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.

Introduction

What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in?

My focus is Web, TV, and radio commercials, corporate narration, political spots, and e-learning.  I have also voiced video games, animation projects, and promos.

Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP?

Having devoted much of my professional and personal life to environmental and social justice, VO4TP provides me an opportunity to be a “voice for good.”  This shared love within our growing team for making the world a better place is, in my experience, unique within the VO world.  It binds us together and that’s a powerful feeling.

What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?

Passionate; humorous; engaging

Additional Work Insights

What aspects of your job bring you the most joy?

Voicing projects that speak to my personal interests and passions (nature, science, the environment, music, food & beverage, and engineering).

How did you get started as a voice actor? 

Having a private sector and non-profit background that included speaking engagements worldwide, I felt that voiceover might be an enjoyable next career and a meaningful part of my life.  After leaving the business world, I studied VO in NYC and also with top coaches from LA and Europe (still studying weekly).  I will remain a voice actor for as long as my voice holds out!

If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?

As a young person, I was interested in film production, and always enjoyed public speaking and voicing business projects at work.  I’m now a screen actor, as well as a voice actor, and my only wish is that I started 20 years sooner.

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects? 

I use business operations and planning tools, some standard and others of my own design, that were integral throughout my supply chain, general business, and consulting career, to create my overall VO business strategy and to execute its elements.  I employ visual tools, both digital and “old school” white boards, to meet my daily goals.  And, I constantly ask myself the age-old question: “What’s the best use of my time right now?”

In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day-to-day business?

My work life feels more “connected.”  Being a voice actor can seem like a lonely way to spend many hours of the day.  VO4TP has helped me create a natural, comfortable connection to an amazing group of professionals, and given me a reason to work with others that feels organic; like a family.

What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP? 

Building on the point above,  collaboration is the basis of most successful work endeavors, and it’s not always easy to do as a voice actor.  Working within our VO4TP team on the tools, techniques, tips, tricks, and traps of voice acting, running a VO business, client issues, and staying motivated and positive provides a path forward when things get challenging.  Many of us routinely face the same challenges, and as a group, it’s easier to see a solution or get fresh ideas.

Environmentalism

Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money?

While my wife and I have donated to many environmental and social justice non-profits over many years, below is a list of some of the environmentally-focused organizations to which we have donated and/or given our time: Save the Redwoods; EDF; Friends of the Earth; NRDC; Center for Biological Diversity; PETA, Oceana; Nature Conservancy; Sierra Club; The Jane Goodall Institute; Soi Dog Foundation; The Humane League; Avaaz.org; Beagle Freedom Project; Wildlife SOS; Milo Foundation.  There are others as well, depending on circumstances.  

The  driving principles behind our environmental giving are these: 1) Organizations with a clear, tightly defined mission of protecting the planet and its habitat through programs, services, education, litigation, and advocacy; 2) Organizations with transparent and efficient financials directed at accomplishing their core mission.

Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life?

In my view, there’s an “illusion of sustainability” propagated primarily by large corporations across industries such as plastics, food & beverage, automobiles, and heavy industry.  The focus for me is therefore on making small, principle-based decisions that can reduce my carbon footprint in areas such as transportation, plastics consumption, and food waste, as well as wildlife conservation. The current political climate makes our individual efforts even more urgent. 

 

 

Just For Fun!

If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why?

My 18-year-old cat will be unhappy with me (and I’d never, ever choose another pet over him), but I’d probably want a raptor – a hawk or owl. They are such amazing creatures, and to have the opportunity to be with one so closely would be a gift.

Having had numerous rescue cats and dogs throughout my life, I’m a big fan of providing loving homes to animals without one.  But most animal species should remain in the wild – presuming this can be done safely and ethically.  If I lived on a game reserve, I would commune daily with the Big Cats!

What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective? 

 Uphf!  That’s a hard one.  Here are a few…backcountry skiing in Europe during an avalanche (didn’t get hit…others weren’t as lucky), being detained by the military in rural Venezuela on suspicion of being a spy (only for an hour!), crash landing in Guatemala City after losing an engine on a private plane (condor collision!), climbing a volcano in Sumatra during a horrendous rainstorm and mudslide, and years of time with inspirational farmers and farm-and-factory workers on five continents in sectors such as coffee, cotton, cocoa, cashews, and apparel.  In all cases, the learning comes down to this; people across the globe are extraordinary, and life is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the trip.

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?

Another tough one. If I had to choose…the Nā Pali Coast, on the north shore of Kaua’I.  The first song on my playlist would be anything by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.  The second would be Piano Concerto No. 26 in D Major, by W.A. Mozart.  The third would be anything from Steely Dan’s Gaucho album.  😊

 

Learn more about Todd Stark.

Introduction

What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in?

I work quite frequently in Commercials, Radio/Streaming, and audiobooks, though I work in just about every discipline.

Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP?

Voiceover can be a solitary endeavor, and being part of a group of talented and like-minded folks working towards a common goal/cause is incredibly rewarding.

What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?

Responsible, Easy-Going, Supportive

Additional Work Insights

What aspects of your job bring you the most joy?

Telling varied and personal stories.

Connecting people and ideas to each other

Learning new things all the time.

How did you get started as a voice actor? 

I’ve been an actor all my life, and I graduated from NYU’s MFA Acting Program in the fateful spring of 2020. Like many others, covid killed theater, film, and the entertainment industry at large for a while. But you know what’s “covid proof”? Voiceover. So, with a fresh Master’s Degree and no job prospects, I used money from a canceled flight to buy my first microphone and dove in head first. Four years later, I’ve paid off my student loans, garnered a handful of awards/nominations, and I’m a full time voiceover artist.

If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?

I’ve always had a dream of opening a restaurant or cafe somewhere–probably in the Pacific Northwest. Like many actors, I’ve worked in restaurants and hospitality…a lot, and I’ve loved it! Food and service can be a direct reflection of love for someone else, and that’s hard to beat when you’re a part of it.

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?

There are many ways I do this, but the big secret? I have an awesome (and stylish) dry erase board that sits on my desk where I keep note of all impending projects. Not only is it super satisfying to cross things off, but it also makes rearranging things tangible and easy based on my schedule, priority, and most importantly a client’s needs and deadlines.

In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day to day business?

Having a community that works together to build each other up and offer support or help when needed is invaluable. Doing everything by yourself is hard, and you don’t have to!

What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP?

Hey, sometimes you just need a hug, and having folks surrounding and supporting each other who know exactly what your world is like and how it feels (the highs and lows), is invaluable.

Environmentalism

Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money?

The Planet Impact Fund: 

Out of the hundreds of amazing sustainable organizations out there I couldn’t pick just one to support, and so The Planet Impact Fund was a great way to contribute to many at once.

Prospect Park Alliance: 

One of my favorite places on the planet–Prospect Park. A green enclave in the heart of Brooklyn where in a short 30 minute walk you can find yourself alone with nothing but trees and sky, hear three or four different languages, see a hawk, a swan, a baby turtle, and (of course) several pups. The Prospect Park Alliance helps ensure that magic and this place are preserved and protected for everyone, indefinitely.

The Trevor Project: 

The planet is important, and so are the people on it. Most of my friends and family have been lucky enough to have unconditional support from their homes and communities. That love and support should be available to everyone, everywhere. The Trevor Project helps to make that a reality.

Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life?

Buy less, buy used. Think you need something? Cool! Write it down, wait a couple days, and if you still need it go for it.

How do you stay informed/inspired/educated about environmental issues? Got any great resources you want to share?

1% for the Planet has awesome newsletters and updates. Scanning those and checking out the companies and businesses who are members of the organization does a good job of keeping me up to speed on what people are doing, supporting, and talking about within and about the environment and sustainability.

For Fun

If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why?

Liz, the cat. It might be sappy, but she’s pretty tough to beat as is. (Honorable mention, hippogriff. Harry makes it look pretty fun.)

What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective?

One sunny morning in May back in 2015, an Italian man, my wife and I were staying with at the foot of the Dolomite Mountains told us, “you must go up the mountain.”. He pulled an oversized map from a cupboard, and traced his finger along some lines. Then he ushered us out the door and we set off on two rusty bikes towards a trailhead where we clomped into the wilderness with nothing but a dirt path and about as much information and guidance as you have now to find our way there and back again. We did, and we still reminisce about it nearly ten years later.

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?

All up and down the West Coast, but mostly in the PNW, jamming out to anything with a good bassline–preferably a funky one. The Gorillaz and Dua Lipa pop to mind. (Dance the Night from the Barbie Movie is quickly becoming a trusted standby.)

 

Learn more about Jay Myers.