Episode Title: Hire the voice. Not the birth date.

Summary:In today's episode, I’m sharing a personal story about a recent casting experience - and a broader reflection on how voice work is often misunderstood.

When we hire based on numbers instead of nuance, we miss the real magic: the ability of a voice to embody character, emotion, and story, far beyond traditional labels like age.

A professional voice actor is trained to adapt — to sound younger, older, sicker, sexier, cooler — to be whatever the story needs.

This episode is a reminder that in voice acting, the voice itself is the instrument. Not the birthdate behind it.

In this episode:

Why age shouldn't define casting decisions

How trained voice actors shape-shift vocally

The importance of focusing on performance, character, and storytelling

A gentle call to rethink how we cast voices in creative work...

🎧 Bonus for paid subscribers:Paid subscribers get exclusive access to bonus content, where I dive deeper and share a story about one of the most bizarre things a client ever said to me.

Thank you for listening and supporting my work!If you enjoyed today’s episode, feel free to share it or leave a comment — I love hearing your thoughts.

Here's my Substack: https://ebclarke.substack.com

Here's my website: https://emmaclarke.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

I’m making something new…

I’ve just launched a new feature for paid subscribers called Radar Pings - short weekly voice notes sharing what’s pinging on my creative radar.

* Cool stuff I’ve discovered - music, books, podcasts, random curios…

* Intriguing questions I’m mulling over

* Creative struggles - when the stuff I’m making just isn’t working

* What I’m trying to do better - I mean, like, everything…

* Unexpected moments of joy, wonder, fear…

* …and so on…

🎧 Have a listen to the first FREE Radar Ping at the top of the page. 🎧

🔥 Paid subscribers get other exclusive, bonus stuff too! 🔥

🐣 And until 21st April, you can get 20% of annual subscriptions - that works out at 92p per week!

Think of Radar Pings as audio postcards from my studio. It’s another way of connecting for those who want deeper glimpses into the work I do.

Want in?

📣 Upgrade to paid to receive your first Radar Ping this week. 📣

Thank you, as always, for being here. Whether you’re reading, listening, supporting, or silently cheering - it means the world.

PS. 🐣 Don’t forget, my Easter Annual Subscription Sale is on until 21st April. Get 20% off for 1 year - that’s just £3.66 per month…£0.92 per week!

Thanks for reading Who Do You Think I Am?! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit ebclarke.substack.com

🔥 Paid subscribers get additional content. 🔥

🎙️ So We're Now In A Global Trade War

Emergency Weather Report: Surviving the Creative Storm

Welcome to this emergency episode of The Weather Report — a regular podcast feature on my Substack for creatives navigating the shifting skies of art, culture, and self-expression.

I’m Emma Clarke: artist, broadcaster, voice actor, and creative strategist. Think of this as part forecast, part dispatch, always grounded in lived experience.

In this episode, I share an Emergency Weather Report for April 2025.

With a global trade war brewing and creative freelancers caught in the crosswinds, I unpack what it means — and how we can respond.

You’ll hear:

Why this isn’t collapse, but recalibration

The five things freelancers need to do now to adapt and stay visible

A call to create the kind of work this moment demands: steadying, strange, truthful

This episode is part strategy, part survival kit.

🔒 For paid subscribers:

The Extended ForecastYou’ll also receive:

🎧 Open Studio Tape — an unscripted audio reflection on how I weather creative turbulence in my own practice

To access this, upgrade to a paid subscription — and support independent, interdisciplinary work in the process.

💌 Subscribe to my Substack: https://ebclarke.substack.com

Get new episodes direct to your inbox.

You can find out more about me and my work on my personal website: https://emmaclarke.com/

🎙️ Show Notes

Episode Title: The Ground Is Shifting. So Am I. Subtitle: This month's Weather Report: global noise, inner clarity, and what’s next.

In this episode of The Weather Report, I share what’s stirring in the wider world—and inside my own creative life.

🌍 The external weather includes:

A global mood of disruption and resistance

The quiet cultural pivot back to real voices and crafted work

Longer days inviting more focus, space, and intentional creation

🌿 The internal weather?

Launching my new art business and website

Starting work on the score for an indie film

Protecting space to compose, reflect, and build slowly

Softly evolving my income streams to align with where I’m heading next

This is the kind of episode I record to stay grounded. I hope it helps you do the same.

🔒 Bonus content for paid subscribers:

A sneak peek from my memoir-in-progress

A deeper studio reflection on composing for screen

What I’m building slowly in the background (and why I’m not rushing it)

Subscribe or upgrade here: https://ebclarke.substack.com

Explore more of my work:

🎨 Visual art and graphic scores: emmaclarkeart.com🎙️ Voice, sound, and story: emmaclarke.com

Thanks for listening—and for being part of this thoughtful, creative space.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Notes: "Past My Sell-By Date? Ageism in Voice Acting"

Episode Summary:What happens when your voice—once the go-to for major brands—slowly fades from the commercial scene? In this episode, I take a deep dive into ageism in voice acting, particularly how it affects women. From once booking high-profile campaigns to suddenly being asked to voice care home ads and funeral planners, I share my personal experiences of how the industry sidelines female voices as they age.

We’ll explore the ‘shelf life’ myth, the problem with photo requests in an audio industry, and how industry bias allows men to ‘mature’ into authoritative voices while women simply ‘age out.’ Plus, I’ll break down how we can challenge these biases and reclaim our space in the industry.

In This Episode:

🔹 A personal story: how my bookings shifted from high-energy brands to ‘mature’ voiceover requests🔹 The ‘silent drop-off’—when major clients stop calling without explanation🔹 The myth of a voiceover ‘shelf life’ and how it disproportionately affects women🔹 Why casting directors are now asking for headshots in a voice-only profession🔹 The industry’s obsession with youth and how it fuels gendered ageism🔹 How we can push back against this bias and stay relevant

Two Versions Available:

🔓 FREE LISTEN: The core episode is available to all subscribers.🔒 PAID LISTEN: For my wonderful paid subscribers, I’ve included an extended version with bonus content at the end, where I share additional behind-the-scenes insights and strategies for navigating this industry shift.

Resources & Links:

🎧 Listen to the full episode now.📩 Join the discussion in the comments—have you experienced ageism in voice acting?🔒 Paid Subscribers Only: Get exclusive insights & behind-the-scenes content.

Support the Show:

If you found this episode valuable, consider upgrading to a paid subscription to support independent content like this. Your support helps keep these important conversations going and allows me to create even more in-depth episodes.

👉 Share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it. Let’s make this a conversation the industry can’t ignore.

Find my Substack here: https://ebclarke.substack.com

For more info about me and my work, here's my personal website: https://emmaclarke.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

🎙 Episode Title: "When the Big Gig Disappears: How to Handle a Pulled Campaign Like a Pro"

🔊 Episode Summary:In today’s episode, I share a real-life experience—one that most creatives, freelancers, and voice artists will relate to. A global campaign I was commissioned to voice was suddenly canceled. No warning. No final product. Just gone.

If you’ve ever had a major project disappear at the last minute, you know how disheartening it can be. But over the years, I’ve learned how to reframe the loss, move forward, and stay ready for the next big opportunity.

In this episode, I cover:✅ Why campaigns get pulled (and why it’s not about you)✅ How to reframe the setback so it doesn’t derail you✅ Why a near-miss is still a vote of confidence✅ How to keep momentum and motivation after a project falls through✅ Practical tips for bouncing back stronger than before

💡 Have you ever had a major project pulled at the last minute? How did you handle it? Let’s discuss!

🔗 Links & Resources:

Subscribe to my Substack for more insights

Follow me on LinkedIn

More about my work

📩 Stay Connected:Got thoughts on today’s episode? Drop me a message or share your experience in the comments!

🎧 Listen Now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Your Preferred Podcast App

#Podcast #FreelanceLife #CreativeBusiness #Resilience #ClientWork #Voiceover

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Episode: What's The One Thing Creatives Need to Do Their Best Work?

Episode Summary: In this episode, I dive into the one thing every creative needs to do in order to produce their best work: protect their creative energy. Creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about creating the right conditions for deep work, avoiding burnout, curating meaningful inputs, and trusting your own voice. I share practical ways to safeguard your time, energy, and focus so you can bring your best ideas to life.

What You'll Learn:

Why uninterrupted deep work is essential for creative breakthroughs

How to avoid burnout and keep your creative well full

The importance of curating high-quality inputs and avoiding the noise

How to say no to projects that drain your energy

The power of trusting your unique creative voice

Key Takeaways:

Creativity needs space—both physically and mentally—to thrive.

Burnout is the enemy of great work. Learn to rest as hard as you work.

Be selective about what influences your creative process.

Not every opportunity is worth your time. Choose wisely.

Trust your instincts and create from a place of confidence, not comparison.

Resources & Links:

Subscribe to my Substack

Follow me on Instagram

Explore my work

Join the Conversation: What do you do to protect your creative energy? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment or send me a message!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps more creatives find these conversations!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: The Weather Report: How to Forecast Your Creative Future & Stay Ahead of the Game

Episode Summary: In this episode, I introduce The Weather Report, a creative forecasting tool designed to help you navigate uncertainty, adapt to industry shifts, and make intentional decisions in your creative career. Whether you're an artist, writer, composer, or entrepreneur, this framework will help you recognise trends, seasonality, and the broader zeitgeist—both in the world around you and within yourself. Learn how to work with change instead of against it, and develop a strategy that is dynamic, responsive, and transformative.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why I created The Weather Report in response to rapid shifts in the voiceover industry✅ How external forces like AI, technology, and the economy impact creative careers✅ The two core "weather systems" that influence your work: Your Inner World and The Outside World. Understanding these concepts helps you develop your own personal 'weather forecast.' ✅ How to make smarter, more intentional decisions about when to create, connect, sell, or reflect✅ Practical strategies for applying The Weather Report daily, weekly, monthly, and annually

Resources & Links:

📖 Read the full Substack post: https://ebclarke.substack.com/p/the-weather-report-how-forecast-creative-strategy🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast for future episodes: https://ebclarke.substack.com/podcast📩 Join the conversation: What’s your creative climate right now? Leave a comment or send me a message!

Let’s Connect!

📩 Subscribe to my Substack for updates: https://ebclarke.substack.com📸 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmabclarke/💬 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabclarke/🐦 Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@emmabclarke

If you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with a fellow creative who could benefit from forecasting their future!

Here's my personal website for more info about me and my work: https://emmaclarke.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

Hey!

This is a quick update—I've turned on paid subscriptions for this Substack! I thought long and hard about this.

Nothing’s changing for free subscribers—you’ll still get my regular podcast, articles, sound maps, audio diaries and so on.

This isn’t about paywalls or pressure. This space is where I share my creative process, ideas, and work in progress. That’s gonna continue.

But with paid subscriptions, I’ll be able to create even more, experiment more boldly, and bring you brand new and exclusive creative work made in my sound studio at Clarke Gables.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, I’d love to welcome you into my studio.

If you’ve found value in what I do and want to be part of the journey, I’d love to have you as a paid subscriber.

Either way, I’m so very grateful you’re here.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of this little corner of the Substackverse.

With gratitude,

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe

The Economics of Time: Why Every Hour Matters for Freelancers

Freelancing offers freedom and flexibility, but it also requires a heightened awareness of how time is spent. In this episode, we explore the critical trade-offs freelancers must make when deciding where to invest their hours. I’ll share a recent experience of being asked to take part in an unpaid academic study on freelance work—an ironic situation that highlights the financial realities we face.

We’ll discuss:

Why freelancers must be intentional about every hour they spend

The hidden costs of unpaid work and why exposure isn’t a currency

How to evaluate unpaid opportunities and make strategic decisions

The importance of setting boundaries and respecting your own time

How businesses, researchers, and organizations can better engage with freelancers

If you’re a freelancer, independent creator, or someone working in the gig economy, this episode is for you. Let’s unpack the realities of managing time, sustaining a freelance business, and ensuring every decision aligns with your professional goals.

Resources & Links:

Accompanying Blog Post: The Economics of Time

Subscribe to my Substack for more insights on freelancing

Follow me on social media for more discussions on creative business strategy.

Join the Conversation: I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you assess the value of your time? What are your non-negotiables when it comes to unpaid work? Share your experiences in the comments or reach out via email.

Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, sharing it with a fellow freelancer, or leaving a review. Every bit of support helps keep this conversation going!

#Freelancing #TimeManagement #BusinessOfCreativity #WorkLifeBalance

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ebclarke.substack.com/subscribe