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! 

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!

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

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.

I got a job.

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).

Yup.  I guess it's kind of my thing.

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.

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.

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.

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!).

That's the one.

Next question.

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.

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.

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.

America's premiere female live voice announcer Randy Thomas made history as the first woman to announce The Academy Awards©, The Emmy Awards©, The SAG Awards©, The AFI Awards©, to name a few. As the seven-time announcer of The Oscars©, and fourteen-time Tony© announcer, Thomas has been winning accolades and opening doors for female voice artists for over 20 years. For the past nine years she's been heard daily by millions of people as the iconic voice of CBS Television Distribution's "Entertainment Tonight©," one of the most watched entertainment programs in the world.

In addition to voice over, with more than 20 years of experience as a radio personality in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Miami, Thomas has gone on to achieve her dreams as one of the most recognizable voice-over artists in the world as well as co-author of "VOICE FOR HIRE: Launch and Maintain a Lucrative Career in Voice-Overs" (Watson-Guptill Publications, a division of Random House Inc.).

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

Nydia Monarrez was born and raised in Monterrey, N.L. Mexico. She has a degree in Communications and Public Relations. She studied Acting for 2 years using Eric Morris Method, the most organic and complete method in the Industry. Nydia is Bilingual (English/Spanish) and also has a background in, Training, Financial Services and Corporate Business.

Nydia is currently a Full time, Professional Spanish Voice Over Talent, Actress, Host and Life Style Model. She is also a Yoga lover, Audio Books Fan and Happy Foodie! She lives in Chicago, Ill. USA. with her husband and 2 kids.

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

Cristina Milizia is a professional, full time voice over talent in Los Angeles, California.  Her voice is youthful, sweet & upbeat! Conversational, millennial, approachable, fun, and hip are also accurate adjectives.

Cristina's wealth of experience allows her to perform voice over fluidly in commercial, narration, IVR & telephony, e-learning, on hold messaging, Spanish, video games, mobile game apps, toys, & audiobooks. She works full time as a talent & as a voice over coach, and can turn around any new project within 24-48 hours. Her professional home studio set up will give you the top notch sound quality you need, while saving your money on outside studio costs. Additional services for professional sound design, editing, music production & translation services available upon request.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Cris Dukehart is an Audie Nominee and Earphones Award Winner, and has recorded over 300 audiobooks across multiple genres.

On this episode we talk about Cris's journey into the VO and audiobook world, and her amazing journey from a little cottage in Pennsylvania to her mountaintop house in the Caribbean. 

https://www.crisdukehart.com/

Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:

 https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw

LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in):

https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6

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.

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

It's a balmy morning in Burbank, California, the sort-of/almost entertainment mecca of the world. The curtains are blowing softly in the breeze, and there is a low-hanging layer of smog sitting over the Los Angeles horizon. An army of absurdly large crows argues about breakfast and futures trading. Nearby, on the pack patio of a house in the hills, a three-year old girl is ostensibly doing Zumba, critiquing her mother's merengue.

Joe Zieja is, as usual, in a small room talking to himself. No, he's not crazy; he's a voice actor, part of the hidden pocket of showbiz. He spends hours a day reading scripts in his home studio, or traveling to local studios to do the same. Switching from commercial to promo to video game to public service announcement about the dangers of q-tips, Joe enters and exits the personalities of dozens of people hourly, but somehow maintains a two-fingered, tenuous grip on reality.

When he's not standing in a small room talking to himself, he's sitting in a slightly larger room or coffee shop telling lies. Or truths. It depends on what you think about the art of writing and storytelling. His first science fiction novel Mechanical Failure has just released, and he's working on the third book in the trilogy as his editor dutifully combs through book two.

He does all this sitting in a room with no less than twelve musical instruments, all of which he uses in his various commercial and video game compositions. There is also a lightsaber.

Where did all of this raw, creative impulsiveness come from? According to Joe, it mostly stems from his allergy to office life, though it's hard to tell from his enigmatic comment on the matter.

"I would rather choke on fragments of hot mufflers than spend any more time working for bureaucratic organizations behind a desk," Joe says as he totally destroys that one level in Mega Man II, which is a super hard game.

You see, Joe wasn't always an annoying Hollywood art-o-crat. Joe came from humble beginnings in New Jersey, the elder of two boys raised by a loving fireman/businesswoman duo. It all happened in a sleepy suburban town surrounded by dairy farms and bluegrass festivals. The scarcity of activity wasn't all bad, however; the bowling alley in the center of the town being the only thing to do made for a lifetime high score of 255, which is pretty impressive.

But Joe wasn't destined to stay in suburbia forever. At the age of 13, he declared to his parents that he would be attending the United States Air Force Academy. Nobody in the family had any idea why, including Joe, but he still did it anyway. In 2003, he left New Jersey to begin what he thought would be a long career in the air force. The first hauntings of what would become a career in using his voice manifested as he, almost randomly, became the official cadet emcee. Other than that tiny whisper, he mostly acted like he had a rod surgically installed in a place where one would not typically have a rod. Thankfully, in a large part due to the wonderful woman he married, it didn't last.

Only after a few years' exposure to the machinations of the US government did Joe really begin to understand that, although it had its moments, the military life wasn't quite for him. Despite that, he stuck around until 2012, after which - in a stroke of brilliance designed to free himself from government bureaucracy - he became a contractor for three government organizations. Working together. At the same time.

"To get a sense of what that's like," Joe said, "try telling a group of toddlers that they have to decide amongst themselves who gets a small container of ice cream. Then give them all espresso. And cocaine."

That life, however, is behind him. Although Joe always thought it would be his books that took him out of government service, it ended up being voice acting. Becoming a voiceover artist was never something he thought about until someone paid him for it, after which he earnestly began seeking other people who would pay him for it. Now he seeks people who will pay him for it on a daily basis, and so far it's worked out quite well for him.

We asked him what he missed most about his Jersey boy roots, and Joe's answer was quick and to the point.

"Pizza," he said. "And bagels. And people who get the f*** out of the left lane when they're going slower than the person to their right."

Now a Los Angeles immigrant, Joe focuses on his creative exploits with reckless abandon. He's of the opinion that the world is full of limitless opportunities and limitless excuses not to do them. An avid practitioner of parkour - which is really the art of constantly being on the verge of injury - Joe's personal preference for exercise mostly involves jumping on/over/around things and doing flips. He also flies planes and scuba dives, because why the hell not?

Despite being quite comfortable in his current pace of work in both voice acting and writing, Joe's not satisfied with the status quo. He's already played Nintendo icon Fox McCloud in STAR FOX ZERO: THE BATTLE BEGINS, but there's more on his bucket list. He'd like to play the voice of Link, from THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, Mario, and a main character from a Shin Megami Tensei game, all of whom have absolutely no dialog. He'd also like to write bigger books with more words that have more syllables.

Only the future will tell what's in store for Joe Zieja. For now, we must bid farewell to this strange creature, and hope he stays mostly contained in his 3'x5' box.

"Seriously," Joe said by way of goodbye, "you're driving a Prius. Get out of the left lane."

A seasoned pro African-American voice-over specialist with over a decade of experience, providing the 3-dimensional sound that promotes companies, services, and entrepreneurs around the globe.

Mara has a naturally intuitive vocal ability that brings words to life with color and direct relatability. Her voice resonates with a warm, smooth, sensual or corporate tone for sophisticated projects, and a bright, vibrant, and upbeat delivery for standard narration.

Affiliations include SAG-AFTRA union with accreditation from the World-Voices Organization and the Society of Accredited Voice-Over Artists (SaVoa).

Mara's work has been featured by popular global brands including AT&T™, Microsoft, Nintendo®, McDonald's®, Oreck, Public Storage, USPS.com®, Sygic mobile GPS, International Game Technology (IGT) and Walt Disney Company's® T180 Studios.

Mara currently divides her time voicing projects from recording studios in the Gulf, East & West coasts, in the Greater New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco Bay areas.

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

Steve French is a NYC based voice actor who's voice has been heard on national television commercials, and most recently as the announcer for Match Game hosted by Alec Baldwin on ABC.

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

If you have been anywhere near a television screen at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida since 2005 then you have been captivated by a vivacious and adorable woman telling you about the fabulous rides and attractions you're going to experience during your stay. The hyper-energetic, totally mesmerizing personality, known to her fans as "the human exclamation point" is Stacey J. Aswad. She is the Resort TV host of Walt Disney World's TOP 7 MUST SEES and MUST DO DISNEY TV shows that loop 24/7 and are watched and memorized by millions of people!

Stacey's humble beginnings are in Binghamton, New York where she started competitive artistic roller skating at the age of five and went on to become a five-time national champion in the sport. Stacey began studying ballet to help with her roller skating training, which turned into her joining a professional ballet company while still in high school. She went on to earn a BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School in New York City and after graduation, she danced and choreographed professionally in New York and around the country. Seeking new and different challenges, and to see the range of artistic opportunities in other parts of the country, Stacey left New York and headed to the Midwest.

Stacey continued her professional performing career in ballet, modern and jazz throughout the Midwest and also joined the faculty at The Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, Kentucky, teaching dance to middle and high school students. During this time, she developed an interest in acting and had a natural talent for it. After booking many regional commercials, industrials and voiceovers, she relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. There she scored some national commercials and voiceovers and the series regular role of Andi Ramsey, on the television series, 7TH STREET THEATER, now airing on multiple cable networks worldwide. 

In May 2005, after an intense audition process, Stacey booked the hosting gig for Walt Disney World's, TOP 7 MUST SEES, television show and that exposure was the turning point in her career. When Hollywood composer agent, Richard Kraft and his friends saw Stacey's show while on vacation at Walt Disney World, he tracked her down through her talent agent to ask her  to be the host of his documentary, FINDING KRAFTLAND. She flew out to Los Angeles in September 2005 and spent a whirlwind five days shooting and becoming friends with the fabulous filmmakers.

This fortuitous trip to Los Angeles confirmed to Stacey what she already knew in her heart she needed to do.  She needed to make Los Angeles her new home.

Upon returning to North Carolina, Stacey had the opportunity to do something for the first time in her life.  She had spent countless hours on stage in pointe shoes and tutus but she had never done any theatre. To critical and audience acclaim, she played nine different hilarious roles in the regional premiere of the new comedy, CARRIE ANN'S KISS and immediately went on to shine as the lead in the popular Alan Ball play, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS. During all this stage work, Stacey shot the lead role in the feature length love story, ME & YOU, US FOREVER. After completing the film, she returned to Los Angeles for the extravagant premiere of FINDING KRAFTLAND at Paramount Studios.

Desiring new challenges and forever accompanied by the love and support of her family and circle of friends, Stacey rented an RV and set out with her super fun roller skating dance partner for points West.  The rig was filled to the brim with the necessities, like all of her kitchen gadgets and cookware, because she is an amazing chef and baker and her impressive shoe collection, of course.  The four-some was complete with Stacey's two beloved resuced cats, Rosebud and Lily who had a blast finding places in the RV to nap and play. With a lot of great conversation and rockin' tunes, they made it to LA, safe and sound, in just under fifty hours!

Since moving to Los Angeles, in 2007, Stacey has been on a whirlwind ride as a host, voice actor, spokesperson and actress securing representation with powerhouse talent agencies, Commerical Talent and AVO Talent.  She has done on-camera commercials and voice over work for clients like McDonald's, AT&T, Toyota, Clairol, Time Warner Cable, Alamo, Regions Bank, Safeco Insurance, Acura, Carl's Jr., Bud Light and more. Voice acting for the Adventures in Odyssey show and television roles for ABC and CW shows. She also starred in a TannLyne Productions world premiere play, TRACKS, after having only a few days to learn the entire play before opening night. Thank goodness Stacey is great at memorizing lines!

Stacey also spent many fun-filled weekends traveling to films festivals around the country with the FINDING KRAFTLAND film makers. This award-winning documentary has screened in more than 70 festivals worldwide to rave reviews and even better, created life-long friendships between Stacey, Adam and the Kraft Boys.

Stacey got to wear her roller skates once again but in a more "sporty" venue, the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.  She spent two seasons as the live-game host for the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks basketball team. She had a blast warming up the crowd, and during the timeouts and half-time breaks she played on-court games, gave away awesome prizes and nterviewed players. Stacey and Sparky,  the team mascot, helped make the games even more fun and exciting by going into the stands and interacting with the fans. Go Sparks!

In early 2009, Stacey got the call asking her to stay on to host the new Resort TV campaign for Walt Disney World called, MUST DO DISNEY… she accepted without hesitation! She flew to Orlando to shoot the new show at Walt Disney World and as expected had the best time running around the Parks. When necessary, she updates the show from a Los Angeles recording studio or in Orlando depending on what new things they need her to talk about or experience. It's a tough job, but Stacey is so happy and so grateful to still be the Disney Girl!

On January 8, 2012, Stacey added Producer to her hosting talents when she and renowned voice over demo producer and director, Chuck Duran premiered the voice over show VO BUZZ WEEKLY. In a very short time it has become a global web sensation that's inspiring, educating and entertaining viewers in over 89 countries around the world. Aspiring voice actors, established VO pros and curious fans alike can finally put a "face to the voice" of the mega-talented voice actors from cartoons, animated films, movie trailers, video games, TV promos and commercials, to getting the inside scoop from the best voice over agents, directors and others, in a way that has never been done before. Every week, hosts Chuck and Stacey give great tips and information and get up close and personal with their special guest as they share fun and poignant personal stories, insights on how they became so successful, reveal tips, techniques, products and equipment they use to maintain their voice, create characters and continue to stay at the top of their craft. There's always time for a little BUZZ! 

As an animal lover and advocate, Stacey is passionate about seeing   the end to animal homelessness and cruelty in her lifetime. Stacey encourages and hopes that people will choose to only adopt and rescue their furry family members and do their part to give them forever homes. Stacey donates the proceeds from her autographed pictures, available on the CHARITY page to many different animal charities who are doing amazing work to save animals around the world.

In May 2005, Stacey's beloved cat, Mommy, passed away in her arms at almost twenty years of age. Saddened by her loss, Stacey knew that the right time would come to rescue another beautiful animal.  Four months later, Stacey's family found a tiny kitten, on a farm in upstate New York.  She was barely two weeks old, all alone and weighing less than one pound.  Instantly they knew she needed to meet Stacey! It was love at first sight and after weeks of bottle-feeding and constant love and attention, Rosebud grew and grew and purr-ed and played. 

Now that Rosebud was strong and healthy living in North Carolina, Stacey knew she had to rescue a companion for her.  So, one fateful day she happened to walk by a Petsmart when the Humane Society was there.  Stacey saw a twelve week-old kitten, who she named Lily, and knew she would be coming home with her that day. Lily had been abused and almost died from a respiratory infection but thanks to a devoted Humane Society volunteer, she fully recovered and was ready to be adopted. Lily loves to cuddle, play with Rosebud and anything that moves and have her silky, long hair brushed. 

These two loving, loyal, gorgeous Hollywood felines enjoy meowing and purring when Stacey is recording voice overs in her Home Studio and love helping her learn lines for auditions and jobs by laying on the script pages.  They're such a big help!

After a lengthy audition process, Stacey prevailed to become the new In-Show Announcer for Season 3 of Family Game Night airing on The Hub. She joined Host Todd Newton, the 2012 Daytime Emmy Winner for Outstanding Game Show Host, for an entirely new show format. The two-time Parent's Choice Award winning family game show premiered on Sunday, September 23, 2012 to favorable reviews. Family Game Night is all about families being together, having fun and winning awesome prizes and cash. 

The entire 15-episode season was shot on a sound stage in just six days with a few hours of copy revisions in a recording studio afterwards. The previous Announcer for the show was Burton Richardson of The Arsenio Hall Show and Family Feud. Stacey was asked if she was intimidated to try and fill such experienced shoes. She said, "I have great respect for Mr. Richardson and his experienced shoes. I have my own size 5 shoes and they fit me perfectly."

Stacey had the extra bonus of being the studio audience warm up artist for all fifteen tapings, now that was some serious fun, people! Having never done this before, Stacey called upon her experience as a versatile live host, dancer, teacher and finely tuned improv and people skills to make sure everyone had a great time. Judging by the people's reactions and line for autographs afterwards, it is safe to say the crowd was onboard with all of her antics. Just give Stacey a microphone and a challenge and she will deliver in a big way! 

With smiling Irish eyes and a rich, warm voice to match, Richard Rieman (Ree'man) is an Audible Approved Audiobook narrator*, audiobook producer, professionally trained Voice Actor, and author of "The Author's Guide to AudioBook Creation."

*Audible Approved producers are the best audiobook producers in the business. Most have narrated and/or produced 25 audiobooks that are available on Audible.com and have a verifiable record of achievement in the audiobook industry. These producers are identifiable on the ACX website by a special icon in their narrator profiles.

Richard trained with Emmy-Award winning Voice Actor and VO Coach Melissa Leebaert,  Award-winning Audiobook Narrator Sean Pratt, and took classes and workshops with David Goldberg at Edge Studio and Bill DeWees, one of the most respected VO Coaches.

Richard is a four-time winner of Edge Studio's National Script Recording Contests.

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

Gary made his acting debut in the musical Godspell as a student.  Since then he has pursued acting both on the ameteur and professional circuits.  Most notably was his role as Tom Collins in Bare Cheek's production of RENT.  

Gary worked in Niigata, Japan for 5 years, during which time he took part in the Charity Musical.  

Over the course of these 5 years he was an actor, director and audio producer.  

It was during this time he discovered his interest in Audiobooks and Voice Over.  

Gary has lived in and traveled all over Japan, has lived in Texas, worked in Memphis, and has been all over Europe.  

He can perform in a General British, General American and Irish accent to a native level and can speak Japanese fluently.  

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

Bennett's career began in 1974 when she was recorded as the voice of First National Bank of Atlanta's "Tillie the All-Time Teller."[4] She has recorded messages for the public address system in all Delta Air Lines terminals worldwide, as well as voicing e-learning software and GPS navigation software,[5] and telephone systems.[6] Bennett's voice has also been used in numerous local and national television advertisements for Ford, Coca-Cola, Fisher-Price, McDonald's, The Home Depot, Goodyear, VISA, Macy's, Hot Pockets, Club Med, and Cartoon Network, among others.

In June 2005, the software company ScanSoft was looking for someone to be the voice for a database project involving speech construction. ScanSoft inquired with GM Voices and selected Bennett, who happened to be present when the scheduled voice-over artist was absent.[7] She worked in a home recording booth for the entire month of July 2005, more than four hours each day, reading phrases and sentences. The recordings were then concatenated into the various words, sentences, and paragraphs used in the Siri voice.[6] Bennett only became aware she was the voice of Siri when a friend contacted her through email in October 2011.

Despite Apple not having acknowledged or confirmed its use of Bennett, audio-forensics experts hired by CNN expressed 100 percent certainty that Bennett is the voice of Siri.[6]

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

From Fisher Price toy tape players and micro-cassette recorders in his early years to the latest technology, Christian Rosselli has been speaking and recording his entire life. A theatrically-trained college grad, he initially set his sights on New York City to pursue a career in casting for Film, TV and theater…not acting. A variety of entertainment industry jobs eventually led to his joining the voice over profession. And not just because people told him he had a 'Great Voice.'

Christian is one of the most sought after male voiceover talents in the greater New York area and the country. His work is versatile and unique, encompassing a wide variety of projects and abilities. His gifted ear, passion for the creative process and skilled craftsmanship enable solid collaboration, bringing each message to a vivid and memorable life.

His credits include work with such companies as AT&T, Buffalo Wild Wings, Geico, Lord And Taylor, M&T Bank, Purina, Spotify, USA Today, Reebok, United Healthcare, Boeing and more!

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

Though I love to travel, there’s no place like my home in Missouri. I was born and raised just north of Kansas City, and being a Midwest girl, I believe in hard work and authenticity. I’ve always been fascinated with people and I’m the kind of person who strikes up a friendly conversation with the cashier at the grocery store, or the guy standing next to me in a long line.

When I got to college and discovered that you can actually get a degree in communicating effectively with other human beings (who knew?), I couldn’t get signed up fast enough! Heading into my senior year, I had the crazy idea of becoming a TV advertising executive, so I landed an internship at a nearby cable station. One day, a producer asked me to read the script for a commercial and I suddenly discovered my passion for voice over! That was 10 years ago, and now here I am, recording in my home studio or with real people in their Kansas City area studios. When I’m not behind a microphone, I still hone my skills regularly by reading to my four young children or watching HGTV with my husband; when you’re in voiceover, the commercials become a lot more interesting! I love meeting new people through social media, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

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

Jamie Muffett is a voice actor, podcast producer, audio engineer and educator who divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia, PA. 

He's worked with some of the worlds biggest companies, production studios, and games developers. He work primarily from his own studio in Bucks County, PA, and studios in NYC and Philly. 

Past and current clients include: Google, Starbucks, Warner Brothers, Lucas Film, LEGO, Porsche, Mercedes, Ubisoft, Samsung, McDonald's, NBC, EA Sports, ESPN, Marriott Hotels, Amazon, Etihad Airways, FIFA, Disney, IKEA, National Geographic Channel...

Jamie has lectured on voiceover at Syracuse University, He's a Backstage Magazine 'Expert',  he hosts the 'VO School Podcast' and he holds a monthly VO workshop at his studio in Philadelphia. He is also co-chair of VOcation Conference held in New York City every September.

Jamie's website is https://www.jamiemuffett.com/

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Prior to co-founding ACM, Phil has been at the vanguard for the voice-over industry as both a talent manager and agent at International Creative Management. At ICM, he helmed one of the largest voice over departments in the country offering complete services in commercials, promos, trailers, narrations, animation and celebrity endorsements. Most recently, Phil founded Flatirons Creative Management; a specialized voice-over management firm emphasizing innovation, personal attention and collaborative relationships between voice clients and industry creatives. As a talent agent, Phil began his career at Don Buchwald Associates before founding the renowned on-air promotions department at Schiffman, Eckman, Morrison & Marx (SEM&M). He has BFA from Colorado and an MFA from Columbia University.

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

Ever since his first play at thirteen (his mother still has the bellhop costume), Jeffrey Kafer has been an avid performer on the stage and in voice-overs. He has narrated over one hundred books spanning all genres and won the 2008 Voicey Award for Best New Voice. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.

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

Kiff VandenHeuvel is originally from Grand Rapids, MI and is an alumni of The Second City comedy theatre.  He has performed in many film and TV in projects ranging from NETFLIX’s RICHIE RICH (where he was a series regular), NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION, TNT’s THE LAST SHIP, and David Spade’s prank show FAMELESS for Tru-tv, HBO’s BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, last years Indie hit NIGHTCRAWLER,  DANNY COLLINS (w/ Al Pacino) and the upcoming blockbuster BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE.

Kiff is an accomplished improviser and sketch comedy director, and he teaches voiceover, improv and directing at Second City Hollywood. Kiff has appeared in hundreds of TV and radio commercials and is well known in the video game community as the voice of Zachary Hale Comstock in BIOSHOCK:INFINITE and the voice of Walter in THE WALKING DEAD video game series.  One of his unique skills is as a voice-matcher and impressionist. Kiff has appeared in several major motion pictures performing the voices of actors as varied as Vince Vaughn, Sylvester Stallone and Channing Tatum.  Kiff lives in LA with his wife and daughter.

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

For more information about my online course How To Start (and Grow) Your VO Career, head over to vosuccess.com.

Pam Tierney is an accomplished Chicago based actor who hails from Indiana by way of Marquette University in Wisconsin. Extensive training from several studios such as Act One, The Acting Studio and The Green Room as well as completion of the Second City Conservatory brings a thorough knowledge of styles and skills transferable to commercials, film, television and voiceover. An established voiceover with a personal studio, this busy actor can handle a wide variety of characters and situations with ease.

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

For more info about my online course head over to vosuccess.com

I’ve always been an actor, just ask my parents. Since the time I could walk and talk, I’ve been getting up in front of people and performing; a song, a play, a story, you name it. It just seemed to come naturally to me and I truly enjoyed entertaining people. It was not until I started acting in high school that I realized I had found my calling. For better or worse, a professional actor was what I was meant to be. Accordingly, I went off to college to study the craft of acting and the workings of the theatre.

Attending the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico was one of the most influential events in my growth as an artist.The training I received there was excellent and the demands placed on me truly tested my commitment to being an actor. So, upon graduation, I thought I was ready to tackle the enormous job of starting my career. I could not have been more wrong. Though the classes I had taken taught me how to act, move, breathe, sing and dance, and have a working knowledge of the theatre and its history, they failed to teach me something crucial. I knew how to act, but I did not know how to make a living in the business of acting. Agents, pictures and résumés, getting auditions, the job opportunities outside of theatre, film and television, and dealing with the unions were only a few of the things I didn’t know about. On top of that, add the strain of paying the bills, having a relationship with someone, and dealing with the constant rejection of not landing the part. No one told me about or prepared me for how to deal with them.

When I began to realize just how ill prepared I was at coping with all the complexities of managing my career, I was filled with frustration and anger. I also realized that I had two choices; either throw in the towel or begin the difficult task of learning how to get my career started. I chose the latter because what else could I do, I am an actor! I became a student all over again; talking to others in the profession, learning from experience, reading books on the business and finding healthy ways to deal with the strain of balancing the needs of work and life. I’ve been through a lot and have made many mistakes along the way, but the journey has been worth it. I have become what I wanted to be — a working, professional actor.

Being an actor is a very tough profession! There is no security, no sure thing, and no one else to help you. It is the smart, gifted, and determined actor, who knows how best to focus their energies and use their talents, that stands the best chance of succeeding. They know that it all begins and ends within them. They have learned how to be seen and heard above the din of thousands of other actors out there. Simply put, they have learned how to “BANG THEIR OWN DRUM!”

Sean was born and raised in Oklahoma and comes from a long line of storytellers and general mischief makers. He lives in Maryland with his wife, the actress Shannon Parks, and their two wonderful children.

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

I provide a friendly, trustworthy, or wry voice to any male voice over project, but I can also give you a serious, informative take on the copy. I definitely fill the niche of the 'iPod Generation' voice.

Other than my normal voice, I provide a vast array of character voices, and have trained heavily in accents and dialects.

I'm a big fan of collaboration, and will take any direction you give me. My ego comes last.

• Teenage Boy
• Young Adult Male
• Middle Age Male
• Senior Male

• English - USA and Canada

• Commercials
• Promos
• IVR, voicemail, phone systems, and on-hold messages
• Training, business presentations, sales, and web sites
• Audiobooks
• Videogames
• Documentaries
• TV shows and movies
• Movie and game trailers
• Podcasts
• Adult content
• Songs
• Others (on-camera, infomercials, live announcers, spokespersons)

• Jobs for SAG-AFTRA (US) signatories

• SAG-AFTRA (US)

• I will go to any designated studio in my area
• I have ISDN in my studio
• I have Phone Patch in my studio
• I have Source Connect in my studio
• I can record and then deliver the audio files via Email
• I can record and then upload the audio files via FTP

• I offer copywriting services
• I offer translation services
• I can deliver edited and finished voice tracks
• I offer voice direction services
• I have a music library and can add music to any project
• I can add special effects to any project

, California, United States

English, British:
Standard, RP
Cockney,
Birmingham,
Highlands Scottish, Northern and Southern Irish

American:
Southern (Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Mississippi),
New York, Minnesota, Chicago, General

Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Japanese, Australian, South African, French, German (Northern and Southern), Italian, Russian, Hungarian, Serbo-Croatian, Swedish, Dutch, Carribean (Bahamas and Jamaica), Canada

In addition to these, I can do innumerable character voices (from robots to detectives to giants) and can combine them with these accents for intersting twists (a Jamaican robot, for instance).

I'm currently 'the voice' of Coke Zero -- I do all their radio campaigns as they need them.

I also do a lot of video games with clients such as Remedy, Thunder Game Works, Crescent Moon Games, Awem Studios, Big Fish Games, Ben Olding Games, FlightSimVoices, and others. Three games in which I was featured have spent numerous weeks in the Top 25 Apps in the iTunes Store, and a few are all-time classics: Death Rally, Kick the Buddy, and Trenches II.

I also do PSAs for Great Schools. I also have experience in commercials, podcasts, dubbing, audiobooks, and films.


This is my passion.

She’s your quintessential hipster mom – sweet & spicy like a chai latte, with all the boldness of a French Roast. From skinny jeans and sippy cups to top quality recordings, this classically-trained opera singer turned professional voice-over artist is equal parts actor and entrepreneur.

Most days, Heather can be found lending her versatile sound to clients around the globe, operating from her broadcast-quality, professional recording studio. With the convenience of a professional recording studio on-site, Heather can send voice-over work within 24 hours to clients anywhere!

Heather specializes in Commercials, Explainer Videos, e-Learning, Narration, Radio Imaging, Network Promos, Animation, Documentaries, IVR and more…

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!

Hi. I’m Nicole Fazio. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on the Old Price Dairy Farm in a home my grandfather and dad built. My favorite thing to do as a kid was go up to the mysterious silo outside the milking barn and listen to how my voice sounded when it was amplified. Living in this magical kingdom, I discovered my voice and was hooked.

A true voice over darling, I have branded just about everything! After graduating from the prestigious University of Washington’s School of Drama, I was determined to book a national commercial.

Who knew cleaning my voice teacher’s house to pay for classical voice lessons as a teen would quickly pay off! Having the good fortune of booking one of my early voice over auditions, I learned the voice over trade on the job while announcing multiple campaigns for the Hyundai Motor Company’s full fleet of cars. With access to tons of copy during frequent sessions, engineers, copyright editors, heads of the dealership, ad agency staff my career was born.

In addition to cars, beauty has been good to me. With the money from my gigs, I used those first spots to create a demo that I sent off to production companies. This is how I landed the Bare Escentuals gig opening me up to the world of Direct Response (DR). Once again, I was given the gift of learning this form of voice over while being paid to invite women to indulge in a “makeup so pure, you can sleep in it.” Voicing this beauty pioneer, opened up doors with other production companies as my signature for Bare became a prototype that provided me numerous ongoing new jobs.

A natural leader, it’s exciting that I make a living shining my light on these incredible inventions. When I was recently home in Washington teaching voice over workshops to teens and adults, I had the privilege of recording at Bad Animals recording studio in Seattle at the base of the Space Needle. After my session, the owner said, “You are the most enthusiastic person I have ever met.” The key I have found to being quality talent is to know your audience and transfer enthusiasm. If my read is not working, I change who I am talking to or why I am saying it.

It is such a dream to use my joy as a strength to get excited everyday about something!Currently, I am delighted to be the voice of Wen by Chaz Dean, a revolutionary hair care that “takes the place of shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, de-tangler and leave in conditioner all in one.”
Over the years, I have been passionate about sharing my knowledge of the industry with future voice over artists when they ask for advice. It is important to me to teach them how to record, edit and improve reads with organic techniques. I also enjoy variety that comes building demos and connecting them to industry professionals.

Tweet me @NicoleMFazio if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way or send me an email via my contact page to discuss the possibility of us working together to elevate your brand. So what can I help you with? Contact me and we’ll create something great together.

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

My name is Rosi Amador, and I am a native Spanish/English voiceover actor with no accent whatsoever in either language. I was raised both in Latin and North America so I’m a native speaker of both languages, bicultural and equally comfortable in both worlds. I can easily add an “Hispanic” accent to my English reads when required. My Spanish is best described as neutral Latin American; however, I can also infuse my Latin American Spanish with a Puerto Rican or an Argentine accent.

My voice is best described as friendly, sparkling, expressive, pleasing, warm and enthusiastic. It can sound childlike and fun, or professional, serious and formal, as needed. My clients tell me I’m easy to coach and a pleasure to work with. I believe it’s because I’m very flexible and attuned to their needs. I’ll voice your message just as you’d like!

Amador Bilingual Voiceovers’ mission is to be the foremost provider of Spanish and English voiceover services for clients who create content related to Hispanics and the Spanish language, and who serve Spanish-speaking markets. Our success is built upon our ability to provide evocative voice acting in flawless native English and Spanish or English with a Hispanic accent.

We work as a team with our clients to exceed their expectations in a friendly and efficient way, and always with a sense of humor. Our bicultural background helps us maximize the cultural relevance and effectiveness of our clients’ messages.

We started our bilingual Spanish/English voiceover company back in 1994, and are thrilled to wake up every day and use our voices to connect the messages of all types of organizations to a diverse audience. VIEW ROSI’S BIO / VIEW BRIAN’S BIO / VIEW SONIA & ALISA’S BIO

We always offer quick turnaround and competitive rates. Our niche is in providing expressive, accent-free and culturally sensitive voiceovers in our native English and Spanish to our clients. From commercials for TV and radio, educational learning services on line, corporate narrations, audio tours, health/medical narrations, podcasts, audiobooks and apps, our voices adapt easily to each genre.

In our well equipped professional studio we produce the pristine, broadcast-quality recordings your project deserves, in the format you specify, and deliver them to you by the method of your choice. You can give us feedback or even record us directly during the recording session by ISDN, Source Connect, ipDTL, Source Connect Now or Skype.

Our professional bicultural team includes translators and savvy media producers. Our goal? To get your message to its intended audience and make it pop! We’re a passionate team that brings heart and soul to your message, no matter the language. Since we are bicultural as well as bilingual, we truly get our client’s needs. We’d love to work with you!

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

Chris Johnson is a professional Voice Actor, based in Los Angeles.  He has voiced a wide range of projects over the years including commercials, corporate videos, eLearning modules, video games, audiobooks, narration and many more.  

Chris has also been the lead singer and songwriter for many projects including the band Starch Monkey, Between the Sun and the upcoming project entitled Pharaoh's Kitchen.  He is the recipient of the 2020 "Male Emerging Artist" award from ISSA (Independent Singer-Songwriters Association). 

You can learn more about Chris and contact him through his website at:  http://www.vocalcj.com

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MARC CASHMAN is one of the few voice-acting instructors in the U.S. on “both sides of the glass”—as a Clio-winning Radio and TV commercial copywriter, producer and casting director, and as a working voice actor. Creative Director of Cashman Commercials, he creates, casts and produces copy and music advertising for Radio and TV clients such as Kroger, Charles Schwab, Quizno's, Pella Windows and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer among many, many others.

Voted one "The Best Voices of the Year" by AudioFile Magazine—three times—Marc has been heard voicing Radio and TV commercials, documentaries, animated series and videogames, e-Learning modules and over 100 audio books.

In addition to his production schedule, he instructs voice-acting of all levels through his V-O classes, "The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques" in Los Angeles, CA; as an adjunct professor of voice acting at California Institute of the Arts; and online coaching. He also pens a monthly Internet column, "Ask the VoiceCat.”

Marc is also a keynote speaker at Advertising Clubs and Broadcasters Associations throughout the U.S. and other countries, as well as regional, national and international voiceover conventions. He's been interviewed in trade magazines and newspapers and on Radio, TV and Internet programs.

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

About me: Hey, I'm Tim. I'm a husband and a father, first and foremost. I've spent over 3 years in the podcasting space, learning everything I could about what makes a podcast great. Prior to getting into this arena, I spent my time touring the country with a band of my best friends (including Liam, one of our project managers here). We got the opportunity to play on MTV, at the Bamboozle, on Warped Tour, and various other opportunities for not-so-humble brags. My background is in sales and marketing -- both online and off, and that's allowed me to help podcasters get amazing results. I've also been the voice for many incredible companies like TOMY Toys, Disney, AT&T, The Travel Channel, The UFC, Expedia, Honda, and more. I'm a nerd, and wouldn't have it any other way... and I eat, sleep, and breathe Syracuse sports (GO ORANGE!)

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

Denise Ashlynd brings over 30 years of professional experience to her work in theatre, film, television, commercials, and voice-over. A native of Florida, she made her television debut on "Romper Room" at the age of 5. By age 13, she performed on stage in her first Equity production of "Fiddler on the Roof." Denise graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University with a B.F.A. degree in Music Theatre. While at FSU, she worked and studied with Joseph Papp, Roger Rees, Raul Julia, Nigel Rideout, and Neal Kenyon. She also had the privilege of working with Academy Award winning director, Jonathan Demme, on his film "Something Wild," which was shooting in Tallahassee at the time.

Just after graduation, Denise earned her Equity card and moved to NYC, where she continued her training at Circle in the Square. On stage, she has performed Off-Broadway, in U.S. tours, regionally, and throughout 13 countries in Europe in productions of  "Man of La Mancha" (starring John Raitt),  "Hair," >"Jesus Christ Superstar" and Alan Johnson's "West Side Story" to name just a few. She has acted in and voiced numerous television and radio commercials, including "Massachusetts Lottery" and "PBS-Give Me A Break."

Denise has appeared on film and T.V. in projects starring Christopher Walken, "When I Live My Life Over Again," Alysia Reiner "No Letting Go," Meryl Streep "Music of the Heart," Ted Danson "3 Men and a Little Lady," and Andy Samberg/The Lonely Island "The Comedy Awards 2011."

She had the honor of studying with Grammy and Audie award winning director/producer of audiobooks, Paul Ruben, and can be heard narrating Melissa Gilbert's children's book "Daisy and Josephine" as well as other titles from Simon & Schuster and HighBridge Audio.

Denise has a passion and a gift for working with children, and brings that passion to her work in commercials, television, film and audiobooks. She has a home voice-over studio and shares her workspace and home with her husband and son.

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

Larry Hudson is a full time voiceover actor with his own studio and has been active in the voiceover industry since 2009.  His client list continues to expand providing his voice to a wide variety of voiceover projects including, commercial TV and radio ads, documentaries, industrial and tutorials for corporate and web presentations. 

His current list of clients include Disney/Picture Head, Toyota, Lexus, KB Home, Kubota Tractor Corp, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, Apple, Google & Qualcomm just to name of few.

Larry provides a clear concise baritone sound that embodies strength, power and sincerity.  His signature sound is relaxed and conversational.  Listeners are drawn in by Larry’s warm tones which he brings forth in a variety of genres.  Larry's versatility enables him to bring light hearted fun to character pieces or deep sincerity to roles of a more solemn nature. 

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

Val Kelly is a bilingual, French/English Voice Actress. Val started her voiceover career in 1999 after being told her whole life how "cute" her voice is and that she should do something with it... and so she did....!!

Val has been actively booking Voiceover work for years now and just recently finished working on her new commercial demo with Emmy award winning sound designer, recording engineer and producer "Uncle Roy" Yokelson. Val's specialty is in voicing characters for cartoons, talking toys, apps, videogames, children's e-learning, radio and tv commercials. Her clients include Hasbro toys, "Hungry Howie's Pizza Place", "Roam and Wander", "Mymoonah" and many more. 

In addition to being a Voice actress, Val is the Owner/President/CEO/Executive Producer of Mid-Atlantic Voiceover, LLC. Val is in charge of running all aspects of the company and is the Executive Producer for the annual Mid-Atlantic Voiceover "Get Inspired" Conference that takes place in November. Check out the latest news on the upcoming "MAVO2015" Conference at www.midatlanticvo.com or click below to register now!!!

For more details about this and other episodes, check out mikelenzvoice.com.

A professional voice actor, coach, and producer located in Orange County, CA, Anne Ganguzza has an enthusiastic, energetic, and fun personality. Her voice is described as professional, believable, warm and friendly. Her voiceover experience includes corporate and industrial narrations, e-learning and online learning tutorials, telephone voice mail, IVR, on hold messaging,  commercials, infomercials,  live theater broadcasts, audio books,  government/educational promotional videos and advertising, and more! She has many years’ experience in public speaking and corporate & educational training, and is an exceptionally clear and concise technical speaker, able to make your difficult scripts easy to understand! As a voiceover talent Anne offers a wide range of services, from voicemail and IVR/on-hold recordings to corporate narration and e-learning, commercial promos, and audio books. She’s great to work with and takes direction well.

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

Mike Lenz interviews award winning voice actor Bruce Jacobson.

2012 Telly Awards, New York, New York. Category: TV Automotive. Client: Dodge Dealers of El Paso. Voiceover Talent.

2008 Telly Awards, New York, New York. Documentary: History and Biography Category Winner. Voiceover Talent (Narrator), 2008.

2008 Summit Creative Award, Portland, Oregon. Other Website (CSI The Experience): Gold Award. SCA recognizes creative excellence in companies and individuals throughout the world with billing under $30 million. Includes all media and industries. Voiceover Talent, 2008.

2008 Summit Creative Award, Portland, Oregon. Institutional Website (CSI The Experience): Silver Award. SCA recognizes creative excellence in companies and individuals throughout the world with billing under $30 million. Includes all media and industries. Voiceover Talent, 2008.

2008 Texas Association of Museums Mitchell Wilder Award, Austin, Texas. Gold Award for CSI The Experience Website. Voiceover Talent, 2008.

American Advertising Awards of Western Virginia, Gold ADDY Award. Radio Local: 60 sec. Voiceover Talent, Copywriter, Director and Producer, 2001.

2001 Silver Microphone Awards. Waco, Texas. National Finalist. Radio: 60 Sec. Glassner’s Mother’s Day 2001. Voiceover Talent, Copywriter, Director and Producer, 2001.

2000 Silver Microphone Awards. Waco, Texas. National Finalist. Radio: 60 Sec. Glassner’s Mother’s Day 2000. Voiceover Talent, Copywriter, Director and Producer, 2000.

American Advertising Awards of Western Virginia, Silver ADDY Award. Radio Local: 60 sec. Voiceover Talent, Copywriter, Director and Producer, 1998.

American Advertising Awards of Western Virginia, Silver ADDY Award. Television Local Single: 30 Sec. Voiceover Talent, 1998.

Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau / New York, New York - Cable Advertising Award Finalist. Outstanding Achievement Creative Cable Commercial Production. PRIVATE Producer, Director and Copywriter, 1993.

Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau / New York, New York - Cable Advertising Award Finalist. Outstanding Achievement Creative Cable Commercial Production. Producer, Director, Copywriter and Voiceover Talent, 1992.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Citation of Excellence ADDY Award. Television: Local - Single - 30 Seconds. Copywriter, Director and Producer, 1992.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Citation of Excellence ADDY Award. Consumer Magazine Category: Spread/Multi-Page - Black and White. Copywriter, 1992.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Citation of Excellence ADDY Award. Multi-Media Division: Business to Consumer Campaign Category - Local. Copywriter, 1992.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Citation of Excellence ADDY Award. Audio/Visual Category: Video/Film Sales Presentation. Voiceover Talent, 1992.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Citation of Excellence ADDY Award. Television: Local Production Budget less Than $1,000, 30 Seconds. Copywriter and Voiceover Talent, 1991.

Cox Communications / Atlanta, Georgia - Award for Marketing Excellence, Community Relations. Television: 30 Seconds. Producer, Director and Copywriter, 1990.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Special Category Bronze Award, Radio: 30 Seconds. Producer, Director, Copywriter and Voiceover Talent, 1990.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Gold ADDY Award. Television: Local Production Budget Less Than $5,000, 30 Seconds or Less. Producer, Director and Copywriter, 1989.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Silver ADDY Award. Television: Local Production Budget Less Than $5,000, 30 Seconds or Less. Voiceover Talent, 1989.

Advertising Federation of the Roanoke Valley, Bronze ADDY Award. Radio: 30 Seconds or Less. Director, Copywriter and Voiceover Talent, 1983.

Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters, Outstanding Effort by an Individual Reporter for a Metro Radio Station, 1982.

Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters, Best Documentary / In-depth Report by a Metro Radio Station: "Vietnam, A Living Nightmare", 1981.

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

Growing up in a multilingual family, Liz spent a lot of time explaining to others that "No, I don't get confused speaking several languages!"

In fact, it has been a boon to her voiceover career.

She is native and neutral in both English and French, and as such, her voiceover clients get the best of both worlds.

English and French Bilingual Female Voice Talent,

- The voice of your brand on TV and Radio.
- A professional voiceover for your non-broadcast narration.
- A soothing voice for your telephone/on hold messaging.

Liz has a voice that is clear and will ensure that your message will shine. She knows that your message is the star and she'll make it stand out from the crowd.

Her native/neutral delivery in both English & French will allow you to confidently target the American, Canadian, and European markets.

Contact her via email at Liz@HireLiz.com
or by phone at 973-610-2019 to discuss your project.
Check out her website at HireLiz.com

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

Before Madonna sang about her virginity, when making a phone call from the road meant plunking twenty five cents into a phone booth, before Michael Jackson's first plastic surgery and back when getting "on-line" meant waiting to check-out at the grocery store, Peter K. O'Connell was (and still very much is) a professional voice-over talent.

As America's friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent, Peter's amazingly versatile vocal talent allows him to share many voice acting styles with his clients, who range from Fortune 500 Companies to companies who think $500 is a fortune. From his conversational everyman voice to his hard sell straight announcer performances, Peter's natural voice over abilities are favored by clients for commercials, narrations, e-learning, documentary, TV promo, radio imaging and live announcing.

A natural born storyteller and an award-winning voice talent, some of Peter's professional voice-over credits include productions for General Electric, Kraft Foods, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), Shell Oil, Pitney Bowes, U.S. Army, Starz Cable Channel, Bacardi, SunSetter Awnings, Deloitte, Time Warner Cable, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New Jersey Tourism, First Financial Bank, N.A., Western Union, BlueCross Blue Shield, Darien Lake Theme Park, J. Walter Thompson Advertising, Cleveland Browns of the National Football League, Harlequin Enterprises and Pathmark Supermarkets. 

Peter K. O'Connell's voice-over recordings have been heard globally including London, England; Seoul, Korea; the Caribbean; Sydney, Australia; Toronto, Canada; Delhi, India and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nationally across the United States, Peter's voice has been heard in all major markets including but not limited to New York City; Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Dayton, Ohio and Buffalo, New York.

OK you're right, if you're scoring at home, Dayton, Ohio and Buffalo, New York aren't really major markets but he has spent so much time there, Peter felt they deserved a shout-out. A native of Buffalo, NY, Peter grew up in the Nickel City and still lives there today - he even worked in radio there at WLVL, for, like a week. He truly developed his broadcasting and voice-over skills in Dayton at WVUD-FM as a top rated disc jockey and then as a commercial producer for the station.

Peter produces his voice projects through his audio production company, audio'connell Voice Over Talent which is a division of O'Connell Communications, LLC. In addition to Peter's voice over work, which represents a majority of the company's production schedule, audio'connell also provides casting services for clients looking for professional female voiceover and audio production services for national and international clients. The voice over needs of foreign language clients are served through another O'Connell-owned company, International Voice Talents.

Peter has also written an e-book entitled The Voice Over Entrance Exam. The book examines the business and performance realities of becoming a voice-over talent and maintaining a career among a spirited field of established voiceover professionals. Sometimes, when he's feeling very "authory", Peter wears an ascot around his house - it's very obnoxious. 

After years of giving away his hard earned knowledge about everything voice over, Peter decided he should be getting PAID for it so he started audio'connell's Voice Over Workshop. In private one-on-one voiceover sessions in his studio or via Skype, Peter teaches new and experienced voice talents what he's learned after nearly 30 years in the voice over business and critical stuff voice actors need to know to get paid voice jobs.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Communication from the University of Dayton (OH) - no one is quite sure how - nonetheless the official diploma can be found somewhere in his Buffalo, NY home where he lives with his wife and children.

Thank you for reading all the way to this point in Peter's biography but now you really need to get away from the screen and go do something more productive - even basketweaving would have been a better use of your time that reading all this, but thanks anyway.

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

Dave Courvoisier, author of More Than Just a Voice: The REAL Secret to Voiceover Success, is a highly successful long-time TV news anchor in one of America's most high-profile cities (Las Vegas). But he is also a busy voice-actor! He speaks and writes prodigiously for the voice-acting community, blogging for "Voice Acting in Vegas," the popular blog on his Courvo.com website.

Among his myriad of achievements, Dave is proud to count several Emmys to his credit. He administers many online VO communities and forums, and as the Vice President of the Executive Board of World-Voices Organization, helps oversee the voice-over community's only Industry Trade Association. He has earned national respect for his work helping the plight of disadvantaged children through his weekly "Wednesday's Child" reports.

For more info about this and other podcast episodes head over to mikelenzvoic.com.

On this episode I take a deep dive into the voiceover industry and the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on our industry, with VO veteran Tom Dheere. 

As a New York-based voice actor with over 20 years of experience, Tom Dheere has narrated thousands of projects for hundreds of clients in over a dozen countries. Tom's experience as a corporate trainer as well as a voice talent makes him uniquely qualified to help both aspiring and veteran voice talents navigate the voiceover industry. He specializes in marketing and business consultations as well as diagnostics, strategy sessions, and mentorships.

As a classically trained theater actor, Tom received his Bachelor of Fine arts in Acting/Directing from Montclair State University. His training continued at the National Shakespeare Conservatory where I studied Shakespeare, Chekov, ballet, and more.

​After NSC Tom was trained as a voice actor by Hope Noah, Dan Duckworth of Voiceovers Unlimited, and has taken numerous voiceover classes at many conferences.

​Tom started coaching in 2011 with Edge Studio as the Business and Money 201 and Marketing 201 instructor. In 2012 he began private coaching as The VO Strategist. Since then Tom has worked with hundreds of students in both one-on-one sessions and public speaking engagements.

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Join Mike Lenz as he interviews Melissa Exelberth.  Melissa is a NYC based voice talent and narrator, working globally from her ISDN equipped studios (one for each side of the Hudson) for broadcast & entertainment, commercials, promo, narration, film, documentary, multinational corporate communications, information driven programming, corporate branding, character roles, sizzle reels & storyboards, animation, book trailers, videogames and more – not only in English but in fluent Spanish as well.

With a background in TV and film distribution, production, post-production and news having taken her to different parts of the world – giving her the chance to meet fascinating people – she gest the big picture and bigger story and bring that to her voiceover work every day.

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

Join Mike as he interviews voice actress Kira Buckland.

Kira Buckland is a Los Angeles-based voice actress originally from Anchorage, Alaska.

She first got interested in voice acting at the age of sixteen, starting out by voice acting as a hobby for a large amount of Internet projects. In 2007, she won the AX Idol Voice Acting Competition and as a result got noticed by BangZoom! Entertainment, which helped get her foot in the door to the anime industry.

After finishing college (she majored in Japanese), taking acting and voice classes, and continuing to voice act in flash animations and indie games, Kira moved to California to pursue a career as a voice actress. She worked various jobs in the meantime (barista, retail, waitressing, etc) and began auditioning with a few different studios. Since then, she has become the voice of major characters in all sorts of video games, anime, and other projects, and is now able to work steadily in the field. As an avid gamer, the most personally exciting role for her was voicing Honoka in the fighting game "Dead or Alive 5: Last Round".

When not voice acting, Kira's hobbies include music (particularly classic rock), makeup, alternative fashion and costuming, fitness, and fine espresso. A geek at heart, her favorite series is JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (which she even has a tattoo from!) Also, she's had hair of every color at the rainbow at some point, but these days it's mostly blue.

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

Join Mike as he interviews producer, audio engineer, author, and voice talent Dan Friedman.  Dan is a man of many talents. With over a decade in the voice-over industry, he has produced, directed, or provided his voice to thousands of audio productions.

In 2010 he published a book, SOUND ADVICE - Voiceover From An Audio Engineer's Perspective.  A first of its kind in the industry, the book covers audio engineering and studio session etiquette as it relates directly to voiceover talent. 

Dan continues to write a popular blog at his website, SOUND4VO.com.

Dan was chosen to be among the top 10 "Most Influential Voice-Over Writers in 2011" in a Voice123 online survey.  He is a home studio coach with Voicebank and Edge Studios and is also a voiceover teacher and coach for the Screen Artists Co-op in Asheville, NC.

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