The Space Marine You Can Hear Scream – Warhammer, Welsh Kings and Sentient Mushrooms with Michael Geary

How does a theatre-trained actor with Welsh roots become one of gaming’s most compelling voices? In this episode of The ReadyAimFire Podcast, hosts Tom Stacey and Kezia Burrows welcome Michael Geary, voice of Warhammer 40,000’s iconic Space Marines and many more.Michael takes us from stage to studio, sharing the art and chaos of recording powerful characters at home (with a makeshift duvet booth and occasionally anxious neighbours), the joy of playing everything from sentient mushrooms to mighty heroes, and why authenticity, inclusion and fun are central to a great performance.You’ll hear:What it’s really like to voice epic game roles – and why even orcs sometimes sound WelshThe technical and emotional craft behind world-class voice actingCandid reflections on building a creative life in games, and the importance of mentorship and playThe time Michael almost threw up in the booth – and it made the game! "You can literally play any character… It’s a democratising process, being a voice actor." – Michael GearyIt’s not just about the games – it’s about the people who shape them. Join us for this warm, witty, and inspiring episode.🧭 Key Points & Timestamps:00:02:23 – Stumbling into voiceover – advice that changed everything00:03:04 – DIY home studio – and warning the neighbours00:05:12 – Why voice acting is “democratizing” for performers00:06:49 – The struggle and pride of voicing Welsh characters in games00:09:42 – From theatre to games: Breaking down old stigmas 00:10:39 – How games lead inclusion in entertainment00:12:01 – Teaching audio: letting actors “play” with their limits00:13:55 – Looking after your voice: honest truths and practical tips00:15:52 – How a theatre background shapes games performance 00:18:02 – Accidental practice: cold-reading from “sales” and shop signs00:21:00 – LAN parties, Left 4 Dead, and gaming socials00:28:43 – Finding characters – turning breakdowns into monologues00:31:01 – The madness of Warhammer 40K, explained in a minute00:33:37 – Warhammer audiobooks: big, weird words and lore obsession00:47:12 – AI in games: what can (and can’t) be replaced?👤 Guest Info:Michael Geary is a seasoned actor with a background in theatre, film and TV, and AAA games. His work includes Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Total War: Warhammer III, and numerous roles spanning other franchises. He also teaches and mentors actors in how to use their bodies and voices as tools of authentic performance.🌐 Website   📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:Warhammer 40,000 (Warhammer 40k)Warhammer: Total War – Thrones of BritanniaBAFTADamn Good VoicesIsovoxGreedFallFable  / Fable IILeft 4 DeadXboxLAN partiesFoundation by Peter AckroydRoyal Shakespeare CompanyOutlanderSpace Marine IINight of the Living Dead (film)Dawn of the Dead (film)Day of the Dead (film)Land of the Dead (film)Diary of the Dead (film)Survival of the Dead (film)Return of the Living Dead (film)Back 4 BloodTelltale GamesBlack LibraryDungeons & Dragons (D&D)Warhammer storesGames WorkshopWarhammer 40,000: DarktideCleanfeedDoctors (BBC television series)Pulp Fiction (film)Lambda (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art)Sapphire and Steel (TV series)The Siege (film)Performance Capture💬 Quotes:“The orcs are having a great time going to war. I mean, the orcs are essentially sentient mushrooms, which I love.” – Michael Geary“It can be very exposing for actors. Just you and the mic. There's nothing else to hide behind. And I love that because you've really got to start playing.” – Michael Geary🔗 Listen & Subscribe:🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire:Instagram: @readyaimfirestudioTikTok: @readyaimfirestudioTwitter/X: @rdymfrLinkedIn: ReadyAimFireBluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week.Subscribe now and discover the stories behind games you love.Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2026 ReadyAimFire