Alaina Wis: Voice & Authenticity
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Ever wondered what happens when AI meets authentic human creativity? This week, we sit down with professional voice actor Alaina Wis, who's brought characters to life in major video games like Starfield and Skyrim, and voiced commercials for brands like Google, Amazon, and Toyota.
What You'll Discover:
- How AI is actually HELPING voice actors find better creative partnerships (spoiler: it's not what you think!)
- Why brands are choosing human voices over AI - even when the AI sounds "good enough"
- The wild world of video game voice acting (including Alaina's hilarious zombie moaning session)
- What a typical day looks like for a working voice actor (hint: 20-25 auditions daily!)
Laugh-Out-Loud Moments:
- Naila attempts her "professional podcast voice" and immediately gets roasted
- Disney princess rankings get serious (Team Rapunzel vs Team Ariel!)
- Accent showdown: Mid-Atlantic madness with questionable attempts
- Quinn's surprisingly solid Bill Clinton impression emerges
Industry Insights:
- The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike affecting major gaming companies
- How remote recording opened global opportunities for voice talent
- Why acting training is non-negotiable for gaming voice work
- The future of interactive entertainment and narrative-driven games
Alaina shares her journey from traditional studio sessions to building a thriving remote business, proving that creativity and authenticity will always have a place in our increasingly digital world. Plus, you've actually heard her voice before - she's the talent behind our podcast intro!
Whether you're a creative professional navigating industry changes, curious about voice acting, or just love hearing authentic stories about building a sustainable creative career, this episode delivers both insights and entertainment.
Connect with Alaina:
- Website: alainawis.com
- Instagram: @alainawis or @belleieve
- LinkedIn: Alaina Wis
Find Now, Near, and the Future:
- Website: nownearfuture.com
- Instagram/LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
- Available on all major podcast platforms
10 episodes