High Notes Podcast: Experts In The Voiceover Industry Share Learnings

Let me start this review of this superb podcast with a warning. Yet again, we have duplication of podcast titles. There is a High Notes podcast that is about addiction and recovery in the music industry. There is also a High Note podcast featuring Tauren Wells, which appears to focus on God and faith. 

The High Notes we are reviewing is a podcast featuring conversations on the art and business of voice, hosted by voice actor and BRAVA CEO, Melissa Thom. From Mongolian throat singing to vocal health, accents, gaming, and more, HIGH NOTES uncovers the craft behind the business.

Bristol (England) Academy of Voice Acting (BRAVA) offers personalized training in the art and business of voiceover. BRAVA says: "If you’re a complete beginner and have always been interested in finding out more about the world of voice acting, or if you’ve been voicing for a while, but need guidance and support, then BRAVA is for you."

BRAVA was founded by experienced voice actor and communications specialist Melissa Thom. Joining Melissa is a highly experienced team of actors, educators, and producers from the UK and the U.S. 

Here is yet another example of how podcasting can help support and grow your business. 

The podcast began in December 2023 with its superb four-minute trailer.  

Episode lengths run from 25 to 45 minutes, with most shows falling within the 35-minute sweet spot.  Melissa Thom is a superb podcast host and interviewer. I could just listen to her voice all day, like easy-listening music that relaxes me. 

Thom has a challenging job. Convincing and reminding non-voiceover people that it is an exceedingly difficult job that takes training and commitment. Voiceover work is like sports broadcasting. Everybody believes they can excel at it when, in reality, it requires innate talent, extensive training, and a commitment to improvement. 

Some of my favorite episodes include the July 5, 2024, show with Curtis James, a U.K. podcaster who discusses authentic storytelling and, most importantly, about the challenges of working-class representation in creative fields, the profound influence of teachers, public speaking anxiety, and the nuances of voice and accent in public perception. 

The most recent episode with Andrew Whieldon Dennis should fascinate gamers. On the show, he discusses his evolution into a true 'vocal shapeshifter'. Andrew offers a behind-the-scenes look at his acting process, emphasizing the value of consistent training, and explores how he weaves his British and Puerto Rican heritage into his performances.   

The June 30th episode about how voice actors are cast for Pixar films was my personal highlight reel. In this episode of High Notes, Melissa chats with Kate Hansen Birnbaum, Casting Director at Pixar, whose credits include beloved animated films such as Inside Out, Soul, Elemental, and 

Luca.  She offers a rare look inside Pixar’s intricate casting process, highlighting the value placed on authenticity, natural vocal tone, and the ability to truly inspire the animation team. 

The conversation touches on Pixar’s commitment to diverse and inclusive casting, including their practice of anonymized auditions to help reduce unconscious bias. Kate also brings the episode to life with memorable stories from her career, particularly the joy of working on Elemental — and shares thoughtful advice for aspiring voice actors.

The global dubbing and voice-over market is predicted to reach $8.6 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% The demand for voiceover talent is fueled by the expansion of audiobooks, podcasts, and online content While AI is becoming more prevalent, particularly for certain types of projects, human voice actors still hold a strong position, especially for nuanced and creative roles The industry can be competitive, with a relatively small percentage of voice actors capturing the majority of work. 

This is difficult work. I listen to audiobooks and, with a few exceptions, when authors read their own book, I know I'm in for a rough audio ride. 

A show about voiceover acting on an audio podcast is the perfect fit. High Notes glorifies the magic of audio, explains the technical aspect of voiceover work, and celebrates audio done with style and grace.

 High Notes also offers listeners the mellifluous voice of its creator and host, Melissa Thom. I highly recommend the show, even if you are not in the voiceover industry.