Topic: Voice Acting

The hosts present two new "In Search Of" (ISO) audio clips featuring AI-generated or impersonated voices of Jordan Peterson and Morgan Freeman. While the Peterson clip encourages young men to listen to the show, the Freeman clip is criticized for being too generic. They decide to use the Peterson clip for future promotions.

The hosts discuss creating their own chatbot using the voice of Dame Jennifer. This is followed by an anecdote about Mimi Dvorak using an Oculus VR headset for a boxing workout, which she describes as the best exercise she has ever experienced.

A viral video incorrectly claimed the Smith-Mundt Act was intended to hold news corporations accountable for lying. In reality, the 1948 act and its 2013 modernization were designed to prevent the U.S. government from propagandizing domestic audiences through outlets like Voice of America. The discussion clarifies that while intelligence agents have historically influenced news via Operation Mockingbird, the act itself does not regulate private news accuracy.

Adam Curry discusses the physical strain of performing the "Tech Grouch" character, noting it hurts his throat. He considers hiring a voice coach to learn how to perform the gravelly voice safely for future ad-libbed segments.

A British voice actor discovered her voice was being used as an AI announcer for Scotland's railways without her explicit consent. The voice data was originally recorded for a visually impaired project during COVID-19 and subsequently sold to an AI firm. The incident highlights growing concerns in the creative industry regarding the exploitation of human data and the lack of control over AI-cloned voices.

Senior Advisor Carrie Lake has placed over a thousand Voice of America (VOA) staff on paid administrative leave as part of a major restructuring of the US Agency for Global Media. The administration aims to eliminate "radical propaganda" and waste within the agency, which also funds Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. The move follows the 2012 modernization of the Smith-Mundt Act that allowed domestic dissemination of government-produced materials.

Video game actors and motion capture performers have been on strike since July over the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. Performers express concern that their voices and likenesses will be digitally reproduced without consent or compensation. The hosts discuss the massive scale of the gaming industry compared to traditional film and television.

The organization Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) led a massive sit-in at Grand Central Terminal to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. Analysis suggests the group functions as a front for radical Democratic interests, noting its ties to ActBlue and its endorsement of "The Squad" members like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Critics argue the group's branding misrepresents its fringe political alignment.

A producer named Fletcher submitted a voice-acted audition for the "Morning Zoo" entertainment reporter role, using the persona "Clay the Gay." The audition featured jokes about Ariana Grande and the hosts' appearances, leading to a discussion about the legendary talk show host Phil Hendry and his use of multiple characters.

A clip from the television series "Elementary" features a character warning about the dangers of a "podcaster," which is used as a humorous lead-in to a voice impression of Morgan Freeman introducing the show.

The hosts identify Ken Nordine as the "Word Jazz" artist whose style resembles a Tom Waits impression. They also clarify the identity of the voice actor for the former Monsanto exhibit at Disneyland, Paul Frees.

John Lansing has been named the new CEO of NPR, succeeding Jarl Mohn. Lansing previously headed the U.S. Agency for Global Media, overseeing state-funded broadcasters like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. His transition from government-funded international broadcasting to domestic public radio has raised concerns about the potential for state-aligned propaganda.

Donors Sir Don Silver and Chris Black were recognized for their contributions. The hosts also discussed a voice acting demo sent by a listener named Fletcher, praising his ability to sustain various character voices and offbeat narrations.

John C. Dvorak announces a project to produce ten short radio plays adapted from classic Broadway scripts and George Orwell's "1984." He calls for listener auditions to fill various roles, seeking to avoid the "squeaky millennial" voices prevalent in modern audio dramas.

The Broadcast Board of Governors and Voice of America (VOA) are accused of violating the Smith-Mundt Act by targeting propaganda at American citizens via Facebook advertisements. Although the act was partially repealed in 2013, the government is still prohibited from intentionally propagandizing domestic audiences. The matter has reportedly been referred to the Attorney General.

A voiceover actress performs a parody of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony during the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court hearings. The segment mocks the use of "vocal fry" and the youthful tone of the doctor's voice despite her professional standing.

A high-level Washington D.C. insider expressed interest in the technical aspects of global broadcasting and the legal implications of the Smith-Mundt Act. The repeal of certain provisions in the act now allows the U.S. government to disseminate propaganda domestically. The individual, who represents international broadcasters, discussed the challenges of reaching audiences in regions with limited internet access, such as parts of Africa and the Middle East.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 4278, known as the Ukraine Support Act, which provides for security personnel and weaponry. Congressman Ed Royce emphasized the need to counter Russian propaganda by increasing funding for Radio Free Europe and the Voice of America. The hosts liken these broadcasting efforts to the American version of Russia Today.

The hosts perform a scripted parody of a strip club announcer to acknowledge female donors Tracy, Inga Mae, Lily Satou, and Sabine. The segment features exaggerated voice acting and humorous descriptions of the "performers" as an "exit strategy" for the hosts' careers.

One of the hosts performs a live audition for a Kraft salad dressing commercial, following specific "relatable neighbor" character specs. The script involves a "breakup" theme between the dressing and traditional foods. The segment provides a behind-the-scenes look at the requirements and frustrations of professional voice acting for major corporate campaigns.