Actors often wait for motivation. We hope a burst of inspiration will get us moving, keep us consistent, or push us to the next level. But real growth rarely starts with motivation. It starts with one small choice.

In this episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, I talk about the simple cycle that has changed my life many times over. Choice. Habit. Love. It's a framework you can use in your acting career, your training, and your personal development to build strength and momentum in a way that actually lasts.

The Moment I Realized Something Needed to Change

A few years ago, I was sitting on my balcony, looking out at the marina, and I caught a glimpse of myself that didn't feel like me. It wasn't about weight or appearance. It was the feeling that I wasn't living up to my potential.

It was a quiet wake up call that led to one small choice.

The First Step Is Always Choice

A friend gave me a ten minute workout. The first time I tried it, I had to stop three times. It felt impossible. But I chose to do it again the next day. And the next. Choice doesn't feel glamorous. It's rarely comfortable. But it's the doorway to every breakthrough.

How Choice Becomes Habit

After weeks of choosing that workout, something shifted. It became a habit. I added more exercise. I felt stronger, even through perimenopause and menopause. Habit grows out of showing up, not out of feeling ready.

When Habit Turns Into Love

What once felt uncomfortable became something I enjoyed. That's the surprising part. Love is the result of consistency. Love grows from seeing your own progress.

Starting Over After a Setback

Recently I got very sick and couldn't exercise for almost three weeks. When I came back, I realized I had to start again at choice. Not habit. Not love. Choice. That reminder has been grounding. Setbacks simply restart the cycle.

How Actors Can Use Choice, Habit, Love

This structure applies to your acting technique, your mindset, your self tapes, and your business systems. Ask yourself the small but powerful question: What could I choose today that would help me reach my potential?

Get Your Acting Business Audit

You can take the 30 question Acting Business Audit. It shows you what's working in your acting business and what needs attention so you know where to focus next.

Want Help One on One?

If you want guidance or support, you can schedule a consultation. I'm here to help you strengthen your confidence, materials, and next steps.

Why Slow Is the New Secret Weapon for Actors

The entertainment industry glorifies hustle. Fast auditions, faster turnarounds, constant pressure to keep up. But what if slowing down is the real secret to booking more roles and building a lasting career?

In this episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, I talk about the power of slow and why being intentional, grounded, and patient can make you not only a stronger performer but also a more fulfilled human being.

The Myth of Hustle: Why Speed Doesn't Equal Success

We've been conditioned to think that "busy" means "productive." But when we're rushing, we're not really seeing. We miss red flags, subtle opportunities, and the emotional details that make our performances alive and specific.

Slow isn't lazy. Slow is strategic. When I slow down, I make choices instead of reacting. I create work that's clearer, more specific, and more emotionally grounded. That's what casting directors respond to.

The Muscle of Choice: Choosing What's Uncomfortable but Effective

I often talk about building your "muscle of choice." It's the ability to choose what's right for your growth, even when it doesn't feel comfortable.

For actors, that might mean saying no to an overbooked schedule or pausing before hitting record on a self-tape. It's in those small, quiet moments of choice that confidence and intuition start to strengthen.

Presence Books Acting Jobs

One of the things I say all the time is, "Presence books acting jobs."

When you slow your breath, your thoughts, and your body, you naturally drop into the moment. That's where truth lives. And that truth is what makes casting directors sit up and go, "Yes, that's it."

Fast energy reads as anxious. Slower energy reads as confident and grounded. The actor who listens, pauses, and responds authentically will always stand out.

From Reaction to Response: A Lesson in Mindful Acting

Here's one of my favorite reminders: "A response is a reaction with a pause and a thought behind it."

When you create that pause, your performances become more thoughtful, layered, and real. That same pause helps on the business side too. It gives you control over your energy instead of letting the industry run it for you.

Slow Builds Longevity

A fast-paced career burns out fast. A steady one grows stronger over time.

I've been a professional actress since 1988. That's more than three decades of working in this business. What's sustained me isn't the hustle; it's learning how to pace myself, stay present, and take joy in the process. Slow isn't just good for your craft. It's how you create a sustainable, happy career.

Practical Ways to Practice the Power of Slow

• Pause before you slate. Ground your breath and remind yourself that you're safe.

• Meditate regularly. It keeps your body calm and expressive.

• Work with intention. Do fewer things, but do them with care.

• Create safe spaces. Set up your self-tape and your mindset to help you feel at ease.

• Reflect often. Ask yourself, "Am I working hard, or am I working effectively?"

Join "The Weekly Adjustment"

If this episode resonated with you, come join my weekly mindset class, The Weekly Adjustment.

You'll learn how to calm your thoughts, build confidence, and use the power of slow in every part of your acting life.

👉 Join The Weekly Adjustment — your first two weeks are free.

The Irony of Paid Transparency

I saw a post the other day that made me stop mid-scroll.

An actor—let's call him Workshop Guy—was going viral for saying he was "tired of gatekeeping in the industry." He wanted to break down the walls, create transparency, build community… all that good stuff.

And then, at the end of his video, came the link. A $200 workshop.

I laughed out loud. Because, honestly, that's not transparency. That's marketing.

Let's talk about why.

The Anti-Gatekeeping Paywall

Here's the thing: if your solution to exclusivity is to sell tickets to your version of inclusion, you've missed the point.

This particular actor is an NYU grad—one of the most expensive, most exclusive programs in the country. That's not shade, it's context. The gate was already built long before graduation.

So now, instead of widening that gate, he's charging admission.

That's not transparency. That's a rebrand.

And look, I have zero issue with people charging for their time. I do it too. I teach workshops, classes, coaching. That's education.

But when you say you're ending gatekeeping while collecting checkout links? That's manipulation dressed as empowerment.

Boundaries Aren't Barriers

Here's where people get confused.

When working actors say no to a "pick your brain" chat, that's not gatekeeping. That's energy management.

You don't owe unlimited access to your time or experience.

Protecting your energy isn't selfish—it's smart.

Gatekeeping is exclusion for control. Boundaries are protection for sustainability.

If someone says, "Hey, I can't jump on a call right now, but I teach a class next month," that's not blocking the door. That's structure.

And if you've done any of Peter's Core Work, you already know—energy management is everything.

What Real Transparency Looks Like

Transparency isn't a sales tactic. It's a culture choice.

It looks like:

• Sharing what you've learned, within reason.

• Answering a quick question in a Facebook group.

• Being open about your rates and usage terms.

• Talking honestly about rejection, burnout, or bad contracts.

Transparency says, Here's what I know, take what helps.

It's generosity, not a business model.

Why We Still Need Some Gatekeeping

Okay, this might sound controversial—but I think some gatekeeping is good.

Without it, anyone can say they're an "agent" or "coach" and start charging people money.

Gates aren't the problem. **Who holds the keys—and why—**is.

If you're protecting integrity, professionalism, and ethics, that's structure. If you're protecting ego or profit, that's manipulation.

The goal isn't to eliminate the gates. It's to make sure they're in the right hands.

The Real Takeaway

If you're frustrated by gatekeeping, start with generosity. If you're burnt out from giving too much, start with boundaries. And if you're tempted to monetize "transparency," ask what you're really selling.

Because $200 to "end gatekeeping"? That's not transparency. That's just good marketing.

Take Your Core Work Deeper

If this conversation hits close to home, it might be time to focus on your energy management. Join Peter Pamela Rose's Weekly Adjustment Class and learn how to set boundaries that protect your creativity instead of draining it.

You can start with two free weeks.

Upcoming Voiceover Workshops

• All in the Timing – master the 15-second commercial read

• Radio Imaging – November 17

• E-Learning – November 20

• Performance Roulette – November 24

Check out all upcoming classes at ActingBusinessBootCamp.com

Connect with Me

Got thoughts on this episode? Want to chat about workshops or voiceover life? Reach me anytime at [email protected] or find me on Substack at The Actor's Index.

Stay curious, stay grounded, and keep your boundaries strong.

You've got this.

The Heart Behind a Great Self-Tape

I'll be honest—I couldn't even remember how I start my podcast today. "Hello, I hope you had a great week?" That sounds right. Anyway, welcome back to Self-Tapes That Book, Part Two.

Last week we talked about tech and mindset, about creating a space that supports your confidence instead of draining it. The kind of space that makes you feel like you just slipped into your favorite outfit—the one that makes you feel unstoppable.

That's exactly how I want your self-tape setup to feel: effortless, energizing, and completely you.

Four Keys to Powerful Self-Tape Performances 1. Make Clear, Bold, Story-Driven Choices

Don't play it vague. Every beat should be grounded in intention. Commit fully.

Ask yourself: Am I willing to give my life for this moment?

If not, there's probably an energy block—not in your acting ability, but in your connection to yourself. The work of an actor isn't just skill; it's presence, humanity, and openness. That's where true talent lives.

2. Energy and Presence

Confidence reads as relaxation, not effort.

Think of an Olympic skater or gymnast. What looks effortless on camera comes from deep preparation—and self-trust.

As Marianne Williamson said, "Your playing small does not serve the world."

Our job as artists is to shine. To align with something bigger than fear. To choose energy that flows with the universe, not against it.

3. Editing and Delivery

This one's simple—but it's where many actors slip.

• Trim dead air.

• Slate cleanly.

• Label properly: YourName_Role_Project

• Submit once. On time.

• Follow directions exactly.

Casting directors notice when you don't. And often? We move on to the next actor who did.

Keep a record of what you send, what worked, and what you'd improve next time. There's no such thing as a perfect audition—only growth.

4. Professionalism and Presence

Don't tape to prove you're good enough. Tape to serve the story.

That shift—from fear to ownership—changes everything. You're not auditioning to be judged. You're collaborating. You're submitting your idea for the role.

The camera knows when you're faking peace. Confidence can't be faked either.

Be you. Be grounded. Be magnetic. The kind of magnetic that makes people go, "What is it about them?"

Common Mistakes That Can Kill a Self-Tape

• Overproduced mini-movies. Keep it simple.

• Poor lighting or framing. Your face tells the story—let it.

• Flat reads or mechanical delivery. Find truth in every beat.

• Ignoring file naming or upload instructions. This one's huge. Don't get deleted over a filename.

The Formula That Books the Job

Tech gets you seen. Truth gets you remembered. Energy books the job.

Focus on your presence, your clarity, and your connection—not perfection.

Free Self-Tape Setup Guide

If you want a checklist and setup walkthrough to make your self-tapes look as good as they feel, grab our Free Self-Tape Setup Guide below.

🎬 Download the Free Self-Tape Setup Guide

Connect with Us

Got questions? Want to take your acting confidence and mindset deeper? Join Peter's Weekly Adjustment Class for two free weeks and experience how Core Energy work can transform your craft and your life.

👉 Join The Weekly Adjustment

Stay safe and treat yourself real well. You deserve it.

In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most important topics for any working actor today: self-tapes.

They're no longer an occasional request or a pandemic workaround. Self-tapes are the audition room now. That means your setup, your mindset, and your energy have to communicate professionalism and confidence before you ever say a line.

After losing my voice for a few weeks (and getting some incredible help from Mandy Fisher, Rose Marie, and Taylor), I wanted to come back with something that felt useful and practical. Because here's the truth: the actors who treat self-taping like an art form are the ones who keep booking.

Why Self-Tapes Matter More Than Ever

Casting directors aren't inviting actors into offices the way they used to. Your self-tape is your first impression. It tells us who you are before we even watch the performance.

I've been watching this up close at home. My husband Jason decided to return to on-camera acting after years of working exclusively in voiceover. Within about six weeks, he recorded forty auditions and got seven offers. Seven.

He's talented, yes—but what really made the difference was preparation, clarity, and confidence. Every tape looked professional, felt relaxed, and showed that he knew exactly who he was in the scene.

The Confidence You Can't Fake

The camera doesn't lie. It reads your nervous system, your self-belief, your energy. You can't fake confidence.

That's why mindset work is so powerful. It's the foundation for everything I teach in The Weekly Adjustment. When you know you're good—and you trust that knowing—it naturally shows up on camera.

Your Technical Foundation

You don't need an expensive setup, but you do need consistency. A self-tape that looks clean and sounds professional instantly tells casting you take the work seriously.

Here's what matters most:

• Lighting: Even, natural, and shadow-free.

• Background: Simple and neutral.

• Sound: Use an external mic and record in a quiet space.

• Framing: Keep your eyeline slightly off-camera.

• Test Everything: Always record a few seconds first to check your lighting and sound.

Think of your setup as part of your craft. When it's dialed in, you can focus on performance instead of worrying about your gear.

If you want to make sure your setup is working for you, grab the free Acting Business Boot Camp Self-Tape Setup Guide. It includes the exact gear, lighting, and mic recommendations I share with my students.

The Reader That Makes or Breaks You

A good reader is calm, grounded, and patient. Their job is to support you, not steal the moment.

If you're working alone, reader apps or pre-recorded lines can work, but you still need to feel connected. Acting is about relationship, and that connection needs to be alive—even when you're the only one in the room.

One of the great things about the Acting Business Boot Camp community is that members can find readers in our private Facebook group. Having a reliable reader on call changes everything.

And if you're a strong sight reader, a teleprompter app can help you stay present without losing time to memorization stress.

Presence Over Perfection

Stop chasing "perfect." The camera rewards presence.

When I saw Art on Broadway recently, James Corden's performance stood out because he fully committed. It wasn't polished—it was alive. That kind of truth and energy is what makes casting directors pay attention.

Commitment always beats precision. Be real. Be fully in it. That's what books.

Key Takeaways

• Self-tapes are your new audition room.

• Confidence and presence matter as much as acting skill.

• A clean, consistent setup is your professional edge.

• A supportive reader elevates your work.

• Presence and commitment are more powerful than perfection.

Resources Mentioned

• Free Self-Tape Setup Guide: Get Peter's list of recommended lighting, sound, and gear to make your tapes stand out.

• The Weekly Adjustment: Ongoing mindset coaching for actors who want to build confidence, consistency, and energy that books.

Next week, in Part Two: Self-Tapes That Book – The Performance, Peter dives into choices, energy, and the details that make casting directors say, "That's the one."

Stay safe and treat yourself real well.

Voiceover is a beautiful and rewarding field. But if you're not protecting your energy, creativity, and finances, it will eat you alive before you ever find your footing.

I've seen too many talented actors get burned out because they thought VO was just about having a "great voice." It isn't. It's a craft and a business rolled into one. And if any of those three pillars is running on empty, your career won't last.

Energy: Your True Currency

Behind every polished 30-second spot is hours of research, auditions, editing, outreach, marketing, and more. Without systems to replenish your energy, you'll be running on fumes—and microphones always reveal fatigue. Protecting your bandwidth isn't optional, it's part of the job.

Creativity: More Than Output

Turning your art into your business can drain your creativity if you're not careful. Output without input leads to burnout. I share ways to keep your "creative bank" full so your performances stay fresh, inspired, and bookable.

Finances: The Backbone of Longevity

Voiceover isn't fast money. It's steady, long-term, startup-style growth. Without a financial foundation, the costs of training, equipment, and subscriptions will strangle your joy. In this episode, I break down what to budget for, what to avoid, and how to treat your VO career like a real business.

Why This Matters

Voiceover rewards consistency and joy, not burnout and desperation. If you want to last in this industry, you need to protect your energy, feed your creativity, and respect your finances. Those three areas are the difference between quitting early and building a career you love.

✨ If this episode resonates with you:

• Subscribe to my Substack, The Actor's Index, for weekly tools to grow your creative career without losing your mind.

• Reach out to me directly at [email protected] to schedule a free 15-minute consult.

In this episode, I talk about mottos. Those little slogans or mantras that can actually keep you going in a business that is often messy, unpredictable, and overwhelming.

A motto is not just decoration. It's a tool. It helps you:

• Stay grounded when the industry feels chaotic.

• Filter choices and make better decisions.

• Communicate your identity and values quickly.

• Build momentum through small daily actions.

I'll share a quick history of mottos, what makes a good one, and a few of my favorites like:

• Grow through every no

• Truth over performance

• Consistent action, creative life

• Bring light to every role

But here's the most important part. A motto has to fuel action. It should connect to something small you can do each day. Even five minutes counts. That could be:

• Sending one outreach email

• Researching a casting director

• Tracking your auditions

• Posting or reposting content

• Reviewing your goals

When you tie your motto to action, five minutes turns into seven, then ten, and before you know it, you've built momentum.

So, here's my challenge for you:

1. Pick a motto tonight. Don't overthink it.

2. Write it down where you'll see it.

3. Tomorrow, spend five minutes on one business task that matches your motto.

4. Repeat. Momentum comes from consistency, not perfection.

Your motto isn't just a phrase. It's a compass. Find the one that makes your chest expand a little when you say it out loud, and let it guide your next step.

I'd love to hear what motto you come up with. You can always reach me at [email protected], or say hi on TikTok @AstoriaRed.

Why Learning the "Language" Matters

Actors spend years honing their craft, but many miss one critical piece: learning how to communicate in the Language of the Agents and the Casting Directors. This isn't just about vocabulary. It's about aligning your training, business practices, and mindset so the industry sees you as the solution—not the problem.

As a casting director, I see it firsthand. Actors who know how to speak this language get representation, book roles, and build sustainable careers. Those who don't? They're quickly overlooked.

The Three Pillars of a Successful Acting Career

A thriving career rests on three equally important pillars:

1. Training – Building your instrument as an actor so you know you're good at your craft.

2. Business – Getting your materials, schedule, and communication in order.

3. Core Energy Work – Tackling mindset blocks like procrastination, perfectionism, and fear so you actually do what you know you need to do.

Neglect any one of these, and your career wobbles. Balance them, and everything starts to flow.

What Agents and Casting Directors Really Want

Casting directors are solution-oriented. They need actors who are:

• Prepared, confident, and easy to direct

• Clear and concise communicators (no long-winded emails)

• Professional and drama-free

• Confident in their abilities without needing validation

Agents and managers, on the other hand, prioritize placement and revenue. They want clients who understand their product (themselves as actors) and know where they fit in the market. They love actors who are:

• Low-maintenance (professional, proactive, not needy)

• Consistent with follow-ups (every 2 weeks if signed, every 3–4 weeks if freelancing)

• Quick to respond (within 15 minutes when possible)

If you can show up as a reliable, confident professional who respects their time, you'll stand out.

Bridging Art and Business

The "language" isn't just about using terms like clips, reels, avail, or first refusal correctly. It's about mirroring the way agents and casting directors think. Shift from actor-centric to project-centric. Instead of saying, I felt this choice worked for me, reframe to, I believe this choice serves the director's vision.

That shift alone can make you the actor they trust.

A Weekly Practice That Works

In my Weekly Accountability Group for actors, we focus on all three pillars:

• Training: What did you do to become a better actor this week?

• Business: What actions did you take to move your career forward?

• Core Energy Work: What mindset challenges came up, and how did you respond?

By setting intentions and following through week after week, actors create real momentum—and book more work.

Final Thoughts

The industry is full of talented actors. The ones who book consistently aren't always the most gifted. They're the ones who communicate well, respect the process, and show they're confident, reliable professionals.

That's the power of learning the Language of the Agents and the Casting Directors.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• 🎯 Book a Free Consultation

• 🎬 The Working Actor Road Map

• 🗓️ Weekly Accountability Group for Actors

• ⏰ Time Management for Actors Course

Hey there, it's Mandy Fisher. Welcome back to the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast. I've been in the voiceover world for over 20 years, and if there's one thing I repeat over and over, it's this: all voiceover is character work.

Yes, even that five-second toothpaste ad. Even the audiobook that goes on for twelve hours. Even the one-liner in a loop group session. If I don't believe in the character I'm creating, the audience won't either—and you'd be surprised how quickly people can tell when something feels fake.

Why Character Work Matters in VO

Voiceover isn't just about funny voices or nailing impressions. It's about embodying choices. A toothpaste spot is still persuasion. An audiobook requires sustaining multiple characters. A video game audition? They always want grounded realism now.

The throughline is the same: I'm acting. I'm building a character.

My Six Quick Character Lenses

When I create characters—whether for a 30-second commercial or a video game villain—I run through six categories that keep me grounded and specific:

1. Environmental: Where am I? A bar? A dungeon? A grocery store?

2. Emotional: How do I feel right now?

3. Contextual: What just happened before this line?

4. Physical: What am I wearing? Am I tired? Am I strong?

5. Psychological: What's on my mind? Do I have a secret? A conflict?

6. Social: How do I interact with others in this world?

Answering even two or three of these quickly can transform a flat read into something alive.

The Power of Substitution

Sometimes I get copy for something I couldn't care less about—say, an oil change. In those moments, I swap it out in my imagination for something I do care about, something that actually excites me. My body, my breath, even my voice instantly shift. Suddenly, I'm connected, and the listener feels that.

Grounded Realism Wins

Every spec I see these days calls for "grounded" performances. Realism, emotional core, choices that feel intentional. Bold doesn't mean fake—it means clear. It means believable.

When you make that one strong emotional choice and commit to it, you create something that lasts beyond the audition.

Try This in Your Next Audition

Next time you step into the booth, hit record right away. Play with one big emotional choice. Answer a couple of my six category questions. Even in a short spot, let yourself lean into the invisible audience, into the story you're telling.

You'll feel the difference—and so will the people listening.

Want My Checklist?

I put together a 45 Character Question Checklist to help you build characters fast. It's a quick reference to keep you grounded and connected no matter the script.

📩 Want it? Email me at [email protected] and I'll send it to you.

If you're looking for coaching in voiceover or creative entrepreneurialism, that's my wheelhouse. And if you're focused on on-camera, legit, or core work, my co-host Peter Pamela Rose is your person—email her at [email protected] .

Helping actors tell stories and follow their dreams is one of my favorite things to do. So go kick some ass this week, and remember: all voiceover work is character work.

This week's episode is all about documentary narration. Voiceover actor Paula Tiso joins me to share her journey from sketch comedy in Los Angeles to working steadily in promos, radio imaging, true crime, and documentary series.

We talk about training, the shift from "perky" reads to grounded storytelling, and what it really takes to support a story with your voice.

About Paula:

Paula Tiso is a veteran voiceover actor whose work spans documentary narration, true crime, television affiliates, video games, and more. She's voiced Smithsonian Channel documentaries, Oxygen and ID series like Living with a Serial Killer and The Devil Speaks, and brought characters to life in games including Final Fantasy X, No More Heroes, and Fallout 76.

Whether narrating history, guiding audiences through true crime, or connecting viewers to their local TV stations, Paula's voice combines warmth, authority, and authenticity.

From Comedy to Narration

Paula started out in sketch comedy and found her way into voiceover through commercial training. She explains how those early skills built the foundation for narration work across genres.

True Crime and Empathy

Narrating true crime requires neutrality and steadiness. At the same time, it calls for empathy when addressing victims and families. Paula shares how she prepares for heavy scripts and keeps her delivery both clear and compassionate.

Core Skills for Narrators

• Commercial training as a base for timing and clarity

• Adaptability when scripts change mid-session

• Authenticity in the read, not a "performance"

• Curiosity to keep learning and exploring new material

• Preparation that marks cues and supports clean delivery

Types of Documentary Narration

• Nature: slow pacing, voice supports the picture

• History: sometimes includes character inserts, with age shifts in voice

• In-show and lifestyle: friendly and helpful

• Promos and affiliates: concise and reliable

Building a Career

Paula describes narration as building a career vine by vine, one connection leading to the next. She emphasizes curiosity, preparation, and adaptability as the keys to staying relevant.

AI and the Future

Paula also discusses how AI is impacting voiceover, and the work organizations like NAVA are doing to protect performers through transparency and consent.

Episode Takeaways

• Let the voice support the picture

• Documentary reads today are grounded and authentic

• Empathy without bias is essential in true crime

• Preparation and adaptability make sessions run smoothly

• Careers grow step by step, connection by connection

Resources and Mentions

• National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA)

• Living with a Serial Killer on Peacock

• Paula Tiso's narration shorts and blog

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Stay Connected

Email: [email protected] Coaching and classes: Acting Business Boot Camp