🎙️ The Real Reel Podcast — Episode 1
AI vs. Voice Actors: The Human Cost No One Is Talking About
Is AI quietly gutting the voice acting industry?
If you ask full-time voice actor Shaun Brackett (“Voice of Shaun”), the answer isn’t just yes—it’s already happening.
In the very first episode of The Real Reel Podcast, we sat down for an unfiltered conversation about what AI is doing to creative workers, how fast it’s accelerating, and what it actually feels like to watch your craft get cloned, automated, or replaced.
This interview became one of the most honest industry conversations happening right now, and after hearing it, you’ll understand why so many voice actors are fighting for legislation, community support, and real solutions.
Let’s dive in.
🔥 The Rise of AI Voices — And the Fear Behind the Curtain
Sean didn’t waste time. When asked how AI makes him feel about his career today, his answer was raw and real:
“AI used to feel harmless… now it’s getting more and more scary.”
— Shaun Brackett EP 1
He’s not exaggerating. Only a few years ago, synthetic voices sounded robotic and unusable. Today, entire production companies are telling him:
“Sorry, we’re fully AI. We no longer hire human voice talent.”
Sean explained that:
- Companies are switching fast
- Many rely on AI-cloned voice libraries
- He’s already losing real opportunities
- Some clients even request perpetual rights to clone his voice
That last part is the most alarming.
🎤 When Your Voice Becomes a “Digital Asset”
One moment in the interview hit differently:
“The moment they ask to buy a perpetual synthetic version of my voice… the part of me that feels stolen is my heart. AI can’t copy real emotion.”
— Shaun Brackett EP 1
This is the core truth AI can’t replicate:
AI can clone your sound.
It can’t clone your humanity.**
A voice actor doesn’t just read lines.
They act, embody characters, tap into emotion, and craft a performance.
Shaun broke it down perfectly:
“We don’t just talk. We become the character. AI copies, but it can’t originate.”
— Shaun EP 1
This is what clients don’t see when choosing $0 AI over skilled, trained talent.
💔 The Silent Crisis: Creatives Leaving the Industry
Inside Facebook Groups and Discord communities, Sean says the conversations have gotten dark:
“People are stressed, burned out… many are leaving because they feel it’s no longer viable.”
— Shaun EP 1
Voice actors aren’t just losing income.
They’re losing identity.
They’re losing years of training, the craft they love, and in many cases — hope.
Some see AI replacing more and more work every month. Others say they no longer get auditions because companies use synthetic libraries.
The emotional toll is heavy.
🤖 Can People Even Tell the Difference Anymore?
This question always sparks debate:
Can consumers tell an AI voice from a human one?
Sean’s answer was balanced:
“Not always… but the biggest tell is emotion. AI still can’t replicate true heart.”
— Shaun EP 1
But the deeper issue isn’t audio quality.
It’s values.
RJ (you) said it perfectly in the interview:
“Why choose a robot when you could support a real human who has spent years learning a craft?” EP 1
Many companies now optimize for cost instead of creativity, replacing artists with automation simply because it’s cheaper.
But cheap and good aren’t the same thing.
As Shaun described with a meme:
“It’s like a perfect drawing of a horse… and the rest looks like a 3-year-old finished it.”
— Shaun EP 1
AI saves money.
Humans create meaning.
📉 How Many Jobs Has AI Already Taken?
Sean estimates that around:
10% of his work has already been lost to AI
…and climbing every month.
He regularly receives emails like:
- “We only use AI voices now.”
- “We use a pool of synthetic voices.”
- “We no longer hire human VO talent.”
He admits he’s torn:
“Sometimes I want to fight it… other times I just move on because this is the new normal.”
— Shaun EP 1
That kind of emotional fatigue is real.
It’s also unsustainable.
⚠️ The Warning for New Voice Actors
At the end, Sean looked directly into the camera and delivered his warning:
“If you’re entering voice acting today, you must get coaching, learn the craft, and perfect your emotion. That’s the one thing AI can’t replace.”
— Shaun EP 1
Technique, emotional depth, character work, storytelling, breath control…
These are human.
These are what will separate pros from synthetic voices in the long run.
💡 The Real Solution: Fight Back With Creativity + Legislation
Sean surprised many listeners with this:
California has already passed a law:
It is now illegal to use an actor’s AI-cloned voice without permission.
Organizations like NAVA — The National Association of Voice Actors have been leading the charge.
Sean said:
“This needs to happen in more states. It’s one of the biggest solutions we have right now.”
— Shaun EP 1
The solution isn’t to run from AI.
It’s to build protections, fight for rights, and strengthen the creative community.
🎧 Where to Find Sean (Voice of Shaun)
If you want to hear more from Shaun or work with him:
👉 https://voiceofshaun.com
👉 Social @voiceofshaun on all platforms
He’s the real deal.
Support human voices.
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