Taboo's Comics & Kicks

Toni Basil tells the untold story of “Mickey,” working with Tina Turner on “Proud Mary,” and witnessing the birth of locking through Don Campbell and The Lockers. From vaudeville roots to street dance history, she connects the dots behind generations of movement. The legendary dancer, choreographer, performer, and historian joins Taboo for a conversation that spans her childhood backstage at the C...

Kimberly J. Brown looks back at how Halloweentown became a cult classic and helped define the Disney Channel era so many grew up on. From its unexpected rise to becoming a Halloween tradition, she reflects on the legacy that still resonates today. In this conversation, Kimberly J. Brown shares what it was like being part of the early days of Disney Channel Original Movies and watching Halloweentow...

Kid & Play, House Party, the ICONIC rap battle, dance culture, and the era that defined late ’80s and early ’90s hip hop—this is the inside story behind one of the most influential films in music and culture. Kid shares how House Party came together in real time, from building out the rap battle scene to working alongside Robin Harris, Martin Lawrence, and Tisha Campbell. He reflects on the duo’s...

Tony Plana reflects on working with comedy legends in Three Amigos, his breakthrough with Cheech Marin in Born in East L.A., and the career-defining decisions that shaped his path in Hollywood. In this full conversation, Tony Plana shares stories from his time working with Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Martin Short, along with his transition into comedy alongside Cheech Marin. He discusses the ch...

Claudia Wells looks back on Back to the Future and how close it came to being a completely different film, from the original casting of Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly to Michael J. Fox stepping into the role and changing everything, along with her experience as Jennifer Parker and the chemistry that brought the story to life. In this conversation, Claudia shares behind-the-scenes moments from the maki...

A box office flop turned global cult classic, Big Trouble in Little China found its audience long after its release. James Pax, who played Lightning, shares how the film evolved into a fan favorite and why sequel talks still keep it alive today. James Pax joins Taboo for a deep dive into Big Trouble in Little China, reflecting on the film’s unexpected journey, behind-the-scenes filmmaking, and the...

Rob Ryder joins Taboo to break down the real stories behind White Men Can’t Jump, Blue Chips, and The Warriors. From training Wesley Snipes to look like a real hooper to Shaq choosing Penny Hardaway during Blue Chips, this one is packed with legendary movie and basketball history. In this episode of Taboo’s Comics and Kicks, Rob Ryder shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from some of the mo...

Sean Kanan—best known as Mike Barnes, the ruthless villain from The Karate Kid Part III—joins Taboo to tell the unbelievable story of nearly dying while filming the movie. He revisits the iconic “Your karate’s a joke” line, the legacy of the franchise, and his career beyond Karate Kid. Sean Kanan joins Taboo on Taboo’s Comics and Kicks to revisit his unforgettable role as Mike Barnes, the villain...

Jeff Staple joins Taboo’s Comics and Kicks to break down how the legendary Nike SB Pigeon Dunk helped reignite modern sneaker culture. From his priceless sneaker vault to the wild story behind fake Pigeon Dunks hanging from telephone wires, Staple shares the moments, controversies, and philosophies that helped shape sneaker history. In this episode, legendary designer Jeff Staple sits down with Ta...

Actor Tony Cox (Bad Santa, Friday) tells wild set stories — Billy Bob Thornton’s method acting, Bernie Mac and Chris Tucker going crazy on Friday, and a Thriller-era Michael Jackson prank from Captain EO. Tony Cox joins Taboo for a fast, story-packed run through a legendary career: Bad Santa and the real chemistry with Billy Bob Thornton, Friday memories with Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker, Tiny “Deebo”...

Marty York (Yeah-Yeah) explains how The Sandlot became an INSTANT cult classic — from the improvised dugout moments to the stories fans still quote decades later. He also reveals what happened behind the scenes with MGM merch rights, plus his unforgettable one-day moment with James Earl Jones. Marty York joins Taboo for a Sandlot-driven deep dive into what made the movie timeless: the real-life ki...

Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon” Ciambroni joins Taboo to talk about the rise of custom sneaker culture and how his work for Justin Bieber, will.i.am, and Odell Beckham Jr. helped redefine sneaker design. From building one-of-one luxury footwear to turning sneaker art into a global brand, this episode explores the craft, business, and vision behind one of the most influential creators in modern sneaker...

Columbus Short reflects on the making of Stomp the Yard, revisiting the intense rehearsal culture, injuries, and competitive dance environment that defined the film. He shares what it meant to work alongside Chris Brown and Meagan Good, and how the movie reshaped dance culture in the 2000s. Beyond the film, Columbus talks about career evolution, industry survival, and a formative Kobe Bryant momen...

Paul Rodriguez opens up about becoming Nike SB’s first signature skateboarder, building a 20-year legacy in skate culture, and honoring Kobe Bryant through his latest tribute shoe. He reflects on growing up around fame, carving his own identity, and surviving a career-threatening injury. From X Games dominance to Olympic skateboarding and fatherhood, P-Rod shares how discipline, obsession, and res...

Noel Gugliemi sits down with Taboo on Comics and Kicks to tell the real stories behind some of his biggest Hollywood moments — from playing Hector in The Fast and the Furious films, to on-set memories with Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, and how he saw the franchise evolve from street racing to global action epic. He also reflects on his roles in Training Day with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, an...

Walter Jones (the OG Black Ranger) breaks down how dance and martial arts became “Hip Hop Kido,” the exact style that helped him win Power Rangers. He opens up about the reality behind the fame—how massive the show got, why the pay didn’t match the impact, and what led him to walk away. And he shares the legacy side too: the fans, the life-changing moments, and what it meant to be a real symbol of...

Frances Fisher (Titanic, Unforgiven) joins Taboo’s Comics & Kicks for a powerful conversation about activism, art, and what it was really like filming Titanic with James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kate Winslet. From the iconic corset scene to the intense production details (down to Cameron waiting for the ocean to look like glass), Frances shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, the phone...

Emilio Rivera reflects on his journey through Sons of Anarchy, Mayans, and Con Air, opens up about unlearning violence, and shares the deeply personal story behind being chosen to play the father in Flamin’ Hot. In this unfiltered conversation on Taboo’s Comics and Kicks, Emilio Rivera traces his path from the Frogtown projects of East Los Angeles to becoming a foundational presence in two of tele...

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 Troub...

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 unex...

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 Hol...

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...

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 Le...

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 ro...

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...