Sandy Thomas: The Voiceover Man on the Air... Everywhere

Sandy Thomas was always around the house “talking into a microphone, and I never thought anything about it.”  Sandy is one of the nation’s most prolific brand imagers of broadcast stations in the country. And for the uninitiated, “brand imaging” is the voice of the station. It’s not the DJ, but instead, the big, beautiful, compressed, and filtered voice that gives the station its’ BIG sound.  Imaging is to radio what movie trailer voice artists are to the VO world, the crème de la crème.  It’s what you strive for, although most voices don’t succeed. To date, Sandy has voiced (400 stations) across the country and continues to remain active, and nowadays, in some cases, with his wife Rebecca, who’s also a voice talent.

But getting into this position wasn’t easy. It was full of detours, delays, derailments, and a whole lot of downright rejection. “I could not get on the air in 1982 on ROCK 104 and was quickly humbled because my problem was my accent.”  Now, at 61 and living on Long Island, NY, Sandy reflects on the road he took to become who he is. It involved multiple relocations around the country, working as a DJ or production director for stations nationwide. “I took a course in 1982 in radio at the University of Florida, but no one would hire me on a major radio station.” 

His self-talk made him think he could just walk in the door, let them hear the aircheck he had made in his bedroom studio on cassette tapes, and just begin to thrive. “But that isn’t what happened,” says Sandy. A long time would pass, including overnight shifts on stations, various attempts to upgrade his status, and numerous pushes toward IMAGING, and nothing happened.”

Just a typical day in-station with Sandy Thomas.

That all changed in 1986 when HOT 105 was doing imaging while scoring his first national campaign for RC Cola.  In addition, he was promoted to production director, and coupled with his freelance career, “I was finally getting what I wanted,” says Sandy. “I made $40,000 that year, and that compared to everyone else, that was a lotta money.”

But how did Sandy do all of this? He did it, of course, with a mentor who taught him just how to become a dominant voice. It would be yesteryear’s equivalent to today’s voice teacher. Same thing. Different period in history.  Connie Zimet was a radio aficionado who had the power to spot great talent and develop them beyond their own expectations. “No doubt she represented the fork in the road for me.” She was probably “the reason I got into SAG/AFTRA because she encouraged me and became an angel unto my life.” She died of Lou Gehrig’s disease at 67, unable to speak.

Things continued to pick up in 1993, and Sandy made the jump to NYC in that same year.  He did so to compete in the big pond for National Union voice work including commercials, promos and anything large scale.  “You had to be in the union, and from the union came Madison Avenue ad agencies that would allow you to voice their commercials.” His first job was for a department store. But things advanced quickly. Eleven years later, Sandy voiced the NBA.

Fast forward to today, and here’s 5% of what Sandy has voiced, much of which you’ll remember having heard.

The ball keeps rolling for Sandy. In total, he has served as the station Image voice for (60) radio stations at one time.  Four hundred stations in total for a career hallmark. The voice of WKIT in Bangor for (30) years. The voice of “The Mix” in Boston for (25) years, Hartford (22) years, and even overseas radio imaging in England, southern Africa, and CORK-FM in Ireland. And then, here comes some television show with some guy named Joe Rogan on NBC’s “Fear Factor.” Sandy was chosen as the voice.

“I have taken a huge gamble all along the way because I have raised (5) children doing voice work,” says Sandy, “And it’s because of divine intervention.”

Sandy’s five children

Now, at the epilogue of his career, Sandy can look back and recognize the need for paying your dues in a business that is guild-oriented. “You can’t have everything you want, but you CAN get close.” Well, he certainly did. “But there are NO overnight success stories.” And there is a lot of luck involved. No one would disagree with that.

Still voicing at https://www.crankinaudio.com, which is the culmination of my life’s work in VO, including my wife Rebecca, who’s also a VO talent.  It’s two voices offered to a station for one price involving a marriage component. They just partnered with WOW-FM 102.7 in Kingston, Ontario. And they’ve just signed “Southern Rock Ride” for iHeart radio.  

Sandy also teaches under the banner of Thomas Voice Imaging. “I’m selective with who I work with, and it is one via Zoom and only one student because teaching VO is a highly unique experience for each individual.”

And so, these days, Sandy Thomas is still very active. He’s a family man with a lot of responsibility and a great deal of expectation when he, or he and Rebecca, enter the picture on any new deal. So much has changed since the beginning. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that Sandy Thomas is still in his home talking into a microphone, but nowadays, he thinks quite a bit about it.

Sandy with his Dad, Eddie.

Emotion – The Missing Ingredient in YOUR Voiceovers

Finding real emotion in voiceover work can be a bit of a juggling act, especially when you’re battling that all-too-familiar “advertiser” voice that feels as flat as a pancake. To truly make a connection with your audience, you’ve got to let your voice do more than just read the script—it’s got to live it!

Start by diving headfirst into the script. Get cozy with the story, get to know the characters, and feel their emotions as if they were your own. Think about how you’d react in their shoes and how you can bring that feeling to life with your voice. Plus, remember who you’re talking to. What makes them tick? What keeps them up at night? Tailor your delivery so it feels like you’re speaking directly to their hearts.

Voice acting students practice reading scripts at The Voice Shop in New York City.

Now, let’s talk about getting your body and mind in sync. Believe it or not, your physical stance can give your voice a serious boost. Stand tall, sit up straight, and don’t be afraid to use gestures to pump up your emotional delivery. Picture the scene like you’re starring in your own blockbuster movie. Visualize everything—the setting, the characters, the action—and let that mental imagery guide your performance. And don’t forget to breathe deeply! Proper breathing helps you control your voice and express emotions like a pro.

Mixing up your vocal variety is where the fun really begins. Play around with your pitch and pace. A high pitch can add a dash of excitement or urgency, while a lower pitch can bring out seriousness or authority. Adjust your volume and intensity to match the mood of the script—louder for big moments, softer for those tender ones. Experiment with different tones and colors to add some spice and personality to your voice-over performance.

To really fine-tune your emotional chops, make recording your voiceovers a regular habit. Listen back and see where you can crank up the emotion. Get some feedback from friends, family, or mentors—they might spot something you missed or offer a fresh perspective. Check out the work of voice actors you admire, pick up on their tricks, and see how you can weave those techniques into your own style.

Embrace your inner emotional rollercoaster and take some creative risks. Sometimes, the best discoveries come from stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.

If you’re looking for inspiration or to learn from some of the great, emotional Voice Actors, read on:

James Earl Jones

Like the voice equivalent of a perfectly aged bottle of wine—rich, deep, and oh-so-impactful. Whether he’s booming as Darth Vader in Star Wars, making everyone tremble with his authority, or bringing a tender touch to his role as Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones can turn on the gravitas or the warmth in a heartbeat. His voice is a masterclass in emotional range, effortlessly swinging from commanding and formidable to gentle and heartfelt, proving he’s got the chops to make any character resonate.

James Earl Jones voices Darth Vader in Star Wars.

 Julie Andrews

The queen of melody and charm, with a voice that could melt even the coldest of hearts. When she’s singing as Maria in The Sound of Music, she radiates joy and infectious optimism that makes you want to dance in the hills. Then, with her magical portrayal of Mary Poppins, she combines whimsical fun with a nurturing touch that’s hard to resist. Andrews is a pro at flipping the emotional switch from bubbly cheerfulness to touching sorrow, making her performances both enchanting and deeply moving.

Julie Andrews voices “The Queen” in Shrek 2.

 Morgan Freeman

A voice like a warm hug wrapped in velvet—distinctive, soothing, and full of wisdom. Whether he’s narrating a stunning nature documentary or playing God in Bruce Almighty, Freeman’s deep tones exude authority and comfort. He’s got this amazing knack for switching from a wise, reassuring presence to a compassionate, understanding guide, making him a voice that feels both powerful and deeply personal.

Morgan Freeman reveals that the voice that you hear is not original; he was trained by a voice coach.

David Attenborough

His voice is practically a national treasure, synonymous with adventure and wonder. When he’s narrating nature documentaries, he can take you from the thrill of spotting a rare species to the urgent need to protect our planet. His delivery is a delightful mix of awe, excitement, and just the right amount of concern, drawing you into the story of the natural world with both wonder and a call to action.

Phil Hartman

A comedic genius with a surprising knack for emotional depth, Hartman brought a quirky, humorous character to life as Lionel Mertz in The Simpsons while adding a surprising layer of genuine emotion. Hartman could blend hilarity with heartfelt moments, showing that he was as skilled at making us laugh as he was at tugging at our heartstrings. His voice over work was a perfect blend of comedy and poignancy, proving he could do it all with flair.

Remember, adding emotional depth to your voiceover work is a journey, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the ride. With a little practice, plenty of experimentation, and a willingness to grow, you’ll soon be delivering performances that are not just heard but truly felt.

Need a voice-acting boost? Try a voice-over lesson from The Voice Shop online.

#voiceover #voiceacting #voiceactor #voiceovertraining #voicetraining

THE LITTLE KID THAT ISN’T IN VOICEOVER

So, you might think you’re seeing a brat throw a temper tantrum.  You think you’re seeing a little kid having a meltdown. Truth is, you’re not.  You’re looking at a 20-year-old man who’s often mistaken as a child. I certainly thought so. Have a look at his X profile picture.

This is Mr. Ellis Bertrell from Englewood, California.  A prodigy of the arts who knew at a Very young age, that he wanted to be in the performing arts. “And at 6 years old, I began to pester my parents to take me in for an audition,” he says.  And in that audition, Ellis was cast in his first on-camera job as a working actor at 7. The show was NBC’S “Parenthood.”  “I have always had a grasp on who I really am,” he says. “I was eccentric and a ball of energy,” he says. “But I had identified with making people happy when I watched Disney shows, and I wanted to be that person.”

So, the first show led to another show and then another. “I think I belong in front of the camera, and that’s where I want to be.” His influence was his mother, “because my old man is a musician and has to go far away to do his job, but Mom was in education and was always there advising me on the difference between right and wrong.”

Ellis and his family.

During middle school, he took a break from the performance arts. But in high school, he re-ignited in theatre and started with the show Hairspray. “I was super stressed at the idea of performing theatre because I had no idea what I was doing,” says Ellis. But things went off without a hitch, and Ellis would perform in several plays until COVID hit.

All productions were shuttered, and Ellis thought, “I can’t go to set, and I’m losing my mind, and then the option of voiceover entered my life,” he says. And so, he was given an audiobook to narrate, “and I was hooked,” he says. So, at 17, Ellis began in voiceover. “It’s still acting, only in front of a microphone.”

“Oh my gosh,” says Ellis, “This voiceover thing is a real thing. I got my first audition, and that led to my first part in voiceover.”

However, a slight detour to explore the world derailed Ellis for a very short time by moving to Vegas with two other guys, “and it was three of us in one room sleeping on air mattresses.” In doing so, “It just didn’t work out, and it was Never a party, so I took the money I had made doing shows and returned to Englewood and installed a home studio in my parent’s house, and that has absolutely worked out.”

And that’s when the voiceover bookings began to escalate.  “I just kept getting hired.”

The bookings he was getting evolved into video games and animation.  He could do any character effectively and was seen early on as a video game man-behind-the-mic extraordinaire.

“I just kept getting booked and booked and booked,” Ellis says. www.ellisbertrellva.com

And all the while, Ellis is attending voice workshops. “I do two classes EVERY week and if I’m feelin’ rowdy, I’ll add a third.”

Ellis attending a voice workshop.

“Constant training is absolutely necessary, because this isn’t easy, and training helps you to understand the role and how to voice it, and you get honest feedback.”

And uncharacteristic of a twenty-year-old, Ellis does not drink alcohol at all” because it’s against the law at my age.” In summary, Ellis is a man who looks like a child but behaves like a highly seasoned middle-aged man. “VO gives me the opportunity to be who I am, and my looks don’t matter.” 

“I haven’t had one bad experience,” says Ellis. “No bad people, no drug addicts, no bad anything. It’s all been good experiences.”

So, Ellis is the opposite of what you’d first assume. It’s though he’s lived a hundred lives before the one he lives now. “It’s my hope that this will be my life’s work,” says Ellis. And one thing he is not…is a little kid.

The Skater Dude That’s Riding a Wave in Voiceover

The skill of skateboarding affected his early life and still does to this day. He’s Dennis Dietrich, the skater dude. He’s also a voiceover artist. And at 39, he’s figured out the complexity of how to create the future you want. “You must chase your dreams because they’re certainly not going to chase you.”

The sport, born in California in the 1970s, has permeated American youth culture. So, from it came the desire to take a risk on a skateboard for a possible reward. The reward? Nailing the trick. Being exceptional at a very difficult sport. And Dennis was “pushed into it by Cousin Chad at 15.” He loved it because “skateboarding is creative,” Dennis tells me.

He was born to teenage parents who were 18 and 16, but the marriage ended in divorce before he was one year old. Initially raised in a rough neighborhood in Lawrence, Massachusetts, “I developed street smarts in that environment,” says Dennis. But he moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, at 13, “and it felt good to safely go outside.”  His father and Stepmom Gemma raised Dennis as he saw his paternal Mom on weekends. But his overwhelming influence was his grandfather, Jack.  “I wouldn’t be who I am without him,” says Dennis.

But before any of this happened, Dennis discovered television. And he watched a lot of television. “My earliest memories are of TV, and I was so young; I don’t know how old I was, but I was influenced by what I saw and the voices I heard, especially the voices.”   

His ADHD provoked an interest in a wide range of subjects, and sports played a part in his development. And so, Dennis was always involved in some sort of “creative or athletic experience.” It could be emulating characters from TV with his voice or playing an organized sport. All of it was preparing him for what was to come.

Noticing his affection for voices, Dennis’ sister suggested he go on TikTok, and that was where his voiceover presence began because “I have a passion for telling stories, “Dennis comments. And that is where he merged his interest in comic books, skating, sports, and storytelling. Combined with his hyper-focused mind, the “ah ha moment” occurred when his voice coach commented, “Why don’t you seriously pursue voice acting since you have such a love for comic books and video games?” 

In a split-second moment, Dennis, who’d learned the technical art of skateboarding and his love for entertainment, converged into one creative art form. “I didn’t think I could have a career in VO because I didn’t live in NY or LA,” Dennis confides, “I just really didn’t think it was an attainable goal.”  Well, it was.

Entertaining people is a passion of Dennis’ interests which fits perfectly into the wide array of things he loves to do. “It all just sort of came together.”

There are comical aspects to Dennis’ style you can’t help but notice. “I find television to be such an influence,” says Dennis. And so, here’s his comical perspective on the TV game show.

And as all of this was going on, Dennis became the co-founder of Bewildered Business Productions. And here’s an example of the offbeat show.

A devout family man and father of two, Dennis met his wife when he was 11 years old. But years would pass before they’d get together, and as it turned out, his wife Heather understood his affection for the arts and supported it. “And she’s one key person that can take credit for who I became.”

His work ethic is impeccable. “I audition 6 hours every day,” says Dennis. “I take classes extensively because although I approach it from a comical standpoint, this is a very serious business.”  www.dennisdietrichva.com  “I didn’t expect VO actors would be so helpful because it’s not like that in sports. Everybody is Very helpful to me in the voiceover world.”

This ultimate goal of achievement in voiceover has calmed Dennis’s racing mind. “Amid all of my interests, I always wanted to be an actor and I love making people laugh.”  And although his original ambition in attending college was to be a detective, “bad experiences that police must endure was just unsettling.”  In other words, there is nothing funny about it.

So now on the edge of 40 years old, Dennis has finally found the one calling that fits perfectly into his mindset. “Skateboarding is one thing that takes so much practice and falling down, and then getting back up…and VO is like that to a large degree.”  And that, in essence, describes the journey of searching for years to identify a career that would complement all of his interests. And it all began with his love of television and, of course, the skater dude persona that still resides within him.

Why A Voice Over Career is a Serious Option Post - “Great Resignation”

By Nate Myers

The job market has shifted since the Great Resignation. I’ve seen post after post about how difficult it is to find new employment. We’re talking thousands of applications to net two phone calls and one interview. Despite that, remote work and job transparency help the desire for more flexibility to remain strong. This is where non-traditional careers like voice acting can offer a compelling alternative.

A voice coach at The Voice Shop in New York City reads scripts with voice-acting students.

Here’s how voice over can be a good fit in today’s work environment:

• Location Independence: Gone are the days of mandatory commutes. Voice acting allows you to work from a home studio, eliminating location restrictions. This opens doors for those seeking a geographically independent career or those living in areas with limited job opportunities.

• Flexible Schedule: Unlike traditional office jobs, voice over offers the freedom to structure your workday. You can record projects around your existing commitments, whether it’s childcare responsibilities, pursuing hobbies, or attending evening classes. This flexibility allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs.

• Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to many professions, voice acting has a relatively low barrier to entry. Signing up for a training class like Fundamentals of Voice Over will give you a lay of the land and help you decide if VO will be a good path for you! You can start building your voice-over portfolio with a decent microphone, recording software, and a quiet space.

• Scalable Income: Voice over income can vary greatly depending on experience, project type, and client base. However, the beauty lies in the scalability. As you build your reputation and client network, you can take on more projects and potentially increase your income.

• Diverse Project Opportunities: The world of voice over offers a vast array of project types. From narrating audiobooks and eLearning modules to voicing commercials and video game characters, there’s something for every interest and vocal style. This variety keeps the work engaging and allows you to leverage your voice in unique ways.

• Creative Outlet: Voice acting can be a fulfilling creative outlet. You can use your voice to bring characters, stories, and information to life. The ability to shape the emotional impact of a project through your narration can be incredibly rewarding.

• Growth Potential: The voice acting industry is constantly evolving. New technologies like audiobooks and eLearning are creating a continuous demand for talented voice actors. You can build a sustainable and rewarding career with ongoing practice, honing your craft, and staying updated with industry trends.

Important Considerations:

While voice acting offers several advantages, it’s important to be realistic about the challenges involved. Building a successful voice-over career takes time. It just does. And like anything new in life, it requires dedication and consistent effort. Marketing yourself, networking with potential clients, and delivering high-quality work are crucial elements for success. Additionally, the income stream can be irregular initially, requiring financial planning and potentially a side hustle during the initial stages.

A voice-over career offers a unique blend of flexibility, creativity, and growth potential. In the post-Great Resignation landscape, where location independence, schedule control, and meaningful work are increasingly valued, voice acting can be a compelling career path for those with the right voice and the drive to succeed.

The Voiceover Screamer

Meet Ali Gohan. Ali is a screamer.

Ali had a very difficult childhood. So painful that we will honor Ali’s request not to delve deeper.

“Dad has his issues,” says Ali. “It was rough on me. And to this day, when I perform, I’m using the memories of my years growing up to fuel the inertia I am vocalizing.”

Ali and his dad at the beach.

“He’s gone now, and I don’t want to get into deep issues about what that experience at home was like. But I can do what I do because of the very deep-seated anger inside of me.

Originally from Pakistan, Ali was raised in a home where finances were always on his dad’s mind. This tension and energy permeated the home, and Ali could feel the anxiety in the air. “He was concerned about money, and I was just a little kid and didn’t know what to do about it,” says Ali. “But because of his concerns at home, that’s the subtext I use to express myself over my childhood agony.

Now, here’s the reality: Ali is a calm, caring, loving type B personality with deep affection in his heart. Those who know him know this.

And, to express his affection to the world, Ali is a foster cat dad and has fostered and found homes for 14 kitty cats. He is currently fostering his 15th cat.

Ali explains his love for cat fostering - Watch here

“To me, VO Plus Cats equals FUN,” says Ali. And to Gohar, expressing love to him and not rage is all brought center stage when wayward cats have nowhere to go, so Ali takes them in.

And so now, at 31, living in Edmonton, Ali is a graduate of the University of Alberta. He offers a very unique niche, of which he is largely unknown for, until now. From video games to animation, when producers need a terrifying vocal scream, It’s Ali they come to. Because Ali Gohar is a screamer!

THE ZANY STAY-AT-HOME VOICEOVER MOM

Meet Katie Jostock. She’s a stay-at-home mom.

She’s a gifted, multi-faceted actress. Holding a master’s degree, she was all set for that “the big company-marque type job.”  But working for a big company didn’t suit her. “I was never interested in the corporate world,” says Katie, “and that turned out to be a good thing.”

In theatre, she’s the woman of a thousand faces. Have a look.

Wondering if she could use her voice for commercials, Katie auditioned for a restaurant commercial, and it’s a company you’ve definitely heard of. She was 21 years old.

Raised in a strict, highly religious, and controlling family, Katie wanted to find a life of freedom. Something that would extract the bonds of her upbringing.

Katie and her mother.

The arts answered that call. She became active in theatre and, in doing so, created a segway to voiceover. A radio drama listener from childhood, Katie understood that the world of drama is on stage or in voice. It was something she adored.

So, in 2020, Katie built an in-home studio, and her first booking was an audiobook, as she was pregnant. “So, my child was literally in my belly when I started my serious career move to become a voiceover artist.”

Construction went fine, and so did the pregnancy. But thereafter came post-partum depression, and it lingered and lingered. “And it didn’t help that my relationship with my parents was strained and continues to be,” says Katie. “But its emotional abuse is rampant in our family, and the problem continues.”

So, Katie found solace in character voices. “Sort of like therapy; characters give you a way to counter the bad feelings you have inside.”

Katie voices Jenny The Destroyer from “Captor Clash” video game.

This led to a sector of voiceover in dubbing. And here’s an example of what has become Katie’s biggest victory.

Katie voices Princess Lani from the “Princess Dorn” video game.

And here’s another example in dubbing. Here, Katie voices in Puppy Nino from “Dotie’s Party.” And yes, it’s Katie barking too.

The notation of her characters really comes to life in a video explaining Fabry Disease.

But as a woman who stays at home and cares for her baby, Katie is able to attract the financial sector. And this Katie using her real voice.

So now let’s put it all together. A parental conflict that continues with estrangement, coupled with a career in entertainment and great respect for her character ranges. So, who was her rock?

Katie and her husband.

He gave me unconditional love. No one had ever done that for me.

“Being raised in privilege, including private school, I’m often confused over how my parents and I conflict, but my family life at home is great,” Katie tells me.

She alludes to the ongoing friction that bothers her regarding her parents. But now she has a perfect home and family life with her one true love.  

“I’ve never been happier,” says Katie. And she’s still a stay-at-home mom.

The Power Of A Video Game And How It Changed One Voiceover Artist's Life

Josh Portillo had a rough childhood. An aggressive father. A dominating father. A father that would rattle the life of his young son to his maximum tolerance. Born to a Filipino father and a Vietnamese/Chinese Mother, Josh was raised in the Asian culture of the man being head of the household, with all others submitting to the patriarch’s will.  “He had charisma like you wouldn’t believe working as a hibachi chef in a Japanese steakhouse; he was loved by everyone and highly noted as an entertainer to his diners.” And Josh added, “The kind of guy who’d flip a shrimp in your mouth and create a memorable evening.”

But when Josh’s father would come home,” he was a different person.”  Highly disciplinary and extremely intimidating, along with upsetting the home with bad energy, he created constant threats of violence. “And so, this was the reason I was so disturbed,” Josh says.  “I remember being three years old and in bed holding on to my Tasmanian pillow while I heard yelling and violence brewing throughout the home, and this would go on and on and on.”

Young Josh and his mother.

The nightly violence created an unsettled Josh. “The yelling triggered me to want to commit suicide at 7 years old,” says Josh, “but video games saved my life, specifically “Metal Gear Solid,” because of the heroism involved; it offered me hope through the character “Solid Snake” who was there to save the world.” So, at a very young age, Josh was affected by video games in a way that would stay in his heart forever as you see.

Life at school wasn’t any better. “I was 345 pounds in the 6th grade, and I was eating away my misery,” says Josh. “I was a non-violent kid, but I didn’t get along with the other kids,” Josh confides. “I failed the 4th grade, and I was not interested in football because it involved hurting other people, and I just didn’t want to do that.” However, Josh’s school coach noticed the unhappiness in Josh and took him under his wing. “I lost 145 pounds, started gaining confidence, started playing noseguard while my mind remained on saving my mom from my father who made our lives miserable.”

At the same time, Josh discovered a group of outcasts who understood him. The theatre community. “I got involved in that community and they seemed to understand what was going on,” says Josh. “I started staying at other people’s houses for sleepovers and doing everything I could to avoid the constant conflict brewing in the home.”

Josh performing on-stage.

Everything at home blew up in 2014, when (at 18) Josh’s Mom divorced her husband, and Josh felt his mission to get his mother into a better situation was solved. A year later, Josh’s father died at just 52 years old of cardiac arrest, and suddenly, the small Asian family felt safe. “It was the achievement of my mission to save my mom from dad and to lose the weight that had plagued me for so long.” In truth, Josh never contemplated any type of violence he’d commit to his father, but with that passing, life changed for Josh and his mom.

Josh started college at the University of North Florida, “And I just felt aimless in that environment,” and that’s when a theater friend of mine introduced me to his interest in voice acting with the game DANGANRONPA. Immediately, Josh took an interest in voicing the characters he was watching. “Voice acting gave me purpose again, and the field changed my life; it gave me another dream.”

Josh “in-character” while voice acting.

Then covid hit. Lockdown took place. His mom had diabetes and had multiple sclerosis. The adversity seemed to never stop. “And that’s when I got serious about voicework.” Anime was his interest, and excellence was his goal. “I wanted to be the best in the world,” Josh says. So, after dealing with personal issues, Josh laid it all on the line in 2022 and entered the voiceover world full-time.  “But like so many people, I was scared to give up my full-time job.” But Josh had to take the risk. He loved the voiceover world, and he related to the storylines, and that created a wave of new projects.  Some of them had such a high level of achievement that they surprised everyone except Josh. 

Upon emotionally committing to animation, Josh debuted his first Nintendo gig with the trailer for “Disgaea 6.”

That was followed by “Dislyte” in November of 2023.

”Goodbye Monster” in April of 2023 followed.

And then came “Hero Corps: Dark Genesis” in December of 2023 to round out last year. 

“Voiceover in animation has healed me,” says Josh. “And that was a dream I never wanted to die because I wanted to learn to be happy and content.”

Today, Josh is a well-respected young talent with a laser-clear focus on who he IS and who he wants to become.

But the days of wondering if a peaceful life could be a reality are behind Josh now, and so is his rough childhood.