Bringing the Cosmere To Life | An Interview with Michael Kramer and Kate Reading

[@thedaver8]

"Honey, Michael and Kate are coming over! Bring out our finest goblets!"

[@SupremeDP]

Lol I didn't even notice. It fits so well!

[@thedaver8]

@@SupremeDP I need to up my goblet game

[@captnsquashypant82]

Since they have goblets I doubt his wife batted an eyelash lol.

[@jazzonthemoonBACKUP]

Yes, I was about to type that it looks like they're in some Middle Ages fantasy. 😅

[@matthewfrederick6783]

I have spent so much time listening to these wonderful people. Hundreds, probably thousands of hours at this point.

[@EllenSmyth]

"You do a very good job with the things." I think that "I am a stick" became such a popular quote because of Kate, actually.

[@cliffdavis3809]

literally the first thing i thought of and I was hoping she'd drop one for us, but alas. Love them both, Absolutely Iconic.

[@JacksonBockus]

That and “No mating!”

[@meatkirbo]

Her voice of Pattern is perfect. It’s so uncanny, which is perfect for the character, and yet still somehow so well-done that you can tell exactly how he’s talking. “I am a STICK” will always be a strong line. Not to mention how funny it is 😂

[@guitarfreak6]

@@meatkirbo "Liiiiees Shallan" is a common quote in our house

[@justinjmader]

When Michael mentioned the safety factor of listening to an audiobook in repetition, it brought tears to my eyes. These two people have been my safe place for over two decades..

[@jacobmoeller5345]

Same. Wiping the tears from my eyes right now.

[@carlbutcher2268]

I've only been doing audiobooks for a couple of years, but I'm right there with you. They've kept me company through many a dull night shift.

[@viniciuslima8876]

Kate's pattern voice and Michael's "IM FINE" Kal are just 2 of hundreds of unforgettable contributions that made the Stormlight stories even better

[@Nomgoose]

"NOOOO MATING!!!"

[@BryaParra]

Kate's Pattern and Michael's Wit are my favorite ❤

[@kokiri-heart7927]

Ah, someone remind me which book the “IM FINE” Kal part is in??

[@galaxydeathskrill5607]

​@@Nomgoosehahah from which Cosmere book is this from

[@drewgray4353]

@@galaxydeathskrill5607Oathbringer :)

[@aanagouvea]

OMG guys i love U 💗 I’m a blind person, you make books possible for me 😍

[@bryantbodnar]

Same here! These two have really brought the books to life.

[@dennzer]

@@bryantbodnarhow did you guys write a comment?

[@hastur1375]

​@@dennzerscreen readers most likely.

[@bryantbodnar]

@@dennzer Most smart phones these days have Screenreaders for us who cannot see, so that we can interact with the rest of the community.

[@juantaste8603]

How do you find the notification click on it go to the comment section and hit submit? I think someone’s lying.

[@loganleach3839]

As a legally blind person audio book are truly life changing and allow me to experience these amazing stories

[@eclecticcollector88]

Kate as Shallan pretending to be a Horneater and demanding Kaladin hand over his boots will forever be one of the best acted and funniest things I've ever heard.

[@SwordofMyFathers]

I AM OFFEND

[@SampatK164]

“I OFFEND” is regularly used in my household lol

[@harperparks9056]

This always stuck out as special to me to!

[@manubishe]

What's the series?

[@austinlong8791]

I absolutely love these two! My favorite is Kate’s voice of pattern it cracks me up every time

[@ChristopherRoss.]

No mating.

[@King_Achnatos]

NNNNOO MATING!

[@JEDSaje15]

mmmmMMMMMMMmmmmm

[@WheezingBobcat]

My wife walked in on me showering playing the audiobook. Kate was reading Pattern, and my wife just bursted out laughing and left.

[@mycointhetrees]

her voice bringing pattern to life is so good. she delivers his comedy so perfectly. what a performer

[@joshrysavy]

I found Brandon Sanderson because I finished the Wheel of Time audio books and just wanted to keep listening to these two! I saw Way of Kings had them narrating and was 40 hours, and for just one audible credit and I've been a BrandoSando superfan ever since!

[@cwstatic]

Same

[@ActualZombeard]

Pretty much, same here. I used my audible credit on WoK after finishing WoT. Been on the SandoTrain ever since.

[@TheHegi]

I was the other way around. I finished all of Brandon's works narrated by these two gems and I wanted to listen to them more. So I jumped in to TWoT...

[@mafisk67]

One of my most treasured items is the personalized voicemail on my cell phone that was recorded my Michael Kramer. I call my cell from my office phone sometimes just to hear him say “You have reached the voicemail of Matthew Fisk”. LOL

[@maedle99]

Lmaooooo

[@LeifLeffen]

These 2 brought the wheel of time characters to life for me since i listen to books mainly. Thanks for everything!

[@johnny2003]

Wheel of time and Sanderson. It’s crazy! To me that’s Mat, Perrin, and Rand. And Aviendha, Egywene, Moiraine, and Nynaeve.

[@Alucard0MEGA]

I clean, drive, run, and go to sleep listening to you. Thanks for helping Brandon bring his world's to life. They would not be the same without you!

[@ShinMalphur]

I straight Geeked when I heard Michael Kramer in the vid. Kaladin is just his regular voice and had me rolling, such an amazing VA 👏🏻🙏🏻

[@ShinyMudkip914]

I have listened to these two people's voices for hundreds of hours, they provide an immense feeling of comfort and happiness in my life. Weird seeing their faces. Thank you so much for your work Michael and Kate,

[@jaybrandon557]

I've been reading Brandon for nearly 11 years now, and listening to Michael and Kate read Brandon to me for nearly 10. I love the depth and character that they add to the books, and how listening helps me pick up on things that i don't notice while reading such as tone. Before i got into the cosmere audiobooks i didn't have a favorite SA character, but after i heard Michael read as the character of Dalinar through book 3, I have felt so moved by the true depth and strength of the character. As Brandon says in this video, it's now impossible for me to separate a character from the voice given to them by these two amazing performers. Thanks to them I now buy at least two versions of every one of Brandon's books.

[@checkerbokbok]

I'm glad I started with audiobooks for SA. The showdown in Thaylen city is absolutely THE MOST impactful moment in any piece of media ever. I already loved Dalinar before, but that moment... makes me super emotional.

[@dextorokyrozen8216]

I started listening to the Cosmere with Mistborn and from that point on i haven't stopped and you guys are the reason i listen to books for fun now

[@sobri1998]

Michael and Kate, I really hope you see this comment section and know how important you both are to this entire community. We all absolutely adore your readings, I know I'd be lost without you two reading to me while I drive or as I'm going to sleep. The cosmere saved my life, and you spoke the words that got me through the worst points. Thank you both ❤️ we love you!

[@fullmetalathlete]

I love how Michael understands the impact when he talks about the comfort of the habitual re-listen of an audiobook. Hundreds and hundreds of different audiobooks later, there is still no single sound that makes me feel as warm and fuzzy like a cozy blanket as starting a WoT re-listen and hearing Michael's voice calling for "Ilyena! Ilyena my love!"...those old recordings are home for me...

[@checkerbokbok]

I fall asleep listening to them on the regular when I can't sleep. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be on my 6th reread of SA after I finish RoW and restart for the release of Wind and Truth 🤣

[@flesruoYkcuFoGuoY]

Every chapter 1 of every WoT audiobook starting with Michael or Kate reading "The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass..." gives me goosebumps each time. Their voices lend a quality to the scope and almost mythical, legendary feel that TWoT imposes on it's audience. On my second audiobook read, and loving their performances all over again as well as the series! "Kneel before the Dragon Reborn, or you will be knelt."

[@fullmetalathlete]

@@flesruoYkcuFoGuoY yesssss that intro...14 books in a row, multiple re-listens in a row and every time it's like "ahhhh...all is right in the world"....

[@sumdumdog]

Absolute legends ❤ I read Wheel of Time back in school, and, a few years ago, convinced my boyfriend to listen to the audio books before bed. Now, completely hooked, we finished Wax and Wayne series, now working through Wind and Truth. Been an excellent experience from all three of you; thank you for everything!

[@xXxCh0n1cxXx]

I spent 7 years in the Marine Corp moving around every year and then did college abroad. It was hard to ever feel at home. Listening to audiobooks after I discovered them really helped. I could close my eyes and feel at home in a comfortable story no matter what continent I was in or whatever else may have been going on that day. 10/10 do recommend. Also, they met at what was my childhood mall and I am super sad I didn't know about these 3 back then as I only discovered Brandon in 2016 and Kate in 2013 narrating for Codex Alera. Loved this discussion!

[@kaimcdragonfist4803]

Kate’s commentary on the mountains of Utah and Colorado takes me right back to getting home from my mission to South Korea, flying between SLC and Twin Falls, and wondering where the heck everything was because it was all mountain. It’s something you take for granted living in the Rockies that you don’t notice until you leave

[@Ggollly]

Blew my mind when they said they self direct, produce and edit. Those are three major jobs on top of the already amazing reading. Extremely impressive.

[@tjfromreno]

The GOATS of Narration. ❤

[@northyhobbies]

I've probably heard Michael and Kate's voices more than my own family. I love reading but to me the experience of the Cosmere isn't complete unless I'm hearing it from these two, absolute masters of the trade. Thank you for breathing even more life in to these stories.

[@SirMooseGaming]

Love Michael and Kate's work, especially The Way of Kings, absolutely amazing!

[@CDour]

I often read along while listening to an audio book. The audio version helps keep me sane on my 1-2 hour commutes 5 days a week.

[@dylanhalifaux]

I really hope you two are still around for stormlight 10! Your voices have become integral to my vision of the whole cosmere, and i can't imagine experiencing Roshar and Scadrial without you.

[@TrentRyanKatzenberger]

Aaaah. Why would you make me realize that? They are kind of older. And Book 10 won't be for AT LEAST another decade.... Makes me wonder if he'll have someone else do the books from book 6 onwards. Just for consistency sake.

[@jaysemitchells497]

@@TrentRyanKatzenberger Book 10 isn't coming out before 2040. When he said he loves Kate's Jasnah I got sad because she will probably be too old to do Jasnah's book when it comes around

[@ShinyMudkip914]

I agree wholeheartedly, they are the voice of Brandon's cosmere

[@zigfriyd7818]

They are the voices of the Cosmere. Even when i read the books myself i hear them in my head.

[@reillyliner]

I have listened to Michael and Kate for hundreds of hours. I have enjoyed every second.

[@JEDSaje15]

These 2 made me enjoy books. My friend told me to listen to the WoT and their way of bringing it to life made me buy tons of more audio books and I enjoy actually reading now as well. Michael & Kate are, in my opinion, the industry standard of great audio narrating. Few compare and many fall short. They ARE the best!

[@JeffreyWigington]

Adding my thanks to Michael and Kate for making the stormlight archive come to life in such a magical way! I've been reading The Way Of Kings aloud to my wife and have tried my best to imitate their ways of speaking. These are the absolute best in the narrating world and I was very upset that Michael did not narrate the Sunlit Man.

[@checkerbokbok]

I appreciate that they branched out, but I was disappointed in the actor. He's not bad, but he's not Kramer.

[@JeffreyWigington]

@@checkerbokbok 💯 I was ok with it mostly until Hoid showed up sounding more dark and gruff instead of jovial and friendly.

[@checkerbokbok]

@@JeffreyWigington same, I don't think he did a good job with him. He was fine other than that though. 🤣 Ah well, we've still got many other books with Kramer! :D

[@themostselfishman]

Towering legends whose grace, wit, and warmth matches their incredible additions to the pantheon of high art.

[@KaladinSB]

Hands down the best readers to ever exist. For those of us that are unable to read physically for whatever reason, you bring the characters and worlds alive so well we can escape into the world for a time. Such a blessing to the world. Thank you!

[@Itharl]

The first time I listen to a Kate and Michael audiobook, I don't sleep (WAY too engrossing, and their performances are always *outstanding*). It's not until maybe the 5th playthrough that it's a thing I can fall asleep to. It is absolutely a compliment

[@Carl2197]

It’s so surreal seeing the people whom I’ve listened to for years for the first time. Legendary narrators

[@yojdawg]

And crazy to see Kate talking and sounding exactly like Shallan just naturally.

[@GabeWilliams]

I really try to never take audible and audiobooks in general for granted, because I remember when audiobooks were a big box of tapes at the library, and my mom would tell me I can't check them out because they're for deaf people. Today, I listen while I'm doing chores, or sped up while I'm reading to keep my pace going.

[@CptDansky]

What a gift we have been given today!!! Love these two! I can't imagine experiencing Roshar without them!

[@Cerul3dge]

These are my absolute GOATS! I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever be able to listen to an audiobook that isn’t narrated by these legends. LIFE BEFORE DEATH

[@arenkai]

I discovered those wonderful people at the very beginning of my Fantasy journey through The Wheel of Time. They are a national treasure to fantasy fans, thank you so much Kate and Michael for your hard work, and Brandon for keeping them on the Fantasy train for our delight ♥

[@Acamas1]

Thank you for bringing comfort and joy to our lives. It matters so much. All three of you.

[@youngbr1120]

I love this! I appreciate all of the work the three of you have done. Sando interviewing these legends is a great touch!

[@donnapeterson9489]

I absolutely LOVE Michael and Kate!! They really do make books come alive. Thank you for using your talents to bless us.

[@drewprew]

Its a funny thing, how important Michael and Kate are to myself and countless others. The first three books of the Wheel of Time I read with my own eyes. But all the remainder of the series and all of Brandon’s own work has been delivered to my ears by Michael and Kate. Thank you all for the great stories and characterizations these last couple decades.

[@bradyblake6573]

These two are absolute legends. I love both of them but Michael Kramer's voice will always hold a dear place in my heart for so many novels. Hearing Mistborn for the first time was amazing. Loved it. Thanks to both you you for such amazing, ever lasting content

[@ryanlott1108]

Ive been reading the wheel of time for 20+ years, ive loved the story from the very beginning. I feel like i never really experienced it until i discovered Michael and Kate's reading about 5 years ago. It was like a whole new experience even though i knew what was coming. I can't wait to experience the Stormlight Archive for the first time with them. Thank you both, and to you as well Brandon!

[@martinzubr2113]

After Wincott's reading of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn and Glenister's reading of the Cormoran Strike series (which are both sublime to a haunting degree), these two are my favourite audiobook narrators and they indeed make a difference, both in Wheel of Time and in Cosmere. Also, I'm re-listening to the Eye of the World in parallel with Stormlight and it's really funny to hear Michal so young and then aged in parallel. Thanks for this video!

[@pppaiste]

Michael's description of regular audio listeners is spot on for me. Listening to stormlight is just as much a relaxing thing as it is an entertaining thing. Thank you for this interview. I always love hearing about any part of the creative process.

[@Jasterouge]

I “read” the entire Wheel of Time series, Stormlight, etc. on audiobook. I love these two so much, they really bring the stories to life!

[@Hoodles321]

Genuinely thank you so much for making this video, it’s so great to get more of an insight into these wonderful people I’ve already spent over 400 hours of my life happily listening to, I’m just starting Wheel of Time and while I was enjoying the other version I had to quickly switch to their version of the books when I realised that it existed lol

[@stuartrobinson1338]

Audio books as a safe space. I love it I can definitely relate to this conversation. Thanks Michael and Kate and Brandon

[@sco0oppy]

As someone who can listen to audiobooks at work I'm very familiar with both your voices, so getting to know both of you more was lovely. Please never stop making them reading 50+ hour books Brandon, they make great listening to for the work week lol.

[@turbo-brian]

13:18 Absolute truth. When I think of Cosmere I do so in the voices of Michael and Kate.

[@AndrewBinning]

Thank you for this time with legends. Michael and Kate are my comfort zone and joy button.

[@T1000-s6l]

I love these wonderful people. All 3 of you are gems. Michael and Kate, Robert and Brandon have helped me through some dark, dark days and I don't think I might have made it to this point without your efforts and everyone else involved. Brilliant performance based on amazing writing. R,C Bray, Simon Valance and John Lee are also amazing narrator's. Thank you so much.

[@blairbrown7873]

This made me so happy to see these three together. So many hours of enjoyment came from the minds and voices of these three amazingly talented people.

[@colbycoles6983]

It's so awesome to see how passionate these two are about their art.

[@JohnChristiansen90]

Thank you Michael and Kate. Your work is wonderful and top notch narration. I have read the entire WoT, all Sanderson and the Licanius Trilogy. Your voices bring these amazing stories to life and have been so important to my own joy of reading and story telling.

[@ethanbrooks1615]

OH MY STORMING GOODNESS, BUT I LOVED LISTENING TO THEM TALK!

[@ridingwilding760]

I remember listening to Count of Monte Cristo on a road trip. I didn’t have a working tape player in my car so I took a mini boom box style tape player with a bunch of batteries and the massive plastic molded folders to hold an insane amount of tapes. I don’t remember thinking the narrator was bad, but years later when I started listening to books digitally I remember thinking that some of the narrators were just amazing. Early on it was listening to books my daughters would also enjoy listening to L.A Meyers Bloody Jack narrated by Kathrine Kellgren. She was who really brought my attention to how a fantastic narrator took a story to a whole new level. I have been a huge audiobook fan. I must have over a thousand saved audiobooks. And with my growing love of audiobooks my 3 children became quite attached to them. They went to bed listening to books after I read to them. All my children tested very high in vocabulary comprehension and use but also high in comprehension of what they heard read to them. I attribute this to the fact that they would listen endlessly to books well above their reading level. It wasn’t just for an hour with either their dad or me reading but on and off all day while playing. My son was even accused of having his parents doing his homework when younger because of his vocabulary. But it only took listening to him for a short time to realize that he easily retained vocabulary and used it appropriately.

[@NATO_THUNDER]

Michaels voice is so damn iconic, from Rand al’Thor to Kaladin Stormblessed to Kelsier and even Syl. This man is a legend

[@REXCRAFT88]

It's so comforting to get a new audio book and hear them reading it, like talking to an old friend

[@JeffBreyer]

All three of the literary greats in one place. Thanks for this video.

[@wtbanyname]

This interview is such a treat. Thank you to all involved.

[@lodgekeepe]

Brandon, Michael, Kate, THANK YOU! ❤️ Deeply appreciate all your work!! Hours and hours of enjoyment! You have blest my life! 🙌

[@specialknees6798]

Michael Kramer reading Sanderson's words has honestly given me more strength than I thought fiction ever could. I revisit chapter 67 of the way of kings often, and almost never without tearing up.

[@michellecronin3907]

I started audiobooks from road trips, but audiobooks are how I got my husband and family into some of Brandon’s books. Especially for people who have a hard time reading, audiobooks are the best way to entice them read. I literally had him read while listening to help my son. (his favorite is Skyward Series) It’s such a great help to have a great story narrated by great performers. Michael and Kate are my favorite narrators.

[@weastie87]

I haven't thought extensively on why I enjoy audiobooks so much, but Michael's comment hit the nail on the head. Listening to a masterpiece performance of a book that you love is comfortable, and a safe space. Michael and Kate, thanks for always giving me a ride on a trip to other worlds. I actively seek out work that these two have produced together. (along with James Marsters, but he isn't in this video)

[@cosminpricopoaea8862]

It is surreal to hear such legends talk about normal life stuff. Wow such an impact!

[@LessThePattern]

I have hundreds of hours of listening to these two tell long, epic stories (and repeats of those). It's a wonderful thing, and I deeply appreciate the reprieve from the everyday. All three of you are doing such wonderful work.

[@lindsaydice905]

Kate and Michael have brought me so much joy with their narration. Just magic.

[@kelsier06]

Scoring Micheal and Kate as the primary voices of the Cosmere was one of the smartest things Brandon has done. The perfect book with the perfect narrator is a beautiful thing.

[@derekgindlesperger1575]

As an up-and-coming audio book narrator myself, it is so awesome that Brandon gives spotlight to his narrators. Also, Brandon is a great interviewer.

[@fugitbrothersmusic]

We got three final bosses sittin' right there. Amazing. One of the best things I've seen in a while.

[@MrCaretucker]

Love these narratorrs, they've done such a great job distinguishing themselves with their voicing and characters.

[@SheehytheChuby1]

These two are absolutley, by far mt favorite narrators. I also love that they had a connection with grover gardner, as he narrates The Stand, which is my favorite novel

[@syfaxx]

This is awesome literally any audio book read by this couple is worth checking out just for them alone

[@mycointhetrees]

i will adore their voices and performances until the end of time. thank you both so much for the work you’ve put in to bring these stories to life!

[@СергейЧерноусов-э2ъ]

Thank you so much for you work! All of you, it is just so wanderful. Waiting for the 5th book with your voices, I just can't read it in any other way at this point.

[@mrbadger7395]

These two are legends in my world.

[@tiffro]

These two are the sound of Stormlight for me. And when I recently started Mistborn I literally chanted "please be Michael Kramer, please be Michael Kramer" as I searched for the audio book. I have been learning to deal with my PTSD the last few years, and part of that is dealing with accepting my reduced attention span. I've tried to force myself through reading and it has made me feel like a failure because I have always been a prolific reader. Eventually I decided to try Stormlight audiobooks and Michael and Kate brought the stories to life for me. Thank you.

[@dioneosphorus8847]

Nice room. **sips from goblet**

[@mineandfly]

I could watch so much more of this.

[@derekswanson22]

Thank you so much for this!! 3 of my favorite people I’ve never met.

[@Thurban]

Michael and Kate have been a tremendous part of my experience through the Cosmere! So much so that when I was initially apprehensive about starting WoT because it was 14 books, but then I saw it was them through the whole series, I instantly flipped to excitement. Seeing their names sealed the deal for me!

[@ender1598]

What an amazing duo!

[@DqwertyC]

It's a credit to their talent that, despite having listened to both Michael and Kate for hundreds of hours each, I probably would not have been able to recognize them from just their normal talking voices in this interview

[@zachowey]

I came to say the same thing! This is the first interview with them I've seen and it was amazing to hear their regular speaking voices compared to the content I know them from

[@Geckomayhem]

That was a great interview. Really cool to hear about the old days of tapes and then how they direct, produce and narrate as one job now. I feel like I am the only commenter who has never listened to an audio book. I grew up reading, but I can imagine how immersive it could be to listen to stories being narrated to you by talented voice actors.

[@nigelmacquillan7211]

I love how in any creative discipline what's constant is when you're doing it and doing it well you just flow..

[@lorddenithal]

I love audio books. These guys are the goats. I kept hearing characters from the book as they talked during this interview.

[@hazeltallent7398]

The GOATs.

[@MagetaTheLion]

For me it's really the GOAT trio of Kate Reading, Michael Kramer and also Steven Pacey that are far superior than all the other narrators...

[@hkfifty871]

I don’t sleep to audiobooks myself, but I could definitely see how the steady, rumbling gravitas of Michael’s voice could be extremely calming to help someone drift to sleep. It is a magnificent reading voice.

[@ianostdiek]

Helped me so much to become a reader. Audio books boosted my confidence so much.

[@coanderyson]

I've listened to these two talk more than any people in my entire adult life 😅 ... thanks Brandon

[@RocketAdminAustin]

I'm one of those people who like to have both an audio and text version of a book when I'm reading it. Especially the first time. I usually borrow an ebook from the library and get the audiobook from audible. I'll listen while doing chores or driving to work then read when I have downtime or after my son goes to bed. It's nice keepomg the audiobook because sometimes I like to relisten to my favorite stories when driving or relaxing in bed.

[@michellecronin3907]

I started audiobooks from road trips, but audiobooks are how I got my husband and family into some of your books. Especially for people who have a hard time reading, audiobooks are the best way to entice him to read. I literally had him read while listening to help him. (his favorite is Skyward Series) It’s such a great help. Michael and Kate are my favorite narrators.

[@thebookwyrm235]

I've barely listened to any of the Sanderson audiobooks (despite having read all of them) and it STILL sounds surreal to hear those voices not narrating. Thanks so much for all you do, you two!

[@captainGrammar1]

I love the idea of going to Roshar to feel safe.

[@vigilantScrivener]

Honestly, from the Cosmere to the Licanius Trilogy to the Dandelion Dynasty to Codex Alera to the Wheel of Time, Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have made my shift at work so much better with their excellent narrations.

[@ambbb4691]

The two best narrators ever