How can creativity become a bridge to understanding and inclusion? In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Adrienne Barker welcomes Brian Tashima, a multi-talented author, musician, filmmaker, and autism advocate from Vancouver, Washington.
Brian is the creator of the award-winning short film Hold My Beer—a story about a young adult with autism who finds new passion and purpose through craft beer—and author of the Joel Suzuki book series, a seven-volume adventure inspired by his life experiences as both an artist and a parent of two autistic children.
Alongside his work as co-editor and treasurer for Spectrum Life Magazine and board member of Autism Empowerment, Brian opens up about his own late-in-life autism diagnosis and what it taught him about identity, empathy, and self-acceptance.
→ The conversation dives into how storytelling empowers communities, why accurate representation matters, and what it truly means to live authentically as both a creator and advocate.
Key Takeaways: → Hold My Beer was created with autistic actors and crew—showing what true inclusion in film production looks like.
→ The Joel Suzuki series celebrates neurodivergent heroes who find their voice and purpose through creativity. → Autism Empowerment and Spectrum Life Magazine offer vital platforms for education, connection, and visibility.
→ Brian shares why getting an adult autism diagnosis helped him understand himself and deepen his connection with his children.
→ Representation isn’t just about awareness—it’s about empowerment and belonging.
Quote from Brian: “Knowing my diagnosis didn’t change who I was—it gave me permission to be myself, to stop masking, and to connect with my community more deeply.”
How to Reach the Guest: 🌐 SpectrumLife.org 📖 briantashima.blogspot.com 🎬 YouTube.com/@HoldMyBeerFilm