Hello 2026...Goodbye first Quarter of the 2000's.  Think about that.  If you are a Boomer or GenX or like me call yourself a BOOMER-X you are FEELING THESE YEARS PASS TOO FAST!!! Let's look back at the VO of 202 not with brand names and accolades but with humility and hope! Happy New Year to all the VO Life fans and THANK YOU for another year!!

I would apologize but you get it.... we work hard, we have so much to do.... family, farm, tech, TIKTOK!!!!!  Let's catch up and talk about how things are going with my VO Life!!

My father had that saying .... stop spinning your wheels! I knew EXACTLY what he meant... do YOU??

Who said I was leaving VO?  Maybe no one... but I am seeing a huge transition in my business to UGC as I learn and market to agencies.  The market is HUGE and te work is FLOWING! Here's how I am handling the change!

September is 1/3 of the way over and I am laying out my REVISED PLANS for the final quarter based on how the year has gone and how I need to finish... especially related to MARKETING my strengths.  As voice actors we learn quickly we are in the business of HIGH REJECTIONS whether it is an audition or when marketing... we get no response, feedack or anything most of the time.  What can we do DIFFERENTLY?  Tune in and see!
#voiceactor #voiceacting #voiceover #marketing #smallbusiness

The VO Life Podcast is sponsored by VOInbox and VOLeads
Get 25 Free Leads with your subscription to VOInbox by entering TheVOLife as your code!

Visit  https://voinbox.com/  to learn more about the services or email me!  VOInbox does the prospecting AND e-mailing for you! What is yout TIME worth to you?  Marketing is something that needs to happen and it takes time... and most get frustrated too soon and stop marketing and following up.  It can take a year or longer for a prospect to convert. It can take an hour to find a qualified lead.  It can take 15 mons... but even at 5 an hour ask yourself WHAT YOUR TIME IS WORTH then INVEST in your marketing and "forget it". Write your email templates and you are DONE and let VOInbox take it from there.  How much time do YOU want to get back?

Schedule time with Troy here: 
https://calendly.com/troyholdenvo
15m "Get To Know You" Free Consult
30m Paid Business Consult
60m Paid Business Consult

Voiceover is a HARD business to learn and grow.  It is NOT a "GET RICH QUICK" thing and it is NOT about having a great voice (sound). Voiceover is voice ACTING and learning to ACT and be connected to the story and copy is key.  It doesn't happen overnight!  Have a question about voiceover?   Click the email link on my website after you visit!
https://www.troyholdenvoices.com

In this engaging conversation, Troy Holden and AJ DeLong delve into the world of podcasting technology, microphone choices, and the voiceover industry. Let's face it... they are GEARHEADS and love the gear and the excitement fo talking about it! 

They discuss how AJ bonds VO and WORKING AT SWEETWATER  (the candy store?), the importance of equipment, and the evolution of music shops. AJ shares his journey as a voice actor, the challenges of the industry, and the significance of training and networking. The discussion also touches on the importance of voice care, current projects, and the excitement of exploring new audio technology.

The importance of choosing the right microphone for voice work.
Sweetwater provides a unique experience for audio professionals.
Daily life as a sales engineer involves interacting with various clients.
Transitioning to band and orchestra rentals has opened new opportunities.
The evolution of music shops reflects changes in the industry.
Voice acting can lead to unexpected opportunities in audio drama.
Training and coaching are crucial for success in voiceover work.
Caring for one's voice is essential for voice actors... but we suck at it.
Networking within the voiceover community can lead to valuable connections.

"I love tech. I just love the stuff."

"You only live once. Don't worry about it."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Podcasting Technology
03:02 Exploring Microphone Choices
05:54 The Sweetwater Experience
08:53 Transitioning to Band and Orchestra Rentals
11:47 The Importance of Quality Instruments
14:40 Nostalgia for Music Shops
17:46 Balancing Voice Acting and Sales
20:53 Lessons Learned in Voice Acting
22:37 Navigating the Evolving Voiceover Landscape
27:14 The Importance of Vocal Care and Maintenance
32:33 Microphone Choices and Quality in Voiceover
40:43 Finding Your Niche in Voiceover Work
47:28 The Creative Energy of Conferences
49:16 Navigating the Voiceover Roller Coaster
51:22 The Passion Behind Voiceover Work
52:25 The Journey to Voiceover Success
53:19 The Unicorns of Voiceover
54:33 Headphone Innovations for Voiceover
01:01:23 The Importance of Proper Studio Setup
01:05:47 Voiceover Gear and Signal Chain
01:09:17 Connecting with the Voiceover Community

In this conversation, Troy Holden and George Washington III discuss the transition from PC to Mac, the revival of the WOVO organization, and the importance of community and mentorship in the voice acting industry. They explore the unique unconference style of WovoCon, the significance of emotional connection in voice over work, and the challenges of navigating rates and negotiations in the industry, especially in the context of AI's growing presence.

Takeaways

Transitioning to Apple can enhance productivity and creativity.
WOVO aims to revive community engagement through unconference events.
Building connections is as crucial as the content shared at conferences.
Emotional connection is key in voice acting, not just information delivery.
Mentorship programs can guide new voice actors through their journey.
Understanding industry rates is essential for fair compensation.
AI cannot replicate the emotional depth of human voice acting.
Networking opportunities at smaller conferences foster lasting relationships.
Voice actors should advocate for their worth in negotiations.
Community support is vital for voice actors working in isolation.

Navigating the Voice Acting Landscape
The Power of Community in Voice Over

"Everything is teachable."
"We have to defend what we can defend."
"AI can't act and it can't feel."

Chapters

00:00 Transitioning to Apple: A Personal Journey
02:56 Reviving WOVO: The Unconference Approach
05:53 Building Community Through WOVO
08:58 The Importance of Personal Connections in Voice Acting
11:57 Mentorship and Support in the Voiceover Industry
15:01 Navigating the Voiceover Landscape: Lessons Learned
23:49 Building Community and Experience in Voice Acting
25:17 Understanding Voice Acting Rates
26:38 Negotiating Rates and Client Expectations
29:32 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting
32:40 Emotional Connection vs. AI in Voice Work
40:29 Connecting with the Voice Acting Community

Touch Dip welcomes Rho Marsh over just to chat about stuff cause we haven't in awhile!  Rho and I go way back and we just always had a connection and enjoy talking... so this week its me and RHO for THE SHOW!

Weird week, weird month, weird podcast.  Lst minute stuff from July and is it time YOU made a pivot also??

Charles and Jake join the podcast tis week and it's like we never left off but... We sure miss Alden who is doing WELL by all means just busy in his other work!  As usual we scatter and jump on several topics mainly catching up on our first half of 2025 and plans for the rest of the year AND we will ALL THREE be in Dalls for OVC Aug 22-24!  Always good to have my guys on!