Blk & Barred

by Avi B.

Season 2

The Courts Are Shutting Trump Down

In this episode new discuss a few of the recent cases in which Trump's illegal executive orders have been challenged in court. He has lost 93% of all of the federal cases filed against him challenging his actions. While the US Supreme Court has ruled that he can't be arrested for his illegal conduct, what about his minions? What happens if he doesn't comply with the court orders? Let's get into it!

Trademarks, Proud Boys and Protecting your Intellectual Property

In this episode we discuss the importance of creators taking steps to protect their creative genius with guest Attorney Elle Gyamfi, owner of the Counselle Collection! We also dive into the connection between civil rights and trademark law and with the historic loss the proud boys took on their trademark when they lost in a civil suit to a historically Black church in DC.

Should You Have A Say In When You Die?

In this episode we’re diving into the complex and controversial topic of assisted suicide. Is it a compassionate choice or a legal slippery slope? We’ll break down the laws surrounding medical aid in dying, the ethical arguments on both sides, and the real-life impact on patients and families.

Mini episode: Slave Rebellions & Resilient Black Folks

Slavery was not just brutal, it was filled with fear, but not just for the slaves. In this episode we dive into the often untold story about the fear and intense paranoia that slave owners faced for their mistreatment of the enslaved. Letters from the US archives reveal that slave owners had sleepless nights fueled by anxiety, heart palpitations and headaches, worried about their slaves rebelling-and sometimes they did. From Nat Turner's Rebellion to the Stono Rebellion in SC, thousands of slaves took matters into their own hands and took their dignity back. Today the descendants of the people that build this country stand resilient in the face of present day race based attacks. We are beautiful, bold, creative & resilient. Happy Black History Month!

America Has A Problem ft. Jesse McCoy

In this episode we dive into what authoritarianism and fascism truly mean. What does it mean to be American? Who is included in the American dream? We talk about this current obsession with DEI. People of color seem to be at the forefront of conservatives minds right now, and it is evident through the roll back of DEI policies, despite the fact that White women are the primary beneficiaries of DEI and affirmative action. Black people are resilient, always have been. There is no American culture without us, so in honor of Black History Month, this episode is an ode to Black People!

Rest for the 92% & The TikTok Ban

In this episode we chat about the social media buzz that says that the 92%...ie the overwhelming majority of Black women that voted for Kamala Harris will be resting for the next 4 years, abandoning our capes and tending to ourselves and our communities.

Perfectionism on Trial: Kamala’s 107 Days & the Lawyer’s Fear of Mistakes

In this reflective episode, we unpack Vice President Kamala Harris’ candid memoir 107 Days, which chronicles the whirlwind 2024 presidential campaign with behind‑the‑scenes detail and insights into resilience and leadership. Host Avi B. connects Harris’s struggle with perfectionism to the realities of the legal profession, where many new attorneys are terrified of making mistakes. You’ll hear why the fear of missteps can be paralyzing and how embracing imperfection actually strengthens your practice. We discuss strategies for recognizing when perfectionism hinders growth, owning mistakes early, and turning errors into learning opportunities. Check out our new merch at: https://www.blkandbarred.com

Why Blk and Barred Exists???

In this candid solo episode, host Avi B. pulls back the curtain on her journey into the law and the surprising reality she found once she arrived. She admits that she once believed the prevailing myth that Big Law would lead to wealth and happily‑ever‑after success—but soon discovered that even firms touting robust DEI initiatives rarely build cultures with Black attorneys in mind. The episode delves into the subtle but damaging forms of racism she experienced in predominantly white firms, where being starved of substantive work makes it impossible to hit billable‑hour targets and advance. She explains that these experiences, coupled with the fact that Black lawyers have made no real gains in representation over the last decade—still just 5 % of the profession motivated her to create Blk & Barred. Along the way, she also touches on the mental‑health toll of navigating a profession where surveys show lawyers feel burned out and stresses the importance of community for combating isolation and burnout. If you’ve ever felt alone in your legal career or doubted whether there’s a place for you in a white, male‑dominated profession, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. Tune in to hear why building community isn’t just empowering, it’s essential to thriving.

We should be more cautious about what we tell ChatGPT

What’s the real cost of talking to AI? In this episode, we peel back the curtain on ChatGPT, exploring how your data might be used, and how every conversation could be draining more than just electricity. From digital footprints to water footprints, we’re breaking down the hidden side of AI that Big Tech doesn’t talk about.

Lawyering Outside of the Box

In this bold and inspiring episode, we’re joined by the incredible Attorney Heather Reese, a powerhouse who’s redefining what it means to be a lawyer. Not only is she a practicing attorney, but she’s also a plus-size Latina model, breaking barriers and thriving outside the traditional confines of the legal profession. We dive into her unique journey blending law, creativity, and authenticity, and how she’s built a career that aligns with her values and identity. Heather opens up about the challenges and triumphs of embracing your full self in a profession that often rewards conformity. Together, we also share the three things we wish we had known as new lawyers, from navigating mistakes while practicing to redefining success on our own terms. Whether you're a law student, new attorney, or seasoned professional thinking about your next chapter, this episode will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to step outside the box.

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