In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with legendary broadcaster, author, and coach Janey Lee Grace. From her days  on BBC Radio 2 with Steve Wright to her work as a coach in heart-centred communication, Janey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

She opens up about her memoir From Wham to Woo, her path to sobriety, and the transformative power of living, and communicating, with authenticity.

Together, we explore the art of meaningful connection: how preparation, presence, and joy can elevate your message and your work. Janey also reflects on the life-changing decision to quit alcohol, and how helping others discover their true voice has become her greatest passion.

Tune in for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.

Links mentioned in the show:

https://janeyleegrace.com/

Janey’s books - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/432760.Janey_Lee_Grace

The Sober Club Podcast - https://www.thesoberclub.com/podcast/

The Sober Diaries book by Clare Pooley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36301974-the-sober-diaries

What Women Want - https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/ Find out more about this campaign in the next episode!

Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

brava.uk.com/business

Stay connected with BRAVA

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

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00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:33 Meet Janie Lee Grace: Broadcaster, Author, and Coach

01:38 Janie's Early Years and Path to Radio

03:10 Lessons from BBC Radio with Steve Wright

05:29 The Art of Connection and Presence

06:53 Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience

11:28 Writing a Memoir: From Wham to Woo

16:07 Empowering Others to Find Their Voice

19:58 Heart-Centred Communication in Business

23:23 The Power of Nonverbal Cues

24:15 Balancing Acting in Corporate Settings

24:42 Finding Your Authentic Business Voice

27:57 The Journey to Sobriety

36:09 Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

38:50 Emerging Voices in Broadcasting and Coaching

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In this episode of High Notes, Melissa chats with Dr Rockford “Rocky” Sansom, a renowned voice coach and author, about the power and presence of the human voice. Together, they unpack how to manage nerves, why simplicity can transform communication, and how to make your voice truly resonate.

Rocky shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for building vocal confidence, connecting with your audience, and thriving in high-pressure situations. The conversation also touches on being authentically yourself, understanding what matters to your listeners, and using effective vocal tools to enhance impact.

They round out the discussion exploring cultural differences in communication, the evolution of voice science, and how emotion shapes the way we sound and connect.

Links:

https://www.rockfordsansom.com/

https://www.brava.uk.com/post/internationally-acclaimed-voice-coach-dr-rockford-sansom-joins-brava

Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Should-Anyone-Led-You/dp/1578519713

https://historyofenglishpodcast.com/

Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

brava.uk.com/business

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00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:33 Meet Dr Rockford Sansom: Voice Coach Extraordinaire

01:29 The Essence of Presence and Overcoming Nerves

03:29 Finding Your True Voice

06:48 Impact and Influence in Business Communication

07:12 The Power of Breath and Storytelling

09:59 Comfort in Being Seen: Lessons from Leaders

14:52 Voice Actors in Professional Settings

17:10 Dispelling Myths About Public Speaking

23:55 Voice Pedagogy: Teaching and Techniques

27:27 The Wine Cork Technique

28:39 Voice Science in Coaching

31:06 Voice Analysis and Training

34:24 Changing Voices and Science

37:36 Voice in the Boardroom

43:02 Cultural Differences in Voice

46:55 Joining BRAVA as a Master Coach

48:25 Improving Vocal Presence

50:16 A Transformative Coaching Story

53:36 The Dynamic Nature of Voice Work

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In this episode of BRAVA High Notes, we dive into what it truly means to build creative confidence and find your voice with Tricia Duffy.

Tricia takes us through her inspiring journey, from a childhood filled with song and poetry to becoming a consultant, speaker, award-winning podcaster, creative mentor, and accomplished musician.

Together, we explore:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome
• The value of vocal training
• The magic of authenticity in creative expression

Tricia also shares insights from her own podcast, In Ten Years Time: How to Live a Creative Life, revealing how to think long-term about your creative journey and stay inspired along the way.

Whether you’re a voice actor, business leader, or simply looking to reconnect with your creative side, this episode will leave you motivated to speak, and live, with confidence.

Connect with Tricia: intenyearstime.com

Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

brava.uk.com/business

Stay connected with BRAVA

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

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00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:38 Exploring Creative Confidence with Tricia Duffy

01:20 Tricia's Early Years and Formative Experiences

03:01 Evolving Relationship with Voice

05:37 The Craft of Voice Acting

06:39 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

11:42 Maintaining Vocal Health

21:14 Tricia's Podcast and Long-Term Planning

28:35 Applying Method Acting to Songwriting

38:59 Final Thoughts and Future Vision

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In this episode, we talk with Colin Burgess, whose career spans royalty, the military, media, and BAFTA.

Colin reflects on how finding his own voice and approach to storytelling has shaped his journey. He shares early challenges, the lessons he’s learned about leadership and resilience, and insights into building a lasting career.

We also explore how BAFTA’s initiatives are helping to discover and support the next generation of creative talent.

Links:

The Artist-Driven Innovation Behind the Films We Love | Rob Bredow | TED

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Yo7PULlPs

The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED

youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o&vl=en

Do schools kill creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson | TED

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY

The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4224060-the-element

Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30659.Meditations

BAFTA - https://www.bafta.org/programmes/

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Subscribe to the BRAVA newsletter for regular updates on news, training opportunities, and insights from the world of voice:

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00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

01:20 Meet Colin Burgess: A Journey Through Diverse Careers

02:49 Early Leadership Lessons from the Military

07:37 The Power of Authentic Communication

13:31 Innovations in Storytelling and Technology

16:09 Nurturing New Voices at BAFTA

21:38 Building Resilient Careers in Creative Industries

24:35 The Two Halves of Your Career: IQ vs EQ

25:37 The Importance of Networking

26:00 Finding and Strengthening Your Voice

26:33 The Value of Mentorship and Learning

32:55 The Power of Storytelling and Operational Excellence

35:25 Influential Figures and Their Impact

38:31 Lessons from the Queen Mother

41:33 Advice for the Younger Self

42:39 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode, we sit down with Jane Duffus: author, journalist, and committed advocate for women’s voices.

We explore why it matters for women to claim space and be heard, how humour can transform storytelling, and the power of writing women back into history and everyday narratives.

Jane opens up about the lessons she’s learned from comedians, the fire that fuels her work, and the barriers she’s faced in male-dominated spaces.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on gender dynamics, practical tips for speaking with confidence, and the legacy of women writers who continue to inspire.

Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

brava.uk.com/business

Stay connected with BRAVA

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

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Follow us for more information

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https://www.facebook.com/bravauk

https://www.instagram.com/bravauk

Links 

https://www.instagram.com/themanwhohasitall/?hl=en

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215344172-flipping-patriarchy

More about Jane: https://www.janeduffus.com/

00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:33 Guest Introduction: Jane Duffers

01:24 Challenges and Triumphs of Women's Voices

02:06 Taking Up Space: A Discussion on Gender Dynamics

04:35 Experiences in Journalism and Media

10:53 Storytelling and Comedy

14:59 Impact of COVID on Media Consumption

16:56 Subverting Storytelling Cliches About Women

20:36 Parody Accounts and Women's Magazines

23:34 The Comedy Night Initiative

26:14 Frustration as a Creative Force

30:41 Public Speaking as Performance

33:32 Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

36:44 Influential Women in Journalism

39:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of High Notes, host Melissa Thom speaks with Simon Lancaster, one of Britain’s most acclaimed speechwriters.

Simon traces his path from aspiring songwriter to shaping the words of top politicians and business leaders. They explore the art of persuasive communication, the timeless power of rhetoric, and why authenticity and emotion matter on stage.

With stories from his remarkable career, Simon offers practical strategies for crafting unforgettable speeches, from harnessing rhythm and repetition to mastering rhetorical devices that captivate an audience.

Tune in for practical insights on speaking with clarity and how to craft words that leave a lasting impression.

More about Simon:

https://www.bespokespeeches.com/

Speak like a Leader Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGBamfWasNQ

Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

brava.uk.com/business

Stay connected with BRAVA

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

brava.uk.com/subscribe

Follow us for more information

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravauk/

https://www.facebook.com/bravauk

https://www.instagram.com/bravauk

00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:30 Meet Simon Lancaster: Britain's Renowned Speech Writer

01:40 The Journey to Becoming a Political Speech Writer

03:14 The Art of Unforgettable Speeches

05:40 The Language of Leadership

07:05 Rhetorical Devices in Public Speaking

12:23 When Speeches Go Wrong: Lessons from Gerald Ratner

17:19 The Power of Rhetorical Devices: TEDx Talk Insights

21:31 Favourite Rhetorical Devices and Techniques

23:45 The Power of Hypnosis in Overcoming Nerves

26:02 Engaging Your Audience: The Role of Charisma

27:27 Finding Inspiration in Speech Writing

31:07 Building Confidence in Communication

33:29 Admiring Modern-Day Speakers

37:50 The Impact of Iconic Speeches

40:13 The Influence of Music and Funk

41:16 Conclusion and Farewell

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High Notes returns for its third season with Words at Work, a series about the role of voice in business.

BRAVA founder, Melissa Thom talks to leading figures across business, culture, and communication: Simon Lancaster, Margaret Heffernan, Dr. Rockford Sansom, Jane Duffus, Colin Burgess, Tricia Duffy, Lynne Franks, and Janey Lee Grace.

Together, they explore how voice shapes influence, leadership, and true connection at work: how to stay composed under pressure, engage an audience and speak with authority.

Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, or visit brava.uk.com/podcast for more.

Season 3 Guests

• Simon Lancaster: speechwriter to business and political leaders, on the Language of Leadership and the hidden patterns that make communication persuasive.
• Jane Duffus: writer and historian, on Women, Wit & the Power of Speech and how women’s voices have shaped, and continue to shape public life.
• Colin Burgess: BAFTA’s Executive Director of Operations, on the Resilient Voice, building legacy, and nurturing new creative voices in film, games and television.
• Tricia Duffy: leadership coach, on Creative Confidence and finding your voice in times of change and uncertainty.
• Dr. Rockford Sansom: voice coach to executives worldwide, on Influence & Impact, and how leaders can speak with presence in the boardroom.
• Janey Lee Grace: BBC broadcasting legend and coach, on Executive Presence, clarity, sobriety and having the courage to speak up.
• Lynne Franks: author, entrepreneur, communications strategist and fashion pioneer on Leading with Wisdom, and using voice as a force for visibility, purpose, and change.
• Margaret Heffernan: business thinker, writer and voted one of the "Top 100 Media Executives" by The Hollywood Reporter on Voice, Creativity and Embracing Uncertainty, and why leadership today demands adaptability.
• 
  

High Notes — where every performance is a conversation.

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

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In this episode of High Notes, we’re joined by iconic voice actor Bob Bergen, famous for voicing beloved characters like Porky Pig, Tweety, Marvin the Martian, and No Face from Spirited Away. 

Bob discusses his journey from mimicking cartoons as a child to becoming a full-time voice actor. He offers invaluable advice for aspiring performers, emphasising the importance of craft and focus. 

Bob also shares his thoughts on the rise of AI in voice acting and the significance of continuous learning and dedication to the craft. 

The episode concludes with a surprise guest appearance from our characters' coach, Elaine Clark.

More about Bob:

https://www.bobbergen.com/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0074036/

Also featuring: https://elaineclarkvo.com/

Subscribe to the BRAVA newsletter for regular updates on news, training opportunities, and insights from the world of voice:

https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with Tom Keegan, an acclaimed performance director behind major AAA titles such as Jedi: Fallen Order, Wolfenstein, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and more.

Based in LA, Tom reflects on his creatively rich upbringing and his path to becoming a leading figure in video game performance direction. The conversation looks at the evolution of voice performance in games, the power of subtext, and what sets video game acting apart from other forms of voice work.

He also previews his upcoming book, The Complete Guide to Video Game Performance Directing: Place, Time, Action, offering practical insights into the craft, your own creativity, and other deeply human aspects of game development.

Whether you're an aspiring actor, director, or simply fascinated by the art behind your favourite games, this episode offers a compelling look into the world of interactive storytelling.

https://www.tomkeegan.net/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1146741/

https://www.instagram.com/tomkstudios/

https://www.routledge.com/The-Complete-Guide-to-Videogame-Performance-Directing-Place-Time-Action/Keegan/p/book/9781032914541?srsltid=AfmBOoroDSYuJU8bQauYeiIyWVq2CgLfuM35ClTVL7dvRCk4BhaG2Udi

Subscribe to the BRAVA newsletter for news updates, training opportunities, and more from the world of business, acting and voice: https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe

00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

00:52 Meet Tom Keegan: Journey to Video Game Performance Direction

02:58 The Art of Voice Acting in Video Games

04:12 Tom Keegan's New Book: A Guide for Directors and Actors

10:03 Understanding Place, Time, and Action in Voice Acting

12:31 Common Mistakes in Performance Capture and VO Booths

17:02 BRAVA: Elevate Your Voice Acting Skills

17:46 Tapping into Emotional Truth in Imaginary Worlds

20:22 The Physicality of Voice Acting

23:28 The Evolution of Voice Performance

24:32 Casting Voice Actors for Games

26:32 Finding Subtext in Game Scripts

28:49 Unlocking Great Performances

31:56 Self-Care for Directors and Actors

35:00 The Importance of Coaching

36:41 Skills for Iconic Storytelling Projects

38:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Casting for Mocap, Games & Animation with Jessica Jefferies

In this episode of High Notes, host, Melissa Thom, sits down with Jessica Jefferies, a casting director who specialises in motion and performance capture for video games.

Jessica opens up about her transition from actor to casting director, the challenges she faced in the industry, and how performance capture continues to evolve. The conversation explores her unique career journey, the critical role of inclusivity in casting, and the growing influence of AI in the gaming world.

She also offers valuable advice for aspiring voice and performance capture artists, and shares a sneak peek into current and upcoming projects. 

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10955582/

https://www.instagram.com/jessicajefferiescasting

https://www.jessicajefferiescasting.co.uk/bio

Subscribe to the BRAVA newsletter for news updates, training opportunities, and more from the world of business, acting and voice: https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:58 Jessica Jeffries' Journey into Motion Capture

03:52 Transition from Acting to Casting

07:29 The Evolution and Excitement of Performance Capture

09:12 Casting Insights and Advice for Actors

20:05 The Importance of Inclusivity in Casting

24:20 Training and Career Development for Aspiring Actors

26:36 Balancing Work and Family Life

29:54 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

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