Hey, Jessie! Ok, so that’s not the Jessie you’re gonna meet… but you gotta admit that the theme song is catchy. Say hello to Kat Callaghan (she/her), radio host, voice artist, and the actual voice behind Jessie, TikTok’s text-to-speech filter. “My life has definitely changed quite a bit since the reveal,” she says. “My voiceover business has been busier, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on so many interesting projects. Many people have even thanked me for being a voice when they have none, or are not comfortable using their own, allowing them to take part in the fun of social media. I just love that my voice is helping people feel and be included.”

And we love that, too! Here, we learned how Kat got started in radio hosting, her thoughts on TikTok sounds influencing society as we know it, and whether she prefers her own voice to Siri.

How did you get involved in radio hosting?
I’m originally from Canada and growing up, broadcasting always seemed like a perfect fit for me. After working at a television station in high school, I decided to go to college for a TV and Radio Broadcasting Program. In my first year, I got a job at a radio station and that was it for me! I also decided to set up my own home studio so I could occasionally work on commercials. This ultimately led to the official start of Kat Callaghan Voiceovers in 2015. To this day, I still host a syndicated radio show in Canada called The Scott & Kat Show.

So, what are your thoughts on TikTok sounds and how they’re influencing society?
TikTok sounds have had a big influence on culture and have become part of our everyday lives. Even for those not on TikTok, these sounds have the ability to reach a wide audience of people. I personally love using TikTok and find myself watching a balance of education and entertainment videos. My fave creators include Bethenny Frankel because she keeps it real, plus a couple of accounts I’ve had the privilege of teaming up with like Daily Blast Live and On Air with Ryan Seacrest.

Social media can take a real toll on one’s mental health. How are you able to work with it everyday?
People often ask me how the heck I do everything I do… and it’s a valid question. I’m a syndicated radio host, podcaster, voiceover artist, and mother of two. A lot of us can relate to being busy and not finding the time to do it all. For me, it comes down to balance. If I need to take a day to relax, I do it. We often feel so guilty about taking time to ourselves, which is a terrible concept! We have to find what works best for us, whether that’s taking breaks, sleeping, or just putting yourself first. That’s why I’m a fan of apps like Calm for both the sleep content, but also the general positive mental health impact it has.

Speaking of Calm, you recently did a Sleep Story with them. Tell us about it!
Once Upon a TikTok Tale brings people on a journey to sleep through a variety of trending TikTok genres like “oddly satisfying” things and ASMR. I start in my Jessie voice that is familiar to TikTok users, then slowly transition into my normal, far more relaxing voice and gradually speak slower and sleepier. Calm’s Sleep Stories are thoughtfully written and produced to gently lull listeners to sleep through soothing narration and music, which can give people an alternate and enjoyable solution to getting a good night’s sleep.

And lastly, we have to ask: Siri or Jessie?
I may be biased, but Jessie! Fun fact: I actually met the original voice of Siri and we bonded over the shared experience of millions of people knowing our voices.