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IamA Former Homeless Man to Commercial Voice Actor Ted Williams AMA!
My short bio: Most of you know the story considering reddit was one of the ways my story went viral in 2011, but for those who don't know, my name is Ted Williams. I used to be homeless and struggled with drugs, but after someone at the Columbus Dispatch recorded a video of my "Golden Voice" and posted it online, my life went viral.
Since recovering, I started a The Ted Williams Project, a not-for-profit organization. We raise money to support homeless communities by providing necessities for homeless shelters, and outreaches.
I also co-wrote a book.
Recently, I narrated a compelling documentary called Houseless.
I'll start answering questions around 4PM EST. Also, thanks for the reddit gold from yesterday.
My Proof: Here's proof for the internet
Just wanted to provide an update on why nothing has been answered yet -- We decided to do the AMA in an audio interview style since so many of you love the "Golden Voice" -- Just finished up with the first batch of questions and we'll be leaving them in the comments!
EDIT: Just finished up the first and second round of questions -- We'll be taking a break for a bit but look through the responses and see if your question is answered! special thanks to /u/grant0 for transcribing these.
glitzyjan571 karma
After you found some fame, your daughter caused you some crazy problems. How did that all work out?
Icamequicly465 karma
What were the circumstances that led to you being homeless? What are some common issues that homeless people face that the average person does not know of?
Broke_stupid_lonely463 karma
Just throwing it out there, you should do a monologue competition like Samuel L. Jackson did to raise money for The Ted Williams Project.
apparatuslevel210 karma
How much privacy do you get these days? Are you living comfortably?
cravyvv198 karma
Hey Ted I kind of randomly heard about your progress yesterday,...glad to hear you're doing well. What's one thing you've always wanted to say on the air, but haven't had the chance? Blessings...
Kebira117 karma
Hey! I see you at the Grove City Cane's frequently. What do you usually get?
BreweryBaron99 karma
Congratulations first.
Question: How would you describe the change in attitude and mindset you have now, compared to when you were being homeless?
I'm somewhat unstable myself. How would you describe the transition to a "stable" life?
Nadtastic75 karma
Can you say hi to me in your voice?
EDIT: to clarify, I mean a recording of your voice. Something simple like, "Hello Nadtastic!".
referencedesk71 karma
Congrats to you and your continued success!
Two questions; What is the most difficult aspect of being homeless? I am a librarian, and my library sees a fair amount of the indigent population. I often wonder if there is anything I could personally do to ease their time a bit.
Also, do you have any other philanthropic pursuits in the works?
Vmoney133766 karma
Not a question, but you're amazing. But if you have any cool stories, id love to hear them!
EDIT 2: Never mind, thanks ton Ted!
scalzo1942 karma
What was your first big, luxurious purchase you made once you got the essentials covered (shelter, food, car, clothes, etc)?
One_Man_Two_Shadows41 karma
What is your favorite thing that most people take advantage of on a day to day basis?
uberlad35 karma
Thanks for doing this! And glad to hear you're doing well!
Question: Given your extremely unique life experiences, what would you say is your very best life advice?
BarackEmRack20 karma
How was it like working with Pirate and other "Houseless" people in IV (I'm a UCSB alumni)? What common denominators do you all share in common and how do you think you can help turn their lives around? Edit: Forgot to mention that I'm looking forward to seeing the documentary!
Fitzburger19 karma
Would you ever read something requested by a redditor in your Golden Voice?
Moonburner16 karma
Relapse is a very scary thing to a lot of my clientele. You're very successful now, how do you maintain your own sobriety in the face of challenges and now huge success?
yochaigal14 karma
What do you see as the first necessary steps to solving the homeless crisis in major cities around the US?
Congratulations on all your success.
vlue_belvet1 karma
Looking back at where you were in your life, prior to your success, what did you think you would be doing in 2013?
FunkmasterJoe1928 karma
Will you record my outgoing voicemail message?
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