Podcasts & Interviews

VO School Podcast

Is the voiceover industry growing? Contracting? Has it plateaued? And where is it going next? How does a new talent break in? And is age a barrier to entry?

Presented by Jamie Muffett and with special guests Amanda Rose Smith and Rudy Gaskins, this first episode takes a broad look at the VO industry.

Episode 1 - The Voiceover Industry with Amanda Rose Smith & Rudy Gaskins

If episode one was an outward look at the voiceover industry as a whole, episode two is looking inward and exploring the skills and personal traits needed to become successful.

What are the skills a voice actor needs to compete? Does success require certain character traits? And can these be learned or are they innate?

Presented by Jamie Muffett with special guests Jodi Krangle and Jim Kennelly.

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/voschoolpro

Episode 2 - The Voice Actor with Jodi Krangle & Jim Kennelly

This week on the VO School Podcast we get serious! Starting out in voiceover is fraught with potential pitfalls and we dive in headfirst discussing the many banana skins a new talent faces.

In this episode we explore new talents vulnerabilities and what they can do to recognize and mitigate predatorial tactics.

Joining me this week are two industry veterans with over 50 years of voice industry experience between them. They are known and respected for their honesty and they do not disappoint in this episode! 

Paul Strikwerda is an experienced Dutch talent and writer who moved to the US in 1999 and is the author of one of the industries most popular blogs, with over 39,000 subscribers.

Erik Sheppard started in VO as a talent 25 years ago, he is owner and head agent at Voice Talent Productions, president of the VO Agent Alliance and host of ‘The Outspoken’ a no-holds-barred YouTube channel devoted to the reality of a career in voiceover.

Prepare yourself for an unflinching look at the reality faced by new entrants to the voiceover industry.

Episode 3 - Avoiding Predators with Erik Sheppard & Paul Strikwerda

This week on the VO School Podcast we’re talking technology! More specifically, what you need to set up your own home studio for voiceover.

What is the first and most important consideration? Do you have to spend a lot of money to get  professional results? Do you have to be a tech expert? And what common mistakes can you avoid?

We also share some insider tips to optimize your recorded sound without having to spend any money at all!

Joining me this week are Amanda Rose Smith - audio engineer and producer from New York City, and Tim Tippets - voice talent, audio expert and educator from Chicago.

Embrace your inner geek and join us for a chat about all things audio!

Episode 4 - Recording 101 with Amanda Rose Smith & Tim Tippets

This week on the VO School Podcast we are examining the intriguing and sometimes treacherous world of coaching!

Who needs coaching? Where do you find reputable teachers? And what can a great coach do for your career? These are some of the questions we delve into.

I’m joined by two extremely well respected coaches, who offer their services to voiceover professionals across the globe.

Anne Ganguzza is an LA based voice talent, coach and business and technology expert. She utilizes her background in technology and education to help students meet the ever-changing demands of the current voiceover marketplace.

MaryLynn Wissner is a legend of the voiceover industry. With 30 years as a casting director for some of the worlds biggest corporations, film and TV companies and video games studios and over 25 as a coach and mentor, MaryLynn is a highly sought after and widely known teacher at the top of her game.

Join us as we take deep dive into the world of coaching, workshops, scams, plans and social media for cats!

Episode 5 - Voice Coaching with MaryLynn Wissner & Anne Ganguzza

Is it who you know or what you know? Well, it’s both! So this week we have devoted an entire episode of the VO School Podcast to networking! 

Skill, a great demo and perseverance are all crucial for a career in voiceover, but if people don’t know who you are it’s all rather irrelevant.

With the help of three extremely talented voice actors who regularly tear up studios across LA - Tim Friedlander, Brad Venable and Jay Preston, we will explore how you can become a network ninja, both online and in-person. 

Does walking into a room full of strangers scare you? Are you bamboozled by the plethora of online groups and social media platforms? We delve into all of this and discover that the secret to effective networking is simpler and less frightening than you’d imagine!

I also put Brad, Tim and Jay on the spot to see if the can put into practice what they preach (they can of course!) so that’s fun!

Episode 7 - Networking with Tim Friedlander Jay Preston and Brad Venable

Welcome to the VO School podcast. In collaboration with Backstage Magazine, we will be interviewing some of the brightest lights of the voiceover industry. Voice talent, engineers, agents, casting directors, buyers, covering all areas of the business. 

Subscribe to receive a comprehensive education in the art, craft and business of voiceover!