Voice Actor Jen Antkowiak: Why Human Connection Still Matters in the Age of AI
Human Connection Still Has a Voice
“I never thought I would own my own business, but now that I do, I realize it’s something that yes, I always wanted.”
By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – Radio Worcester
WORCESTER, MA- For voice actor Jen Antkowiak, technology continues to evolve, but authentic human connection remains at the center of great communication.
Appearing on Voice of Business with Hank Stolz, Antkowiak discusses her journey from theater and music into professional voice acting, the evolution of the voiceover industry, and how artificial intelligence is changing the profession she loves.
Today, Antkowiak is the owner of Soundshine Productions and is also the familiar voice behind Radio Worcester’s station bumpers and liners.
“Nothing really beats doing the bumpers for Radio Worcester. That is my favorite.”
From Theater to the Microphone
Antkowiak studied communications and music before performing in theater and taking on early voiceover work.
After marrying, raising a family, and working in corporate communications, she eventually found herself drawn back to performance—this time behind the microphone.
Working on corporate training videos helped her discover that voice acting offered everything she enjoyed about performing while providing flexibility and longevity.
She eventually built a professional home recording studio and now records national commercial, corporate, and narration projects from home.
Modern Voiceover Is About Conversation
One of the biggest changes in the industry, according to Antkowiak, is how clients expect talent to sound.
Traditional “radio announcer” delivery has largely given way to conversational, authentic performances that sound natural rather than scripted.
Instead of trying to impress listeners, today’s successful voice actors focus on creating genuine human connection.
“It’s kind of like a puzzle that’s fun to put together. What are they really looking for? They want strong but warm and fierce but kind.”
AI Is Changing the Industry—But Not Replacing Humanity
Artificial intelligence has become increasingly capable of producing realistic voices.
Antkowiak acknowledges the technology is improving rapidly but believes audiences can still recognize the subtle emotional qualities that only human performers naturally deliver.
She compares today’s marketplace to “dollar store versus Tiffany’s,” suggesting both AI and professional voice talent will continue serving different needs.
Premium brands, she says, increasingly choose real human voices because authenticity itself has become part of their brand identity.
She also discusses the possibility that voice actors may eventually license AI versions of their voices while continuing to offer premium human performances.
Building a Business Around Creativity
Beyond voice acting, Antkowiak reflects on becoming an entrepreneur.
While she never imagined owning a business earlier in life, she now appreciates the opportunity to direct her own career.
Although represented by agents and managers, she actively markets herself to production companies and advertising agencies, giving her control over both her creative work and business growth.
“I never thought I would own my own business, but now that I do, I realize it’s something that yes, I always wanted.”
Hear Jen Antkowiak discuss voice acting, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, branding, and why authentic human voices continue to matter on this episode of Voice of Business on Radio Worcester.
Who Are the Most Successful Voiceover Actors in History?
The voiceover industry has produced some of the most recognizable voices in entertainment, advertising, and broadcasting. While success can be measured in many ways—including longevity, earnings, awards, and cultural impact—these performers are widely regarded among the most influential voice actors in history.
Mel Blanc (1908–1989)
Often called “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Mel Blanc created or defined the voices of many of Warner Bros.’ most famous cartoon characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Tweety, Yosemite Sam, and Foghorn Leghorn. His work helped establish voice acting as a respected profession.
Don LaFontaine (1940–2008)
Known as “The Voice of God,” Don LaFontaine became synonymous with Hollywood movie trailers. His deep, commanding narration was heard in more than 5,000 film trailers and hundreds of thousands of television commercials and promotional spots.
James Earl Jones (1931–2024)
One of the most recognizable voices ever recorded, James Earl Jones provided the iconic voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. Beyond film, his voice became a trusted presence in documentaries, commercials, and broadcast promotions.
Nancy Cartwright (1957– )
Nancy Cartwright is best known as the voice of Bart Simpson on The Simpsons. She also voices numerous other Springfield characters, making her one of the most successful television voice actors of all time.
Frank Welker (1946– )
With a career spanning more than five decades, Frank Welker has voiced thousands of characters, including Fred Jones from Scooby-Doo, Megatron from Transformers, and countless animal sounds and creature effects for television and film. He is widely regarded as one of the most prolific voice actors in history.
June Foray (1917–2017)
Often referred to as “The First Lady of Voice Acting,” June Foray voiced Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, Granny from Looney Tunes, and hundreds of other characters during a career that lasted nearly 80 years.
Hank Azaria (1964– )
Hank Azaria has voiced dozens of beloved characters on The Simpsons, including Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, Comic Book Guy, and Professor Frink. His versatility has earned multiple Emmy Awards.
Tara Strong (1973– )
One of today’s most accomplished voice actors, Tara Strong’s credits include The Powerpuff Girls, The Fairly OddParents, Teen Titans, My Little Pony, numerous video games, and animated feature films.
The Evolution of Voice Acting
The industry has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Traditional “announcer” styles that once dominated radio and television have largely given way to a more conversational, authentic delivery. Today, commercial voice actors are often asked to sound like trusted friends rather than broadcasters—a shift that Jen Antkowiak discusses in her interview on Voice of Business.
Sources
- The Encyclopedia of Voice Actors by Barry Monush (Applause Books)
- The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy Awards)
- Warner Bros. Studio Archives
- The Walt Disney Company Archives
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- The Voice Foundation
- SAG-AFTRA Voiceover Resources
Questions, Concerns, Opinions?
TEXT US! >> 774-364-8255
LIVE STREAM
Radio Worcester
CONNECT
RADIO WORCESTER STUDIOS
Summit Street (Behind Polar Park)
Worcester, MA 01610.