In this episode of the Great Voice podcast Susan Berkley interviews and coaches two members of the Great Voice Community who are growing their voice over businesses despite the demands of their day jobs. 

You’ll meet Lee Riley, an accomplished corporate professional who enjoys narrating audio books in his spare time. Lee takes you on an audio tour of his home studio where he just finished narrating his third audio book, despite a crushing work schedule and some really noisy crickets in his backyard! I think you’ll really get a kick out of Lee’s ingenious soundproofing hack.

You’ll also meet Chad Engelbert, who leads a team that produces 60,000 vinyl records every day for major labels like Sony Records and indie labels like Thirty Tigers. Yes, vinyl is still going strong, and Chad gives us a fascinating inside look at this niche corner of the music industry.

As always, each episode is filled with actionable takeaways on how to improve your voice acting skills, as Susan coaches emerging voice talent guests.  

 

Chapters

03:16 Best practices for home studios.

06:20 Exploring Voiceover Techniques

19:42 Transforming Voiceover Reads

23:26 Character-Driven Performance

34:15 E-Learning Script Coaching

45:39 Chad's Home Studio Setup

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

In this inspiring episode, Susan Berkley connects with two Great Voice students – Andrea Barbour and Cheri Freund. Andrea, a sales agent with a passion for ministry, shares how Susan’s impactful teaching sparked her own voiceover pursuits. Cheri, a digital artist and caregiver, discusses her experience in Susan’s training programs and the powerful transition from the art and music industries to a growing passion for voiceover. 

 

Susan first guides Andrea through a heartfelt, personal read. She shows Andrea how connecting the script to someone in your life can help transform the sound. Then Susan works with Cheri on a corporate read and offers insider tips on crafting relatable, conversational performances. 

Chapters

 

02:52  Connecting the script to a real person

06:13  Using Visualization Techniques in Voiceover

09:10  Creating a Backstory for Voiceover

17:45  The nuances of a corporate script

22:13  Character Development in Voiceover

26:03  Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

"The book was very informative and it helped me get to the point where I truly figured out that this is what I wanted to do at some point," says Earnest Pouncy, Great Voice Student. Earnest opens up about his inspiring journey into the world of voiceover and shares his experiences with our coaching program. He talks about what drew him to voiceover work and how our program has helped him grow.  Get a glimpse into the coaching program at the Great Voice Company and hear Earnest Pouncy’s story and his experiences with our coaching. Earnest learns how to bring a script to life in an amazing transformation you’re going to want to hear! Then, we hear from Andy, a successful bilingual voice talent. He shares his impressive achievements in the industry and offers invaluable advice for those interested in voiceover work in multiple languages. Andy emphasizes the importance of marketing, staying customer-focused, and seizing new opportunities.

Learn from Andy Colón about succeeding as a bilingual voice talent and hear his advice for others.  

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Introduction by David Brower 

Segue to Second Half by Ann Coatney 

Outro by Andy Colón  

 

How I Built This: Susan Berkley reveals the intimate details of how (and why) she built the Great Voice Company, an iconic voice over training brand. Plus, meet emerging voice talent Debbie Smith and get inspired by  her journey from nurse to narrator! In this episode of The Great Voice Podcast, host Susan Berkley interviews Debbie Smith, who brings her healthcare background to the mic. Their conversation unpacks Debbie’s shift from nursing to voiceover with valuable lessons for anyone wanting to pursue Medical Narration VO. Then Great Voice coach DeBorah Pryor continues her interview with Susan Berkley about how she built the Great Voice Company. Susan Berkley continues. Susan discusses several different voiceover niches, she explores how creativity and work can be surprisingly vital for well-being, and they also discuss the concept of “vocal narcissism” and the teachings of Dr. Norberto Keppe, which shed light on a unique perspective about health and work.

 

Takeaways:

• Debbie’s story highlights the potential for career transitions post-retirement.
• Medical narration spans peer-to-peer and peer-to-patient communication.
• E-learning and other niches in voiceover are seeing significant growth.
• The demand for voiceover surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Vocal narcissism can be a barrier for voice actors, impacting delivery and relatability.
• Dr. Norberto Keppe emphasizes how work is essential for maintaining health.
• Exploring various niches can open new paths for aspiring voiceover artists.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Voiceover and Personal Journeys
• 02:50 Exploring Medical Narration and Audio Description
• 09:01 Opportunities in Medical Narration
• 15:02 The Impact of COVID-19 on Voiceover
• 18:10 Understanding Vocal Narcissism
• 24:03 Dr. Norberto Keppe and his teachings on work and health
• 30:13 Advice for Aspiring Voiceover Artists

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

 

From Attorney to Professional Voice Actor, Plus Susan Berkley shares her surprising ‘back story’ and the inside scoop on how she founded and built The Great Voice Company (Part 1)

In this episode of The Great Voice Podcast, we bring you another inspiring story from one of our students,  Joey Masiuk (Ma-SOOK), an attorney who recently sold his law firm and is now beginning his  second act as a voice over artist. He discusses his early wins, and the valuable lessons learned from recording his first audiobook. Then, Great Voice coach and journalist DeBorah Pryor interviews Susan Berkley about her fascinating life story, the birth of The Great Voice Company, and her advice for aspiring voice actors. 

If you enjoy the Great Voice Podcast, please Like and Comment - It really helps a lot! 

Chapters:

• 00:00 Joey Masiuk’s Transition: From Law to Voice Acting

• 08:52 Character Development in Narration

• 14:48 Voice Acting Techniques and The Role of the Narrator

• 26:49 Background of Susan Berkley and The Great Voice Company

• 28:39 The Legacy of a Publishing Family

• 35:29 From Radio to Voiceover: A Career Shift

• 40:44 The Struggles of Transitioning to Voiceover

• 48:43 Marketing: The Key to Voiceover Success

• 52:22 Building a Home Studio for Voiceover Work

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

It’s everywhere now. It seems you can’t escape it. And you have to ask yourself:

Is AI the end of Voiceover as we know it? 

On this special bonus episode of the The Great Voice Podcast, Great Voice Coach Joe Smith sits down to interview Susan for a straight talk about AI and her predictions about what it will mean to our voice over future. 

 

Chapters

• 00:00 AI in Voiceover- an overview of where we stand
• 01:28 Susan shares frank  predictions about the future of voice over
• 09:54 AI and voice over: is it the end?  Or is it  a new opportunity to thrive?
• 13:06 Is the human voice as irreplaceable as we hope it will be?
• 18:20 AI's Role in Enhancing Voiceover Work
• 22:33 Collaboration in Voiceover Production
• 30:32 Licensing and Voice Cloning Concerns
• 33:24 Customer Service in Voiceover
• 39:32 Surviving change in the Voiceover Industry and Susan’s  vision for the future.

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by DeBorah B. Pryor

Part One:

Meet Josh Nelson, from Manhattan, Kansas, was a youth pastor for 20 years and has recently switched to working with adults and helping develop communities. He also does public address announcements at local high school and college sports. Josh works with Susan on an Audiobook script and Susan provides guidance on how to develop a voice for the narrator by building a character around the narrator that is a part of the story. 

Part Two:

Meet Salena Metreger, marketing assistant at The Great Voice Company and Podcast Producer. Salena is an emerging voice talent that spent 17 years in the manufacturing industry before leaving to pursue voice over full time. She has trained in voice over and has spent the last few years building a business through self-promotion, networking, pay-to-play sites and more as well as work with Susan at The Great Voice Company. Listen as Susan and Salena walk through the steps and different avenues voice over artists can do to audition, practice, and build a resume. 

 

Takeaways

• Creating a backstory enhances the depth of audiobook narration.
• Let the story drive the voice choice for Narration
• Emerging talents can find opportunities through pay-to-play platforms.
• Feedback from peers and mentors is invaluable for growth.
• Networking is essential for building a successful voiceover career.
• Self-promotion and reaching out to connections can lead to new opportunities.
• Building momentum in the voiceover industry takes time and consistent effort.

If you enjoy the Great Voice Podcast, please Like, Comment, and Rate Us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps us out!

 Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Josh Nelson
• 06:06 Building a Backstory for Effective Narration
• 10:33 Exploring Voice Choices for Narration
• 17:54 Navigating Pay-to-Play Platforms
• 24:04 Feedback and Growth in Voiceover
• 26:53 The Importance of Networking and Self-Promotion
• 36:05 Building Momentum in Voice Over

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Terri Dien

Segue to Sponsor by David Brower

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

 

Part One:

Meet Michael Przekop (PREZ-kop), a Great Voice student with a background in legal consulting, marketing, and even a producer and director in San Francisco hiring voice talent. Michael talks about his own transition into voiceover. He then reads a commercial script and Susan highlights the importance of understanding the target audience and delivering a relatable and energetic performance. Throughout the coaching session, Michael wows with his continuously improved read. Susan praises his voice quality and encourages him to use hand gestures while recording to bring more energy into his performance. 

Part Two:

Meet David Brower, a Great Voice Coach, with a background in radio, marketing for the automotive industry, and more. David talks about his own journey into voiceover and how Susan’s training prepared him to take the leap of faith. Susan and David discuss different strategies for landing voiceover jobs, including referrals and networking, and the importance of cultivating repeat customers. David also shares his experience in creating a demo and finding a niche in the industry, offering valuable advice for newcomers looking to carve out their own path in voiceover. The conversation offers great insights into finding one's niche and the power of referrals in building a successful voiceover business.

 

Takeaways

• Understanding the target audience is crucial in delivering an effective voiceover.
• Using gestures while recording can enhance the performance.
• Continuous learning and improvement are essential in the voiceover industry.
• Background and experience in related fields can contribute to success in voiceover.
• Finding one's niche in voiceover can lead to more opportunities and success.
• Referrals are a powerful tool in building a successful voiceover business.
• Investing in oneself and continuous learning are key to growth and improvement in voiceover.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:26 Understanding the Target Audience
• 08:33 Using Gestures and Body Language in Voiceover
• 10:24 The Value of Voiceover Training and Education
• 15:24 Interview with David Brower
• 21:59 Leveraging Personal Connections and Referrals
• 27:26 Determining the Best Niche in Voiceover
• 31:47 Asking for Referrals and Building Customer Relationships
• 41:32 Advice for Newcomers to Voiceover

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Andrew Colón

Segue to Sponsor by Ann Coatney

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.

Part One:

 

Meet Beth Golden, a seasoned voiceover student. She discusses her move from Colorado to South Carolina and her experience as a life coach. Beth explains how she got into voiceover after her sister introduced her to it. She talks about the classes she has taken and the importance of marketing in voiceover. Listen as Susan Berkley provides works with Beth on a corporate voiceover script. They emphasize the importance of personalization and emotional connection.

 

Part Two:

 

Meet DeBorah Pryor, a talent advisor and coach at Great Voice. DeBorah shares her fascinating background in journalism and acting, including her experiences interviewing celebrities like John Lennon. Then listen as DeBorah explains how she became the personal assistant to Sly Stone. She discusses her transition to voiceover and offers advice for newcomers in the industry.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Beth Golden shares her journey and background in voiceover
• The importance of marketing in voiceover
• Coaching on personalization and emotional connection in voiceover
• DeBorah Pryor had the opportunity to interview John Lennon in Central Park
• DeBorah also worked with Sly Stone and traveled with him as his personal assistant.
• She later transitioned to voiceover and has worked on audiobooks, video games, commercials, and more.
• DeBorah advises newcomers to focus on voiceover and seek guidance from experienced professionals.

Notable Quotes:

• "I even interviewed John Lennon."

Chapters

• 00:00 Beth Golden's Voiceover Journey
• 03:12 The Importance of Marketing in Voiceover
• 07:14 Coaching on Personalization and Emotional Connection
• 33:07 DeBorah Pryor Interviewing John Lennon
• 37:52 Working with Sly Stone
• 48:37 Transitioning to Voiceover
• 50:17 Advice for Newcomers

Host - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Joe Smith

This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

Part One:

Meet Karen McCroan, a full-time teacher of 30 years looking to pivot to voiceover work. Karen discusses the challenges of teaching and her wish to retire and focus on voiceover full-time. Listen as Susan coaches Karen through a car commercial script. They explore different techniques, such as using hand gestures and visualizing a specific person, to enhance the performance. Karen’s final read knocks it out of the park - showcasing the importance of energy and connection in voiceover work.

Part Two:

Meet Joe Smith, a talent advisor and coach at Great Voice. Joe shares his diverse background in pastoring, law enforcement, and sports journalism. He offers valuable advice for newcomers to voiceover, including tips for setting up a home studio. Joe's insights cover essential considerations like treating the space for sound quality and using appropriate equipment.

Key Takeaways:

• Energy and urgency are important in voiceover performances, even in softer reads.
• Visualizing the audience and engaging in a fake conversation can create a more personal and compelling performance.
• Treating the home studio space is crucial for optimal sound quality.
• Committing to the voiceover process and seeking coaching and training are essential for success.
• Starting a voiceover business is relatively inexpensive compared to other ventures..

Notable Quotes:

• "Treat your space, treat your space, treat your space."

Chapters: 

• 03:20 Coaching Karen on a Car Commercial Script
• 04:42  Energy and urgency are important in voiceover performances, even in softer reads.
• 15:50  Visualizing the audience and engaging in a fake conversation can create a more personal and compelling performance.
• 19:41 Interview with Joe Smith
• 32:57  Committing to the voiceover process and seeking coaching and training are essential for success.
• 34:55  Treating the home studio space is crucial for optimal sound quality.
• 37:48  Starting a voiceover business is relatively inexpensive compared to other ventures.

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Salena Metreger

This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

Part One:

Meet Dennis Kelly, a Great Voice student diving into the world of voiceover. Dennis talks about his cool background in radio, TV, theater and journalism as well as his shift into voiceover. He also talks about how he decided that The Great Voice Company was for him. Listen in as Dennis learns the "mumble in" technique to bring an e-learning script to life and how to slow down the pace for better absorption. Hear the great feedback he receives from Susan Berkley and his excitement about working with a coach to create his demo.

Part Two:

Meet Ann Coatney, a member of Team Great Voice, a demo coach, and the voice of Express Scripts. Ann shares her fascinating background in acting, including her work on the iconic show Sex and the City. She discusses her journey into voiceover and her current roles as a voice talent and coach. Ann offers valuable insights and advice for voiceover beginners, emphasizing the importance of acting skills and creating a persona. Susan and Ann also explore the power of repeat business, continuous learning, and practice in achieving long-term success in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Using the mumble-in technique can give a point of view and enhance the delivery of a script.
• Slowing down and allowing time for absorption is important when reading e-learning scripts.
• Continuous learning and practice are essential for growth in the voiceover industry.
• Repeat business is valuable and can lead to long-term success.
• Voiceover requires some acting skills and the ability to create a persona.
• Attending webinars and learning from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance.
• Patience, persistence, and perseverance are key to building a successful voiceover career.

Notable Quotes:

• "I picked up stakes and moved to New York and did off, off, off, off, off, off, off Broadway.”

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Ann Coatney

This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet emerging voice talents Garrett Holcombe and Rob Klein.

Garrett, a certified financial planner from Georgia, has already landed VO gigs for a dinner theater trailer and a short documentary. Rob, a longtime High-Performance System Specialist, and community chorus singer, is drawn to audiobooks and the storytelling side of voiceover. 

Listen and learn as Susan coaches Garrett through an e-learning script and helps him explore delivering multiple takes that give directors more flexibility in the edit room.

Then, Susan helps Rob build a vivid scene around an audiobook narration—raising the emotional stakes and transforming his read.

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast listeners

What do a farm and a bold voiceover campaign have in common? Heart, hustle, and the power of being heard.

Lisa Roberts (Mimi) found her voice among the animals on her farm—literally. With a natural ability to calm creatures big and small, she’s discovering that same soothing presence translates perfectly behind the mic with the help of The Great Voice Company.

Christy Harst, a former college athlete and lifelong sports fan, got tired of being told there was no place for women in promo voiceover. So she built one. Her “Building Doors” campaign reimagines male-dominated genres by showcasing female voices in sports, tech, construction, and more—sparking real conversations (and real hires) at major brands.

Join host Susan Berkley as she coaches Lisa on channeling her calming voice into audiobook work, and sits down with Christy to explore what it takes to shift industry norms—and how you can help.

Visit https://www.buildingdoorsvo.com/ to learn more!

Chapters

• 02:56 Lisa’s Unique Business Ventures
• 06:10 How Lisa Calms Animals with Her Voice
• 11:58 Finding the Tone and Pace for Audiobook Narration
• 26:13 Christy Harst and Building Doors Campaign
• 36:21 How Women Can Bring Something Unique 
• 40:49 Data-Driven Insights on Gender Disparity in Voiceover
• 47:29 Community Support and Engagement for Building Doors

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.

What does tech and creativity have in common? In the world of voiceover, more than you’d expect!

Jim Strunk spent decades selling in the tech industry, building network connectivity, security, and data centers. As a former Private Client with Susan Berkley and The Great Voice Company, he’s taken that same strategic approach to mastering both the craft and business of voiceover.

Daron Macke, an IT professional and musician, knows how to harmonize data and creativity. His dynamic voice caught the attention of The Great Voice Podcast team, winning him a contest that made him the official voice of the show.

Join host Susan Berkley as she chats with Jim and Daron about their tech-driven paths into voiceover, the power of visualization in performance, and why a strategic mindset can be a game-changer in this industry.

Chapters

• 03:00 Jim Strunk’s Transition from Technology to Voiceover
• 06:09 E-Learning Script Analysis
• 11:52 Susan Talks About the Importance of Visualization in Voiceover
• 17:46  Daron's Voiceover Journey
• 26:36 Susan Explains the Importance of Directed Sessions
• 34:04 How to Create a Connection with the Audience
• 37:03 Daron Learns to Select Key Phrases to Bring More Life to a Read

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

 

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

Passion for voiceover can come from unexpected paths—just ask Mike Copeland and Linzi Lynn.

Mike’s journey has taken him from submarines to sheriff’s offices, with a passion for technology guiding him every step of the way. Now, he’s channeling that experience into voiceover, blending precision with personality to create compelling reads.

For Linzi Lynn, the spotlight has always called. From gracing the London Palladium stage to painting in the South of France, creativity runs through her veins. Voiceover is her latest artistic outlet—bringing characters and stories to life with her rich, expressive voice.

Listen in as Susan Berkley chats with Mike and Linzi about their diverse backgrounds, the art of voiceover, and the techniques of bringing scripts to life. Discover how the friendly authoritative tone is essential for e-learning projects, and learn how building characters and scenes can elevate your audiobook performance.

 

Chapters

• 06:09 Mike Copeland’s Military Background
• 10:48 The importance of the friendly authoritative tone in E-learning
• 19:48 Linzi Lynn’s Performance Background
• 24:11 Creating Scenes to drive performance
• 35:33 Linzi Reflects on the Great Voice Company

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

 

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it can be the perfect time to launch a brand-new career. Just ask Robert Weible and Nita Drakatos.

Robert spent decades as an aerospace test engineer, making sure aircraft components could withstand extreme conditions. But ever since high school, people told him he had a great voice. Now, as he approaches retirement, he’s putting that voice to work. He’s diving into this new adventure, exploring how voiceovers can supplement his retirement—and maybe even help him retire a little sooner.

Then there’s Nita Drakatos. With a background in ethics and compliance, she spent years ensuring employees followed the right path. Along the way, she created e-learning content and corporate communications, unknowingly building the foundation for her future in voiceover. Now, five years into her journey, she’s proving that retirement is just the beginning of a whole new career. 

Listen in as Susan and Nita discuss how Nita used the four ways to launch her VO career—through personal connections, freelancing, auditioning, and pay-to-play platforms. 

 

Chapters

 

03:51 Bob’s Transition to Voiceover in Retirement

13:10 How to add interest and "deliciousness" to all your reads

33:19 Nita Explains How She Used Networking to Find Voiceover Jobs

38:02 The good, the bad and the ugly of VO freelance platforms

46:21 Nita Shares the important Lessons she Learned from Audiobook Projects

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

 

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

Farrah Evans spent 21 years as a nurse, but deep down, she always knew she wanted something else. With her late husband’s encouragement still on her mind, and her retirement from nursing, she took the leap into voiceover, and you know what? She’s already rocking it in audiobook narration! Listen to Farrah talk about blending her medical background with her voiceover aspirations and how Susan Berkley helps her craft the right tone for medical narration

And then there’s Todd Colvin. He’s an air traffic controller and a former Air Force Combat Controller with a steady, commanding voice to match. But it was his son who inspired him to take a leap into voiceover. Todd’s calm, authoritative delivery is perfect for e-learning scripts, and with Susan’s guidance, he’s learning how to blend friendly warmth with authority. Oh, and thanks to his security clearances? Military e-learning might just be his next big niche.

This final episode of Season 1 isn’t just about voiceover—it’s about discovering who you are, embracing your unique experiences, and finding the courage to create something new.

Chapters

• 02:56 Farrah’s Story from Nursing to Voiceover
• 11:47 Susan Berkley Provides Medical Narration Insights
• 15:01 Susan Berkley teaches Voiceover Techniques and Direction
• 18:04 Todd Colvin from the Air Force to Air Traffic Controller to Voiceover
• 26:54 E-Learning and Voiceover Opportunities
• 30:14 Voiceover Script Practice

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

 

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com

The Great Voice podcast is a valuable way for you to grow your voice over performance skills by listening in as voice over expert Susan Berkley coaches members of the The Great Voice community. 

You’ll come away from each episode with actionable tips and techniques to use in all your auditions and recording sessions. 

It’s like having a free voice over training library on your smart phone to enjoy anywhere you go!

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students George Rodman and Marquis Jones.

George Rodman spent over 40 years in the financial industry, retiring in 2022 as Director of Broker Dealer Services for a major FinTech firm. Now, George has a second act in voiceover.

In this episode, George shares how he transitioned from finance to the mic, what he's learned along the way, and about  a legendary cold call that landed him a multi-million-dollar client (yes, really!). 

Listen as  Susan helps George bring an audio drama character to life that plays to his strengths: age, presence, and that signature gravel in his voice. 

Marquis (pron. Mar-KEE) Jones has lived a remarkable life—military veteran, judge, and now, voice actor. After over a decade in the U.S. Air Force and a prestigious legal career, including time on the New Jersey family court bench, Marquis is embracing a new kind of service: storytelling through voiceover. He shares what inspired his creative shift, how voiceover and therapeutic learning have helped him grow. Plus, how Therapy for the World, a weekly class rooted in the teachings of renowned Brazilian psychoanalyst Dr. Norberto Keppe with Susan Berkley, has been transformational for both his craft and his personal life.

Listen as Susan helps Marquis transform a corporate script into a personal conversation, unlocking the voice of a friendly hardware guy talking to his buddy Frank.

Chapters

• 05:27 George Rodman Talks Jobs and Learning Experiences
• 21:25 Using Sales Techniques in Voiceover
• 27:26 Creating a Unique Character in Audio Drama
• 47:05 Marquis Learns how to be relatable in a Corporate Script

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast listeners. You can find George at https://georgethevoice.com/ 

Learn more about Therapy for the World by emailing: support@greatvoice.com.

In today’s episode, you’ll meet VO dubbing artist Vanessa Garcia and Great Voice student Clay Browne.

Vanessa Garcia is a 20+ year litigation paralegal, who found the voice over community during the pandemic. She used lockdown to train, network and grow her voiceover skills. Now Vanessa is an emerging live dubbing artist who has recorded VO projects for Netflix! They talk about opportunities as a live Spanish/English dubbing artist, how auditions work, and how walking in to record means walking in cold - with no script! 

Then, Susan speaks with Clay Browne, a retired high school band director of 32 years and a former Apple Store Genius Bar tech expert. He's looking for a fulfilling retirement career and voiceover offers him flexibility and an outlet for creativity. Susan works with Clay on an eLearning script where she coaches him on how finding the right “mumble in” can dramatically alter the read and help you create a warm and friendly tone.

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet emerging voice talent Michael Whalen and industry guest Stacy Berro.

Michael shares his journey from a career in the Air Force and the North Carolina Department of Transportation to becoming an audiobook narrator in retirement. He’s doing extremely well and  has recorded 37 books to date!

Because Michael also wants to do medical narrations, listen  and learn as Susan coaches him  through a medical narration script with tips on  how to use warmth to improve your delivery. 

Then, Susan talks with Stacy Berro about being bilingual in voiceover, the importance of having a professional website, and effective strategies for leveraging social media, particularly LinkedIn, to grow your business. You’ll learn how to build authentic connections, expand your network and maintain a consistent public persona in social media. 

 

Chapters

• 05:44 Medical Narration Techniques
• 10:07 Optimizing Voice Performance
• 18:02 Opportunities for bilingual voice talent. 
• 22:08 The Importance of a Professional Website
• 26:36 Leveraging Social Media for Voiceover Success
• 30:15 Building Authentic Connections on LinkedIn

 

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Daron Macke

This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast listeners. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students Stan Read and Morrie Barembaum.

 

Stan Read is a seasoned performer with deep roots in music, including time as a backup singer for Harry Belafonte! These days, he’s adding to his entertainment portfolio with voiceovers. He even developed a passion project: writing and voicing heartfelt letters to his grandson. In his coaching session with Susan, Stan works on energy, clarity, and connection, discovering how personal storytelling can bring any script to life.

 

Morrie Barembaum has spent over 30 years teaching astronomy and physics to high school and college students. (He’ll even explain why Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet!) Now approaching retirement, Morrie is turning his love of teaching into a second act in voiceover, with a special interest in eLearning narration. In this episode, Susan works with Morrie on understanding audience and context, helping him translate his classroom skills into engaging voiceover delivery.

 

Listen as Susan helps Stan energize his reads with warmth and personality and guides Morrie in shaping his natural teaching voice for eLearning and beyond.

 

Chapters

• 01:01 Stan Reed's Entertainment Journey
• 18:25 Enhancing Voiceover Performance
• 30:08 Morrie Barembaum Talks Astronomy to Voiceover

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students Randy Boyum and Kathy Bruins.

Randy Boyum has spent over 35 years in corporate video production as a production manager and behind the lens as a camera operator for live events. Along the way, he launched a second creative outlet in clay animation. Now, he’s inspired to do voiceover work and maybe even narrate his own book!

Kathy Bruins is an award-winning writer and publisher who helps creatives take the next step through her coaching and teaching. She also founded The Well Publishers in Southwest Michigan. Originally drawn to voiceover for audiobooks, Kathy’s Great Voice training opened her eyes to even more possibilities!

Listen as Susan works with Randy on pacing, breath control, and connecting his storytelling to voiceover and to Kathy as she explores character development and powerful audiobook narration.

Chapters

• 03:10 Randy Boyum’s talks about  Clay Animation
• 14:41 Learning Breath Control and Recording Tips
• 20:31 Kathy Bruins talks about Publishing and Audiobooks
• 23:27 Susan Teaches Narration Techniques and Character Development

 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice student Anna Kunkin and industry guest Brady Flanagan. 

Anna Kunkin is a bilingual medical interpreter whose years helping Spanish-speaking patients navigate doctors’ appointments and immigration interviews have given her a deep sense of empathy and connection. After growing up partly in Mexico and becoming fluent in Spanish, Anna found a career where advocacy and communication come together.

Brady Flanagan is a voice actor, writer, director and sound engineer based out of Salt Lake City. He is the founder of the Voice Support Community on Discord as well as the creator of the audio drama Rogue Life. Brady and Susan discuss the booming world of audio dramas and why the format has exploded in recent years. 

Tune in as Susan coaches Anna through a commercial read where they work on developing a clear point of view by speaking to one specific person and creating a believable world behind the script. And learn how podcasts are helping fuel a new generation of scripted audio entertainment built around immersive sound, full casts, music, and storytelling “for the ears.” Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more.  Join the Voice Support Community on discord: https://discord.gg/amEcdfEJCR

 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students Nan Charters and Andrew Smith, two audiobook lovers who found their way behind the mic after very different careers.

First, you’ll meet Nan Charters. A former publishing professional and legal assistant whose love of books, language, and reading aloud eventually led her to voiceover. Encouraged for years by people complimenting her voice while lecturing at church, Nan finally took the leap during COVID and immersed herself in Great Voice training and certification.

Next, you’ll hear retired IT professional Andrew Smith, who turned a longtime interest in broadcasting and voice work into a growing audiobook career. Andrew shares how one audiobook led to another, including return authors and a new trilogy project, all recorded from a shared home studio with his wife, who is also a narrator. 

Tune in to hear Susan coach Nan on the power of contrast—using a subtle sense of foreboding beneath bright, beautiful imagery to create intrigue and draw listeners deeper into the story. And then Susan works with Andrew on slowing down his delivery and visualizing the scene, helping the imagery come into sharper focus and making the performance more vivid and immersive.

Chapters

• 06:31 Building Character and Story for Audiobook Auditions
• 12:43 Refining Performance and Tone
• 24:46 Life as an Audiobook Narrator
• 30:25 Exploring Character Depth in Narration

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students David Peterson and Omar Masoodi.

 

David Peterson turned a recent layoff into an opportunity to pursue his long-standing interest in voice acting and character work. Growing his skills with The Great Voice Company and putting himself out there on the pay-to-play sites, David wants to bring his unique voice to animation, video games, elearning and more.

 

Omar Masoodi is a special education teacher of 35 years and longtime public address announcer with a natural love of storytelling. With experience in radio and a growing presence on Voices.com, Omar shares how consistent daily auditions are already leading to paid work. 

 

Listen in as Susan coaches David through an audiobook scene, focusing on “raising the stakes.” And with Omar, Susan shows how adding specificity can help bring vague copy to life. But stay tuned, because a special bonus interview where Omar talks about his recent successes on the pay-to-play sites and what he’s learned about scams and how to avoid them.

 

Chapters

• 05:47 Audiobook Narration Techniques
• 16:59 Exploring Corporate Voiceover Scripts
• 25:51 Creating Authentic Connections in Voice Over
• 34:09 Navigating Pay-to-Play Platforms

  Hosted - Susan Berkley

  Producer - Salena Metreger 

  Music by Darrin Fossella 

  Show Opener by Tanya Wade

  This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice student Chef Pam and co-founder and creator of SourceConnect Rebekah Wilson.

 

Chef Pam is a cook and content creator with a thriving YouTube channel, "Cooking at Pam's Place." She started to create a visual reference for her children, but over time, her love for cooking and sharing her culinary adventures evolved into a full-fledged online presence. Pam wants to bring her personality to voiceover and is working with the Great Voice Company to do just that. 

 

Rebekah Wilson, Source Elements CEO and co-founder, has spent 20 years building a tool that allows remote collaboration in sound engineering, voice acting, video editing and more. Susan and Rebekah discuss how important SourceConnect has been for the voiceover industry as well as a breakdown of SourceConnect, their plans, and their training program.

 

Listen as Susan helps Pam infuse her knowledge of cooking into creating a delicious Subway commercial and then learn all about how Rebekah Wilson built SourceConnect to help voice over artists and creatives all over the world work together seamlessly. 

 

Special deal for Great Voice Podcast listeners - save when you sign up for SourceConnect by emailing welcome@source-elements.com with code greatvoice26 and unlock exclusive discounts just for listening!

 

Chapters

• 10:06 - Enriching scripts with sensory language and imagery
• 11:14 - Improving pacing for dynamic voiceover delivery
• 16:51 - Introduction to Source Connect and its industry impact
• 28:52 - Using Source Connect as a marketing and networking tool
• 30:48 - Special discount offer for listeners

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice talent Susie Hackel, a former reading specialist who transformed her lifelong love of storytelling into a flourishing voiceover career.

After walking away from voiceover decades ago (back in the cassette demo days!), Susie restarted in 2020 with The Great Voice Company and today she’s narrated dozens of children’s audiobooks, booked indie games and animation, built steady momentum on Fiverr and the pay-to-plays, and recently signed with Stewart Talent.

Susie shares how she landed her dream children’s narration work, built a strong LinkedIn presence, and branded herself as “Bee Your Voice.” 

Then, listen in as Susan works Susie through a commercial script, uncovering the emotional journey of the spot and elevating the performance beat by beat.

 

Chapters

• 05:40 Fiverr experience and building her portfolio
• 08:23 Most successful projects and direct marketing
• 11:31 LinkedIn strategy and networking tips
• 36:03 Overcoming imposter syndrome and enjoying success

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students Steven Tanner and Mike Shivley (Shy-vlee), two men stepping into voiceover from very different paths.

 

Steven shares why he sees e-learning as his starting point and how leaning into his natural Midwestern sound could open doors. Susan coaches him on one of the biggest lessons for new talent: why the microphone “eats energy” and how becoming an enhanced version of yourself can transform a read.

 

Then Susan sits down with Mike, whose career spans Navy service, direct mail sales, and years as an audio engineer in television studios and live sports. They explore the surprising connection between selling through print and selling through voice before Mike steps up to the mic with a carefully prepared Applebee’s script.

 

Listen as Susan explores script reading techniques, the importance of energy in delivery, and insights into auditions. 

 

Chapters

• 08:48 Enhancing Energy and Delivery
• 12:01 Understanding Voiceover Auditions
• 21:01 Creating a Delicious Read for Commercials

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students and audiobook narrators John Bejarano and Terri Dien, two professionals building exciting audiobook careers alongside their full-time work.

 

Susan kicks things off with John Bejarano, who shares how a second try at voiceover, thanks to the support of Great Voice training and encouragement from fellow student Terri, led to multiple audiobooks now available on Audible. John talks about narrating epic sci-fi and fantasy titles, including Echoes of the Fallen World and the Smoke series, and the challenge of keeping dozens of characters consistent across long-form storytelling. Susan then coaches John through an audiobook audition, showing how raising the stakes and letting the narrator “know more than the characters” can add depth, drama, and intrigue.

 

Next, Susan sits down with instructional designer, chef instructor, and audiobook narrator Terri Dien. Terri shares how earning her Home Studio Masterclass certification gave her the confidence to jump into ACX auditions and how just seven auditions in, she landed her first two audiobook offers. With eight audiobooks completed and a ninth in progress, Terri discusses workflow, momentum, and why audiobook narration fits naturally with teaching and storytelling.

 

Listen as Susan helps elevate audiobook auditions with stronger intention and higher stakes and hear how John and Terri are building fulfilling voiceover careers one book at a time. 

 

Chapters

• 06:04 Balancing Voiceover with a Day Job
• 11:46 Character Development and Storytelling
• 14:57 Raising the Stakes
• 30:01 Workflow in Audiobook Narration
• 39:00 Advice for New Audiobook Narrators

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more. 

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice students Rebecca Cherry and Tanya Wade. 

 

Rebecca Cherry, MD is a pediatric gastroenterologist with a fascinating specialty: using clinical hypnosis to help patients of all ages manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Rebecca shares how the power of the voice can literally change the way the nervous system responds by helping people learn, heal, and self-regulate more effectively. A lifelong lover of reading aloud and learning, she’s exploring voiceover as a fun, flexible sideline that fits beautifully alongside her medical practice.

 

Tanya Wade wears many hats: senior director of clinical operations at a community mental health center in Chicago, practicing therapist, and voiceover artist for Season 3 of The Great Voice Podcast show opener. With roots in acting, spoken word, and a lifelong love of voices, Tanya found her way back to performance through voiceover. She shares her powerful personal journey, including meeting her biological mother for the first time and discovering a shared vocal connection, and how creativity and voiceover have become an essential outlet alongside her meaningful work in mental health.

 

Listen in as Susan gives performance techniques for medical narration, audiobooks, and the nuances of commercial voiceover work. 

Chapters

• 08:02 The Intersection of Medicine and Voiceover
• 11:50 Voiceover Performance: Medical Narration
• 22:07 Exploring Audiobook Narration
• 32:45 Bringing energy to Commercials
• 41:10 Learning to Act for Commercials

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice student Don Bly and Full Compass representative and voice artist Nick Marzock. 

Susan kicks off the episode with Great Voice Community member Don Bly. Don shares his journey from radio and a 30-year career in online retail to discovering voiceover through a simple Facebook ad. He talks about the wholehearted support of his wife that helped him take the leap. Then, Susan gives a coaching session enhancing Don’s read of a corporate script. 

Next up, Susan sits down with musician, producer, voiceover artist, and Full Compass rep Nick Marzock for a fun and incredibly useful conversation. They dive into the exciting new partnership between The Great Voice Company and Full Compass—bringing students and listeners top-tier voiceover gear, unbeatable pricing, and truly standout customer service. Nick makes the tech feel easy, breaking down how different mics work and why a good USB mic can absolutely deliver broadcast-quality sound. He and Susan trade stories, studio wisdom, and real-world tips that every voice talent can put to work right away.

Listen as Susan helps Don build character, intention, and shows how specificity can transform a good read into a great one. And learn about Full Compass, the new partnership with Great Voice, and what that means for you!

Chapters 

• 03:27 Script Coaching Session
• 10:13 Conversational Techniques
• 21:41 Partnership with Full Compass Sound
• 23:33 Home Studio Setup Tips

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM. Great Voice and Full Compass have partnered to provide great quality equipment at the best prices. Visit GreatVoiceGear.com to see Great Voice Company exclusive kits. Take advantage of an exclusive deal for Great Voice Podcast Listeners on a CRM designed for voiceover businesses. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm to learn more.