Taboo's Comics & Kicks

Martial arts icon Gerald Okamura shares untold stories from inside Hollywood’s most iconic action films—where the weapons were real, the discipline was earned, and nothing was faked.

From growing up in Hawaii and serving in the military to working with legends like Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee, and James Hong, Gerald breaks down his journey into martial arts, stunt work, and cult classics like Big Trouble in Little China and Mortal Kombat. He explains how authentic weapons were designed for film, the difference between choreography and real combat, and why martial arts movies of the ’70s–’90s carried a level of realism that’s rarely seen today.

This conversation is a deep dive into martial arts lineage, Hollywood history, and the craft behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable action moments.

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Antwon Tanner shares the untold stories behind Coach Carter’s improvised scenes and the creation of Sunset Park’s legendary chant, revealing how some of the most memorable moments in both films actually happened on set.

In this episode, Antwon Tanner gives a rare inside look at two classics of 90s and 2000s basketball cinema. He breaks down the improvised moments that shaped Coach Carter, the unexpected on-set energy working with Samuel L. Jackson, and how he ended up creating Sunset Park’s legendary chant. Antwon talks about the culture on set, the creativity that went into these iconic scenes, and why this era of sports movies continues to resonate with fans decades later. A must-listen for anyone who grew up on these films or loves hearing how great movie moments are made.

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Filmed in a real Mexican jungle, Predator demanded heat, danger, and authenticity — and Richard Chaves explains how his military experience shaped the film’s realism.

Chaves reflects on joining the cast alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura, the raw conditions of shooting in the wild, and why practical effects made the movie feel more like a combat deployment than a Hollywood production. No CGI, no shortcuts — just actors, terrain, explosions, and the intensity that built one of the most iconic action films ever made.

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Richard Chaves (Poncho from Predator) shares his journey from Vietnam vet to Broadway success in Tracers alongside Gary Sinise — and the behind-the-scenes stories of training with Arnold, filming in the jungle, and building a career that honored his service.

Actor and Vietnam veteran Richard Chaves joins Taboo for a powerful conversation that spans war, healing, and Hollywood. Chaves recounts the creation of Tracers, the groundbreaking play written and performed by Vietnam vets, how Gary Sinise, David Bowie, and Robert De Niro helped elevate it, and how the show changed lives in the veteran community.

He then breaks down his unforgettable experience filming Predator — from working out with Arnold Schwarzenegger, to surviving the scorching jungle shoot, to the helicopter scenes, to the personal hat and character details fans still talk about. Chaves also shares the unbelievable story of how missing an audition for a comedy film ended up putting him in the right place at the right time to join the Predator cast.

Through it all, Chaves opens up about veteran advocacy, his cancer survival, and his dedication to telling stories that honor those who served.

A must-listen for Predator fans, military families, and anyone who loves the intersection of art, healing, and pop culture.

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Affion Crockett breaks down his dance roots, early Apollo days, Wild ’N Out’s beginnings, legendary impressions, and behind-the-scenes stories with Taboo—plus a look at his new film, A Hip Hop Story.

Affion Crockett sits with Taboo to trace the journey from dance battles and martial-arts fusion to comedy stages and major film sets. He opens up about performing with Mop Tops, learning from Bruce Lee, and the 90s Hip-Hop movement that shaped his artistic voice. Affion shares how Nick Cannon recognized his talent and built Wild ’N Out, plus hilarious impressions including Jay-Z, Anderson .Paak, Manny Pacquiao, and Erik Spoelstra. He also reveals stories from Beverly Hills Cop 2024 with Eddie Murphy, and gives a deeper look at his upcoming project A Hip Hop Story—a blend of comedy, dance, and Hip-Hop culture. A nostalgic, energetic, and insightful episode for Hip-Hop heads and comedy fans alike.

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Nicholas Turturro breaks down the chaos of The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler, his Yankees superfan life, and behind-the-scenes stories with Derek Jeter, Spike Lee, and more. A hilarious and heartfelt deep dive into acting, New York, and staying true to your roots.

Nicholas Turturro sits down with Taboo for an unforgettable look at his journey through Hollywood, New York culture, and the iconic roles that shaped his career. He opens up about filming The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler, unexpected on-set chaos, and what makes Sandler’s crew so unique.

Nicholas also shares his lifelong Yankees obsession, unforgettable moments with Derek Jeter, and why his New York upbringing still defines everything he does. From Spike Lee classics to family stories, Italian-American identity, and his love for NY pizza, this episode blends humor, insight, and raw authenticity.

Perfect for fans of The Longest Yard, NYPD Blue, Do the Right Thing, baseball culture, or anyone who loves a great New York story.

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Jeremiah Bitsui — the actor behind Victor on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul — joins Taboo to talk about working with Bryan Cranston, Giancarlo Esposito, and the intense world behind TV’s most iconic crime universe.

Jeremiah Bitsui (Victor from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) sits down with Taboo for an inside look at one of TV’s most meticulously crafted worlds. He breaks down his first days on set with Bryan Cranston, the precision and discipline of Giancarlo Esposito’s process, and how Vince Gilligan’s storytelling shaped the tone of the entire universe. Jeremiah also opens up about Indigenous representation in Hollywood, growing up Navajo, navigating imposter syndrome, fatherhood as a girl dad, and the cultural impact of roles in Natural Born Killers, Lords of Dogtown, Flags of Our Fathers, and more. A grounded, honest, and inspiring conversation with one of the most recognizable faces from the Breaking Bad universe.

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The Breakin’ legend himself, Boogaloo Shrimp, joins Taboo to relive the film that defined an era — from street corners to Hollywood stages, from Breakin’ to teaching Michael Jackson and touring with Lionel Richie.

Boogaloo Shrimp, the pop-locking pioneer behind Breakin’ and Electric Boogaloo, sits down with Taboo for an unforgettable deep dive into the roots of hip-hop dance and street culture. Shrimp reveals how freestyle and faith took him from LA’s Radiotron scene to performing on tour with Lionel Richie and teaching Michael Jackson the moves that changed music forever.

He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic broom scene, the rise of breakdancing in 80s Hollywood, and heartfelt memories of his late friend Bruno “Pop N Taco” Falcon. It’s nostalgia, innovation, and the real history of hip-hop’s dance revolution — all in one conversation.

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Taboo and Regulo Caro talk collectibles, culture, and Latin heroes — from Hulk Hogan toys to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment — and how Latin artists are changing the face of pop culture.

In this episode of Comics & Kicks, Taboo and Regulo Caro dive into the intersection of collecting, creativity, and cultural identity. They discuss Taboo’s rare Hulk Hogan collectible, Latin heroes in pop culture, and how artists like Bad Bunny are redefining what global representation looks like for the next generation.

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Ernie Reyes Jr. opens up about his journey from The Last Dragon and Ninja Turtles to working with The Rock in The Rundown. He talks about Filipino representation, Bruce Lee’s influence, and how martial arts and hip-hop shaped his life in Hollywood.

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