Dropping ‘Barz,’ Building Bridges: KROSS BARZ Sparks Change Through Conversation

By Amanda Barber

KROSS BARZ podcast is dedicated to raising awareness and creating connections through powerful, thought-provoking topics. The KROSS BARZ team continuously strives to tackle three themes: the common thread, bridging the gap and solution seeking. 

According to the KROSS BARZ website, podcast episodes are designed to bring depth and inspiration to adult conversations, as resilience can be a “common thread to humanity.” Co-hosts Big OH! And J. Tanae’ have a mission to speak with guests from all generations and backgrounds to create a shared language that builds bridges. The KROSS BARZ “Krew” also collaborates with partners to pursue solutions to socioeconomic barriers, amplify important topics, and interact with a diverse audience. 

“We drop ‘barz’ of truth, purpose, and passion from voices that built the culture,” KROSS BARZ states on its website. “This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement.” 

About the ‘Krew’

Along with Big OH! And J. Tanae’, the “Krew” consists of Executive Producer Malik Brown. Brown is a driving force behind the scenes, a hard-working creative and an entrepreneur. “At KROSS BARZ, truth meets testimony, and every word carries weight,” Malik says. 

J. Tanae’, whose full name is Jamela T. Brown, brings a distinct female viewpoint through her intuitive wisdom and fascinating questions. She is also the author of “Chronos to Kairos: A Poetry Journal with Guided Prompts to Embrace the Gift of Time.” 

“KROSS BARZ Podcast is a glimpse into the past while living in the present, manifesting the future,” J. Tanae’ says. “This podcast is so authentic and grassroots that I still pinch myself when I rewatch the interviews. Who knew I’d be dialoguing with some of the people I watched on TV and in the movies when I was a kid.” 

Big OH! asks challenging, controversial questions and brings fresh points to the podcast. Big OH! And J. Tanae’ interview musical artists, actors, choreographers, community activists, sports professionals, and other talented individuals, including those with West Virginia connections. 

“Podcasting is a relief from the everyday work grind and the hustle and bustle of real life,” Big OH! says. “I enjoy the dialogue with our guests and cohost that expand my perspective. I really connected with Angela Means. She explained how you must read the universe and all experiences are valid. … Everything has a reason!” 

Guests in or from West Virginia: 

DJ Woodrow “Woody” Woods, also known as “Uncle Woody” or “Big Dro,” has been a shining light in the Charleston, West Virginia, community for over 25 years. He is the Program Director and afternoon on-air personality for WRVZ 107.3 The Beat. Woody was the first Black male in the Mountain State to host a full-time FM radio show. In 2024, he won the Black Excellence Award. This year, Charleston’s Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin presented Woody with the Key to the City – another powerful symbol of his legacy. Beyond his professional success, Woody is dedicated to supporting the youth in his community. Click here to see his full interview on KROSS BARZ. Uncle Woody can also be found on Instagram (@woodywoodsshow) and Facebook (@woody.woods.1000). 

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. was born in the West Virginia coal town of Logan. When his parents split during his childhood, he moved to the “7 Mile” neighborhood of Detroit. But Landau had a gift – a voice like Frank Sinatra’s – which led him back to the Mountain State to perform at nursing homes and local charities. Just when he felt like giving up on his dream, Landau made a life-altering decision – he auditioned for NBC TV’s America’s Got Talent (AGT). He is AGT’s sixth season winner and went on to release record-breaking albums, perform on national stages, and appear on popular talk shows. In Landua’s KROSS BARZ interview, he takes co-hosts Big Oh! and J. Tanae’ down memory lane. 

LaKeisha Barron-Brown has been through trauma, trials and triumphs. She stays on the grind and is determined to make a positive change in her Kanawha Valley community. LaKeisha has several titles to her name: mother, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, community activist, basketball official, and more. She is the author of the book “Through the Eye of a Crack Soul,” which focuses on her early life in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan, and the events that shaped who she is today. To learn more about LaKeisha, watch her full episode on KROSS BARZ. Lakeisha can also be followed on Instagram (@devastatingdelta), Facebook (@lbarronbrown) and TikTok (@keishab1976). 

Carl Lee III is a former NFL player from West Virginia. Playing for the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, Carl racked up accomplishments such as All-Pro (1998), 3x Pro Bowl (1987-1990), and one of the 50 greatest Vikings of all time. Carl also shared his skills with his Mountain State community as a former head coach at West Virginia State University and South Charleston High School. In Carl’s KROSS BARZ interview, he speaks of happy times, fellowship and good memories he gained from sports. 

Ciara Chic Kimbrough is from the small town of Rand, West Virginia. She was a record-setting athlete in college and went on to play for the Pittsburgh Passion, a women’s professional football team. Ciara is the wife of former lightweight boxer Verquan Kimbrough and the mother of two children. She has a strong love for her family and a passion for archaeology. In Ciara’s KROSS BARZ interview, she talks about “her journey from catching frogs, to catching touchdown passes, to catching the eye of her husband.” 

How to listen and watch more episodes:

KROSS BARZ has many more interesting interviews with talented, well-known changemakers. Other guests include (but are not limited to) Emmy-nominated producer Shareen King, Tag Team’s Cecil “DC the Brain Supreme” Glenn, poet Abiodun Oyewole, and Eric Hudson, a producer, songwriter and five-time Grammy award winner. 

Episodes can be watched on YouTube and listened to on Spotify, Buzzsprout, Amazon, iHeart and Listen Notes. In June, KROSS BARZ had 11,000 views in just one week on its YouTube channel. In October, the “Krew” put out their 50th podcast episode. 
KROSS BARZ can also be found on several social media platforms. The “Krew” actively posts updates on Facebook, Instagram and X.