Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting – Details, episodes & analysis

Voice actor and content creator Tawny Platis returns to The Mike Lenz VO Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about building a sustainable creative career—without waiting around for permission.

Tawny shares how she landed her first voiceover job at just six years old, why she stepped away from entertainment to build a "safe" business (spoiler: it wasn't safe at all), and how that business experience became the secret weapon that helped her thrive once she went full-time in voice acting.

We also dig into the real role social media plays in today's VO landscape—how Tawny approaches content as creativity (not advertising), why "auditioning all day" isn't always the smartest path, and what it means to build a brand that attracts the right opportunities.

Along the way, Tawny talks about the mindset shifts that changed everything: staying consistent, being willing to experiment, learning the business side of VO, and not being afraid to try new directions—even if not every idea lands.

In this episode, you'll hear:

How Tawny's business background helped fuel her VO success

Why the business side is the biggest hurdle for many voice actors

What makes content connect (and why audiences tune out "ads")

How to keep your brand fresh without losing what makes it recognizable

Tawny's evolving perspective on AI—and what matters most moving forward

Her best advice for creatives: take control, create your own opportunities, and don't fear being "cringe"

Find Tawny online at tawnyvoice.com, and follow her across platforms at @TawnyPlatis (YouTube: @theTawnyPlatis).

On this episode, Mike gives an update on his career including:

• The powerful advice he received after he moved into voiceover, audiobook narration and podcast producing full time almost eight years ago. 
• How networking and attending conferences propeled his audiobook narrration career forward and how he booked his first Union audiobook title. 
• The importance of health and well being to maximizing your vocal performaqnce in the booth. 
• His Audiobook Narrator Workouts that Mike launched recently and how they help narrators work on their craft in a small and safe environment. 
• His podcast producing journey and how the creation of his VO Podcast led to becoming a producer of other podcasts. 
• The four most important words you can say to someone! 

Join Mike for this exicitng update full of great information and inspiration. 

Marisa Blake is a Latina Actor, Voiceover Artist and Musician. You can find her on screen in
Netflix's Florida Man, DC's Swamp Thing and Spectrums Original Long Slow Exhale.

She haswon multiple awards for her audiobook narrations, including a 2023 Audible's Best of for Dykesto Watch out For, featuring Jane Lynch ,Carrie Brownstein, and Roberta Colindrez, an
AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of The Year 2020 for We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres
Sanchez and an Earphones Award for Arianna Davis' What Would Frida Do. Marisa was
recently nominated for a 2023 Audie Award for her work in Across A Hundred Mountains by
Reyna Grande. She takes pride in, and has immense gratitude for the opportunity to voice
Latine Literature.

She is currently the Spanish Voice for Kohls in the US, and one of the regularSpanish voices for Sherwin Williams in the US and recently did a bilingual campaign for Frito-Lay. Marisa voices everything from promos to E-learning, commercials to IVR, and even somevideo games and animation! She voices the promos for her local new station and you can alsofind her performing with local bands behind the microphone, the cajon or the drum kit. She isa proud Mama to three of the coolest dudes on the planet.

To read the full transcriot of this episode and to listen to other episodes, head over to miklenzvopodcast.com, and please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! 

What's the deal with "Zippy," anyway?

Long story short, the nickname "Zippy" comes from a character I played in a 2nd grade talent show. It was my first acting experience, and wouldn't you know it- the name stuck!

With that being said, should I call you "Christopher?"  "Chris?"  "Zippy?"  I'm confused!

It doesn't matter- I'll answer to any of the three!

So acting's been in your blood since you were a kid- pretty cool.  Did you do anything with that passion?

I was able to parlay my love of acting into a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the California Institute of the Arts, where I was privileged to get a mix of both classical and experimental theatre training from some of the top instructors in the country.  They also had great Halloween parties.

What happened after college?  

I got a job.

Then what?

I took standup comedy classes over at Mi's Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, California.  I enjoyed being a part of Westside's community, and it led me to go through their improv training.  I was lucky enough to be a regular performer, both as part of a house team (Ghost Party Orchestra), and as a member of their flagship improv show, Mission IMPROVable (as Agent Hammertime).

Oh goodness, another nickname?

Yup.  I guess it's kind of my thing.

So, improv you say?  Like what they do on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'

Well, Mission IMPROVable is sort of like that, but since a TV audience watching an 8pm show at home is a lot different than a live audience coming to watch a 10pm show at a comedy theater, the energy at Mission IMPROVable is unmatched.  Plus, I think our games are better.  But I'm biased.

Ghost party Orchestra's form of improv is known as longform.  Basically, you put a group of performers on stage, someone in the audience yells out a word, and you do a full show of interconnected scenes based off of that one word.  It can get pretty crazy.

 

Wow- this Westside Comedy Theater sounds like a pretty cool place.  What else did you do over there?

Sketch comedy!  There wasn't a lot of it going on when I first got there, so some friends & I decided, "Why not us?"  I co-created, co-wrote, co-produced, and co-performed in two regularly-running sketch shows while I was there: Kaufman & Kaufman Presents, and The Get Buck Variety Riot.

First of all, that's a lot of "co's."  Second, this Westside Comedy Theater sounds like a pretty cool place.  Where can I go to learn more about it, and what nights are you there?

http://www.WestsideComedy.com

If you're ever in Los Angeles, I highly recommend you give them a visit.  Sadly, you won't find me there these days, as I moved to the East Coast.

Wait, what?!  But…but…you love WCT!  I don't get it!  If you loved being there so much, why did you leave, mmm?

Well you know the phrase "When opportunity knocks, you…"  Wait.  What is the rest of that phrase?  I mean, I know it's got something to do with answering a door…or is the whole phrase just, "When opportunity knocks?"  And what if you have a doorbell?

…But I digress.

I had been an L.A. kid all my life, but at some point, I knew that I had to see what the East Coast was all about.  Thankfully, a short stint as a creative writer over at WWE allowed me to move east and experience new things like weather (it snows here!), public transportation that doesn't stink, and East Coast food (Oh, the food!).

Hold on just one second.  Did you say WWE?  Like, the professional wrestling company?

That's the one.

You know it's all fake, right?

Next question.

Okay okay.  I see that you're a voice actor.  How is that going for you?

Quite well!  After  WWE, I took a chance and explored an avenue I've always been interested in: Voice acting. To date, some of the clients I've worked with have been MTV, and the University of Louisville.

One last question: What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy watching sports (especially the Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA, and Raiders), bowling, karaoke, and chocolate chip cookies (no nuts!).

For more information about this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

Hi, I'm Mike Lenz.  

I'm a professional voice actor, the author of Paid To Talk - A Journey Into Voice Acting, and the host of a popular podcast, Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting.  I'm so excited you're here because that means you have an interest in the voice over industry. 

Maybe you're just beginning and don't have a clue where to start. 

That's OK, because that's exactly where I was 9 years ago.  In fact 10 years ago my life looked a lot different than it does today.

10 years ago I was running my small brick and mortar business and serving as Mayor of my hometown.  I'd been involved in politics for about 10 years and really thought that politics was my future.  I've always been a creative person and I enjoyed the communicating part of serving as Mayor - speaking to groups, and doing radio and television interviews. 

But honestly, the pressure was draining every creative bone in my body. 

Fortunately for me, I lost my re-election bid, and although I was disappointed at the time, that event forever changed the course of my life and led me down the path to the world of professional voice acting where I am today - and I'm loving every minute of it!

After leaving politics, I had a lot of free time to explore other passions.  One of those passions - screenwriting - led me to a filmmakers group, and at one of our meetings, a marketing representative from a voice training company came and passed out flyers.  I decided to check out the company and as soon as I took my first lesson I was hooked.  

Getting trained was a lot of fun and it was an exciting day when my demo CD's arrived in the mail.  But that excitement was quickly tempered by the fact that I was now faced with the prospect of trying to go out into the world and get a voice-over job…and I didn't have a clue where to start.  

Well, I can tell you that having spent a good chunk of change on my training and wanting desperately to get my first paying voice-over gig, I spent countless hours scouring the internet and doing research on the industry, cold-calling radio stations and production studios, and handing my business cards and demo CD's to everyone.  Slowly but surely, the work started to come my way and I'm thrilled to now be able to record audio books, voice e-learning projects and explainer videos, work with clients, and interview amazing and inspiring people on my podcast, all from the comfort of my home recording studio. 

I've been able to create a life that I love, and I want you to know that my weekly podcast, along with my website, blog, e-book, and on-line course are all designed to help you to achieve your dream. 

So please take advantage of these resources, and learn from the amazing and inspiring people I've had the privilege to talk with and learn from.  They've helped me so much in my journey and I know they'll help you as well.

Thank you again for visiting, and remember, whenever I come across something amazing that I think you should know about, my newsletter subscribers get the info and the inside scoop, so make sure you subscribe!

For more information about this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com

Welcome!  Did I mention that I love what I do?  (You probably read that on the first page.  ) I collaborate with clients all over the world from my broadcast quality studio, voicing national and international commercial campaigns for companies like Bissell, Kraft/Capri Sun and Visit Orlando, narrating documentaries & web/explainer videos along with shows on both Slice Network in Canada and HGTV in the US.  I've even played the role of a fairy queen in a children's cartoon (and wow, was that fun!). 

My journey to voice overs actually started with a love of computers.  I used to sell computers when the 386-SX was new (remember those days?).  That graduated to a love of the Internet and all that it could do (quite a lot!).  I spent a number of years as an SEO specialist and media buyer for local companies, and along the way, incorporated my love of music and the Internet together when I created a songwriting resource website called The Muse's Muse back in 1995.  That was my testing ground for a LOT of Internet marketing methods.

But back then, there was more than one search engine that mattered.  The minute that changed … well.  I knew I needed a change.

I've been a singer all my life (I even have a jazz/blues album out, if you'd like to hear some samples) and have always been comfortable behind a microphone. It naturally made for a fascination with what else I could do with my voice.  I researched, I got coaching (I still get coaching on a regular basis – there's always more to learn!), I made a demo (more than one!), and I switched my entrepreneurial focus.   That was quite a few years ago now and I haven't looked back.

But what few people know? I'm a geeky fangirl at heart.    I've been a member of a filk group called Urban Tapestry since 1994 and we've traveled all over the US, Canada & Europe performing our geeky fangirl songs for the folks that appreciate it.   Ask me about Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, or tabletop gaming and you'll be in for a lengthy conversation (if you want one, that is).

Feel free to listen to my demos to see if you think I'd be right for your project.  I'd love to work with you. 

For more information about this and other episodes, head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

John Florian Founder and Webmaster     If you've ever written a "personal mission" for yourself, you'll understand when John says that his mission is to "Help people succeed in life and business through creative ways of communications."   Indeed, that activates his two passions: voice-overs and publishing.   As a voice over actor, John is called back by producers who want that "warm and friendly guy" (but don't typecast yourself! warn the coaches).   And as a former editorial director/writer/marketer, John has created many business and consumer magazines and newsletters.   Now these two communication fields merge with his creation of VoiceOverXtra - the voice-over industry's online news, education and resource center.   John is also active in civic and self-improvement organizations, where he finds that "giving back" and networking continue to inspire.   Email: johnflorian@voiceoverxtra.com Web: www.VoiceOverXtra.com   For more information on this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

 

Holly Franklin is a spunki-licious voiceover star who lost count how many times people have asked her, "is that your real voice?" ages ago.

She specializes in kid, teen and character voices and is best known for her work on My Little Pony, Barney, Owlegories & BOZ the Bear series. She also appears on-camera and in commercial print work.

Whether it was cheerleading, theater or acting out Oscar winning performances for the neighbors while mowing the lawn – all the world has been a stage for this born & raised Texan. Holly went on to attend Texas A&M University where she met her nerdy Civil Engineering husband. After her brief stint as a high school health teacher, she got tired of getting asked for her hall pass. So, she turned in her grade book for a microphone, honed her raw talent by training with the best in the biz, and the rest is Hollypoppin' history. She has 3 freaking amazing kids who tolerate her quirky parenting style, and even stranger voice.

Holly has a soft spot for preschoolers and rodents, both of which she can imitate perfectly (not including the feet stomping and garden wrecking that you get with the real things). Ask any one of her many happy clients and they'll tell you - she's a funny, smart, speedy, flexible pro with an unbeatable squeak and a true claim to the "one-take wonder" fame. She can make your copy pop from her broadcast quality home studio or come to you…without the micromanaging mommy and with a voice that is guaranteed to bring your script to youthful life and make you look darn good.

Find your favorite Hollypop! flavor and experience what real sweet tooth satisfaction tastes like right now!

For more inforamtion about this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

 

Erik Sheppard – "Today's Voice" has over 12 years of professional experience, voicing thousands of high profile projects across the globe ranging from corporate presentations to national radio and television campaigns. He is consistently the preferred male voice for many of the most widely recognized corporate, commercial and promotional production companies worldwide. Clients include Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Citibank, HSBC, American Express, Ebay, MTV and TV Land.
When not in the booth, Erik is an industry blogger, host of "The Erik and Ember Show", and organizer of the Voiceover Mixer series of networking events. He is the owner and head talent agent of Voice Talent Productions, a New York based agency representing an elite roster of voice talent from around the world. His career and related projects have been profiled in such places as Voice-Over Xtra, Voices, Voice123.com, The Voice Over Insider and countless other blogs and podcasts. If it is happening in the voice over industry, chances are Erik is involved.
Erik coaches exclusively through the prestigious Edge Studio headquartered in Manhattan, NY.

For more information about this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

Jay Preston VO.  You've come here in need of a Voice Over for your project. Be it E-Learning, How-To Videos, Commerical Voice Over for Radio or TV and one thing is clear. There is a certain sound and quality you are looking for, and chances are, I can deliver it. From Warm and Natural, to Edgy and Sarcastic,  I'm sure I can make your message ring Honest & True. As an added bonus, we are going to have a great time working together. 

For more info on this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.