Mic’d Up For The Planet: An Interview with Brandon Miller
Introduction
What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in?
I work across commercial, corporate, and explainer voiceover, plus eLearning, video games, animation, and I do the occasional audiobook too.
Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP?
What motivated me to join VO4TP were the values it stands for, which really struck a chord with me. Without even thinking about it, I’ve always been drawn to voiceover projects focused on sustainability, environmentalism, and connecting with nature. So when I found VO4TP, it was like a lightbulb went off, “this is so me.” I wanted to be part of a mission that gives a voice to changemakers who might not otherwise get to share their story.
As an outdoorsman, I’ve spent 20 years exploring the great outdoors while practicing Leave No Trace principles and learning about the natural world. That has given me a real motivation to protect it. VO4TP feels like a powerful way to do just that.
What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?
Three words my best friend would use to describe me are driven, witty, and fun to be around. They might also say I’m a bit of a risk taker.
Additional Work Insights
What aspects of your job bring you the most joy?
What brings me the most joy in my job is satisfying my clients. I love storytelling, performing, and the variety that comes with voiceover work, but what really lights me up is collaborating with clients to give them exactly what they want, or even better, surprise and delight them. I see my work as the conduit for their story, and I’m always ready to say yes to trying something new or thinking outside the box. If it’s something I’ve never done before, I’m even more excited to say yes. That sense of exploration and curiosity is what keeps me coming back for more. It’s like finding a new hiking trail and working hard to reach the summit, just to take in the amazing view.
How did you get started as a voice actor?
I was working as the director of hospitality for a brand-new brewery. While setting up the phone system, something I’d done at most companies I worked at, one of the founders asked, “Hey, have you ever done any voiceover work?” I said, “No, but now I’m curious.” Later that evening, I googled “Intro to Voice Over Eugene, Oregon” (where I live). With low expectations, I found there was actually a class the following week at a community center. I signed up without hesitation and went. Halfway through the class, I said to myself, “This is going to be my new career,” and I worked my butt off to make it happen.
If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?
If I hadn’t pursued voice acting, I probably would have stayed in the craft beer industry. I didn’t leave because I was unhappy. I loved working there. It fulfilled my desire for connection, storytelling, and satisfying the client. That said, I also have a background in outdoor education, so I’d be interested in teaching at a wilderness survival school or becoming a NOLS instructor, focusing on plant identification and use.
The Business Side
How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?
I like my clients to feel like they’re the only client I have, so I prioritize their projects with quick and clear communication. Since I’m a full-time voice actor, I have the flexibility to do that. My number one tool for managing my schedule is my calendar. Without it, I’d be lost. It’s like my compass on a hike.
In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day-to-day business?
Being part of VO4TP has opened my eyes to more opportunities with organizations that advocate for the planet. It’s like when you suddenly want a blue car and start noticing more blue cars on the road. Even though the number hasn’t changed, your mind just filters to see them. That shift has been powerful because it lets me offer solutions like VO4TP when I’m having conversations with these kinds of opportunities.
What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP?
Hands down the best. VO4TP is an intentional group of like-minded people who share the same vision and want nothing more than to make a difference in the world. We’re open with each other and selfless when it comes to reaching our goals.
Environmentalism
Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money?
To be honest, this ebbs and flows for me. I’m always learning about new organizations that more closely align with my values. I recently had an intimate experience with a 1% For the Planet partner, The Land Institute, in Salina, Kansas. I toured their facility and took part in an event celebrating and educating about regenerative agriculture with perennial grains. If there’s one thing I’ve woken up to, it’s that our food system is not set up for longevity, which is why The Land Institute is pioneering regenerative agriculture so our civilization thrives long after we are gone. It’s great for the planet and our survival, living in harmony with nature instead of forcing nature to do what we want.
Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life?
My work is already pretty sustainable in a lot of ways. Since I work remotely, I don’t have to drive to a studio. I don’t print scripts, and I use very little electricity outside of my computer and recording gear. My studio has a giant soundproof window that lets in natural light, so I rarely need to turn on the overhead lights. All the water I drink comes from the well on my property. Living in the country gives me space for a large garden, which helps me cut down on buying produce at the store. I also focus on reducing plastic and reusing whenever I can. One big change was switching from mostly paper towels to using washable cloths. When I first thought about sustainability, I figured it was all or nothing. What I’ve found is it really starts with small changes that supplement your lifestyle. That not only reduces waste but helps build habits that eventually become normal.
How do you stay informed/inspired/educated about environmental issues? Got any great resources you want to share?
I’ve done a good job curating my social media algorithms so I see more of what I want, like posts from 1% for the Planet, Leave No Trace, Sustain A Grain, Roaming Nobles, Smokey Bear (of course), The Land Institute, and more. There are too many to name. Besides social media, local organizations are a great way to stay informed and connected to environmental issues. My local Chamber of Commerce and groups connected to it share their voice, and that’s where I learn more about what I can do locally because I believe real change starts where we have the most control and can make a difference right away in our communities. At the same time, I know big shifts need to happen at the corporate and government levels to create lasting impact. Both are important and work together to really move the needle on environmental issues.
Just For Fun!
If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why?
I don’t really want a pet. I know that might sound harsh, haha. What I want is a sidekick, and I think that sidekick would be an elephant. Maybe it’s from my fascination with Dumbo as a kid, or the fact that every time I’ve seen one in person and looked into its eyes, I feel like there’s something almost human about the way they look back at you. It’s like an instant connection.
What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective?
Where do I even begin with this question? For those who know me, they know I’m an avid outdoorsman, explorer, and hiker. One time, I was hiking in the canyons of Utah with some friends. We were in the middle of nowhere, so if something happened, well, you know 💀We were crossing a rock face that was pretty steep and vertical, with only tiny grooves in the rock to use for traction. Below us were hundreds of feet of certain death.
As my body pressed against the rock, fingertips gripping like claws, and my heart racing, I slid my body across. About halfway through, my foot slipped and one of my hands lost grip on the rock grooves, and I started sliding slightly. It was one of those moments where your entire life flashes before your eyes and you know you’re about to fall. Luckily, I caught myself and made it to the other side.
That moment reminded me that I’m not invincible, no one is coming to save you, and it’s okay to take risks, but not when the risk is death. I’ve had many other risky experiences since then, but nothing quite like that. I still think back to that moment anytime I’m faced with a choice to take an alternative route that lets me keep adventuring safely.
Imagine you’re creating a playlist for a road trip through the world’s most beautiful landscape. First, where would you be, and second, what would be the first song on your playlist?
Having seen some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, I can recommend two experiences. While on the Amtrak from Eugene, Oregon to Denver, Colorado, I was passing through the mountains listening to Woody Guthrie. I can’t remember the exact song, but it might have been “Oregon Trail.” It felt like I was in a movie with that soundtrack as I went through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Another favorite is something I still do today, listening to The Lord of the Rings soundtrack with one earbud in while skiing so I can still hear what’s going on around me. It makes skiing feel way more epic, and the snowy scenes match that cinematic score perfectly. It’s a must-try.
Learn more about Brandon Miller.
