Épisodes

  • Breaking Boundaries: Documentary Filmmaking for Disability Justice // Zian Chavez #9241
    Nov 20 2024

    Original Recording Date: 9/16/24

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Zian Chavez, producer of We Are the Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities, an award-winning documentary that’s reshaping perceptions of beauty and disability worldwide. Through compelling stories from adults with disabilities across cultures, the film confronts ableism, racism, and the distinction between Disability Rights and Disability Justice. Zian shares insights from the film’s journey through international festivals and the transformative impact of representing the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Join us as we explore how this groundbreaking documentary challenges norms and redefines the meaning of beauty and humanity.

    Join our conversation on social media:

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

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

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    41 min
  • Breaking Barriers in Music // Episode 8246 - Carly Webster
    Nov 4 2024

    Original Recording Date: August 22

    Carly Webster joins us and brings many important topics to the table, including her personal journey from fan to advocate, and the importance of accessible concert experiences. Carly shares how her teenage years spent in entertainment fandom opened her eyes to the deep lack of representation and support for disabled people in music spaces. At just 15, she founded a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down these barriers, proving that music should be accessible to all.

    In this episode, Carly reflects on her experiences working with artist teams, delivering a TEDx talk, and how her vision for the future goes far beyond personal milestones. Carly believes that music and live entertainment are for everyone, and she's determined to make it a more inclusive space. Her passion for creating accessible experiences for disabled music fans has fueled her career in event accessibility consulting, public speaking, and event production.

    Join us as Carly delves into her aspirations, her commitment to giving back to future generations, and her dedication to making real change. Whether you’re in the industry or a fan, Carly’s story is a compelling call to action to help redefine what accessibility means in the world of music and live events.

    Join our conversation on social media:

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

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

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    55 min
  • Breaking Boundaries: Redefining Female Stories and Neurodivergent Advocacy // Zhara Astra #8245
    Oct 30 2024

    Original Recording Date: August 19, 2024

    Zhara is the president and CEO of Auracle Productions-- a female owned and operated production company that celebrates the badasserie of women worldwide. The company writes, develops, and produces television, film, and media content that highlights female-driven stories and book adaptations with authentic female characters.

    Zhara is also an innovator in the field of autism after becoming an autism advocate, international public speaker, author, as well as the world's first professor of female Neurodivergent studies after developing the first course of its kind at Arizona State University.

    In her work around this subject, she propels the initiative for more research and understanding of the female autism phenotype which she believes the lack thereof and lack of it's own subtype has failed girls and women across the globe for far too long. Her work challenges the current healthcare system and diagnostic criteria in place for neurodivergent people of all genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

    She recently partnered with Stone Village Television to produce and co-host two documentary films entitled "Understanding Autism" and "ADHD: Wired Differently", which are slated for release this spring.

    Join our conversation on social media:

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

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

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    53 min
  • Breaking Into Entrepeneurship & Kid's Entertainment // Episode #8244 - Kenn Viselman
    Oct 19 2024

    Original Recording Date: Aug. 14, 2024
    Viselman has achieved something close to legendary status …” New York Times. A true showman, Viselman has an unmatched reputation for taking unknown or faltering toy properties and turning them into overnight sensations… many liken him to the Tom Hanks character in the movie “Big," a kid in a grownup's body…” Inc Magazine. By the age of 30, Viselman was responsible for over $2 billion in sales.

    By 40, skyrocketing to $12 billion. It's now estimated he is associated with over US $27billion dollars in global success. Viselman, has created, produced, marketed and or consulted on 50+ projects. He is the producing partner for Teletubbies, credited as the genius behind the commercial success of Thomas the Tank Engine and the driving force behind the rebirth of family classics Eloise & Noddy. Viselman's itsy bitsy Entertainment, is one of the world’s most admired independent family entertainment companies. His brands are wildly successful both on and off the screen including top-selling numerous ancillary products.

    Currently, Viselman has launched itsybitsywow.com a "Funtastical Entertainment Emporium For Families" and is Showrunner for International Sensation MeteoHeroes, the definitive family series about Climate Education, already seen in 200 countries and 22 languages.

    Viselman is developing his Li'l Pet Hospital brand with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, proceeds help save children's lives. Additionally, he's executive producing BlackJack a gritty hour long action adventure drama based on the classic graphic novel series of the same name and entered into a massive development deal with Toonz Media.

    Viselman is now set to launch his unique version of storytelling into the unscripted world with three new original series.Viselman’s team is producing itsy bitsy Schoolhouse, a global didactic children’s TV project as well as The Wish Genie based on his book of the same title and two other original animated feature films.

    Join our conversation on social media:

    facebook.com/breakingthebiz
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    instagram.com/yic_unity
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

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

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    1 h et 14 min
  • Breaking Into a Music Career // Episode #8243 - Nomad "The Career Musician"
    Oct 11 2024

    Original Recording Date: August 12, 2024

    Believe it or not, you’ve probably already heard Nomad’s guitar playing! With an impressive resume that spans countless TV shows and movie scores, Nomad has also shared the stage and studio with musical icons like Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Sting, and many more. In this episode, Nomad takes us through his journey from a passionate musician to a true Career Musician. He shares how he turned a passion-project podcast into a thriving platform for musical excellence and what it means to build a sustainable, lifelong career in music. If you’re dreaming of turning your passion into a lifelong career, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

    Join our conversation on social media:

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

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

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    57 min
  • Breaking Into Film: Empowering Disabled Creators with Purpose // Episode 8242 - Alex Astrella
    Sep 23 2024

    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.

    Join our conversation on social media:

    facebook.com/breakingthebiz
    instagram.com/breakingthebiz
    instagram.com/yic_unity
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

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

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    58 min
  • Animating Cultural Identity: Breaking Barriers in the Animation Industry // Episode 8241 - Jorge R. Gutierrez
    Sep 19 2024

    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.

    Join our conversation on social media:

    facebook.com/breakingthebiz
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    instagram.com/yic_unity
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

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

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    1 h et 16 min
  • From Field to Studio: Navigating Sports Media // Breaking The Biz Podcast // Jason Galvin #7245
    Sep 14 2024

    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.

    Join our conversation on social media:

    facebook.com/breakingthebiz
    instagram.com/breakingthebiz
    instagram.com/yic_unity
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

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

    Join our conversation on social media:

    facebook.com/breakingthebiz
    instagram.com/breakingthebiz
    instagram.com/yic_unity
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713

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

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    56 min