Susan Bennett – The Original Voice Of Siri

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Today we have a fascinating conversation with Susan Bennett, the original American voice of Siri. As well known as she is for that role, you’ve most likely heard her voice around Atlanta for decades. She was the voice of one of the first ATMs as “Tillie The All-Time Teller”, the “plane train” at Hartsfield International Airport, and the voice overheard at Delta terminals around the world. On top of discussion around how she became the voice of Siri, they discuss obtaining voice work, the advancement of AI, and how luck plays a part in life.

 

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Susan Bennett The Atlanta Podcast

“Tillie” on Wiki

Other Famous “Machine Voices:

Travel Voice

“Wait For The Tone” Woman

Mike Pniewski

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One of Mike’s first big roles was ‘Gunner Major Asshole’ in Spaceballs. Pniewski is credited on over 130 projects on IMDB. Matt and Mike discuss everything from being star struck by Eddie Murphy to what it was like to be on The Sopranos, the show that MBD seems to bring up in almost every single episode of The Atlanta Podcast. They also talk about being “ahead of the curve” as an Atlanta based actor and some of the ups and downs of parenting.

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Spaceballs : Major Asshole

Mike’s super long IMDB credits

Random auction for clothing he wore during Law and Order: Criminal Intent

youthSpark

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youthSpark is an organization based out of Atlanta that wants to stop youth exploitation and sex trafficking. They are also about educating the mostly ill informed public and empowering youth. Matt B. Davis talks to Renee Shelby and Jennifer Swain covering a multitude of topics about sexual abuse, and sex trafficking concerning underage victims. youthSpark not only tries to help the the young who are in trouble, but does extensive research on the “buyer side”. You may be surprised how wide spread this issue has become.

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youthSpark website

Demand Tracker

Nick Tapp

The Atlanta Podcast Nick Tapp Creative Loafing

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Many claim it, but Nick actually deserves the moniker of a “mover and a shaker” in Atlanta. He gets around and he’s been around. Everyone I have met, that knows him, loves him. For the last couple of years, Nick’s been The Director of Marketing for Creative Loafing, AKA The CL, AKA The Loaf.

Prior to that he was in Atlanta radio, helping launch stations like The Beat, 99X, and The River.

In this lengthy conversation we deep dive into Nick’s experiences in Atlanta radio, politics, and seeking therapy.

Nick also talks about the exciting changes coming to Creative Loafing that launch today.

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Creative Loafing’s big announcement

Nick on LinkedIn

An old blog about 99X

 

 

 

Dan Carroll

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Dan is the “adult face” of DragonCon. Dan and Matt cover a variety of topics including 8 Tracks, favorite sitcoms, Matthew Perry, concerts, Cold War movies, and of course lots about DragonCon. DragonCon takes place every Labor Day weekend in Atlanta bringing in some 400 guests and 80,000 attendees.

In addition, Nikki makes her 3rd appearance on the show.

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5 Things To Know About This Year’s DragonCon

Official Website

Cold War Movies

Dan Carroll Dragon Con

 

Tim Mack

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Tim Mack is a modern day renaissance dude. So yeah, not just a fancy mustache. Listen in as we learn how he got involved with the circus, what had him found his own circus, how he manages wacky/talented people, his very unique take on life and much more. There are also a few BeltLine guests, which are becoming a theme on this show, including Nikki making her second appearance. Nikki also provided us with the first ever The Atlanta Podcast bonus material, so check the video below.

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The Imperial Opa Circus

Amanda Avery

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I walked by Amanda at the Terminus Festival back in June and said “I know you”. Turns out I had seen her with someone who works at Alkaloid, the wonderful co-working space that I work from. We had a brief chat about her most recent short film project and that led me to ask for this interview.

Amanda is a woman of many talents. Her past and present occupations include real estate agent, filmmaker, stripper, actor, and yoga instructor.

In a conversation that began shortly before we hit record, the subject of 12 step programs came up, so we continued right on into the podcast interview. We also discuss gender issues, racial tension in Atlanta, and much more.

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Terminus Conference

Amanda’s Website

Women In Film and Television

 

Jason Hoch

Jason Hoch How Stuff Works

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Jason is the Chief Content Officer at HowStuffWorks.

HowStuffWorks is home to a veritable fuckton of content (articles, videos, podcasts) about how stuff actually works. I read an article where I learned Jason and the HowStuffWorks offices are located here in Atlanta and jumped at the chance to speak with him.

Bonus for me, he invited me to sit down and chat in the StuffYouShouldKnow podcast studio where Chuck and Josh typically record. (I sat in the Chuck chair).

Tune in as we talk about:

  • Space stuff.
  • Internet/Tech stuff.
  • HowStuffWorks stuff.
  • Wrestling stuff.
  • Podcast stuff.
  • Atlanta stuff.

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HowStuffWorks website.

StuffYouShouldKnow podcast.

Jason on LinkedIn.

Write us, er me at mattbdavis at icloud.com

 

Chris Ledford

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In a stormy sea of vacation selfies, overshared memes, and baby sex announcements on my Facebook feed, Chris Ledford is a beacon of light.

He’s original, irreverent, and funny. Reading his FB posts, and later his blogs have made me legit laugh out loud, which is why I am invited him to be on the show.

Tune in to hear us discuss:

  • Fake nerds.
  • The emotional labor of stand up comedy.
  • How the internet ruins high school urban legends.
  • SteamPunks.
  • Why the burlesque scene has the strongest union in show business.

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The blog that started it all

Contact the show and let us know if you liked a guest, hated a guest, or have a guest to recommend.

You can find Matt on most platforms @MattBDavis. Also, email at mattbdavis at icloud dot com.

Ryan Gravel

Ryan Gravel

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While compiling “dream lists” of who I wanted to interview for this show, Ryan was always the top of the list. I am very thankful he made time for me.

Tune in to this lively chat about:

  • The origins of The BeltLine.
  • Massive city growth.
  • OTP v ITP (although those initials are never uttered).
  • MARTA.
  • Will Atlanta ever have a decent downtown?
  • The new stadium(s).
  • Cultural displacement.
  • Why he left the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership.

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Where We Want To Live – Ryan’s book

Ted Talk about The BeltLine

Ryan’s website and blog