Teri Cleary

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

I’m Teri Cleary—known as The Bionic Siren. I’m a voiceover artist, actor, empowerment speaker, and someone who rebuilt her life from the rubble. After years of surviving domestic violence, chronic illness, and silence, I found healing through voice—and now I help others do the same. My work carries warmth, depth, and the kind of emotion only lived experience can teach.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

My journey started in the gaming world. For years, other players would remark on my voice—saying it was soothing, striking, or memorable. That’s where the nickname Bionic Siren was born. But it wasn’t until I found myself heartbroken—shattered, really—that I decided to chase the dream I’d had since childhood: to become a performer. Voiceover became my gateway. I poured my soul into learning the craft and discovered that I could tell stories with both strength and softness. Since then, I’ve expanded into on-camera acting, modeling, and empowerment content creation. It all began with a heartbreak—but like any good origin story, it led to transformation.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I needed a way to rise again—something that used my mind and soul when my body had been through so much. Voiceover became the perfect storm: creative, flexible, healing. It allowed me to use my natural voice, emotional intelligence, and life experience to tell stories that mattered.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I was sitting in my room, planning the unthinkable. I didn’t see a way forward. My body was in pain. My heart was broken. I felt invisible and discarded. But then, one quiet thought cut through the darkness: my mind still works. My voice still works. That realization saved me. Instead of ending my life, I opened LinkedIn. I started connecting with strangers—people in the voiceover world who were doing what I had once dreamed of as a little girl. I asked questions, got vulnerable, and took my first steps into this industry. Voiceover and LinkedIn didn’t just give me a career—they gave me something to live for.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

Breaking in with no connections, limited funds, and physical disabilities has been brutal at times. But I turned each obstacle into a lesson: rejection into redirection, struggle into soulwork. I’ve learned that resourcefulness, authenticity, and emotional connection can open doors money can’t.

WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I really admire Vanessa Garcia. Her story of survival becoming her voice is one I deeply resonate with. She reminds me that our scars can become scripts—and that voiceover is more than performance; it’s transformation. I also have great respect for Kristi Hurst and her Building Doors campaign. She’s a force for good in this industry—opening pathways for talent that might otherwise be overlooked. And I truly admire Fannie with 7H. Her guidance and impact in this space—especially in dubbing—are part of why I’m so passionate about growing into video games and dubbing work myself.

I come from poverty, disability, and an undignified past… but I’ve never let any of it define me. I’ve poured everything I have into cultivating my talent as an actor and voiceover artist. It’s not just about work—it’s about worth. I continue to rise, not because it’s easy, but because I know this passion was placed inside me for a reason. And I refuse to let the past steal the future I’m building, one audition, one breath, one brave step at a time.

What got you into a career in voice-overs?

Voiceover found me when I was at my lowest—recovering from a broken heart, silent from an abusive relationship, and living with a body changed by years of disability. I’ve had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over a decade. I’ve had both knees replaced twice. There were days my body couldn’t move the way I needed it to—but my mind was still alive with stories, emotions, and longing to create.

Voiceover and acting didn’t just give me a career—they gave me back my voice. They became the lifeline that pulled me from silence and reminded me who I am: strong, eloquent, and worthy of being heard. What began as a way to empower myself has become a calling to empower others too.

Talk about the challenges you face in voice-over and how do you overcome them?

One of the greatest challenges has been getting my name out there without representation—navigating this industry as a freelance artist with limited financial resources and no safety net. Every investment, from coaching to equipment to demo reels, comes from deep sacrifice. There’s no fallback, only faith.

I come from poverty, disability, and an undignified past… but I’ve never let any of it define me. I’ve poured everything I have into cultivating my talent as an actor and voiceover artist. It’s not just about work—it’s about worth. I continue to rise, not because it’s easy, but because I know this passion was placed inside me for a reason. And I refuse to let the past steal the future I’m building, one audition, one breath, one brave step at a time.

What in your life experience was most helpful to you in becoming a voice actor?

Surviving.

That’s the truest answer I can give. I’ve lived through abuse, disability, poverty, chronic illness, and years of being silenced—emotionally, creatively, and physically. I know what it means to feel invisible. And I also know how sacred it is when someone finally hears you.

Those life experiences—every heartbreak, every health battle, every quiet scream—have given me an emotional depth that can’t be taught. When I approach a script, I don’t just read the words. I feel them. I understand longing, joy, grief, resilience. That’s what I bring to every role. Not just a voice, but lived truth.

Voiceover gave me back my voice—but surviving gave me the soul that fills it.

Any classes, books, or programs you recommend?

Absolutely. I trained through Such A Voice, where I focused on commercial and narration work. Their coaching helped me shape a professional presence and find my unique sound.

But more than anything—I recommend becoming part of the voiceover community. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced. Coming from a background where support was scarce, I was stunned by how generous, welcoming, and uplifting this industry can be. Voiceover artists cheer for each other. We share tips, resources, referrals. There’s a deep understanding here that rising together is better than going it alone. It’s rare. And it’s real.

For beginners, The Voice Actor’s Guide to Recording at Home is a practical, affordable resource. And platforms like Gravy for the Brain and Voiceover Pros on LinkedIn offer both tools and connection.

And speaking of LinkedIn—that’s truly where it all started for me. I began making authentic connections, learning from working pros, and little by little, doors began to open. That network became my lighthouse.

How do you approach a voice-over script?

I approach every script like a conversation with someone who needs to hear it. First, I pause—I breathe it in. I want to feel what it’s saying beneath the words. Then I imagine the person on the other side of the mic: what they need, what they’re carrying, how I can reach them.

Whether I’m voicing a corporate piece for PHMG, a character in animation, or narrating my own empowerment content for TikTok or Boundless Media—I always lead with connection. Tone, pacing, and emotional texture follow naturally when you anchor into who you’re speaking to and why the message matters.

A good read is technical. A great one is human.

What do you recommend? Setting up a home studio or using a commercial recording facility?

It truly depends on the project—but for most of my work, I prefer the comfort of my own recording space. Not only does it offer convenience and creative control, but it’s also easier on my body. As someone managing a chronic illness and living in rural America, transportation to commercial studios isn’t always available. But I don’t let that stop me—I work around the challenge. I’ve created a professional space that supports both my craft and my well-being.

And of course, no setup is complete without my studio cat, Lola—she knows all my secrets and absorbs sound like a tiny, purring sound blanket. Together, we make magic from the middle of nowhere.

Do you have a specialty in voice work, or do you do several types?

I work across several genres, but my true passion lives in video games and dubbing. I’ve been a gamer since the 1980s—and I’m not stopping anytime soon. I still game every day with my friends, and my longtime gamer tag has been Bionic Siren—the name that eventually became my brand. It reflects both the resilience I’ve lived through and the sound that draws people in.

People often describe my voice as soothing, raspy, eloquent—and yes, even sexy. That natural vocal texture lets me slip into emotionally rich characters with ease, whether I’m voicing a cunning rogue, a haunted empress, or a wise mentor in a dubbed series.

Outside of that, I’ve built a strong presence in IVR and corporate narration through PHMG, and I also lend my voice to podcasts, meditations, and social content. But video games and dubbing? That’s where my heart truly belongs. That’s where I feel most alive.

What’s a typical day like in the voice-over business?

If I’m being honest—most of my time is spent marketing. It may not sound glamorous, but that’s how you build a sustainable business. Voiceover is equal parts passion and persistence.

My day usually begins with checking emails and reviewing my schedule. Then I write, film, and edit a daily video for TikTok—which I also post to all my other social platforms. That’s followed by marketing research: looking for auditions, potential clients, and staying on top of industry trends. Once I’ve handled outreach, I move into auditions and recordings.

While many people swear by morning sessions, I’ve found that afternoons work better for me, my body, and my voice. Living with a chronic illness has taught me to honor my energy—and that means creating a rhythm that supports both my health and my artistry.

It’s not just a voice—it’s a business. And like any business, it requires vision, strategy, and a whole lot of heart

Can you recommend any online resources for aspiring voice talents?

There are so, so many—and nearly all of them offer real value. What I love most about this industry is how generous the voiceover community is. We share ideas, tips, free webinars, and advice like it’s second nature.

One of the most popular platforms is Gravy for the Brain, which offers on-demand training, live webinars, and community interaction that helps both beginners and working pros stay sharp. For those seeking connection, online conferences like the One Voice Conference (US and UK) are fantastic ways to network, grow, and learn directly from industry leaders.

And for those just beginning their journey, I’m proud to be releasing my own book this September: The Voice You Were Meant to Find—a beginner’s guide to voiceover that blends practical guidance with emotional encouragement and lived experience. It’s a love letter to those finding their voice, just like I did.

What does this industry mean to you?

To me, voiceover isn’t just a career—it’s a lifeline. It was then, and it still is now.

I’ll be completely honest: when I started, I was in a very dark place. Living with ADHD and rejection sensitivity dysphoria, I felt like I was constantly battling invisible waves. I had hit a point where I knew I had to do something drastic to pull myself out. I had it all planned… but something inside me wouldn’t let go.

One afternoon, while gaming, a single thought surfaced:

“I still have a voice. And I can use it to make a living.”

People had always told me my voice was unique—soothing, raspy, eloquent. That day, I chose to believe them.

That moment didn’t just change my direction. It saved my life.

Voiceover gave me purpose, confidence, and the power to speak after years of silence. You can’t quantify something like that. It’s more than work. It’s why I’m still here.

What are the feelings when you hear and see your peers on shows on the big screen?

I love it. There’s nothing like hearing a voice on a promo or commercial and immediately knowing who it is. It’s such a thrill—and honestly, a privilege—to be in the company of so many talented voices in this industry.

I know how hard they’ve worked. I know the late nights, the countless auditions, the quiet persistence behind every breakthrough. Some of them have even taken the time to support and encourage me—and I will never forget that generosity.

There’s no envy here. Just gratitude, admiration, and inspiration. Their success reminds me what’s possible… and why I keep going.

How competitive is this industry?

Oh, it’s very competitive—no question about that. From freelance gigs to major productions, there are thousands of talented voices out there. And the truth is, you never really know what a client or casting director is listening for. That’s why I approach every audition with heart, give it my best, and then… let it go.

You audition, then you move on to the next one. That’s the rhythm of this work. Even when you don’t land a role, every submission is a step forward. The law of averages says the more you show up, the more chances you have to be selected.

Something a casting director said early in my journey stuck with me:

“You weren’t rejected. You just weren’t selected.”

That simple truth keeps me grounded. It reminds me that my value isn’t tied to someone else’s ‘yes.’ My job is to stay ready—and stay in the game.

What are some of your favorite voice acting roles that you’ve played?

One of my favorites has to be voicing Diana Burnwood for Spy vs. Agent 47. I loved bringing that character to life because it was animation, and I got to fully embrace my perfected English accent—a sound that’s near and dear to me. There’s something magical about stepping into a character’s shoes, especially in animation, where the sky’s the limit.

But I’ll also admit: I love doing corporate branding work. It’s quick, it’s upbeat, and there’s a certain joy in shaping a message that will be heard by thousands—whether it’s a commercial spot, a phone greeting, or a brand voice. It’s high energy, and it reminds me that no matter the genre, I’m always playing an important part in telling a story.

Provide an example of a time when you had to perform multiple roles in a single recording session.

Well, I hope one day I’ll be in a place where I get to switch between multiple full roles in a single session—because I know I have the range and emotional depth to do it. But even now, I’ve had a taste of what that takes.

When I recorded my demos, I had to embody multiple emotions, characters, and tones—sometimes within seconds. From warm and inviting to sharp and edgy, playful to powerful—it all had to flow seamlessly. Those demo sessions pushed me, stretched me, and showed me what I’m capable of when I lean fully into my craft.

And when the day comes that I get to do that for a full recording project? I’ll be more than ready.

What do you wish you’d like to see change in the voice over industry?

There are a few things I’d love to see shift, both industry-wide and personally:

Protection for our voices in the age of AI.

As technology evolves, so does the risk of exploitation. Our voices are deeply personal, and there needs to be clear ethical standards and legal protections to ensure they aren’t replicated, manipulated, or used without consent. This industry thrives on authenticity—AI should never be allowed to erase the human element we bring.

Education about scams.

There are so many voiceover scams out there, and it breaks my heart to know how many talented newcomers fall prey. I believe scam awareness should be included in every VO curriculum. We need to prepare students not just for the mic, but for the real-world pitfalls they’ll encounter outside the booth.

Transparent conversations about cost.

I wish I had known sooner just how expensive this path would be. From coaching and demos to equipment, branding, and casting site memberships—it adds up fast. For someone like me, coming from poverty and living with disability, the financial burden has been incredibly difficult. It limits your options. That’s why I’ve learned to create my own opportunities whenever I can—because when doors aren’t open to you, you build your own.

This industry is beautiful, but we can still make it better. Safer. Fairer. More transparent—for everyone.

How do you stay competitive?

By showing up—every single day.

I write. I act. I record. Whether it’s an audition, a client project, a TikTok video, or content for Boundless Media—I’m always creating something. That daily practice keeps my skills sharp and my presence active in the industry.

Consistency is my strategy. I may not have the same resources or connections as others, but I do have drive, discipline, and heart. And I let those speak louder than any limitation.

What is next for you? What can we expect from you this year?

This year feels like a turning tide—and I’m ready to meet it with open arms and a strong voice.

In September, I’ll be releasing my book, The Voice You Were Meant to Find—a soulful, practical guide for anyone starting their voiceover journey, especially those coming from pain, silence, or self-doubt.

On June 20, I’m launching my weekly live YouTube show, The Weekly Release. It’s a place to relax and release the weight of the week—especially for men who carry their burdens quietly. It will include a little humor, soft meditation, a steamy (PG-rated) original story read aloud, and a powerful call to action for the coming week. It’s gentle, grounding, and full of heart.

My TikToks and this show aren’t just content—they’re extensions of my voiceover journey. They’re part of my healing, and they now offer others a space to heal too. That’s the heartbeat of my brand: turning silence into sound, and pain into purpose.

And looking ahead, I’m planting the seeds to become an empowerment speaker. I want to stand on stages, mic in hand, and remind people—especially those who’ve been dismissed or forgotten—that their voice still matters. That it’s never too late to start over. That they, too, can rise.

What do you love most about the world of entertainment?

There are too many things to list, truly. But what stands out most is the beautiful surprise of it all.

On my very first on-location shoot, I was nervous—unsure what to expect. But the director and crew were so kind, so encouraging, so genuinely pleasant to work with. And I’ve found that again and again throughout this industry. It’s not at all what I expected—it’s better.

I love that there’s no single path to success in entertainment. There’s no “right” way to get where you want to go. You can forge your own path, and when every door seems closed, you can build one of your own. That freedom—the creative autonomy to shape your destiny—is something I cherish deeply.

This world lets you turn pain into art, silence into sound, and dreams into something real. And I’m here for all of it.

When performing, do you prefer to have others in the recording studio with you or would you rather work alone?

To be honest—I love both. Maybe that’s the ADHD in me, but I’m equally at home in solitude and with an audience.

There’s something deeply creative and peaceful about working alone in my own space. I can take my time, explore, and tap into something personal without outside pressure. But when I’m in a live situation, I thrive off that collaboration too. It’s dynamic, energizing, and often brings out layers I didn’t even know were there. I think it’s why I love improvisation. 

Both environments feed me in different ways. I think that’s part of what keeps the work so fresh and exciting.

What is your main inspiration towards voice acting?

As I’ve shared, my deepest inspiration is the dream of voicing video games and dubbing work. That’s where my heart lives. It’s where I come alive creatively—where performance, storytelling, and immersion meet.

Sometimes, I’ll admit, my ADHD gets the better of me—I feel impatient, frustrated, ready for the destination when I’m still walking the shoreline. But I remind myself: the tides will run along my shores eventually. They always do. My job is to stay ready, stay passionate, and keep pouring my heart into every project along the way.

This work isn’t just about landing roles. It’s about becoming the voice I know I’m meant to be—one story, one wave, one breath at a time.

Describe your process for preparing for a voice acting role.

Once I receive the script, I start by feeling it—reading it softly under my breath to let the rhythm settle into my body. Then I’ll often sing it gently to myself, not to make it musical, but to tune into the emotional frequency. It helps me hear the flow and find the soul behind the lines.

From there, I break down the intent:

Who am I speaking to?

What do they need to feel?

How can I make it land in just a few seconds?

Most of my current projects are short ads or corporate spots, where the magic has to happen fast—and that’s a challenge I thrive on. The same goes for my work on TikTok. Every day, I write, record, and post content where I have just seconds to connect. It’s taught me how to lead with heart and clarity, immediately.

After a few quick test takes, I trust my instincts and hit record. Because for me, voiceover isn’t just about saying the right words—it’s about sounding the truth behind them, and doing it with precision, presence, and heart.

How difficult is it to land work in the voice over world?

It’s undeniably competitive—especially as an independent voice actor. There are thousands of incredible talents out there, and every audition is a chance to be heard… but also a lesson in resilience.

I’m actively working toward representation, not because I need validation, but because I know it will open doors to the kinds of roles I’m meant to play—video games and dubbing, and the commercial voiceover work I was originally trained for. Those aren’t just genres to me—they’re callings.

Representation isn’t a guarantee of work, but it is an opportunity to grow into the space I’ve been preparing for. Until then, I’ll continue to create my own momentum—every audition, every post, every project, one wave at a time.

What makes you stand out as a voice actor?

I don’t just read a script—I feel it. I live it. I speak from a place most people are too afraid to touch.

Yes, my voice is soothing, raspy, eloquent—and people often say it’s sexy, too. But what truly makes me stand out is the soul behind it. Every word I speak carries the weight of survival, the depth of healing, and the fire of someone who’s had to fight for her voice in every possible way.

I’ve lived through silence, through disability, through heartbreak and invisibility—and I rose. I show up every single day—writing, acting, recording, and reaching people who need to hear not just a message, but meaning.

What sets me apart is more than just the sound of my voice.

It’s the story inside it.

It’s the tenacity.

It’s the truth.

I’m not here to perform. I’m here to connect. And when I speak, people feel it—because I’ve walked the storm and learned how to sing through it.

I’m not trying to be anyone else.

I’m just being exactly who I am:

The Bionic Siren.

What do you think is the most important skill for a voice actor to have?

I’m not even sure I’d call it a “skill”—not in the traditional sense. To me, the most important thing is to be authentically yourself.

Even when you’re playing a character, if you’re not rooted in truth—your truth—it comes through in the read. You can hear when someone’s pretending. But you can also feel when someone is connected, honest, and emotionally present. That kind of authenticity can’t be faked. And it took me a long time to truly understand that.

One of my mentors used to say to me, “It doesn’t sound like you. You need to tap into your TikToks.” At first, I didn’t get it. But now I do. On TikTok, I’m unscripted, emotionally raw, real. And when I bring that same energy into the booth—that’s when my reads land.

So no, it’s not about a polished voice or perfect technique. It’s about being brave enough to show up as yourself—flaws, fire, heart and all.

How do you handle receiving feedback and direction from producers or directors during recording sessions?

I welcome it—wholeheartedly. Feedback is a gift. It means someone has taken the time to see you, hear you, and help you shape the work into something even stronger.

Honestly, I wish more casting directors and producers had the time to offer it. But with the sheer number of submissions they receive, I know that’s not always realistic. That’s why I attend as many free webinars and live direction sessions as I can—just to get those rare moments of professional insight. I love hearing how others hear me. It sharpens my instincts and stretches my range.

I don’t take direction personally—I take it seriously. Because the goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to bring the vision to life—and I’m always ready to rise to that.