Explore every episode of the podcast The NAVAgator - official podcast of the National Association of Voice Actors

In this episode of The Navigator, the official podcast of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), Carin Gilfry, Matthew Parham and Graeme Spicer discuss the realities of starting a career in voice acting. The episode addresses common misconceptions spread by social media about easy money in the industry and provides practical advice for beginners. They cover key topics such as the importance of proper training, creating a functional home studio, making effective demos, and strategies for finding work. The hosts also touch on the pitfalls of rushing to find an agent and stress the importance of continual growth and education. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone curious about entering the voice acting world.

00:00 Introduction and Dispelling Myths

02:20 The Reality of Starting in Voice Acting

06:34 Essential Tools and Training for Beginners

07:29 Key Aspects of Home Studios

15:37 Choosing the Right Microphone

23:24 The Importance of Professional Demos

31:11 Finding Work and Marketing Yourself

37:25 Agents, Managers, and Final Thoughts

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In the inaugural episode of The Navigator, hosted by Graeme Spicer, the podcast delves into the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike against major video game companies. The episode features an interview with Zeke Alton, a key member of the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Negotiating Committee.

Topics include the history and evolution of video game negotiations, core issues such as artificial intelligence and biometric data use, safety standards, and fair compensation. Zeke emphasizes the existential nature of the fight, aiming to protect performers' rights in an industry heavily influenced by AI. They call for solidarity among voice actors and provide resources for staying informed and involved in the ongoing negotiations.

00:00 Introduction

00:16 Welcome to The Navigator Podcast

01:01 Background on the SAG AFTRA Strike

01:43 Understanding the Interactive Media Agreement

02:06 Historical Context of Video Game Strikes

04:06 Current Negotiation Issues

06:05 AI and Performer Protections

09:46 Developers' Stance and Interim Agreements

12:13 Legal and Contractual Nuances

13:27 How Voice Actors Can Stay Informed

20:22 The Core of the Dispute: AI and Mocap

22:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

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In this episode of The NAVAgator, the official podcast of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), Vice President Karin Gilfry speaks with voice actor and data analyst David Cui Cui about the results of the recent NAVA survey on the State of the Voiceover Industry in 2025. They discuss various topics, including the professional landscape, home studio usage, work distribution between union and non-union actors, income levels, and the impact of synthetic voices on the industry. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the voiceover field, offers insights into current trends, and highlights the importance of adapting to changes within the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:03 Meet David Cui Cui: Voice Actor and Data Analyst

02:06 The Importance of Data in Voice Acting

04:45 Survey Origins and Evolution

06:17 Key Findings: Voiceover Industry in 2025

14:08 Union Status and Home Studios

18:55 In-Person vs. Remote Recording

21:14 Types of Voiceover Work

21:30 The Rise of Audiobooks

22:36 Income Insights: Voiceover Earnings

26:04 Online Casting vs. Direct Marketing

28:35 AI in the Voiceover Industry

31:14 Demographics of the Voiceover Industry

33:35 Global Rule One: Union vs. Non-Union Work

39:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In episode six of The Navigator Podcast, Vice President Karin Gilfry speaks with Maria Pendolino, hailed as an expert negotiator in the voice acting industry; and Graeme Spicer. They discuss strategies for standing up for oneself in business dealings, drawing on Maria's career transition from finance to voice acting. Key topics include navigating negotiations, understanding client needs, setting fair rates, managing relationships with agents, and protecting oneself against potential AI misuse. This episode offers practical advice for voice actors on effectively managing their careers and ensuring fair treatment from clients.

00:00 Introduction to Negotiation for Voice Actors

00:50 Meet Maria Pendolino: The Queen of Negotiation

02:35 Maria's Journey: From Corporate America to Voice Acting

06:16 The Art and Commerce of Voice Acting

08:45 Practical Tips for Negotiating Rates

16:54 Handling Client Relationships and Quotes

22:25 Working with Agents and Managers

27:02 Contracts and AI Concerns

36:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

www.voicebymaria.com

Maria Pendolino is an award-winning voice actor who began her performing career scream-singing Broadway musicals like Phantom of The Opera and Les Mis in her basement, while dragging her parents along to community theatre auditions. Today, Maria works across voiceover genres like commercials, promo, animation, games, industrial, imaging, documentary, politicals, telephony, and more. 

As a voiceover industry educator, Maria often presents classes and webinars that focus on topics like thinking like a business, negotiation, marketing, building a solid business foundation, and taking your income to the next level. 

Maria lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband Eric and their tuxedo & calico cats. She proudly serves on NAVA's Advisory Board and is active with the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Buffalo Broadcasters Association. She was also a founding member of the Disabled Voice Actors Directory (DVAD). Her fun fact is that she was on an episode of HGTV's House Hunters. You can see more about Maria on her website, voicebymaria.com.

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Protecting your Voice Data: The Fair Voices Pledge & AI in Voice Acting

In this episode of The Navigator podcast, host Matthew Parham, along with Vice President Carin Gilfry and President Tim Friedlander, discuss the Fair Voices Pledge with Rolf Veldman, CEO of online casting site Voice123. The episode delves into the initiatives behind the Fair Voices Pledge, which ensures companies handling voice actor sound files agree not to use or sell these files for AI training without consent. The discussion highlights the importance of legislative protections for biometric data, the evolving role of AI in the voice acting industry, and how voice actors can safeguard their work. The panel provides insights from both the voice actor and company perspectives, emphasizing the need for transparency and the ethical handling of voice data.

00:00 Introduction to AI in Voice Acting

01:13 Overview of the Fair Voices Campaign

03:26 Voice 1, 2, 3's Role and Ethical Practices

07:19 Addressing AI Job Concerns

10:31 Legal and Ethical Implications of AI

16:23 Fair Voices Pledge and Industry Impact

22:20 Future of AI in Voice Acting

28:03 Conclusion

For more info: https://navavoices.org/fair-voices/

Rolf is CEO of Voice123, a signatory to the fAIr Voices Pledge www.voice123.com

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The Origins of the National Association of Voice Actors

In this episode of the NAVAgator podcast, host Graeme Spicer speaks with Tim Friedlander, Karin Gilfry and Matthew Parham about the founding and achievements of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA). They discuss the motivations behind creating NAVA, the significant milestones achieved including a national health insurance plan and scholarships, and their efforts in advocacy and lobbying for voice actors' rights. The conversation also explores the structure of NAVA, the challenges faced during its formation, and the collective commitment of its founders towards bettering the voice acting industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Navigator Podcast

00:49 Origins of the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA)

02:34 Healthcare Initiatives and Challenges

05:41 Advocacy and Organizational Structure

07:09 Growth and Achievements of NAVA

13:08 Roles and Responsibilities within NAVA

21:40 Advocacy Efforts and Industry Impact

24:41 The NAVA Gala and Future Goals

29:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

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The Navigator: Creating Inclusive Best Practices with Nava

In this episode of The NAVAgator, host Matthew Parham discusses the development and significance of NAVA's Best Practices for Authentic Casting. Joined by Jazzy Frizzle from Voices of Color, JP Karliak from QueerVox, and Aimee Gironimi from the Disabled Voice Actors Directory, the panel shares their experiences and perspectives on the importance of inclusive casting in the voice acting industry. They highlight the collaboration between diverse organizations, the challenges faced in creating these best practices, and the impact these guidelines have had on promoting intentional and authentic representation. The episode emphasizes the value of dialogue, community building, and the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity within the industry.

00:00 Introduction to Authentic Casting

00:54 Meet the Collaborators

01:33 The Birth of Best Practices

05:52 The Importance of Safe Spaces

08:35 Challenges and Solutions in Authentic Casting

18:55 The Impact and Future of Best Practices

30:37 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Creating Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover: Insights from Industry Moms

This episode of The NAVAgator Podcast by the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) discusses the development of the Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover. Host Carin Gilfry, with guests Jennifer Sun Bell, and Laya Hoffman (all mothers of young voice actors), share their experiences, challenges, and insights into working with children in the voiceover industry. They cover the nuances of protecting children's futures and voices, highlight crucial guidelines for auditions, directed sessions, and rate usage, and emphasize the importance of creating a safe and empowering environment for young voice actors. The episode serves as a valuable resource for parents and industry professionals working with child voice actors.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

01:41 The Origin Story of Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover

04:51 Challenges and Solutions in Kids' Voiceover Work

07:15 The Importance of Best Practices and Guidelines

08:43 Breaking Down the Best Practices

15:26 Audition Guidelines and Turnaround Times

20:16 Musical Auditions and Challenges

22:00 Directed Sessions: Best Practices

23:47 Parental Advocacy in Sessions

31:50 Rates, Usage, and Legalities

37:40 Final Thoughts and Resources

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In this episode of The NAVAgator Podcast, host Graeme Spicer speaks with Tracy Lindley, Director of Education at the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA). They discuss the variety and philosophy behind NAVA’s educational programs, which blend performance and business skills to cater to diverse voice actors. Tracy shares her journey, NAVA's mission, unique class offerings, fundraising efforts, and how the organization champions inclusivity and community in the voice acting industry. Listeners are encouraged to participate and provide feedback to help shape future programming.

00:00 Introduction to the Navigator Podcast

00:49 Meet Tracy Lindley: Director of Education at NAVA

03:11 The Role and Impact of NAVA's Educational Programs

04:42 Fundraising and Community Events

05:56 Class Structure and Accessibility

08:17 Resources and Benefits for Members

10:26 Choosing Topics and Instructors

19:21 Inclusivity and Feedback

24:37 Upcoming Classes and Events

26:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

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In this episode of The NAVAgator, the team from the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) discuss their political advocacy efforts in Washington and Sacramento. The team, including NAVA President Tim Friedlander, VP Carin Gilfry, and Director of Operations Matthew Parham, shares insights into their legislative focus on protecting voice actors' rights amidst the rise of AI technology. They delve into specific legislation like the No Fakes Act and state level bills aiming to regulate AI and intellectual property. The conversation highlights the challenges of advocating in a dynamically changing technological environment and the importance of bipartisan support and persistence in legislative efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Ideological Unity

00:25 Welcome Back to The Navigator

01:08 NAVA's Political Advocacy Efforts

01:51 Challenges of AI Legislation

05:04 The No Fakes Act and Federal Efforts

11:34 State-Level Legislation and Its Impact

27:25 A Day in Washington: Advocacy in Action

35:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

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