String and Tell

Persephone Valentine: LARPing Prepared Me for Hollywood

May 28, 2026·46 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Persephone Valentine joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while diving deep into D&D, LARPing, drag, voice acting, and why Hollywood is basically just organized nerd culture.While crafting bracelets inspired by horny popcorn buckets, video games, and chaotic queer energy, Persephone talks about: Nearly getting arrested sneaking into another high school to play D&D as a teen Spending over a decade immersed in tabletop games and LARP communities Why D&D can teach you a surprising amount about yourself The similarities between LARP culture and working in Hollywood Breaking into Dropout and Dimension 20 after years in gaming spaces Exploring drag performance, stage presence, and almost auditioning for Drag Race Learning voice acting through singing lessons and vocal experimentation The realities of trans voice training and finding your natural sound Why impressions are harder than inventing entirely new voices Wanting to play “bitches, breeches, and witches” in every possible role Jennifer Coolidge impressions, Azula voice practice, and blowing out your voice for TikTok Plus, Persephone and Tawny discuss queer representation in gaming spaces, competitive drag culture, giant platform shoes, Lisa Frank documentaries, improv anxiety, and the strange joy of being unapologetically nerdy. Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to The Okra Project. Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause. Tune in and enjoy the conversation! Follow Persephone Valentine: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persephiroth/ Follow Tawny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/

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