Advertise on podcast: Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting

Rosie Okumura returns to the Mike Lenz VO Podcast with one of the most unusual (and inspiring) career paths in voiceover: she turned a deeply personal moment—when her mom was scammed—into a viral YouTube crusade that now reaches millions. In this episode, Rosie breaks down how she built her VO career in Los Angeles, how her "smart assistant" and voice-matching skills became a niche advantage, and how her live scam-baiting streams evolved into a powerful platform for educating viewers while exposing scammers through comedy and improvisation. You'll also hear the behind-the-scenes reality of internet fame—privacy risks, boundaries, and "parasocial" dynamics—and why (for Rosie) the bigger threat isn't always the scammers…it can be the wrong kind of follower attention. Then the conversation takes a sharp (and fascinating) turn into Rosie's newest chapter: launching a private investigation firm, IRL Investigations, where her VO skills unexpectedly translate into real-world investigative work—process serving, surveillance, fraud cases, and finding answers for clients who just want the truth. In this episode, we cover: The exact moment Rosie realized she'd gone viral—and what happened next How voice skills + improv can become a "live demo reel" for clients Staying safe online when your audience explodes The difference between "influencer" and "content creator" (and why it matters) Why Rosie believes you're never done learning—no matter how far you've come If you're a voice actor, creator, or someone building a multi-hyphenate career, Rosie's story is a masterclass in turning a curveball into momentum—and staying grounded while you grow. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/irlrosie/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0osV_nf2b0sIbm4Wiw4RQ

Voice actor and content creator Tawny Platis returns to The Mike Lenz VO Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about building a sustainable creative career—without waiting around for permission. Tawny shares how she landed her first voiceover job at just six years old, why she stepped away from entertainment to build a "safe" business (spoiler: it wasn't safe at all), and how that business experience became the secret weapon that helped her thrive once she went full-time in voice acting. We also dig into the real role social media plays in today's VO landscape—how Tawny approaches content as creativity (not advertising), why "auditioning all day" isn't always the smartest path, and what it means to build a brand that attracts the right opportunities. Along the way, Tawny talks about the mindset shifts that changed everything: staying consistent, being willing to experiment, learning the business side of VO, and not being afraid to try new directions—even if not every idea lands. In this episode, you'll hear: How Tawny's business background helped fuel her VO success Why the business side is the biggest hurdle for many voice actors What makes content connect (and why audiences tune out "ads") How to keep your brand fresh without losing what makes it recognizable Tawny's evolving perspective on AI—and what matters most moving forward Her best advice for creatives: take control, create your own opportunities, and don't fear being "cringe" Find Tawny online at tawnyvoice.com, and follow her across platforms at @TawnyPlatis (YouTube: @theTawnyPlatis).

On this episode, Mike gives an update on his career including: The powerful advice he received after he moved into voiceover, audiobook narration and podcast producing full time almost eight years ago.  How networking and attending conferences propeled his audiobook narrration career forward and how he booked his first Union audiobook title.  The importance of health and well being to maximizing your vocal performaqnce in the booth.  His Audiobook Narrator Workouts that Mike launched recently and how they help narrators work on their craft in a small and safe environment.  His podcast producing journey and how the creation of his VO Podcast led to becoming a producer of other podcasts.  The four most important words you can say to someone!  Join Mike for this exicitng update full of great information and inspiration. 

IIn this episode, Mike sits down with audiobook narrator and author Sanya Simmons to talk about her path from classical musician to becoming a voice actor and audiobook narrator. What We Cover: Building an Audiobook Career: Moving from ACX royalty-share projects to working directly with publishers The real time investment: why 5-10 hours of finished audio takes 30-40+ hours total Prep strategies for fiction vs. nonfiction projects Getting family help with research to save time Using Your Musical Background: How Sanya's flute and vocal training helps her narration Treating your voice like an instrument for better breath control and phrasing Avoiding monotonous reads by "hearing" what the author intended Networking That Actually Works: Why relationship-building beats transactional approaches How APA committee work and APAC conferences led to unexpected opportunities Staying in touch with producers without being pushy The power of showing up consistently Expanding Beyond Audiobooks: Getting into political VO and broadcast narration Dealing with union rules in right-to-work states The reality of competitive commercial and promo markets Social Media Without the Overwhelm: Building authentic presence with help from others Choosing the right platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok) Why "good enough" content beats perfect content you never post From Author to Narrator: Sanya talks about her book "A Single Mom's Guide to Raising Black Gentlemen" and how her parenting experience shapes her storytelling approach. Plus, how her sons contributed to both the book and audiobook. Key Points: Balance active projects with ongoing training Reliability builds lasting relationships: communicate early, deliver clean work, say thank you Think like a business owner: proper structure, strategic investments, tax planning Community matters: connect with mentors, peers, and people you can help Whether you're starting out or scaling up your audiobook business, Sanya shares practical advice on production, relationships, and sustainable growth. Connect with Sanya: Book: "A Single Mom's Guide to Raising Black Gentlemen"  Real talk about building a thriving audiobook career while keeping your sanity and artistic integrity. Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly versatile Melissa Mirren, a professional voice actor with over eight years of experience spanning commercials, corporate narration, e-learning, animation, and video games. Melissa shares her path from childhood performances and college theater to a multifaceted voiceover career shaped by persistence, creativity, and personal transformation. A former therapeutic recreation specialist and motivational speaker, Melissa brings a unique blend of heart and hustle to the VO world. We dive deep into her early days booking work through agencies, platforms, and direct clients; the evolution of her career from commercial reads to character-driven animation; overcoming major life challenges—including a vocal surgery, a ski injury, and a period of caregiving during her children's health crises; her return to full-time voice work in 2023 with renewed purpose and momentum We also talk about her fast-growing presence on TikTok, where she showcases her character work through creative dubs and voiceover sketches—plus her upcoming plans for community engagement and collaborative projects. In this episode, you'll learn: how to pivot your VO niche and embrace versatility; strategies for recovering professionally and vocally from setbacks; the role of resilience and real-life experience in shaping your creative voice; tips on editing, syncing, and refining character reads for social media success. Melissa's story is a moving reminder that your creative journey doesn't have to be linear—and that sometimes the detours shape your most compelling work. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and connect with Melissa at @melissamiranvo on TikTok or melissamirren.com. Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw

On this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I chat with bestselling author Grace Worthington, whose sweet romance novels are as heartwarming as they are hilarious. I had the pleasure of co-narrating a 4 book Renovation Romance series for Grace and we had so much fun talking about that process! We explore her creative journey from the musical theatre stage to the world of romantic fiction—and how she brings characters to life with humor, wit, and emotional authenticity. Grace Worthington eats, breathes, and geeks out over sweet romcoms. So it's no surprise she believes that laughter and love are a cure-all for just about everything in life. After a stint in musical theatre (where she often played comedic roles), Grace now writes novels full of witty banter, lovable characters, and small-town charm. Her inspirations include '80s and '90s romcoms, beachside towns, and her own family's delightful chaos. We also discuss: Her transition from actress to author The behind-the-scenes of how we collaborated to bring her  Renovation Romance series into audiobook form How she approaches tone, pacing, and voice in her stories Why being "willing to be bad at something in the beginning" is key to finding your creative voice Whether you're a narrator, author, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and lots of laughter. Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw  

On this special solo episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, Mike takes a moment to reflect on some incredible milestones in his voiceover journey — including narrating over 300 audiobooks and surpassing 200,000 podcast downloads. He shares insights on the vital role that networking, conferences, and coaching have played in his growth, and why staying connected and coachable continues to make all the difference. With heartfelt gratitude, Mike also opens up about what it means to use his God-given gift to communicate through the spoken word — both as a voice actor and audiobook narrator. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned creative, this episode is a reminder of the power of community, perseverance, and purpose. You'll hear about: Reaching 300+ audiobooks and 200K podcast downloads Why conferences and networking matter more than ever The impact great coaches have had on Mike's journey Embracing your unique gifts and using them with intention Thank you for being part of the journey! Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw  

On this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I'm joined by Carmen Seantel, an emerging audiobook narrator whose warm, soothing, and expressive voice is already making an impact in the industry. Carmen is passionate about bringing stories to life and believes in the power of audiobooks to create a safe and accessible space for all readers. We'll dive into her early journey in narration, from working with top coaches and immersing herself in ACX.com to attending the Audiobook Publishers Association Conference—where she overcame social anxiety to network with colleagues, publishers, and producers. Carmen shares her experiences navigating the industry, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how her personal background brings authenticity to her performances. If you're just starting out in audiobook narration or looking for inspiration on breaking into the industry, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation with Carmen Seantel! Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw  

In this episode of the Mike Lenz VO Podcast, we sit down with Donovan Corneetz, the talented voice behind The Today Show, as well as a leading force in promo work and radio imaging. With years of experience, Donovan has become a go-to voice for high-profile commercial, promo, and television projects, showcasing his unmatched versatility. Whether he's delivering the perfect radio imaging sound or bringing fresh energy to national promos, Donovan's ability to transform his voice makes him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. In this conversation, Donovan shares his journey, his approach to voiceover work, and how he's mastered the art of adapting his voice to fit various styles, from the caring dad to the energetic party guy. Tune in for an inside look at what it's like to be the voice behind major brands and television programs, with invaluable insights for anyone looking to thrive in the voiceover world. Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw

On this episode, I have an amazing conversation with Izzy Tugman, a dynamic voice actor celebrated for her impressive versatility across audiobooks, animation, video games, commercial, and corporate narration. Beyond her professional achievements, Izzy opens up about some of the personal struggles she's faced along her journey and how they've shaped her perspective on life and work. We explore her newfound faith and how it has brought renewed purpose and direction to her life. Izzy also shares how practices like yoga and meditation have become essential tools for cultivating peace, inner calm, and resilience—both personally and professionally. From her insights into building a sustainable VO career to her honest reflections on growth and self-discovery, this conversation is filled with inspiration, practical advice, and heartfelt moments. Whether you're an aspiring voice actor, a seasoned professional, or simply seeking motivation to navigate your creative path, you'll find valuable lessons in this episode. Don't miss this powerful and uplifting conversation! Follow Izzy Tugman: https://izzyvoice.com/ Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw    

Welcome back to the Mike Lenz VO Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Samantha Boyer with us, an inspiring artist and content creator who brings a touch of storytelling magic and nostalgia to her work. Samantha's journey began with childhood influences like Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross, sparking her passion for creating inviting, imaginative worlds. Over the years, she has transformed this passion into a full-time creative career and built Haven Hollow—a fictional, cozy escape designed to re-energize the soul and rest the heart, offering others a place to find peace and inspiration. In this episode, Samantha invites us into her creative process and shares how she balances the soulful, artistic side of her work with the realities of running a creative business. From finding inspiration to managing the demands of content creation, Samantha's story is both motivating and heartwarming. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and join us for a cozy, inspiring conversation with Samantha Boyer as we step into Haven Hollow together.   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw

Marisa Blake is a Latina Actor, Voiceover Artist and Musician. You can find her on screen in Netflix's Florida Man, DC's Swamp Thing and Spectrums Original Long Slow Exhale. She haswon multiple awards for her audiobook narrations, including a 2023 Audible's Best of for Dykesto Watch out For, featuring Jane Lynch ,Carrie Brownstein, and Roberta Colindrez, an AudioFile's Best Audiobooks of The Year 2020 for We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez and an Earphones Award for Arianna Davis' What Would Frida Do. Marisa was recently nominated for a 2023 Audie Award for her work in Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande. She takes pride in, and has immense gratitude for the opportunity to voice Latine Literature. She is currently the Spanish Voice for Kohls in the US, and one of the regularSpanish voices for Sherwin Williams in the US and recently did a bilingual campaign for Frito-Lay. Marisa voices everything from promos to E-learning, commercials to IVR, and even somevideo games and animation! She voices the promos for her local new station and you can alsofind her performing with local bands behind the microphone, the cajon or the drum kit. She isa proud Mama to three of the coolest dudes on the planet. To read the full transcriot of this episode and to listen to other episodes, head over to miklenzvopodcast.com, and please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to this podcast! 

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Cris Dukehart is an Audie Nominee and Earphones Award Winner, and has recorded over 300 audiobooks across multiple genres. On this episode we talk about Cris's journey into the VO and audiobook world, and her amazing journey from a little cottage in Pennsylvania to her mountaintop house in the Caribbean.  https://www.crisdukehart.com/   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6     

Jamie Muffett is a voice actor, podcast producer, audio engineer and educator who divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia, PA.  He's worked with some of the worlds biggest companies, production studios, and games developers. He work primarily from his own studio in Bucks County, PA, and studios in NYC and Philly.  Past and current clients include: Google, Starbucks, Warner Brothers, Lucas Film, LEGO, Porsche, Mercedes, Ubisoft, Samsung, McDonald's, NBC, EA Sports, ESPN, Marriott Hotels, Amazon, Etihad Airways, FIFA, Disney, IKEA, National Geographic Channel... Jamie has lectured on voiceover at Syracuse University, He's a Backstage Magazine 'Expert',  he hosts the 'VO School Podcast' and he holds a monthly VO workshop at his studio in Philadelphia. He is also co-chair of VOcation Conference held in New York City every September. Jamie's website is https://www.jamiemuffett.com/   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6  

Chris Johnson is a professional Voice Actor, based in Los Angeles.  He has voiced a wide range of projects over the years including commercials, corporate videos, eLearning modules, video games, audiobooks, narration and many more.   Chris has also been the lead singer and songwriter for many projects including the band Starch Monkey, Between the Sun and the upcoming project entitled Pharaoh's Kitchen.  He is the recipient of the 2020 "Male Emerging Artist" award from ISSA (Independent Singer-Songwriters Association).  You can learn more about Chris and contact him through his website at:  http://www.vocalcj.com   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6