Breaking Barriers Podcast

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.

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.