Have you ever wanted to know what the most iconic NBA Finals sneakers of all time are? Or the story behind the greatest photos in NBA history? Or even how to combine sneakers with a suit? The NBA and the latest iHeartMedia podcast, “Running The Break with CJ and Alex”, aims to answer these questions and much more.
“There are so many podcasts that break down stat lines, records or numbers – and I love those. But in determining how we enjoy the game, a lot of it depends on what tunnel fits or sneakers the players are wearing,” said CJ Toledano, co-host of the podcast. “There are ways to participate in the NBA 24/7, and I think we’ve found it.”
“Running The Break,” hosted by Toledano and Alex Wong, focuses less on the Xs and Os of the game and more on all things off the field. It’s not just Toledano and Wong speaking, as NBA players, broadcasters and more have already stopped by. Since launching in May during the NBA playoffs, the podcast’s 13 episodes have included conversations with Golden State Warriors guard Damion Lee (on golf with the Curry family), Adam Lefkoe of TNT (hanging out with Shaq) And one NBA Finals Fashion Roundup Discussion with Comedian Rob Haze.
However, the podcast couldn’t work without co-hosts Toledano and Wong — who joke that the offseason is when “basketball content pros step up.” But with their experience in NBA content and expertise in NBA fashion – including in-depth analysis of specific topics, such as the NBA jersey trend of the mid-1990s – they live up to their motto.
As for the best dressed NBA player of all time? Toledano and Wong disagree, with Toledano backing Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook and Wong backing Hall of Famer and defensive expert Dennis Rodman.
Arrivals of Russell Westbrook (left) and Dennis Rodman (right).
“I’ll go Russ,” Toledano said. “He takes risks, but then he knows how to do the basics very well. This is something you’ve never seen before. He made a Fashionable official photographer vest.
For Wong, Rodman takes the title for the way he helped inspire the league’s kits today.
“You think back to Dennis Rodman’s fits: the rock band t-shirts, the colorful pants and the trucker caps. That’s all many of these young NBA players now aspire to be. Fashion is just about expression for a lot of these guys, right? I can’t think of a guy who expressed himself better than Dennis Rodman.
In addition to hosting the podcast, Toledano is the founder of Follow — a creative studio specializing in the development and production of sports entertainment content that fuels culture. He was also the creative director of House of Highlights and Bleacher Report, a content producer for the Detroit Pistons, and a stand-up comedian for 12 years.
CJ Toledano, co-host of “Running The Break”
“It all goes back to when I was a kid. I was the only Asian kid in my school, but I didn’t want to be known as the only Asian kid – so I focused on what set me apart, which was a love of acting and basketball,” Toledano said. “I was a 90s kid, so I wanted to dress like Michael Jordan, which opened me up to the world of gaming off the court, including an interest in sneakers, memorabilia and trading cards .This podcast really comes from the way I consume gaming.”
Wong is based in Toronto and produces another podcast, “The raptor show”, which is the number 1 basketball podcast in Canada. He has also written about the NBA for GQ, SLAM Magazine, Complex and more. He loves telling unique and specialized stories about NBA teams, like a feature he did for GQ on the The Cleveland Cavaliers and their “Game Of Thrones” fandom.
“I remember watching ‘NBA Inside Stuff’ and really enjoying learning about the behind the scenes and the personalities of the players. Growing up, a lot of the interest around basketball was related to sneakers or collecting jerseys and it’s cool to be able to have a platform now to have these conversations with our listeners,” said Wong .
Wong’s book, “Cover Story,” features some of the most famous basketball magazine covers of the modern era. This book impressed Toledano and made him want to work with Wong.
“This project is so specific, and that’s why it was perfect for us to team up. Alex will delve deep into the recesses of NBA fandom,” Toledano said. “We’re going to have the most in-depth conversations about the most random stuff in the NBA.”
Toledano and Wong hope “Running The Break” uncovers the relationship between basketball and fashion, and both say fashion allows players to express themselves and their personalities off the court.
Alex Wong, co-host of Running The Break.
“You’re looking at a 23-year-old who may have just gotten into the NBA. Maybe it mixes streetwear with high-end products and designer names,” Wong said. “Then you look at a player who’s been in the league longer like Carmelo Anthony or like LeBron James, they look more like a grown man, right? Everyone is trying to achieve individualism, and it’s cool to see different age groups go about it differently.
Toledano added: “These players must wear the same uniform during matches. Players recognize that they have the opportunity to make their identity and message known once they’re off the field, and that starts simply with fashion.
Overall, Toledano and Wong aim to create unique content on NBA fashion and culture during the 2022-23 season. They hope to eventually speak with NBA stylists who work with players and highlight WNBA players who are pioneers in the fashion field. For them, “Running The Break” can appeal to both die-hard and casual NBA fans.
“We’re going to address these deep cuts for the hardcore fans, but casual basketball fans can also learn from the conversations we’re having,” Wong said. “Our goal is for listeners to be able to just tune in and enjoy what is just a really casual conversation every week about all things basketball.”
New episodes of “Running The Break with CJ and Alex» are released every Wednesday and are available on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts and wherever podcasts are streamed.
