Voice Actor, Phil LaMarr

Mad Props with Chris Schnabel

02/03/26

•

41m

About

Comments

Featured In

Phil LaMarr joins Mad Props with Chris Schnabel for a wide-ranging conversation on voice acting, animation, and building one of the most versatile careers in entertainment.

Phil is best known for his iconic roles as Hermes Conrad (Futurama), Samurai Jack, Green Lantern (Justice League), and his on-screen role in Pulp Fiction, but his career spans decades across animation, television, film, video games, and live action.

In this episode, Phil breaks down how he got into voice acting, the discipline behind sustaining a long-term career in Hollywood, and what separates good voice actors from great ones. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from major animated series, lessons learned from working across genres, and advice for creatives trying to find longevity in a competitive industry.

Whether you grew up watching Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, or DC Animation, or you’re interested in the craft of voice acting itself, this episode delivers insight, nostalgia, and real talk from one of the most respected voices in the business.

Phil LaMarr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillamarr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phillamarr

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/phillamarr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilLaMarrOfficial

Mad Props Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropod

Chris Schnabel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel

Episode Produced by Joe Brown

Episode Edited by Chris Schnabel

Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Phil LaMarr Joins Mad Props
2:30 – Breaking Into Acting & Early Career Lessons
7:45 – Transitioning into Voice Acting
13:10 – Becoming Hermes on Futurama
20:30 – Creating Samurai Jack & Finding Emotional Range
28:00 – Voice Acting vs On-Camera Acting
35:40 – Longevity in Animation & Hollywood
44:10 – Working Across TV, Film, and Video Games
52:30 – Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors
1:00:00 – Legacy Roles & Fan Impact
1:08:00 – Final Thoughts & Rapid Fire

Previous Episode

Voice Actor, Rob Paulsen

January 23

•

95m

Legendary voice actor Rob Paulsen joins Mad Props with Chris Schnabel for a deep-dive conversation covering Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), Jimmy Neutron, A Goofy Movie, and more. Rob shares stories from 40+ years in voice acting, plus his love for sports, hockey, the Detroit Red Wings, fandom culture, and the real impact of animation on generations of fans.

This episode blends voice actor interview, animation history, 90s cartoons nostalgia, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros animation, Disney, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories — plus Rob’s perspective on creativity, kindness, and longevity in entertainment.

FOLLOW ROB PAULSEN

Instagram: @rob_paulsen

TikTok: @robpaulson311

Facebook: Rob Paulsen (Voice Actor)

FOLLOW MAD PROPS/CHRIS SCHNABEL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspod

X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod

Chris Schnabel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel

YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel

Try Audible today:
https://www.audibletrial.com/madpropspod
Start your 30-day free trial and get reading 📖

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro – Rob Paulsen Joins Mad Props

(02:55) Meeting Rob at Dallas Fan Expo
(05:46) Sports, Hockey & Growing Up in Michigan
(10:12) Breaking Into Voice Acting & Animation
(18:29) Gordie Howe, Fame & Fan Perspective
(30:00) Starstruck Moments & Hollywood Legends
(39:55) TMNT vs A Goofy Movie Pizza Debate
(47:57) Family, Gratitude & Career Perspective
(49:37) Space, Tech & Creative Curiosity
(58:56) Music, Performing Live & Creativity
(01:06:00) Billy Joel, Art & Longevity
(01:22:02) Dream Roles & Favorite Shows
(01:26:01) Looking Back on Iconic Voices
(01:31:27) Voice Lessons Book & Final Thoughts

Produced by Joe Brown

A Schnabel Studios Production

Next Episode

Quarterback, Jordan Ta'amu

February 13

•

59m

Mad Props host Chris Schnabel sits down with Jordan Ta’amu — quarterback for the DC Defenders and former NFL QB — for a fun, competitive, and behind-the-scenes conversation that blends football, friendship, and everything in-between. From Hawaii to Ole Miss (SEC) to the pros, Jordan breaks down his journey, his mindset, and what it’s like navigating pro opportunities across leagues — plus stories from the road, gaming battles, and the real competitive edge that fueled a championship run.

Jordan Ta’amu: Jordan Ta’amu is a quarterback from O‘ahu, Hawaii, who rose from junior college (New Mexico Military Institute) to Ole Miss, where he became a productive SEC starter and set program marks. He later earned NFL opportunities (including time with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs) and became a standout in spring football, leading the DC Defenders and building a reputation as a dynamic playmaker and leader.

Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, creators, entertainers, and industry leaders.

Episode Produced by Chris Schnabel
Episode Edited by Chris Schnabel
Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Jordan Ta’amu joins Mad Props + “we compete over EVERYTHING”
02:11 – Friendship + DC Defenders season connection
03:09 – Super Smash Brothers rivalry (and the bus battles)
06:28 – “Olympic day” competitions: hoops, bowling, air hockey, more
07:34 – From Hawaii to Ole Miss: the recruiting journey
09:14 – Junior college at New Mexico Military Institute (military rules + full ride)
11:13 – Committing to Ole Miss + stepping in after injury
13:56 – NCAA eligibility frustrations + rule changes
16:47 – Draft process: combine medicals + torn ACL discovery
20:07 – Texans → XFL opportunity + COVID shutting everything down
23:54 – Sports during COVID + getting the call to the Chiefs
25:27 – NFL COVID era + unexpected attention and pressure
31:28 – Favorite games: Mortal Kombat + arcade competitiveness
36:14 – Video Game Museum + Dallas spots to compete
38:15 – Baseball background + how it shaped his QB game
44:51 – Basketball rematch challenge + competitive mentality
48:21 – Offseason life in Nashville: training athletes + teaching classes
50:26 – Building QB camps + turning experience into a program
55:48 – The “Smash before the championship” story + title run
57:28 – Outro + where to follow Jordan and Mad Props