🎧Float Director Bobby Rubio on Neurodiverse Parenting, Art & Representation

*PREMIER* Available from the 9th of July

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📝Episode Summary

In this powerful first episode, Bobby Rubio—former Pixar story artist and director of Float—opens up about his deeply personal journey as a father to a neurodivergent child. When his son was diagnosed with autism at a very young age, Bobby spiralled into grief and depression—mourning the imagined future he thought they had lost. He speaks candidly about how we can get stuck holding onto what we expected, instead of embracing the new path in front of us.

Bobby shares the emotional toll of feeling judged by others who don’t understand your daily reality, and the importance of seeking help when your mental health begins to suffer. He reminds us that healing takes time—years, in fact—and that finding community and connecting with others who are going through similar challenges can be life-changing.

We also explore Bobby’s creative world: from how his short film Float was born out of that pain, to his commitment to meaningful representation in media. He introduces us to his upcoming comic, Neighborhood Legend, featuring Filipino characters and celebrating diverse identities through the lens of superhero storytelling.

This is an episode about parenting, identity, vulnerability—and the power of art to heal.

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🎧 Why You Should Listen to This Episode

This conversation is for you if:

• If you have neurodivergent children and want perspective to help you through the hard times
• If you’re finding it hard to accept the new future after learning about your child’s neurodivergence
• If you struggle with others’ judgment about your parenting choices
• If you feel alone in your mental health challenges or your parenting journey
• If you’re dealing with mental health challenges and want to hear from someone who has been through it
• If you’re struggling to express your mental health challenges because of outdated gender stereotypes
• If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes journey of a story artist and comic book creator
• If you’re passionate about representation, diversity, and storytelling in media—especially for children and marginalised communities

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👤 Guest Bio

Bobby Rubio is a seasoned story artist, animator, and director with over two decades of experience in the animation industry. Currently working at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Bobby has brought his storytelling talent to some of the most beloved animated films of our time. He previously worked at Pixar, where he directed the acclaimed SparkShorts film FLOAT, a deeply personal story inspired by his experience parenting a neurodivergent child.

Throughout his career, Bobby has contributed as a story artist on major films such as Up, Inside Out, Incredibles 2, and Brave, helping shape the emotional and visual arcs that define these iconic stories.

In addition to his work in film, Bobby is also the creator of the upcoming comic series Neighborhood Legend, which features Filipino main characters and draws from his own heritage to bring greater cultural representation to the world of storytelling. His work is a powerful testament to how personal narratives can drive more inclusive and resonant creative projects across media.

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🔗Resources

LinkedIn: Bobby Rubio | LinkedIn

Instagram: Bobby Rubio | Instagram

Facebook: Bobby Rubio | Facebook

tumblr: Bobby Rubio | tumblr

X: Bobby Rubio | X

IMDb/name/nm18529

The Making of Float: Float — Pixar Animation Studios

‘Float’ is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on Disney Plus.

Comics: Alcatraz High, 4 Gun Conclusion, *Neighborhood Legend* (coming soon!)

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