Sarah Natochenny on Voicing Ash Ketchum, Pokémon & Finding Confidence in Chaos

In this nostalgic and high-spirited episode, Sarah Natochenny—the voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon—joins Nancy Cartwright for a lively conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, voice acting insights, and plenty of playful moments. From iconic catchphrases to real-life challenges, Sarah offers an honest and entertaining look at what it takes to bring one of the most beloved animated characters of all time to life. Right from the start, the energy is electric. Sarah effortlessly slips into Ash’s voice, delivering the legendary “I choose you!” moment that instantly transports listeners back to their childhood. It’s a reminder of just how powerful voice acting can be—one line, one tone, and suddenly millions of memories come rushing back. But beyond the nostalgia, Sarah opens up about her unexpected journey into the role. At just 18 years old, she nearly missed her audition entirely, forgetting about it until the day of. With little preparation and no prior experience in dubbing, she walked into what would become a life-changing opportunity. Despite feeling unprepared—and even crying afterward—she landed the role, proving that talent and instinct can sometimes outweigh perfect planning. The episode dives deep into the realities of stepping into an established character. Taking over as Ash Ketchum wasn’t just a technical challenge—it came with intense backlash from fans. Sarah candidly shares how difficult it was to face criticism early on, especially when replacing a beloved voice. Over time, however, that narrative shifted, and she now experiences overwhelming support from fans around the world, especially at conventions where she connects with them face-to-face. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is Sarah’s explanation of dubbing. Unlike traditional voice acting, dubbing requires actors to match timing, emotion, and mouth movements to pre-existing animation—often in another language. Learning this process on the spot during her audition added an extra layer of difficulty, making her success even more impressive. The episode also highlights the differences between voice acting across mediums. From recording Pokémon episodes to performing lines for video games, Sarah explains how each format demands a unique approach. While television allows for more context and storytelling, video games often involve recording isolated lines without knowing the full scene, requiring actors to rely heavily on instinct and consistency. Beyond the technical side, Sarah brings humor and personality to every moment. Whether she’s joking about not driving despite living in Los Angeles, sharing stories about traveling to dozens of conventions, or participating in the show’s signature donut taste tests, she keeps the conversation light, relatable, and fun. At its core, this episode is about perseverance, growth, and embracing the unexpected. Sarah’s journey—from a fan of Pokémon to becoming its most iconic voice—captures the essence of following your passion, even when the path feels uncertain. Whether you grew up with Ash Ketchum or are simply curious about the world of voice acting, this episode delivers a perfect mix of nostalgia, humor, and inspiration. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices