Dive into the complete episode list for The VOHeroes Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Pub. Date
Title
Duration
15 Feb 2022
0055: I'm Pretty Sure This Proves I'm A Frickin' Genius
00:04:21
Hey there, hero!
I was given a great gift the other day: clear confirmation that I'm a genius.
No, really. And from a legendary sports writer!
Sports Illustrated's Andy Benoit is quoted as saying:
“Most geniuses—especially those who lead others—prosper not by deconstructing intricate complexities but by exploiting unrecognized simplicities.”
How does that apply to me? Watch or listen to this episode. It's amazing how well it fits.
Now...how does this apply to YOU? What do you do that you look at as an amazing time-saver, simplifer or un-complicator? Doesn't have to be about acting or VO, but I'd love to hear your examples too.
I bet you're a frickin' genius as well.
Let me know in the comments below.
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0056: An Easy Way To Avoid Confusing Price With Value
00:06:49
Hey there, hero!
When making any purchase, it's easy (and common) to ignore the value of something, especially when the price is a bit alarming...in either direction (too high or seemingly too low).
I found an easy way to think about it, and it's a key phrase I use when I'm considering purchasing something (or pricing something I'm selling).
How do you think about the value of something? Do you consider it before rejecting a purchase based on price? Let me know in the comments below.
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0057: Are You Willing To Let Go Of What Doesn't Work?
00:04:45
Hey there, hero!
I've often shared my definition of success: do more of what works, and less of what doesn't.
But there are a couple of things that are hidden in that short phrase. One of them is being willing to test your assumptions, accept the results, and then let go of those things you see aren't working.
But are you willing to do that? Are you willing to say that something isn't serving you or doesn't work for you? Do you feel like a failure when you do? Let me know in the comments below.
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In a recent group Zoom session with other actors, one of them dropped a bit of knowledge she'd learned from a college professor, a behavioral psychologist. His teaching was around how gamblers are not only hooked on the chance of winning, but are also given the feeling of hope even when they lose.
I did some research on it, and found this article by the BBC:
And as I read this quote, I started to think about how it applies to us as actors and voice talent:
“If people lose a bunch and that lowers their expectations, that will increase how happy they are when they finally do win,” says Rutledge.
And what really resonated was the notion of how random our business is, and how we sometimes look at booking as a win/loss prop bet. We hope we book. And when we don't, does that kill our hope?
Nope. It often adds to the dopamine hit.
So...are you hooked on hope? Is your audition process a hope-based process? Let me know in the comments below.
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We're in the midst of a series of free lessons right now, teaching people how to zero in on the best information around to help them add audiobooks to their performance skills, with the ACX Master Class. (You can watch them all at https://acxmasterclass.com/join - they are all free!)
We let people know they can ask questions about audiobooks, ACX, narration, and...the tech.
An awful lot of people have asked about getting the "right" sound, tweaking their gear and their settings...and I often ask, "How does it sound now?"
You be surprised how many people say something along the lines of "Fine...but it can always be better!"
Can it? Is there a point where it's good enough, even great...but you just can't help tinkering? Are you an inveterate adjuster?
What do you do to get to "good enough" - or not? Let me know in the comments below.
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I particularly like #4 (position yourself as a learner) and #7 (deliberate, then act).
Once you've read the article, let me know which ones resonate with you.
And here's the link if you want to add audiobook narration to your performance skill set - we're just getting ready to teach the 2022 edition of The ACX Master Class:
https://acxmasterclass.com
What do you want to do to increase your own agency? Let me know in the comments below.
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0061: What's Left: How To Make Your Pickup Editing Foolproof
00:05:25
Hey there, hero!
When doing pickups, your final product has to sound completely natural, as if that's how you recorded it in the first place.
And sometimes, breaths can be a bit confusing. Do you edit around them? Do you include them? Do you leave them out? Do they get doubled by mistake?
I have a one-word solution: "Left."
And I'll show you a demo in Audacity so you can make this rule your own.
Does this help? Make sense? Let me know in the comments below.
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0062: When You Hit A Dry Patch, Remember This About The Stock Market
00:08:06
Hey there, hero!
I was reading a post on Facebook the other day, where a voice talent was really puzzled why she wasn't continuously successful at VO. She had a couple of years where she was showered with work, and then for the last 8 months or so, she can't get arrested.
And her question was, based on her past performance, what had she done wrong to make this happen.
And it reminded me that our business is a lot like the stock market.
And there's a particular phrase used there, that we all need to remember here.
How do you react when you have a dry spell with no work? Let me know in the comments below.
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What does it feel like to you when I ask about how you approach casting people...as people?
Are you able to look at them as anything other than your barrier to entry? Your speed bump on the way to a job? Your closed door to a booking opportunity?
Or can you look at them as a peer, a partner...a friendly face in a sea of uncertainty?
I have some thoughts for you on how to lessen the terror of approaching these people...as people.
But I do wonder...how is your relationship with casting at this moment? Let me know in the comments below.
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0064: Make Your Equipment Come To You, Not You To Your Equipment
00:07:27
Hey there, hero!
I usually run all of my private VO coaching calls on Zoom with both of our cameras turned off. That way, I can save bandwidth to get clearer audio.
But sometimes, I'll hear something odd about the sound I'm listening to, and I then ask my clients how their gear is set up.
And sometimes, it's so weird that I'll ask them to fire up their cameras so I can see how they are addressing their microphones, where their mouth is in relation to the pickup and what position the mic is in.
And I've seen some pretty contorted talent, trying their best to work in small closets, scrunch under stairs or even trying to adjust, through their own twisted and awkward posture a mismatch in the height of their mics and tables and chairs.
Let's bring an end to this unnecessary and painful nonsense right now - your gear was mean to serve you, not the other way around. You and your final output will be the better for it.
Do you suffer from any of the situations I talk about in this episode? Watch or listen then let me know in the comments below.
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0065: The Important Difference Between UpGRADES and UpDATES
00:07:31
Hey there, hero!
Like clockwork, I can count on questions from my students and clients about whether or not they should upgrade to a new version of their computer's operating system.
Especially when Apple or Microsoft are urging them constantly to upgrade to a new version of their computer's operating system.
Like many things, it depends. But this one is a bit easier to decide than other iffy propositions.
I discuss the difference between updates (yes, please) and upgrades (no thank you, usually), with on major exception (when you have no choice).
Does this make it simpler for you? Have any questions? Let me know in the comments below.
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For as supportive a community that we as actors and voice talent often have in person, online communities can be filled with trolls.
They are arrogant, opinionated, insulting, and love to provoke normal, law-abiding citizens.
(Been to a Facebook audiobook narrator group lately?)
I've often wondered what the best way is to deal with these fools, and have also been listening lately to a podcast from Stanford Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology Dr. Andrew Huberman...who just happened to give me this:
Understand “reward prediction error” & you will never reply to a negative comment again. Negative comments open a dopamine anticipation loop (in the commenter). Respond and the circuit closes; they get rewarded. Don’t respond & their dopamine will eventually drop below baseline.
https://twitter.com/hubermanlab
Apparently, "don't feed the trolls" is actually a thing.
How do you feel when you get trolled? What do you usually do about it? Respond? How? And what will you do now? Let me know in the comments below.
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In a recent episode, during my drive to make us all more awesome performers, I forgot a key element in a baby's daily life.
The management regrets the error, and the employee involved will be given mandatory training and increased play time.
Does adding the element of play help? Is it something lacking in your daily to-do list? Let me know in the comments below.
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0069: One Weird Hack To Nail Location Pronunciations Every Single Time
00:05:12
Hey there, hero!
I'm sure that wherever you grew up, there were various names of local points of interest that had very local names.
And you know the right way to say them. But people who aren't from around there? Not so much.
But you can only be familiar with a few areas and their peculiar place names - even if you are a military brat and moved around a lot.
So how do you handle unfamiliar location names when narrating an audiobook, or reviewing an audition script that has them?
I gotcha covered with my number one go-to source, and it works every single time.
What are the most mispronounced locations where you grew up? And if you have any other suggestions for resources, put them in the comments below.
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0070: There's A New, Awesome VO Talent Association You Should Join
00:22:06
Hey there, hero!
My buddy Tim Friedlander always seems to be figuring out how to do one thing: making life easier for voice talent.
He figured out how to give you a weekly VO workout.
He figured out how to help you convert non-union work to union work.
And now, he's out to figure out how to help you stay safe with your rates and with health insurance coverage...even if you're not in a union.
After you watch this talk with him about his new organization, NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors - https://www.navavoices.org/), got any questions? Let us know in the comments below.
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0071: Do This To Get Better Responses To Your Online Questions
00:05:38
Hey there, hero!
A few years ago, Facebook did something that changed how you got notified via email when someone posted something, replied to something, added a comment and more.
And what they did didn't help you and me out one bit.
They went from a full quoting of the content of what they were notifying you about, to just a few opening words.
It was done to increase engagement on the FB platform. They now tease you with that opening, and you're more likely to click on the "Read More" link to find out the rest of the content.
And what users have noticed is that they are getting less quality responses to their postings.
What makes it worse is a habit that seems reasonable, even nice that leads to even fewer responses.
You've actually seen it, and maybe even done it yourself.
In this podcast episode, I point it out, so you can avoid doing it in the future, and get better responses from those who rely on notifications.
Any other little tips for making sure people respond on social media? Let me know in the comments below.
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It started slow, and built over time. It affected my productivity, my sleep, my health.
That's the bad news.
The good news is, I finally decided to do something about it.
And I did.
I deleted 128 apps, mostly games, from my phone. And at times, especially when I'm about to go to sleep, it's hard to not go back to the App Store, and grab just one to pass the time.
But...I'm sleeping better, and I've replaced the game playing with two things that far more beneficial to my life: news and meditation.
Here's the link to the Breethe app:
https://breethe.com/
Are you ready for an app spring cleaning? If you're all set in that area, what else is slowing you down? Let me know in the comments below.
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0073: Sarah Beth Goer: Be The Kind of Performer/Entrepreneur She's Become
00:13:18
Hey there, hero!
One of my OG VO2GoGo Pros has some words for you if you're trying to figure out how to succeed as a performer:
"Notice what doors are open, and then walk through them."
When I hear a phrase like that, I immediately want to hear more.
Sarah Beth Goer grabbed the performer/entrepreneur bull by the horns and is riding it into the future.
You can catch up with her at https://sarahbethgoer.com.
Check out her journey, and if you have any questions or comments, let me know below.
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(He likely doesn't know or care about this fact, but it's true nonetheless.)
His lessons on how to run your business on a high level started for me a long time ago, but remain some of the most powerful guidance I've received.
He answers the question "How long before the average person simply must interrupt the person they are speaking with?"
You might be surprised how short that time is...and how you can be more effective by being more patient than average.
Can you last eighteen seconds? Are you that patient? Let me know in the comments below.
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0075: Three Things To Do Instead Of Interrupting Someone
00:05:54
Hey there, hero!
In a recent episode, we talked about patience. About allowing a partner to speak. About listening "louder."
And I got some requests for suggestions on what to do instead of jumping in with "feedback" or "advice" or "support."
I've got three things that will make you so popular as a conversationalist, you'll need to hire someone to help you enjoy all your popularity.
Once you've heard or watched the podcast episode...did those help? Do you have any little tactics you use to be a better listener? Let me know in the comments below.
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0076: Graduating From Paint-By-Numbers To Just...Painting
00:06:46
Hey there, hero!
In everyone's pursuit of excellence, the training we receive is initially handled as a series of discrete steps. Do this, then that, before you do this or only after than and so on.
The dependencies of one step upon another need to be identified and practiced.
But one day...
...you realize that those steps have blended into a smooth and clean process where your execution isn't based on some checklist of actions, but rather based on your experience and preparation.
And that day can come sooner, later...or not at all. But when it does, it frees you up for the acting part - the attention we pay to our art, as opposed to our tools. It gives you more time to be the great actor that you are.
(And I'm working on something to add to VOHeroes that will help my Pros do just that.)
Watch or listen and I draw a comparison (see what I did there?) with paint-by-number, then answer this: when did you graduate from paint-by-numbers? Or are you having difficulty with that with a particular skill? What kind of help do you need, if any? Let me know in the comments below.
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We "feed" ourselves in many different ways...certainly our bodies with food, our souls with social connection and many times, our brains with knowledge.
In fact, depending upon how you learn things, discovery of new concepts and ways of working might really satisfy you in ways that other options don't.
We can be logical, step by step, or organic and open to random options, but however we learn, it can be really satisfying...and nutritious.
And depending on what you have available to you as a left-brained or right-brained person, the very notion of discovering things can be extraordinarily sumptuous - and can feed yourself while learning.
How do you feel when learning? Like you're at the table for a fine meal?
When you're learning things, how do you usually proceed? Left brain? Right brain? Both sometimes? Let me know in the comments below.
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0078: Flipping A Coin To Make A Decision? Be Sure To Do One More Thing
00:03:27
Hey there, hero!
Some decisions are easier than others. If you have several options, that may or may not be an easier decision that when you have just two options.
And no matter how many options you have, even if it's just two, it may not be clear as to which of those options is the best...or if there even is a clear, best option.
I've got one of those "one weird tricks" that might be helpful, one that you can use when flipping a coin to make the decision.
You flip the coin...but then you do one more thing.
After you watch the video...try it. Did that make things easier? Let me know in the comments below.
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We live and work in a world of art, and self-expression, and artistic choices.
We also live and work in a world of writers, producers, directors, and casting people.
This video is meant to be a bit blunt: you need to hear this, and know that if you think any differently about where you are in the ecosystem, it might be hurting your chances at success.
Watch the video.
Remember that I love you.
Then tell me your thoughts in the comments below.
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0080: Having A Bias For Action Can Uplevel Your Schedule
00:04:22
Hey there, hero!
Estimating how long things take, from small, short things like auditions, to longer, multi-step projects like recording and editing an audiobook, is an art as well as a science.
And one of the ways we protect ourselves is to give each project more than enough time.
I'd like to suggest that you consider being more stingy with your schedule. See if things can take less time, with the same quality.
Why? Because of my boss, back when I worked at America Online.
Questions about the whole bias for action thing? Let me know in the comments below.
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We're all on a journey. Our own journey. With different speeds, timelines, and horizons.
And we can easily forget about considering time when plugging along on the highway to getting it all done.
I'd like to remind you to be gentle with yourself when you start examining your results...especially with when you actually judge yourself, because things like this take time. And you might be jumping the gun just a bit.
And so, I will.
Once you hear what I have to say...is that helpful? Is it a reasonable reminder, or are you hell bent to get to your goals as quickly as possible? Let me know in the comments below.
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0082: Let's Settle On "Synthetic Voices," Not "AI"
00:08:08
Hey there, hero!
I get it. "AI" has two short syllables, and "synthetic voices" has five longer ones, so it's a bit more time-consuming to say.
But it might be useful to try to commit to using the latter, rather than the former, despite its slightly longer length, when we start feeling concerned about our future as human voice talent.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is used in almost every facet of our creative process, from script management to casting to recording to production to proofing...and on to email, social media and just about everything else.
AI is a broad, generic category of technology.
Synthetic voices, on the other hand, is a pretty specific use of machine learning, data mining, digital modeling and yes, AI.
Can we all agree to use accurate terminology for the dangers we observe that doesn't throw the baby out with the bath water?
Lots of technology (I'm looking at you, Pozotron) is getting a bad rap because they happen to use aspects of AI in their workflow. People have made grossly inaccurate statements about AI-based products and services because...well...they don't know any better.
We can and should know better.
Once I've made my case for this in this episode, answer this for me: do you agree? Or do you simply feel that Skynet will soon be self-aware, so who cares what we call it? Discuss, if you would, in the comments below.
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My buddy Bob just called me, and on occasion, he says something brilliant.
This was one of those times.
He said "When you're looking at how successful you might be at something, don't forget: you yourself are one of the variables."
Brilliant. And worth remembering when you start looking at how long it will take you to make the money back that you spend on training. Want to know how long? Wouldn't that be great to know...but who can say given all the variables in the process, including...
...you.
Here's the link I talk about in the video (that I'll be removing after Wednesday night at midnight) for the payment plan offer for VOHeroes Pro - a 4 month payment plan that goes easy on your cash flow:
https://voheroes.com/4pmt
How do you handle the personal responsibility you have for your own success? Let me know in the comments below.
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0085: The Difference Between "Difficult" And "Impossible"
00:04:51
Hey there, hero!
In another episode of this podcast, I talked about the difference between "easy" and "straightforward."
That got people thinking about how they start new processes and how they look at how long getting good at something can take.
Let's flip that on the head, and help you ease the burden of something that appears to be extraordinarily daunting - let's look at "difficult" versus "impossible."
Ever decide something just wasn't worth trying because you labeled it "impossible?" Were you able to do it anyway? Let me know in the comments below.
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One of my fave peeps in the entire VO world is Anne Ganguzza.
She was a coach when we were VO2GoGo, and she's gone on to become a force to be reckoned with with sites like VOPeeps and the VOBoss Podcast.
And one of her superpowers is combining tech with VO. That's kind of in demand these days, not only to support her clients but also to deal with the perceived threat of artificial intelligence coming for our voices.
We talk about synthetic voices in this episode, and she has a particularly unique take on the future.
Once you've heard what she has to say...what say you? Let me know in the comments below.
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0087: AI, Synthetic Voices and Anne Ganguzza - Part 2
00:15:02
Hey there, hero!
Picking up right where we left off in our interview with the amazing Anne Ganguzza, she gets to the nitty gritty of answering questions about the perceived threat of artificial intelligence, synthetic voices, the theft of our livelihoods and what preparation we should engage in to meet our digital futures...head on.
She also tackles the panic: what do we do? Where do we go? Who shall save us?
Likely, we'll be saving ourselves. But do listen to what she has to say. Anne has her own awesome podcast at https://VOBoss.com.
What other questions about AI and synthetic media do you have? What weighs heavy on your VO talent mind? Let me know in the comments below.
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0088: Constantly Distracted? Treat Focus Like Your Hard Drive
00:05:58
Hey there, hero!
First, here's the link to the insanely over-engineered backup system, I use and teach to my Pros:
https://voheroes.com/backup
Now...once you've reviewed that, and maybe even decide to implement it so you can sleep easier at night, let's see how "backing up for easy recovery, not just disaster" matters when it comes to staying focused on the things we've decided are most important at any point in time.
In today's world, focus becomes more and more difficult, and it can be frustrating to try and stay focused. But...it's inevitable you'll be distracted.
I have a two step process to get back on track if your focus shifts.
And, again, it will.
Let me know if this is helpful. Questions? Let me know in the comments below.
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We all have our feelings about pricing our voice over services: uncertainty, frustration, bewilderment, confusion and occasionally, satisfaction.
One of the times that can be very challenging is when we decide to really lower our rates in an effort to make it a no-brainer for someone to hire us.
Big mistake.
In this episode, I discuss the failure of a fellow artist to attract any takers to a steeply discounted course, because of a simple concept: perception of value.
Have you had this experience? What challenges do you have with pricing (our Pros have a complete class on it!)? Let me know in the comments below.
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0091: Three Things You Can Do To "Go Wake Up Your Luck"
00:08:42
Hey there, hero!
Deconstruction. Vigilance. Speed.
What do these things have in common with one of my favorite Persian proverbs (or any proverb, for that matter)?
They fully support the notion that you can hold sway over the sometimes random events in our nutty little business - by putting them each into play.
Once you've heard what I have to say about this...is the fear still there (listen to the podcast episode to know exactly what I'm talking about)? Let me know in the comments below.
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Self-improvement, career growth and social media expert Josh Spector, <a href="https://medium.com/an-idea-for-you/how-to-simplify-your-day-137a3cfb33dc" target="_blank">in an article over on Medium</a>, has put together a neat little package of seven simple strategies for making your workday smoother, more organized and simpler.
I think you'll find #2 to have a very familiar ring to it...especially if you use the Ivy Lee method.
Thoughts on the items in his list? Any additions? Let me know in the comments below.
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0093: Interview With A Rights Holder: Epic Life's Justin Breen
00:28:06
Hey there, hero!
I had the joy of working with a rights holder, not on ACX, but on Scribe Media (as well as Scribe's team) as the narrator of an inspirational business book called Epic Life, by Justin Breen:
Justin is a rare entrepreneur that doesn't let his business life get in the way of his family life, and we'll talk about truly achieving work/life balance (and a lot more).
How do you go about making sure that your work and your personal life is balanced? Any challenges there? Let me know in the comments below.
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0094: When To Avoid Reframing And Do Something More Useful
00:05:21
Hey there, hero!
One of the skills we acquire as we become more experienced in performing on-camera and voice over acting is the notion of reframing when we encounter an outcome that is less than satisfactory. Instead of allowing that moment to hurt us, we re-frame it as a learning moment and growth opportunity.
It's really useful.
Usually.
There's one aspect of these moments that we can easily forget and is crucial to overcoming those challenges, and it's important to make it your mission to do this particular piece of work.
Check out this explanation, and then let me know: is the process I describe something you sometimes forget? Do you find it a challenge to remember to follow through on this? Let me know in the comments below.
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0095: How VOHeroes Pro Bethany Arrington-Peck's Starbucks Session Went
00:20:00
Hey there, hero!
When a VOHeroes Pro has a success, I always take a moment to savor that. Whether it's a breakthrough in training, an equipment or software victory, or something as major as a booking, it's a moment to celebrate.
And I try my best to find out the details: what did you do that led to this? What did you learn? What does it feel like to achieve this success?
And so, when I get a chance to talk to a Pro when they get such a gift, I grab it.
And that's what I got to do with the newest voice of Starbucks, VOHeroes Pro Bethany Arrington-Peck. She's awesome and I couldn't be happier for her.
If you've wondered what it's like to get booked and do a session for a major brand, this podcast episode is for you.
Are you excited (and maybe fearful) of such a success? Did what Bethany shared square up with your expectations of your future success? Let me know in the comments below.
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It takes a lot of time and effort to get our tools, like Audacity, dialed in so that we can use them efficiently in our work, and so that we can rely on them from session to session.
(BTW, if you want tips on setting up Audacity, subscribing to our Coach Stuart's newsletter on how to use Audacity better should be on your list. Here's a link to sign up (it's free!):
https://stuartgauffi.com/get-sat )
So...those tools can and will change and evolve over time, even to the point where keeping up with those changes can be a surprise.
Like when we update to a new version of software after a long period of NOT updating.
Often, those changes aren't made for you, but for other users of the tool. In fact, the changes a piece of software or hardware go through may end up making your job harder. That doesn't make it any easier to handle the frustration you can feel when you launch your newly-updated tool, and things have now gone south.
It can feel like a personal attack.
In this episode, I want to help you manage your emotions when you update, things don't go as planned and you get angry at the software publisher.
It's not them, it's you.
Usually.
Ever get a nasty surprise when you've updated a piece of software or hardware? What was your emotional reaction? Did that reaction serve you? Let me know in the comments below.
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0097: 4 Ways You Can Make Voicing URLs More Effective
00:06:00
Hey there, hero!
The digital age has made the links we voice in commercials, documentaries, audiobooks, IVR and so many other categories of work even more important that what used to be the crucial contact info: the phone number is no longer number one.
And how we voice URLs, the links on the Web, social media handles and email addresses can make or break the response your clients get from your work.
Here are four things that can make a huge difference in the clarity you provide to your listening audience when sharing links in your copy.
Anything else you think would be good to know about delivering digital information? Anything you hear that drives you just a bit crazy and telegraphs that the VO talent (or the client's copy) isn't all that Web aware? Let me know in the comments below.
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What runs through your mind when you hit that SEND button for the audition you just created? High hopes, excitement, anticipation, maybe a sense of satisfaction?
Great.
Fast forward to a couple of days later. Are you still thinking about it? Wondering how it landed with the casting person?
And maybe thinking you need to follow up?
Maybe you are one of those actors and voice talents that makes a regular habit of following up...just to "build that relationship."
Don't. Full stop. Hear why I'm so final about this advice in the episode.
Does this fly in the face of what you've heard before? Do you find yourself unable to let go of the notion that you have to follow up? Do you totally disagree with me? Let me know in the comments below.
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0099: Use Union Rates To Help Maintain Your Dignity
00:08:42
Hey there, hero!
In a recent episode of the podcast, I talked about keeping price and value straight, and supporting your price points by pointing out the value of what you do as a performer.
All well and good, unless you're just starting off and you don't feel as though you bring a lot of value.
You do.
And in this episode, I look at a couple of things to remember, even if you're a new performer, just getting their feet wet as a professional.
Even beginners deserve dignity as professionals, so let's talk about that.
If you're new, do you feel like you can't yet charge professional rates? Do you look at experience and exposure as currency? If you're not new, when did you decide to charge rates that approach or exceed union minimums? Let me know in the comments below.
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Although I've tried very hard to take away the fear of starting something new, I've paid little attention to celebrating when we actually accomplish whatever that thing is.
I want to change that in this episode, because if we're going to have the gumption to attempt something, we definitely have to take a moment when we actually get that something done.
It certainly far more likely that we'll try something, and run into challenges along the way.
But if we manage to do things in such a way that we actually get what we want...well, that's worth a few fireworks and champagne.
And that's why this episode is numbered "properly," based on the total number of podcast episodes I've produced in the last 26 years, beginning with the first daily email-delivered Progressive Networks (RealAudio) email attachments back in 1996.
So...give me an example of something you've accomplished recently that you forgot to give yourself credit for in the comments below. And tell me how it feels to type it out and maybe say it out loud.
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13113: Celebrating The Math: My Podcast Episode Count
00:06:19
Hey there, hero!
I had a few questions as to what was up with the episode count, and it all boils down to me taking my own advice.
I spent decades in broadcasting, and was one of the first podcasters ever. So…I wanted to take the time to tally all of the production from my first podcasts (the Online Tonight daily RealAudio-laden emails in 1996) through the rest of my daily syndicated days on AM, FM, XM and Sirius, on CNET, on Salem, on WGN/Chicago and WOR/New York, to the Secrets of Screen Acting Podcast, the podcasts I'd done for SAG-AFTRA, for commercial clients, the VO2GoGo podcast, this VOHeroes podcast and many more.
It's been, and continues to be (in the audio AND video era) a blast.
And I wanted to do a bit of celebrating.
I ask you for the same contribution as last episode: what have you forgotten to give yourself credit for? What about your journey do you need to take a moment and have a moment? Let me know in the comments below.
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13114: Applying The Jiu Jitsu Of Quality Over Quantity
00:05:42
Hey there, hero!
How many times have you approached decisions around the choices you make when doing auditions as "Sure, I can do that!" …when you clearly are not the type the character demands?
Like, way outside your age range, your lineage, your vocal style and more?
What about taking the time to choose your auditions based on how much you align with that character? Using a little jiu-jitsu on the situation?
We can sometimes go overboard in our zeal to be "versatile" or "agile."
This podcast episode discusses the pitfalls of that and how to avoid them.
Do you find yourself forgetting just how good you are, as opposed to how many options you can create, when performing? Let me know in the comments below.
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13115: AMA! Ask Me Anything About Audiobooks, ACX And More
00:05:42
Hey there, hero!
Next week, Dan O'Day and I will be opening registration for the brand-spankin'-new edition of the ACX Master Class.
In fact, we're running (as this podcast episode is being released live) a series of free video training on ACX, audiobook narration, the tech you need, the challenges you'll face (and how, as a new narrator, we've seen our students meet them) and so much more.
But...if you have a questions about audiobooks or ACX that you'd like to ask me directly, here's your chance.
In this episode, I let you know what you can ask (pretty much anything, but I give you some guidelines) and how to ask (where to put your questions...hint-hint: scroll down to the comments here and leave them).
Then, next week, I'll answer them all. I'll be doing a last-minute produced podcast, plus a live event online, with Dan to answer each and every question.
What do you want to know about audiobook narration? If you want to become a narrator, what's stopping you? What worries you about it? What do you need help with? Let me know in the comments below.
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13116: You Asked Me (Anything) About Audiobook and ACX - And Boy, Have I Got Answers
00:17:50
Hey there, hero!
We've just opened registration for the new 2023 ACX Master Class, and because so much has changed for voice talent in the audiobook narration world and with ACX, I invited you all last week to ask me questions.
And I got some great ones: on the editing, on how to judge a book's potential profit, on how much time it actually takes to narrate a book and more.
I answer all of them in this week's podcast episode, so strap in, and get the skinny on the latest updates.
And, of course, if you haven't yet joined us, we'd love to have you as a 2023 ACX Master Class student, building a solid audiobook narration practice. 9 PM Pacific tonight (Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023) is the deadline for the Early Action Bonus pricing, where we pay the first $300 of your tuition, so here's the link:
https://acxmasterclass.com/join
Do you have a question of your own? Let me know in the comments below.
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13117: What To Do The Moment You Hit Record (Hint: Nothing)
00:05:09
Hey there, hero!
I'd like to help you break a habit I see some voice talent doing when recording auditions (and even work): immediately beginning their voice work, as if waiting was a sad waste of tape...or electrons?
This applies to on-camera work as well - no need to jump right in and start performing the instant you see your camera recording.
Take your time. Give yourself a break. Then, do great work from a position of ease and grace. In this episode, I'll show you how.
Have you found yourself jumping into action just because you've hit the record button? Let me know in the comments below.
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13119: AudioTechnica Lowered A Price, And Now I'm Stuck
00:08:24
Hey there, hero!
The word "ridiculous" comes to mind here.
The mic I use and recommend is, currently, unbelievably discounted. With no changes in quality, materials or performance.
So now, I'm stuck.
I can't make an argument, currently, about looking critically at the price of a USB microphone as an initial litmus test...with my fave mic being priced so low.
I can't really say, "Yeah, don't pay THAT little for a mic - except for the one I think you should get!"
Can I?
(By the way, if you want it, check it out here: https://voheroes.com/get-at2020usbplus)
Have you ever had doubt, based on price about a product recommended to you, or with a product you love? Let me know in the comments below.
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13120: I Wanted To Know The "Time Machine" Of Windows Is, So Of Course, I Had To Ask Leo
00:20:23
Hey there, hero!
As a Macintosh user, I know exactly what software to use to back up my data and keep myself safe: Time Machine. It's built in to MacOS, and is awesome. Reliable, automatic, elegant.
But when a client or student asks me for the equivalent of that awesomeness for Windows, I have to ask my friend, my go-to Windows expert: Leo Notenboom, at askleo.com.
I get my chance on Zoom recently, and I had the wisdom to record it for you. If you use Windows and you want to professionally protect your livelihood, Leo's your guy. Watch this video and use the software he says to use.
It will simply and elegantly keep your stuff safe.
He's even got a very low-cost course you can take (less than 60 bucks for anyone, and 30% off that if you use the coupon code HERO at the link below, making it just $42. Well worth it.)
https://voheroes.com/get-leosbackupcourse
Ever been sadly nailed by an unexpected hard drive failure? With no backup? What happened? Let me know in the comments below.
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13121: Do You Really Need The Latest And Greatest Version?
00:04:51
Hey there, hero!
Are you addicted to making changes to your tried and true processes? Are you constantly tinkering, adjusting and toying with stuff?
Or do you only change when you need to?
If the newest, latest stuff has your eye, even if what you have now is working fine for you, well...you're not alone.
I see lots of performers searching for perfection...going for the newest mic, an updated computer, the latest operating system, the hot new mobile device...when what they are currently using is working just fine for them.
And then, there are others who only change when they see a need to, a real need, like security issues, not being able to run a crucial update because their gear is too old, or a feature that's only available on a newer edition of a product.
And at the same time, your metrics might change - the standards by which you judge your success.
So...
Where are you with this? Is change a struggle for you? Let me know in the comments below.
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13122: Are You (Sometimes) Out Of Order? Let's Fix That
00:05:05
Hey there, hero!
I've observed people quickly search for an answer to a problem, find some information, and because time is (almost always) of the essence...
...jump right in to "fixing" the problem. But it doesn't get fixed, and they don't know why. We all want to be efficient with our problem solving, but there's a crucial component to "efficient": your step-by-step use of that solution's info.
In many cases, the information is great. The problem is the order of execution. Let's take the example of Jess, who wrote me about a problem they couldn't quite solve, even though they had all the information they needed.
It was their order of execution.
Once you've listened to this episode, would you please take a moment and share with me a moment that you got ahead of yourself? Let me know in the comments below.
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(For those who will listen to the audio podcast: at the very beginning of the episode, I'm holding an object in my hand, up close and in focus on my camera - just in case you're saying "How would I know what that is...I can't see it on an audio podcast!")
I recently needed help. I'm usually the one offering help to others, but this time...I needed help myself.
And I'll be honest - I had to fight the urge to say "Nah! I can do this! I don't need no stinkin' help!"
But I did. And I found I had to set aside my desire to be self-sufficient and not to burden others...and take a bit of my own medicine.
I got help - from one of my clients, Hopper Stone (a badass photographer, who came to the Palatial Lawrence Estate and helped me set up my new video camera.)
Ever find yourself in a moment of pridefulness or embarrassment, not willing to seek the help you need? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
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Here's a quick turnaround replay of an in-depth Q&A session held a few hours ago, live on FB, YT and LI, with Jim Johnson and Dan O'Day of The Accents Class.
Questions included getting started with studying and integrating accents into your performance, how to switch between accents in narration, how to be consistent throughout a longer piece, what to watch for in terms of caricatures and potentially offensive performances, how Jim studies and helps you study a particular accent or dialect, why an actor might be good at one accent and find a challenge with another...
...and so much more.
The Accents Class is open for registration, and if you join before Tuesday night at 9p PT, you'll get a $300 discount. Here's the link - I highly recommend this course:
https://voheroes.com/accents
Watch this to deepen your understanding of accent and dialect work - then let me know: is this something you avoid? Is it something you embrace? Do you wish you were better at accents and dialects? Let me know in the comments below.
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I don't know how long it will last, but AudioTechnica has lowered the price on the AT-2020 USB Plus (the microphone I use and recommend and teach people with)...again.
Earlier in the year, the price dropped from $149 to $100...then it dropped a couple of months later to just $70.
With no drop in quality.
And they now dropped the price to less than $60. Here's the link:
https://voheroes.com/get-at2020usbplus
So let's consider the purchase of a second, spare mic as a really cheap insurance policy.
Make sense to you? Let me know in the comments below.
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13128: A Huge Lesson From Rick Rubin's The Creative Act
00:08:01
Hey there, hero!
If there was ever a guy who didn't look the part, it's Rick Rubin.
He's the first to admit he's no performer. And when someone who knows he's no performer narrates his own book, be very very thankful that he's a genius.
His new book, The Creative Act, is filled to the brim with wisdom on how to be a creative soul. Even if he's not the best author-as-narrator, the book is worth listening to, and you'l forgive the sing-song amateurish nature of his delivery...
...because the content is so amazing. Here's a link:
https://voheroes.com/get-thecreativeact
One of the big takeaways has to do with how important the audience and what you think it wants. It's a gamechanger. And here's a hint: it's not about pleasing the biggest audience.
Have you read/listened to his book? Can you resist being an audience-pleaser? If not, are you going to?? Let me know in the comments below.
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13129: Help Casting Make A Choice By YOU Making A Choice
00:04:49
Hey there, hero!
We often are fearful that if we don't give our casting partners an awesome option (or a number of awesome options) in our auditions, we won't give them what they really want.
As if we CAN even have the slightest notion of what they really want.
Instead, I'd like to make the case of being confident in our choices when we design our audition paths.
It's not going to "make" them cast you, one way or the other...so be kind to yourself.
Do you worry that you're not giving casting what they want? Or that your choices aren't "good enough" for them to cast you? Let me know in the comments below.
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After a bit of back and forth, SAG-AFTRA has successfully negotiated a new payment format for IVR work for actors and voice talent.
And I am so happy they did - it reflects higher compensation for the hard work that talent does in the category of IVR, and the nature of IVR recording and usage.
What's IVR? What are the new rates? Watch/listen to this podcast episode for all the lovely details.
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13131: How Quickly Does Casting Abandon Your Audition?
00:07:01
Hey there, hero!
This past week or two, I've heard some really amazing numbers regarding two numbers - and actors and VO talent complaining about both.
We only have ourselves to blame, and we need to stop grousing and be at peace with them.
What are these two important metrics?
One is the number of auditions that casting directors get for each role, or what ACX rights holders get in terms of submissions from narrators. (The numbers are likely similar in other categories of on-camera or VO work.)
The other is how many seconds before someone reviewing your audition will move on to the next one if you're simply not right.
You might be surprised at how minuscule that number is.
And it means you need to be aware and OK with both of those numbers...because we've brought it on ourselves in the quest for better access to projects.
Yep. It's our fault, and the numbers speak for themselves.
Now that you know these numbers (watch or listen to get them), how do you feel about them? Are you thinking that they are patently unfair? Still shaking your fist at the heavens? Or are you accepting and understanding of them? Let me know in the comments below.
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13132: Help People Work With You By Showing Them Exactly How
00:06:28
Hey there, hero!
One of the ways you can help people hire you is to show them how to work with you, and you can do that with a document or web page that shows them exactly how.
We sometimes forget that our customers may not even know how to take advantage of all that we offer.
An example is when you book an audiobook project, and you provide the author or publisher how you work, and what to expect.
It can set their mind at ease and help them decide to hire you...simply because you know what you're doing and will take care of them.
Do your clients know exactly what your operating style is? Do they know all that you offer? Or how you work with clients in general? Let me know in the comments below.
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13133: Stop Bitching About Changes In How We Audition. Right Now.
00:07:45
Hey there, hero!
The complaints about on-camera self-tapes have got to stop. Like, now.
Yes, it's different than it used to be.
But to rail against it is a super huge waste of time.
And you on-camera folk that are so pissed off that you have to do most of your auditions at home should take a page out of the voice over talent playbook. Because we've been auditioning at home for decades, and we've learned to leverage it to our advantage.
And you should do the same.
Yes, it's different, and might be a bit more difficult the first few times you do it. But it really isn't the onerous responsibility that some would have you believe.
And no, you shouldn't be paid for it. There are advantages to home self-tapes that more than make up for the disadvantages. And there are millions of free tutorials on how to do a competitive on-camera self tape, even if all you have is a window with natural light and a mobile phone.
It is what it is. Stop bitching, grab a new skill and get back to acting.
Agree? Disagree? Sad that I'm not being more sensitive to your struggles with technology? Let me know in the comments below.
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13134: One Category Of VO Has Been "Under Attack" By AI For Decades. And It's Doing Just Fine.
00:08:14
Hey there, hero!
It was October of 1989 when America Online's existence was first promoted in the MacWorld and MacUser magazines that hit the stands (and my mailbox in Washington DC). I went on my morning show on Q107, and told listeners they could send me messages on the service, addressed to screen name David107.
That shoutout on the air did two things: first, it caused Jean Villanueva to nearly spit out her coffee as she traveled along the Dulles Toll Road in Virginia - she was on her way to her job as AOL's chief communications officer. Second, it prompted her to call me when I got off the air that morning and ask if I wanted to record the phone messages people would hear when they first called AOL's tech support lines.
Thus began my first job doing IVR, and one of the longest client relationships (over 28 years) I've ever enjoyed: over 38,000 prompts (individual messages) recorded over the years.
IVR became a huge thing for me, and despite a ton of work in that space, I began almost immediately to notice competition - from computer generated voices. Nothing like the human voice, nothing synthetically realistic, but like AM radio, quality wasn't necessary. It was the information being delivered to the caller that mattered, no matter how mechanical it sounded.
So the massive developments in synthetic voices today seem oddly familiar, and it leads me to my warning in this episode of the podcast about the risk to our future as voice talent.
The warning might no be what you expect - and might make you smile just a bit.
Once you've listened, would you share with me if you agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below.
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Link to full podcast episode: https://voheroes.com/one-category-of-vo-has-been-under-attack-by-ai-for-decades-and-its-doing-just-fine/
Sometimes, when we finally acquire a skill, there may be a moment of uncertainty that we've actually, really, truly gained that expertise.
All of a sudden, we get good at something, and we can get nervous - that we're missing something, that we're not seeing the whole picture, that it can't be this easy...are we OK?
I've got an explanation, and a permission slip to release the "what am I not seeing here??" feeling.
Ever find this to be the case? That you are just that good, and that you're NOT missing something basic? Let me know in the comments below.
Link to full podcast episode: https://voheroes.com/the-discomfort-of-experience/
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13136: Be The Casting Director's Personal Consultant
00:06:35
Hey there, hero!
Actors and voice talent sometimes look to casting to help us clarify what they want from us.
And because they often don't have that clarity, they make the mistake of going "wide" with their choices in their acting.
That's a huge mistake. They try to be the most general, and less specific, so as to cover as much of the wide variety of options that that casting director might want.
Instead of trying to cover the waterfront, do what I share here in this episode.
Is it hard for you to make a specific, confident decisions when you audition for roles? Let me know in the comments below.
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Link to full podcast episode: https://voheroes.com/be-the-casting-directors-personal-consultant/
Every so often, like a bolt of lightning, our perceptions about ourselves become crystal clear.
That happened to me just a few days ago.
Thanks to CNN's story on "dis-influencers," I now know my purpose in life...online. I have a very lucid understanding of what I do with these podcasts and how they benefit (I hope!) you, my lovely listener/viewer.
And it goes against the very nature of my online buying trajectory. Watch or listen to the episode and you'll get what I mean.
Is my newfound title old news to you? Let me know in the comments below.
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I have to admit that there are times when I stop what I'm doing, especially when they are repetitive or mundane, and ask myself an important question:
"Does this really matter?"
Because I have a tendency toward wasting time on things that, although I'm really good at them, they don't really move things forward for me.
We can sometimes be expert at something that isn't all that useful, and we can mistake that expertise for overall effectiveness...because we're good at it, dammit!
How about you? Ever caught yourself being excellent but not effective? Let me know in the comments below.
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13141: Making It Easier To Help The Casting People Out
00:04:33
Hey there, hero!
There's a gift waiting for you in this podcast episode.
I'm going to show you what is waiting for you when you make a definitive choice, and help casting see your take on a character.
This ties in with a previous episode on being the casting office's consultant for this role.
When you do make that definitive choice, there's power in that decision. You feel like a professional, and you walk around with your head held a bit higher...
...as opposed to silently wondering if you made the best choice. And, I present to you the concept of SW SW SW SW. Watch or listen to the episode to find out what the heck that is.
How do you feel once you've made your character choices, recorded your audition and submitted it? Let me know in the comments below.
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I just got off a very difficult Zoom Q&A session, with hundreds of people in attendance, most of which had had questions and had absolutely no idea how to behave in that situation.
I have thoughts.
And advice.
And I need to vent.
Once you watch the video, let me know...was I too harsh?? Hit me up in the comments below.
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The strike against the TV/Theatrical/Streaming contracts and the members of the AMPTP continues, now months in for both writers and actors.
Writers are really hamstrung in terms of what they can work on, but our strike is slightly different as there are many areas of work, covered by many different contracts...
...many of which are voice over based, rather than on-camera.
(And what can you so with the time you might have spent doing on-camera auditions.)
Let's find out which ones you can get paid to do, and which ones you can't.
UPDATE: SAG-AFTRA has asked for a strike authorization against the producers of interactive projects (most obvious is video games). We will update once we get more information.
Once you watch or listen to the episode, is there an area of union acting work that you're not clear about in terms of accepting work? Are you a non-union actor that is confused about what work you can do? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
Effective? Why not try out creating a scary hour for yourself and let me know?
Might scary hours be an effective way of getting stuff done for you? Or do you have enough in your life that's a little bit frightening already? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13146: Getting The Right Answers By Asking The Right Questions
00:04:54
Hey there, hero!
Solving problems for yourself or others likely require asking questions.
In some cases, those questions are straightforward, and the answers you get will get the job done.
But many times, the question being asked isn't quite getting to the heart of the matter.
There's more information required, or context needs to be added, or the solution is found from an entirely different method of discovery. A different question, or questions, need to be asked.
And how you ask that "different" question requires a bit of finesse - even if you're asking it of yourself. You don't want to insult the other person by not answering the question they DID ask.
How do you handle this situation without making the other person feel less than, or foolish? I always am looking for guidance. Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13147: Your Most Useful Reaction To A Simple Mistake
00:03:54
Hey there, hero!
The fact is, you're going to make mistakes. And you're going to be disappointed, feel less than and that wish that you could get a do-over.
But don't let that be your norm. That's certainly one way to look at it, but there may be another to consider.
If you know you're not going to be perfect, if you know that there are times when you don't have enough information to succeed or that you simply missed the mark, you can choose how you respond to it.
Here's what the pros do: they simply move on.
Do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake? Or can you take a moment, acknowledge it and immediately move on? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13148: We Pursue Acting And VO Happiness. We Often Forget To Do One Thing.
00:04:00
Hey there, hero!
If you're like me and you're engaged in the pursuit of a successful, satisfying and profitable VO and acting career, you work really hard to get better.
Better at everything. Skills. Strategies. Planning. Execution. Results.
So things are a bit easier in the long run...
...so you can experience joy and happiness.
Let's remember to take a moment to enjoy those achievements, and actually experience and savor the happiness we create. If not, why are we working so hard?
We can forget in the hard work it takes to get better, that the fruits of those labors are worth pausing the pursuits of those labors and grab a joyous whiff of satisfaction and happiness.
You deserve it. And doing so teaches you that there is lovely reward in hard work, not just hard work.
Do you give yourself the moments of happiness and joy you deserve? Might you do a bit more of that in the future? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
Remember when you couldn't wait to open your inbox...juuuust in case you had gotten an audition or seven while you were away from your email?
Remember that feeling of anticipation? Or curiosity? Or joy?
You likely had anything but a feeling of dread, right?
How do you feel now? Have things changed for you? Do you dread having to do an audition?
And most importantly, doing and audition "right?"
I want to help you regain the joy of that moment of getting an audition.
One way to do that is to quash the urge to look at auditions as something you get right and succeed, or you get wrong and you horribly fail.
I actually want you to be a bit selfish. Watch the podcast (or listen to it) to hear what I mean by that.
What's the initial emotion you feel when you seen an audition headed your way? Why do you feel that way? Do you feel like you're about to be tested? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13152: Is Your Work A Work Of Art? Or Is It Just Work?
00:04:35
Hey there, hero!
I'm feeling sheepish.
I feel like sometimes I might be failing at reminding you that you're an artist.
My priority lately has been you ways to maximize your focus, do your busy work easier and faster, manage your productivity and so on. And with the number of auditions you could be getting, I've given you ways to make that process easier and more reliable.
But what I don't want to do is forget the art.
I don't want you to be so mechanical and workaday that you forget the fun, the joy and the privilege we have to ba artists.
Is what you have created for yourself as an actor and voice talent still art? Or has it become a tiresome "job"? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
I know there are times when I've told you that it's an advantage to be brief. To be essential. Focused and tight in your communication.
One big exception: asking for help or support.
Don't worry about giving too many details. When you need help, and you're frustrated, tale a moment to give as much information to the person helping you as you can - you will do so much better, and be up and running so much faster.
Are you someone who just blasts "this thing sucks!"? Or can you take a breath, and give the details that will help them help you? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13151: SPECIAL: Kindle and AI: Your Thoughts? (And Some Of Mine)
00:08:23
Hey there, hero!
If you haven't seen the announcement from Amazon that they are going to give Kindle authors the option to have the audiobook versions of their titles read by synthetic voices, well...it's happened:
13154: Guess What? You Can't Guess Your Way To Success
00:04:36
Hey there, hero!
There are lots of strategies and tactics to help us to get better at what we do, but there is one thing we will sometimes do that likely won't help at all.
And that's guessing.
Or listening to someone online who likely is guessing as well.
In this episode, I show you why this probably won't work, give you some better options to stay on course, and some things to avoid when looking for answers.
How has guessing, educated or not, worked out for you? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13155: How To Listen Carefully For Opportunity Knocking Softly
00:06:36
Hey there, hero!
As a performer, you've made the choice to be in a very weird, counterintuitive, awesome, creative world. And it has its own quirky way of presenting us opportunities.
There's a phrase we dive into in this episode to help us recognize those quiet moments of opportunities: "Listen carefully, because opportunity sometimes knocks softly."
When I heard that phrase, I had to stop and think about it for a moment.
And it happened at a restaurant I go to. I'll share the story about what happened in this episode.
What experience do you have with listening for acting and VO opportunities? How developed is that sense for you? What can you do to hone that? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13156: "When You Create Something, You Automatically Serve Others."
00:03:36
Hey there, hero!
Clara Tristan is an excellent host and a wise woman.
She casually dropped that phrase...when you create something, you automatically serve others...with me when I appeared on her podcast.
And it so resonated with me, and hopefully for you - specifically because of the type of business we're in.
I mean, you can doubt your level of experience and accomplishment, and look at your income and think it doesn't come up to snuff...but look what you're doing for others.
It's best to remember that what we do has multiple effects in the world, both for us and for our audience.
How did that statement land for you? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13157: It's Not Your Schedule, It's Their Schedule
00:06:57
Hey there, hero!
Do you find the random irregularity and odd, weird opportunities that are the bulk of our business...annoying?
Does the lack of a regular, traditional 40-hour work week make you...irritated?
I want to help you be at peace with this - and help you with a bit of advice on how to help set up your performer life so that you're prepared for these opportunities.
Because the opportunities in our business are, most of the time, effing amazing.
Show business is not organized for your success. It's not an office or cube farm job. It's certainly not predictable, nor does it follow any observable pattern.
Being prepared for random irregularity just might be your super power - if you know how to take advantage of your downtime.
How do you react to the absolutely weird timing we are presented with when it comes to our opportunities? Are you as prepared as you might like to be? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13158: Part 1 - NAVA's Carin Gilfry On AI And Synthetic Voices
00:09:40
Hey there, hero!
One of my fave people in VO is NAVA's Carin Gilfry, and in this first of a two part series, she shares with us how NAVA (the National Association of Voice Actors at navavoices.org) is working on behalf of all voice actors and lots of different areas: DEI, representation, insurance and more.
Including...AI and synthetic voices.
If you want to know what the NAVA group is up to and how they have your back as a performer, take 9 minutes and let this flow over you.
Got questions about NAVA? About AI and synthetic voices and the four C's? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13159: Part 2 - NAVA's Carin Gilfry On AI And Synthetic Voices
00:14:41
Hey there, hero!
We continue with the second of two episodes hearing from NAVA's Carin Gilfry, and in this installment, she gets a bit more personal about her own decisions when it comes to AI, and in particular why she decided to take the plunge...
...and arrange to have her voice modeled for future AI and synthetic use.
You might be surprised that a talent would not only consider doing this, but following through on a smart, legal and ethical basis, with an eye toward future income from her modeled voice. Carin also discusses the ways that an AI version of her (and your) voice might even be preferable to the real (time) thing.
Got questions about keeping your voice safe from being ripped off? About Carin's journey and arrangement with her modeled AI voice? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...
13160: About Five WHYs (The Outcome Frame That Solves Problems)
00:04:47
Hey there, hero!
When trying to understand a problem or challenge, while getting to the root of the problem and then on to the solution, we often ask "Why is this happening?"
Great question. It's worth getting an answer, and one way to do that is to use a process that some call "about five WHYs" - asking "why?" over and over.
Begin with the general question and describe what's happening, and then ask the question again and again, five or so times, looking for more details, drilling deeper to get more specific.
And hopefully, your drilling will get to the root cause, and eventually, the solution.
Ever use this process? Is it new to you? Getting details a challenge? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13161: Do You Insist On Avoiding Repeat Performances?
00:06:04
Hey there, hero!
I feel like I'm a weird artist. When I'm designing a performance, I work toward something that I can rely on, in a character, in business, in life, and then, if I can, lathering, rinsing and repeating.
And I feel like I'm in the minority - I see most other artists achieving great performances, and then instead of repeating those performances, immediately trying to change it up.
Make it different.
Find a new way.
Make a new choice.
And I think that's fun, but that there are advantages to re-using things that you find work for you, and not immediately insisting on changing it up the next time around.
What about relying on the solution that's elegant, and works? Without instantly jumping to making it different next time around? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
13162: Self-Care And The Hills You Choose To Die On
00:06:25
Hey there, hero!
Taking care of ourselves is paramount - as actors, voice talent, writers and other creatives, we don't have an office infirmary and an in-person support community when we are in need of self-care.
And one area where your personal mental and physical health can be threatened is when you choose to disagree with someone's point of view...especially in online communication.
The anonymity of social media emboldens some to take very big liberties with the basics of good manners - we can be attacked from many angles without the ability to defend ourselves (or sometimes even know who is doing the attacking).
But rest assured that when you make a commitment to a tool or process, something that you know works for you, know that you can feel so much better by choosing to ignore the attacks altogether.
Don't respond at all if it's going to cause you grief. Just...move on.
I'll give you some basic self-care choices you can make to move on and feel sooooo much better.
Does this make sense? Do you enjoy the power of deciding not to engage? Let me know in the comments below.
Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you...
13163: A Bend In The Road Is Not The End Of The Road, Unless...
00:03:45
Hey there, hero!
The rest of that quote (from Helen Keller) is really important to know.
Life in general, and our chosen path in life (being an artist) specifically, has some twists and turns in store for us.
Some unexpected stops, some uphill climbs and some out of control skids.
Some bends in the road.
Unless...you are watching, vigilant and prepared.
I wonder how you handle the unpredictable. Especially when the unpredictable is as weird as it can be as a voice talent, an actor or a writer.
I'm going to show you how simple acknowledgement of the challenge can go
Do you find yourself at a loss when the road sign is squiggly? What do you do to "cover" yourself for the unexpected? Let me know in the comments below.
REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil.
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