What does it really take to build a successful career as a professional actor and voice actor?

In this episode of the Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with actor and voice actor Zach Lazar Hoffman for an honest conversation about the discipline, mindset, and persistence required to succeed in today's entertainment industry.

Zach's career spans commercials, animation, video games, television, film, and audiobooks. You've heard his voice for major brands including ESPN, BMW, Honda, Microsoft, and the Las Vegas Raiders, and gamers may recognize him from Five Nights at Freddy's: Ultimate Custom Night, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Narcos: Rise of the Cartels. On camera, he's appeared in productions including Fear the Walking Dead, The Resident, and National Treasure.

But this conversation goes far beyond résumés and credits.

Zach shares how growing up with a father in the voiceover industry shaped his journey, why he ultimately chose to forge his own path, and how studying the craft of acting transformed not only his performances but his entire outlook on life. We discuss auditioning, creating believable characters, the realities of building a career in voiceover, balancing voice acting with on-camera work, and why consistency matters far more than talent alone.

We also dive into Zach's remarkable health transformation, exploring how improving his physical and mental health strengthened every aspect of his life—from confidence and discipline to creativity and performance.

Whether you're an aspiring voice actor, an experienced narrator, an on-camera actor, or simply someone pursuing a creative dream, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and valuable lessons from someone who's living the journey every day.

Visit MikeLenzVOPodcast.com for links, show notes, and more episodes.

What does it take to narrate more than 1,400 audiobooks and build one of the most respected careers in the industry?

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with award-winning audiobook narrator, author, and casting director Tanya Eby to explore her remarkable journey from recording commercials and teaching college writing to becoming one of the most prolific voices in audiobooks.

Tanya shares how she got her start with Brilliance Audio, why she embraced ACX early, and how relationships, persistence, and continual learning helped her build a career spanning more than 1,400 audiobook titles. We also dive into the realities of working as a full-time narrator, the importance of conferences and networking, the casting process from the other side of the table, and why even experienced narrators should never stop honing their craft.

Whether you're just getting started in voice acting or already working professionally, this conversation is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and encouragement for anyone pursuing a career behind the microphone.

What does it take to build a lasting career in voice over?

In this episode, Mike sits down with accomplished voice actor, audiobook narrator, and longtime radio imaging talent Donna Frank. Best known to many listeners as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show, Donna shares the story of how she built a career spanning radio, commercial voice over, and audiobook narration by following her instincts, working relentlessly, and staying true to herself.

Together, Mike and Donna discuss the realities of today's voice over industry, from developing authentic client relationships and finding your niche to the challenges of audiobook performance, marketing yourself, and handling criticism. Donna also shares why being easy to work with may be just as important as having a great voice.

Whether you're just starting your voice acting journey or you've been behind the microphone for years, this conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement for building a sustainable, fulfilling creative career.

00:00 Welcome and audiobook narrator workout announcement 04:05 Meet Donna Frank 05:30 Donna's early connection to radio through her father 08:45 Starting out in radio and joining EQX 13:10 Lessons from early radio and handling criticism 17:25 Why being easy to work with matters 20:40 Donna's role as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show 26:15 Radio imaging vs. commercial voice over 31:20 Moving into audiobook narration 37:00 Why audiobook narration is more than having a good voice 42:35 Finding emotion underneath the words 48:10 Voiceover, joy, and creating work that lasts 53:20 Donna's advice: if it's not a yes, it's a no 58:30 Final advice for aspiring voice actors 1:02:00 Where to find Donna Frank

Breaking into audiobook narration can feel overwhelming—especially when you're starting from scratch. In this episode, I sit down with audiobook narrator Katie Keary, who recently booked her very first audiobook after years of considering a career in voiceover and narration.

Katie shares her journey from working in education and nonprofit leadership to building a home studio, overcoming self-doubt, learning the technical side of narration, and finally landing her first audiobook project. We talk about the importance of mentorship, finding community, developing resilience, and why taking the first step is often the hardest part.

Whether you're just beginning to explore voice acting or you're looking for encouragement on your own creative journey, Katie's story is proof that it's never too late to pursue something that excites and inspires you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Katie booked her first audiobook

Why community and mentorship matter

The biggest challenges new narrators face

How to overcome perfectionism and self-doubt

What it's really like to build a home studio

Why creativity deserves a place in your life

If you've been waiting for a sign to start, this might be it.

Listen now and be inspired by Katie's journey.

What if everything about your creative career could change in less than a year?

In this episode, I sit down with Sonya Wills, a former commercial actor who stepped away from the industry to focus on family, only to find her way back through an unexpected path: social media.

From having no online presence to building a thriving platform in just months, Sonya shares how experimenting with content, embracing authenticity, and leaning into her real-life experience helped her discover a powerful new direction—teaching creators how to show up confidently on camera.

We dive into:

Why social media is no longer optional for creatives

How to find your "lane" without overthinking it

The difference between being authentic vs. performative

What most people get wrong about content creation

How to bring real emotion into voiceover and on-camera work

The mindset shift that unlocks growth in both acting and content

Sonya also shares practical techniques for delivering more natural, compelling performances—whether you're behind the mic or in front of the camera.

Her journey is a reminder that your past experience is never wasted—and that sometimes your next opportunity is closer than you think.

If you're an actor, voice actor, or creator trying to figure out where you fit in today's evolving landscape, this conversation will give you both clarity and encouragement.

🎧 Connect with Sonya: TikTok: @the_mom_next_door Learn more: Camera Smart Creator

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I'm joined by audiobook narrator Emma Faye—a 2026 Audie finalist, 2024 SOVAS nominee, and the narrator many in the industry know as the Clean Reads Queen.

Emma has built a thriving audiobook career by staying true to her values and creating a highly intentional brand around clean, wholesome storytelling. She has narrated more than 170 clean-read titles across genres including closed-door romance, YA fantasy, middle grade, nonfiction, and Christian books. She's also the founder of Cats Meow Productions, a boutique audiobook production company focused on bringing more clean-read audiobooks into the world.

In this conversation, we talk about Emma's journey from acting and film school to full-time audiobook narration, the challenges of building a niche career in a competitive industry, and the power of saying no to the wrong projects so you can make room for the right ones.

We also discuss:

What "clean reads" really means in audiobook narration Building a brand around your values The realities of marketing and outreach as a narrator Coaching, social media, and creating systems that work Why there is real power in protecting your boundaries

If you're an aspiring narrator, or any creative professional trying to build a career that aligns with who you are, this episode is filled with practical insight and encouragement.

To check out ohter episodes head over to mikelenzvopodcast.com!

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with voice actor Mike Previti to talk about building a sustainable voiceover career later in life—and what it really takes to make the leap from "safe" to creative fulfillment.

Mike's journey began with childhood acting gigs in the Boston area, shifted into years as a touring musician and singer-songwriter, and eventually led him back to the microphone—this time as a full-time professional voice actor. We talk candidly about leaving a high-stress corporate job, betting on yourself, and doing the slow, steady work required to grow a VO business.

We also dive into:

Why the voiceover industry is not linear—and why that matters The role of social media in building visibility and credibility Networking, workshops, and unexpected referrals Faith, patience, and trusting the long game Mike's three key principles: Be patient. Be intentional. Honor the work.

If you're an aspiring voice actor—or a creative professional navigating a transition—this episode offers both practical insight and honest encouragement from someone who's walking the path.

Learn more about Mike at MikePrevitiVO.com

To check out ohter episodes head over to mikelenzvopodcast.com!

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.