Who We Are

Tavia Gilbert, Founder / CEO / Creative Director

Tavia Gilbert is a Grammy-nominated voice actor, an Odyssey Award-winning director, a keynote speaker, and the writer and producer of multiple international award-winning podcasts. As the founder, CEO, and creative director of Talkbox Productions, an international consultancy and content development studio, she serves leaders who are ready to step into their highest power and potential by amplifying their voice and message in service to the world. Recipient of the esteemed Media Innovator Award for Public Performance Coach of the Year, Tavia is a highly sought-after expert in guiding mission-driven messengers as they prepare for media tours, campaigns, audiobooks, and keynote speeches. Renowned for her compassionate approach, her own moving keynotes exemplify the transformative power of vulnerability that is at the heart of all her work. Tavia boasts an illustrious career as narrator and director of more than 1000 solo and full-cast audiobooks across every conceivable genre and for every age listener. With two Audie Award wins, including the prestigious Best Female Narrator accolade, Tavia’s versatility extends to feature and independent films, as well as to regional and New York theater productions, where her work on stage has earned her recognition as Best Actress for her role in “Warning Light.” She is the writer and host of the critically-acclaimed podcast Stories of Impact, winner of the AWA Award for Science Podcast of the Year. An internationally performing musician, she currently sings alto with the lauded New York City choir, The Choral Society, and she has performed at Carnegie Hall and in venues across the US and the UK. She is also a talented visual artist, photographing under the name Juniper Street Photography evocative images that inspire peace, goodwill, and joy through moments of beauty. Tavia’s biggest focus is Talkbox Productions, where she helps creatives tap into their authentic voice to create genuine connection.  

Kayla Elrod, Mastering Engineer

With a rich background in sound art and an MA from University of the Arts (UdK) Berlin, Kayla Elrod brings creativity and technical skill to the Talkbox team. Based in Berlin’s vibrant arts community, Kayla co-founded initiatives like the Sonic Curiosities Collective, supporting emerging LGBTQ+ artists. Her accolades include the 2023 Initiative für Neue Musik (INM), Kultur Räume Berlin’s support, and the 2019 Voice Arts Award for Outstanding Production in Blackstone Publishing’s “Othello.” At Talkbox, Kayla melds her extensive experience, creative insights, and technical finesse to provide audio quality that meets the high standards of her projects and clients.

Oscar Fock, Assistant Producer, Researcher

Swedish native Oscar Fock is a multimedia journalist, passionate about storytelling through audio, video, and text. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication Studies & Journalism from Uppsala University and an MFA from Long Island University, and explored podcast production as part of his graduate studies. As a storyteller, he cares deeply about telling the stories of people who don’t have the opportunity to tell them themselves.

Rachel Jarvis, Scripted Fiction Writer

Rachel Jarvis is a multifaceted writer and producer dedicated to elevating marginalized voices. She holds an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA where she was awarded the Felicia D. Henderson Screenwriting Fellowship, The Four Sisters Screenwriting Fellowship, and the Reel Spirit: Dini Ostrov Award in Screenwriting. As the first born daughter of Caribbean immigrants, she proudly imbues her work with diasporic depth and authenticity.

Her portfolio includes the British-American audio drama, Lady Lucy (Writer, Director, Producer), The Slam Duncan Wellness Podcast (Writer, Co-Producer), and Red For Revolution an official Audio Selection for Tribeca Film Festival 2024 (Consultant). Jarvis is also the founder of The Herstory Studio, a stationery brand that celebrates the rarified presence of Black and Brown women in antiquity. When she isn’t making art, Jarvis enjoys looking out the window with her dog, Silas.

Mandy Morrish, Production Support

Mandy studied at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies and lives in Portland, Maine. When not proofing audiobooks and transcribing podcast content, Mandy can be found consulting with babies, scribbling lists at Double House Arts, and kayaking Casco Bay at sunset.

Michele Cobb, Distribution Consultant

Michele Cobb is a leading expert in the $2.2 billion audiobook industry. Over the past decade of digital transformation has been a sought-after speaker at more than 100 conferences in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East  She is a partner at Forté Business Consulting, which specializes in strategic business development for the publishing industry. Through Forté, Michele has held executive leadership positions at five publishing industry trade associations, including the recently launched Publishers Cooperative. She has also led over 50 events, including awards and conferences, and been responsible for leading large teams and managing budgets of up to $10 million.

Michele is the publisher of AudioFile Magazine, the world’s number one source for audiobook reviews, and since 2020, she has been Executive Producer of the award-winning Stories of Impact Podcast, two-time recipient of Science Podcast of the Year.

Nana Emelogu, Visual Design

Nana is a graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for storytelling. She completed her BFA at Cornish College of the Arts with a major in Design and a minor in Game Arts. She hopes to communicate Talkbox’s warm approach to audio production through her designs.
When she is not working, Nana enjoys spending her days at her sewing desk, playing her cello, or curled up on the couch with her kitty, Companion.

Gabriel Baron, Videographer

Gabriel Baron is a documentary and narrative filmmaker, producer, video editor, and theater lover.

He has over a decade of experience creating award-winning documentaries and videos, particularly emphasizing the work of NGO’s and non-profits that tell the stories of the human impact of their mission and services.
He has directed and edited short documentaries in Morocco, Germany, Turkey, Cyprus, The Gambia, and Colombia, as well as across the United States, for partners that include UN Women, UN Peacekeeping, Physicians for Human Rights, and others.

His own films have won multiple film festival awards and been published on Yes! Magazine.

Gabriel honed his physical comedy and storytelling skills at Cornish College of the Arts, where he earned BFA in Theater and Original Works, and he continues to seek new projects with creative and inspired collaborators.