The ADNA Presents

In this episode, Roy Samuelson welcomes Yvonne Mastromano, the passionate CEO of Virginia Voice, a nonprofit that's all about making the world more accessible for people who are blind or print disabled. Yvonne speaks from the heart about her deep love of the arts and the power of storytelling, and how audio description opens doors to shared experiences in theaters, museums, sports events, and more. She offers a beautiful look into the nuances of live versus recorded audio description, highlighting the human connection and sense of belonging that live experiences can create. Yvonne also shares exciting initiatives Virginia Voice is launching, from guided nature walks, to rich, pre-show descriptions that help listeners step more fully into the world of performance. But what stands out most is her reminder that this work isn't charity, but community. It's about making sure everyone, regardless of sight or ability, gets to participate in the beauty and complexity of life. Through her words, we're reminded that inclusion isn't an add-on, it's a responsibility we all share. More at VirginiaVoice.org

Expanding Market Reach Through the Power of Disability in the Workplace Mike Hess of Blind Institute of Technology highlights the significance of AD expanding market share for movies and other digital content. He emphasize that the market for people with disabilities is substantial, amounting to trillions globally, and that including AD can attract a larger audience.

Last week was the interview with ChatGPT, with it's synthetic voice. Here's the twist - today is the same interview, this time featuring Rebecca Davis, AD Performer, giving her take on the script. Enjoy!

 In this episode, I interview ChatGPT and we explore the multifaceted world of audio description. We discuss the importance of emotional nuance and high quality narration in creating immersive experiences for blind audiences, the challenges of balancing quality with scalability, and the potential role of synthetic voices in the future. We also touched on the value of integrating audio description into the production process from the start, ensuring it becomes a standard seamless part of storytelling overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of quality advocacy and innovation in making visual content truly inclusive.

In this episode, Roy Samuelson interviews Serena Gilbert, a quality control expert in audio description (AD). Serena explains her passion for AD and how it equalizes the viewing experience for visually impaired individuals, allowing them to engage in water cooler conversations and enjoy shows alongside sighted friends and family. Roy and Serena discuss the importance of quality control in AD, emphasizing the need for communication, understanding of context, and the involvement of blind professionals in the process. Serena shares her journey into the field, the collaborative nature of her work, and the recognition she received for quality control on high-profile titles such as 'The Last of Us.' The discussion highlights the critical role of quality control in ensuring that AD tracks are accurate, culturally appropriate, and enhance the overall viewing experience.

Alyscia is an independent filmmaker that believes inclusivity includes disabled audiences, and she's included closed AD in her screenings. She shares her process in this short and insightful interview.

In this exciting episode of ADNA Presents, host Roy Samuelson welcomes Lee Pugsley and Alex Howard from the Dark Room Podcast. Lee Pugsley, a visually impaired actor, producer, writer, and director, shares his passion for storytelling and accessibility in media. Alex Howard, an accessibility consultant and co-host of the Dark Room podcast, joins the conversation to discuss the importance of AD. They delve into their love for AD, the reasons behind starting their podcast, and the gaps in understanding and quality within audio description. They also touch upon their positive and negative experiences with feedback from the industry, and envision a future where audio description is universally present. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that also covers their personal wishlist for the future of audio description and how you can advocate for better accessibility in media.

New for 2025! On The ADNA Presents podcast, host Roy Samuelson dives deep into the heart of disability inclusion in the workplace with two powerhouse guests: Melody Goodspeed and Mindy May. Melody, Associate Director of Development at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), shares how authentic storytelling and connection can inspire donors and corporations to invest in accessibility, not as charity, but as a strategic advantage. She sheds light on the damaging impact of outdated perceptions of blindness and challenges companies to reframe inclusion as a pathway to excellence and innovation. Mindy, a certified career coach and HR strategist, reveals how bias still blocks opportunities for disabled professionals, and what leaders can do about it. From inclusive hiring practices to mentorship and accessible tech, she outlines actionable steps companies can take to create workplaces where everyone can flourish.   Together, they explore how accessibility benefits us all, with real-world examples like curb cuts and closed captions - and how small, intentional shifts can transform company culture, boost retention, and spark meaningful engagement. They also discuss the surprising value of integrating audio description into workplace settings as a tool for deeper inclusion.   Their message? Start small, lead with empathy, and let connection drive change.

The Evolution and Nuances of Audio Description: A Conversation with Samuel Wilkins How does audio description differ between the US and the UK? How is it evolving across TV, film, live theater, and even sports? And what role do audiobook narrators play in shaping immersive AD experiences? In this compelling episode of The ADNA Presents, host Roy Samuelson sits down with Samuel Wilkins, a seasoned audiobook producer and narrator, to unpack the intricacies, artistry, and future of AD. Together, they explore:  

The Mic Drop: Roy Samuelson Chats with Eagles Voice Bill Larson Roy Samuelson interviews Bill Larson, the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles and a passionate audio description performer. Despite their differences, both fields demand precision, preparation, and a deep connection with the audience. Bill's journey into audio description was accidental but life-changing. "Once I realized how many people rely on AD, I was hooked," he says. His announcing background helps him bring the same energy and timing to AD, ensuring audiences stay immersed. "Whether it's a touchdown or a dramatic scene, people count on me to deliver," Bill shares. His advice? "Prepare relentlessly and never give up." Find Bill's work at Bear Hug VO—a name as warm as his voice.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

Stephanae McCoy of Bold Blind Beauty shares the behind the scenes of how she uses her platform to demystify blindness through storytelling

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

Renee Van Ausdal is an audio description enthusiast, and her perspectives align so well with what this ADNA Presents podcast has set out to share; we're excited to bring this podcast to you.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.  

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

Jon Brockett (Executive Producer), and Jen Coyne-Hoerle (Supervising Producer), of SAG Awards joins The ADNA Presents in conversation about their efforts with AD for digital screeners and the live show itself!

Audio Description professionals include the role of quality control. Juan speaks to his experiences professionally, and - as a content creator himself - some of the challenges and opportunities he faces in navigating his creative contributions.

Bob Bergen, three time Emmy nominee, voice of Porky Pig, and hundreds of other animated characters, has talents that exceed his voice acting! He discusses leadership, mentorship, his initiatives at the TV Academy, home of the Prime Time Emmys, and why perfomers, partiularly AD performers, recognition matters. Professionalism echoes throughout this interview!

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

Chad Allen. Magician. Disability consultant, usability consultant for video games, and creator of Unseen Comic. This is far reaching conversation on audio description and so much more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

 This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

Part 2 - in conjunction with Conversations with ACB - This Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

Nicholas de Wolff is an esteemed executive strategist and former Chief Marketing Officer at major multinational Entertainment and Tech brands. He almost never agrees to interviews, which testifies to how much he supports the creative and social importance of Audio Description.

We celebrate 200 episodes today with this panel on professionals in AD, Hosted by Tabitha Kenlon, with Satauna Howery, Rebecca Odum, and Fern Lullham. This wide ranging conversation continues The ADNA focus on our showcase of the contributions, craft, skills, and perspectives of still underrepresented entertainment industry professionals serving the AD audience, and here we focus on the blind professionals who are a significant part of the professionalism of the entertainment industry. Special Thanks to ACB's community events for this rebroadcast.

The ADNA Presents: Jordan O'Neill (sound editor and mixer) shares his experience, and focus on quality of, the sound mix and edit, and how that intricate, nuanced work supports the story being told. Time to geek out for this 199th episode of The ADNA Presents!

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.  

Laine Kelly concisely echoes talking points that this podcast has covered for nearly 200 episodes, and in less than 9 minutes. This is a very important podcast!    

Xanthe Page, actor and voice over artist, shares how she innately interprets to give an accurate impression of what text is giving, and also, how that human to human connection can't be understated. 

On this episode of The ADNA presents, Brian Gebhart of 3playmedia.com joins us again to talk about the wide range of clients, technology improvements, and how creative collaboration in AD creative processes can run in parallel with the creative production.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.  

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.  

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.

This weekly Audio Description Network Alliance series interviews your favorite audio description professionals for movies, series, and more.