Matt Godfrey is an award-winning audiobook narrator, actor, and performance coach based in Birmingham, Alabama.
His audiobook narration has earned the prestigious Odyssey Award, a Audie Award, multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards, and nominations for SOVAS and Independent Audiobook Awards. He has narrated over 300 audiobooks including works by Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Ray Bradbury, Donald Ray Pollock, Alexis Hall, Roger Zelazny, and Harry Crews.
AudioFile Magazine has praised his "exceptional presentation," "extraordinary range," and ability to navigate complex narratives with agility, noting that he "matches each character's voice perfectly, making it easy for listeners to discern who is speaking by inflection alone."
Before focusing on audiobook narration, Matt spent 9 years as a working actor in Los Angeles, appearing in film and TV from Netflix, Disney, and CBS, and national commercials for Progresso Soups, Chevy, Old Navy, and more. He holds a degree in theater and brings that theatrical training to every aspect of his coaching.
Matt created Godfrey Performance Studio to help artists develop the skills that make their work irreplaceable and unmistakably human. He works with clients worldwide via Zoom, combining 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.
Follow him @godfreyreads:
Why I Coach
After nine years as a professional actor in Los Angeles and recording over 100 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
“…[N]arrator 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