Riding NJ Transit from Secaucus to Rutherford Subscribe for more trains & such >> There’s a unique thrill that comes with commuting during rush hour. The hustle and bustle, the crowded platforms, and the anticipation of the long journey ahead all contribute to the experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on an eventful train ride from Secaucus Junction (a favorite hot spot to railfan at) to Rutherford on the NJ Transit Bergen County Line. Little did I know that this particular ride would be filled with unexpected surprises, from a rare locomotive to the invigorating sounds and smells of a true NJ transit experience. A Rare Locomotive and the Majestic Horn: As I stepped onto the platform, I noticed something peculiar in the distance —the train approaching the station was led by a rare Metro North EMD GP40PH-2M locomotive #4906. Its distinct appearance stood out among the more common engines probably because it's the only one of its kind that Metro North uses. The GP40PH-2Ms and GP40-FH 2Ms are very similar yet have distinct differences. They're both an absolute thrill to watch in action. As the train departed, the powerful engine roared to life, echoing through the station and under every tunnel and bridge we crossed. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the symphony of mechanical sounds filling the air. But the highlight of this auditory experience was undoubtedly the majestic horn which sounded like a Nathan K5LA (the classic horn of Amtrak in the 1990s). Its resounding blast reverberated with authority, announcing its presence to anyone within earshot. Seated just behind the locomotive, I could hear it loud and clear, adding a touch of grandeur to the journey. The True NJ Transit Experience: One thing that distinguishes a NJ Transit ride is its authenticity—a combination of sights, sounds, and smells that immerse you fully into the commuter experience. Unfortunately, that includes the occasional diesel fumes. As the passenger car door stood open during the ride, the pungent odor of diesel managed to seep into the cabin. Good thing I was getting off at the first station. Although it may not be the most pleasant scent, it served as a reminder of the authenticity of this transit system, where every aspect of the journey is experienced. Loud Noise, Smells, and Crowded Rush Hour Bliss: It goes without saying that rush hour trains tend to be crowded, and this ride was no exception. People packed themselves into every available space, forming a mosaic of commuters seeking their destinations. The clamor of conversations, the rustle of newspapers, and the occasional phone ringtone blended into a symphony of urban sounds. It was both chaotic and strangely comforting, knowing that this shared experience connected us all as we embarked on our daily routines. The Rutherford Station Crossing: Finally, we arrived at Rutherford, our destination. But the excitement didn’t end there. The Rutherford train, like many stations along the Bergen Line, boasts a unique feature—a crossing right by the platform. As we disembarked from the train, we had the opportunity to walk over to the crossing gates and watch our train take off into the distance. Standing there, feeling the vibrations of the tracks under my feet, I marveled at the sheer power of the locomotive as it gradually disappeared from view. It was a sight that encapsulated the beauty and strength of these remarkable machines. I'm sure everyone else just wanted to get to their cars. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

NHL TV Commercial Strikes Emotional Chords The NHL TV commercial "Look Up" for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is truly heartwarming. It taps into our emotions in a relatable and authentic way. When I first heard it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This is the type of ad that inspires me to keep refining my craft as a voice actor. The speaker's relatability, cadence, and subtle nuances are perfectly executed. The voice is so seamlessly integrated into the story that it's almost forgotten. Even though I'm not a hockey fan, the message still resonated with me.

Nan Goldin's story in 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed' Nan Goldin, a true artistic visionary, captures emotions like no other. Her photography, combined with tireless activism, has left an indelible mark on history. During my senior year of college, while perusing the photography section of a used book store, I stumbled upon a compilation of photographs by various artists. Within this collection, I discovered a few selections from Nan Goldin’s iconic book, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency. I found myself drawn to her exploration of mood, grounding the viewer in intimate human experiences. There was an undeniable authenticity to her work, devoid of staging, that spoke to me on a profound level. In Laura Poitras' film "All The Beauty and the Bloodshed," Goldin's story unfolds against the backdrop of New York City in the tumultuous 1970s and 80s, spanning the AIDS crisis and beyond. This era provides the canvas upon which Goldin’s narrative takes shape. Prepare to be moved.

Scenic Train Excursion from Grand Central Terminal to Danbury Subscribe for more trains & such >> Embarking on a picturesque train journey is an excellent way to spend a Saturday, especially with beautiful weather. Metro North's New Haven Line offers an exceptional experience, starting from the iconic Grand Central Terminal in NYC and venturing along the stunning Connecticut coastline via electric rail. The adventure continues with a transfer at South Norwalk for a diesel train ride on the Danbury branch, which takes passengers on a captivating scenic route through the picturesque inland landscapes through Northwestern Connecticut. Coastal Splendor: Grand Central Terminal to South Norwalk The journey commences at the magnificent Grand Central Terminal, where anticipation and excitement usually fill the air. Boarding Metro North's New Haven Line M8 rail cars, the train travels up Park Ave through Harlem (birthplace of Harry Belafonte, Billie Holiday), Fordham in the Bronx through Mount Vernon (home of Pete Rock, Heavy D), New Rochelle (Joey Calderazzo) and the neighboring towns of Rye, Mamaroneck and Greenwich to name a few. As the train zooms through quaint coastal towns, passengers are treated to glimpses of picturesque harbors, charming real estate, and several encounters of passing trains in the opposite direction. It's a visual feast that I never get sick of. Transfer at South Norwalk: Gateway to Danbury Branch Upon reaching South Norwalk, passengers embark on a seamless transfer to the diesel train that awaits them on the opposite track - the Danbury branch. The train consists of four passenger cars operated by a Brookville BL20GH locomotive. This transition marks the beginning of a calmer, more enchanting leg of the journey, where coastal vistas become captivating inland landscapes. The change in scenery introduces a new dimension to the experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the tranquil charm of Connecticut's countryside and forget the bustle of the city. As the diesel train slowly departs from South Norwalk, it ventures into the heart of Connecticut, traversing picturesque towns and rolling hills. The Danbury branch showcases the region's natural splendor, with lush forests, meandering rivers, and idyllic rural scenes unfurling outside the train windows. It's easy to get lost in the surrounding hills and valleys of Bethel, Wilton and Cannondale. This line holds a captivating allure with its final destination, Danbury, which happens to be home to the renowned Danbury Railroad Museum, where legendary locomotives and passenger fleets from the past several decades find their place of honor. Ryan Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

Visiting Newark Broad Street Station Subscribe for more trains & such >> Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Newark Broad Street station in Newark, New Jersey for the first time. While it may not have been my favorite train station to film at, the experience was still memorable and enjoyable in its own right. As I arrived at the station, I was immediately struck by its charm. The architecture, with its historic touch, exuded a certain elegance that transported me back to a bygone era. The atmosphere was buzzing with activity as commuters and travelers went about their daily routines, creating a lively backdrop for my railfanning adventure. I was able to catch most trains served at this station including Gladstone, Montclair-Boonton, Morristown and Newark Light Rail lines. One aspect that stood out during my visit was the relatively lower frequency of express trains passing through the station. Compared to some other locations I've visited, where express trains speed by in a whirlwind, Newark Broad Street had a slower pace. This might disappoint those seeking fast and exhilarating shots of trains in action. Additionally, diesel locomotives were less prevalent which was a bit limiting. The Weather's Redemption While the lack of express trains and diesel locomotives might have been a drawback for some railfans, the weather compensated for these minor inconveniences. One notable advantage of railfanning at Newark Broad Street station was the elevated platform, offering a commanding view of the surrounding area and the open sky. Positioned above the hustle and bustle, I had a unique vantage point to capture the trains as they arrived and departed. In addition, the station's close proximity to Interstate 280 relieved me from the stress of driving and navigating through rush hour traffic. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

The Irony of Narrating Sports as a Non-Sports Enthusiast As a voice actor, I've always been fascinated with the art of storytelling. However, what's ironic about my profession is that I have no interest in sports whatsoever. Despite this, I've found myself narrating sports content with great success. This happened on a recent project I narrated for Professional Fighters League. You can see a snippet below. Many people assume that a passion for sports is a prerequisite for voicing sports content, but in my case, that couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, I rely on my ability to understand the script, interpret the tone, and convey the message in a way that resonates with the specific audience. It's a form of storytelling. I strive to convey the excitement, tension and drama of the game or match, even if I don't always understand the rules or the technicalities involved. In that way it's very similar to a theater performance, concert or event. It's almost as if my lack of sports knowledge and trivia has actually helped me in my profession. It allows me to focus on drama and emotions rather than being bogged down by the details. It also gives me the freedom to approach the script creatively and bring my unique voice to it.

Riding the Pascack Valley Line from Hoboken to Montvale Subscribe for more trains & such >> Join us on a rail adventure as we travel along the Pascack Valley Line on NJ Transit from Hoboken to Montvale, just before the New York State border. As a first-time rider on this route, I was excited to escape the chaos of New York and enjoy the added bonus of a diesel locomotive and passenger fleet. The Pascack Valley Line runs daily between Hoboken, NJ, through Hudson/Bergen counties and finally terminates at Spring Valley in Rockland County, New York. Although the ride was less scenic than the Bergen/Main Lines, especially at the beginning of the trip, it felt more like the Danbury or Waterbury branch of the Metro North New Haven Line. During the 1 hour and 25 minute ride, we passed through many small towns with each station having a crossing, which meant plenty of train horn sounds for this railfan. The NJ Transit conductors were friendly and professional, and we arrived in Montvale with high hopes of a full day of train activity. Unfortunately, I soon realized that only one train passed through here per hour. Nonetheless, Montvale is a charming town with enough activities to keep me occupied, including a Jersey Mike's, Starbucks and train tracks headed into the forest. I look forward to exploring a station with more train activity during my next adventure. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

Subscribe for more trains & such >> A Railfan Paradise in the mountains of New Jersey Nestled in the picturesque Bergen County in Northeastern New Jersey, Ho-Ho-Kus station is a railfan's paradise. This station services both Main Line and Bergen County Line NJ Transit customers traveling to Suffern, NY or Hoboken NJ. Even express trains headed to Port Jervis, NY can be seen blasting through the station. The ride up to the station is smooth and scenic, with breathtaking views of the mountains. The station building, constructed in 1952, is small but cozy, more like a rest area than a full-service station. There are no amenities around, just three tracks - one northbound, one southbound, and a middle express track. Rush hour is bustling with rail activity, which is a sight to behold. And when there are no trains, the station is peaceful, with only the sounds of nature. Don't miss out on the chance to witness the magic of Ho-Ho-Kus station. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

Appreciating the talented vocalist Samara Joy Lately, I've been listening to the entrancing melodies of Grammy award-winning vocalist, Samara Joy. Her voice is truly a delight to the ears, and it's incredibly refreshing to hear a talented performer who has it all - not just a good voice but also a genuine passion for music. Her performances are a breath of fresh air, and she truly deserves all the recognition she's receiving.

Navigating the Challenges of Home Recording Before the pandemic, voice over actors had a normal routine of auditioning and recording in person and at home. Our own recording booths were only used about half of the time. In early 2020, there were promising career opportunities, a swanky new office location for one of my agencies as well as regular socializing with agents, actors and other creative professionals a few times a week. However, everything changed to say the least and here we are over three years later. It seems like it was yesterday. While this has allowed for greater privacy and the ability to be one's true self, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and unease, especially when you're used to being in a studio surrounded by other creatives. However, as voice actors, we can use this vulnerability to our advantage and enhance each read/performance. By tapping into our emotions and creating a deeper connection with the characters we're portraying, we can bring authenticity and depth to every project. In addition, it's important to use our time at home wisely to avoid being stuck in one place all day. Taking breaks, exercising, and finding ways to interact with others are great ways to make the most of it. But it takes patience, determination and a love of what we do. And lastly, never losing sight of the fact that even though we may be physically alone, we're still a part of a supportive and creative community.

Bonding with Dad over the Rails Growing up, I didn't have the typical childhood experiences of playing little league or traditional sports. Instead, my dad and I shared a special relationship that revolved around music and trains. We played catch, but our real bonding occurred over our shared passion for locomotives.
 In 1989, I discovered a National Geographic documentary called "Love Those Trains," and it had me hooked. Living in New Haven, which was a hub of rail activity, allowed me to witness everything firsthand. Dad was my guide, taking me to train crossings, stations and showing me the ins and outs of that world. During this time, VHS was also becoming popular, and my dad had one of the earliest camcorders. He often filmed at family parties, events and, you guessed it, crossings so I began to take my micro-cassette recorder to capture the audio. Recently, I stumbled upon wumzeke's channel on YouTube, a fellow railfan, which showcases old Amtrak footage. Watching some of those videos brought back fond memories of Dad and I experiencing the magic of trains together. The sound of the classic F40PH locomotive, Amfleet passenger cars and the horn had an indescribable majesty that still resonates with me today.

Nick Offerman the actor, writer and wood shop owner If you haven't seen it yet, don't miss out on The Last of Us on HBO (Omg that was so two months ago). Although I never played the game, I've heard that the adaptation and storytelling are top-notch. Episode 4, in particular, features a beautiful on-camera love story that has captivated audiences worldwide, and the two actors responsible for its success are Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett of White Lotus. Offerman, best known for his portrayal of the stereotypically masculine Ron Swanson in Parks and Rec, proves himself to be a multi-talented individual who knows no limitations, breaking through genre and performance barriers to create memorable work. But, that's not all. He is also a gifted writer and proud owner of a wood shop, Offerman Woodworking. Nick Offerman is a positive presence in a chaotic and uncertain world and that inspires me.