Episode 48 - Matt Braly

Host Stu Levy sits down with acclaimed animator, writer, and showrunner Matt Braly (Amphibia, Gravity Falls) for an insightful and entertaining conversation digging deep into the creative process, the struggle of balancing artistic passion with industry realities, and the ever-shifting landscape of animation—from the glory days of network TV to the rise of streaming and direct-to-fan funding. Matt shares stories about his experiences at Disney, the heartbreak and lessons of feature film development, and his bold leap into crowdfunding original animation with a wildly successful Kickstarter. The duo swap perspectives on creative burnout, the challenge of staying relevant in a changing industry, and the optimism of betting on the next generation. Check out Matt’s Kickstarter for “Clara and the Below”: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1589314206/clara-and-the-below-episode-1

Jane Wu is an Emmy-winning director and producer best known as the supervising director of Netflix’s acclaimed animated series Blue Eye Samurai. From her early days in fashion and comics to shaping action and story on major films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Mulan, and Guardians of the Galaxy, Jane has built a career at the intersection of visual artistry and cinematic storytelling. On this episode of Left Brain vs. Right Brain, host Stu Levy dives into Jane’s fascinating career journey—from growing up in Taiwan to breaking boundaries in animation and live-action, and even opening her own comic book store. Jane shares how her bicultural background shaped her creative vision, why imposter syndrome can actually keep you fresh, and the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated creative spaces. Plus, get the inside scoop on how Blue-Eyed Samurai used live-action storytelling techniques to change the game in animation.  Don’t miss this inspiring, honest, and sometimes hilarious discussion about embracing your uniqueness and finding your voice in the creative industry.

Jane Wu is an Emmy-winning director and producer best known for Netflix’s acclaimed animated series Blue Eye Samurai. In this intensely personal episode of Left Brain vs. Right Brain, host Stu Levy explores Jane’s role as a mother to a severely autistic, non-verbal and developmentally delayed daughter including how she adapted her life to care for her daughter, how she balances her highly successful career, and a range of invaluable advice for all parents.  Don’t miss this educational and emotional episode!

Host Stu Levy continues his conversation with Ellen Eliasoph, pioneering movie producer and global executive who played a foundational role in opening the Chinese market to Hollywood. From serving as the first Hollywood studio representative in Beijing to helping introduce blockbuster cinema to Chinese audiences, Ellen’s career reflects a rare blend of creativity, diplomacy, and fearless industry innovation. Having produced award-winning films that bridge cultures, aesthetics, and worldviews, she has long worked at the intersection of art, business, and global storytelling. In Part 2, Stu and Ellen build on their earlier discussion, further exploring her experiences navigating East-West collaboration before it became mainstream, her perspective on China’s evolving cultural mindset, and how those early moments helped shape the global powerhouse China is today. The conversation highlights the lasting impact of cross-cultural curiosity, leadership in uncharted territory, and storytelling that connects generations and cultures.

Host Stu Levy sits down with Ellen Eliasoph, pioneering movie producer and global executive who was fundamental to opening the Chinese market.  From becoming the first Hollywood studio representative in Beijing and introducing blockbuster cinema to Chinese audiences, to producing award-winning films that bridge cultures, aesthetics, and entire worldviews, Ellen has built a legacy defined by creativity, diplomacy, and fearless industry innovation. Hear how she navigated East-West collaboration long before it was mainstream, led major studios through uncharted territory, championed emerging talent across Asia, and now continues to develop visionary stories that connect generations and cultures.  In this Part 1, Stu and Ellen explore her early visits to China just as it opened up to the West, and how the people’s mindset during the Cultural Revolution led to an endless curiosity which sparked the global superpower of today’s China.  Tune in for a rare look inside a life where art, business, and global storytelling converge.

Explore aspects of a too-often misunderstood culture, as host Stu Ley (TOKYOPOP) sits down with Ali Jaber, one of the most prolific creative minds in the Middle East. Group Director of the region’s top broadcaster and streamer MBC Group and Shahid, as well as long-time judge on Arab’s Got Talent, Ali has reshaped Arab entertainment. From navigating censorship and political pressure to building bridges between art, media, and culture, Ali’s story reveals the complex dance between creativity and control in the Middle East. Hear how he balanced bold storytelling with the realities of working under shifting regimes — and how his passion for authentic, thought-provoking content continues to challenge and inspire the region’s media landscape.

In this episode of Left Brain vs. Right Brain, host Stu Levy sits down with Emily Yang—a.k.a. pplpleasr—the visionary digital artist whose journey took her from working at Blizzard and feeling the sting of a tough job market, to becoming one of the leading creative forces in the NFT and crypto art world. Stu and Emily dive deep into the origins of her unique moniker pplpleasr, the real struggles and self-doubt that come with unemployment, and the wild ride that catapulted her from posting art online during COVID to selling a viral NFT for over half a million dollars. Hear how Emily filtered her artistic passion through the lens of internet culture, harnessed crypto communities, and built an entire new model for creative crowdfunding—all while navigating the ups and downs of life, love, and the never-ending tug-of-war between left brain and right brain. Whether you’re obsessed with digital art, fascinated by new models of funding, or just need an inspiring, real-life story about persistence and vision, this episode with Emily “pplpleasr” Yang is a must-listen!

In this second part with Japan expert Roland Kelts on Left Brain vs. Right Brain, host Stu Levy explores cultural contrasts between Japan and the US, challenges of modern adulthood, generational shifts, and personal journeys. Roland shares how his career path was more pre-ordained than he had realized as he recounts the influence of family and living a life of adventure and curiosity. The two dive into themes of aging, legacy, and the importance of authentic connection—with each other and their communities—framing their friendship as a testament to shared explorations and deep conversations.

Explore the journey of personal growth, cultural identity, and artistic mastery in this compelling episode of Left Brain vs. Right Brain. Host Stu Levy sits down with renowned animator and director John Aoshima (Ultraman Rising, Kubo and the Two Strings, Gravity Falls) for an in-depth conversation about his evolution as a creative force. From his formative years in rural Fukushima to his education at CalArts, John opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Discover how his bicultural upbringing, deeply rooted family experiences, and transformative mentorships guided his path to success in the animation industry. Take a deep dive into John’s inspiring story here:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1434374/

Dive into the world where art meets ambition on this episode of "Left Brain vs. Right Brain"!  Host Stu Levy sits down with acclaimed animator and director John Aoshima (Ultraman Rising, Kubo and the Two Strings, Gravity Falls) to explore John’s unique upbringing between Japan and America and how it shaped his creative path.  From childhood in rural Fukushima to studying animation at CalArts, discover what ignited John’s passion for storytelling.  Learn how John’s quest for identity, specific family background, and unique mentorship fueled his highly successful creative career. Learn more about John here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1434374/