SLAP the Power

Picture this - a rambunctious child, full of energy and curiosity, yet pegged as an adult long before his time. Sounds unthinkable, right? But it's a harsh reality for many black and brown children due to the disturbing phenomenon known as adultification. To unpack this sensitive issue, we've invited the one and only Ty Taylor(@taylorty), lead singer of Vintage Trouble (as well as a mill...

Have you ever considered the alarming rate at which adultification and hypersexualization affects black children, particularly girls? This week, we grapple with this devastating societal issue, guided by the searing personal insights from our guest, KC Carnage. Join us as we unravel the complex implications of adultification, which robs black kids of their innocence and burdens them with expectati...

It has to be about time we rethink safety and policing, especially in the wake of the George Floyd tragedy.   Like so many of us, we know things need to change.   But what can we do about it?    We grappled with this question and more in a crucial conversation with the thought-provoking documentary filmmaker, Matthew Solomon. His film, Reimagining Safety, challenges us to consider a more humane ap...

In this episode, we are joined by the passionate Dianna Cohen and Amelia Hanson of Plastic Pollution Coalition, whose work is aimed at changing the narrative around single-use plastics globally, as well as locally here in Los Angeles in the entertainment industry, one set at a time. Whether it's a disposable coffee cup casually discarded by a lead character, or the heaps of plastic waste in a...

In this podcast episode, host Rick Barrio Dill interviews Ronnie Dee, a musician and second-generation immigrant. They discuss the immigrant experience and the importance of recognizing and uplifting the hustle culture and hard work of immigrants. They also touch on the political climate in Southern Florida and the rise of pseudo-fascism. The host believes that artists should be able to discuss im...

In this podcast Rick and Maiya are honored to have as their guest, Sharon "Rocky" Roggio, Director of the critically acclaimed documentary " 1946: The Translation That Shifted Culture,"  to discuss the misinterpretation of biblical texts that have been used to condemn homosexuality. Join us in this episode as we dive into this incredible documentary which unveils the mystery of...

On this episode of SLAP the Power, Rick Barrio Dill and Maiya Sykes welcome special guest Olivia Kuper Harris, known for being a bad ass singer, entertainer and writer as well as her presence on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. The conversation revolves around the changing dynamics in the music industry and the various generations of artists and audiences. They discuss vintage acts that c...

In this episode of SLAP the Power,  hosts Rick Barrio Dill and Maiya Sykes bring on super special guest Kiara Ana (@thekiaraana) to discuss the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment and economy. They explore the issue of overconsumption and the poor disposal of clothing which is leading to massive environmental concerns and financial strain globally. They also share mad tips on how to...

In this second part of our "crisis in the unhoused" series, Maiya and Rick interview Dr. Robin Petering, founder of lensco.la, for more detailed discussion on the unhoused issue from ground level.   We find out how things have gotten so bad so quickly, despite the resources loosening up to help and how we can all help to better bring the issue into the light and what we can do in our own...

In this two-part series on trying to somehow better understand the unhoused crisis, Maya Sykes and Rick Barrio-Dill discuss the issue with special guest Genevieve Riutort, President and CEO of the West Side Food Bank in Los Angeles. They delve into the mission critical work that the West Side Food Bank does in Los Angeles and how people can get involved to help with the growing crisis.   Rick and...

In this maiden episode of "Slap the Power", Maiya Sykes and Rick Barrio Dill introduce themselves and the show, which aims to turn artistry into advocacy through the lens of music, comedy, movies, visual arts, and more. Special guest, the one and only Marinda Davis (Dancing with the Stars, Broadway Dance Center). Together they try and raise awareness on key issues affecting young people...