In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with Alex Howard — a young entertainment professional with over five years of administrative experience across film and TV development. An advocate for audio description and a champion for disability inclusion, Alex brings a unique perspective as a low vision professional navigating Hollywood. A 2020 alum of RespectAbility’s Entertainment Lab for professionals with disabilities, Alex shares how their lived experience informs their advocacy for more accessible and authentic storytelling. Tune in for an insightful conversation about challenging industry norms, checking privilege, and making entertainment truly inclusive for all.

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

In this inspiring episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with Jason Weissbrod—a dynamic director, actor, producer, writer, and the co-founder of Spectrum Laboratory.

With a career spanning film, television, web series, commercials, and theatre, Jason has spent the past 15+ years building creative pathways for neurodivergent and autistic artists. His work with The Miracle Project, Tree Academy, The Help Group, Autism On The Seas, and CSUN’s Teenage Drama Workshop helped spark a powerful mission: to elevate neurodiverse voices in the entertainment industry.

Through Spectrum Laboratory (Spec Labs), Jason and his team empower artists on the autism spectrum to create original films and music, while collaborating with entertainment professionals. Jason’s mantra? “Show people what they can do, and magic will ensue!”

In this conversation, Jason shares how Spec Labs bridges neurodiverse talent with Hollywood pros, why authentic representation in entertainment matters, and how the creative process transforms both confidence and community. He also offers valuable lessons for industry leaders seeking to foster inclusive collaboration.

Join us for a thoughtful and energetic discussion about breaking barriers, challenging norms, and celebrating the limitless potential of neurodiverse 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

What does it take to turn sound into a language of possibility? In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we journey into the expansive world of experimental sound art, composition, and multimedia with Philip Mantione — a Los Angeles-based sound artist whose career challenges the boundaries of traditional music and embraces a world where creativity is unlimited.

With over two decades of experience, Mantione has composed for orchestra, chamber ensembles, computer, and multimedia environments, often using custom software to layer field recordings, samples, and computer-generated sound. His work spans fixed media, interactive performance, sound installations, and experimental video, embodying an artistic practice that’s both highly technical and emotionally resonant.

Mantione shares the unconventional path he took to establish himself in the entertainment and academic spheres, reflecting on how he built a career that bridges disciplines, embraces accessibility, and redefines how we think about listening. Along the way, he also explores how mentorship, innovation, and collaboration empower artists of all abilities to find their voice in spaces that often feel exclusive.

Listeners will learn:

How a career in sound art can evolve outside traditional music pathways

What it means to code your own tools as an artist

The challenges and triumphs of building inclusive spaces in multimedia art

Why embracing difference is essential to driving creative innovation

Whether you're a music lover, aspiring sound designer, or someone passionate about creating equitable futures in entertainment, this episode offers a thought-provoking dive into the sonic possibilities that surround us—and the people who make them real.

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