Troy Baker

In this deeply engaging and often hilarious episode, acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker sits down for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the craft of performance, the emotional depth of storytelling, and the unpredictable journey that led him to become one of the most recognizable voices in gaming and animation. Best known for his role as Joel in The Last of Us , Baker reflects on the powerful relationship between Joel and Ellie, including the unforgettable final moments of the first game—so impactful that he and co-star Ashley Johnson even got matching tattoos inspired by the closing lines. This sets the tone for a conversation rooted in authenticity, connection, and the lasting emotional weight of great storytelling. Baker opens up about his early life, sharing how insecurity and bullying pushed him to develop his voice as a tool for expression and identity. What started as a coping mechanism eventually became the foundation of a career that spans video games, animation, and beyond. His story is a reminder that sometimes our greatest strengths come from the places we once felt weakest. The episode dives deep into the philosophy of acting, particularly in interactive media. Baker emphasizes a key principle that shapes his performances: characters don’t know they’re in a game . By treating every moment as real and grounded, he explains how actors can create more believable and emotionally resonant performances—something that has defined his work across major titles. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at the gaming industry, including how personal elements of actors’ lives can influence storytelling. Baker shares how his love for music was woven into Joel’s character, culminating in one of the most iconic scenes in The Last of Us Part II . Beyond gaming, the conversation expands into Baker’s broader career, including his unexpected path into Fortnite , his experience voicing characters across multiple franchises, and the surreal milestone of working on The Simpsons . His stories highlight how relationships, timing, and persistence often matter just as much as talent. The episode also touches on the creative process behind voice acting, from developing characters to navigating feedback and audience expectations. Baker reflects on how success can create pressure, but ultimately stresses the importance of staying grounded in truth rather than trying to meet external expectations. Amid the insightful discussion are plenty of lighthearted moments—from donut debates to improv scenes—showcasing Baker’s humor and personality. But at its core, this episode is about craft, growth, and the human side of performance. Whether you’re a fan of The Last of Us , an aspiring actor, or simply someone who appreciates powerful storytelling, this conversation offers a rare and honest look into what it really means to bring characters to life. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voice actor Troy Baker is known for bringing iconic characters to life, from Joel in The Last of Us to Booker DeWitt in BioShock Infinite and Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle but takes a break from the booth to craft friendship bracelets with Tawny while opening up about: Sharing his work with his 7-year-old son and why playing Indiana Jones together meant more than any paycheck How reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius reshaped his view on obstacles, masculinity, and personal growth The difference between chasing a job and crafting a career Parenting, modeling behavior, and teaching that intention matters more than “bad words” Embracing vulnerability, not knowing everything, and the joy of letting others introduce you to something new From growing up evangelical in Texas to redefining success on his own terms, Troy reflects on art as service, why learning is truly his goal, and how being the “dumbest person in the room” is actually the smartest move. There’s also a lightning round, opinionated bead choices, and a minimum of three bracelet restarts. Plus, every bracelet made during this episode will be available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Human Rights Watch , Troy’s chosen non-profit. Check out and purchase Troy’s bracelets: Stoic Donut https://ebay.us/m/ko2aNt Orange Aurelius https://ebay.us/m/eGX7MY Purple People https://ebay.us/m/WSBcNd Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause! Follow Troy Baker: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtroybaker/ Follow Tawny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/

Troy Baker Returns as The Joker in ' Batman: The Long Halloween Part Two ' available today on Digital and Blu-Ray from Warner Home Entertainment. Troy Baker is the only man to ever voice Batman and the Joker in 2019's Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles . However, this go around, the Joker isn't the belle of the ball as he is relegated to a secondary character to Calendar Man, no less. This makes our Clown Prince of Crime jealous of what appears to be...and using a 1940s term...from Batman's Best Girl to just another chippy. Baker explains how the Joker's involvement with the Long Halloween is still a significant role, even though it is not the primary one. This also feels like a Batman: Year Two type story, showing the brilliance in the original graphic novel by Jeff Loeb and Tim Sales as well as the adaptation for the animation by Tim Sheridan. We discuss how sometimes it is difficult to read the book then watch the movie and vice versa, but how Batman: The Long Halloween Part One and Two can be an easy introduction into the Batman mythos of the animated features or the comics, without having to catch up on 80 plus years of the printed word and images. Baker has been a fan favorite in not only all his other voices, but that of Batman going back to Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Super Heroes Unite , where he also voiced Two-Face. Follow Troy Baker on Twitter @TroyBakerVA and on Instagram @officialtroybaker . ' Batman: The Long Halloween Part Two ' available today on Digital and Blu-Ray from Warner Home Entertainment, but first catch up on ' Batman: The Long Halloween Part One ' also available from Warner Home Entertainment. #TroyBaker #Batman #BatmanLongHalloween #Animation #Interview

Perhaps its fate that today is the 4th of July, and Nolan North and Troy Baker will once again be fighting for our freedom, our freedom from annihilation from this terrible video game adaptation of the epic 1996 film Independence Day! There are no fireworks here but we do have Troy's Ancient Alien obsession/discussion that may or may not lead to Nolan breaking his cover as an actual alien. Also Troy pretty much quotes the entire film from memory so no need to go back and watch it to prepare. This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

This week Nolan North and Troy Baker jump spin onto Wumpa Islands and find out that boulders and mutant enhanced animals are not your friends unless their name is Crash. That's right we are playing the 1996 Naughty Dog classic, Crash Bandicoot! Codenamed "Sonic's Ass Game" Nolan and Troy dive into this iconic game and the now famous makers behind it. Sure there's crate smashing and boulder running but not before Nolan illegally opens up someone's mail and Troy name drops Frank Welker and then the tangents begin. This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

Big heads! Insane dunks! No fouls! This is either an Uncle Noly fever dream or Nolan North and Troy Baker is playing the basketball Arcade Classic NBA JAM! This week we have a game inside a game where Troy tries to guess the player's names in the team selection screen and Nolan discovers the that Death's voice probably sounds like Bobcat Goldthwait. Boom Shakalaka! We're on fire and this is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

Magneto has kidnapped Professor X and it's up to Nolan North and Troy Baker to button mash their way to being the best X-MEN they can be... which really isn't that great. Luckily we're playing the Arcade classic X-Men with unlimited quarters so there's hope yet. Leading into the opening of Dark Phoenix, Nolan and Troy talk about their favorite characters in this iconic franchise as well as a tangent or two. One of which involves the dissection of the word Jarff by Anoose. Oh boy, this is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

This week Nolan North and Troy Baker dodge face huggers and acid blood as they celebrate all things Alien while playing the PlayStation 1 FPS classic Alien Trilogy. Faster than you can say "GAME OVER MAN!" Nolan realizes face hugging can mean many things and Troy discusses the merits of the good two Alien films. This FPS shooter may feel like a doom rehash but don't worry we have tangents, cheat codes, and an Uncle Noly. Come for the games, stay for the PLOT! This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

Jump into an Arwing and fly with Nolan North and Troy Baker to defend the Lylat System from Andross! Our plucky but doomed wingmen are Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad, and Falco Lombardi in the Nintendo 64 classic Star Fox 64. Sure the N64 is just a remake of the SNES version but man those 3D pixels are sweet. Either way, don't expect Nolan to have your six but you can expect Troy to give you the PLOT and perhaps a tune or two. More stories. More tangents. More madness. This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

Got a big heist coming up? Need a Driver? Then you should probably look elsewhere because Nolan North and Troy Baker take the scenic route while playing this weeks PlayStation 1 classic, Driver. Despite the lack of actual Driver like skills, Nolan does give us an incredible story about wrapping a deuce shocking not only Troy but everyone who dares to watch. It's madness folks. The crashing. The stories. The tangents. This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

When the premise of a game is to avoid falling down pits and swinging on ropes who better to take on this challenge than N̶a̶t̶h̶a̶n̶ ̶D̶r̶a̶k̶e̶ Nolan North and Troy Baker. That's right we are playing the grandfather of modern-day adventure platformers...PITFALL! With just one button and a joystick, Nolan and Troy lead Pitfall Harry to his death exactly 43 times. World Record?! Time will tell. Don't worry we plow through a number of U̶n̶c̶h̶a̶r̶t̶e̶d̶ Indiana Jones clips in homage to good old Harry's legacy while making excuses for the already expected bad gameplay. This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .

Nolan North and Troy Baker have pulled Excalibur from the stone and rallied the Knights of the Round! This side-scrolling arcade classic has it all... blue horses, bad guys named Fat Man, barrels full of gold, and a special move that slowly kills the hero. Luckily Nolan and Troy have unlimited lives and enough callbacks to Arthur Legend stories and films that would make any 5th-century nerd squeal. Oh, and somehow squirrel noises come up...le sigh. This is RETRO REPLAY. Let's Play! Watch the original episode on YouTube . Support the channel: https://www.youtube.com/retroreplay/join We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, pins! https://retroreplayshow.com/shop/ Check out the RETRO REPLAY website and sign up for our newsletter. Follow Retro Replay on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Follow Nolan North on Twitter and Instagram . Follow Troy Baker on Twitter and Instagram . And finally follow producers Drew Lewis & PJ Haarsma .