Hearing Things’ presentation to our HLAA Boston Chapter was both powerful and deeply encouraging. Julie and Brad are a remarkable team as they bring a refreshing combination of humor, vulnerability, and bravery to the conversation about hearing loss in a way that immediately puts people at ease. They have a really down to earth way of describing the everyday pain points of hearing loss in a way that really resonate with others. One moment that has stayed with me is Julie’s description of how she talks as a teacher with her students about her hearing loss; it felt like a ready-made handbook for disclosure, modeling how to invite curiosity, normalize accommodations, and give others the courage to keep asking questions. I think everyone at the presentation left feeling seen, understood, and energized to advocate for themselves and others.
~ Andrea Kaneb
Hearing Assistive Technology Advisor | Board Member HLAA, MOS | Accessibility Advocate | Presenter | WPI EE MBA | gatheringsound.com
We truly enjoyed partnering with DTT Productions for our HLAA Essex chapter presentation. The experience was engaging, thoughtful, and well-executed from start to finish.
What stood out most was the intentionality behind the work — the care taken to ensure accessibility, clarity, and meaningful connection with our Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The presentation sparked conversation, reflection, and genuine enthusiasm among our members.
Our group responded very positively, and it was clear that the content resonated in a way that felt both empowering and inclusive. Collaborations like this strengthen community engagement and expand opportunities for creative and educational growth.
We’re grateful for the partnership and would absolutely welcome the opportunity to work together again.
— Dr. Latisha M. Porter
Paralegal | Author | Disability Awareness Advocate | Communication Strategist | Speaker
If you want to laugh, love a good story, and watch two lovable fools light up the room, invite Julie and Brad to present to your organization.
They show us that living with hearing loss isn’t about “loss” at all — it’s about adapting, learning, and owning who we are. We don’t need to hide in the corners. With Julie and Brad, we can stand on the hilltop and proudly say:
This is me. This is my hearing loss. And I’m not apologizing for it.
~ Andy Chandler
Cybersecurity Educator | Speaker & Writer | Enthusiastic & Adventurous AI learner
Greetings from HLAA DownEast Maine – We were treated to a delightful, informative, and really hilarious workshop/presentation by “Hearing Things With Julie and Brad” in late fall, 2025. They came to a favorite cozy pub in Kennebunk, ME (Duffy’s) and warmed our hearing loss hearts with fun stories, helpful hints, and technical tips. Thank you Julie and Brad!
If your community organization needs guest speakers about an issue that affects us all – please consider hosting Julie and Brad.
If you see a Julie and Brad presentation happening in your area, please treat yourself to a fun, informative, and delightful time.
– Margaret Myatt
HLAA Downeast Maine Treasurer
Brad and Julie, along with Rocky and Happy, are two amazing advocates for hearing loss. Together, in their unique blend, they combine to become a perfect combination of relatable, strong, vulnerable, educated and fun voice for people with hearing loss. Whatever level of hearing loss – from none to profound, you will take away something important from them. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know them and now feel I have hearing loss friends on the other side of the country. I look forward to new videos and interviews on YouTube. I look forward to the future of Hearing Things with Julie and Brad.
– Shannon Tyree
HLAA West Valley AZ Vice President, 2025 HLAA Community Service Award recipient
As a person who has lived with the many challenges of sensorial neural hearing loss, I’ve learned a thing or two about the effort that’s required to stay engaged in a full and meaningful life. Hearing loss is hard, and it requires grit, determination, a sense of humor, openness to building a healthy mind set, and resources for mastering technical applications that can keep a person in the game.
Enter Julie DeMatteo-Lane and Brad McKenna – producers of Down the Tubes Productions and the epitome of all of these qualities and more. Tech-savvy, unwaveringly honest, funny, and entirely authentic, Brad and Julie effectively communicate the lived experience of moving through life with hearing loss. In the process, they educate their audience about an invisible but complex disability – and demonstrate what it looks like to thrive with hearing loss, despite its challenges.
An important source of resources and insights, I feel so fortunate to have learned about Brad Julie’s efforts to make the world a better place for people with hearing loss. Their work is a unique and important contribution for folks looking for support that is both relevant and fun!
– Peggy Ellertsen
CCC-SLP Retired | Co-creator, Healthcare with Hearing Loss |
Member, Strategic Team for HLAA Communication Access in Health Care Program