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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we dive into the innovative world of immersive design and creative storytelling with Freddy Janney — a Billboard-charting music producer, DJ, and interactive UX/UI designer. Known in the music world as partywithray, Freddy brings a rare blend of audio mastery and experiential design to his role as Brand Design Lead at PhenomenArts, Inc., a boutique firm specializing in multisensory experiences.

Freddy shares how his passion for storytelling fuels his work across music, visual, spatial, and digital platforms. He also reflects on his transformative time at the USC Iovine & Young Academy, where he earned a Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology. From his hit single “Came For The Low” with ZHU to playing iconic venues like Red Rocks, The Gorge, and the Brooklyn Mirage, Freddy’s journey redefines what it means to be a multidimensional creator in today’s entertainment industry.

Tune in for a conversation about merging creativity with technology, human-centered design, and the future of immersive storytelling — all while advocating for inclusive innovation and empowering others to break into the business.

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In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with Paul Hemstreet, an award-winning producer and multidisciplinary creative with over 25 years of experience shaping some of the most beloved franchises in entertainment. From his tenure at Warner Bros.—working on global hits like Harry Potter, The Matrix, The Hobbit, and the DC Universe—to his current role mentoring neurodivergent talent at Autism in Entertainment, Paul brings a rare blend of high-level industry insight and heartfelt advocacy.

Paul shares how producing live events and content across departments, continents, and technologies has shaped his approach to storytelling—and why creating space for voices on the Spectrum has become his most meaningful work yet. With deep reflections on parenting, career pivots, and creative leadership, Paul offers a candid look into what it truly takes to produce content that inspires hope, fosters inclusivity, and engages audiences around the world.

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What starts as childhood curiosity can grow into something truly impactful—and Alessandro Concas is living proof.

In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with teen author and entrepreneur Alessandro Concas, a student at Learning Post Academy in Valencia, California, who’s been building a creative empire since he was eight years old. It all began with a simple idea during a long summer break—The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom, his first published book. That spark ignited an early passion for writing, which evolved into his ongoing science fiction series, Life of the Time Cat.

But Alessandro’s vision doesn’t stop at storytelling. A skilled pianist, fluent language learner, and stock market enthusiast, he’s also designed a financial literacy program for kids and teens through his family’s education company. With ambitions to study at Harvard and one day meet his entrepreneurial role model, Elon Musk, Alessandro’s journey blends big-picture thinking with grounded action—and a strong sense of purpose.

His book sales help fund charitable causes, school initiatives, and his own college tuition. Through it all, Alessandro’s message is clear: kids can be creators, leaders, and changemakers—starting now.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on what it means to break into the business world when your age doesn’t define your ability to make an impact.

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Bret sits down with operations expert and Syzygy founder Tyler Burr to explore the critical—but often invisible—role of infrastructure in the creative industries. With a career spanning film and TV production, the arts, hospitality, and business operations, Tyler brings a systems-first mindset to every challenge she tackles.

As the founder of Syzygy, she leads a team dedicated to empowering creative entrepreneurs by transforming back-office functions—like accounting, HR, and operations—into strategic assets. Her approach helps small businesses grow with clarity, confidence, and control. Known for her pragmatic leadership and sharp operational instincts, Tyler is a firm believer that strong systems create space for bold ideas.

In this episode, she and Bret dive into what it takes to build sustainable businesses behind the scenes, why operations is often the secret to success, and how professionals with disabilities can lead and thrive in every part of the business world.

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In this episode of Breaking the Biz, we sit down with animation veteran Howie Hoffman, a visionary Creative Art Director whose work has helped define multiple eras of animated entertainment and advertising.

Hoffman has brought some of pop culture’s most iconic visual moments to life—whether it’s the Trix Cereal rabbit in action, Michael Jordan mingling with Looney Tunes in a groundbreaking MCI commercial, or the unforgettable opening sequences of Reading Rainbow and The Magic School Bus. His contributions to network branding and animated interstitials for outlets like NBC Late Night, HBO, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon helped shape the visual language of ‘90s and early 2000s television.

As Design Director for the first two seasons of Nickelodeon's Doug, Hoffman led a 17-person team in crafting the show’s signature aesthetic—an experience he calls one of the most treasured of his career. That same passion for collaboration and creativity extended to Camp Androscoggin in Wayne, Maine, where he launched one of the country’s most visible animation programs for youth, backed by industry giants like Disney and Nickelodeon.

Throughout his career, Hoffman has been recognized with numerous awards: in fine art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, in animation from the Ann Arbor and Washington D.C. Film Festivals, in graphics from the Broadcast Design Association, and in direction with nominations for both a Cable ACE Award and an Annie Award.

But what truly sets Howie Hoffman apart is his unwavering commitment to inclusive storytelling and education. He began his career with a National Endowment for the Arts grant to teach animation in Virginia public schools and has since come full circle through his work with Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit animation studio for artists on the autism spectrum. The animated shorts he’s produced with Exceptional Minds students and graduates have received accolades from the Palm Springs International Animation Festival, the Los Angeles Animation Festival, and the Marvels of Media Awards at the Museum of the Moving Image.

This episode is a celebration of legacy, mentorship, and the power of accessible creativity. Whether you're an aspiring animator, an advocate for disability inclusion, or someone who grew up loving Saturday morning cartoons, this conversation with Howie Hoffman will leave you both inspired and informed.

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