonald's for those looking to go the corporate route, Chris' travels and experience to South Korea and so much more.

    Season 3 - Episode 13 feat. Dr. Chris St. Vil

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 62:42


    Dr. Chris St. Vil stops by the podcast to talk about his work with Boys and Men of Color, dispelling the notion of what a doctor looks like, breaks down current events and so much more.

    Season 3 - Episode 12 feat. Nigel Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 67:38


    On this episode Daniel and Xavier from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council sit down with Nigel Brown, Chief Technology Officer and Founder of The Dreamers Corp. Nigel talks about his upbringing in foster care, his goal to help create more coders of color and so much more.

    Season 3 - Episode 11 feat. Jason Rowe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 69:57


    On this episode, Dwayne and Daniel speak to high school basketball coach and former professional basketball star Jason Rowe about his illustrious career, how he uses sports to mentor young men, who are the new OG's of this generation and much more.

    Season 3 - Episode 10 feat. Ryan Tillman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 71:21


    Please check out and share the next episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast. This next episode is a very timely one, as Dwayne , Xavier and Daniel Robertson sit down with Ryan Tillman, Founder of Breaking Barriers United. Ryan is a California-based police officer who not only uses his platform to give objective perspectives of police/community interactions, but also works to bridge the disconnect between the police and the community. We are seeing an onslaught of attacks on people of color across the country at the hands of law enforcement and this conversation is important as we look to continue to find ways of reconciling and building trust between law enforcement and communities of color.

    Season 3 - Episode 9 feat. Shawn Dove

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 66:01


    Dwayne, Daniel and Xavier from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council sit down with Shawn Dove, Chief Executive Officer of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement. On this episode, they speak about Shawn's role in helping to develop President Obama's My Brother's Keeper Initiative, the importance of pouring into the next generation of leaders, continuing to fight to break down barriers for men of color and so much more.

    Season 3 - Episode 8 feat. Dr. Kush Bhardwaj

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 53:17


    On this episode, Dwayne and Daniel sit down with Dr. Kush K. Bhardwaj, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Medaille College. The guys chop it up about how Dr. B infuses hip hop in teaching, being schooled vs. being educated, the stigma of private colleges vs. public colleges and how Medaille College is leading the way in their diversity efforts. The Breaking Barriers Podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 7 feat. Jason Moore

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2020 68:59


    On this episode, Dwayne and Daniel sit down with real estate agent and entrepreneur Jason Moore. Jason gives some very insightful thoughts on the importance of investing in real estate, how connecting with the right mentor changed the direction of his career, the importance of fatherhood and why how he is shaping the future for his daughter, along with much more. The Breaking Barriers Podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 6 - The Graduation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2020 24:11


    On Saturday January 18, 2020, Breaking Barriers held its 2nd annual graduation ceremony for the Youth Leadership Council. The keynote address for the graduation was Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United. Check out this episode of the podcast that features Mr. Smith's full keynote speech. The podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 5 feat. Josiah and Antonio from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 26:45


    On this episode, Dwayne and Daniel sit down with Josiah and Antonio, members of the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council. They speak about their experience with Breaking Barriers, some of the challenges they face as young men of color growing up in Buffalo and they give some advice to those next in line to join the Breaking Barriers brotherhood. The podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 4 feat. Dr. Marck Abraham

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2019 20:26


    On this episode, Dwayne sits down with Dr. Marck Abraham, Principle of McKinley High School in Buffalo and Founder & CEO of MEA Consultants. The two discuss the importance of mental health in the education field, changing the narrative of black male achievement and how Dr. Abraham is able to preside over a high school with the highest graduation rate for black males in the City of Buffalo. The podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 3 - Feat. Dorian Winthrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2019 19:25


    Check out this episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast featuring Dorian Winthrow. Dorian was part of the inaugural Breaking Barriers YLC cohort and a second year college student at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. In this episode, Dorian and host Dwayne chop it up about their experience with Breaking Barriers, some of Dorian's challenges as a college student, the importance of seeing successful role models who look like them and more. The podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 2 feat. Aníbal Soler, Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2019 24:10


    On this episode, Dwayne and Daniel sit down with Aníbal Soler, Jr., Associate Superintendent for the Buffalo Public Schools. They discuss Aníbal's role with the My Brother's Keeper Initiative, what the Buffalo Public School District is doing to address issues pertaining to boys and young men of color in Buffalo, how the groundbreaking Community School Summit came to fruition recently in Buffalo, and so much more. He also answers tough questions about his preference of soul food vs. Spanish food. The podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Season 3 - Episode 1 feat. Michael James

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2019 32:31


    The Breaking Barriers Podcast is back with a new season. On this episode, Dwayne from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council and Daniel Robertson sits down with Michael James, Founder of Organic Gentlemen. They discuss the importance of maintaining a good clean image and its correlation with success, developing a consistent daily routine and much more. The podcast is brought to you by Say Yes Buffalo, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 19 feat. Aime Mukendi, Jr.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2019 32:08


    On this episode, Daniel and Sean from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council sits down with Aime Mukendi, Jr., host of The Shift Up. They chop it up about the importance of maintaining your professionalism in the media, how to find good in everyone and in every situation and Sean talks about his experience meeting President Barack Obama during his visit to the MBK Summit in Oakland. Produced by: Crews Control Media

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 18 feat. The Nurturing Fathers (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2019 23:03


    On part two of this episode, Daniel continues his conversation with the gentlemen from the Nurturing Fathers Program, talking about the importance of fatherhood in the black community.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 17 feat. The Nurturing Fathers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 29:47


    On part one of this episode, Daniel sits down with gentlemen from the Nurturing Fathers Program, talking about the importance of fatherhood in the black community.

    Episode 16

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2019 17:50


    On this episode, Daniel sits down with Rashid Shabazz, Chief Marketing & Storytelling Officer from Color of Change. They speak about Rashid's work with Color of Change around narrative change and reaching young men of color in the community.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2018 19:17


    Season 2 of the Breaking Barriers Podcast is back. Daniel sits down with Jordan and Sean from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council to speak about their experience with Breaking Barriers over the year, some of their future plans and issues that young men of color face in their lives. Fore more information about Breaking Barriers, visit the website at www.breakingbarriersbuffalo.org.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 14 feat. Dante Griggs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2018 44:17


    On this episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, Daniel sits down with Chase the Dream founder and motivational speaker Dante Griggs to discuss Dante's journey from the streets to his desire to leave an impact the lives of young men of color in the inner city. He also talks about how he leveraged sports to help him change his life for the better.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 13 feat. Gary Damon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2018 39:46


    On this episode Daniel sits down with Gary Damon, Executive Director of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), to discuss CEO's mission, the work he does to help returning citizens get acclimated to society upon returning from prison, and the importance mentors played in their lives.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 12 feat. Dr. Marvin Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2018 25:09


    Episode 12 of the Breaking Barriers podcast. On this episode, Daniel sits down with Dr. Marvin Wilson from the SUNY Erie Men of Merit Program. Daniel is also joined by two members of the Men of Merit Program and they offer their experience with the program, shares its value proposition and encourages other students to get involved.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 11 Feat. Dorian Winthrow and Dwayne Sawyer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2018 38:47


    On this episode, guest host Jamil Crews sits down with Dorian and Dwayne from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council to talk about their experiences being part of the council, their interpretations of the hit music video 'This Is America' by Childish Gambino and gives advice for other young men of color looking to join the council.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 10 Feat. Edreys Wajed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2018 51:32


    On this episode, Daniel sits down with educator and renown artist Edreys Wajed. Edreys shares his very interesting story of his upbringing in Buffalo, New York, his time as a musician and making the transition over to education. Edreys also talks about getting the opportunity to be selected as one of the artists on the landmark Freedom Wall in Buffalo and the importance of young men of color getting involved with the arts.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 9 - Men Of Color Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2018 33:02


    On this episode, Daniel sits down with members of the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council live at the Men of Color Summit at SUNY Fredonia in Fredonia, New York.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast - Episode 8 Feat. Korey Green

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2018 34:19


    On this episode, Daniel sits down with filmmaker and executive producer of The Blackness Project, Korey Green and Dwayne Sawyer from the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council. They discuss race relations in Buffalo, the importance of mentorship and bridging the generational divide amongst men of color in the community.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 7 Feat. Mayor Byron Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2018 32:28


    On this episode, Daniel sits down with the Mayor of the City of Buffalo, Mayor Byron W. Brown. The Mayor discusses the city's involvement with the Boys and Men of Color Initiative and gives insight on how to improve outcomes of boys and men of color in Buffalo.You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.Produced by Crews Control Media

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 6 Feat. Officer Moe Badger

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2018 25:59


    On this week’s episode, Dwayne Sawyer, one of the students in the Breaking Barriers Youth Leadership Council, fills in for Daniel and sits down with community police officer, Moe Badger. Dwayne talks to Moe about his love of music, how he transitioned from music to to being a police officer, the role of community police officers in Buffalo and how boys and young men of color can overcome some of the challenges they face in their everyday lives.You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.Produced by Crews Control Media

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 5 Feat. Dwayne Sawyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2018 32:36


    On this week's episode, Daniel sits down with a very special guest, Dwyane Saywer, one of the young men from the Breaking Barriers Buffalo Youth Leadership Council. The 16 year old Junior at Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts provides some very valuable insight on why he joined the council, his view of law enforcement after a recent encounter with them, his view on the gun violence movement that's sweeping the country and why Youth Voice Matters.You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.Produced by Crews Control Media

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 4 Feat. Tommy McClam And Kenny Boone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 24:24


    On this episode, Daniel Robertson speaks to Tommy McClam of Say Yes Buffalo and Kenneth Boone from the Buffalo Public School district to speak about the joint efforts between Say Yes and the school district in changing the narrative of boys and men of color in Buffalo.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 3 Feat. Kent Olden

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2018 21:11


    On this week's episode, host Daniel Roberston sits down with Kent Olden, Youth Specialist at the Buffalo Urban League, President of the National Pan Hellenic Council of Western New York and Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, speaking about the work that the Buffalo Urban League is doing for boys and young men of color, as well as the history of Black Greek letter organizations and the role they are playing in mentoring young men of color.You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 2 Feat. Lindsey Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2018 38:21


    On this week's episode, host Daniel Roberston sits down with Lindsey Taylor, Founder and CEO of the Gentlemen's Institute, Crown Entertainment, Ballin 4 A Cause and Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Festival, speaking on why mentorship is important and much more.You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.Produced by Crews Control Media

    Breaking Barriers Podcast – Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2018 14:34


    Intro episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast. The show's host, Daniel Robertson, shares some statistics on boys and young men of color in Buffalo and talks about what to expect on the podcast.You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.Produced by Crews Control Media

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