🎙️ 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

🎙️ Gene Vassilaros: Casting Characters That Breathe, Break, and Belong

In this episode of Tales from the Booth, animation casting and voice director Gene Vassilaros joins host Paulette Lifton for a deep dive into the creative heartbeat of animation. From shaping iconic voices that define entire worlds to guiding performances that balance comedy, vulnerability, and truth — Gene's storytelling instincts and sharp ear for authenticity have made him one of the most trusted voices in the booth.

Together, Paulette and Gene unpack the delicate art of casting chemistry: finding that perfect spark between actor and character, and how direction can turn a great read into something unforgettable. Gene shares stories from the studio, lessons learned from years of collaboration with top talent, and insights on what truly makes a character live.

Whether you're an actor, creator, or simply love the magic behind animation, this episode reminds us that great voice direction is about more than performance — it's about connection, courage, and heart.

Follow the Voice Masters team for more inspiring conversations: 🎧 Instagram: @voice.masters 🌐 Website: voice-masters.com 🎤 Paulette Lifton: @paulette_lifton 🎬 Mimi Maynard: @maynard.mimi

🎙️ Andy Roth: The Art of Voice Casting and the Humanity Behind Performance In this episode of Tales from the Booth, renowned casting director and voice coach Andy Roth joins host Mimi Maynard for an illuminating conversation about the human side of voice acting — where authenticity, empathy, and instinct meet craft and precision.

From his early work casting some of animation and gaming's most memorable voices to mentoring hundreds of actors around the world, Andy shares his philosophy on what truly makes a performance click. He and Paulette dive deep into what casting directors listen for, how to bring truth to every read, and why connection always outweighs perfection.

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Voice Masters Instagram: @voice.masters

Voice Masters website: https://voice-masters.com

Paulette Lifton Instagram: @paulette_lifton

Mimi Maynard Instagram: @maynard.mimi

🎙️ Jonathan Reiner: The Heart Behind the Hustle and Being a Talent Manager. In this episode of Tales from the Booth, Emmy-winning showrunner and talent manager Jonathan Reiner joins host Paulette Lifton for an intimate conversation about passion, perseverance, and the business of show. From his early days as an entertainment journalist to producing for major networks and founding The PaRé Way (launching October 2025), Jonathan shares the lessons learned from a career built on both creativity and compassion.

Hear how Paulette and Jonathan's friendship began at the That's Voiceover! conference — and how that chance meeting evolved into a partnership rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and building artists who lead with heart.

Whether you're an actor, writer, or creator navigating Hollywood, this episode is a reminder that behind every great career is a human story worth telling.

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Voice Masters Instagram: @voice.masters

Voice Masters website: https://voice-masters.com

Paulette Lifton Instagram: @paulette_lifton

Mimi Maynard Instagram: @maynard.mimi

🎙️Tales from the Booth Podcast: Sebastian Zancanaro Localization Producer and Dubbing Casting Director

Sebastian's impressive resume includes: 🎥 Director, Producer, Writer, Actor, and Casting Director 🎭 Specialist in Creative Dubbing & Localization 🏆 Society of Voice Arts & Sciences nominee for Casting in Motion Picture Animation 🏅 Winner of Outstanding Dubbing in an Animated Motion Picture for Deep Sea

With over 13,000 hours of dubbing across 85+ TV shows & films, and 3,258+ dubbed episodes aired globally, Sebastian is a powerhouse in the world of dubbing and voice-over. His passion? Creating seamless, AAA-quality content under tight deadlines. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Sebastian's leadership spans teams from 3 to 100+, excelling in everything from script adaptation to casting and post-production.

As the Founder & President of Officina Official Production and Pictures, his work is currently making waves on the global film festival circuit, with credits in Deep Sea, 1923, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Ice Age: The Adventures of Buck Wild, and more!

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Voice Masters Instagram: @voice.masters

Voice Masters website: https://voice-masters.com

Paulette Lifton Instagram: @paulette_lifton

Mimi Maynard Instagram: @maynard.mimi

🎙️ Tales from the Booth Podcast: Jeff Howell Master Commercial VO & Dubbing Pro. With over 30 years in the voiceover industry, Jeff Howell has worn every hat—agent, casting director, producer, dubbing director, and coach—shaping some of the most recognizable voices in media. His credits span Emmy-winning animation, award-winning promos, major ad campaigns, and audiobook collaborations with icons like Leonard Nimoy.

From Magic: The Gathering to Netflix and HBO Max dubbing, Jeff brings a rare mix of creative vision and performance expertise. In this episode, he shares his journey, insider stories, and lessons from directing, casting, and coaching talent worldwide. Listen to his advice on dubbing, commercial voice over and more!

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Voice Masters Instagram: @voice.masters

Voice Masters website: https://voice-masters.com

Paulette Lifton Instagram: @paulette_lifton

Mimi Maynard Instagram: @maynard.mimi

🎙️ Tales from the Booth Podcast - Rudy Gaskins & Joan of the SOVAS Awards and the Power Behind the Mic

In this special episode, we step into the legendary world of Rudy Gaskins and Joan Baker—Co-Founders of That's Voiceover!™ Career Expo and the prestigious SOVAS Voice Arts® Awards. From humble beginnings to global recognition, Rudy and Joan share their extraordinary journey building the premier platform that celebrates excellence in voice acting.

🎧 Learn the origin story behind SOVAS, how That's Voiceover! became a must-attend event for VO pros and hopefuls alike, and get exclusive insider tips on how to submit your work for Voice Arts® Award consideration.

Whether you're a working voice actor or dreaming of your big break, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical guidance from two of the industry's most influential voices.

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Voice Masters Instagram: @voice.masters

Voice Masters website: https://voice-masters.com

Paulette Lifton Instagram: @paulette_lifton

Mimi Maynard Instagram: @maynard.mimi

🎙️ Tales from the Booth Podcast: From Solid Snake to X-Men – The Incredible Story of David Hayter This episode explores the incredible journey of David Hayter—from voicing the iconic Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid franchise to writing blockbuster screenplays like X-Men and X2: X-Men United. We dive into his creative process, transitioning into screenwriting, and navigating career challenges. David's story is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the power of storytelling across mediums.

Highlights:

• Early career and landing Solid Snake

• Behind the scenes of Metal Gear Solid

• Transition into screenwriting (X-Men, X2, Watchmen)

• Balancing voice work, writing, and directing (Wolves)

• Reflections on being replaced in Metal Gear Solid V

• Lessons on resilience and creative reinvention

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Voice Masters Instagram: @voice.masters

Voice Masters website: https://voice-masters.com

Paulette Lifton Instagram: @paulette_lifton

Mimi Maynard Instagram: @maynard.mimi

🎙️Tales from the Booth with Micaela Hicks Voice Over Agent—whose career has taken her from Osbrink to top-tier agencies like Solid Talent, Atlas Talent, and VOX. Hosted by Eric Talent, this candid conversation gets into the real deal of what agents are actually looking for in today's voiceover market.

Michaela shares invaluable insights on:

• What makes a talent truly stand out from the crowd

• How agents assess submissions (and what gets them excited)

• Tips for finding and keeping strong representation

• Common mistakes to avoid when reaching out to agencies

Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up, this is your inside track to navigating the business from someone who's helped shape it.

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here:

Podcast Doppelgänger Alert! 🎙️ What happens when two powerhouse podcast hosts, both up for the same award, finally meet face-to-face? You get a must-hear mashup!

After crossing paths at the 2024 SOVAS Awards, Paulette Lifton (Winner of Best Podcast Host) and Kathy Grable (Nominee in the same category) made a pact: win or lose, they'd interview each other. And now, they're making good on that promise.

In this special crossover episode, Paulette and Kathy dive into what it really takes to host a standout podcast and stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of voiceover. It's honest, inspiring, and packed with behind-the-scenes gems from two of the industry's best.

Whether you're a seasoned VO pro or dreaming of launching your own podcast, you won't want to miss this dynamic conversation.

Tune in and hear what happens when kindred spirits with mics collide! 🎧

Make sure to follow the Voice Masters team here: