The Voiceover Gurus Podcast

Ep 147 – The Global Market with Voice Talent Serge De Marre

Welcome back to the Voice Over Gurus podcast! In this episode, host Linda Bruno sits down with Serge De Marre, a seasoned voice actor originally from Belgium, to discuss the highs and lows of the voiceover industry.

Serge shares his journey from starting in local Belgian radio to becoming a national radio host, and eventually moving to the United States. He delves into the technical challenges and cultural differences he faced, and how he transitioned into full-time voiceover work, including his recent success with a U.S. commercial campaign for Tubi.

Linda and Serge also explore the differences between European and American voiceover markets, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the importance of building strong client relationships. They touch on the significance of having a professional website and the benefits of hiring a web designer.

Tune in to hear Serge's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into navigating the voiceover world across different continents.

About Serge:

Modern. Global. Bilingual. Serge De Marre is a voice actor and voice-over artist who speaks both English and Flemish fluently, with over 20 years of experience. His contemporary, clear voice with international influences appeals to audiences from all over the world. Think fresh, smooth, cheerful, reliable, youthful.

Serge is a well-known and award-nominated voice in Belgium and the Netherlands with both his English and Flemish work. With his unique international accent, he is also on the rise in the rest of the world. He has lived in Antwerp, Washington DC, Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas and Budapest. His extensive experience with different cultures and customs can be heard in his worldly voice.

He has worked for big names such as Domino's Pizza, Axe, Google, Disney, Audi, Exxon Mobil, LG, Mentos, Pringles, Danone, Knex, Qatar Airways and Siemens. That is an impressive client list of international companies, but Serge also likes to work with smaller, local brands. For all projects, big or small, you can expect a fast response time and superior quality recordings. 

Visit Serges’ Website: https://www.sergedemarre.com/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

In this engaging episode, Linda Bruno shifts the spotlight to three talented women in voiceover. Our discussion features three remarkable voiceover artists: Carrie Farris from Austin, Texas, Barb Lyon from Batavia, Illinois, and Gwen Poynor from Salt Lake City. Each shares their unique journey, from early beginnings to current successes, highlighting the ups and downs of the industry.

Gwen delves into her extensive background, starting as a child, the challenges of re-entering the industry, and the evolution of technology. Barb reflects on her career transition from broadcasting to full-time voiceover, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and consistency. Carrie discusses her path from radio to voiceover, focusing on the significance of finding one's niche and the joy of acting through dubbing and other genres.

Our conversation also touches on the common misconceptions about entering the voiceover field, the importance of quality equipment, and the need for continuous self-improvement. We wrap up with personal anecdotes, advice for newcomers, and a mutual appreciation for the supportive community within the voiceover industry.

Don't miss this episode that celebrates the resilience and creativity of women in voiceover!

About Carrie Farris:

Carrie is your go-to voice from commercials to video games. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in

About Barb Lyon:

Barb caught the voice over bug in High School when she narrated a video for the school board. So she attended North Central College and filled many roles at 89.1 WONC. She then went to work at a small production company where she eventually joined the talent roster, and began voicing spots for her husband's radio station on the side. In 2012 Barb joined the casting sites and started pursuing voice over in earnest. In 2016 Barb left that full time job and began working in voice over 100%. Now she finds a somewhat surprising home in eLearning and corporate narration voice over. Barb has coached with everyone from our very own Linda Bruno & Alyssa Jayson, to David Rosenthal and Mary Lynn Wissner. In 2023 she was honored to be a SOVAS nominee in the category of eLearning.

About Gwen Poynor:

Gwen's voice is approachable, elegant, rich, and inviting. Having been cast in TV, radio, and print ads at a young age, she loved being behind the mic and in front of a camera and teleprompter.  After a decade in marketing at a Hospital and as a Recruiter, she raised her family and then decided to get back into VO and on-camera work in 2021. She's voiced medical, corporate and industrial videos; announced Award Winners (and more!) at Events, Fundraisers and Conferences and voiced local and regional ads on TV, Radio and TikTok.   

Visit GwenVoiceover.com

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Voice Over Gurus Podcast! Today, Linda Bruno sits down with Ally Murphy, a British ex-flight attendant who has successfully transitioned into a full-time voice actor. Discover Ali’s fascinating journey from the skies to the recording studio, and her experiences living in both the UK and the US.

Ally shares her unique background, including the challenges and adventures of being a flight attendant, and how those experiences have shaped her voiceover career. She also discusses her new podcast, "The Red Eye," which tells true stories from the aviation world, blending her love for storytelling with her professional expertise.

In this episode, they delve into important topics such as mental health, the importance of life experiences in shaping a voiceover career, and the value of mindset and branding in the industry. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insightful anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring voice actors.

Don’t miss out on Ally’s captivating stories and valuable lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned voice actor or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom. Enjoy!

Visit Allys’ website: https://www.allymurphy.co.uk/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

In this podcast episode, Linda welcomes voiceover actress Ally Murphy to chat about her journey from being a flight attendant to becoming a voice actor. They discuss how her past experiences have influenced her as an artist and also talk about the significance of mental health for voice actors. Ally also shares her personal story during the conversation.

About Ally:

I’m a British Voiceover Artist, and Actress. I moved to the USA in 2022 with my family. Now I enjoy working globally with my clients from my recording studio in the Pacific Northwest, in between hiking, paddleboarding and doing Mum stuff!

I GREW UP IN THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE OF SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND.

From an early age, when I used to force my neighbours to watch my (truly cringeworthy) front porch shows where I played all the parts, I always knew I’d be in the entertainment industry. I studied Performing Arts and landed my first TV role on The Grimleys in the late 1990s.

AFTER FEELING LIKE I NEEDED TO SEE A BIT MORE OF THE WORLD,

I applied to fly as one of the bearded billionaire’s airline crew members and I worked for him for 14 years meeting incredible people, experiencing different cultures and having many crazy adventures! These years helped me understand how important communication, experiences and connections are to us all.

IN 2012, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO BACK INTO THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.

and found my love for voiceover & onscreen work had never gone away. So I waved goodbye to the skies & have since enjoyed working with some wonderful clients in Commercials, Corporate, E-Learning and Video Games. What I truly love about my job is that it’s all about connections, connecting to our customers, connecting to a vibe or a new idea or connecting to a story. My experiences around the world help me do that for you and your clients. Thankfully my connections nowadays don’t involve mad dashes through crowded airports in a red pencil skirt and high heels.

Now, I am truly an international voice as I am based in beautiful Washington State in the USA, about 15 minutes out of Seattle, working with clients all around the world.

Visit Allys’ website: https://www.allymurphy.co.uk/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

On this episode of The Voiceover Gurus Podcast, student Simone Agee shares her background and life story before exploring the world of VO. Located in South Florida, Simones’ career history helps influence her performances behind the microphone. Hear her story!

About Simone:

I thrive in the Arts ! I paint landscapes, currently learning violin and acoustic guitar and will return to northern Shaolon kung fu just to name a few. After retiring massage therapy and funeral director/embalmer careers, voiceover acting has become a new passion. I'm grateful to find it at this stage of my life where I have the patience, tough skin, and maturity to handle it. I actually enjoy the process and constant growth. So far voiceover has not been boring.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Ever wondered about Lead Generation and why it's important for voice talents? Well, in this episode of The Voiceover Gurus Podcast, the talented Nadia Marshall shares some great tips on how to stay organized when finding new clients and talks about her course that's all about generating those crucial leads.

About Nadia Marshall:

Nadia Marshall is an award winning voice actor, opera singer, and performer who has been using her voice professionally for over a decade. Some of Nadia's clients include BMW, Cigna, Google, Intel, JP Morgan, Mercedez Benz, Pandora, Rayban, and Square.

Before being a full-time talent, Nadia's previous job titles included Media Coordinator, Marketing Assistant, and Adjunct Voice Teacher, to name a few. She has experience working with social media management, curating content, and researching how best to contact patrons and customers. She leverages these skills successfully in her own business and has incorporated them into a Lead Generation course.

Nadia created Lead Generation Blueprint: The Ultimate Guide to help voice actors learn this vital skill and to train their own lead generators to find their dream clients and succeed in direct marketing. For more information about the course, visit: www.blueprintcourseware.com

For more information about Nadia, visit www.voicesbynadia.com.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Ep 142 – Canadian Voice Actor Paul Milando

Is the voiceover business different north of the US? Our guest this week is a Toronto-based talent who began performing on camera before transitioning solely to voiceover for the past seven years. Paul Milando shares his experiences so far with agents and auditions and how he balances a seasonal job as well.

About Paul Milando:

First of all, I would like to thank the Academy….

 Film, television, radio, public speaking, and playing “dress-up” have been passions of mine since childhood. From voicing cartoon characters, to having fun with Halloween costumes, to being the joker at family get-togethers; this has always been a part of my life.

At University, I hosted a couple of radio shows and a good friend of mine suggested that once I moved back to Toronto, to find an agent and do some of this stuff as a “cultural release.”

I shifted my focus from “in front of the camera”, to “in front of the mic” and I couldn’t be happier in my accomplishments in VO.

My engaging and warm speaking style is a favourite with television broadcast and film producers seeking a sincere, educated and friendly voiceover artist and narrator.

Clear enunciation and articulation, in a pleasant baritone speaking voice, is present from commercial and corporate scripts to character voices and Audiobooks, and is fundamental to my interpretation of professional scripts. My professional home recording studio allows for timely and efficient narrations.

Visit Pauls Site: https://www.paulmilando.ca/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Ep 141 - Guru Updates with Kevin and Linda

Guru coaches Kevin and Linda discuss the latest updates with the coaching team, highlighting the benefits of Masterclass Membership and 1-1 Mentoring for growing your voiceover business.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Episode 140 – A Tale Of Two Studios with Christi Bowen

Christi Bowen is the owner of Tennessee Voiceover Studios, which is a coaching studio and also a full-time voiceover company. In this episode, she has a conversation with Linda, who is also a full-time voiceover actor. They compare their respective studios and discuss the variety of services offered to students both locally and online.

About Christi Bowen:

Christi Bowen is an award winning voice actor with over 30 years experience in voiceover and video production.  She has developed a roster of clients all over the world and on many types of projects…from commercials and corporate narrations to e-learning modules and phone systems. She specializes in eLearning and also has a passion for political and automotive advertising. Her clients include L’Oreal, Walmart, General Mills, AAA Auto Club, Quaker Oats, IKEA and many more!

One of her proudest achievements is being the Owner of a voiceover training school and recording studio in Nashville called Tennessee Voice Over Studios.  TNVO Studios offers premier training to voice actors using the 3 Star method of Performance, Business and Technical mastery.  Christi is also the co-Founder of Tennessee Voice Over Exchange – the Meetup Group in Nashville for Voice Actors. With over 80 members, the group has been meeting monthly for over 12 years.

Visit: https://www.tnvoiceoverstudios.com/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Episode 139 – My VO Journey with Dave Johnston

On this episode of The Voiceover Gurus, we speak with Dave Johnston, a newcomer to the VO Journey. Learn about how he got started and what made him fall in love with voiceover.

About Dave Johnston:

Coming from a background of vocal performance as well as being in radio I've been, dabbing in voiceovers for well over ten years and always working on my craft to get the listener to the heart of the narrative. I have had the pleasure of coaching with some amazing coaches, Julie Williams with the Voiceover Insider, Linda Bruno, and the Voiceover Gurus. JJ Wilson and Domingo Castillo, and it's ongoing, always pursuing growth and expansion of my craft as a voice talent. My journey has included some interesting opportunities such as performing as a gunfighter street actor in Colorado as well as announcing for the Fine Arts Center in Des Moines . Through the years I have voiced numerous local and regional commercials as well.

Visit: https://www.davejvoices.com/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/