About this episode

Troy Baker discusses his career in voice acting, the emotional depth of storytelling, and the philosophy behind performance in interactive media.

In this deeply engaging and often hilarious episode, acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker sits down for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the craft of performance, the emotional depth of storytelling, and the unpredictable journey that led him to become one of the most recognizable voices in gaming and animation. Best known for his role as Joel in The Last of Us, Baker reflects on the powerful relationship between Joel and Ellie, including the unforgettable final moments of the first game—so impactful that he and co-star Ashley Johnson even got matching tattoos inspired by the closing lines. This sets the tone for a conversation rooted in authenticity, connection, and the lasting emotional weight of great storytelling. Baker opens up about his early life, sharing how insecurity and bullying pushed him to develop his voice as a tool for expression and identity. What started as a coping mechanism eventually became the foundation of a career that spans video games, animation, and beyond. His story is a reminder that sometimes our greatest strengths come from the places we once felt weakest. The episode dives deep into the philosophy of acting, particularly in interactive media…

People in this episode

Host: Nancy Cartwright

Guest: Troy Baker

Topics covered

• voice acting
• storytelling
• gaming
• emotional depth
• performance
• interactive media

Keywords

• Troy Baker
• voice acting
• The Last of Us
• storytelling
• performance
• gaming
• emotional connection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Audacy, CRE84U Entertainment

Books & works: The Last of Us

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