Explore every episode of the podcast A VO's Journey: Voiceover and more voice over
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 320 - Should You Follow the Audition Directions? Taking Risks in Voice Acting, with Gabby Nistico | 22 oct. 2026 | 00:40:30 | |
Should you follow the directions in an audition, or take a risk? Gabby Nistico and I talk about taking risks on this Wednesday live at VO Journey Academy, in your acting and in your business. Taking a risk in a read means risking embarrassment, and most of us were taught as adults to avoid that. Kids fail over and over until they get it. I tell people in class I give them permission to play, because we're paid to do what other people can't do. Gabby's rule for auditions is that directions are meant to be followed, and then completely ignored. Give them what they asked for first, then give them something unexpected. Then we get into the business side. Gabby explains why voice actors are slow to hire help, the ceiling you hit when there isn't enough of you to go around, and why you may not pay yourself at first. We finish with a listener question about working two full-time jobs and whether an editor is worth it on royalty share audiobooks, and we do the math on what your time is worth. What you'll learn:
(00:00) Welcome: taking risks in voice acting Train with us live every week at VO Journey Academy: https://www.avosjourney.com/start?src=podcast-ep320 Try a free class first: Academy Voices, the alternative to ACX: Watch this episode on YouTube: Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 319 - Do Voice Actors Need a Talent Agent? Commissions, Contracts and the Union, with Gabby Nistico | 19 oct. 2026 | 00:45:21 | |
Do voice actors need a talent agent? Gabby Nistico and I dig into it on this Monday live at VO Journey Academy. It started with some news. Gabby got word over the weekend that Cast Voices, a casting site that agents used to manage their rosters, is shutting its doors on 30 October. If most of your work comes through one website or one company, a closing like that can wipe out your business overnight. So we talk about spreading yourself across many places, the same way you'd spread money across a portfolio. Then Gabby walks through how agents really work. There are tiers, from celebrity agencies down to small regional ones, and most new voice actors simply aren't ready for an agent yet. She explains how commissions work, what an exclusive contract can lock you into, and why an agent will turn down low-budget jobs you'll never even hear about. I built my business without agents, and Gabby works with about half a dozen. Both paths work. We finish on rates and supply and demand, plus a question from the chat about whether joining the union costs you auditions. What you'll learn:
(00:00) Welcome to VO Journey Academy Live Train with us live every week at VO Journey Academy: Try a free class first: Watch this episode on YouTube: Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 318 - Improv for Voice Actors: How to Give More Than One Take, with Gabby Nistico | 16 oct. 2026 | 00:20:22 | |
How do you give more than one take that actually works? Gabby Nistico and I talk about the tool that helps most, improv, on this Open Forum Friday at VO Journey Academy. You won't be improvising the words. The script is the script. What you improvise is your reaction to the words, and that's what keeps a read from sounding like you've done it a hundred times. We go through the improv games we use with voice actors, like the boat scene and the question game. Gabby's favorite is New Choice. You can play it alone in your booth, and it's a great way to get real variety into your ABC reads. Gabby explains why voice actors get married to their first idea so fast, and how stage actors avoid it. I share the three questions I ask myself before every script, starting with "who am I?" We also talk about the "yes and" rule, and why selling a product you've never used is pure improv. At the end, we talk about narrating spicy romance, and why most of the romance genre is a lot milder than people think. (00:00) Open Forum Friday with Gabby Nistico Narrating Spicy Romance, live workshop, Sunday 25 October at 7pm ET ($27, replay included): Train with us live every week at VO Journey Academy: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R-Neccu187U Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 317 - Is the Voice Over Industry Correcting Itself? AI Audiobooks and Human Narrators, with Gabby Nistico | 14 oct. 2026 | 00:38:04 | |
Is the voice over industry starting to correct itself? Gabby Nistico and I talk about the push back toward human work. A Washington Post piece puts acting in the group of jobs AI will reorganize rather than wipe out. Distributors are limiting how many books one account can upload because of the flood of AI books. And authors are calling us because they want a real person reading their book. Gabby asks the question the AI audiobook sellers don't answer: if a human still has to sit and listen to the whole book to check it, where did the AI save any time or money? We also talk about where AI is fine and where it isn't, why I'd like us all to say "generative AI" when that's what we mean, and how readers and narrators can help bring authors to Academy Voices, our alternative to ACX, where every audiobook is read by a real person. (00:00) Is the voice over industry correcting itself? Narrating Spicy Romance, live workshop, Sunday 25 October at 7pm ET ($27, replay included): Academy Voices, the alternative to ACX: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1cPh2GInUIY Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 316 - Should You Pay for Voice123 or Voices.com? When to Join a Pay-to-Play Site, with Gabby Nistico | 12 oct. 2026 | 00:27:44 | |
Should a new voice actor pay for Voice123 or Voices.com? I used to say wait a couple of years. I've changed my mind, because I've seen people join in their first month and start getting work. So the question isn't when to join. It's whether you're going to use it. These are audition sites. If you pay and then don't audition, you really have wasted your money. Gabby Nistico adds the other half: treat it like a business investment. Fill every audio category, write your profile for the buyer, and learn how that one site works. We also talk about your availability during the work day, the red flags to look for before you pay any coach or school, and how the Academy Voices audiobook store works. (00:00) Welcome, with Gabby Nistico Narrating Spicy Romance, live workshop, Sunday 25 October at 7pm ET ($27, replay included): Sit in on our live VO Journey Academy classes free this week, through Thursday 15 October: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xRZYefgFZPo Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 315 - When Your Family Doesn't Get Your Voice Acting Dream | 09 oct. 2026 | 00:31:10 | |
Someone asked how to keep going with voice over during a hard stretch, and it turned into the whole episode. When you start building a VO business, the people closest to you often don't get it. You're spending nights in a closet or a blanket fort with nothing to show for it yet, and it costs money. They get worried, and worry usually comes out as frustration. I talk about what I learned the hard way: shoulder that worry instead of fighting it, keep going, and prove two things. That this works, and that you're not going to quit. (00:00) Open Forum Friday, solo today Sit in on our live VO Journey Academy classes free during Free Class Week, 12-15 October. It's four live classes, no charge: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vJS4Uicx0bw Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 314 - Audible, AI and Your Voice: Academy Voices One Week In, with Gabby Nistico and Angela Ohlfest | 08 oct. 2026 | 00:55:39 | |
One week after the new Academy Voices website went live, Gabby, Angela and I got together to talk about how it's going, what's coming next, and the news everyone has been asking us about: what's being said about Audible letting listeners interact with characters in the narrator's voice, and ACX's new room tone rule. (00:00) One week in, and the new site is holding up. (01:23) How week one went. New authors posting per-finished-hour work, authors bringing their audio over, and narrators using the tools bundle or buying tools as they need them. (03:21) Fewer questions than the old site. The fifteen-minute check is now a recommendation if you've already done books with us, and contracts are created automatically when you accept an offer. (04:48) Coming soon: an Academy Voices store and app, so listeners can buy audiobooks straight from the people who made them. (08:39) Seeing your sales almost in real time. (10:00) Is an AI-enhanced headshot OK? I check every profile myself. Subtle editing is one thing. If people can tell straight away it was made by AI, don't use it. (14:38) You'll get an email whether or not you were cast for an audition on the new site. (16:03) Selfie headshots are fine. Get your whole face in, and hold the camera up high. (17:38) Short stories under 5,000 words? Yes, we have those. (19:08) What's going around on social media about Audible and interactive characters, and the questions nobody has clear answers to yet: the author's rights, the narrator's consent, and pay. (22:56) If your voice gets used for hours of conversation, should you be paid for that time? (25:52) Why listeners still want a real person. (26:58) ACX's room tone change. It's now 1 to 5 seconds at the start and the end of every file, and our audio checker has been updated to match. (30:26) Why the change worries us, starting with retail samples that open on four seconds of silence. (36:20) An author who tried AI narration before coming to us, and why AI narration isn't free. (38:17) Don't forget the listener. (38:44) Duet narration on Academy Voices. How to audition, and why each narrator signs their own contract. (41:29) Moving your account over: use the same name and email. (41:57) Can you opt out of voice replicas on ACX? We don't know yet, and that's part of the problem. (43:15) What authors and narrators earn on our own store. Academy Voices keeps 20 percent. (44:31) Auditioning for a duet without a partner? Audition anyway. (46:22) A safe space for human narration. (47:17) Disclosure and consent, and how writing tools are blurring what counts as AI. (48:48) Getting the word out, with a press release once the store is ready. (50:03) Should the Academy Voices app carry podcasts? (52:14) Distributors and AI-narrated books. (54:00) Running a convention? We'd love to come. Academy Voices is $9 a month or $97 for the year. https://academyvoices.com Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Every episode of the podcast is at https://www.avosjourney.com/podcast/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 313 - How to Edit an Audiobook Faster: My DAW Editing Workflow, with Gabby Nistico | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:38:36 | |
If editing takes you longer than recording, this one's for you. Gabby and I talk about how to edit an audiobook faster. Learn your shortcuts, keep moving forward while you listen, and fix your room before you reach for a plugin. Then I go through my whole editing and mastering chain, the order I do it in, and why I do the exact same thing every time. (00:00) Editing audiobooks, commercials, all of it. Free Class Week is next week. (01:29) Why editing turns into a bottleneck for so many people. (02:02) Learn your keyboard shortcuts. If you're doing everything with the mouse, you're probably taking twice as long. I have about seven or eight keys bound to the things I do every single time. (04:37) Keep moving forward. Edit while you listen and only stop for something big. (05:57) Why editing speed decides how many auditions you can send in a day. (07:21) Why I edited my first audiobooks by hand, and what it taught me. (08:43) My DAW editing workflow. Step one isn't in the software at all. It's your studio. Get four to six inches of treatment if you can. (11:07) Record clean, then a simple EQ with the high pass filter on. Save it as a preset so it's one click. (12:36) A single band compressor. Minus 12 dB threshold, 2.5 to 1 ratio. Then a boost and a hard limiter if you need it. (14:37) Clean-up. Mouth de-click and voice de-noise, both saved as presets. (15:19) Why I don't trust breath plugins. They can clip your consonants. (17:21) Do audiobooks need breaths? When in doubt, take them out, but watch your pauses. (18:58) Do it in the right order, or you'll end up running the same fix four times. (20:28) The same chain every single time on my own audio. (21:22) What a hard limiter actually does, and how it's different from a soft limiter. (23:46) Editing vs mastering. Gabby and I explain the difference. (27:12) Every engineer does it a little differently. Find what works for you. (28:54) If you're doing 20 or 30 things to your audio, pull it back. The box I bought early on and finally unplugged. (31:04) Most raw audio sounds better than the processed version. Processing should never make your audio sound worse. (31:31) Time is money. Find your bottleneck and go looking for a better way. (33:27) How to trust your process once you have one. (36:18) What is mixing? Post a read in our Facebook group and get a note on it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney New to your DAW? Adobe Audition For Beginners: https://www.avosjourney.com/offers/TtoY2qLB?src=podcast-ep313 Audacity For Beginners: https://www.avosjourney.com/offers/R6NzcQrq?src=podcast-ep313 Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class?src=podcast-ep313 Every episode of the podcast is at https://www.avosjourney.com/podcast/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 312 - The Auditions Numbers Game: How Many Auditions Does It Take to Book an Audiobook? | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
You sent 10 auditions, heard nothing, and now you're wondering if this works. In this episode I talk about why voice acting is an auditions numbers game, how many auditions it really takes to book an audiobook, and how to keep going and track your numbers while you work a day job. (00:45) The auditions numbers game. Quality matters, but quantity gets you further. Casting is subjective, so give your best take and move on to the next one. (02:11) Why people quit after 10 auditions. Nobody gives you feedback, you doubt yourself (imposter syndrome, and we've all had it), and you don't have a community telling you to send 10 more. (05:40) What booking looked like in my first year. I auditioned for everything on every platform I could, with a $40 microphone and a pop filter made out of pantyhose. In the first three to four months I booked maybe one to three jobs. Training and better equipment made the difference, and year two got a lot better. (10:45) Titles that fit your voice, or audition for everything? Casting often doesn't know what they want until they hear it. Do the titles that fit your voice first, then go back and audition for the rest. (14:05) A weekly number that works with your job. When I started I worked all day, had dinner and put the kids to bed, then worked from 10 or 11pm until 3am. Find the number you can hit each day and week, then grow it. (15:02) Track every audition. Pen and paper or a spreadsheet. The numbers show what you're actually doing, not what you think you're doing. (15:49) 30 auditions and nothing back? It takes hundreds, even thousands of auditions. Like flipping a coin, the odds only even out over a big enough sample. (18:23) Do this today. Find titles that fit your voice and style and get five or 10 auditions in, then five or 10 more outside your usual style. (19:00) Keep training while you keep auditioning. If you're not hearing back, it may be your audio, your read of the directions, or that you're not quite ready yet. That's normal early on. You need both. (21:43) Don't quit. When you're not booking, that's the time to send more auditions and get training. Post a read in our Facebook group and get a note on it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class?src=podcast-ep312 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 311 - Casting Directors Now Want Video Proof You're Not AI, with Gabby Nistico | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:30:14 | |
Casting directors are starting to ask voice actors for video proof that they're real. One of our members was asked to send a video of themselves reading the script before they could be booked, and it was a real casting agency, not a scam. Gabby and I talk about why this is happening, what it means for your audio and your branding, and why the people hiring you want to see who they're getting. (00:00) Day two of the new Academy Voices. Unused tool credits now roll over for up to three months. (01:40) Today's topic. Casting directors want video proof you're not AI. (02:20) The member who had to send a video of themselves reading before they got the job. (03:02) Who owns it? Why work made mostly by AI causes problems with rights, royalties and contracts. (04:18) Clients feel duped. When the audition, the finished audio and the directed session don't sound like the same person. Gabby on why agents test talent beyond the demo. (05:41) Audio tools are like Photoshop for your voice. Too much, and the client isn't getting what they cast. (06:41) The real reason we'd lose work. It's not that clients don't want human voices. It's when we're too hard to work with. (07:34) Mouth noise. Processing it out instead of fixing the problem at the source. (08:07) Should your samples be video? A listener asks about Upwork. Try a couple of live performances. (09:04) The people who hire you want to picture you as the voice of their brand. (09:48) Business on top, party on the bottom. Looking presentable on camera. (10:26) From phone patches to browser sessions. The more tools clients have, the more they'll want to see you. (11:42) Why requests for proof will keep growing, and California's new rule that AI voices and actors have to be disclosed. (13:01) Can you still tell what's AI? The pull back to analog and the political ad problem. (15:18) There's proof in the pudding, but you have to make the pudding. Put your work out there so people can see you're real. (17:11) Is the AI threat overhyped? There's still plenty of work out there. (18:09) Why younger people spot fakes faster than older ones. (19:30) You need proof too. If someone asks for a video, check who they are first. Scams on automated platforms. (20:38) It's no different from a client asking for a noise floor test or a short raw file. (21:13) What actually hurts us is the AI companies' marketing. You have to run your business and market it. (22:19) Being found when people search with AI instead of Google. (23:24) A listener asks about custom samples on Upwork that never get a reply. (24:13) Why you rarely get feedback. Most voice over companies are one to five people looking after hundreds of talent. (26:30) Get your profile up on the new Academy Voices. Human only, from the start. (27:30) Voice cloning offers on casting sites, and ACX's rule on AI. More on this next week. (28:55) Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Narrators, Academy Voices is human only. https://academyvoices.com Every episode of the podcast is at https://www.avosjourney.com/podcast/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 310 - Academy Voices Is Live: What's New for Audiobook Narrators and Authors, with Gabby Nistico and Angela Ohlfest | 02 oct. 2026 | 00:51:04 | |
Academy Voices has a brand-new website, and we went live on launch day to walk through it. Gabby and Angela joined me to talk about what changed for narrators and authors, why you need to make a new account, what happened to auditions from the old site, and the new tools. We also get honest about how much work is still going on behind the scenes. (00:00) Launch day. The new site went up early this morning and people have been moving over all day. Gabby is moving about 200 projects across by hand. (02:05) Try the tools. For launch day every member gets a free hour of the proofing tool and one free script prep to test them. (02:38) Moving over. Everyone links their account a little differently depending on how they pay or where they came from. It only happens once. (03:47) Set up your profile. Headshot, at least one demo, your bio. Then it comes to me to approve. Profiles that aren't finished don't show up to authors. (05:30) What happened to the old auditions? Nothing is lost. Those projects are still being cast, and once they are you'll get a contract through the new site. (07:00) Make a brand-new account. Don't try to log in with your old details. Your membership links automatically, and we can't send you a contract until you're on the new site. (10:00) Why we rebuilt it. Over 2,000 audio files sitting in a Dropbox, auditions posted in a comment section, and contracts sent by hand. (10:55) Your profile page builds itself once you're approved. (11:50) For authors. A whole launch kit to help them sell their audiobook, from emails to a launch calendar. (12:50) The tools bundle. Proofing hours and script preps come together with social post generation. Pay monthly or yearly, and top up if you need more. (14:05) The audio checker. It's included for everyone. It checks your file against the standards and fixes what it can, and if your noise floor is too high it sends the file back to you. (16:30) Sales and statements. A sales overview, plus monthly statements you can download, updated about three times a month as the reports come in. (18:00) Why royalty reports run two to three months behind, and why every platform pays on a different schedule. (19:30) What we're seeing on ACX lately, including the spam narrators are getting, and why every narrator on Academy Voices is checked by a human. (24:13) Due dates. The system sets them automatically, and you can send the contract back and ask for more time. (26:48) What's next. A big push to get authors to know we exist. The front page now shows a running count of the books we've published this year. (31:23) The new logo, and yes, the moose. (34:48) A shareable Academy Voices logo for your website is on the list. (37:03) Coming soon: a blog post for each audiobook, and a newsletter. (39:38) Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. (41:33) The old site is closed to everyone but the team. (45:32) If you're not a member right now but you narrated books with us, you can still log in and see your royalties. (48:57) Linking your account. PayPal links by hand on our side. If you pay through Stripe, sign up with the same name and email. Academy Voices is $9 a month or $97 for the year. https://academyvoices.com Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Every episode of the podcast is at https://www.avosjourney.com/podcast/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 309 - Reading Dialogue Without Tags: How to Keep Every Character Clear | 01 oct. 2026 | 00:18:10 | |
When a book drops the "he said" and "she said", you can lose track of who's talking, and so can your listener. In this episode I go through how I prep a scene like that and how to make each character easy to follow without doing big voices. Then the two mistakes I hear most. (01:18) The problem. Some authors leave out the dialogue tags, sometimes on purpose. As the narrator you still have to know who's speaking, and it gets harder when there are more than two people in the scene. (03:09) Prep first. At the very least, read the chapter before you narrate it. Then mark the speakers, one highlighter colour per character, so you can see who's talking at a glance while you record. If you've done the prep and you're still not sure, ask the author. They'll be glad you did. (06:40) Your listener doesn't know either. Give each character a small, consistent difference in pitch, pace or attitude rather than a big voice, and anchor it on the first line they speak. (08:04) Reference files. I record a few lines of each character, or write notes on them, so I can listen back and find the voice again when they come back into the story. (08:46) The first common mistake is characters drifting into sounding the same, especially late in a scene. Check yourself against your reference files. Stop and re-listen when you need to. (11:00) The second is overacting to make up for it. Extreme pitch turns a real person into a caricature. Small touches do more, like a little more breath for one character or a slower pace for an older one. (14:59) Try this today. Take one page of dialogue and mark the speakers. Then record it without the tags. Listen back and check you can hear who's who from your performance alone. Post your read in the free Facebook group and I'll give you a note. https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney There are over 1,600 free voice over scripts to practise with at https://www.avosjourney.com/scripts/?src=podcast and Academy Voices opens its new website on 1 October at https://academyvoices.com Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 308 - Royalty Share or Per Finished Hour? How Audiobook Narrators Actually Get Paid | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:21:16 | |
Your first audiobook offer will make you choose how you get paid. In this episode I go through the three ways narrators actually get paid, what a finished hour really takes, and when royalty share is worth it and when it isn't. (02:02) Per finished hour. You're paid a set rate for every hour a listener hears. A six-hour book at $150 per finished hour is $900, sometimes with a part paid up front and the rest when you finish. You're paid either way, but you have no stake in the book after that. (04:00) Royalty share. Nothing up front, and you split the royalties with the author. On ACX that runs for seven years. On Academy Voices it's 10 years with authors and 20 years on our own house projects, because I wanted people to be able to build a career on royalties. (06:34) Royalty share plus. Royalties plus a smaller payment up front. The author who can't pay $900 might manage $200, and you still share in the sales. (08:00) Why royalty share helps you against AI. An AI narration is cheap, but no AI company will take a share of the royalties and help sell the book. Flexibility is something only we can offer. (11:31) What a finished hour really takes. Early on, one finished hour is about four to six hours of prep, recording, editing and pickups. It takes real time, and there's always more audiobook work. (14:00) Cutting that time down. The script prep and proofing tools in the new Academy Voices site analyse your script and check your audio against it, which can take a finished hour down to two to four hours of work. (16:34) Red flags. Spam offers on ACX, and long royalty share books with no sales history unless you're ready to help sell them. Shorter books, three hours or less, are a good place to start with royalty share. (19:30) What to charge. Our rate guide covers per finished hour rates from beginner to pro, with a calculator. What to charge per finished hour, with the rate calculator: https://www.avosjourney.com/voice-over-rate-guide/?src=podcast-ep308 Academy Voices relaunches Thursday 1 October. Audition for audiobooks there: https://academyvoices.com Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 307 - Quitting in Year One, and How Not To | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:21:51 | |
Most people who start voice over are gone within a year, and usually it isn't because they can't do it. In this episode I go through the four things that make talented people quit and what the ones who stay do differently. Then there's one thing to set up today that will carry you to the end of the year. (02:02) The silence. You send auditions and hear nothing back. That's normal, and it isn't a verdict on you. The person casting is often the producer or the rights holder too, and they can't send notes to 200 people. I went through a stretch of complete crickets myself, and what changed it was changing my style and sending out a lot more auditions. (05:16) The gear spiral. New mics and interfaces, and a studio that's never quite right. Early on you're training your ears for the first time, so every click and mouth noise sounds huge. Nine times out of ten the fix is treating your space, not buying more gear, and then auditioning more. (08:38) Going it alone. We spend hours by ourselves in a closet. With nobody to give you feedback, you repeat the same mistakes a hundred times. The people I see last are part of a community where they can read for others and get notes back. (10:58) The wrong yardstick. Comparing your first year to someone's tenth, or your audio to someone on a $5,000 microphone. You get better at speaking into a mic the more you do it, and that takes time. (14:19) What the people who stay do. They set a weekly audition target and get regular feedback somewhere. Most of all, they track what they do rather than what they book. Bookings and money are the result. The auditions are what you control. (18:43) Do this today. Set a weekly audition number you can keep for the next 12 weeks, through the last quarter of the year, and track it every day. Post a read in the free Facebook group and I'll give you a note. https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney There are over 900 free voice over scripts to practise with at https://www.avosjourney.com/scripts/?src=podcast and you can audition for audiobooks at https://academyvoices.com Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 306 - How to Prep a Book Before You Record a Word | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:26:51 | |
Most narrators lose hours in the booth fixing problems they could have caught before pressing record. In this episode I walk through the prep routine I use between signing the contract and recording the first line. There are five steps, and none of them need special software. I also share the time I narrated a Minnesota army sergeant with a Brooklyn accent. (00:00) Why prep matters. Pickups and re-records cost you the performance and the money. (03:18) My first audiobook, and what I didn't know I didn't know. (05:45) Step one, read the book. Or at least read each chapter before you narrate it. (08:30) Step two, build a character list, and record reference clips so voices don't drift. (10:28) Step three, the pronunciation list. When in doubt, ask the author. (13:40) Step four, mark up the script. Who's talking when there's no tag, plus mood words beside each paragraph. (20:45) Step five, plan your sessions. About 9,300 words per finished hour, and why not to start with chapter one. (24:30) The script prep tool coming to Academy Voices on 1 October. (25:35) Your homework. Write a character list for the first three chapters of any book. Sit in on our live classes free during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast-306 When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 305 - Does Your Logo Get You Work? What Casting Checks First, with Gabby Nistico | 24 sept. 2026 | 00:47:25 | |
Does your voice over logo actually get you work? Gabby Nistico spent 25 years in advertising, casting and copywriting, and she tells us what casting really notices when they look you up. We get into the five-second check she runs on every demo, the minimum a voice over website needs, and why a proper email signature still matters in 2026. We finish with the things we see people wasting money on. (00:00) Does your logo actually get you work? Short answer from the casting side: no. Plus headshots. (05:01) What casting notices in the first 10 seconds. Fonts, emojis, and knowing who you're talking to. (15:05) The first three things casting checks on a voice actor they've never heard of. (21:42) The minimum website, and why your email signature matters. (28:12) What makes casting pass on a talented actor, and pen names for romance narrators. (32:46) Social profiles. Use the same name and photo everywhere, with a one-line bio. (36:37) What voice actors waste money on. (41:25) Is it OK to use AI for your logo? Sit in on our live classes free during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. Gabby teaches Acting on the Monday at 6pm ET. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast-305 Watch this conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w5f3mSh_Zfw When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 304 - Duet vs Multi-Cast Audiobooks: How Duet Narration Really Works | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:15:30 | |
Duet, dual and multi-cast audiobooks get mixed up all the time. These are the highlights from our live workshop with narrators Rebecca Heddinger and Caesar Esturco. We get into what each one actually is and how two separate home studios end up sounding like one book. Then Rebecca and Caesar read a short duet scene live, retakes included. (00:00) Welcome, and meet Rebecca and Caesar. (02:27) Dual vs duet vs multi-cast. In a dual, narrators alternate chapters or points of view. In a duet, both voices run through the whole book, and multi-cast is a full cast. Dual needs more prep up front, while duet editing is much like solo narration afterwards. (06:23) Making two studios sound like one book. Caesar on matching your room and your EQ to your partner's, and why he won't work with anyone recording in an untreated space. (09:41) A live duet scene. Duets are recorded apart, so self-direction matters. Rebecca and Caesar read a short scene, with a real retake left in. (12:48) How the money is split. Per finished hour is paid by each narrator's share of the words. Put the royalty split in writing before anyone records. This is a highlight reel. The full workshop replay, with the casting stories and the whole Q&A: https://hospitable-hoopoe.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/10840452/register Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast-304 There are 210 free duet and multi-cast scripts to practice with at https://www.avosjourney.com/scripts/duet/?src=podcast and you can audition for audiobooks at https://academyvoices.com When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 303 - Why Your ACX Auditions Aren't Getting Picked | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:18:27 | |
Your ACX auditions aren't getting picked, and it usually isn't the sound of your voice. In this episode I go through what actually decides it, from the first 30 seconds to the quality of your audio, the books you choose, how many auditions you send out, and the performance habits that get you skipped. (01:03) The first 30 seconds decide it, and often the first one to three seconds. Authors will give you the benefit of the doubt for a little while, but they stop listening long before your two or three minute audition is over. Whether they like the sound of your voice is out of your control, so stop worrying about that part. (02:46) Sound problems. An author isn't going to write you a technical note about your noise floor. They'll just think it doesn't sound good and move on. Treat the space, and don't forget the floor and the ceiling. Then learn your software, whether that's Audacity or Audition. Your space sets the tone for everything. (05:39) The books you pick. There's usually a familiarity in your voice that fits certain material, so pay attention to what you keep getting hired for. But when you're starting, the equalizer is raw numbers. Audition for everything across Academy Voices and ACX, knock out the ones that fit you first, then go after the rest. (10:49) Performance. Characters aren't about pitch. They're about personality and cadence and the mannerisms behind the voice, and kids don't speak slow. Pacing gets blamed when the real problem is diction. And a read that's too flat or too big both come from not shaping the words. (15:18) What to do about it. Get your reads heard. I post a script every Monday in the free Facebook group and give notes on what people post. Feedback is how you find out what's actually wrong. Post your read in the free Facebook group and I'll give you a note. https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney There are over 750 free voice over scripts to practise with at https://www.avosjourney.com/scripts/?src=podcast and you can audition for audiobooks at https://academyvoices.com Our live classes are open to anyone during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October. https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast When you're ready to train with us, here's VO Journey Academy. https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 302: Why Most People Quit Voice Acting in the First Year | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:21:30 | |
Why do so many voice actors quit after their first year? In this episode I get into the three reasons I see most, and what you can do about each one. These are my personal opinions, and they're the reasons I built everything we do at VO Journey Academy the way I did. (01:56) The first reason is that they don't get work. Setting up your studio and learning your DAW can take a year on its own. Then it depends on where you train, because some places tell you to train for years before you go after work. I got my first job in my first month, a $50 audiobook, and after that I made sure I always had a job in the queue. If you want to never worry about getting work, aim for 40 to 50 auditions a day. If that's too much with a full-time job and a family, can you do 20 to 30? (08:46) The second is that they don't treat it like a business. When it feels like a hobby, we let our feelings decide what gets done. Look at your business from 20,000 feet, write down the actions that have to happen every day, and do them. Burn the boats. (15:16) The third is that they have no support. This is about the most isolated job there is. Find your people, even if it's one other person or a small group that meets on Discord every week. And watch out for the wrong group, the negative Nellies who tell you everything is bad and AI is going to kill everyone. If you want to join us, here's VO Journey Academy: https://www.avosjourney.com/join?src=podcast Or sit in on our live classes for free during Free Class Week, 12 to 15 October, at https://www.avosjourney.com/free-class-week-october-2026?src=podcast And there are over 750 free voice over scripts to practice with at https://www.avosjourney.com/scripts/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 301: Busy but Not Booking? Your Voice Over Business Needs ONE Goal | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:26:00 | |
You’re auditioning. You’re posting on social media. You’re working on your website. You’re emailing potential clients. You’re taking classes. You’re trying new platforms. You’re doing EVERYTHING. But is all of that work actually moving your voice-over business forward? In this episode of A VO’s Journey, Anthony Pica breaks down the idea of the WIG — Wildly Important Goal — and why having one clear objective can completely change the way you approach your voice-over business. Instead of trying to improve everything at once, your WIG gives your business a singular direction. It becomes the filter you use to decide what deserves your time, what marketing you should be doing, and what distractions you need to eliminate. Anthony discusses how voice actors can use a WIG to align their marketing, auditions, content, training, and daily activities around an actual business objective — rather than simply staying busy. Because there’s a big difference between doing a lot of work and doing the work that moves your business forward. In this episode, you'll learn: • What a Wildly Important Goal is After listening, ask yourself one question: What is the ONE thing I want my voice-over business to accomplish right now? That's where your WIG begins. 🎙️ VO Journey Academy — Training, community, and business education for voice actors who want to build sustainable voice-over careers. Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 300: 600 Audiobooks Published and a New Beginning | 11 mai 2026 | 00:26:58 | |
We have published 600 audiobooks with Academy Voices and we are going strong. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Do I Need A Voice Over Website | 05 mai 2026 | 00:25:07 | |
Every business owner needs a website, including voice actors. The thing is, the important decision is not if, but when. Most voice actors do not need voice over websites right when they start. The reason is they don't have the audio, like voice over demos, audio samples, and videos to put on a website. Check out this latest podcast and think about where you are in your journey and ask yourself this... Are you building your voice over business THROUGH your website, or are you building your voice over business THROUGH someone else's websites? 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 298: How to Get Started in Voice Over in 2026 | 26 févr. 2026 | 00:37:08 | |
I firmly believe this is the best time to get starting in voice over. Now is the time to establish yourself as a human voice and build your voice over business. Audio is driving creative growth and there is more room then ever. This episode is all about getting started in voice over in 2026 and how to go from nothing to your first job. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 297 - Certified Human Voice™ | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:18:23 | |
In this episode I discuss what Certified Human Voice™ is and what it means for our industry. I am very excited about to future of voice over and that is why it is more important than ever to protect the "Humanality" across the different platforms. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 296: What Is A Money Voice | 11 déc. 2025 | 00:25:33 | |
In this episode, Gabby and I talk about the "Money Voice" for voice actors and what it means for booking more voice over jobs. Your money voice is critical to booking consistent work and getting the most out of your business. Also, I will be posting the follow up to this episode tomorrow. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 295: The End-of-Year Sprint: My Biggest November VO Wins (and Losses) | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:23:53 | |
I’m back! And today I’m diving into the end of the year… the big wins, the momentum, and yeah—some of the stuff giving me major heartburn right now. A lot of voice actors don’t realize this, but the holiday stretch is prime time for scooping up extra VO work. Tons of actors check out for the season, and they let opportunities fly right on by. Meanwhile, businesses are sitting on leftover budget they have to spend before the year closes. That’s your shot to step in and snag projects you might not normally get. I’m also sharing a bit about my own voiceover journey and giving you an update on where things stand with Academy Voices. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 294 - Crazy Anthony and VO Trends | 20 oct. 2025 | 00:24:48 | |
Crazy Anthony and VO Trends In this episode, Anthony is a bit crazy because he drank too much coffee and we discuss where we think the VO trends are and where to double down for your voice over business. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 293: To Breathe Or Not To Breathe | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:24:09 | |
In this episode of A VO’s Journey, we dig into a subtle but powerful part of every recording: breathing. Should breaths be left in or taken out of your audio? The answer depends on the style of the read, the client’s expectations, and the overall flow of your performance. We explore the pros and cons of keeping breaths in—how they can add realism, pacing, and authenticity—and the reasons to edit them out for a cleaner, more polished delivery. You’ll also learn techniques to control your breathing while performing, tips for editing breaths naturally, and how to match your approach to different genres like audiobooks, commercials, and eLearning. Whether you’re just starting out or polishing your professional workflow, this episode will give you the confidence to make the right breathing choices in your voice overs. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 292: How To Fix Sibilance | 26 août 2025 | 00:23:26 | |
How To Fix Sibilance In this episode of A VO’s Journey, we focus on one of the most distracting audio issues for voice actors: sibilance. Those sharp, piercing “S” sounds can cut through your recording and ruin an otherwise professional read—but with the right approach, they’re manageable. We break down what sibilance is, why it happens, and the best ways to control it both while recording and in post-production. You’ll learn mic techniques to reduce sibilance, how vocal delivery plays a role, and the tools available in your DAW (like de-essers and EQ adjustments) to smooth out your audio. If you’ve ever cringed at harsh “S” sounds in your playback, this episode will give you the practical steps you need to fix it and deliver clean, polished voice overs. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 291: How To Fix Plosives In Voice Over | 25 août 2025 | 00:22:45 | |
How To Fix Plosives In Voice Over In this episode of A VO’s Journey, we tackle one of the most common problems voice actors face in their recordings: plosives. Those harsh bursts of air on letters like P and B can ruin an otherwise clean take—but the good news is, they’re fixable. We break down what plosives are, why they happen, and most importantly, how to prevent and fix them. From mic technique and placement, to using pop filters and windshields, to editing tricks in post-production, you’ll get practical solutions that work for any home studio setup. If you’ve ever listened back and heard that dreaded “pop,” this episode gives you the tools and confidence to clean up your audio and deliver broadcast-quality voice overs every time. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 290: Who Are You and Noise Floor | 22 août 2025 | 00:27:01 | |
In this episode of A VO’s Journey Podcast, we pull back the curtain on what makes VO Journey Academy unique—every one of our coaches is an active working voice actor. That means the training you receive isn’t just theory; it’s built from real-world, day-to-day experience in the industry. We also dive into a technical topic every voice actor should understand: noise floor. What is it, why does it matter, and how do you figure it out in your own recordings? We break down what a proper noise floor should look like, how to measure it, and what it reveals about your recording environment and audio quality. Whether you’re here for the business insights, the tech tips, or both, this episode will give you practical takeaways you can apply immediately on your own VO journey. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 289: Conference Season | 21 août 2025 | 00:24:12 | |
In this episode of A VO’s Journey Podcast, we dive into the world of voice over conferences—events that bring actors, coaches, and industry pros together under one roof. Are they worth your time and money? We break it down with an honest look at the pros and cons. On the plus side, conferences can be an incredible way to network, meet casting directors, learn new skills, and immerse yourself in the VO community. But on the flip side, they can be expensive, overwhelming, and sometimes leave you wondering if the investment was worth it. We’ll talk about how to decide if a conference is right for you, how to make the most of your time and money, and how these events fit into your bigger voice over journey. Whether you’re thinking about your first conference or have been to a few already, this episode will give you insights to help you plan smart. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 288: Marketing Vs. Sales | 20 août 2025 | 00:24:19 | |
In this episode of A VO’s Journey, we dig into one of the most important topics for any voice actor building a business: the difference between marketing and sales. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they serve very different purposes—and both are critical to your success in voice over. We’ll break down what marketing really means (building awareness, visibility, and brand), what sales really means (converting opportunities into paying clients), and how the two overlap in a practical way for voice actors. From building trust with your audience to closing the deal, you’ll come away with a clear understanding of how to balance both sides of the business and start landing more work. Whether you’re brand new to VO or looking to grow your client base, this episode will give you the clarity and strategy you need to move forward. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 287: How Are You Going To Get Paid? | 19 août 2025 | 00:27:18 | |
How Are You Going To Get Paid? In this podcast episode, Gabby Nistico and Anthony Pica talk about how you should use a variety of options when billing customers in order to get the most voice over work you can. 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 286: You Have A Demo - Now What? | 18 août 2025 | 00:26:05 | |
You Have A Demo - Now What? In this episode, Gabby Nistico and Anthony Pica talk about what to do after you have your first voice over demo. There are many different paths to take for voice over after you have your demo: 1. Sharing your voice over demo 2. Have a plan 3. Get voice over training 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 285: Open Forum Friday - Toy Voice Overs | 15 août 2025 | 00:24:40 | |
Open Forum Friday - Toy Voice Overs Hey everyone, we are going to be publishing our podcast everyday as well as going live Monday through Friday on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@AVOsJOURNEY In this episode, Gabby Nistico (Cohost), and I, talk about Toy Voice Overs, Bonnie Williams, our amazing VO Journey Coach AND new voice of the animated series of Jurassic Work Rebirth (Scarlett Johanssons character). Check us out here: 50% Off First MONTH FOR VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 284: Book More Voice Over Work With Casting Directors | 25 juin 2025 | 00:26:53 | |
In this episode of A VO's Journey Podcast, we’re diving deep into one of the most important relationships in the voice over industry—your relationship with casting directors. Whether you're just starting out or looking to land higher-level gigs, understanding what casting directors are looking for (and how to consistently get on their radar) is essential to booking more work. You'll learn:
If you've ever wondered how to move from auditioning to booking consistently, this episode gives you the actionable advice you need. Listen in and start booking more work—smarter, not harder. LEARN MORE ABOUT VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Get “The Free 4 Steps To Start and Grow Your Voice Over Business Guide” Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 283: 4 Revenue Streams For Voice Actors | 17 avr. 2025 | 00:24:18 | |
I am always excited about different streams of revenue that voice actors can earn and this episode is all about 4 different revenue streams that voice over artists can add into their business.
I discuss how to use each of these to generate money for your voice over business. CHECK OUT VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 282: How To Deal With Rejection | 23 janv. 2025 | 00:46:56 | |
How To Deal With Rejection
CHECK OUT VO JOURNEY ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Women in Voice Over - Ep 281 | 17 déc. 2024 | 00:37:31 | |
Women in Voice Over - Ep 281 Takeaways
CHECK OUT A VO'S JOURNEY ELITE ACADEMY HERE: https://www.avosjourney.com Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Get your ticket TODAY for ACADEMY VOICES VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2025 - https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ak8_cMfbNfLL_qHg0YSeji7EqFpzOCtgUulBGYVDheRp7pTWYkAP~ArRdsZNTJJai2tGCz6RNMLFKHhQD2qQJ7y2I35FJHVQHHxK6o5zdgyfT4Q?lmt=1723841689000 Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 280: Academy Voices Update | Website Growth, Audiobook Sales, Virtual Conference Postponed & Voice Over Trends | 09 oct. 2024 | 00:21:58 | |
In this episode of A VO's Journey Podcast (Ep. 280), we share some exciting updates and important news about the growth of Academy Voices and our recent achievements. Our website is nearing 200 members, and we had an amazing first full month in September with over 162 audiobook purchases! We also announce the postponement of the Academy Voices Virtual Conference 2024 to February 7-9, 2025, due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene and the upcoming Presidential Election. Additionally, we discuss the recent surge in voice over work and why now is the perfect time to set up your holiday gig offerings. Don't miss out on these key insights and updates as we continue to grow and support the voice acting community! Keywords:
Subscribe for more episodes of Academy Voices Update and stay informed on the latest developments in the voice acting industry, website growth, audiobook sales, and more! Like, share, and comment with your thoughts on these important updates! Join Academy Voices Talent Roster Here: https://www.academyvoices.com/offers/4sNBzDc9 Get your ticket TODAY for ACADEMY VOICES VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2024 - https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ak8_cMfbNfLL_qHg0YSeji7EqFpzOCtgUulBGYVDheRp7pTWYkAP~ArRdsZNTJJai2tGCz6RNMLFKHhQD2qQJ7y2I35FJHVQHHxK6o5zdgyfT4Q?lmt=1723841689000 We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 279 - The Publishing Company | 06 sept. 2024 | 00:22:56 | |
I am so thrilled to share with you the new Anthony Pica Productions, LLC publishing Company. I have wanted to do this for years and I have finally taken the leap and now we are producing and earning revenue for our voice actors. Get your ticket TODAY for ACADEMY VOICES VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2024 - https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ak8_cMfbNfLL_qHg0YSeji7EqFpzOCtgUulBGYVDheRp7pTWYkAP~ArRdsZNTJJai2tGCz6RNMLFKHhQD2qQJ7y2I35FJHVQHHxK6o5zdgyfT4Q?lmt=1723841689000 Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 278: Use SPEED for Better Voiceovers | 23 juil. 2024 | 00:11:22 | |
Use SPEED for Better Voiceovers Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 277: 3 Budget Mics To Start Your Voiceover Business With | 22 juil. 2024 | 00:10:44 | |
3 Budget Mics To Start Your Voiceover Business With Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 276: Interview With Gabby Nistico - The State Of Voice Over | 03 juil. 2024 | 00:55:24 | |
Interview With Gabby Nistico - The State Of Voice Over Sign-up For Our Newsletter and Get The Free 4 Steps To Voice Over Success Guide Here: https://www.avosjourney.com/pl/2147543159 We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 275: Voice Over in 2024 | 28 juin 2024 | 00:28:48 | |
Ep. 275: Voice Over in 2024 CLICK HERE FOR A VO'S JOURNEY ELITE ACADEMY: https://www.avosjourney.com/a-vos-journey-elite We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 274: Fail Early And Fail Often In Voice Over | 31 mai 2024 | 00:27:02 | |
Fail Early And Fail Often In Voice Over Learn more about my MAKE $20K ON FIVERR FOR VOICE OVER: https://www.avosjourney.com/how-to-make-20k-on-fiverr-for-voice-over We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 273: Pick Your Voice Over Niche | 28 mai 2024 | 00:17:10 | |
Pick Your Voice Over Niche Learn more about my MAKE $20K ON FIVERR FOR VOICE OVER: https://www.avosjourney.com/how-to-make-20k-on-fiverr-for-voice-over We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 272: Commit to Excellence - Mastering Planning and Focus Tips for Voice Actors | 21 mai 2024 | 00:38:31 | |
MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL FOR A VO'S JOURNEY ELITE ACADEMY: https://www.avosjourney.com/a-vos-journey-elite Learn more about my MAKE $20K ON FIVERR FOR VOICE OVER: https://www.avosjourney.com/how-to-make-20k-on-fiverr-for-voice-over We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||
| Ep. 271: Kickstart Your Voice Over Career: From Planning to Action | 20 mai 2024 | 00:29:58 | |
Join A VO's Journey Elite Academy for only $24 this Memorial Day! (https://www.avosjourney.com/a-vos-journey-elite) We have a great community of voice actors that share content and information about becoming a better voice-over artist at - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ Social Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthony_pica_vo/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/AVOsJOURNEY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/avosjourney/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypicavo/ | |||