Dancing with Text: How Ray Porter Brings Jack Carr's Books to Life by Getting Out of the Way

Discipline, humility, resilience, and what it means to serve the story first. In episode 178, I sit down with acclaimed actor and audiobook narrator Ray Porter for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, performance, and how a workmanlike approach to the craft has shaped his career. Ray discusses narrating Jack Carr’s The Fourth Option, the start of a new series and character outside the Terminal List universe, and what it’s like to bring Jack’s words to life after years of collaboration across fiction and nonfiction. He shares his unconventional approach to audiobook narration — reading cold, letting the text lead, and trying to disappear so the listener can connect directly with the story. We also dig into the physical, mental, and creative demands of narration, the difference between acting on stage, screen, and behind the mic, and why audiobook work is far more difficult than many people assume. The conversation moves from craft to calling, touching on burnout, creative renewal, theater, imposter syndrome, and the importance of building a full life outside the work itself. Ray also reflects on his role as Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the long road from being cut out of the theatrical release to finally hearing audiences cheer when the #SnyderCut arrived. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ https://www.instagram.com/the.ray.porter/