Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting

I’ve always been an actor, just ask my parents. Since the time I could walk and talk, I’ve been getting up in front of people and performing; a song, a play, a story, you name it. It just seemed to come naturally to me and I truly enjoyed entertaining people. It was not until I started acting in high school that I realized I had found my calling. For better or worse, a professional actor was what I was meant to be. Accordingly, I went off to college to study the craft of acting and the workings of the theatre. Attending the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico was one of the most influential events in my growth as an artist.The training I received there was excellent and the demands placed on me truly tested my commitment to being an actor. So, upon graduation, I thought I was ready to tackle the enormous job of starting my career. I could not have been more wrong. Though the classes I had taken taught me how to act, move, breathe, sing and dance, and have a working knowledge of the theatre and its history, they

I provide a friendly, trustworthy, or wry voice to any male voice over project, but I can also give you a serious, informative take on the copy. I definitely fill the niche of the 'iPod Generation' voice. Other than my normal voice, I provide a vast array of character voices, and have trained heavily in accents and dialects. I'm a big fan of collaboration, and will take any direction you give me. My ego comes last. Voice Genders and "Ages" I Can Perform • Teenage Boy • Young Adult Male • Middle Age Male • Senior Male Language(s) of Which I Am a Native Speaker: • English - USA and Canada I Offer my Services for these Recording Purposes • Commercials • Promos • IVR, voicemail, phone systems, and on-hold messages • Training, business presentations, sales, and web sites • Audiobooks • Videogames • Documentaries • TV shows and movies • Movie and game trailers • Podcasts • Adult content • Songs • Others (on-camera, infomercials, live announcers, spokespersons) Jobs I Am Willing to Take (Union-wise)  

Heather’s voice has a wide range, and can become just the sound you’re looking for! She’s your quintessential hipster mom – sweet & spicy like a chai latte, with all the boldness of a French Roast. From skinny jeans and sippy cups to top quality recordings, this classically-trained opera singer turned professional voice-over artist is equal parts actor and entrepreneur.   Most days, Heather can be found lending her versatile sound to clients around the globe, operating from her broadcast-quality, professional recording studio. With the convenience of a professional recording studio on-site, Heather can send voice-over work within 24 hours to clients anywhere!   Heather specializes in Commercials, Explainer Videos, e-Learning, Narration, Radio Imaging, Network Promos, Animation, Documentaries, IVR and more…  For more info on this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com

I’m so excited you're here because that means you have an interest in the voice over industry.  Maybe you’re just beginning and don’t have a clue where to start.  That’s OK, because that's exactly where I was 9 years ago.  In fact 10 years ago my life looked a lot different than it does today.10 years ago I was running my small brick and mortar business and serving as Mayor of my hometown.  I'd been involved in politics for about 10 years and really thought that politics was my future.  I’ve always been a creative person and I enjoyed the communicating part of serving as Mayor - speaking to groups, and doing radio and television interviews.  But honestly, the pressure was draining every creative bone in my body. Fortunately for me, I lost my re-election bid, and although I was disappointed at the time, that event forever changed the course of my life and led me down the path to the world of professional voice acting where I am today - and I’m loving every minute of it!After leaving politics, I had a lot of fr

Hi. I’m Nicole Fazio. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest on the Old Price Dairy Farm in a home my grandfather and dad built. My favorite thing to do as a kid was go up to the mysterious silo outside the milking barn and listen to how my voice sounded when it was amplified. Living in this magical kingdom, I discovered my voice and was hooked. A true voice over darling, I have branded just about everything! After graduating from the prestigious University of Washington’s School of Drama, I was determined to book a national commercial. Who knew cleaning my voice teacher’s house to pay for classical voice lessons as a teen would quickly pay off! Having the good fortune of booking one of my early voice over auditions, I learned the voice over trade on the job while announcing multiple campaigns for the Hyundai Motor Company’s full fleet of cars. With access to tons of copy during frequent sessions, engineers, copyright editors, heads of the dealership, ad agency staff my career was born. In addition to cars, beaut

My name is Rosi Amador, and I am a native Spanish/English voiceover actor with no accent whatsoever in either language. I was raised both in Latin and North America so I’m a native speaker of both languages, bicultural and equally comfortable in both worlds. I can easily add an “Hispanic” accent to my English reads when required. My Spanish is best described as neutral Latin American; however, I can also infuse my Latin American Spanish with a Puerto Rican or an Argentine accent. My voice is best described as friendly, sparkling, expressive, pleasing, warm and enthusiastic. It can sound childlike and fun, or professional, serious and formal, as needed. My clients tell me I’m easy to coach and a pleasure to work with. I believe it’s because I’m very flexible and attuned to their needs. I’ll voice your message just as you’d like! Amador Bilingual Voiceovers’ mission is to be the foremost provider of Spanish and English voiceover services for clients who create content related to Hispanics and the Spanish langua

MARC CASHMAN is one of the few voice-acting instructors in the U.S. on “both sides of the glass”—as a Clio-winning Radio and TV commercial copywriter, producer and casting director, and as a working voice actor. Creative Director of Cashman Commercials, he creates, casts and produces copy and music advertising for Radio and TV clients such as Kroger, Charles Schwab, Quizno's, Pella Windows and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer among many, many others. Voted one "The Best Voices of the Year" by AudioFile Magazine—three times—Marc has been heard voicing Radio and TV commercials, documentaries, animated series and videogames, e-Learning modules and over 100 audio books. In addition to his production schedule, he instructs voice-acting of all levels through his V-O classes, "The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques" in Los Angeles, CA; as an adjunct professor of voice acting at California Institute of the Arts; and online coaching. He also pens a monthly Internet column, "Ask the VoiceCat.” Marc is also a keynote

About me: Hey, I'm Tim. I'm a husband and a father, first and foremost. I've spent over 3 years in the podcasting space, learning everything I could about what makes a podcast great. Prior to getting into this arena, I spent my time touring the country with a band of my best friends (including Liam, one of our project managers here). We got the opportunity to play on MTV, at the Bamboozle, on Warped Tour, and various other opportunities for not-so-humble brags. My background is in sales and marketing -- both online and off, and that's allowed me to help podcasters get amazing results. I've also been the voice for many incredible companies like TOMY Toys, Disney, AT&T, The Travel Channel, The UFC, Expedia, Honda, and more. I'm a nerd, and wouldn't have it any other way... and I eat, sleep, and breathe Syracuse sports (GO ORANGE!) For more information on this and other episodes, head over to mikelenzvoice.com  

Denise Ashlynd brings over 30 years of professional experience to her work in theatre, film, television, commercials, and voice-over. A native of Florida, she made her television debut on "Romper Room" at the age of 5. By age 13, she performed on stage in her first Equity production of "Fiddler on the Roof." Denise graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University with a B.F.A. degree in Music Theatre. While at FSU, she worked and studied with Joseph Papp, Roger Rees, Raul Julia, Nigel Rideout, and Neal Kenyon. She also had the privilege of working with Academy Award winning director, Jonathan Demme, on his film "Something Wild," which was shooting in Tallahassee at the time. Just after graduation, Denise earned her Equity card and moved to NYC, where she continued her training at Circle in the Square. On stage, she has performed Off-Broadway, in U.S. tours, regionally, and throughout 13 countries in Europe in productions of  "Man of La Mancha" (starring John Raitt),  "Hair," >"Jesus Christ Superstar" a

Larry Hudson is a full time voiceover actor with his own studio and has been active in the voiceover industry since 2009.  His client list continues to expand providing his voice to a wide variety of voiceover projects including, commercial TV and radio ads, documentaries, industrial and tutorials for corporate and web presentations.  His current list of clients include Disney/Picture Head, Toyota, Lexus, KB Home, Kubota Tractor Corp, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, Apple, Google & Qualcomm just to name of few. Larry provides a clear concise baritone sound that embodies strength, power and sincerity.  His signature sound is relaxed and conversational.  Listeners are drawn in by Larry’s warm tones which he brings forth in a variety of genres.  Larry's versatility enables him to bring light hearted fun to character pieces or deep sincerity to roles of a more solemn nature.  For more information on this and other episodes, head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

Val Kelly is a bilingual, French/English Voice Actress. Val started her voiceover career in 1999 after being told her whole life how "cute" her voice is and that she should do something with it... and so she did....!! Val has been actively booking Voiceover work for years now and just recently finished working on her new commercial demo with Emmy award winning sound designer, recording engineer and producer "Uncle Roy" Yokelson. Val's specialty is in voicing characters for cartoons, talking toys, apps, videogames, children's e-learning, radio and tv commercials. Her clients include Hasbro toys, "Hungry Howie's Pizza Place", "Roam and Wander", "Mymoonah" and many more.  In addition to being a Voice actress, Val is the Owner/President/CEO/Executive Producer of Mid-Atlantic Voiceover, LLC. Val is in charge of running all aspects of the company and is the Executive Producer for the annual Mid-Atlantic Voiceover "Get Inspired" Conference that takes place in November. Check out the latest news on the upcoming "MAVO

A professional voice actor, coach, and producer located in Orange County, CA, Anne Ganguzza has an enthusiastic, energetic, and fun personality. Her voice is described as professional, believable, warm and friendly. Her voiceover experience includes corporate and industrial narrations, e-learning and online learning tutorials, telephone voice mail, IVR, on hold messaging,  commercials, infomercials,  live theater broadcasts, audio books,  government/educational promotional videos and advertising, and more! She has many years’ experience in public speaking and corporate & educational training, and is an exceptionally clear and concise technical speaker, able to make your difficult scripts easy to understand! As a voiceover talent Anne offers a wide range of services, from voicemail and IVR/on-hold recordings to corporate narration and e-learning, commercial promos, and audio books. She’s great to work with and takes direction well. For more info on thisnand other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.  

Mike Lenz interviews award winning voice actor Bruce Jacobson. 2012 Telly Awards, New York, New York. Category: TV Automotive. Client: Dodge Dealers of El Paso. Voiceover Talent. 2008 Telly Awards, New York, New York. Documentary: History and Biography Category Winner. Voiceover Talent (Narrator), 2008. 2008 Summit Creative Award, Portland, Oregon. Other Website (CSI The Experience): Gold Award. SCA recognizes creative excellence in companies and individuals throughout the world with billing under $30 million. Includes all media and industries. Voiceover Talent, 2008. 2008 Summit Creative Award, Portland, Oregon. Institutional Website (CSI The Experience): Silver Award. SCA recognizes creative excellence in companies and individuals throughout the world with billing under $30 million. Includes all media and industries. Voiceover Talent, 2008. 2008 Texas Association of Museums Mitchell Wilder Award, Austin, Texas. Gold Award for CSI The Experience Website. Voiceover Talent, 2008. American Advertising Awar

Growing up in a multilingual family, Liz spent a lot of time explaining to others that "No, I don't get confused speaking several languages!" In fact, it has been a boon to her voiceover career. She is native and neutral in both English and French, and as such, her voiceover clients get the best of both worlds. English and French Bilingual Female Voice Talent, - The voice of your brand on TV and Radio. - A professional voiceover for your non-broadcast narration. - A soothing voice for your telephone/on hold messaging. Liz has a voice that is clear and will ensure that your message will shine. She knows that your message is the star and she'll make it stand out from the crowd. Her native/neutral delivery in both English & French will allow you to confidently target the American, Canadian, and European markets. Contact her via email at Liz@HireLiz.com or by phone at 973-610-2019 to discuss your project. Check out her website at HireLiz.com For more information about this and other episodes head over

Before Madonna sang about her virginity, when making a phone call from the road meant plunking twenty five cents into a phone booth, before Michael Jackson's first plastic surgery and back when getting "on-line" meant waiting to check-out at the grocery store, Peter K. O'Connell was (and still very much is) a professional voice-over talent. As America's friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent, Peter's amazingly versatile vocal talent allows him to share many voice acting styles with his clients, who range from Fortune 500 Companies to companies who think $500 is a fortune. From his conversational everyman voice to his hard sell straight announcer performances, Peter's natural voice over abilities are favored by clients for commercials, narrations, e-learning, documentary, TV promo, radio imaging and live announcing. A natural born storyteller and an award-winning voice talent, some of Peter's professional voice-over credits include productions for General Electric, Kraft Foods, PBS (Public Broadcasting Servi

Dave Courvoisier, author of More Than Just a Voice: The REAL Secret to Voiceover Success, is a highly successful long-time TV news anchor in one of America's most high-profile cities (Las Vegas). But he is also a busy voice-actor! He speaks and writes prodigiously for the voice-acting community, blogging for "Voice Acting in Vegas," the popular blog on his Courvo.com website.Among his myriad of achievements, Dave is proud to count several Emmys to his credit. He administers many online VO communities and forums, and as the Vice President of the Executive Board of World-Voices Organization, helps oversee the voice-over community's only Industry Trade Association. He has earned national respect for his work helping the plight of disadvantaged children through his weekly "Wednesday's Child" reports. For more info about this and other podcast episodes head over to mikelenzvoic.com.

Join Mike Lenz as he interviews Melissa Exelberth.  Melissa is a NYC based voice talent and narrator, working globally from her ISDN equipped studios (one for each side of the Hudson) for broadcast & entertainment, commercials, promo, narration, film, documentary, multinational corporate communications, information driven programming, corporate branding, character roles, sizzle reels & storyboards, animation, book trailers, videogames and more – not only in English but in fluent Spanish as well. With a background in TV and film distribution, production, post-production and news having taken her to different parts of the world – giving her the chance to meet fascinating people – she gest the big picture and bigger story and bring that to her voiceover work every day. Gor more info on this and other episodes, head over to mikelenzvoice.com.    

Join Mike as he interviews voice actress Kira Buckland. Kira Buckland is a Los Angeles-based voice actress originally from Anchorage, Alaska. She first got interested in voice acting at the age of sixteen, starting out by voice acting as a hobby for a large amount of Internet projects. In 2007, she won the AX Idol Voice Acting Competition and as a result got noticed by BangZoom! Entertainment, which helped get her foot in the door to the anime industry. After finishing college (she majored in Japanese), taking acting and voice classes, and continuing to voice act in flash animations and indie games, Kira moved to California to pursue a career as a voice actress. She worked various jobs in the meantime (barista, retail, waitressing, etc) and began auditioning with a few different studios. Since then, she has become the voice of major characters in all sorts of video games, anime, and other projects, and is now able to work steadily in the field. As an avid gamer, the most personally exciting role for her was

Join Mike as he interviews producer, audio engineer, author, and voice talent Dan Friedman.  Dan is a man of many talents. With over a decade in the voice-over industry, he has produced, directed, or provided his voice to thousands of audio productions. In 2010 he published a book, SOUND ADVICE - Voiceover From An Audio Engineer's Perspective.  A first of its kind in the industry, the book covers audio engineering and studio session etiquette as it relates directly to voiceover talent.  Dan continues to write a popular blog at his website, SOUND4VO.com. Dan was chosen to be among the top 10 "Most Influential Voice-Over Writers in 2011" in a Voice123 online survey.  He is a home studio coach with Voicebank and Edge Studios and is also a voiceover teacher and coach for the Screen Artists Co-op in Asheville, NC. For more information about this and other episodes head over to mikelenzvoice.com.

Mike interviews full-time professional voice actor Lauren McCullough in this episode of Mike Lenz Voice - A Journey Into Voice Acting. Lauren grew up with the Pocono Mountains in her back yard, among the quiet of nature and the magic of the stars. There, Lauren enjoyed performing, whether she had an audience of people or just the mountains. In her first role, Lauren played the Black Crayon, in the locally acclaimed first grade performance of the Crayola Factory, narrating the transformation of primary colors into secondary colors. On that stage, Lauren knew acting was her art. Packing up her box of crayons and dreams, Lauren moved to New York City to study acting at Pace University, at the foothills of the Brooklyn bridge in downtown Manhattan. She worked in NYC as a theatre, film and voiceover actor, while also directing and producing along the way. After seven years in the shadow of skyscrapers, she began to miss the companionship of the mountains. She found a home in the artist community of Asheville, NC n