High Notes

Can AI narrate a book? And should it? Dan Jones spent 22 years at Hachette UK, seven of them as Head of Audio Services, and is now Senior Manager at Glassboxx. In this episode he takes us inside audiobook production at scale: how budgets are set, how narrators are cast across different tiers, and how authors sign off on the voice of their book. Melissa and Dan also listen to an AI-replica narratio...

AI isn’t hitting every corner of the voice industry in the same way, or at the same speed. David Menkin is a London-based actor and voiceover artist whose credits include Lego Star Wars , Final Fantasy XVI and Pragmata . In this episode he takes us sector by sector through commercials, dubbing and localisation, animation and games, and explains where synthetic voices are already replacing human pe...

In this episode Melissa talks to Dr Mathilde Pavis, an expert in intellectual property law, ethics and new technologies, who helped build Equity’s AI toolkit and has worked directly with AI platforms including ElevenLabs. Melissa asks her why the UK currently has no personality right for voice, how that compares to other countries, and whether the law is catching up in time. The real value here is...

Last week, Mark Graeme (OCX UK) and Mark Eaves (Gravity Road) took us inside the decision brands now face every day: AI voice earns its place for content at scale, while a human voice wins when a brand wants to connect with its audience through trust. This week, we hear from the other side of that decision: what it’s like to be on the wrong end of AI. Voice actor Faye Dicker discovered her voice h...

This episode explores when and why a creative studio chooses AI over a human voice, and when it doesn't, from two vantage points in the advertising industry. Mark Graeme is Head of Studio at OCX UK (Omnicom Production, part of Omnicom Group, the world's leading marketing and sales company). Mark and his team produce work for creative agencies such as Adam & Eve/TBWA, AMVBBDO, and McCan...

High Notes returns for its fourth season with The AI Voice: a series about what happens to the human voice as AI gets good enough to replicate it. It's a conversation that reaches further than most people think. It affects not just performers, but anyone who's ever recorded a voice note, sat on a Zoom call, or had their voice used by the business they work for. BRAVA founder, Melissa Thom,...

In this episode, Melissa sits down with professor, writer, and deep thinker, Dr. Margaret Heffernan , to explore creativity, uncertainty, and the power of authentic voice. Together, they talk about how artists and leaders can not only survive but thrive in unpredictable times, the importance of cultivating a personal style, and the art of communicating with clarity and impact. Margaret reflects on...

In this episode of High Notes , we sit down with trailblazer Lynne Franks, a visionary in PR, fashion, and women’s empowerment. From shaping modern communications to founding movements that uplift and connect women, Lynne’s story is one of courage, creativity, and community. Together, we explore her remarkable journey, from her early career breakthroughs to her transformative work with initiatives...

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 communicatin...

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 audie...

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 vo...

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...

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 sh...

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...

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, leadershi...

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.&nbsp...

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 perform...

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...

Inside Aardman: Bringing Clay to Life - Characters, Voice & Performance with Merlin Crossingham  In this episode of High Notes, Melissa talks to Merlin Crossingham, Creative Director for Wallace and Gromit at Aardman Animations. Merlin shares some surprising stories from his childhood that led him onto a very specific career path in animation, as well as thoughts on the timeless appeal of...

In this episode of High Notes , Andrew Whieldon Dennis reflects on his expansive career as a voice actor in the videogame industry, from indie projects to AAA blockbusters. He talks about his early inspirations, the cultural influences that shaped him, and his evolution into a true 'vocal shapeshifter'. Andrew offers a behind-the-scenes look at his acting process, emphasizes the value of consisten...

The Magic of PIxar: Voice Casting with Kate Hansen-Birnbaum In this episode of High Notes , Melissa chats to Kate Hansen Birnbaum, Casting Director at Pixar, whose credits include beloved animated films like Inside Out 2 , Soul , Elemental , and Luca . Kate shares her unconventional path into casting, which began at a San Francisco talent agency under the mentorship of seasoned actors. She offers...

Welcome to Season 2 of High Notes — the podcast exploring the art and business of voice.  Brought to you by BRAVA  https://www.brava.uk.com/ Season 2 will focus on the world of Games and Animation. This season, host, Melissa Thom, speaks with leaders across the business from Pixar, Aardman, and the world of AAA gaming. Discover how voices are cast, directed, and brought to life — from Mo...

In this episode of High Notes, we engage in a captivating conversation with Abi Longstaffe from Spotlight. Abi discusses her journey in the creative arts, from her theatrical family history to drama school and her extensive career in casting and talent management. We delve into the evolving landscape of talent and voiceover work, hear expert advice on navigating a creative career, and explore the...

In this episode, we chat with Curtis James, an accomplished podcaster, producer, writer, and presenter. Curtis shares his inspiring journey from his early days experimenting with music to his experiences with grassroots podcasting, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the impact of social inequality on education and creativity. Curtis talks in depth about his podcast Class Divide, how it...

High Notes: A Conversation with Sinead Garvan - From Radio to VO In this episode, we talk to Sinead Garvan, the voice behind some of the UK’s favourite radio shows and podcasts. We chat about Sinead's journey from her early days as a young narrator in school plays to her transition from radio to voiceover. Sinead shares her experience of working with celebrities like Chris Evans, Claudia Winkleman...