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How I Built This: Susan Berkley reveals the intimate details of how (and why) she built the Great Voice Company, an iconic voice over training brand. Plus, meet emerging voice talent Debbie Smith and get inspired by her journey from nurse to narrator!In this episode of The Great Voice Podcast, host Susan Berkley interviews Debbie Smith, who brings her healthcare background to the mic. Their conversation unpacks Debbie’s shift from nursing to voiceover with valuable lessons for anyone wanting to pursue Medical Narration VO.Then Great Voice coach DeBorah Pryor continues her interview with Susan Berkley about how she built the Great Voice Company. Susan Berkley continues. Susan discusses several different voiceover niches, she explores how creativity and work can be surprisingly vital for well-being, and they also discuss the concept of “vocal narcissism” and the teachings of Dr. Norberto Keppe, which shed light on a unique perspective about health and work.Takeaways:Debbie’s story highlights the potential for career transitions post-retirement.Medical narration spans peer-to-peer and peer-to-patient communication.E-learning and other niches in voiceover are seeing significant growth.The demand for voiceover surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.Vocal narcissism can be a barrier for voice actors, impacting delivery and relatability.Dr. Norberto Keppe emphasizes how work is essential for maintaining health.Exploring various niches can open new paths for aspiring voiceover artists.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Voiceover and Personal Journeys02:50 Exploring Medical Narration and Audio Description09:01 Opportunities in Medical Narration15:02 The Impact of COVID-19 on Voiceover18:10 Understanding Vocal Narcissism24:03 Dr. Norberto Keppe and his teachings on work and health30:13 Advice for Aspiring Voiceover ArtistsHosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Daron Macke
This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com
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From Attorney to Professional Voice Actor, Plus Susan Berkley shares her surprising ‘back story’ and the inside scoop on how she founded and built The Great Voice Company (Part 1)
In this episode of The Great Voice Podcast, we bring you another inspiring story from one of our students, Joey Masiuk (Ma-SOOK), an attorney who recently sold his law firm and is now beginning his second act as a voice over artist. He discusses his early wins, and the valuable lessons learned from recording his first audiobook. Then, Great Voice coach and journalist DeBorah Pryor interviews Susan Berkley about her fascinating life story, the birth of The Great Voice Company, and her advice for aspiring voice actors.
If you enjoy the Great Voice Podcast, please Like and Comment - It really helps a lot!
Chapters:00:00 Joey Masiuk’s Transition: From Law to Voice Acting08:52 Character Development in Narration14:48 Voice Acting Techniques and The Role of the Narrator26:49 Background of Susan Berkley and The Great Voice Company28:39 The Legacy of a Publishing Family35:29 From Radio to Voiceover: A Career Shift40:44 The Struggles of Transitioning to Voiceover48:43 Marketing: The Key to Voiceover Success52:22 Building a Home Studio for Voiceover WorkHosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Daron Macke
This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
To sign up for the Show Notes and be notified when a new episode posts go to: GreatVoicePodcast.com
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It’s everywhere now. It seems you can’t escape it. And you have to ask yourself:
Is AI the end of Voiceover as we know it?
On this special bonus episode of the The Great Voice Podcast, Great Voice Coach Joe Smith sits down to interview Susan for a straight talk about AI and her predictions about what it will mean to our voice over future.
Chapters
00:00 AI in Voiceover- an overview of where we stand01:28 Susan shares frank predictions about the future of voice over09:54 AI and voice over: is it the end? Or is it a new opportunity to thrive?13:06 Is the human voice as irreplaceable as we hope it will be?18:20 AI's Role in Enhancing Voiceover Work22:33 Collaboration in Voiceover Production30:32 Licensing and Voice Cloning Concerns33:24 Customer Service in Voiceover39:32 Surviving change in the Voiceover Industry and Susan’s vision for the future.Hosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by DeBorah B. Pryor
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Part One:
Meet Josh Nelson, from Manhattan, Kansas, was a youth pastor for 20 years and has recently switched to working with adults and helping develop communities. He also does public address announcements at local high school and college sports. Josh works with Susan on an Audiobook script and Susan provides guidance on how to develop a voice for the narrator by building a character around the narrator that is a part of the story.
Part Two:
Meet Salena Metreger, marketing assistant at The Great Voice Company and Podcast Producer. Salena is an emerging voice talent that spent 17 years in the manufacturing industry before leaving to pursue voice over full time. She has trained in voice over and has spent the last few years building a business through self-promotion, networking, pay-to-play sites and more as well as work with Susan at The Great Voice Company. Listen as Susan and Salena walk through the steps and different avenues voice over artists can do to audition, practice, and build a resume.
Takeaways
Creating a backstory enhances the depth of audiobook narration.Let the story drive the voice choice for NarrationEmerging talents can find opportunities through pay-to-play platforms.Feedback from peers and mentors is invaluable for growth.Networking is essential for building a successful voiceover career.Self-promotion and reaching out to connections can lead to new opportunities.Building momentum in the voiceover industry takes time and consistent effort.If you enjoy the Great Voice Podcast, please Like, Comment, and Rate Us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps us out!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Josh Nelson06:06 Building a Backstory for Effective Narration10:33 Exploring Voice Choices for Narration17:54 Navigating Pay-to-Play Platforms24:04 Feedback and Growth in Voiceover26:53 The Importance of Networking and Self-Promotion36:05 Building Momentum in Voice OverHosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Terri Dien
Segue to Sponsor by David Brower
This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
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Part One:
Meet Michael Przekop (PREZ-kop), a Great Voice student with a background in legal consulting, marketing, and even a producer and director in San Francisco hiring voice talent. Michael talks about his own transition into voiceover. He then reads a commercial script and Susan highlights the importance of understanding the target audience and delivering a relatable and energetic performance. Throughout the coaching session, Michael wows with his continuously improved read. Susan praises his voice quality and encourages him to use hand gestures while recording to bring more energy into his performance.
Part Two:
Meet David Brower, a Great Voice Coach, with a background in radio, marketing for the automotive industry, and more. David talks about his own journey into voiceover and how Susan’s training prepared him to take the leap of faith. Susan and David discuss different strategies for landing voiceover jobs, including referrals and networking, and the importance of cultivating repeat customers. David also shares his experience in creating a demo and finding a niche in the industry, offering valuable advice for newcomers looking to carve out their own path in voiceover. The conversation offers great insights into finding one's niche and the power of referrals in building a successful voiceover business.
Takeaways
Understanding the target audience is crucial in delivering an effective voiceover.Using gestures while recording can enhance the performance.Continuous learning and improvement are essential in the voiceover industry.Background and experience in related fields can contribute to success in voiceover.Finding one's niche in voiceover can lead to more opportunities and success.Referrals are a powerful tool in building a successful voiceover business.Investing in oneself and continuous learning are key to growth and improvement in voiceover.Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background03:26 Understanding the Target Audience08:33 Using Gestures and Body Language in Voiceover10:24 The Value of Voiceover Training and Education15:24 Interview with David Brower21:59 Leveraging Personal Connections and Referrals27:26 Determining the Best Niche in Voiceover31:47 Asking for Referrals and Building Customer Relationships41:32 Advice for Newcomers to VoiceoverHosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Andrew Colón
Segue to Sponsor by Ann Coatney
This episode is sponsored by Less Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
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Part One:
Meet Beth Golden, a seasoned voiceover student. She discusses her move from Colorado to South Carolina and her experience as a life coach. Beth explains how she got into voiceover after her sister introduced her to it. She talks about the classes she has taken and the importance of marketing in voiceover. Listen as Susan Berkley provides works with Beth on a corporate voiceover script. They emphasize the importance of personalization and emotional connection.
Part Two:
Meet DeBorah Pryor, a talent advisor and coach at Great Voice. DeBorah shares her fascinating background in journalism and acting, including her experiences interviewing celebrities like John Lennon. Then listen as DeBorah explains how she became the personal assistant to Sly Stone. She discusses her transition to voiceover and offers advice for newcomers in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Beth Golden shares her journey and background in voiceoverThe importance of marketing in voiceoverCoaching on personalization and emotional connection in voiceoverDeBorah Pryor had the opportunity to interview John Lennon in Central ParkDeBorah also worked with Sly Stone and traveled with him as his personal assistant.She later transitioned to voiceover and has worked on audiobooks, video games, commercials, and more.DeBorah advises newcomers to focus on voiceover and seek guidance from experienced professionals.Notable Quotes:
"I even interviewed John Lennon."
Chapters00:00 Beth Golden's Voiceover Journey03:12 The Importance of Marketing in Voiceover07:14 Coaching on Personalization and Emotional Connection33:07 DeBorah Pryor Interviewing John Lennon37:52 Working with Sly Stone48:37 Transitioning to Voiceover50:17 Advice for NewcomersHost - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Joe Smith
This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
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Part One:
Meet Karen McCroan, a full-time teacher of 30 years looking to pivot to voiceover work. Karen discusses the challenges of teaching and her wish to retire and focus on voiceover full-time. Listen as Susan coaches Karen through a car commercial script. They explore different techniques, such as using hand gestures and visualizing a specific person, to enhance the performance. Karen’s final read knocks it out of the park - showcasing the importance of energy and connection in voiceover work.
Part Two:
Meet Joe Smith, a talent advisor and coach at Great Voice. Joe shares his diverse background in pastoring, law enforcement, and sports journalism. He offers valuable advice for newcomers to voiceover, including tips for setting up a home studio. Joe's insights cover essential considerations like treating the space for sound quality and using appropriate equipment.
Key Takeaways:
Energy and urgency are important in voiceover performances, even in softer reads.Visualizing the audience and engaging in a fake conversation can create a more personal and compelling performance.Treating the home studio space is crucial for optimal sound quality.Committing to the voiceover process and seeking coaching and training are essential for success.Starting a voiceover business is relatively inexpensive compared to other ventures..Notable Quotes:
"Treat your space, treat your space, treat your space."Chapters:
03:20 Coaching Karen on a Car Commercial Script04:42 Energy and urgency are important in voiceover performances, even in softer reads.15:50 Visualizing the audience and engaging in a fake conversation can create a more personal and compelling performance.19:41 Interview with Joe Smith32:57 Committing to the voiceover process and seeking coaching and training are essential for success.34:55 Treating the home studio space is crucial for optimal sound quality.37:48 Starting a voiceover business is relatively inexpensive compared to other ventures.Hosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Salena Metreger
This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
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Part One:
Meet Dennis Kelly, a Great Voice student diving into the world of voiceover. Dennis talks about his cool background in radio, TV, theater and journalism as well as his shift into voiceover. He also talks about how he decided that The Great Voice Company was for him. Listen in as Dennis learns the "mumble in" technique to bring an e-learning script to life and how to slow down the pace for better absorption. Hear the great feedback he receives from Susan Berkley and his excitement about working with a coach to create his demo.
Part Two:
Meet Ann Coatney, a member of Team Great Voice, a demo coach, and the voice of Express Scripts. Ann shares her fascinating background in acting, including her work on the iconic show Sex and the City. She discusses her journey into voiceover and her current roles as a voice talent and coach. Ann offers valuable insights and advice for voiceover beginners, emphasizing the importance of acting skills and creating a persona. Susan and Ann also explore the power of repeat business, continuous learning, and practice in achieving long-term success in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Using the mumble-in technique can give a point of view and enhance the delivery of a script.Slowing down and allowing time for absorption is important when reading e-learning scripts.Continuous learning and practice are essential for growth in the voiceover industry.Repeat business is valuable and can lead to long-term success.Voiceover requires some acting skills and the ability to create a persona.Attending webinars and learning from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance.Patience, persistence, and perseverance are key to building a successful voiceover career.Notable Quotes:
"I picked up stakes and moved to New York and did off, off, off, off, off, off, off Broadway.”Hosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Show Opener by Ann Coatney
This episode is sponsored by Least Annoying CRM. Go to https://greatvoice.com/crm for an exclusive deal for the Great Voice Podcast listeners.
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"The book was very informative and it helped me get to the point where I truly figured out that this is what I wanted to do at some point," says Earnest Pouncy, Great Voice Student. Earnest opens up about his inspiring journey into the world of voiceover and shares his experiences with our coaching program. He talks about what drew him to voiceover work and how our program has helped him grow. Get a glimpse into the coaching program at the Great Voice Company and hear Earnest Pouncy’s story and his experiences with our coaching. Earnest learns how to bring a script to life in an amazing transformation you’re going to want to hear! Then, we hear from Andy, a successful bilingual voice talent. He shares his impressive achievements in the industry and offers invaluable advice for those interested in voiceover work in multiple languages. Andy emphasizes the importance of marketing, staying customer-focused, and seizing new opportunities.
Learn from Andy Colón about succeeding as a bilingual voice talent and hear his advice for others.
Hosted - Susan Berkley
Producer - Salena Metreger
Music by Darrin Fossella
Introduction by David Brower
Segue to Second Half by Ann Coatney
Outro by Andy Colón
