Breaking the Biz Podcast

Hosted by Bret Lieberman

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 7447 min

Breaking Into Color Grading: Nick Nassif’s and Company 3 // Breaking The Biz

Nick Nassif’s career journey highlights how a passion for storytelling can lead to opportunities behind some of Hollywood’s biggest films. Growing up in Santa Clarita, California, Nick studied film at the University of Arizona before beginning his career as an editor. In 2019, he joined Company 3 as a Features Color Assist, helping support the color workflow on major productions including Terminator: Dark Fate, Black Widow, and Top Gun: Maverick.Today, as a Junior Colorist, Nick works alongside renowned Senior Colorists Stephen Nakamura and Dave Hussey, contributing to the visual finishing of films such as The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, The Fall Guy, The First Omen, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, The Long Walk, Send Help, and many more.In this episode of Breaking the Biz, Nick discusses the craft of color grading, the path from assistant to artist, and the critical role colorists play in shaping mood, tone, and storytelling. Join us for an engaging conversation about career growth, collaboration, and the creative process behind bringing cinematic worlds to life.Join our conversation on social media:facebook.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

May 9, 2026Episode 7350 min

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/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

April 29, 2026Episode 7251 min

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/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

April 26, 2026Episode 7154 min

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/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

April 15, 2026Episode 701 hr 8 min

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/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

April 10, 2026Episode 691 hr 1 min

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/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

March 25, 2026Episode 6847 min

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/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

December 9, 2025Episode 671 hr 10 min

Breaking Into Voiceover: From Stability to Soulwork // June Yoon #7252

In this heartwarming and deeply reflective episode, we sit down with voice actor, educator, and self-proclaimed “VO Dad” June Yoon. From immigrating to the U.S. at 14 and discovering his passion for performance in a high school improv class, to walking away from a stable teaching career to pursue full-time voice acting, June's story is anything but conventional. He opens up about the pursuit of happiness, navigating uncertainty, and the power of choosing authenticity over expectation.Listeners will hear about the pressures of the “American Dream,” the value of mentorship in creative spaces, and how joy can be a radical act—especially in industries that often prioritize hustle over health. This is a conversation about identity, resilience, and the fun (yes, fun!) of filing LLC compliance documents when you’re finally doing what you love.Whether you’re a creative professional, a teacher, or just someone trying to find your lane, June’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to break into something new—especially when happiness is on the other side.Join our conversation on social media:facebook.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

November 15, 2025Episode 661 hr 5 min

Breaking Into Animation: Crafting Comedy, Characters, and Career Longevity // Jerry Langford #6251

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with seasoned animation director Jerry Langford, whose multi-decade career spans some of the most iconic animated series on television. From his early days as a layout artist on King of the Hill and Mission Hill to directing episodes of Family Guy, Jerry takes us behind the scenes of the animation world—where timing, tone, and teamwork are everything.We explore the evolving landscape of animated storytelling, the power of persistence in a competitive industry, and the unique collaborative process that brings characters to life frame by frame. Jerry also reflects on how different roles—from storyboard artist to timer—shaped his directorial vision, and he shares insight for aspiring animators looking to break in and stand out.This episode offers a rare peek into the mechanics of animated comedy, the unsung artistry behind the jokes, and the kind of leadership it takes to keep a creative team on point—all told with warmth, humility, and just the right amount of irreverence.Join our conversation on social media:facebook.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org

October 28, 2025Episode 6559 min

Breaking Into Sound: Behind the Board in Music, Film, and Legacy // Tom Gordon #10251

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we go behind the scenes with legendary producer and audio engineer Tom Gordon, whose 30+ year career has shaped the sound of icons across music, film, and television. From recording with Ozzy Osbourne, Dr. Dre, and the Beach Boys to engineering Emmy-winning projects and independent films, Tom brings a deep well of experience and an unmatched ear for excellence.We explore Tom’s journey through the heart of the entertainment industry—how he’s blended artistry and technical mastery while staying grounded in community. As a former educator, session drummer, and charity album producer, Tom has dedicated his career not just to crafting hits, but to building spaces where others can thrive. His work with organizations supporting juvenile diabetes research, music education, and Native American scholarships speaks to a broader mission: using sound to make a difference.Whether you’re curious about audio engineering, fascinated by backstage stories, or passionate about creating a more inclusive entertainment industry, this episode with Tom Gordon hits all the right notes.Join our conversation on social media:facebook.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/breakingthebizinstagram.com/yic_unityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/18149713Interested in being a guest speaker? podcast@yicunity.org