High Notes

In this episode Melissa talks to Dr Mathilde Pavis, an expert in intellectual property law, ethics and new technologies, who helped build Equity’s AI toolkit and has worked directly with AI platforms including ElevenLabs. Melissa asks her why the UK currently has no personality right for voice, how that compares to other countries, and whether the law is catching up in time. The real value here is practical: exactly what to check, ask and do to protect your own voice, as things stand today. The landscape is changing fast, so staying informed matters more than ever.What we coverWhy recorded voices are suddenly so valuable, and why that leaves performers and workers exposedThe UK’s patchwork of protections, and how buyout contracts and platform terms can waive themHow to protect yourself now: read contracts and terms, search them for “rights”, “waive” and “AI”, ask for carve-outs against cloning and AI training, and opt out of platform data-use settings (or contact support)Digital twin dealbreakers: ask early whether AI will be used, and make sure any replica is project-specific, time-bound and agreed in writing. Know who builds it, who uses it and who can access it, prevent it being sold on, and secure the right to have it deletedHow the UK compares with the US, the EU and Denmark, and why UK policy keeps stallingChapters00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:06 Mathilde’s Background01:53 Why Voice Is Valuable Now03:40 Workplace Voice Protection07:00 AI Clauses and Transparency08:07 Performers and UK Patchwork Rights11:22 Contracts and Consent Basics12:48 Pay-to-Play Platform Risks17:35 Opting Out and Taking Action19:29 Why UK Law Falls Short24:21 Digital Replica vs Personality Rights29:17 UK vs US and EU Protections31:22 EU Transparency Rules33:37 Denmark Leads on Likeness36:14 Contracts Need Safeguards37:47 Why UK Policy Stalls40:02 Consent and Data Rights42:13 Is It Too Late?43:57 Workplace Voice Precautions45:08 Performer Contract Basics47:39 Digital Twin Dealbreakers53:05 AI Riders and Agents55:40 Final Takeaways and the FutureExplore the episode companion notes here...Links & ResourcesDr Mathilde PavisDr Mathilde Pavis, Legal Counsel & Policy Adviser on AI: https://www.mathildepavis.com/Agents Counsel: https://www.agentscounsel.comFree resources for agents: https://www.agentscounsel.com/resourcesPolicyUK Government Report on Copyright and AI (18 March 2026), Impact Assessment: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-and-impact-assessment-on-copyright-and-artificial-intelligence/copyright-and-artificial-intelligence-impact-assessmentUnions, associations and campaignsEquity AI toolkit and template contract: https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/know-your-rights/ai-toolkit/understanding-ai (see also Episode 2, Cloned Without Consent, with voice actor Faye Dicker and Equity’s Shannon Sailing: https://www.brava.uk.com/podcast/episode/1bb455dd/cloned-without-consent-with-voice-actor-faye-dicker-and-equitys-shannon-sailing )NAVA (US), National Association of Voice Actors: https://navavoices.org/Save Our Voices Now: https://saveourvoicesnow.com/‌BRAVAhttps://www.brava.uk.com/Sign up to the BRAVA newsletterhttps://www.brava.uk.com/subscribeThis is Season 4 of HIGH NOTES. Where every conversation is a performance.‌**This episode is for general information and isn’t legal advice. For your own situation, speak to a lawyer, your agent or your union.**

Last week, Mark Graeme (OCX UK) and Mark Eaves (Gravity Road) took us inside the decision brands now face every day: AI voice earns its place for content at scale, while a human voice wins when a brand wants to connect with its audience through trust.This week, we hear from the other side of that decision: what it’s like to be on the wrong end of AI. Voice actor Faye Dicker discovered her voice had been cloned and sold via a US platform without her consent. It was downloaded more than 900 times before it was taken down. Faye tells us how she found out, what it felt like to hear her voice saying things she never agreed to, and the steps she took to get it removed.Then we ask what can be done about it. Shannon Sailing, Industrial Official for Audio and Games at Equity, the UK’s trade union for performers, dealt with Faye’s case and is now handling a wave of similar claims. Shannon explains who to contact if it happens to you, what Equity can do, and why the union pushes for the same four things every time: consent, control, compensation and transparency.Next week, we turn to the law, with intellectual property lawyer Dr Mathilde Pavis on what current UK law says about your voice, and what you can do to protect it today.Explore the companion notes to this episode here...Faye DickerFaye Dicker Voiceover Artist | Presenter, Host & Public Speaker | BristolEquityEquity – the UK’s trade union for performersAudio Committee | EquitySave Our Voices NowSave Our Voices NowSign the petition – UK ParliamentNicola Coughlan and Matt Lucas among stars backing AI voice cloning campaign – ITV NewsSign up to the BRAVA newsletterhttps://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Season Intro and Stakes01:13 Meet Faye Dicker01:25 Career Highlights03:15 Discovering the Clone04:33 Testing the AI Voice06:52 First Steps and Evidence09:43 Equity Support and Aftermath12:38 Takedown Speed Debate14:13 BRAVA Sponsor Break15:12 How Faye Feels Now16:47 Human Voice and Advocacy18:02 Meet Shannon from Equity19:38 Patterns in Voice Theft21:37 What Equity Can Do24:18 UK Law Gaps and Fixes27:24 Defining Success Outcomes28:59 Advice if It Happens33:32 Campaigns and Pressure38:01 Future of Human Voice40:50 Wrap Up and Next Episode

This episode explores when and why a creative studio chooses AI over a human voice, and when it doesn't, from two vantage points in the advertising industry. Mark Graeme is Head of Studio at OCX UK (Omnicom Production, part of Omnicom Group, the world's leading marketing and sales company). Mark and his team produce work for creative agencies such as Adam & Eve/TBWA, AMVBBDO, and McCann, plus work directly with a mix of local and global brands.Mark Eaves is Founder of Gravity Road, part of The Brand Tech Group, working across brands including Unilever, Booking.com and TikTok. He led Gravity Road's build of 'Ode,' an AI poetry companion made in partnership with Microsoft AI and Poetry Pharmacy founder William Sieghart. 'Ode' is trained on Sieghart's own voice to listen and prescribe a poem. Every poem is read aloud by a real actor - Stephen Fry, Harriet Walter, Dominic West and Indira Varma among them - rather than a synthetic voice.Between them, we get the industry-wide picture and one deeply considered case study, both circling the same question creative directors are still grappling with: AI or human voice?Explore the conversation further in our companion article >OCX UK (Omnicom Production)Capability-production - OmnicomRennie Wind Relief CampaignRennie Wind Relief Calls Time on Britain’s Oldest Fart Cover-up | LBBOnlineRennie Baxters Story AdvertTV ad: Rennie: Baxter's StoryForrester’s 2026 Technology & Security PredictionsForrester’s 2026 Technology & Security Predictions: As AI’s Hype Fades, Enterprises Will Defer 25% Of Planned AI Spend To 2027MIT: The Gene Divide: State of AI in Business 2025https://mlq.ai/media/quarterly_decks/v0.1_State_of_AI_in_Business_2025_Report.pdfAdobe Express: Voices of AI: Music, Speech, and the new marketing soundscapeVoices of AI: Music, speech, and the new marketing soundscape | AdobeGravity RoadGravity RoadReuters Pure News from the Source Brand Campaignhttps://www.reuters.com/media-center/reuters-expands-pure-news-straight-source-brand-campaign-with-two-new-video-2026-09-16/OdeOde - Find the poem that finds you - odepoetry.aiBringing Ode Poetry to life with MAI’s audio modelsBringing Ode Poetry to life with MAI’s audio models | Microsoft AIThe Poetry Pharmacy Forever William SieghartBooks – The Poetry Pharmacy LiveSign up to the BRAVA newsletter: https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Season Intro and Guests01:58 Mark Graeme Background02:54 Studio AI Tools04:54 Voiceover Planning Process06:36 Campaign Voice Wins08:54 When AI Is a Mistake10:19 Hype Versus ROI12:46 Trust Gap Explained15:30 BRAVA Sponsor Break16:31 Consent and Corporate Use18:31 Future of Human Voice20:31 Mark Eaves and Gravity Road23:07 Audio Culture Resurgence27:13 Choosing AI Versus Human Voice28:31 Reuters Authenticity Case31:09 Ode Poetry Companion36:11 Why Human Poem Readings37:47 Wrap Up and Next Episode

High Notes returns for its fourth season with The AI Voice: a series about what happens to the human voice as AI gets good enough to replicate it.It's a conversation that reaches further than most people think. It affects not just performers, but anyone who's ever recorded a voice note, sat on a Zoom call, or had their voice used by the business they work for. BRAVA founder, Melissa Thom, talks to leading figures on both sides of the AI debate: Mark Graeme, Mark Eaves, Faye Dicker, Shannon Sailing, Dr Mathilde Pavis, David Menkin, Dan Jones, Cissy Jones, and Bonnie Nordling.Together, they explore when brands choose AI over a human voice, what happens when your voice is cloned without consent, how UK law is (and isn't) keeping up, and how performers can negotiate, license and protect their voices.New episodes every Thursday from 8th October. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, or visit brava.uk.com/podcast for more.Season 4 GuestsMark Graeme and Mark Eaves: Head of Studio at OCX UK (part of Omnicom Group) and Founder of Gravity Road, on AI or Human Voice? Why Brands Choose Both, and when big brands choose AI and when they don’t.Faye Dicker and Shannon Sailing: voice actor and Equity's Industrial Official for Audio and Games, on Cloned Without Consent, and what happened when Faye's voice was cloned and sold online.Dr Mathilde Pavis: intellectual property lawyer who helped build Equity's AI toolkit, on UK AI Law: Unfit for Purpose?, and what you can do to protect your voice today.David Menkin: actor and voiceover artist, on working across Games, Dubbing, Ads and Animation, and how AI risk differs in each sector.Dan Jones, former Head of Audio at Hachette UK, on The Audiobook Pipeline, and how AI narration is reshaping publishing.Cissy Jones: BAFTA award-winning actress and co-founder and CEO of Ethovox, on owning and protecting your voice, and what performers should check before licensing it.Bonnie Nordling: Managing Director of talent agency Nordlings, on Negotiating AI, and how agents are handling AI clauses in voiceover contracts.High Notes - where every conversation is a performance.Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.Follow us for more information:https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravauk/https://www.facebook.com/bravaukhttps://www.instagram.com/bravaukSubscribe to the BRAVA newsletter for regular updates on news, training opportunities, and insights from the world of voice:https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe

In this episode, Melissa sits down with professor, writer, and deep thinker, Dr. Margaret Heffernan, to explore creativity, uncertainty, and the power of authentic voice.Together, they talk about how artists and leaders can not only survive but thrive in unpredictable times, the importance of cultivating a personal style, and the art of communicating with clarity and impact.Margaret reflects on lessons from her childhood and career, shares insights from her latest book Embracing Uncertainty, and offers thoughtful guidance on building meaningful, creative lives.Tune in for inspiration and practical wisdom on navigating change, fostering creativity, and finding your voice at work and beyond.Links:https://www.mheffernan.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/99633.Margaret_Heffernanhttps://www.ted.com/speakers/margaret_heffernanReady to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast01:19 Meet Margaret Heffernan: Early Life and Influences05:54 Embracing Uncertainty: Insights from Margaret's Latest Book09:28 The Importance of Creativity and Adaptability16:49 The Power of Voice in Leadership21:19 Effective Communication: Avoiding Jargon and Clichés29:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business30:23 The Craft of Effective Communication35:32 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome37:11 The Importance of Curiosity and Noticing45:52 Creativity in Science and Engineering46:38 The Value of Arts in Education51:17 Building a Meaningful Creative Career

In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with legendary broadcaster, author, and coach Janey Lee Grace. From her days  on BBC Radio 2 with Steve Wright to her work as a coach in heart-centred communication, Janey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.She opens up about her memoir From Wham to Woo, her path to sobriety, and the transformative power of living, and communicating, with authenticity.Together, we explore the art of meaningful connection: how preparation, presence, and joy can elevate your message and your work. Janey also reflects on the life-changing decision to quit alcohol, and how helping others discover their true voice has become her greatest passion.Tune in for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.Links mentioned in the show:https://janeyleegrace.com/Janey’s books - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/432760.Janey_Lee_GraceThe Sober Club Podcast - https://www.thesoberclub.com/podcast/The Sober Diaries book by Clare Pooley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36301974-the-sober-diariesWhat Women Want - https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/ Find out more about this campaign in the next episode!Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:33 Meet Janie Lee Grace: Broadcaster, Author, and Coach01:38 Janie's Early Years and Path to Radio03:10 Lessons from BBC Radio with Steve Wright05:29 The Art of Connection and Presence06:53 Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience11:28 Writing a Memoir: From Wham to Woo16:07 Empowering Others to Find Their Voice19:58 Heart-Centred Communication in Business23:23 The Power of Nonverbal Cues24:15 Balancing Acting in Corporate Settings24:42 Finding Your Authentic Business Voice27:57 The Journey to Sobriety36:09 Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers38:50 Emerging Voices in Broadcasting and Coaching

In this episode of High Notes, Melissa chats with Dr Rockford “Rocky” Sansom, a renowned voice coach and author, about the power and presence of the human voice. Together, they unpack how to manage nerves, why simplicity can transform communication, and how to make your voice truly resonate.Rocky shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for building vocal confidence, connecting with your audience, and thriving in high-pressure situations. The conversation also touches on being authentically yourself, understanding what matters to your listeners, and using effective vocal tools to enhance impact.They round out the discussion exploring cultural differences in communication, the evolution of voice science, and how emotion shapes the way we sound and connect.Links:https://www.rockfordsansom.com/https://www.brava.uk.com/post/internationally-acclaimed-voice-coach-dr-rockford-sansom-joins-bravaWhy Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Should-Anyone-Led-You/dp/1578519713https://historyofenglishpodcast.com/Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:33 Meet Dr Rockford Sansom: Voice Coach Extraordinaire01:29 The Essence of Presence and Overcoming Nerves03:29 Finding Your True Voice06:48 Impact and Influence in Business Communication07:12 The Power of Breath and Storytelling09:59 Comfort in Being Seen: Lessons from Leaders14:52 Voice Actors in Professional Settings17:10 Dispelling Myths About Public Speaking23:55 Voice Pedagogy: Teaching and Techniques27:27 The Wine Cork Technique28:39 Voice Science in Coaching31:06 Voice Analysis and Training34:24 Changing Voices and Science37:36 Voice in the Boardroom43:02 Cultural Differences in Voice46:55 Joining BRAVA as a Master Coach48:25 Improving Vocal Presence50:16 A Transformative Coaching Story53:36 The Dynamic Nature of Voice Work

In this episode of BRAVA High Notes, we dive into what it truly means to build creative confidence and find your voice with Tricia Duffy.Tricia takes us through her inspiring journey, from a childhood filled with song and poetry to becoming a consultant, speaker, award-winning podcaster, creative mentor, and accomplished musician.Together, we explore:Overcoming imposter syndromeThe value of vocal trainingThe magic of authenticity in creative expressionTricia also shares insights from her own podcast, In Ten Years Time: How to Live a Creative Life, revealing how to think long-term about your creative journey and stay inspired along the way.Whether you’re a voice actor, business leader, or simply looking to reconnect with your creative side, this episode will leave you motivated to speak, and live, with confidence.Connect with Tricia: intenyearstime.comReady to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:38 Exploring Creative Confidence with Tricia Duffy01:20 Tricia's Early Years and Formative Experiences03:01 Evolving Relationship with Voice05:37 The Craft of Voice Acting06:39 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome11:42 Maintaining Vocal Health21:14 Tricia's Podcast and Long-Term Planning28:35 Applying Method Acting to Songwriting38:59 Final Thoughts and Future Vision