They say don’t meet your heroes. But then, they say a lot of things.

My friend Roy B. Yokelson is someone whose sound existed in my world years before we met. Some of my favorite movie sound design, commercials, rock music, all feature this guy’s sound design, his hands-on audio nerd pro work. He runs a little outfit called Antland Productions. He’s the real deal. Seriously, go look at his IMDB if you think I’m being hyperbolic. I’ll wait.

I just about groupied the guy the first time I saw him, at the Mid-Atlantic Voiceover Conference in November of ’22. I saw this guy across a lobby, back turned to me, long snowy hair, tie-dye t-shirt, and I believe my actual words may have been — in my typically demure manner — “OMIGAWD YOU GOTTA BE UNCLE ROY!” I really know how to make a first impression. 🤣

So anyway… I just wanted to mention this man, who has become a friend, while we’re all still walking the earth. Uncle Roy has worked with giants in several industries, and he has also loaned the likes of me equipment. He has live-produced rockstars, but he always makes time for bagels with pals. And he just happens to be on my mind today because in the last two weeks he’s given me a really cool reference in the podcasting and sound design world; and pointed me towards a great microphone at a great deal. Nobody makes him do these things. He just helps people who are helping themselves, with advice and tech support and humor.

That’s it, that’s all. Just a little note about one of the very cool friends I made when I went out to meet colleagues. I’ll be down in the studio if anybody needs me. 😎

#HattitudeOfGratitude🎩