Toon'd In! with Jim Cummings

This week on Toon’d In!, Jim Cummings welcomes acclaimed voice actor Mela Lee! Known for her standout performances as Tikki in Miraculous Ladybug, Jade in Mortal Kombat, Tiki in Fire Emblem, Rachel in BlazBlue, and Tsumugi Shirogane in Danganronpa V3, Mela Lee has become one of the most versatile and recognizable voices across video games, anime, and modern animation. With a career spanning major global franchises and fan-favorite characters, she continues to bring energy, nuance, and authenticity to every role.

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode, Mela shares her journey into voice acting—from early inspirations and training to landing roles in some of the biggest gaming and anime properties in the world. She reflects on developing unique character voices, adapting performances for interactive media, and the technical demands of recording for games versus animation. Mela also discusses her experiences working on iconic titles, collaborating with directors and fellow actors, and building memorable performances that resonate with fans across genres.

Jim and Mela dive deep into the craft of voice acting, exploring vocal technique, character development, and the evolving landscape of the industry. They talk about the crossover between anime, video games, and Western animation, the growing importance of performance capture and direction, and how voice actors bring emotional depth to digital characters. The conversation also highlights behind-the-scenes stories from fan-favorite roles and the passion that drives a successful career in voice performance.

🎙️✨ Ever wondered what it takes to voice iconic characters in Mortal Kombat, Fire Emblem, BlazBlue, and Miraculous Ladybug? Settle in and get Toon’d In! for an insightful, behind-the-scenes conversation about voice acting, character creation, and a career dedicated to bringing unforgettable voices to life.

🎙️ Subscribe to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings🎙️ 

Watch and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with legendary voice actors, animators, and entertainment creators:
👉 https://youtube.com/@jimcummingspod?sub_confirmation=1

Stay up to date with new episodes of Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings — the podcast celebrating animation, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.

🎟️ Live Appearances & Events with Jim Cummings

Meet Jim Cummings and special guests in person!

Find upcoming convention appearances, signing events, and live shows here:                               👉 https://jimcummingsworld.com/appearances

Check back often for new cities and event announcements.

🎧 Listen to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings on Podcast Platforms

Stream the full podcast on your favorite platform: 
Spotify:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2KcL9s28avVHQVEjFLPfMG
Apple Podcasts:
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toond-in-with-jim-cummings/id1689588131

Search “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings podcast” on any major streaming platform.

💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon

Get early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content from Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings:
👉 https://patreon.com/jimcummingspodcast

Join the community supporting independent voice acting content and animation storytelling.

🎉 Book Jim Cummings on Cameo

Order a personalized video message from legendary voice actor Jim Cummings:
👉 https://cameo.com/toondinjimcummings

Perfect for birthdays, shoutouts, and animation fans.

📂 Recommended Voice Acting & Animation Clips

🗣️ How to Sound Like a Celebrity (Voice Match Tips)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MfzqN-ediEA

🍯 The Coolest Thing About Voicing Winnie the Pooh
https://youtube.com/shorts/7IIrgHIYIOE

🎙️ Top Voice Swaps & Character Transformations
https://youtu.be/1PcJr3WDy5Q
https://youtube.com/shorts/DwtLLmV0TPM

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/toon-d-in-with-jim-cummings--5863067/support.

🎨Follow Everything Aaron Blaise on His Website🎨

Find tutorials, lessons, art, merch and more:
👉https://creatureartteacher.com

🐻‍❄️Check Out Aaron Blaise's Short Film "Snow Bear"🐻‍❄️

A lonely polar bear creates a companion when he can't find friends in his harsh habitat in Aaron's critically acclaimed short film:
👉https://youtu.be/xOXolSQcEb4?si=c0EE2O9ixow4mbiH

This week on Toon’d In!, Jim Cummings welcomes legendary animator Aaron Blaise! Known for his influential work on Disney classics like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, as well as co-directing Brother Bear, Aaron Blaise has played a major role in shaping modern character animation. With a career spanning the celebrated renaissance of traditional Disney animation and into today’s digital era, he remains a respected artist, storyteller, and educator whose work continues to inspire animators around the world.

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode, Aaron shares his journey into the world of animation—from studying animal anatomy and illustration to joining Walt Disney Animation Studios during one of its most transformative creative periods. He reflects on developing memorable characters, collaborating with legendary directors and fellow animators, and the artistic challenges of bringing emotion and personality to hand-drawn performances. Aaron also discusses his experience co-directing Brother Bear, offering insight into story development, visual style, and balancing creative vision with large-scale studio production.

Jim and Aaron dive deep into the craft of character animation, exploring the importance of observation, movement, and acting in drawing. They talk about the evolution from traditional hand-drawn animation to digital workflows, the enduring appeal of classic Disney storytelling, and Aaron’s passion for teaching the next generation of artists through workshops and online education. The conversation also highlights behind-the-scenes moments from iconic films and the collaborative spirit that defines animation at its best.

🎙️✨ Ever wondered what it takes to animate unforgettable Disney characters, direct an animated feature, or transition from studio artist to mentor for aspiring creators? Settle in and get Toon’d In! for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes conversation about animation history, artistic technique, and a remarkable career devoted to bringing characters to life.

🎙️ Subscribe to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings🎙️ 

Watch and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with legendary voice actors, animators, and entertainment creators:
👉 https://youtube.com/@jimcummingspod?sub_confirmation=1

Stay up to date with new episodes of Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings — the podcast celebrating animation, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.

🎟️ Live Appearances & Events with Jim Cummings

Meet Jim Cummings and special guests in person!

Find upcoming convention appearances, signing events, and live shows here:                               👉 https://jimcummingsworld.com/appearances

Check back often for new cities and event announcements.

🎧 Listen to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings on Podcast Platforms

Stream the full podcast on your favorite platform: 
Spotify:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2KcL9s28avVHQVEjFLPfMG
Apple Podcasts:
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toond-in-with-jim-cummings/id1689588131

Search “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings podcast” on any major streaming platform.

💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon

Get early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content from Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings:
👉 https://patreon.com/jimcummingspodcast

Join the community supporting independent voice acting content and animation storytelling.

🎉 Book Jim Cummings on Cameo

Order a personalized video message from legendary voice actor Jim Cummings:
👉 https://cameo.com/toondinjimcummings

Perfect for birthdays, shoutouts, and animation fans.

📂 Recommended Voice Acting & Animation Clips

🗣️ How to Sound Like a Celebrity (Voice Match Tips)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MfzqN-ediEA

🍯 The Coolest Thing About Voicing Winnie the Pooh
https://youtube.com/shorts/7IIrgHIYIOE

🎙️ Top Voice Swaps & Character Transformations
https://youtu.be/1PcJr3WDy5Q
https://youtube.com/shorts/DwtLLmV0TPM

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/toon-d-in-with-jim-cummings--5863067/support.

This week on Toon’d In!, Jim Cummings welcomes legendary character actor Deep Roy! Known for his unforgettable performance as the Oompa Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and his appearances across the Star Wars and Star Trek universes, Deep Roy has built one of the most distinctive and wide-ranging careers in genre film and television. With decades of work spanning sci-fi, fantasy, cult classics, and blockbuster hits, he remains a beloved figure whose performances have left a lasting mark on pop culture.

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode, Deep Roy shares his remarkable journey into Hollywood—from early opportunities in British television to landing memorable roles in iconic productions. He reflects on collaborating with visionary directors like Tim Burton, discusses the unique challenge of portraying multiple characters in a single film, and offers behind-the-scenes stories from major projects including Flash Gordon and The NeverEnding Story. Deep Roy also opens up about adapting to different filmmaking styles, working with practical effects, and bringing personality to characters with minimal dialogue.

Jim and Deep Roy dive deep into the world of practical effects performance, exploring what it’s like acting in heavy prosthetics, performing physical character work, and collaborating with visual effects teams long before modern CGI workflows became standard. They discuss the evolution of fantasy and science fiction filmmaking, the importance of physicality in performance, and how character actors help shape the tone and identity of beloved franchises.

🎙️✨ Ever wondered what it was like to play every Oompa Loompa, work inside legendary sci-fi productions, or collaborate with some of Hollywood’s most imaginative filmmakers? Settle in and get Toon’d In! for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes conversation about cult films, practical effects, character acting, and a truly one-of-a-kind career spanning generations of entertainment.

🎙️ Subscribe to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings🎙️ 

Watch and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with legendary voice actors, animators, and entertainment creators:
👉 https://youtube.com/@jimcummingspod?sub_confirmation=1

Stay up to date with new episodes of Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings — the podcast celebrating animation, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.

🎟️ Live Appearances & Events with Jim Cummings

Meet Jim Cummings and special guests in person!

Find upcoming convention appearances, signing events, and live shows here:                               👉 https://jimcummingsworld.com/appearances

Check back often for new cities and event announcements.

🎧 Listen to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings on Podcast Platforms

Stream the full podcast on your favorite platform: 
Spotify:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2KcL9s28avVHQVEjFLPfMG
Apple Podcasts:
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toond-in-with-jim-cummings/id1689588131

Search “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings podcast” on any major streaming platform.

💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon

Get early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content from Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings:
👉 https://patreon.com/jimcummingspodcast

Join the community supporting independent voice acting content and animation storytelling.

🎉 Book Jim Cummings on Cameo

Order a personalized video message from legendary voice actor Jim Cummings:
👉 https://cameo.com/toondinjimcummings

Perfect for birthdays, shoutouts, and animation fans.

📂 Recommended Voice Acting & Animation Clips

🗣️ How to Sound Like a Celebrity (Voice Match Tips)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MfzqN-ediEA

🍯 The Coolest Thing About Voicing Winnie the Pooh
https://youtube.com/shorts/7IIrgHIYIOE

🎙️ Top Voice Swaps & Character Transformations
https://youtu.be/1PcJr3WDy5Q
https://youtube.com/shorts/DwtLLmV0TPM

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/toon-d-in-with-jim-cummings--5863067/support.

#MegaConOrlando #MegaConOrlando2026

This week on Toon’d In!, Jim Cummings welcomes legendary actor John Rhys-Davies for a special episode recorded live at MegaCon Orlando! Known for his commanding screen presence and unforgettable performances across film and television, Rhys-Davies has built an iconic career spanning blockbuster adventures, fantasy epics, and beloved fan-favorite franchises. He is widely recognized for portraying Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Sallah in the Indiana Jones films, along with an extensive body of work across television, voice acting, and historical dramas.

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode—captured in front of a live convention audience—John shares stories from his decades in the entertainment industry, reflecting on the craft of acting in large-scale productions, collaborating with ensemble casts, and bringing larger-than-life characters to the screen. He discusses the physical and emotional demands of fantasy filmmaking, the experience of working on globally influential franchises, and the evolution of storytelling across genres from adventure to epic fantasy.

Jim and John also dive into the world of fandom and conventions, exploring the enduring legacy of classic films, the connection between performers and audiences, and how iconic roles continue to resonate across generations. Along the way, John offers insights into character preparation, on-set experiences, and the unique challenges of balancing theatrical performance with cinematic storytelling.

🎙️✨ Ever wondered what goes into creating legendary fantasy characters, working on blockbuster adventure films, or sustaining a career across decades of iconic roles? Settle in and get Toon’d In! for a fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation about film history, performance craft, fandom culture, and unforgettable characters—recorded live at MegaCon Orlando.

🎙️ Subscribe to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings🎙️ 

Watch and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with legendary voice actors, animators, and entertainment creators:
👉 https://youtube.com/@jimcummingspod?sub_confirmation=1

Stay up to date with new episodes of Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings — the podcast celebrating animation, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.

🎟️ Live Appearances & Events with Jim Cummings

Meet Jim Cummings and special guests in person!

Find upcoming convention appearances, signing events, and live shows here:                               👉 https://jimcummingsworld.com/appearances

Check back often for new cities and event announcements.

🎧 Listen to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings on Podcast Platforms

Stream the full podcast on your favorite platform: 
Spotify:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2KcL9s28avVHQVEjFLPfMG
Apple Podcasts:
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toond-in-with-jim-cummings/id1689588131

Search “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings podcast” on any major streaming platform.

💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon

Get early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content from Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings:
👉 https://patreon.com/jimcummingspodcast

Join the community supporting independent voice acting content and animation storytelling.

🎉 Book Jim Cummings on Cameo

Order a personalized video message from legendary voice actor Jim Cummings:
👉 https://cameo.com/toondinjimcummings

Perfect for birthdays, shoutouts, and animation fans.

📂 Recommended Voice Acting & Animation Clips

🗣️ How to Sound Like a Celebrity (Voice Match Tips)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MfzqN-ediEA

🍯 The Coolest Thing About Voicing Winnie the Pooh
https://youtube.com/shorts/7IIrgHIYIOE

🎙️ Top Voice Swaps & Character Transformations
https://youtu.be/1PcJr3WDy5Q
https://youtube.com/shorts/DwtLLmV0TPM

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/toon-d-in-with-jim-cummings--5863067/support.

This week on Toon’d In!, Jim Cummings welcomes voice actor Jordan Reynolds! Known for his standout work in Marvel Rivals and his performances in The Seven Deadly Sins, Jordan is quickly emerging as a dynamic talent in the world of modern voice acting. With a skill set that blends versatility, emotional range, and a deep understanding of character work, he represents a new generation of performers making their mark across gaming, animation, and beyond.

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode, Jordan shares his journey into voice acting—from early inspirations and training to landing major roles in high-profile projects like Marvel Rivals. He discusses the realities of breaking into the industry, the importance of persistence and adaptability, and how actors develop unique, memorable voices that resonate with audiences. Jordan also offers insight into the audition process, the technical side of recording, and how performance choices evolve from script to final production.

Jim and Jordan dive deep into the rapidly growing world of video game voice acting, exploring what sets it apart from traditional animation and how interactive storytelling is changing the demands placed on performers. They discuss the collaborative process behind bringing characters to life in games, the physical and vocal challenges of performance capture, and how actors balance creativity with direction in high-stakes studio environments.

🎙️✨ Ever wondered what it takes to land a role in a major game like Marvel Rivals, how voice actors build careers across animation and gaming, or what goes on behind the scenes in the recording booth? Settle in and get Toon’d In! for an insightful, behind-the-scenes conversation about voice acting, character creation, video game performance, and the evolving entertainment industry.

🎙️ Subscribe to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings🎙️ 

Watch and subscribe for more exclusive interviews with legendary voice actors, animators, and entertainment creators:
👉 https://youtube.com/@jimcummingspod?sub_confirmation=1

Stay up to date with new episodes of Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings — the podcast celebrating animation, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.

🎟️ Live Appearances & Events with Jim Cummings

Meet Jim Cummings and special guests in person!

Find upcoming convention appearances, signing events, and live shows here:                               👉 https://jimcummingsworld.com/appearances

Check back often for new cities and event announcements.

🎧 Listen to Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings on Podcast Platforms

Stream the full podcast on your favorite platform: 
Spotify:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2KcL9s28avVHQVEjFLPfMG
Apple Podcasts:
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toond-in-with-jim-cummings/id1689588131

Search “Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings podcast” on any major streaming platform.

💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon

Get early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content from Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings:
👉 https://patreon.com/jimcummingspodcast

Join the community supporting independent voice acting content and animation storytelling.

🎉 Book Jim Cummings on Cameo

Order a personalized video message from legendary voice actor Jim Cummings:
👉 https://cameo.com/toondinjimcummings

Perfect for birthdays, shoutouts, and animation fans.

📂 Recommended Voice Acting & Animation Clips

🗣️ How to Sound Like a Celebrity (Voice Match Tips)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MfzqN-ediEA

🍯 The Coolest Thing About Voicing Winnie the Pooh
https://youtube.com/shorts/7IIrgHIYIOE

🎙️ Top Voice Swaps & Character Transformations
https://youtu.be/1PcJr3WDy5Q
https://youtube.com/shorts/DwtLLmV0TPM

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/toon-d-in-with-jim-cummings--5863067/support.