Original Recording Date: August 7, 2024
In this episode, we sit down with Alex, a visionary visual artist and founder of Blu Star Productions LLC, based in Orange County, California. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two, Alex was once told he would never be able to hold a job. Fast forward 24 years, and Alex has defied the odds, winning multiple awards and receiving national recognition for his groundbreaking documentary films. Alex shares his journey into the world of filmmaking, how it became his passion and purpose, and his mission to empower creators with disabilities through his production company. Join us as we explore Alex’s inspiring story of resilience, creativity, and advocacy for disabled artists.

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Original Recording Date: Aug. 1, 2024
Emmy and Annie Award-winning Jorge R. Gutierrez joins us to discuss his remarkable journey in the animation industry. Proudly on the autism spectrum, Jorge shares how his Mexican heritage and passion for pop and folk culture have shaped his creative vision. From directing the Golden Globe-nominated "The Book of Life" to the Emmy-winning series "El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera," Jorge's work redefines storytelling. In this episode, we explore his latest projects, including the Netflix event series "Maya and the Three" and his upcoming feature "I, Chihuahua." Join us for an inspiring conversation about creativity, representation, and breaking barriers in animation.

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Original Recording Date: July 26, 2024

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we’re thrilled to sit down with Jason Galvin, a seasoned sports broadcaster who has worn many hats in the world of journalism. From covering breaking news for USA Today Sports to play-by-play announcing on the Pac-12 Digital Networks, Jason’s journey has taken him to some of the most exciting corners of the sports world.

Now the official announcer for the NHRA and the voice of CSU Bakersfield baseball, Jason shares his experience navigating the broadcasting industry, his transition from sports to news, and his work with major networks like FOX and ESPN. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on adaptability, passion, and the exciting future of sports media.

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Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org

Join our conversation on social media:

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org

Original Recording Date: July 24, 2024

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we talk with Lola Rheaume, a trailblazer in tech and a fierce advocate for queer, femme, and neurodivergent individuals. Lola shares her journey of pursuing a career as a Solutions Architect while attending Austin Community College’s Software Engineering program. As someone who is AUDHD and living with PTSD, Lola opens up about navigating the tech industry with unconventional experiences and how she's working to increase visibility for those like her.

Lola discusses her passion for building tools to streamline business operations, her love for art and gardening, and her mission to create an app that connects people in need with local, grassroots nonprofits. Plus, we get a sneak peek into her latest creative project—writing a spooky children's book that helps young readers process grief. This conversation offers a deep dive into Lola’s multifaceted world and her vision for making tech, and life, more accessible for all.

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Original Recording Date: July 17, 2024
In this episode, we dive into the world of voiceover artistry with Simone Serra, a seasoned performer who has mastered the art of storytelling to elevate brand messages with authenticity and impact. With over 20 years of acting experience and five years in the voiceover industry, Simone shares how she keeps a pulse on what’s trending, marketable, and memorable in today’s competitive landscape. Her expertise has earned the trust of top brands like Samsung, "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," and Ulta Beauty. Join us as we explore Simone’s collaborative approach to delivering broadcast-ready audio and how her fun, positive attitude makes the creative process both enjoyable and successful. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in the craft of voiceover and the intersection of creativity and commerce.

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Original Recording Date: July 8, 2024
In this captivating episode of "Breaking the Biz," the hosts explore the storied career of Mark McKenna, a comic book creator with 38 years of experience at the helm of some of the most iconic titles in the industry. With nearly 1,000 comics to his name and over 12,000 pages showcasing his ink work, Mark has left an indelible mark on both Marvel and DC Comics, contributing to legendary series such as The X-Men, Spider-Man, Batman, and The Justice League.

The episode delves into Mark's extensive portfolio, including his contributions to major projects like the PACIFIC RIM movie prequel and Dark Horse Comic’s Star Wars: The Old Republic. Listeners will gain insight into his creative process, the evolution of the comic book industry, and his passion for storytelling that extends into his children’s book series, Banana Tail and Friends. Mark also shares the inspiration behind his Sci-Fi/Horror mini-series COMBAT JACKS and offers advice to aspiring creators looking to leave their own mark on the world of comics.

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Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org

Original Recording Date: 7/2/24
This episode features Sam Pagan, an accomplished artist in the animation industry who brings blockbuster worlds to life through lighting and compositing. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Sam's deep connection to nature and love for adventure have shaped his creative approach, infusing his work with dynamic, action-packed visuals.

With a portfolio that includes popular animated shows such as the rebooted Rugrats, Star Trek: Prodigy, and the Emmy-nominated Fantomville, as well as live-action films like Polaroid (2019), Sam has made a significant impact across various media industries. In addition to his professional work, Sam hosts a podcast where he shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring artists in the field. Tune in to learn about Sam’s creative journey, his passion for adventure, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of animation professionals.

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Marc Andrew Sánchez hails from Yuma, Arizona, where growing up on the border profoundly influenced his perspective, straddling the cultural divide as a Mexican-American. He graduated from UCLA with a Masters in Fine Arts focus Animation production (2022). Under the mentorship of animation luminaries like Charles Sheetz, Mark Kirkland, Aaron Ehasz, and Jorge Gutierrez, all acclaimed for their Emmy and other prestigious awards, Marc’s artistic journey blossomed.

Distinguished as the first ever animation directing student nationwide to be a recipients of the National Hispanic Foundations for the Arts Grant (2020), established by Jimmy Smits, Esai Morales, Felix Sanchez, and Merel Julia, Marc is driven by a passion to empower young adults by addressing their past traumas through his storytelling. With a vision to connect with the Latino community, Marc draws from his upbringing and previous experience as a high school educator to infuse authenticity into his narratives, aspiring to ignite the imaginations of future generations. Marc Sanchez is also the first to teach Latinx Animation History at UCLA in the Chicana/o and Central American Studies program and is an instructor at Exceptional Minds (a animation school for students on the Autism Spectrum.)

Identifying as an artist and writer under the moniker “GIVE.ME.MÁS,” Marc aims to broaden the audience’s appreciation for Latin Anime, weaving cultural richness into his creations.

Join our conversation on social media:

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Interested in being a guest speaker? blieberman@yicunity.org