Breaking the Biz Podcast

Bret Lieberman
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Join us on Breaking the Biz, a captivating podcast where we dive into the world of entertainment by interviewing seasoned professionals who have made their mark in the industry. Gain invaluable insights as they share their personal journeys, offering advice on navigating the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry. Whether you're an aspiring actor, musician, filmmaker, author, animator, or any creative soul, tune in for expert career guidance, insider tips, and firsthand accounts on breaking into the biz. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind successful careers and fuel your own passion for the limelight!

  1. Sep 14

    Breaking Into Entertainment // Breaking The Biz Podcast - Dillon Waskow #8261

    Dillon Waskow is Chief of Staff at Invisible Narratives, where he works directly for CEO Adam Goodman, the former president of Paramount Pictures, and longtime Hollywood producer, Michael Bay, the studio's Chief Creative Advisor.  Invisible Narratives is a Los Angeles studio built for where entertainment is headed; taking the franchise playbook Hollywood perfected over a century and applying it to the creators and properties being born online today. The studio has worked with some of the biggest names in the space, including Skibidi Toilet, FaZe Clan, NinjaKidz, and Ice Spice, turning digital phenomena into brands that live across film, television, gaming, and consumer products.   Getting there was not a straight line. Dillon grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and later studied Business and Sustainability at the University of Michigan. Upon graduating, rather than chasing the obvious path, he became a teacher at Pontiac High School, an underserved school just outside of Detroit, and threw himself into the work. He built a networking and workshop program that brought some of Detroit's most prominent figures into the classroom for his students, including Lions quarterback Jared Goff, running back David Montgomery, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and GM CEO Mary Barra. He wanted his students to see opportunity up close. Alongside his district, he helped raise the graduation rate by more than 20% for the classes he taught. Somewhere in the middle of encouraging his students to chase their dreams, he realized he needed to do the same.  He moved to Los Angeles with no job, no network, and a goal of building a career in entertainment. What he learned quickly is that LA is a place like no other: sure, a resume is important, but a resume without connections lacks opportunity. For eight months he took whatever work he could find while searching for a way in, convinced the opportunity was right around the corner. He kept the faith. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into Entertainment // Breaking The Biz Podcast - Dillon Waskow #8261

  2. Jul 21

    Breaking Into CG Animation // Breaking The Biz Podcast - Gustavo Hemstreet #8251

    Gustavo Hemstreet is an animator and 3D generalist hailing from the valleys of Southern California; Fascinated by storytelling, art, philosophy, and folklore from an early age, he strove to find ways to combine all four within his personal work; This set off years of practice and study at college, where he had the privilege of working on seven different animated films, became respected as a mentor amongst his fellow students, and culminated in his spring 2026 graduation, when he earned a Bachelors of Science in Entertainment Design from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. When he's not working on new films or projects, he can be found exploring cinema and roleplaying games, and withering in his crypt, far away from the heat of the Los Angeles sun. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into CG Animation // Breaking The Biz Podcast - Gustavo Hemstreet #8251

  3. May 9

    Breaking Into Creative Education: Turning Editing Into Cinematic Storytelling // Josh Olufemii #2261

    In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with Josh Olufemii, a Nigerian-American filmmaker and educator based in Melbourne, Australia, who has built a global community of creators through his wildly popular YouTube channel. With more than 500,000 followers and over 32 million views, Josh has become a trusted voice for filmmakers and editors looking to master Adobe Creative Cloud workflows without feeling overwhelmed. Josh shares how he transformed his passion for filmmaking and education into a platform that empowers creatives around the world to produce standout visuals with efficiency, confidence, and style. From simplifying advanced editing techniques to building an engaged online audience, this conversation explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and accessible learning in today’s entertainment industry. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about innovation, teaching through content creation, and helping the next generation of storytellers bring their ideas to life. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into Creative Education: Turning Editing Into Cinematic Storytelling // Josh Olufemii #2261

  4. Apr 29

    Breaking Into Corporate Inclusion: From Entertainment to Disability Advocacy //Becky Curran #6253

    In this inspiring episode of Breaking the Biz, we welcome Becky Curren, Senior Director of Stakeholder Engagement at Disability:IN and an internationally recognized TEDx motivational speaker. With a decade of experience in the entertainment and news media industries, Becky Curren brings a unique perspective on storytelling, representation, and the power of visibility. Now leading efforts to advance disability inclusion and equality within major corporations, Becky Curren shares how her professional journey—and lived experience as a proud member of the disability community—has shaped her mission to drive meaningful change. Having spoken at over 550 venues worldwide, she offers insight into breaking down barriers, challenging workplace norms, and redefining what inclusion truly looks like in today’s workforce. Join us for a powerful conversation that bridges entertainment, advocacy, and corporate leadership—highlighting how authentic representation can transform industries and open doors for future generations. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into Corporate Inclusion: From Entertainment to Disability Advocacy //Becky Curran #6253

  5. Apr 26

    Breaking Into Global Film Festivals: Building Platforms That Empower Storytellers

    In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we explore the intersection of independent film, global storytelling, and purposeful leadership with Ron Truppa, Founder and Executive Director of the Catalina Film Institute and Festival. With more than 25 years in the entertainment industry and over a decade of visionary leadership, Ron Truppa has transformed Catalina into a world-renowned hub for filmmakers, creatives, and innovators. Ron shares how his commitment to the core philosophy of “Imagination, Education, and Destination” has elevated the festival beyond a showcase—turning it into a nurturing environment where emerging voices can thrive. From empowering underrepresented storytellers to creating meaningful opportunities for creatives across the globe, Ron’s work highlights the importance of access, inclusion, and innovation in today’s entertainment landscape. Listeners will gain insight into what it takes to build a platform that not only celebrates artistic excellence but also drives cultural awareness and positive industry change. This conversation aligns with Breaking the Biz’s mission to challenge norms, expand opportunity, and advocate for a more inclusive and representative future—on screen and behind the scenes. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into Global Film Festivals: Building Platforms That Empower Storytellers

  6. Apr 15

    Breaking Into Kids Entertainment Writing: Building Worlds That Shape Young Minds // Scott Gray #7253

    In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with Emmy and WGA award-winning writer Scott Gray, whose career spans over two decades in television, comics, games, and digital media. From serving as a head writer to contributing as a freelancer, Scott has helped shape some of the most recognizable and beloved children’s programming in the industry. Scott shares his journey working with major studios like Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and Sesame Workshop, and writing for iconic properties including SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol, The Fairly OddParents, and The Muppets. He dives into what it takes to stay creative across multiple formats—from TV and comic books to podcasts and video games—while keeping stories fresh, engaging, and meaningful for young audiences. We also explore Scott’s impactful collaboration with Backpack Healthcare, where he helped develop narrative-driven apps that teach kids about mental health through storytelling and relatable characters—highlighting how entertainment can be a powerful tool for education and emotional awareness. Plus, Scott reflects on his background in improv and sketch comedy at The Improv Comedy Club, and how performance influences his writing process today. This conversation is packed with insights for aspiring writers, creatives navigating the entertainment industry, and anyone interested in how storytelling can drive positive change—especially when it comes to empowering the next generation. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into Kids Entertainment Writing: Building Worlds That Shape Young Minds // Scott Gray #7253

  7. Apr 10

    Breaking Into Sound Design: Crafting Worlds You Can Hear // Walt Newman #12251

    While audiences may never see his name on screen, Walt Newman’s work is felt in every moment of the shows he helps bring to life. As a five-time Emmy Award–winning Supervising Sound Editor, Walt has mastered the art of shaping how stories are experienced through sound. A proud graduate of Hollywood High and Cal State Northridge, he has built an extraordinary career at the top of the entertainment industry. In this episode of Breaking the Biz, Walt Newman pulls back the curtain on the intricate world of sound editing, sharing how every detail—from footsteps to birds in the distance—is carefully selected, edited, and synchronized to picture. He explains the immense libraries of sound available to editors, the precision required to match audio to visual storytelling, and the creative decisions that make each scene feel authentic. From choosing between hundreds of variations of a single sound to ensuring every element fits seamlessly, Walt reveals the unseen craft that shapes the emotional tone of film and television. This conversation highlights not only the technical expertise behind sound design but also the passion and persistence required to succeed in a highly competitive field—offering valuable insight for anyone looking to break into the industry. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Breaking Into Sound Design: Crafting Worlds You Can Hear // Walt Newman #12251

  8. Mar 25

    Raising the Standard: Why Every Detail Matters in Event Experiences // Kevin Meraz #3253

    In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we dive into an often-overlooked element of the entertainment and event industry—the restroom experience—and why it can make or break an event. Kevin Meraz, business owner of Deluxe Porta Potty and a union Set Paramedic, brings a unique perspective shaped by hands-on experience in both event services and on-set safety. Kevin shares how his family-owned business is redefining expectations by blending luxury, functionality, and thoughtful design into portable restrooms that match the tone and elegance of high-end productions and events. He also discusses the importance of leadership, creating a supportive workplace for employees, and how that care naturally extends to clients. From behind-the-scenes insights on set safety to the power of treating every client like family, this conversation highlights how attention to detail—and people—can elevate the entire industry. 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? podcast@yicunity.org

    Raising the Standard: Why Every Detail Matters in Event Experiences // Kevin Meraz #3253
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About

Join us on Breaking the Biz, a captivating podcast where we dive into the world of entertainment by interviewing seasoned professionals who have made their mark in the industry. Gain invaluable insights as they share their personal journeys, offering advice on navigating the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry. Whether you're an aspiring actor, musician, filmmaker, author, animator, or any creative soul, tune in for expert career guidance, insider tips, and firsthand accounts on breaking into the biz. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind successful careers and fuel your own passion for the limelight!

Information

  • Creator
    Bret Lieberman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Breaking the Biz Podcast
  • Show Website
    Breaking the Biz Podcast