Voice Actor, Rob Paulsen
Mad Props with Chris Schnabel
01/23/26
•95m
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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
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X: https://www.x.com/madpropspod
Chris Schnabel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabel
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabel
YouTube: @Chris.Schnabel
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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
Previous Episode
Mascot Trailblazer, Dave Raymond
December 3, 2025
•51m
Welcome to Mad Props! Chris is joined by Mascot Trailblazer and original Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond! Learn stories from the Phanatic, how he changed what a mascot is, and the power of happiness! #phillies #sports #podcast #philadelphia #mascot #baseballTry Audible today, head to https://www.audibletrial.com/madpropspod to start your 30-day free trial and get reading 📖Subscribe and follow for more captivating stories!Making Magic by Pat Williams:https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Making-Magic-How-Orlando-Team/dp/0941263118About Dave Raymond:Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, is a trailblazer in sports entertainment and one of the creators of the modern mascot industry. For 15 years he brought the Phanatic to life, transforming fan engagement across MLB. Today, Dave leads Raymond Entertainment Group, designing mascots for pro teams and brands, speaking worldwide on leadership and joy, and sharing his signature philosophy from his book The Power of Fun.https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveraymondspeaks/https://daveraymondspeaks.com/https://raymondeg.com/https://www.instagram.com/dave.raymond.speaks/Follow Mad Props on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/madpropspodTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspodX- https://www.x.com/madpropspodFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/madpropspodYou can find Chris on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabelTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabelYouTube - @Chris.Schnabel Episode Produced by Chris SchnabelMad Props is a Schnabel Studios ProductionChapters0:00 - Intro & Welcome0:14 - Chris Introduces Dave Raymond1:05 - How Dave First Got Into Mascots1:40 - Growing Up Around Baseball2:22 - First Exposure to Mascot Culture3:10 - Interning With the Phillies4:32 - Becoming the Phillie Phanatic5:45 - First Time in the Costume6:20 - Learning Mascot Performance on the Fly7:52 - Early Mistakes and Adjusting to the Role9:10 - Creating the Phanatic’s Personality10:15 - Comedy, Improvisation & Fan Reactions11:58 - Understanding Emotional Intelligence in a Suit13:10 - Best Early Fan Moments14:20 - Kids’ Reactions and Family Interactions15:50 - On-Field Antics and Player Stories17:25 - Hidden Challenges Behind the Costume18:40 - Travel Stories and Road Appearances20:15 - Strangest or Funniest Mascot Moments22:05 - What Made the Phanatic Stand Out23:40 - What He Learned About People From Mascot Work25:10 - Leaving the Phanatic After 15 Years26:40 - Identity Shift After Stepping Away28:00 - Starting a New Chapter in Life30:05 - Launching Raymond Entertainment Group31:30 - Designing Mascots for Other Teams33:00 - What Makes a Mascot Truly Great34:25 - Teams That “Get It” vs. Teams That Don’t35:45 - Favorite Mascot Projects38:49 - Creating the Power of Fun Philosophy40:10 - How Joy Translates to Leadership42:00 - What Companies Get Wrong About Fun44:15 - Bringing Mascot Principles Into Business45:05 - Evolution of Mascots Over the Decades46:30 - The Impact of Social Media on Mascots48:20 - Modern Mascots Dave Admires49:45 - Thoughts on the Phanatic’s Legacy Today50:05 - Dave’s Personal Legacy and Reflections51:00 - Advice for Young Creatives & Performers51:35 - Closing Thoughts & Sign-Off
Next Episode
Voice Actor, Phil LaMarr
February 3
•41m
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
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