Mic Happens with Jay Conor Reilly

Jay Conor Reilly

Mic Happens is a podcast about resilience, humor, and the power of storytelling. Hosted by voice actor Jay Conor Reilly, each episode shares stories that remind us how strong and surprisingly funny life can be and how life (mic) happens. Jay brings on guests from all walks of life, and shares some of his own stories. One story at a time. Have something you want to share, or maybe be a guest? send a email to michappens@voiceswithjay.com  voiceswithjay.com

Episodes

  1. Jul 1

    Inside The Mind Of A Therapist: With George Haywood

    A Conversation with George Haywood on Mental Health and Support Systems Discover his journey, from probation officer to becoming a licensed clinical social worker and how his diverse experiences shape his approach to mental health. This episode dives into themes of boundaries, resilience, cultural impacts, and the importance of community support. In this episode:George’s transition from probation officer to mental health clinician over 30 yearsThe importance of boundaries in supporting mental health professionalsHow COVID-19 exposed systemic issues and reshaped telehealth practicesThe power of storytelling and family genograms in therapyThe impact of culturally aware therapy and breaking stereotypes as a Black male clinicianStrategies for supporting men's mental health, especially during transitional life stagesThe significance of self-care and community in maintaining mental wellness Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and guest background 02:15 - George’s start in law enforcement and transition into therapy 04:08 - Recognizing the need for change in midlife 07:40 - Balancing career shifts with family life 10:49 - Experiences in prison and lessons learned 13:20 - The impact of COVID-19 on mental health support and prison systems 16:38 - Telehealth evolution and its challenges and opportunities 20:08 - Building trust with high-risk populations in correctional facilities 23:56 - The importance of boundaries when working with offenders 27:22 - Black male perspectives in mental health support 31:03 - Utilizing family genograms to understand and heal intergenerational trauma 35:29 - Overcoming cultural stigmas around mental health in diverse communities 40:32 - Conversations about resilience, stereotype-breaking, and community impact 45:02 - Addressing anger, fear, and emotional regulation 50:11 - Building community through support groups and group therapy 55:02 - The power of forgiveness and letting go of the past 58:20 - Embracing change and the impermanence of life 63:19 - Men’s mental health stigma and the importance of vulnerability 68:54 - Conquering fears and life’s inevitable challenges 73:51 - The importance of therapy for couples and family systems 78:52 - Developing strong foundations at home for future wellness 83:44 - Collective community efforts for social change 87:52 - Practical advice for slowing down, self-awareness, and intentional living 88:15 - The significance of Men’s Mental Health Month and ongoing self-reflection 94:22 - The vastness of human experience and the value of gratitude 97:15 - Upcoming support groups and ongoing resources 99:01 - Self-care for clinicians and the importance of peer support 102:02 - The challenge of marketing and embracing authenticity 107:10 - The rewarding nature of helping others and personal growth 108:23 - Future plans for expanding services and support programs 111:07 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for mental health awareness Connect with George Haywood:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/inner-healing-and-growth-wellness-center-new-bedford-ma/172338Remember: taking care of your mental health is a continuous journey. Embrace boundaries, community, and self-awareness as essential tools for well-being. michappens@voiceswithjay.com voiceswithjay.com

  2. May 8

    Chris Woodworth: The Swiss Army Knife of Voiceover

    In this engaging interview, Multi-award nominated British voice actor Chris Woodworth also know as "The Swiss Army Knife of voiceover" shares his journey into voiceover, tips for staying creative and balanced, and insights into the art of mimicry and impressions. Discover how networking, authenticity, and getting out of your comfort zone can elevate your voice acting career. Chris shares insights on voice acting, character development, audition strategies, and industry success tips. Discover practical advice on staying versatile, embracing mistakes, and building a sustainable voiceover career. Chris and Jay also get weird and silly naturally during the episode.We also touch on his different coaching and workshops he provides as well as his now offering animation demos! Want to hire Chris for an upcoming project or coaching? Contact info below: Website - https://chriswoodworth.com Email - chriswoodworthvo@gmail.com Social Media's - @chriswoodworthvo Keywords voiceover, voice acting, impressions, networking, creativity, career tips, voice actor journey, professional development voice acting, character development, audition tips, industry success, voiceover coaching, animation demos, social media marketing, versatility in voiceover. Key Topics Chris Woodworth's career journey Importance of boundaries and self-care Role of impressions and mimicry in voice acting Networking and self-promotion strategies Creative exercises and getting out of comfort zone Voice acting techniques and versatility Embracing mistakes and improvisation in auditions Building industry connections and networking Creating animation demos and coaching services Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voice Acting and Chris Woodworth 10:32 Chris's Journey into Voice Acting 16:49 Voiceover Nominations 20:32 What's Chris Bringing to One Voice 2026? 22:14 A " Good Voice" & What It Means for Voiceover 25:25 The Art of Impressions in Voice Acting 28:49 The Power of Mimicry in Voice Acting 30:32 The Importance of Physicality & Being "Cringe" 33:34 April Fools Audition & Funny Auditions 42:53 Character Development: Bringing Animated Characters to Life 54:01 Creative Freedom in Voice Acting & Being Flexible 55:45 The Importance of Versatility in Voice Acting 59:57 Navigating Dubbing Challenges 01:01:41 Staying Positive & Not Getting Discouraged 01:03:14 The Value of Attitude in Voice Sessions 01:04:41 Staying Motivated in a Challenging Industry & Making Connections 01:06:00 Chris Woodworth's Workshops and Coaching 01:14:25 Creating Animation Demos 01:16:32 Proper Coaching & Demo 01:18:54 Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors resources Want to be a guest on the podcast? Please send an email to michappens@voiceswithjay.com to get started Website - https://chriswoodworth.com Email - mailto:chriswoodworthvo@gmail.com

  3. Mar 25

    Animating the Future: Insights from James Peters

    Summary In this episode, host Jay Conor Reilly and James Peters of Reanimation Studios, and joined by Ed from the previous episode, delve into the world of animation, exploring James's extensive career spanning over 30 years. They discuss the evolution of animation techniques, the transition from traditional to digital methods, and the importance of color and creativity in storytelling. James shares insights on key projects, the collaborative nature of the industry, and the balance between artistic freedom and production constraints. The conversation also touches on the future of animation in a remote work environment, emphasizing the ongoing passion for creativity in the field. In this conversation, James Peters shares his extensive experience in the animation industry, discussing the nuances of production, the challenges faced by animators, and the evolution of animation careers. He highlights the importance of independent studios and the shift towards crowdfunding for projects. James shares insights into his upcoming projects at Reanimation Studios and offers advice for aspiring animators. James Information Interested in James for a project or about getting into animation? Reach out through his website below! James Website- Reanimation-Studios.com Follow him on social media @jamespetersbb Takeaways James Peters has over 30 years of experience in animation. He started in writing but found his passion in painting & color styling. The transition to digital animation opened new creative possibilities. James emphasizes the importance of color in storytelling. He has worked on major projects like Young Justice & Batman Year One. The creative process involves balancing artistic freedom with production constraints. James believes that inspiration can come from various sources. Maintaining a passion for creativity is essential in a long career. Easter eggs in animation can serve as fun surprises for attentive viewers. The animation industry is evolving, with a shift towards independent studios. The animation community is passionate & dedicated to keeping the art alive. Future generations need to be inspired by authentic animation. Keywords animation, James Peters, digital transformation, creative process, color in animation, collaboration, production, voice acting, industry insights, animation techniques, indie studios, animation careers, animation insights, animation history, animation projects, Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Animation and James Peters 02:56 The Journey into Animation 05:33 Transitioning to Digital Animation 08:40 The Impact of Digital on Creativity 11:46 Memorable Projects and Influences 17:26 Creative Freedom in Animation 23:21 Maintaining Creative Passion 29:05 Balancing Creativity and Production 32:59 Navigating Creative Tensions in Production 35:29 The Balance of Quality and Deadlines 39:37 The Importance of In-Studio Collaboration 43:08 Adapting to Remote Work in Animation 46:47 Maintaining Continuity in Animation Projects 50:33 The Role of Standards and Practices in Animation 55:44 The Evolution of the Animation Industry 59:52 The Shift to Independent Studios 01:03:27 The Evolution of Animation Studios 01:07:35 The Impact and Future of Animation 01:10:11 Impact of AI in Animation & Entertainment 01:12:24 Independent Animation: A New Dawn 01:15:13 The Influence from Social Media 01:17:08 Upcoming Projects and Crowdfunding 01:24:12 Advice for Aspiring Animators 01:31:23 Things to Look Forward To 01:35:42 Wrapping Up: How to Find & Work with James

  4. Mar 5

    Navigating the Entertainment Industry and Life: Insights from Ed

    In this engaging podcast episode, Jay Conor Reilly and our inaugural Ed discuss the intricacies of the entertainment industry, the importance of storytelling, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. We explore the influence of horror movies on Ed's career, the challenges faced in voice acting, and the significance of empathy and collaboration in building successful relationships. The conversation also touches on the value of mentorship, the role of cultural differences in work ethic, and the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the connections they make and to find meaning in their experiences as they navigate their own journeys. Looking to have Ed help you out with your endeavor's? Send a email to michappens@voiceswithjay.com Want to be a guest on Mic Happens? Email: michappens@voiceswithjay.com Takeaways The entertainment industry is multifaceted and requires collaboration. Horror movies can inspire storytelling and creativity. College experiences can shape one's career path significantly. Voice acting requires maintaining character and emotional depth. Empathy is crucial in professional relationships and teamwork. Manifestation involves taking actionable steps towards goals. Failures can lead to personal growth and resilience. Connections and mentorship are vital for success in any field. Cultural differences can influence work ethic and expectations. Finding meaning in experiences can enhance personal and professional life. Chapters 00:00 Ed's Background in Entertainment 05:17 The Impact of Horror Movies 06:45 The Creative Process in Voice Acting 07:08 Pivotal Moments in Ed's Career 11:28 Living with Diverse Roommates in LA 12:48 The Timelines of Success in the Entertainment Industry 13:45 Manifestation: The Balance of Action and Intention 17:09 Learning from Every Experience 22:37 The Importance of Empathy in Professional Settings 30:19 Respecting Time and Building Relationships 38:35 Navigating Dark Times 39:39 The Importance of Teamwork 41:08 Cultural Communication Styles 43:46 Empathy and Understanding 48:04 The Value of Time and Patience 49:22 Lessons from Adversity 55:42 Finding Meaning in Relationships 01:02:05 Outro

  5. Jan 31

    Not the Year I Planned: Reflecting on 2025

    The episode features a reflective conversation on 2025s personal growth, resilience, and adaptability. It explores the host's journey through adversity, overcoming a ski injury, discovering voiceover as a career, and finding a positive outlook. The narrative also delves into the significance of patience, gratitude, and professional growth, as well as the impact of travel experiences on personal growth and learning from life experiences. Takeaways ResilienceAdaptability Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mic Happens 01:15 Reflecting on 2025 02:19 The Impact of the Ski Injury 08:58 Jumping into voice acting full time 10:05 Building Confidence Through Voiceover 14:12 Finding Light Amidst Challenges 16:01 Being productive while not being 100% 17:25 Traveling and Gaining Perspective 22:21 Reflecting and Embracing Change and Growth 26:33 Gratitude and Future Opportunities 29:22 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement 31:14 Outro.mp3

  6. 09/23/2025

    Mic on Ice: Post Op Update- Staying Sane Outside My Padded Booth

    This is the Post op from my shoulder surgery. im typing with one hand so thats the description for now.   Support the show

  7. 08/05/2025

    A Hop, Skip And Not Always A Stone's Throw Away: Stories Of The Road

    In this episode, we dive into some of Jay's favorite stories on the road, in the air, or some other form of transportation or location.  We dive into a Few tips and some of my favorite people I have run into over the years, including Mr. "Hop, skip, and a stone throw away". If you ever contemplated going on a roadtrip, or taking that flight to a random location, this episode is for you.  Want to be featured on a episode or your story? Email info@voiceswithjay.com https://voiceswithjay.com/ Support the show

  8. 06/20/2025

    Why You Don't Call Last Run

    They say to "never call last run" now I know why. In this episode of Mic Happens with Jay Conor Reilly, I tell the story of how one final ski run turned into a season(s) ending injury and how I adapting and overcame during this time. I talk about the ski season leading up to the injury, the extra injury I had on top of my shoulder. This episode dives into a bit more than my shoulder. Whether you have been in a similar situation, or just curious about what happened and how I stayed productive during this.  So yeah... don't call last run. Have a similar story you want to share? Email  info@voiceswithjay.com   https://voiceswithjay.com/ Support the show

  9. 05/28/2025

    Permission to Pause: Why Taking a Break is Productive

    On this episode of Mic Happens With Jay Conor Reilly, is for anyone who's ever felt guilty for slowing down, struggling with burning out, or wrestling with the pressure to always be "productive". If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Im talking about how I learned the hard way, the value of giving yourself permission to pause. Whether you're a entrepreneur, working in a demanding job, or just managing the chaos of life, sometimes the best thing you can do for your momentum.. is to stop. I dive into signs of burning out, touching briefly on what Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is and how it can affect me.  I also will share 5 tips that has helped me embrace rest without guilt. If you've ever found yourself pushing way past your limits this is for you. What are some things you do to keep from not burning out? Id love to hear: email info@voiceswithjay.com https://voiceswithjay.com/ Support the show

  10. 05/13/2025

    Ready or Not, Mic Happens

    In the first episode of Mic Happens with Jay Conor Reilly, we get into talking about perfectionism, some of the best things in life we end up developing isn't always planned or polished. I talk about why took years to start a podcast, why stilt walking came more naturally to me than most things, and what working in restaurants taught me. What is something that you have been being a perfectionist about? Start that craft you put off.  voiceswithjay.com  Have a story to tell ? Email info@voiceswithjay.com Support the show

  11. Trailer

    Welcome to Mic Happens : Intro episode, whats to come

    In this intro episode, host Jay Conor Reilly sets the stage for Mic Happens Podcast. A podcast about stories, unexpected challenges, and the humor to get us through and how sometimes Life happens... or Mic happens. As a voiceover actor living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Jay shares why resilience and laughter matter, what this show is all about, and how the best stores often come from the most absurd moments. Tune in for a glimpse of whats to come and  hear a quick funny story about lefty struggles. Support the show

Trailer

About

Mic Happens is a podcast about resilience, humor, and the power of storytelling. Hosted by voice actor Jay Conor Reilly, each episode shares stories that remind us how strong and surprisingly funny life can be and how life (mic) happens. Jay brings on guests from all walks of life, and shares some of his own stories. One story at a time. Have something you want to share, or maybe be a guest? send a email to michappens@voiceswithjay.com  voiceswithjay.com

Information