The VoiceOver Pod made possible by Such A Voice with your host Justine Reiss

What if one simple word had the power to change the way we see ourselves and each other? What better way to launch a podcast about claiming your voice than with a conversation about using it to celebrate someone else's? In this inaugural episode of Claim Your Voice, I sit down with my dear friend, award-winning athlete, sports psychologist, author, and nonprofit founder Barbara Edelston Peterson to explore the powerful concept behind her newest book, Kvell: A Word You Should Know. Barbara is a pioneer in mountain biking, a multiple-time world champion XTERRA athlete, grandmother, speaker, and lifelong advocate for helping people live with purpose, resilience, and joy. But perhaps her greatest legacy is introducing the world to the Yiddish word kvell, a word that means to beam with pride, joy, and delight in someone else's accomplishments. Barbara believes it's far more than a word...it's a movement. As the audiobook narrator of Kvell, I watched this message transform not only listeners but my own life. Since recording the book, I've found myself intentionally encouraging strangers, celebrating friends more openly, and even remembering to kvell over myself. The response has been incredible, proving that a few heartfelt words can create connection in a world experiencing an epidemic of loneliness. Together, we explore why encouragement is one of the greatest gifts we can give, how shifting from judgment to celebration changes our relationships, and why using your voice to uplift someone else may be one of the most powerful ways to claim your own. If you've ever wondered how a single compliment, a moment of recognition, or a simple "well done" can change someone's day or even their life, this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore: What "kvell" really means and why the world needs this word now more than ever • How encouragement creates confidence, connection, and community • Why celebrating others doesn't diminish your own success, it expands it • Practical ways to make kvelling a daily habit • The connection between claiming your voice and using it to uplift others • How Kvell has grown from a book into a worldwide movement through Kvell Dinners, Kvell Circles, and community gatherings Connect with Barbara Edelston Peterson: Website: https://barbaraedelstonpeterson.com/kvell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livekvell/ https://www.instagram.com/bedelpete/ LinkedIn: Barbara Edelston Peterson Get Kvell: A word you should know in paperback, eBook, or audiobook beautifully narrated by Justine Reiss and discover how one simple word can transform the way you encourage yourself and everyone around you. Connect with Justine: Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com Instagram: @justinereiss Email: justine@empoweredvoicecoach.com If you're ready to find your authentic voice, speak with confidence, tell your story, or explore voiceover, I'd love to work with you through my Claim Your Voice workshops, coaching programs, and speaking events. I hope you enjoy this heartfelt conversation as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and most importantly...go kvell over someone today. Claim Your Voice. Visualize it. Vocalize it. Monetize it. 00:00 Welcome to Claim Your Voice 00:45 Meet Barbara Edelston Peterson 02:45 The Journey to Liv Kvell 06:24 What Does "Kvell" Mean? 08:02 Why This Word Became a Movement 11:00 Making Kvelling a Daily Habit 12:30 Claiming Your Voice Through Encouragement 14:00 Use Your Voice to Lift Others 15:52 Judgment vs. Celebration 17:53 A Simple Compliment Can Change Someone's Day 19:40 The Liv Kvell Journal, Dinners & Circles 20:37 Start Your Own Kvell Movement 22:45 Final Thoughts & How to Connect 23:50 Closing   Hashtags #VoiceoverCoaching #VOCoaching #VoiceActingTips #VoiceoverLessons #HowToBecomeAVoiceActor #VoiceActingForBeginners #VoiceCoach #SpeakingSkills #FindYourVoice #ClaimYourVoice #SpeakWithConfidence #PublicSpeakingTips #OvercomeStageFright #ConfidenceBuilding #EmpowerYourVoice #MindsetForCreators #VOTraining #VODemoReel #VOMarketing #VOHomeStudio #VoiceWarmups #VocalHealth #ArticulationExercises #JustineReiss #ClaimYourVoiceWithJustineReiss #HowToMakeMyVoiceSoundBetter 

On this episode of Claim Your Voice, I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, author, speaker, media personality, and Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, David Meltzer. David's story is one of extraordinary success, devastating loss, and profound transformation. Raised by a single mother with six children, he was driven by one simple goal: to become rich enough to buy his mom a house and a car. He went on to earn his first million dollars shortly after law school, helped build billion-dollar companies, became CEO of the legendary Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency (the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire), and established himself as a leader in sports, technology, media, and entrepreneurship. Then everything changed. After losing more than $100 million and finding himself bankrupt, David was forced to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about success, happiness, faith, and purpose. That journey ultimately led him to a mission of empowering more than one billion people to be happy. In our conversation, David shares why sports, business, and even social media are simply backdrops for something much bigger: learning to love what we don't like about what we love. We explore the power of gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, faith, and daily practices that create lasting success. David also explains why "too soon is a burden," why most people quit right before breakthrough, and how life experience is actually your greatest competitive advantage. One of my favorite moments comes at the end when David shares three simple words that can change the trajectory of your life: Ask for help. Whether you're building a business, launching a creative career, reinventing yourself after 40, or simply trying to live with greater purpose, this episode is filled with wisdom that will help you shorten the distance between where you are and where you want to be. In This Episode, We Explore: Why Jerry Maguire is actually a love story, not a sports movie Learning to love what you don't like about what you love The difference between money and happiness How David lost over $100 million—and what he learned from rebuilding Gratitude, forgiveness, and accountability as life-changing practices Why "too soon is a burden" The compounding effect of daily habits and consistency Why people over 40 may have a greater advantage than they realize Social media, personal branding, and building community The importance of faith and believing in something bigger than yourself Why asking for help is one of the most powerful skills you can develop How being of service creates abundance and fulfillment Connect with David Meltzer Website: https://dmeltzer.com Email: david@dmeltzer.com Instagram: @davidmeltzer LinkedIn: David Meltzer David generously shares free trainings, books, live events, and community opportunities designed to help people create more happiness, abundance, and impact in their lives. Connect with Justine Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com Instagram: @justinereiss Email: justine@suchavoice.com Interested in Claim Your Voice workshops, vocal empowerment coaching, voiceover training, or speaking opportunities? Reach out and let's connect. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation as much as I did. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to listeners around the world. And remember: Visualize it. Vocalize it. Monetize it.

On this episode, I sit down with Tim Duffy—multiple Emmy®-winning producer/director and former network executive turned mindfulness teacher and coach.  Tim Duffy is a trauma-informed mindfulness expert and executive coach who specializes in high-stress, emotionally complex environments. He's worked with Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, Michelin-starred chefs, law enforcement leaders, network presidents, and frontline mental health providers. Certified through the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and trained in trauma care through NICABM, Tim blends his background in behavioral psychology with over 10,000 hours of contemplative practice and real-world business success to create tools that are emotionally intelligent, practical, and scalable. A two-time Emmy Award-winner and former Paramount network executive, Tim brings a rare ability to make well-being engaging, memorable, and deeply human. He helps caregivers and leaders not just reset—but rewire for joy. Tim has shaped stories across traditional TV, streaming, digital, and social, and now helps creatives and teams access presence, clarity, and flow. We dive into how authenticity wins in casting, why your first 3–5 seconds can make or break an audition, and how mindfulness transforms performance, collaboration, and leadership. Tim takes us behind the scenes of his career—from early days at Game Show Network to launching the West Coast division at Spike TV (now Paramount Network)—sharing what buyers listen for, how he evaluates truth in a read, and when improvisation helps (and when it absolutely doesn't). You'll hear a hilarious and humbling story about giving notes to a powerhouse producer, plus what it took to shape narration with Emeril Lagasse in post—proof that even on-camera legends benefit from expert VO direction. We also get practical about mindfulness for creatives: moving from “zombie mode” (lost in thought) to the mindful witness; practicing compassionate accountability; and using an attitude of allowing to free your voice, make wiser choices, and sustain your creative momentum. If you're a working pro or just getting started, Tim's blend of industry know-how and inner skills will help you show up real, connected, and ready. In this episode, we explore: The casting buyer's ear: how to spark a “huh, interesting” in seconds Slate or no slate? Using dynamic contrast to signal humanity fast Smart improv: when a “freestyle” take helps, and when it hurts Directing narration: shaping emphasis, enunciation, and emotional truth Mindfulness for performers: escaping overthinking and dropping into flow “Alignment” as a compass for VO careers—and why training still matters Want to connect with Tim? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-duffy-11053186/ IG: @meditatingwithduffy Email: tim@timduffymeditation.com (Private coaching, team workshops, and mindfulness for creatives/corporate) Want to connect with Justine? You can find her at:  Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com/ Email: justine@suchavoice.com IG: @justinereiss And to receive an INTRO TO VOICEOVER webinar email the request to justine@suchavoice.com I hope you enjoy this powerful and inspirational episode just as much as I did!  If you did please leave a review for us!  Check out this recent incredible review of The VoiceOver Pod: “The Queen, Justine Reiss This wonderful lady is truly the Queen of our business. Justine is sincere, honest, exhilarating, exuberant, polarizing, and energetic!! You inevitably get caught up in the moment with her enthusiasm and love for the craft! She and the guests on the podcast have a genuine vibe that you can feel and hear in their voices! As a person, I am honored to have Justine as a mentor and guide as a newcomer to the voice acting industry. She is truly one of the best in what she does!" - Dave Kaleel  Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts  Thank you for listening!   -- Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voiceover actors here:  bit.ly/3hT7ylz Want to learn more about voiceover? Check out Justine's introductory webinar here:  https://go.oncehub.com/YoureOnTheAirWithJustine

On this podcast episode, I sit down with international voice actor George Washington III, who brings more than 20 years of experience across commercials, corporate narration, television, video games, promos, and more. George opens up about what it really takes to thrive in voiceover today—hint: it's not just about talent, but about community, connection, and keeping your creative fire alive. In this conversation, George shares why the voiceover community is crucial to long-term success, how his background as a singer has shaped his voice work, and why having a passion outside of voiceover is essential to keeping your artistry fresh. Whether you're new to VO or a seasoned pro, you'll take away insights about sustaining a career while staying inspired. George has spent decades voicing projects for clients around the globe and is an active supporter of the broader VO industry. You'll also hear about WoVOCon: The Voiceover Unconference, coming up October 17–19, 2025, in New Orleans, where George will be a featured part of this unique gathering of talent. Want to connect with George? You can find him at: IG: @gwiii TikTok: @voevolution Want to connect with Justine? You can find her at: Website: empoweredvoicecoach.com Email: justine@suchavoice.com IG: @justinereiss And to receive an INTRO TO VOICEOVER webinar, email the request to justine@suchavoice.com ✨ If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review—it helps more people find their authentic voice and join our amazing VO community! I hope you enjoy this powerful and inspirational episode just as much as I did!  If you did please leave a review for us!  Check out this recent incredible review of The VoiceOver Pod: “The Queen, Justine Reiss This wonderful lady is truly the Queen of our business. Justine is sincere, honest, exhilarating, exuberant, polarizing, and energetic!! You inevitably get caught up in the moment with her enthusiasm and love for the craft! She and the guests on the podcast have a genuine vibe that you can feel and hear in their voices! As a person, I am honored to have Justine as a mentor and guide as a newcomer to the voice acting industry. She is truly one of the best in what she does!" - Dave Kaleel  Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts  Thank you for listening!   -- Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voiceover actors here:  bit.ly/3hT7ylz Want to learn more about voiceover? Check out Justine's introductory webinar here:  https://go.oncehub.com/YoureOnTheAirWithJustine

On this podcast episode I dive deep with Wesley Stevens, the founder of Vox, Inc. Wes shares his fascinating journey from starting as an intern in the voiceover industry to becoming a highly successful agent. In this episode, explore the evolution of voiceover, the impact of technology on the industry, and what it takes to make it as a voiceover artist today. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the scene, this episode is packed with insights and advice from one of the industry's most experienced agents.   Wes has advocated for talent as a profession since 1994. He started in Columbus, Ohio at a small agency booking variety acts before joining Talent Group, Inc. (TGI) in Los Angeles in 1995 as an assistant. Seven years later, he acquired TGI's voice-over department and launched VOX, Inc. Wes has represented some of the biggest names in film, television, social media and music, alongside brands including Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, Fox, GE, Apple, Dodge, Jaguar and Sprint. His first booking of note was placing David Hyde Pierce in "A Bugs Life," and the journey took him back to Pixar in 2009, when he placed Ed Asner in "Up." Along that road there have been many campaigns, series, films, and fond memories.   Having built the company off the springboard of his specialization in animation and gaming, the company's success led to diversification into celebrity endorsements and innovative deals in hosting, podcasting, AI and other emerging media and technologies. Wes helps talented people create powerful, equitable, and long-term relationships. He thrills at the opportunity to connect the right talented people with each other.   Wes was born in Virginia. He is a military brat, an Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of Virginia. Wes has run seven full marathons from Honolulu to Florence, Italy. He is very involved with Amazon Conservation Team and with Best Buddies, a global charity promoting the full integration of individuals with intellectual disabilities into mainstream society. He is passionate about creativity in all its expressions. Wes resides in Los Angeles with his husband and two pups.   Want to connect with Wes? You can find him at:   Vox Website: https://voxusa.net/#about Vox IG: https://www.instagram.com/vox_inc_usa/   Want to connect with Justine? You can find her at:    Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com/ Email: justine@suchavoice.com IG: @justinereiss And to receive an INTRO TO VOICEOVER webinar email her at justine@suchavoice.com   I hope you enjoy this powerful and inspirational episode just as much as I did!  If you did please leave a review for us!    Check out this recent incredible review of The VoiceOver Pod:   “The Queen, Justine Reiss   This wonderful lady is truly the Queen of our business. Justine is sincere, honest, exhilarating, exuberant, polarizing, and energetic!! You inevitably get caught up in the moment with her enthusiasm and love for the craft!   She and the guests on the podcast have a genuine vibe that you can feel and hear in their voices! As a person, I am honored to have Justine as a mentor and guide as a newcomer to the voice acting industry. She is truly one of the best in what she does!" - Dave Kaleel    Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts    Thank you for listening!   --   Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voiceover actors here:  bit.ly/3hT7ylz   Want to learn more about voiceover? Check out Justine's introductory webinar here:  https://go.oncehub.com/YoureOnTheAirWithJustine

On this podcast episode I dive deep with Wesley Stevens, the founder of Vox, Inc. Wes shares his fascinating journey from starting as an intern in the voiceover industry to becoming a highly successful agent. In this episode, explore the evolution of voiceover, the impact of technology on the industry, and what it takes to make it as a voiceover artist today. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the scene, this episode is packed with insights and advice from one of the industry's most experienced agents.   Wes has advocated for talent as a profession since 1994. He started in Columbus, Ohio at a small agency booking variety acts before joining Talent Group, Inc. (TGI) in Los Angeles in 1995 as an assistant. Seven years later, he acquired TGI's voice-over department and launched VOX, Inc. Wes has represented some of the biggest names in film, television, social media and music, alongside brands including Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, Fox, GE, Apple, Dodge, Jaguar and Sprint. His first booking of note was placing David Hyde Pierce in "A Bugs Life," and the journey took him back to Pixar in 2009, when he placed Ed Asner in "Up." Along that road there have been many campaigns, series, films, and fond memories.   Having built the company off the springboard of his specialization in animation and gaming, the company's success led to diversification into celebrity endorsements and innovative deals in hosting, podcasting, AI and other emerging media and technologies. Wes helps talented people create powerful, equitable, and long-term relationships. He thrills at the opportunity to connect the right talented people with each other.   Wes was born in Virginia. He is a military brat, an Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of Virginia. Wes has run seven full marathons from Honolulu to Florence, Italy. He is very involved with Amazon Conservation Team and with Best Buddies, a global charity promoting the full integration of individuals with intellectual disabilities into mainstream society. He is passionate about creativity in all its expressions. Wes resides in Los Angeles with his husband and two pups.   Want to connect with Wes? You can find him at:   Vox Website: https://voxusa.net/#about Vox IG: https://www.instagram.com/vox_inc_usa/   Want to connect with Justine? You can find her at:    Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com/ Email: justine@suchavoice.com IG: @justinereiss And to receive an INTRO TO VOICEOVER webinar email her at justine@suchavoice.com   I hope you enjoy this powerful and inspirational episode just as much as I did!  If you did please leave a review for us!    Check out this recent incredible review of The VoiceOver Pod:   “The Queen, Justine Reiss   This wonderful lady is truly the Queen of our business. Justine is sincere, honest, exhilarating, exuberant, polarizing, and energetic!! You inevitably get caught up in the moment with her enthusiasm and love for the craft!   She and the guests on the podcast have a genuine vibe that you can feel and hear in their voices! As a person, I am honored to have Justine as a mentor and guide as a newcomer to the voice acting industry. She is truly one of the best in what she does!" - Dave Kaleel    Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts    Thank you for listening!   --   Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voiceover actors here:  bit.ly/3hT7ylz   Want to learn more about voiceover? Check out Justine's introductory webinar here:  https://go.oncehub.com/YoureOnTheAirWithJustine

Join me on The VoiceOver Pod, with the accomplished VO talent and true crime podcast host, Vanessa Richardson. From her early beginnings around production due to her father's career in film editing, to her successful voiceover career, Vanessa shares her invaluable insights and experiences.    This episode covers:  Navigating the transition to home studios Audition tips The importance of authenticity The fascinating world of true crime podcasts.    Whether you're new to voiceover or a seasoned pro, this episode is filled with practical advice and engaging stories from the voiceover industry.   Vanessa Richardson has two and a half decades of experience in television production and post-production, as well as years of theater, improvisation, voiceover and acting training, which have all created the foundation of her voice over career. She was born in Colombia, South America (fluent in Spanish) and is a lucky mom of 2 amazing boys. She is also very passionate about the VO industry!   She currently co-hosts “Killer Minds” and hosts “Crime House: The Show” for PAVE Studios (on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more).   Connect with Vanessa IG: @thevoiceoftruecrime @voiceactorlife TikTok: @thevoiceoftruecrime Facebook: Vanessa Richardson Voice Actor   Connect with Justine Website: https://empoweredvoicecoach.com/ Email: justine@suchavoice.com IG: @justinereiss And to receive an INTRO TO VOICEOVER webinar email her at justine@suchavoice.com   I hope you enjoy this powerful and inspirational episode just as much as I did!  If you did please leave a review for us!    Check out this recent incredible review of The VoiceOver Pod:   “The Queen, Justine Reiss   This wonderful lady is truly the Queen of our business. Justine is sincere, honest, exhilarating, exuberant, polarizing, and energetic!! You inevitably get caught up in the moment with her enthusiasm and love for the craft!   She and the guests on the podcast have a genuine vibe that you can feel and hear in their voices! As a person, I am honored to have Justine as a mentor and guide as a newcomer to the voice acting industry. She is truly one of the best in what she does!" - Dave Kaleel    Tune in to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to your podcasts    Thank you for listening!   --   Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voiceover actors here:  bit.ly/3hT7ylz   Want to learn more about voiceover? Check out our introductory webinar here:  bit.ly/35eTu0T   Social media caption 1  

Voices of Authors

Voices of Intention

The VoiceOver Pod with Justine Reiss

The Voiceover Pod with Justine Reiss

Join me as I speak with Sid McNairy about his incredible journey, working with everyone from football teams to motivational speakers - using alternate methods of empowerment.   Sid McNairy, the Architect of the Art of Peaceful Living, is a spiritualist and teacher who helps people connect with their highest and best selves through disciplines such as meditation, yoga, and self-discovery. With a background in coaching college football and coaching NFL players, Sid's journey through life has involved battles both physically and mentally.   Sid came to one of my group coachings and we instantly saw a connection to empowering people with the confidence that comes from the skills used in voice-over.   We discuss the power of learning to use your voice in confidence and how it can be a game changer to create content, narrate your book, and bring your message forward in a podcast or social media post.   Check out Sid's upcoming event: https://sidmcnairy.com/thealttfactor/

Justine & Michael continue their conversation about the state of the industry, home studios, character work and more!.  Michael Yurchak is an Animation Actor, VO Coach, & Demo producer with Such a Voice.

Join us in a conversation between Justine & Michael Yurchak, Animation Actor, VO Coach & Demo producer with Such a Voice. We talk about what's changed in the industry from working in-studio to home studios, distinguishing between anime & animation, and the surprising places Michael has been lately: hitting the conference circuit, signing autographs for a show he did years ago.   He shares with us some very touching stories about how his character work has reached people in ways he never imagined. And of course, we discuss the joy he gets passing the torch to voice talent, helping them get started in the business of voice acting. As Michael said, "There will be payoffs when you least expect it!" Join us for a super fun conversation that I wasn't ready to end!

In this episode Justine talks with Audiobook Narrator and Coach, Cathi Colas. They discussed: How to get into Audiobook Narration What kind of books should you look for when auditioning  Where to find audiobook auditions When to approach publishers Proofing, editing, mastering your own books vs. hiring someone to do that for you, using Pozotron (software solution) What is ACX Where to get experience when you first start narrating Suchavoice Audiobook Coaching Program And so much more! So tune in, subscribe to our channel, leave a review! Thanks for listening.  

In this episode Justine talks with Such A Voice Coach and Improv Extraordinaire Tim Powers. They talked about: The power of acting in 'Voice Acting' - YOU CAN BE TRAINED IN THIS AREA Four point analysis Acting is reacting You can have a great voice but having a marketable sound and being trained is the game changer Send it and Forget it Being in the moment How improv will teach you how to trust your instincts take risks and get into the “Yes” pile

In this episode, Justine interviews Such A Voice Alumni Tim Huchton.  We talk about his choice to start a voice-over career, and his experience with our team at Such A Voice. We also talk about what it means to speak with a conversational tone vs. a slick sound. Tune in and listen to how Tim found success in his voice-over career while working from home and keeping his other job.

In this amazing episode where I speak with Doug Jones - known as the greatest actor you hardly ever see!  We talk about:   Voice acting as a full-body experience  David Hyde Pierce not understanding why they hired him because Doug had voiced the Hellboy character with such emotion and perfection. How to make ‘creature sounds' Effort in video game VO Going for your dreams   As he says, "Someone out there is doing this voice-over thing, and it may as well be you."

In Part Two of Justine's interview with James Seawood, they discuss “Imposter Syndrome” Being able to survive in a highly competitive field. Bringing your own “authentic self” to a read.   Figuring out the strategy or “roadmap” of learning voiceover. Understanding the “4 P's”.  The importance of not allowing your ego to take over your process and so much more!

In part two of Justine's interview with Steve Silverman, Steve discusses picking the right person for the gig. Trends in voiceover embracing Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI).  How to break into Promo and Trailer voiceover. The importance of getting coaching, setting up a Home Studio and so much more.

In part one of Justine's interview with Steve Silverman, Steve talks about  how he got started in the industry as an intern on the soap opera General Hospital, being in the right place at the right time, creating self fulfilling prophecies, his time working in animation for Dreamworks, and writing and producing promos for the WB Network. 

In part one of Justine's interview with James Seawood, James discusses his voiceover journey. The importance of getting coaching. Working as a full time voiceover talent.  The importance of setting intentions and creating goals.  Working with Pay to Play and so much more!