Voice Lessons

How a Couple of Ninja Turtles, Pinky and an Animaniac Saved My Life

By: Rob Paulsen, Michael Fleeman - contributor

Narrated by: Ash Paulsen, Rob Paulsen

Rob Paulsen is one of Hollywood's busiest, most talented, and most passionate performers. If you don't know him by name, you will know him by the many characters he has brought to life: Pinky from Pinky and the Brain and Yakko from Animaniacs, the tough but loveable Raphael from the original animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more.

So, you can imagine how terrifying it must have been when Rob was diagnosed with throat cancer, putting his entire livelihood in jeopardy and threatening to rob the world of all his loveable characters that filled our youth and adulthood with humor and delight.

Voice Lessons tells the heartwarming and life-affirming story of Rob's experience with an aggressive cancer treatment and recovery regimen, which luckily led to a full recovery. Rob quickly returned to doing what he loves most, but with a much deeper appreciation of what he came so close to losing. His new lease on life inspired him to rededicate himself to his fans, particularly the new friends he made along the way: hundreds of sick children and their families. Rob said it best himself: "I can not only continue to make a living, but make a difference, and I can't wait to use that on the biggest scale that I can."

©2019 Robert Paulsen with Michael Fleeman (P)2019 Tantor

Best. Book. Ever.

This was one of the very best books I've ever read, and to have Rob read it made it so much more special. I didn't know much about him before I read the book but my little sister started to get obsessed with him and she bought the book. I was curious and bought the audio version cuz it's easier for me to listen than to sit and read. I can't tell you how amazed and touched I am by Rob Paulsen's heart for people. I'm praying for him and so amazed by his life and all he has gone through. He is such a powerful and strong individual, I've never met anyone so determined and full of joy and laughter with just the best attitude ever like Rob. Its incredible how he lights uo doing what he loves, I could relate to him.. The impact TV shows have on people is immense and a huge responsibility, but he carries it so well. And his positive attitude and outlook on life is contagious! I want to create animated tv shows,, ever since I was a kid...and I hope and pray someday I'll get to work with him. This book was so impactful, thank you Rob. God bless you!

Incredible story from one of the greatest actors of all time

This book is so inspiring. I became a voice actor when I was first listening to Rob’s podcast a decade ago (that first Billy West episode was a real light bulb moment for me), and I never pass up a chance to hear more from the guy. The man is a gold mine of information and inspiration, and he and Michael weave an incredible story. Reading it makes me want to be a better performer and human being, and the audiobook performance from Rob himself is stellar as always!

Heart breaking and heart warming

Rob Paulsen is delightful, and any fan of his deserves to read his story! Narf!

very well done

very fine audiobook. I was riveted. the stories Rob tells are true to life and inspiring

Gifted performer. A engaging life story

Rob Paulsen has written an inspiring, honest and engaging account of his personal, professional ups and downs as a performer. Hearing him narrate "Voice Lessons" gave his life story (and his many characters) all the attention and weight needed for me to embrace his account and his journey from budding rock star to commerical success as an actor and singer. If Yakko, Pinky, Raphael, Carl Wheezer, or any of the hundreds of hours of animated entertainment he's attached to mean anything to you, you owe it to yourself to listen to "Voice Lessons."