Tales From the Booth Podcast

What better way to learn the art of voice acting than a podcast from the "Voice Masters" experts? Join award-winning voice actors, producers, casting, and voice directors as your personal guides through the VO industry. Learn how to stay motivated, create awesome characters, and nailing that big audition, these Voice Masters share it all, along with their own tales from the booth!

28. Debbie Irwin: There's More to Medical Narration Then Big Words 09/20/2026

28. Debbie Irwin: There's More to Medical Narration Then Big Words In this episode of Tales from the Booth, host Paulette Lifton sits down with award-winning voice actor and narrator Debbie Irwin for an insightful conversation about one of voiceover’s most expansive—and often misunderstood—genres: medical narration. Drawing from more than two decades in the industry, Debbie explains how the specialty found its way into her career and why it encompasses far more than pharmaceutical commercials and complicated terminology. From hospital and academic content to e-learning, explainers, medical devices, important safety information, and more, she reveals the extraordinary range of work available within the medical world. Together, Paulette and Debbie explore why difficult pronunciations are rarely the greatest challenge. The real skill lies in making dense, technical material clear, conversational, and meaningful. Debbie explains how she breaks down long sentences, researches unfamiliar terminology, finds the story hidden inside statistics, and determines whether she is speaking to a patient or a healthcare professional. At its core, medical narration is still acting—requiring preparation, a clear point of view, and a genuine connection to the person receiving the information. The conversation also moves beyond performance and into the business of building a sustainable voiceover career. Debbie encourages actors to use their previous professions, personal interests, professional associations, and existing relationships to uncover opportunities. Through her “Debbie’s Data Dump Doc” exercise, she helps performers recognize that everything they have done can become part of their voiceover business. She and Paulette also discuss thoughtful persistence, relationship-building, creating a competitive medical demo, the importance of including a dry sample, and practical ways to train using pharmaceutical inserts, healthcare websites, and other real-world medical copy. Whether you come from a healthcare background, are considering medical or corporate narration, or simply want to become more confident with demanding copy, this conversation is a powerful reminder that preparation, curiosity, and the experiences you already have may become some of your greatest assets. Follow the Voice Masters team for more inspiring conversations: 🎧 Instagram: @voice.masters 🌐 Website: voice-masters.com 🎤 Paulette Lifton: @paulette_lifton 🎬 Mimi Maynard: @maynard.mimi /episode/index/show/voicemasters/id/42968853

27. Vernon Scott: The Secret Isn't Voice Acting—It's Acting 06/18/2026

27. Vernon Scott: The Secret Isn't Voice Acting—It's Acting In this episode of Tales from the Booth, host Mimi Maynard sits down with acclaimed dubbing director, voice director, and actor Vernon Scott for a candid conversation about a simple but often overlooked truth: great voice acting begins with great acting. Drawing from decades of experience in film, television, ADR, loop groups, and dubbing, Vernon shares the lessons he's learned both in front of the camera and behind the microphone. From his early years as an actor to becoming one of the industry's most respected dubbing directors, Vernon offers a refreshingly honest perspective on performance, storytelling, and what it really takes to connect with an audience. Together, Mimi and Vernon explore why authenticity matters more than technique, how studying great actors can transform your work behind the mic, and why the microphone is every bit as revealing as a camera lens. They discuss the subtle art of dubbing, what directors are truly listening for in auditions, and how actors can bring their own truth, instincts, and individuality to every role rather than simply imitating what already exists on screen. Filled with humor, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep respect for the craft, this episode challenges the misconception that dubbing is somehow separate from acting. Instead, Vernon makes a compelling case that dubbing may be one of the purest forms of acting there is—requiring imagination, emotional truth, adaptability, and complete commitment to the character. Whether you're an aspiring voice actor, a seasoned performer, or simply passionate about storytelling, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the most memorable performances don't come from trying harder—they come from telling the truth. Follow the Voice Masters team for more inspiring conversations: 🎧 Instagram: @voice.masters 🌐 Website: voice-masters.com 🎤 Paulette Lifton: @paulette_lifton 🎬 Mimi Maynard: @maynard.mimi /episode/index/show/voicemasters/id/41687965

26. Joe Fria: Casting Beyond the Voice—What Great Directors Really Hear 06/18/2026

25. Gregg Berger: The Voice of Legends, Monsters, and Heroes 03/12/2026

24. Michael Scott: Voices That Play, Fight, and Feel Real 12/15/2025

24. Michael Scott: Voices That Play, Fight, and Feel Real 🎙️ Michael Scott: Voices That Play, Fight, and Feel Real In this episode of Tales from the Booth, host Paulette Lifton welcomes Michael Scott—a powerhouse performer, director, and educator whose work spans film, television, animation, and the full spectrum of modern voiceover. Known for his distinctive, award-winning voice, Michael has helped define characters and campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic studios and brands—from Warner Bros., DreamWorks, HBO, Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Hulu to global names like Apple, LEGO, Nike, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Toyota, Verizon, and the United States Army. Michael dives into the craft behind standout roles such as Damon in the beloved cozy game Wylde Flowers, Tyreese in The Walking Dead, and Darryl Waterhouse in the Critics’ Choice–nominated animated series Young Love. The conversation also explores his expansive work across major franchises and fan favorites including Boss Baby, Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Batman: Arkham Shadow, Marvel Rivals, Street Fighter 6, Resident Evil, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Beyond the mic, Michael is a sought-after voice and performance-capture director, currently helming multiple high-profile, NDA-protected projects with top studios such as Nerdy Bear Studios, Formosa Interactive, NetEase Games, The Halp Network, and Insomniac Games. Together, Paulette and Michael unpack what it takes to build emotionally grounded performances—whether you’re animating heroes, crafting game worlds, or guiding actors through complex storytelling. This episode is a masterclass in versatility, intention, and creative leadership—perfect for actors, directors, and anyone who loves the artistry behind the booth. Follow the Voice Masters team for more inspiring conversations: 🎧 Instagram: @voice.masters 🌐 Website: voice-masters.com 🎤 Paulette Lifton: @paulette_lifton 🎬 Mimi Maynard: @maynard.mimi /episode/index/show/voicemasters/id/39415135