Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting

Welcome back to the Mike Lenz VO Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Samantha Boyer with us, an inspiring artist and content creator who brings a touch of storytelling magic and nostalgia to her work. Samantha’s journey began with childhood influences like Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross, sparking her passion for creating inviting, imaginative worlds. Over the years, she has transformed this passion into a full-time creative career and built Haven Hollow—a fictional, cozy escape designed to re-energize the soul and rest the heart, offering others a place to find peace and inspiration. In this episode, Samantha invites us into her creative process and shares how she balances the soulful, artistic side of her work with the realities of running a creative business. From finding inspiration to managing the demands of content creation, Samantha’s story is both motivating and heartwarming. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and join us for a cozy, inspiring conversation with Samantha Boyer as we step into Haven Hollow tog

Marisa Blake is a Latina Actor, Voiceover Artist and Musician. You can find her on screen in Netflix’s Florida Man, DC’s Swamp Thing and Spectrums Original Long Slow Exhale. She haswon multiple awards for her audiobook narrations, including a 2023 Audible’s Best of for Dykesto Watch out For, featuring Jane Lynch ,Carrie Brownstein, and Roberta Colindrez, an AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of The Year 2020 for We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez and an Earphones Award for Arianna Davis’ What Would Frida Do. Marisa was recently nominated for a 2023 Audie Award for her work in Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande. She takes pride in, and has immense gratitude for the opportunity to voice Latine Literature. She is currently the Spanish Voice for Kohls in the US, and one of the regularSpanish voices for Sherwin Williams in the US and recently did a bilingual campaign for Frito-Lay. Marisa voices everything from promos to E-learning, commercials to IVR, and even somevideo games and animation! She voices

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Cris Dukehart is an Audie Nominee and Earphones Award Winner, and has recorded over 300 audiobooks across multiple genres. On this episode we talk about Cris's journey into the VO and audiobook world, and her amazing journey from a little cottage in Pennsylvania to her mountaintop house in the Caribbean.  https://www.crisdukehart.com/   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6     

Jamie Muffett is a voice actor, podcast producer, audio engineer and educator who divides his time between New York City and Philadelphia, PA.  He's worked with some of the worlds biggest companies, production studios, and games developers. He work primarily from his own studio in Bucks County, PA, and studios in NYC and Philly.  Past and current clients include: Google, Starbucks, Warner Brothers, Lucas Film, LEGO, Porsche, Mercedes, Ubisoft, Samsung, McDonald's, NBC, EA Sports, ESPN, Marriott Hotels, Amazon, Etihad Airways, FIFA, Disney, IKEA, National Geographic Channel... Jamie has lectured on voiceover at Syracuse University, He's a Backstage Magazine 'Expert',  he hosts the 'VO School Podcast' and he holds a monthly VO workshop at his studio in Philadelphia. He is also co-chair of VOcation Conference held in New York City every September. Jamie's website is https://www.jamiemuffett.com/   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in):

Chris Johnson is a professional Voice Actor, based in Los Angeles.  He has voiced a wide range of projects over the years including commercials, corporate videos, eLearning modules, video games, audiobooks, narration and many more.   Chris has also been the lead singer and songwriter for many projects including the band Starch Monkey, Between the Sun and the upcoming project entitled Pharaoh's Kitchen.  He is the recipient of the 2020 "Male Emerging Artist" award from ISSA (Independent Singer-Songwriters Association).  You can learn more about Chris and contact him through his website at:  http://www.vocalcj.com

On this episode I take a deep dive into the voiceover industry and the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on our industry, with VO veteran Tom Dheere.  As a New York-based voice actor with over 20 years of experience, Tom Dheere has narrated thousands of projects for hundreds of clients in over a dozen countries. Tom's experience as a corporate trainer as well as a voice talent makes him uniquely qualified to help both aspiring and veteran voice talents navigate the voiceover industry. He specializes in marketing and business consultations as well as diagnostics, strategy sessions, and mentorships. As a classically trained theater actor, Tom received his Bachelor of Fine arts in Acting/Directing from Montclair State University. His training continued at the National Shakespeare Conservatory where I studied Shakespeare, Chekov, ballet, and more. ​After NSC Tom was trained as a voice actor by Hope Noah, Dan Duckworth of Voiceovers Unlimited, and has taken numerous voiceover classes at many conference

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Paige Reisenfeld is a classically trained soprano and stage actor turned SAG-AFTRA audiobook narrator. Perhaps she should have paid attention to the signs, as she was voted “Best Reader” in kindergarten, a clear portent of things to come. Her voice has been described as deep, full, melodic, and sensual. She has been complimented on her “great tone and inflection”, as well as her ability to perform male and female voices and various accents. This allows her to switch between genres easily and she has narrated thrillers, romance, historical fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and nonfiction. On the rare occasion she is not in her soundbooth, she plays cooperative board games (competitive ones are not allowed in the house), gardens, lifts weights, and spends time with her three cats and partner, fueled by all things cheese and coffee. https://paigevoice.com/   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://w

On this episode, I talk with award-winning author Landon Beach about his career, and about his recent book Narrator, which is narrated by the amazing Scott Brick.  Landon was born and raised in Michigan but now lives in the Sunshine State with his wife, two children, and their golden retriever. He previously served as a Naval Officer and was an educator for fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer.  He is also the award-winning author of Huron Breeze, which was named Mystery of the Year for 2022 by bestthrillers.com.   Here's a brief synopsis of Narrator: By the time playwright and actor Shawn Frost had won 2 Tony Awards by his late twenties, he was seen as a theater prodigy—a meteoric rise that the performing arts community had not witnessed in almost a hundred years. His work? Shakespearean in scope, character, and popularity—boundless and beautiful. His own character? Flawed. And in a place like New York City, where failings get magnified, Shawn Frost finds that, even from the heights of artistic s

Mike Cooper is a British voice talent who swapped big city life in London for log cabin life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Mike is recognisable from his many years on air with the BBC World Service, and as the narrator of countless television documentaries and a growing library of audiobooks. A disruptive influence in school, Mike's first break in narration came at age six, when his teacher realised he could tell the afternoon story better than her (and she could get a nap by way of a bonus!) When he's not in his home studio, you'll find him enjoying hobby farm life and tending to some charming pet goats, three horses - including a delightful mini horse called Annie - and a growing hobby farm menagerie... https://www.mikecoopervoiceover.com/ To check out other episodes, head over to mikelenzvopodcast.com! 

Danielle Harris is a voice actor from Atlanta, Ga. Originally born and raised in Indiana, she has had an interest and intrigue with voiceover since her early teenage years. It wasn't until she was in her early twenties that she sought out to attempt to get voice acting training around 2012, then again in 2018, both times unfortunately being sidetracked by life and her work in government. Danielle worked as a 911 dispatcher, radio operator for 8 years then was promoted to  Supervisor and Training coordinator over Emergency Communications for the last 5 years before she ultimately made up her mind to end her 13 year career to pursue her passion in voiceover full time. She has since worked with brand names such as Canva, Microsoft, Walmart, Sonos, Michelob Ultra, Dollar General and more.   In between vo life and work, she spends all her time with her 2 year old daughter Arrow, husband Adam and their dog Knuckles and cat Loki.   

With a home studio, Mandy Fisher has the ability to tell your story, your way. Equipment includes: Source Connect/ipDTL Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Rode NT1 Neumann U87 MacBook Pro Whether it’s an explainer video, a narration, or a simple tagline, Mandy is your go-to voice. Not sure what you want? No problem. She can provide you with several quality options. Have a strong vision? Great! Mandy can take direction and bring your project to life. https://www.mandyofish.com/   Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6

Brad Hyland was born on April 1 st , 2016.  Well, not really- but that’s what he’ll say is when he really started living! That’s the day he started full-time as a voice actor… after quitting a first career that spanned 35 years. His first formal VO training actually started nearly thirty years ago...working hard on all aspects of business with one-on-one coaching and master classes.   He spent two decades dabbling in standup comedy and movie extra work, as well as honing his pipes as front man for a rock & blues band for eight years.  That love of performing is now satisfied daily as an actively booking voiceover talent, coach and mentor.   Brad works from his home studio near Washington DC, serving customers all over the world. He can tackle just about any assignment with his versatile voice and ability to take direction. Some of his favorite work includes being the voice of Santa for the Elf on the Shelf, Narrating films for Crazy Horse Monument and Craters Of The Moon national parks, and booking multip

Roșie Okumura is an LA based voice actor, musician, and YouTuber.  Rosie uses her voice acting and musical skills to prank call internet and phone scammers!  Having already developed a growing career as a voice actor, Rosie's life careened off course when her Mother was scammed out of $2,000.  Determined to get her mom's money back, Rosie started investigating the dark world of online scammers, posting her first "revenge phone call" video on YouTube.   Now, a million subscribers later, Rosie is one of the internet's most popular influencers, advocating for scam victims, and embarrassing the people behind these crimes in hilarious ways.  Rosie is known for her impression of Apple's "SIRI" and Britney Spears! https://www.rosieokumura.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6

This episode is filled with resources for you to move your career forward.  I provide an update on how 2021 was in my VO world, and discuss having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset as we move into 2022.  I also talk about the importance of creating a team around yourself to help elevate you to the next level, understanding the system your operating in (voice-over, social media, casting sites, tech) and making the most of the people and courses that will help shorten your learning curve.  Links: https://vosuccess.com/ https://www.v123pros.com/ https://votechguru.com/ https://voice123.com/#how-to-search https://www.tawnyvoice.com/ Voice 123 15% Discount Code link:  https://bit.ly/3BsPSaw LinkedIn Edge Discount Code link (discount is built in): https://www.thelinkedinedge.com/?wpam_id=6  

Anne Cloud has been writing her own story for a long time: from moving to New York days after college graduation (without a plan) to buying an old school bus on a whim with a hope of converting it into a tiny home on wheels. She has gone her own way in her voice over career as well. Striking out with a vengeance into the genres that interest her most and actively seeking out the people who could help her achieve her goals.   Anne lives in a 200 foot skoolie with her husband and three small kids and traveled full time for nearly two years, pulling a cargo trailer decked out with a broadcast quality remote studio along with them. This set up allows Anne to work full-time as a Voice Actor from wherever they happen to land. Anne has had the opportunity to train with incredible coaches and friends, and work with dream clients like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kia Worldwide, and Khan Academy Kids.  Living and traveling in a converted school bus with her husband and three wild monkeys, this versatile and colo

Growing up on the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee in a large extended family, Roy Worley learned the art of storytelling from his grandpa, Paw Neely who instilled a strong sense of family, hard work, and a love for Christ.  As an extrovert, Roy loves being around people, talking and laughing over a strong cup of coffee.  These days Roy and his wife Rebecca call the Chicago area home. ​ After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, Roy felt God’s calling upon him to commit full time to preaching and teaching the Word of God and entered Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary in his hometown of Memphis where he earned a Master of Divinity degree.  Over the years he has served as both a pastor and foreign missionary.  He and his wife were privileged to live in Chile for six years where they shared the Lord’s message in Spanish (yep, he’s fluent), helping Chilean Christians learn how to study the Bible for themselves and how to share their faith with whomever was interested. ​ Now, when not working a

Founder and CEO of the 501(c)(3) Nonprofit "Imagination Videobooks," Richard is known as "The Storybook Wizard." He is a top Audible narrator who helps authors give their books a voice. His team has produced hundreds of audiobooks, including Richard's own award-winning book, "The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation." Children's Accessible Videobooks Creator - samples at https://imaginationvideobooks.org - Benjamin Franklin National Gold Medal Award in Audiobook Nonfiction for producing, directing, and co-narrating "Football Flyboy" by Lisa Reinicke. Independent Book Publishers Association. - Five-time EVVY Gold Award Winning Audiobook Narrator and Producer at Audiobook Revolution, http://audiobookrevolution.com/ - Author of Global eBook Gold Medal Award in Writing/Publishing for "The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation" http://bit.ly/audiobookcreation - Produced best-sellers including "​Auschwitz #34207"​ and "Shot Down" - Audible Approved Narrator (Top 10%) Veteran Network, New York, Chicago and Wash

Recording voice-over projects daily since 2006, Natasha Marchewkahas grown her business exponentially through referrals from happy clients throughout North America and around the globe. From Electrolux to ZipRecruiter to Adventures By Disney, clients continue to return to her product and service worthy of their most important business projects. https://natashamarchewka.com/ Katherine Tole is a voice actor specializing in video games, narration, commercials, eLearning and animation.  Katherine has been an avid video gamer since she was a kid and understands what gamers are looking for in their characters. From grunting to spell casting, she has decades of experience listening to the characters that came before her. https://katherinetole.com/ Natasha and Katherine have created a fantastic course on how to maximize your Voice 123 profile.  I've taken their course and it's worked amazingly well for me! Here's the link to their course: https://v123.katherinetole.com/    

You’ve heard Jessica Taylor on television, on the web and on the radio for projects large and small. She has a range from youthful cool to polished sophistication. A touch of vocal texture adds depth and realness to her vocal imprint. She shines when it comes to taking direction, and has a sixth sense for understanding what it is people want. Her keen intuition and gut instincts fuel her creative process, and she's ready to take risks to get the read right. Jessica books projects that ask for vocal qualities and deliveries similar to the sounds of celebrities like Kristen Bell, Rashida Jones, Tina Fey, Anna Kendrick, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone, and Jennifer Lawrence. Jessica lives a mostly joyful life with her husband, three sons and five hens in Boulder, Colorado. She's a Mom, wife, sister, daughter, an avid cook, knitter, hiker, reader, traveler, homeopathy nerd and consumer of art in any form. https://www.jessicavo.com/

JULIE WILSON is Senior Manager of Digital Production Platforms and an award-winning executive producer at Penguin Random House Audio. She started her career at Random House in 2007 and has produced over a thousand audiobooks for adults and kids, including several graphic novel adaptations. Her recent production credits include working with Alicia Keys, Ben Folds, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ruth Reichl, Willie Nelson, and The Tiny Chef. She is also the co-creator of AhabTalent.com, a global online casting platform for voiceover. She is a native New Yorker and an avid urban gardener, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing from Colby College.