KENNEDY HIBBERT
Each of us performs a “character” in our daily lives. Like an actor on a stage, we pretend we’re always okay, act like we have it all together, and hide the parts of ourselves that feel messy, vulnerable, or broken—often masking our mental health struggles in the process. These roles can leave us feeling isolated, especially when everyone else is "performing" too.
Hosted by voice actor, mental health advocate, and human being Kennedy Hibbert, Breaking Character is a mental health podcast that invites us to step out of these roles and into something more honest. We are going “off script" with actors and voice actors as they leave their roles behind to share their true selves—struggles and all. We explore the courage it takes to be the first person to say, “I’m not okay,” and that this vulnerability is not weakness—it’s something to be proud of.
Recorded in the great outdoors, this podcast captures unfiltered conversations and genuine connection with an authenticity unlike any other. This is an invitation to drop the mask, break out of the role, and step fully into the real.
Each of us performs a “character” in our daily lives. Like an actor on a stage, we pretend we’re always okay, act like we have it all together, and hide the parts of ourselves that feel messy, vulnerable, or broken—often masking our mental health struggles in the process. These roles can leave us feeling isolated, especially when everyone else is "performing" too.
Hosted by voice actor, mental health advocate, and human being Kennedy Hibbert, Breaking Character is a mental health podcast that invites us to step out of these roles and into something more honest. We are going “off script" with actors and voice actors as they leave their roles behind to share their true selves—struggles and all. We explore the courage it takes to be the first person to say, “I’m not okay,” and that this vulnerability is not weakness—it’s something to be proud of.
Recorded in the great outdoors, this podcast captures unfiltered conversations and genuine connection with an authenticity unlike any other. This is an invitation to drop the mask, break out of the role, and step fully into the real.
EPISODES!
MICHAEL MISHKIN
Auguste (Octopath Traveler 0) | Lance Roji (Beyblade x) | Luminar (Sharkbait)
Our FIRST episode of "Breaking Character"! Michael and Kennedy discover what it means to be present with each other, noticing themselves acting different on camera, and quite literally "shaking things up" to get out of their heads. This is an conversation about online vulnerability, the challenge of reaching out for help, and how human connection is the key to struggle.
KENDELL BYRD
Rappa (Honkai: Star Rail) | Reiyu Kuwabara (Beyblade x) | Nikki (Barbie Mysteries)
Between Kendell and Kennedy's personalities, there was no shortage of bubbly energy. Yet, there was still stillness in those deeper moments as they discussed being POC in the voiceover industry, and their experiences dealing with OCD and GAD respectively. This is an episode about letting go of control, believing in ourselves no matter what, and acting like it's impossible to fail!
"THE VOLNERABLE" EPISODES!
The first version of our podcast, where voice actors shared their struggles to prove that "vulnerability is something to be proud of."
EZRA WEISZ
Director of Miraculous Ladybug, Kaname Kuran in Vampire Knight, Fugo in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure on optimism, connection, and benefits of exercise!
JENNY YOKOBORI
Voice of Yoimiya in Genshin Impact, Xueyi in Honkai: Star Rail, and Evie in Fortnite on living through her dad's Alzheimer's and finding joy through media!
ARIANA NICOLE GEORGE
Voice of Gold Citrine Cookie in Cookie Run Kingdom, Rose in Romancing Saga 2, and Baby Peggy in Barbie: A Touch of Magic on the reality of OCD!
JOHN ERIC BENTLEY
JOHN PATNEAUDE
Voice of Daemon in Date Everything!, Yudias in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Quatre in Trails Through Daybreak on Self-Worth, Confidence, and "finding your people"!
AIDEN DAWN
Voice of Ronova in Genshin Impact, Cyrene in Honkai: Star Rail, and Kakania/Voyager in Reverse: 1999 on the reality of chronic illness, and seeking professional help.
KATE CLARKE
Voice of Latla in Undead Unluck, Isolde in Seven Deadly Sins, Oronyx in Honkai: Star Rail and Lepine-Pauline in Genshin Impact on body image and self-love!
DAYEANNE HUTTON
Voice of Barret Wallace in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on getting through depression, suicide prevention, and the power of community.
Voice of Kate Marsh in Life Is Strange on the importance of mental health advocacy, embracing your true self, and comparing ourselves to others.
REBA BUHR
SAMANTHA MORRISON
Voice of Rose & Juleka in Miraculous Ladybug, Aoi in Demon Slayer, and Princess Ivy in Fire Emblem Engage on managing anxiety and how to get professional help.
Casting director of Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, Black Desert Online, and World War Z on boundaries, burnout, and navigating mental health in the voiceover industry.
WHAT'S NEW?
CHECK OUT OUR 2025 RECAP!
To celebrate an amazing year, here's a highlight of all our guest's answers to our final question: "What is your favorite thing about yourself?"
Diagnosed at sixteen with clinical depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder following her mother’s battle with breast cancer, Kennedy understands the pain of dealing with mental illness alone and the barriers that sometimes keep us from being vulnerable and seeking help.
However, in the darkest time in her life, Kennedy discovered joy through the art of voice acting, and dedicated herself to pursuing it as a life-long dream and career.
Using the knowledge, empathy, and strength she gained from her experiences, as well as the community she has fostered through her work, Kennedy started “The VOlnerable” podcast”, later the "Breaking Character" podcast as a way to provide connection and support to those who feel as alone as she once did. She is a living, breathing example that no matter how dark our journeys may get, there is always light. We can and will make it out, and we will thrive.
is a California-born, Arizona-raised creative from a small town and a big family. Her family experienced incredible hardships surrounding mental illness and loss even before she was born. At a very young age, Kennedy was forced to confront some of the most terrifying life truths, to say goodbye to friends and family members, and to learn to carry on despite it all.
ABOUT THE HOST!
Kennedy Hibbert
