The Work From Home Voice Actor Podcast
31 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsThe Work From Home Voice Actor Podcast is for aspiring and beginner Voice Actors who are ready to dive into the everyday, nitty-gritty work, insights, and tools that go into running a successful voice acting business right from the comfort of home. I’m Melanie Scroggins your host and guide. This podcast was created out of a place of genuine curiosity and a hell of a lot of tenacity - because that’s truly what it takes to be a successful Voice Actor, especially when you want to work from home. I’m here to share a fresh, modern-day approach to voiceover based on what I’ve learned and experienced in my own business outside of the status quo. We’ll talk about everything from getting started to best practices for marketing yourself and your business, plus all of the fears and obstacles typically faced and how to work on overcoming them. Voiceover is a vast and ever-changing industry that provides opportunities for both beginners and professionals, especially in this modern age. So, whether you’re looking to become a Voice Actor, already work in the industry and want some outside-of-the-box tips and insights, this podcast is for you.
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Episodes
Episode #26: Demo Review #3
July 29, 2021 20:02 - 6 minutes - 9.34 MBWelcome to the Demo Review series! Where you submit your commercial demos and I’ll give my honest feedback. This is how we’ll organize these reviews. I’ll play the whole demo, from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the whole demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend. Before we dive in, here’s a listener note: Hi Melanie! As a part-time voice over artist trying to make the jump ...
Episode #25: Demo Review #2
July 21, 2021 19:59 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBIf you didn’t listen to last weeks’ episode, we are currently doing a Demo Review series where you submit your commercial demos and I give my honest feedback. I had a question this week about reviewing other types of demos i.e. narration, e-learning, etc. Know that I am only reviewing commercial demos because that is my area of expertise. I’ve had a lot of high-paying commercial gigs with well known brands and have produced my own commercial demos that get me booked time and time again. S...
Episode #24: Demo Review #1
July 16, 2021 18:02 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MBWelcome to the first demo review podcast episode! I’m excited that all of you have been so excited to share your demos with me for some, hopefully useful feedback. This is how we’ll organize these reviews: I’ll play the whole demo, from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the whole demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend. If you’d like me to review your commercial demo on the pod...
Episode #23: Introducing Demo Reviews
July 07, 2021 20:03 - 3 minutes - 4.5 MBYou spoke LOUD AND CLEAR! For the next few months, I'll be reviewing your commercial demos right here on the podcast. To submit your demo, email me at hello[at]melaniescroggins.com. Links & Resources: Submit a topic for the podcast
Episode #22: 3 Creative Voiceover Services You Can Offer Clients
July 02, 2021 15:50 - 7 minutes - 9.98 MBIn this episode, we’re talking about how to be creative with your service offerings. Meaning, we’re going to take a 10,000-foot overview look at our businesses and figure out some unique ways we can show up for clients and get paid. Time Stamps: 0:50 - Beginning of episode. 1:43 - Bulk project pricing. 2:23 - Done for you services. 3:23 - Sponsor message. 4:18 - Casting management. Links & Resources: 3 Arguments For Why You Should Keep Pursuing Voiceover The Busine...
Episode #21: From Podcasting to Voice Acting - Finding My Voice Through Audio Production (A Presentation)
June 23, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this episode, I’m sharing a talk I presented at the outlier podcast festival a few weeks ago. I got to share my story of how audio production has totally changed my life personally and professionally, as well as what I would do differently and what I would do again. If you’d rather watch the presentation, check out the video in the show notes at workfromhomevoiceactor.com. Time Stamps: 0:57 - Beginning of presentation + my story. 8:04 - Teaching everything I know. 8:51 - Wh...
Episode #20: 3 Arguments for Why You Should Keep Pursuing Voiceover Work
June 16, 2021 17:20 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MBIn this episode, I want to dig into one of those questions because I think this is what a lot of beginner Voice Actors are thinking as they set out to do VO. This question is from Denae, and she writes: Thousands of people love singing and have flocked to audition for American Idol over the years. For some of these very well intentioned folks, all the work, effort, and dedication in the world, will not make them professional paid singers. I love love love using my voice. I always have, but...
Episode #19: The Process of Creating the World in Your Head, Sourcing Talent, and Being Proud of What You Do with Keiko of MLA Entertainment
June 09, 2021 17:26 - 26 minutes - 36 MBI am thrilled to be sitting down and chatting with Keiko on this episode of the podcast! Keiko and I have been working on a YouTube web series, Project Infinity, together (she has the creator and me as voice talent) for four years this fall. It has been a heck of an adventure and I’ve loved getting to know my fellow cast members and Keiko over that time. I’ve always been super curious about her process and how she brings the worlds in her head to life. While this conversation actually to...
Episode #18: WFHVA Launch Update + Giveaway Announcement!
May 21, 2021 17:13 - 1 minute - 2.51 MBHey there - I wanted to pop in real quick and let you know what’s going on over here at the WFH Voice Actor and what you might want to be aware of in the coming weeks. First, I'll be hosting a free 30-minute webinar next week talking about the 5 essential tools you need to get started as a Voice Actor. You can find the link below. Second, We've got some giveaways over here! (If you're on the email list, you've been entered into the drawing already) 😁 if you’re not, be sure to subscribe a...
Episode #17: How to Run a Successful Voiceover Business (In Modern-Day)
April 30, 2021 16:13 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MBIn this episode, we’re talking about running a successful voiceover business in modern-day, or, as the world is today when it comes to communication, technology, and the ability to do almost any kind of work from anywhere - including voiceover, and that is what looks like for Voice Actors today. Resources mentioned: Stage32 WFH Voice Actor
Episode #16: 6 Places to Source Client Leads
April 22, 2021 20:42 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBIn this episode, I’m answering a question about sourcing client leads. With the internet at our disposal, there truly are endless places to look for potential clients always looking for new and fresh talent. I’ll even provide you with a lead tracker so you can keep track of all the information you come across in your efforts. Past auditions - direct or P2P Vimeo YouTube Google LinkedIn Your website *Google Analytics Remember, we're classy, not tacky! Download your Client Lead ...
Episode #15: The Top 5 Tools for Building Your Voiceover Business
April 15, 2021 16:51 - 5 minutes - 7.6 MBHey there - welcome to the Work From Home Voice Actor Podcast. If you’re a fan of the show and missed the latest announcement, we’ve transitioned from Hello VO into Work From Home Voice Actor to be super clear on what we’re covering over here. And if you’re new, welcome! I’m thrilled you’re here. In this episode, I’m answering a question about the essential tools a beginner voice actor should have in their toolkit. I know we covered this in a previous episode, but this is a super impo...
UPDATE: Welcome to the Work From Home Voice Actor Podcast
March 31, 2021 15:42 - 1 minute - 2.47 MBHey there! You may be wondering what the deal is with the new podcast name, theme, art and all that jazz. Well, after a month or so off and a deep dive into what I really want you to learn through this show, I’ve decided to transition Hello VO to the Work From Home Voice Actor Podcast - it’s a mouthful but you know exactly what we’re talking about here. We’ll talk about the same things we would through Hello VO, but always under the veil of working from home - because that’s what I do a...
Episode #15: What Type of Voice Actor Are You? (Plus a fun quiz to find out!)
March 11, 2021 21:36 - 4 minutes - 5.68 MBTime Stamps: 0:51 - Have you ever thought about what type of Voice Actor you want to be? 1:09 - The three types. 1:28 - The Hobbyist. 1:50 - The Work From Home Professional. 2:19 - The Influencer. 2:47 - Most Voice Actors are Work From Home Professionals. Links & Resources: What Type of Voice Actor Are You? Quiz
Episode #14: Working with People Who Are as Invested in Your Career as You Are with Eric Romanowski
February 19, 2021 21:12 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBTime Stamps: 1:00 - Beginning of conversation with Eric. 1:30 - Eric's radio background & his transition into demo production. 3:40 - Appreciation goes a long way. 5:23 - Understanding his place in the VO industry & leaving his radio job. 8:29 - Eric's role in the VO community. 11:26 - What Eric sees as the keys to success for talent and their demos. 18:02 - Even the best of the best constantly learn and coach. 19:50 - What Eric thinks is the future of demo production. ...
Episode #13: What It Means to Be Your Own Advocate
February 11, 2021 19:36 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBTime Stamps: 0:50 - Being your own advocate as a business owner. 1:09 - Definition of "advocate." 1:50 - Where you have to be your own advocate. 1:53 - Client communication. 2:52 - Project rates. Learn from my mistakes! 6:58 - The success of your business. Links & Resources: 5 Essential Tools Article Download the Building Your Business Toolkit Checklist
Episode #12: Knowing What You're Meant to Do in Your Career with Tom Aglio
February 02, 2021 16:53 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBTime Stamps: 1:18 - Beginning of conversation with Tom. 2:55 - How he knew he wanted to pursue VO long term. 8:45 - Why VO is such a supportive and inclusive industry. 11:07 - What inspired Tom to start coaching. 14:30 - Tom's 'funny' career in voiceover. 15:50 - Rejection and keeping the enthusiasm alive. 17:28 - Tom's Tips on LinkedIn. 18:34 - Avoiding burnout and taking care of yourself as a business owner. 19:33 - You don't have to ask for vacation days when you're yo...
Episode #11: 3 Tips for Dealing with Overwhelm at Work
January 26, 2021 18:19 - 6 minutes - 8.95 MBTime Stamps: 0:45 - Normal, overwhelming thoughts of a Voice Actor. 1:21 - The argument for doing less when we feel like we should be doing more. 1:34 - Taking a bath at 2:30 PM. 2:14 - The Monday morning alien effect. 3:07 - 3 tips for dealing with overwhelm at work. 5:26 - The biggest takeaway + permission to take care of yourself. Links & Resources: Mel Robbins in the bath Video Other ways to avoid burnout Constantly feeling overwhelmed?
Episode #10: What You Need to Know About Sound Treatment for Recording
January 19, 2021 21:42 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBTime Stamps: 1:00 – Beginning of Jeremy’s episode. 1:43 – ‘Soundproofing’ vs ‘sound treatment.’ 3:42 – Eliminating ‘flatness’ in a recording space. 4:32 – Another use for a blanket fort. 5:42 – Other options for treating your recording space. Links & Resources: The Physics of Sound Signal to Noise Ratio
Episode #9: How to Utilize LinkedIn for Voiceover with Tracy Lindley
January 11, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBTimestamps: 0:52 - Beginning of conversation with Tracy. 1:23 - How Tracy got started in VO. 2:52 - Learning she could do VO from home + her Resources page. 6:00 - When she realized LinkedIn is so powerful for voiceover marketing. 9:55 - Seeing results from LinkedIn + connecting with clients vs peers. 13:30 - Staying humble! 14:54 - The future of LinkedIn for voiceover. 16:20 - Authentic is the name of the game these days. 17:33 - What you should update on your LinkedIn pr...
Episode #8: Building Your Voiceover Business Toolkit
January 04, 2021 11:00 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MBTimestamps: 1:48 - Why you need to build a voiceover business toolkit. 2:08 - Tool #1: Getting cozy with your tech + equipment. 2:39 - Tool #2: Choosing a DAW. 3:16 - Tool #3: Finding places to audition for free and for pay. 3:50 - Tool #4: Demos and the different options you have for getting your first one. 6:58 - Tool #5: Establish an online presence via LinkedIn or a website. Links & Resources: The Ultimate Voiceover Business Resource Guide Episode 3 Audio Produc...
Episode #7: The Power in Sticking to Your Convictions in the Voiceover Industry with Chris McCann
December 23, 2020 17:12 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBWhat We're Talking About: From recording on an iPhone and living on Food Stamps to building a successful six-figure voiceover business. Chris started out with a Rode NT1-A mic. Working with what you have until you have more to work with. You can record with crappy equipment when you start out. Having six-figures of talent without realizing it. The importance of finding the intersection of what you love and what you're good at. Knowing what work you're willing to do and what yo...
Episode #6: Starting My Voiceover Business - One Year In + Voiceover Business Resource Guide
December 14, 2020 21:17 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MBTime Stamp: 1:07 - How I felt stuck in my business at the beginning of the pandemic. 1:35 - Investing in mindset coaching + doing the work. 2:42 - I started making double in voiceover. 3:27 - Getting real with my business marketing efforts. 4:23 - The beginning is always a numbers game (plus a fun plant analogy). 4:45 - What success now means to me. 5:04 - Where do you want to be? + What I did in my first year to grow my business. 6:03 - Takeaways that might help you. 7:46...
Episode #5: Starting My Voiceover Business - 6 Months In
December 07, 2020 17:07 - 5 minutes - 7.93 MBTimestamp: :59 - Understanding and utilizing my current skillset. 1:14 - The fear and mind drama behind producing my own demo. 1:42 - If we limit ourselves, nobody can do it for us. 2:09 - We all start from somewhere. 2:32 - Synopsis of work during my first 6 months. 2:51 - You don't need a super expensive demo to launch your voiceover business. 3:02 - How I continued to invest in my business. 3:30 - What I did to grow my business in the first 6 months. 4:45 - 3 things I...
Episode #4: Starting My Voiceover Business - Months 1, 2, & 3
November 23, 2020 18:37 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MBTime Stamp: 0:33 - The beginning of my voiceover journey. 1:18 - All the businesses and distractions I created for myself before diving in. 2:13 - February 2019 and taking Andy Field's class. 3:20 - June 2019 and launching my voiceover business. 4:55 - The 'Joe Z Method.' 6:14 - The rest of my first three months + the concrete things I did. 7:05 - What you can do as you get started in your voiceover business. Links & Resources: What You Need to Get Started in Voiceover ...
Episode #3: What do I need to get started in voice acting?
November 09, 2020 17:44 - 7 minutes - 9.66 MBTime Stamp: 0:40 - What do you need to record a voiceover? 0:58 - Brief mic overview and recommendations for beginners. 2:30 - Industry recommendations for more advanced professional voice actors. 2:53 - DAW overview and recommendations. 4:22 - Learning to run a voiceover business (primarily from home). 5:58 - Review: what you need to get started in voice acting. Links & Resources: Mic options for beginners: AT2020 USB, AT2020 XLR Rode NT1-A Interface options: ...
Episode #2: What is voiceover? And where you hear it in everyday life.
November 09, 2020 16:59 - 4 minutes - 5.51 MBTime Stamp: 0:27 - Voiceover is more than animation and video games. 0:57 - Most voice actors are working from home on various genres of voiceovers for companies across the world. 1:28 - Definitions of voiceover, voice acting, voice actors. 1:54 - The voiceover bible of industry genres + rates. Links & Resources: GVAA Rate Guide
Episode #1: Who am I? Why the podcast?
November 09, 2020 02:49 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBTime stamp: 1:00 - The beginning of my podcasting journey. 1:30 - The last office job I ever had. 2:00 - My introduction to voice acting. 3:31 - The reality of what you actually need to get started in voiceover. 3:50 - Making your VO career your own. 4:44 - You are always going to be learning + growing. 5:01 - Breaking down all the barriers in your voiceover business + what I bring to the table. 6:24 - The Hello VO Podcast is a resource for YOU. Links & Resources: ...
Episode #1: Who am I? Why the Hello VO Podcast?
November 09, 2020 02:49 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBTime stamp: 1:00 - The beginning of my podcasting journey. 1:30 - The last office job I ever had. 2:00 - My introduction to voice acting. 3:31 - The reality of what you actually need to get started in voiceover. 3:50 - Making your VO career your own. 4:44 - You are always going to be learning + growing. 5:01 - Breaking down all the barriers in your voiceover business + what I bring to the table. 6:24 - The Hello VO Podcast is a resource for YOU. Links & Resources: ...
Welcome to the WFH Voice Actor Podcast
October 16, 2020 20:09 - 1 minute - 1.7 MBPeople always ask me - how did you get started as a voice actor? While the title by itself sounds cool and fun, there is a lot of work that goes into building a successful voiceover business. But success... takes effort. Where do you start? How do you get paid to be a voice actor? Hey there, I’m Melanie Scroggins - professional voice actor and content creator at the Work from home voice actor. This podcast delves into the everyday, nitty-gritty work that goes into being a successful voi...
Hello VO Podcast Trailer
October 16, 2020 20:09 - 1 minute - 1.56 MBSubscribe to the Hello VO Podcast newsletter here and don't miss an episode!