Meet Matt
Matt Godfrey is an award-winning audiobook narrator, actor, and performance coach based in Birmingham, Alabama.
His narration has earned the Odyssey Award, multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, and nominations for the Audie and Voice Arts Awards. He has narrated over 300 audiobooks, including works by Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, George Saunders, Ray Bradbury, Donald Ray Pollock, and Harry Crews.
AudioFile Magazine has praised his exceptional presentation and extraordinary range, and his ability to navigate complex narratives with agility — noting that he matches each character's voice so precisely that listeners can tell who is speaking by inflection alone.
Before focusing on audiobooks, Matt spent nine years as a working actor in Los Angeles, appearing in film and TV from Netflix, Disney, and CBS, and in national commercials for Progresso, Chevy, and Old Navy. He holds a degree in theater and brings that training to every aspect of his coaching.
He created Godfrey Performance Studio to help artists develop the skills that make their work irreplaceable and unmistakably human, working with clients worldwide via Zoom — LA-level expertise with personal attention and Southern accessibility.
When he's not coaching or recording, Matt spends his time drinking good coffee, reading good books, and hanging out with his excellent family.
Why I coach
After nine years as a professional actor in Los Angeles and recording over 300 audiobooks, I've learned what separates good performance from great: it's not technical perfection. It's the courage to be present and vulnerable with the material.
Whether you're stepping on stage, working in front of a camera, or standing at a microphone, the same truth applies. Audiences connect with authenticity, not polish. They respond to performers who've done the preparation and have the emotional availability to fully live the moment.
Your humanity isn't a liability. It's your competitive advantage.
I created Godfrey Performance Studio to help artists and professionals cultivate that advantage, through thorough preparation and authentic presence. Because in an age of shortcuts and surface-level technique, the performers who understand their craft deeply and show up truthfully are the ones who do work that matters.
Featured reviews
Godfrey's exceptional presentation makes this creepy story thrilling to hear…
AudioFile Magazine
Narrator Matt Godfrey perfectly assumes the persona of the crack investigative reporter, absolutely nailing McSwane's tone, which varies from indignant to exasperated to deadpan.
Library Journal
Godfrey has extraordinary range, but more essential is his agility as he leads us through a maze of plots, subplots, and sub-subplots…
AudioFile Magazine
Matt Godfrey performs the audiobook edition with an incredible ear for dialogue… With every new revelation or plot twist, Godfrey's performance will have listeners sitting on the edge of their seats.
Book Riot