How Do You Voice Act?

Episode 50: How Do You Voice Act? - features legendary voice actor Billy West as he shares how he brings animated characters to life, from Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, and Professor Farnsworth in Futurama to Bugs Bunny in the original Space Jam. Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a candid conversation with Billy West, the legendary voice actor behind some of animation’s most beloved shows. With a career spanning Futurama, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Doug, Looney Tunes, and countless commercials, Billy opens up about how voice acting really works—what happens behind the mic, how actors shape characters, and why the voices we hear can leave a lasting impact on our emotions and identity. Listen as Billy also shares heartfelt stories from decades in the industry, advice for aspiring voice actors, and a reminder that behind every cartoon is a human voice shaped by experience, humor, and resilience. In this episode we discuss: 00:27- Introducing Billy West 01:29 - Becoming a Voice Actor 18:23 - Voice Acting Industry 22:26 - Creating a Voice 26:15 - Impact on Health 31:20 - Recording Process 34:33 - Replicating a Voice 36:33 - Advice for Others 41:31 - Evolution of the Industry 45:50 - Learning More 53:31 - Conclusion Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠IMDB Billy's Website This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here