Breaking the Biz Podcast

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we explore how creativity, technology, and determination converge to redefine accessibility. Our guest, Haim Kairy, co-founder of Arcana Instruments, shares his remarkable journey from a career in cyber defense and tech consulting to developing the world’s first inclusive music instrument. With a rich background as a software developer, musician, and entreprene...

In this episode of Breaking the Biz , we’re joined by Laurie B. Kirby, Esq., a trailblazing producer, attorney, and thought leader in the entertainment and events industry. As the powerhouse behind FestForums and Best of the Fests, Laurie brings decades of experience shaping unforgettable festivals that celebrate music, film, food, and wine. From her beginnings as a prominent attorney representing...

In this episode of Breaking the Biz , we sit down with Evan B. Stone, a powerhouse in the world of production, cinematography, and documentary filmmaking. From groundbreaking projects like Expedition Unknown , Naked & Afraid , and Shark Week to his Emmy-winning work, Evan shares his journey of breaking into the entertainment industry, crafting compelling stories, and navigating the challenges...

Jake Hollander joins us to discuss his incredible journey through the world of animation as a Supervising Director, Writer, and Creator. From working on fan-favorite series like Krapopolis and Duncanville to creating original IPs, Jake shares how his love of storytelling—shaped by fantasy and sci-fi classics like those of Isaac Asimov and J.R.R. Tolkien—informs his creative process. Tune in to hea...

In this episode of Breaking the Biz , we dive into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of live television with Philip Dvorak, an accomplished associate director with 20 years of experience in TV production. Phil specializes in control room operations for live news and sports programming, ensuring all elements are perfectly timed and ready for directors to execute on-air. From his nearly two-decade...

In this episode, we explore the role of accessibility in entertainment with the Live Nation Director of Fan Services & Accessibility for Venues. Discover how scalable, fan-centered programs and seamless experiences are designed for fans of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. From conducting accessibility audits to collaborating across teams, this conversation reveals the challe...

Emma “EMM” Norris is an American alternative-pop singer, songwriter, producer, and content creator from Traverse City, Michigan, based in Los Angeles. She was one of the first women to release a full-length album, “Burning in the Dark,” which she created in its entirety from start to finish, including writing, producing, performing, mixing and mastering.  Curve (magazine) described EMM, saying, &q...

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 Disabi...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 r...

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 "...

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. N...

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...

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 memorabl...

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...

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 p...

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...

In this episode of "Breaking the Biz," we sit down with the incredibly talented Jazzy Frizzle, a versatile voice-over artist with a rich background in ADR, commercial, animation, and video game voice-over work. Jazzy shares her journey into the world of voice acting, discussing how she breathes life into products, characters, and stories across various media. From podcasts and commercial...

In this episode of "Breaking the Biz," we sit down with the legendary Jacqui Pitman from Pitman Casting. With a career spanning decades, Jacqui has become a powerhouse in the world of Reality Casting, known for her ability to spot and nurture talent for Nationwide Competitive Reality Shows, Docu-series, Occupational Casting, In-studio Game Shows, Dating Shows, Host and Corporate Videos,...

Join us for an exclusive conversation with three-time Emmy® nominated Music Supervisor Robert Rudkin, who has over 16 years of experience in seamlessly linking music to picture. Our guest excels in navigating the fast-paced world of content production, executing a wide range of media projects from initial concept to final product. Discover how they manage multiple projects simultaneously while lea...

Original Recording Date: June 12, 2024 Jason Wolk was born and reared in The Bronx, NY before transplanting to Los Angeles to graduate from University of Southern California. Wolk is a product of an attorney and schoolteacher which helped mold his ability to multitask, prioritize and educate at the same time.   ‍ Wolk is a natural born leader, and he does it with his heart and ethics. Currently he...

Original Recording Date: June 11, 2024 After ascending the corporate ladder in his family's South Florida car business, Dave Williamson discovered a passion for making his customers smile, but found true fulfillment in making them laugh. Since then, he has excelled in nearly every major domestic comedy festival, consistently reaching the finals or earning "Best of The Fest" honors a...