In the Stacks with Barry & LaToya

Barry has rushed home from his duties at this year's high school graduation. Mind you, the show is two weeks past due. Talk soon turns to holiday plans and dental work. Barry introduces LaToya to #blackfatigue, you know, since she lives under a rock. He also reminds listeners that LaToya is a crappy BFF, and she's only interested in reality television, so she doesn't have to think.

Barry and LaToya have both recently gone down the reality TV rabbit hole, but one is more consumed by it than the other. This is LaToya's first episode since her cancer surgery. She also outs her husband's weird new birthday tradition. Barry provides more detail about having complete control over his intellectual property. T'Challa will graduate from high school in one month (student loans are the devil). Lastly, both gentlemen are excited about an upcoming Ghost ritual.

Guess who finally read To Kill a Mockingbird? It's not who you think. Casey Anthony is back in the zeitgeist. Barry talks about his inner black self and the transgender community. LaToya admits that she isn't black enough and that her Panama Canal cruise was a bit of a bust. What is this country coming to? Is no news good news? And, is Love Blind? Find out this and more on this episode.

Barry is rip-roaringly ready to dive into the show. He has the Super Bowl on his mind and is prepared to make predictions. Before that, LaToya blathers about her trip to the Lego Store, reading, and upcoming cruises. She also buries the lead when it comes to her recent cancer diagnosis. Inevitably, all roads lead to talking about Trump. He's been in office for less than a month, and we're all unnerved.

Welcome to 2025. Barry is ready and prepped for the show. LaToya, not so much. She's already running late in the New Year. Discussion on the first episode of the season varies from horror flicks to Robbie Williams, to Star Trek's lost episode, and AP versus IB. The discussion takes a very sharp turn when they discuss a special anniversary that happened this week. More than a decade later, the hosts deep dive into why they left Georgia public libraries for good.

This extra-long episode concludes season 14 of the show. It's a cornucopia episode that meanders through various topics. Barry and LaToya talk about, among other things,  their financial debt, plans for Christmas, and resolutions for the New Year. T'Challa makes a cameo. LaToya teases that the start of season 15 may bring a new way to enjoy the show.

Barry and LaToya decide to do a “quick” show before the Tyson v. Paul fight. At least, that was the plan. Talk turns to the fight, the disappointing US presidential election, and the new Robbie Williams upcoming biopic, “Better Man.” After completing his 7th book in the unpublished series, Dark Society, Barry considers what it would be like to have AI write a novel in his writing style. Also, LaToya's brother and his best friend have a brand new podcast on YouTube called “Doors Open Podcast.” Did we inspire them? Most definitely.

Barry is frustrated. So much so that he will have to get an ice cream cone from the new ice cream shop in town. That's what happens when you don't watch Netflix and chill. T'Challa makes a cameo before heading off to do teenage things. The old comic shop the hosts patronized is about to be gone with the wind. The election is right around the corner, and the hosts share who they will vote for. No shockers there. We have a new Tumblr account, and this two-year season will conclude in December. Plus, AI has become a major topic of discussion.

Barry has more mouths to feed. No, he doesn't have more children but now has two new cats besides his OG. LaToya's guilty pleasure is Love Island (not the US version because what's exotic about American accents?!). She also has 20 email accounts, more than any five people may need. Barry has a new book out, is looking forward to his upcoming semester break, and shares his thoughts on RDJ's new role in the MCU. Plus, our website has been refreshed.

Barry thinks that LaToya is bailing on doing the show. She's not. With no T'Challa, will the hosts behave themselves? This fun-filled episode includes talk of pussy… cats, get your minds out of the gutter. They discuss LaToya's hectic past two days, and of course, now that Barry is back in school, he spills the tea on what it's really like as a high school teacher this year. Is he too old for this? According to him, he's got another twenty years of living and then death.

Barry says he doesn't want a political conversation, but he does. LaToya, who has an injured back, laments about getting old. This episode includes talk about movies, guilty pleasure TV shows, and more. There are plans to keep recording monthly, even if no one listens. T'Challa makes a cameo appearance and zips away for more exciting things to do.

And they're back. Or are they? After an unplanned 17-month absence the gang is back together. The three amigos have quite a bit to catch up on. There've been surgeries and near-death experiences over the break. Barry is excited at the prospect of resuming the show while LaToya, well, she's not yet sold on the idea. Plus, T'Challa asks a headscratcher of a final question to close out the show.

It's two weeks into the New Year, and the hosts feel 2023 will be a good year. LaToya does a lot of talking in this episode, as she's had a lot happen between recordings. Barry is also in good spirits. The second quarter of the school year has been very good for him. Students appear actually to want to learn. T'Challa is excited about a new D&D campaign he's in and questions the hosts about their favorite Sci-Fi trope. And, of course, there is a lot of television to talk about.

After an unplanned one-month absence, they're back. Barry is excited about the New Year and new students while LaToya is ready to hurl herself across the finish line of 2022. T'Challa, super cool as always, does have a question to ask the hosts, and the answer is not Die Hard. Count how many times the hosts try to wrap up the episode.

What starts as a run-of-the-mill conversation turns into much more. Barry, LaToya, and T'Challa spent their mornings before recording the show watching very different things. True to their style, they share it with their listeners. Talk of entertainment turns to talk about sports, and finally, after T'Challa's insightful question for the hosts, talk turns to people, culture, and equality.

Television and movies. If you're wondering what the hosts have been watching and doing, this show is all about it. Barry continues to write and watch plenty of TV, LaToya is oblivious and distracted, and T'Challa, at sixteen years of age, remains super cool and aloof. With no final question prepared, T'Challa scrambles to find one. Learn about everyone's favorite movies as well as the movie that they walked out on.

The entire gang is back together, and they've missed each other. The runtime on this episode is on par with what it was like in the early days of the show. To think, we're only three shows into the 15th season. As they catch up conversation turns to school and what it was like in the old days. T'Challa brings his unique view to what it's like to be a school student in today's classrooms. Barry is flustered with many of his students, and LaToya is reminded why she would never be a school teacher. Plus, LaToya is now packing heat and getting old with a larger-sized daily pill organizer.

Without T'Challa, the hosts are left to their own devices. Barry has been enjoying the leisure of his summer break while LaToya burns the midnight oil. According to Barry, he has one more week of freedom before donning his teacher cape. LaToya is hunkered down in her office, working on an emergency project. While Barry continues watching television, going to the movies, and writing, his co-host says no to more than an hour of screen time. Check out what they think of Thor: Love & Thunder and their take on the rumors of what's in store for Black Panther 2.

T'Challa is back. But don't get too excited. By the end of the show, he makes it clear how he feels about one of the named hosts of the show. Since the last show, the hosts have been consuming a lot of television. Tune in to hear their thoughts on The Staircase, The Boys, and more. Love is also in the air. Barry is very smitten with his new girlfriend.

Another show without fan-favorite, T'Challa. However, the hosts have been quite busy themselves. LaToya is always working multiple jobs and has no time to read. On the other hand, Barry is also very busy but is relishing in the afterglow of having four of his novels released during the Unleash the Reese promotion period. Not sure what to watch on television? Barry and LaToya are here to fill in the gaps.

With no T'Challa in attendance, the hosts must find a way to do the show. LaToya is reluctant, offending Barry by telling him to record early so she can be done with it. Barry even suggests upping the recording schedule. LaToya shoots down the idea. One and done is enough for her. Barry has several books about to be released in close succession, and he somehow manages to ruin Spring Break by working. LaToya's husband, K, manages to add some humorous background noise.

After a 2-month hiatus, the show is back with a special guest, K. That's right, LaToya's husband Kenrick makes a rare appearance. Since the last episode, much has changed, and just as much has remained the same. Barry is continuing to enjoy his life as a high school teacher while LaToya and Kenrick had a memorable Carnival Cruise and have welcomed a new nephew. T'Challa, cool as always, leaves us wanting more.

Birthdays. Christmas. Television. Oh my! It's a new year and the hosts are excited to share their 2021 memories, some more pleasant than others. It's another farewell to Voldemort, an almost sexless year, and yes, we're just talking about LaToya. As a whole, the hosts are doing well and watching a lot of television and reading. They meander a little into politics and Omicron and let's not forget Bigfoot porn.

The dream team is back together at last. T'Challa joins the show only to learn that it's now only a monthly occurrence. The team believes that this recording schedule will make them all more committed to the show, especially for the reluctant LaToya. As always Barry tells us about what he's watching and he also shares his Spotify year-end statistics. T'Challa shares his and LaToya remains committed to her iTunes library. And while they may be old enough to be their parents, Barry and LaToya share some of their secret celebrity crushes.

It's time for some turkey, well, the turkey has already been eaten. The hosts return to the show discussing what they've seen and what they've been up to in the almost month since they last recorded a show. T'Challa is still absent, a bummer for us all. On this show, the hosts address the inconsistent recording of their weekly show. Moving forward there is a new monthly format, the second Saturday of each month. Barry deleted and then brought back his website (.net sites are still not a thing, Barry). And LaToya is still trying to find a work-life balance.

LaToya considers if the show should continue. Barry is writing a new book. T'Challa, absent from today's show, has his learner's permit. It's been over a month since the last show and the hosts catch you up on what you've missed. With his KISS deep-dive complete, Barry shares an album with LaToya which she reviews on the show. Barry isn't sure who's up next, possibly Boyz II Men while LaToya plans to listen to all of Lianne La Havas' albums.

T'Challa has returned but he's busy working on a project to pay too much attention to the show. Barry and LaToya discuss what they've been watching. LaToya went to see her favorite sports team play and Barry is sad to see this semester go by so quickly. And on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 the hosts reflect on life before and after the tragedy.

After an almost two-month respite, the hosts are back. The only thing missing, the true star of the show, T'Challa. While he's away at DragonCon, Barry and LaToya recount what has happened in the time away from the show. Reading. Writing. No arithmetic. And as usual, there is a lot of television watching and a Netflix series that both hosts agree that you must see!

Barry and T'Challa are uncharacteristically late for the show. LaToya, while annoyed, appreciated that they decided to grace her with their presence on the last show before a two-week break. As usual, LaToya is not happy with Barry. He made a movie recommendation that has him in the doghouse and is now one that T'Challa has to watch. Nevertheless, stick around to the end as Barry schools LaToya on some sex education.

Today's show miraculously happened! Barry is enjoying his summer break by writing two books while LaToya is still acclimating to her new 9-5 job. T'Challa is relaxing and sleeping in for the summer. LaToya admitted to thinking of Barry while she was in the shower. Barry ranks the best Batman actors of all time. Plus, LaToya accepts life without sex and finally contemplates what it means to be of African descent.

Welcome to Season 14. Despite another late start, the show is back thanks to T'Challa's persistence. Neither of the hosts felt up for recording, but T'Challa had other ideas. Barry has another life-altering experience that has left him with a bad taste in his mouth, and LaToya is a terrible best friend who now frequently sends calls from Barry to voicemail.

This season has taken the longest to record. Finally, we conclude Season 13 with a walk down memory lane. More specifically, Barry and LaToya talk about the good old days and how the world is much different. T'Challa's segment is one that leaves some of us hopeful while reminding others that Pandora's Box can never be closed. Plus, LaToya learns something new about Barry and T'Challa sides with his dad.

It's been weeks since the last episode, a trend for what feels like an unending season. Barry and T'Challa blame LaToya and she takes the opportunity to express her recent struggles with her mental health. Plus, she has a new job and is getting her first mammogram. Barry talks about the recent loss of his mother and his interest in changing his name. T'Challa lurks in the background and tells us about where he'd like to live.

Yes, we're still in Season 13, one that may apparently take all of 2021 to complete. With no show last week and LaToya being increasingly unavailable to record at the set time, it is a surprise that they've eked out an episode. Despite there being a great deal to discuss, you know, death and despair, the hosts opt on the side of it being a lighter show. Find out Barry, LaToya, and T'Challa's favorite books and some of their thoughts on Disney+ and the Marvel Universe.

With bad weather looming and the hosts recording on a Sunday, LaToya naively thinks this will be a short show. Barry is jazzed up and ready to go, and T'Challa moodily brings up the rear. What's happened since the last show? LaToya has a new addiction, Barry has teaching woes, and T'Challa, well, he's just along for the ride.

Barry calls and awakens LaToya from her slumber to record the show early. He also shares a dirty secret of T'Challa. Do you have an opinion about the worst bands of all time? The hosts don't agree with the number one pick. Plus, T'Challa tunes out when the conversation turns inexplicably to sex but gets everyone excited about a Kidz Bop (but not really) parody of the Cardi B hit, WAP.

It's been 3 weeks since the last show. Barry blames it on what LaToya and her hubby were up to. T'Challa is non-enthusiastically back for an episode in which he finds out that he shares the same rare personality as his favorite person, LaToya. So what happened over the past three weeks? A lot of television-watching, yeh, that's about it.

Barry is excited to record the show. LaToya and T'Challa are not. However, with moments to spare LaToya preps her topics for what would turn out to be the longest show to date. There is no taboo topic as the hosts talk about Barry's net worth, soccer, Hollywood scandal, pink diamonds, and more. If you've forgotten who Barry's least favorite celebrity is, he is more than willing to remind you. T'Challa again doesn't have his question ready for his fan-favorite segment.

After taking a week off, the hosts and T'Challa return for another fantastic episode. Barry has been busy with inputting grades during the show. This explains the annoying background noises that everyone has had to endure. LaToya has a brand new edition to her Honda family. T'Challa asks, what's the dumbest thing we've ever experienced. The answers may surprise you. And everyone is happy to have an adult back in the White House.

After a two-week break, the show returns with talk of politics, television, and Christmas. COVID-19 is still an issue as some school systems are getting ready to have students return despite the increasing number of cases and deaths. Barry and LaToya talk about their January 8th anniversary, the day they both resigned from the library system. T'Challa can't remember his topic, Barry is writing a concept novel, and LaToya is suffering from insomnia.

In what is likely the last episode of 2020, the hosts do some minor reflecting on the year. Talk turns to Christmas and a “one and done” modern classic children's film that LaToya will never watch again. She and T'Challa finally agree on something as they argue with Barry over what constitutes rap music. Barry and T'Challa celebrate Christmas early, and Barry is thrilled with his gifts from LaToya.

LaToya has slept for less than 3 hours and it shows as she rambles her way through the episode. It is of no consequence to Barry or T'Challa as they are mostly prepped and ready for the show. Who would have thought that there would be so much upcoming streaming content amid the pandemic? And say it isn't so, AMC may be no more? Plus, Barry still owes LaToya a wall tree and he also can't live with himself now that perfect attendance is out of reach for this school year.

It's another season. Yes, we've made it to Season 13. If you're looking forward to much of the same, the show does not disappoint. The hosts (plus T'Challa) return to discuss what has happened since their two-week break and T'Challa asks a question that LaToya is all too ready to answer while his dad must scramble for an appropriate answer.

T'Challa returns just in time for the final episode of the season. He learns that his father, Barry is slowly killing himself and tells LaToya that she's a loser. Barry shares more on the joy of teaching and everyone talks about what their superpower would be. Could this episode mark the end of the series?

This is our much-anticipated Not Safe For Trump Supporters, Election Results Day 2020 episode. Election Day may have happened days ago but the hosts think that today is the first day of a new era in US politics and life. We know that it's not the last we'll hear from Trump but Barry is taking the day to let Biden's win wash over him. LaToya is waiting for the other shoe to drop. It is 2020 after all. We'll have to wait until next week to hear T'Challa's opinion on the election results. Will he be sorry that he missed this week's discussion on prostates?

It's the spooktacular episode of season 12. Barry and T'Challa are in the festive mood by watching a marathon of spooky movies while LaToya is being the Halloween Grinch with no plans to hand out candy. Barry's excited about how his students took part in reading Romeo and Juliet and LaToya makes it clear what her biggest pet peeves are. T'Challa, as always, hangs back and exudes his aloof coolness.

Barry forces LaToya to record the show early. She reminds him that slavery has been abolished. T'Challa returns to the show and reminds us of how much we need him. LaToya and T'Challa debate whether or not Barry is a voyeur or something worse. The hosts discuss their number, although now it's apparently called a body count. And LaToya urges Barry and T'Challa to get hip to The Social Dilemma.

The hosts meander through another show. Neither prep and seem to flounder without the much-loved T'Challa. What is there to discuss? The usual. Both hosts have just finished watching season two of The Boys, the current season of The Vow, and have also cast their vote in advance of the November election. If you're curious who they voted for, you've obviously never listened to the show.

It's another unscripted, wholly organic episode of the show. Didn't get enough talk about Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Want to know what shows the hosts are currently watching? T'Challa again joins in and asks his uniquely thought-provoking questions. And just when you thought you'd heard it all, Barry provides a mental picture that LaToya can't erase. 

While Barry basked in the afterglow of having had a 3-hour nap, LaToya is on the extreme opposite side of the spectrum. She has been playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons for almost 24 hours straight. Yes, she's playing even during the episode. It wasn't her plan to stay up, and so please excuse her delirium. T'Challa brings the heat with today's topic, and Barry reminds us of his odd music tastes. Barry hearts Blackpink.

The show took an unexpected break last week but they're back. LaToya outs Barry for being the reason for no episode and again asks if there will be a season 13 since it's been a difficult season 12. Barry's “busy” and is over LaToya's complaints. T'Challa brings his first official topic for discussion while Barry and LaToya, mostly the latter, ramble on. Plus, there's “library talk.” Did their public library experience scar them both forever?