Voiceover Stories: Real, Raw, and Relevant

In part 2 of Racism in Voice Overs and Beyond, our guest moderator Sherri Pullum has the panel go beyond voice overs in talking about racism.  Topics discussed are systemic racism; actionable steps to be a part of the solution; the most recent US presidential election and more. As with part 1, I invite you to listen with an open heart and mind.     Brief bios; links on our panelists and resources are below. Sheri Pullum our moderator is an actress, writer and producer.  She has a fabulous youtube show called Dreamers Unite which I highly recommend.    Joan Baker a veteran voice over talent, she is the co-founder of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences and is the author of Secrets of Voice-Over Success: Top Voice-Actors Reveal How They Did it   Kadine Anckle is an Executive Producer and Voice Over talent. She is a graduate of Penn State and holds a master from New York Institute of Technology.    Heather Keets Wright is the founder behind Wright Creative Agency, a content marketing, and video production firm based outside of CLT North Carolina. She is an industry thought leader, breast cancer survivor, and advocate, writer, editor, and content nerd.   Tanya D. Jones is an award winning writer, producer, and director who executes storytelling for virtual, social, and television platforms.  From set life to real life, she is a certified professional coach. In 2020 she left her media publishing career to create Mama Bear Media Group LLC and Your Life Coached.      Zoë Flowers is an author and international speaker whose poetry and essays can be found in several anthologies and journals. In 2004, Zoë interviewed survivors of domestic and sexual violence. From Ashes to Angel’s Dust: A Journey Through Womanhood is the book that emerged.    Resources   Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla Saad   Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates   The Danger of the Single Story- TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie    

We are living in a time where systemic racism can no longer be ignored, calling for a much needed conversation.  As voice actors we are given the opportunity to ask ourselves how we are supporting black talent and why that's even important.  As humans we are being given an opportunity to  reexamine our beliefs and where those beliefs came from.   On this special episode (s) of VO Stories we are talking about racism in voice overs and beyond.  This is a two part series and my dear friend, Sheri Pullum is moderating  the discussion.  We have an esteemed group of black women in the entertainment industry sharing their insights and experiences on this panel.   I invite you to listen with an open heart and mind.      

Hi Friends - Happy Thursday.   Today I'm introducing you to my dear and talented friend, Sherri Pullum, founder of Pullum Productions. I asked Sherri to be my guest since she will be moderating an upcoming conversation on VO Stories titled "Racism in Voice Overs and Beyond". I feel you should get to know her and hear her intention - both for the episode she facilitates as well as in life. Here's a hint- your voice is involved.   New episodes of VO Stories, Thursdays.  

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! VO Stories is back!   This episode was recorded back in May, but this episode is still so relevant in these strange times of COVID. I'm talking with the down-to-earth and super smart Marc Scott, voice over talent and founder of the VO-preneur. As you listen to this episode ask yourself these questions:   1. How am I adapting during COVID?   2. How can I keep things moving forward with my voice over career?   3. How can I be a part of the solution?   Whether you are new to voice overs or a seasoned talent- there is opportunity for work. After talking with Marc, I learned that I need to get out of my head and change the narrative around working in times of a global pandemic. As my former legendary acting teacher Gene Lasko would say, "Be about the work!"   New episodes of VO Stories, Thursdays.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! Here's something I've been thinking about lately (and I know we're probably all doing A LOT of thinking in quarantine): redo's.   If you think we need a redo in 2020, I should tell you about my 2019. So...with a little hesitation...here goes.   In this week's episode of VO Stories- I get real and share how my own personal pandemic (a breast cancer diagnosis) prepared me for our new reality - a global pandemic. While I'm still learning, growing and adjusting to this new normal - well, both of my new normals I guess -  I do believe that I discovered some gifts from that first upside down world that are serving me well now and may be of value to you too.     How are you finding loving ways to be with yourself in these unusual times? Let me know in the comments below. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! Wait - it is Thursday right? Today, I've got on a great guest for you. If you don't know him, you should! His name is J. Michael Collins. He's been at voiceovers for over 25 years, so he was the perfect person to talk to about how to navigate being a voiceover talent during this strange time. Many of you have questions - how do you market yourself, how do you find work, do you pivot? I think you're going to find lots of valuable nuggets in this one, so definitely take a listen! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday (in case you've lost track - like me!)! I'm not sure about you - but I'm exhausted trying to balance it all. Being a working parent is one thing, but being a working parent while also teaching your child? Oh boy! So, I did what I always do in times like this - lean on you, my voiceover community. Today, I chat with Carrie Olsen, Darrell Brown and Christy Harst with how they're handling the day to day of parenting and working with this new teaching curveball thing thrown into the mix! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! Of course - it's not your typical Thursday. As you may know, we were set last week to continue talking about tech in voiceovers. But once I realized how much COVID-19 was impacting all of our lives, I had to regroup. I knew I wasn't comfortable operating like it was business as usual when our lives were being turned upside down. It didn't seem right to not address the elephant in the room. So for the next month or so, I'm going to be focusing on how we - as voiceover talent and parents - can shift our focus to teach our kids, how we market ourselves (can we market ourselves?) and what niches should we look at, if we choose to work right now? I'm talking about it all this month and you will not want to miss it. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! It's our first guest of the new month, and he's hear to talk tech! This guest wears many hats; he's the owner of a studio, an audio engineer, a voiceover talent and teacher - John McClain! Listen in as John and I chat about the difference between sound proofing and sound control, plus hear his top three "musts" when setting up a professional voiceover set up! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! I can't believe it's already March! Spring will be here before we know it and I, for one, am ready! With a new month, comes a new theme for me to explore on the podcast. This month's topic? Technology - as it relates to voiceovers, of course. Technology is the driving force in voiceovers; studios have it and need it, and these days, so does talent. I'm going to be honest with you - tech has ALWAYS been my Achilles heel. I get the feeling some of you might struggle too, and that's what this month is all about! Listen in as I talk through how the relationship between VO talent and technology has changed over time, as well as talk through some of my personal struggles with tech. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. Today, I introduce you to Sarah Von Bargen. She isn't exactly in voiceovers, but she's made a huge difference in my life, and her advice is definitely worth sharing. She started off as a blogger, and is now a coach and writer. Most importantly, Sarah is a MASTER at creating new habits - especially those that have to do with money. Listen in as Sarah talks about challenges voice over artists face around variable income, ways to create a budget and more. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. Welcome to part two of my interview with Maria Pendolino! She needs no introduction, of course, but in case you forgot, Maria is the QUEEN of negotiating. Today, she'll dive even deeper into questions we should ask potential clients, what kinds of internet voiceover opportunities are out there, and more! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! I'm super pumped for today's guest - Maria Pendolino! She's kind of a girl crush of mine, so it's great that she's here for not just one, but TWO episodes! This week, listen in as I chat with this gracious woman about how she found her way to voiceovers, why she feels we need to negotiate with our clients, and so much more! This one is chalk full of information, so you don't want to miss it! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. A new month means a new theme! This month, I'm talking...MONEY! This month, we'll be talking about voiceover rates, knowing your personal worth and more. I'll be talking with experts in both voiceover and finance. With guests like Maria Pendolino and Sarah Van Bargen, you won't want to miss any of this month's episodes! Today, however, I'm chatting about why I chose money as this month's theme. I see it all the time - VO talent (including myself) spending a ton of money building a voiceover career, only to hit a low. Listen in as I chat through how to get comfortable with your finances, and how it can affect your career. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! Today, I chat with self described "nervous system expert" - life coach Michelle Colt. Listen in as Michelle talks about how she supports individuals in achieving goals, and ow she helps them get past their perceived limitations - all in the name of helping them to shine and live authentic lives! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! Do you contend with ADD - or even just a distracted mind? It can seem like a daunting task to figure out how to stay on focused and on track with your goals. Exercise builds your body, so there are things you can do to build your mind - even building your attention span! Take a listen as I talk you through how I help myself stay focused, even when it feels impossible. And hey - here's the journal I talk about. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday, friends! You've almost definitely heard of today's guest. Let me give you some hints - she has over 75 TV and film credits, has been nominated for an Emmy, and currently has a recurring role on "Atypical" on Netflix. That's right - this week's guest is Wendy Braun! Listen in as I chat with Wendy about Actor Inspiration - an online site she founded to help actors uplevel their career - as well as her journey to acting and how you can reach your potential in 2020. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday, friends! I'm so excited to be in new yea. 2020 holds a lot of promise; I can feel it. With a new year, come some changes. This year, there will be monthly themes to VO Stories. This month's theme is: "New Year, New You". Keeping with that theme, today's podcast will talk about goals! Many of us abandon our goals in mid-February. How can we set goals that are achievable? How can we make sure that when December 2020 rolls around, we feel proud of all we accomplished. Listen in as I talk about my secrets to achieving goals. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi there, friends! Happy Thursday. For my last podcast of 2019, I'm chatting goals! This is the time of year when people start to reflect on the goals they met during the past year, and begin to set goals for the new year - career goals, health goals...you name it. A book I read this summer, James Clear's "Atomic Habits" helped to give me some clarity on how I can better make and serve my goals in the upcoming year. Listen in as I chat through some of the things I learned, and what I'm taking with me to 2020. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. This week, I'm chatting with Tony Diaz. Tony is a talented audio engineer and a jack of all trades. He's done everything from ADR, sound design and everything in between. Listen in as he chats about his journey to audio engineering, what VO talent can do to have strong auditions, and so much more. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday, friends! In today's episode, I chat about something that's probably relatable to most of you out there - something called overwhelm. Listen in as I talk about my recent experiences with overhwlem, as well as share some tips and tricks to jump out of overwhelm. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday, and Happy Halloween friends! This week, I'm chatting with THE voiceover power couple - Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins. They both have enormous passion for what they do, as well as a genuine desire to help the voiceover community. Listen in as we chat about the location of their office, how they started their career and their conference "That's Voiceover". New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. It's the age old question - what do I need to be successful in voiceovers? In my opinion, you need something called conf-serverance. Yes, it's a made up word. Yes, it sounds silly. But it's the one thing (well - a perfect mix of two things) that I've found can bring ANYONE success in this industry. Listen in as I chat more about it, and why I think it's so important. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday! This week, I'm chatting with Melissa Moats - a true light and a wonderful resource in the voiceover community. Listen in on our chat and discover how a passion for commercials set her on the path to voiceovers, as well as how Melissa figured out how to market herself in the industry and build her brand. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday! Today we're rounding out my discussion on the three C's. You may remember I have talked about connection and commercials. But today I talk about the third C - coaching! I firmly believe that working with the right coach can help you become a better performer and transform your career! Take a listen as I give some hints, tips and tricks on how to find the right coach to support you. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Another Thursday is upon us, and so is the beginning of October. How did this year go by so fast? This week, I chat with Jessica Blue, a voiceover actress and author. Listen in as we chat about how the power of intention has helped her in her career. Here's hoping this chat inspires you to finish out the year strong! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday, friends! Today, I hone in on the second of my three C's - commercials. In this episode, I explain why I think commercials are one of the three big C's in voiceovers. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. This week, I chat with who I like to call "The Queen Bee" of voiceovers - Debbe Hirrata. You may have heard her narrate the hit TNT show, Claws. This woman is my bonafide woman crush; she has done it all - from narrating shows to lending her voice to national commercials to everything in between. Listen in as we chat about the power of saying yes - even if you don't know what you're doing - and how Debbe's perseverance led to a career spanning four decades. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

It's Thursday and today's episode of VO Stories dives into one of the three c's - CONNECTION. Do you find yourself able to deliver the perfect read note by note but can't explain how you truly feel about the copy; the read and that moment? Do you ever find yourself focused more on what is expected of you in the audition versus being totally in that moment? If so, this episode is for you....in it I discuss how to easily connect with self so that your TRUE voice can emerge. Here's to owning our voices! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday

Happy podcast day! Today, I'm chatting with Tim Friedlander, a super talented guy who has voiced everything from political spots to TV shows. Tim gets candid about his voiceover career and discusses finding a voiceover community and growing from his "failed" exxperiences. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday! In the true spirit of "back to school" time, I revisit some of the voiceover basics that have served as a foundation for my career in the industry. There are three basics that I'll be exploring today - connections, commercials and coaching. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday, all! This week, I chat with Carin Gilfry and Jamie Muffet, founders of a new voiceover conference - VOcation. Having success in voiceovers is about more than just having a snazzy voice. Listen in to our chat as we discuss what talent need to understand about marketing and runnning a business to become successful. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! Just because summer is wrapping up, doesn't mean that we don't have time for summer activities. Sun, fun...and some summer reading. Listen in as I chat about lessons learned from some of my two favorite books from this summer, "The Universe Has Your Back- Transform Fear to Faith" by Gabrielle Bernstein and "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi all! Happy Thursday! This week on the podcast, I chat with Corey Dissin. Over the the last 25 years, Corey has done it all. As the creator behind thousands of tv spots, web videos and radios pots, along with experience working with and casting voiceover talent, Cory has LOADS of valuable lessons to share. Listen in as we chat about how he became a motivator and mentor for voiceover talent, and why you (yes, YOU) should be using social media and creating a brand. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends - happy Thursday. On today's episode, I chat about having ADD. Trail and error can be frustrating when you're dealing what I sometimes refer to as "squirrel brain". With parents who were both in the field of psychology, they knew instantly what I was dealing with. Listen in as I talk about how I organize "Tina Z with ADD", and eight simple, proven rules that I follow. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy podcast day! This week, I chat with Steve Fisher and Jodie Gottlieb about their show "Blind Date Me". Not only am I involved in this show, but it includes many other voiceover talent too! As you listen - consider these questions: - What am I doing to stretch myself in voiceovers and in life? - Do I have a creative project that needs nurturing? - Am I saying yes? New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday all! This week, I talk about some challenges I've experienced over the last few weeks. After getting sick, I felt so lost - but also so stressed and worried about losing everything in my career. But then a friend asked me a simple question, and it helped put everything into perspective for me. Listen in as I chat through my experience. I hope it helps to give you perspective, no matter where you are at in your life and career. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi VO peeps! Happy Thursday. This week, I had the pleasure of talking to not one - but TWO people! I sat down for a chat with Chuck Duran and Stacey Aswad - hosts of VO Buzz Weekly on YouTube. Listen in as they describe how their show came to be, their favorite episode and the path to success in VO! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday. With Fathers Day on Sunday, I wanted to take some time to recognize to some cool voiceover dads I know and love. Similar to the Mothers Day episode from last month, I got some of my VO pals together to chat about how they balance it all - from careers to parenthood. These guys prove you really can have it all! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday and happy podcast day! This week I get personal and tell you a little bit about my relationship with words. Well, specifically one word - "freelance". Listen in as I describe how the word "freelance" impacted not just my career as a VO artist, but impacted the way I felt about myself. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Happy Thursday all! This week, I chat with Laura Goehrke - producer, director and improv genius! What I love about Laura is her realness- her sheer authenticity and willingness to share. Listen in as we chat about her path to becoming a producer, her battle with depression and much more! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.  

Hey Friends! It's Thursday and today on VO Stories we're talking about a heated topic- voiceover rates! You'll not only hear my thoughts, but also from some other notable talent - like Steve Ket and Carrie Olsen. As you listen, think about the following questions; - How comfortable are you in negotiating rates? - Do you know the industry standard rates for the area you voice in? - Do you know your value? Share your insights with me on social: @tinazarembavo

Happy Thursday, all! This week, you are in for a treat! I'm talking with Chuck Duran, host of VO Weekly and owner of Demos That Rock. Listen in as we talk about his approach to produce demos an how he approaches branding! Keep your eyes peeled for a future episode where I chat with Chuck again. You won't want to miss it. VO Stories, new episodes, every Thursday.

Hi friends! Happy Thursday and happy podcast day! With Mother's Day on Sunday (along with my birthday), I just KNEW the topic of today's podcast. To celebrate mamas and especially voice over mamas, this episode looks at the balancing act of voiceovers and motherhood. You'll hear from a variety of VO mamas sharing their experiences, advice and funny stories.

Happy Thursday! On today's episode, I chat with Heather Costa. She has faced some pretty big challenges, and remains the epitome of optimism, perseverance and badassery. Listen in as we chat through her voiceover journey, and what advice she has on moving through life's challenges.  

Hi and happy podcast day! This week, I'm talking about finding the truth int he copy - and in your life. I offer three tips to help you find your truth. Oh yeah - and I have some pretty awesome VO friends give some insight as well. If you're feeling lost in your career - or even in life - take a listen. You won't regret it.

Happy Thursday and happy podcast day! "VO Stories" isn't just the name of this podcast but what we strive to discover- the stories of various individuals that touch the voiceover world. I believe through story we not only learn but feel what so many of us desire...connection. Today's episode features casting director Jen Rudin. I took so many golden nuggets away from our conversation. Some key takeaways: there is real value in having a #mentor; be professional and you only have you name- be kind! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, please share your biggest take away with me. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @tinazarembavo  

Hi VO friends! Happy Thursday, aka new podcast day! This week, I'm talking about self-doubt - you know, that feeling that constantly nags at you and causes a whole slew of questions? Am I good enough? Do they even like me? Did I mess up? Listen in as I chat through self-doubt and my three keys to helping reign in my own self-doubt - even after 15 years in this business. New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.

Hi all and happy Thursday! This week, I chat with the always delightful Ramon de Ocampo, who has narrated over 150 audio books! If this is the aspect of voiceovers that you're interested in, then this is the episode for you! Listen in as Ramon and I chat about his VO journey, how he stays mentally and physically well, and so much more! New episodes of "VO Stories" every Thursday!

Hi all, Happy Thursday! This week's podcast is about resilience and resiliency. I'm guilty of it - being so serious and moping when things didn't go the way I hoped. Being resilient and keeping your spirits up during those VO "valleys" is vastly important. Listen in as I chat through my experiences with resilience and see what some of my VO friends and colleagues had to say! New episodes of VO Stories every Thursday. 

Hi friends! Happy Thursday and happy #VOStories day! This week, I chat with Gerald Griffith, the founder and executive producer of VO Atlanta, which is basically the Comic Con of voiceovers! Listen in as Gerald talks about who should think about attending VO Atlanta and the importance of networking in voiceovers. Be sure to pay attention to his story, "Threads", and tell me how it moved you! New episodes of VO Stories, every Thursday.