The Voiceover Social: Recent Episodes
VO Social North
A British Podcast Award nominated show that's consistently described as "not boring"...
Leah Marks (voice actor and radio person) and Nic Redman (voiceover and voice coach) mash together interviews, investigations and problem solving in this cheerful show for voiceover types. There's a new episode on the first of every month and you can find out more at www.thevosocial.com. See you there, VO chums!
Join us for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at building the perfect voiceover home studio recording booth with the multi-talented Emily Jardine!
We also catch up with Annette Rizzo from Equity's Audio Committee to find out what Equity have been up to lately.
When Emily moved house, she didn't just replicate her old booth setup. Instead, she embarked on a carefully planned journey to create her dream recording space. In this episode, we dive deep into every aspect of that process, from the initial planning stages through to the finished studio.
We explore why Emily decided to start from scratch rather than recreating what she already had, when she started thinking about the new booth, and the step-by-step process of bringing her booth to life. Emily generously shares the investmentinvolved (yes, actual figures!), what she's learned along the way, and what she'd do differently if she were to do it all over again.
Whether you're considering building your first home studio, upgrading your current setup, or just curious about what goes into creating a professional recording space, Emily's experience offers invaluable insights. She's refreshingly honestabout the challenges, costs, and unexpected discoveries that came with the project.
About Emily Jardine
Emily is best known to many as a coach and casting director, but did you know she's primarily a voice artist? With thousands of credits under her belt in the last 14 years, you can't switch on the TV, radio, go online or play a game these days without hearing her somewhere. Her family have becomethoroughly bored with the sound of her voice and now refer to her as 'background noise'.
Emily is represented by 45 agents around the world and has production clients spanning 26 countries. Voiceover is her first love and she's thrilled she gets to spend most of her working day in the studio. Some clients include Danone, Bentley,Pantene, WhatsApp, Eurostar, Mr Muscle, University of Cambridge and LEGO.
She was nominated for Female VO of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and in 2022 she won the One Voice Inspiration Award.
· Meet Elizabooth here - https://www.instagram.com/p/DNoxV1bv-QE/
· Website - https://emilyjardinevoiceovers.co.uk/
· Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emily__jardine/
· LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-charlotte-jardine-award-winning-english-voice-artist-and-singer-1317303b/
🎉 The Great Big VoiceoverSocial - Saturday 7 February 2026 in Manchester Tickets are now on sale!
📍 Local Voiceover Social Groups Check out our website for local groups meeting around the UK: https://thevosocial.com/
📧 Join Our Newsletter Stay up to date with all things Voiceover Social: https://thevosocial.com/newsletter/
📅 Social Dates All upcoming social dates are listed at the end of the podcast episode.
· Website: https://www.equity.org.uk/get-involved/committees/audio-committee
· Email: audio@equity.org.uk
The Voiceover Social is hosted by Helen Bee and Rob Bee, bringing you insights, tips, and honest conversations about the voiceover industry. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join our community of voice professionals.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedIn
About B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
- B Double E website
- B Double E email list
- B Double E events
- B Double E blog
- B Double E services
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
About Emily JardineConnect with EmilyUpcoming Events & ResourcesEquity Audio Committee
Welcome to another episode of The Voiceover Social! We're your hosts Helen Bee and Rob Bee, and today we're diving deep into the world of audio drama production with the incredibly talented Helen Quigley.
Helen is a freelance producer making audio dramas for B7 Media with impressive credits for BBC Radio 4, including the courtroom drama Barred and the epic nine-part saga Mahabharata Now. She's currently making her directing debut with a festive-themed audio drama broadcasting on Radio 4 this Christmas Eve.
What We Explore
In this fascinating conversation, we discover Helen's journey from voiceover artist to acclaimed audio drama producer. We explore how her production experience has transformed her approach to voicing, why she chose the complex world of audiodrama over simpler voice work, and what makes a truly captivating audio drama performance.
Helen shares invaluable insights about breaking into audio drama, the qualities that make voices shine in this medium, and her thoughts on the BBC's recent decision to cut audio dramas from Radio 3. We also get her top tips for anyone lookingto work in this specialised field.
Helen's Impressive Credits
Beyond her BBC Radio 4 work, Helen has produced Theatre of the Damned (inspired by the birth of Grand Guignol in 1920s Paris), radio soap Greenborne, comic space opera Venna's Planet, and the moving family drama Harry's Home. For Audible, she created The Space Race docudrama and the psychological thriller The Effect. She was also co-producer and dialogue editor on Wondery+'s audio movie Unsinkable, featuring Brian Cox, John Malkovich and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
As a podcast producer, Helen creates business intelligence podcast Principal Navigations, edits The English Heritage Podcast, and produces Iceworld for the British Antarctic Survey. She made history producing some of the UK's first comedy podcasts for Comedy Central UK back in 2006.
Working from her garden office and recording studio in Chelmsford under her boutique production company Soundliness, Helen launched her first in-house seriesHot Flashes: Menopause Monologues in February 2025.
Connect with Helen
Helen Quigley - Soundliness
· 🌐 Website: http://soundliness.co.uk
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hqvoice/
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenquigley/
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HQvoice
Panic Room
This month our question is for Helen about having a photo of yourself on your website
Want to ask a question for The Panic Room?
Panic Room questions are taken from our regular FREE Ask Us Anything sessions. All the details are here… Join our next Q&A session - https://b-double-e.co.uk/events/ask-us-anything/
The Voiceover Social is hosted by Helen Bee and Rob Bee, bringing you insights, tips, and honest conversations about the voiceover industry. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join our community of voice professionals.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedIn
About B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
- B Double E website
- B Double E email list
- B Double E events
- B Double E blog
- B Double E services
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
Voice Actor Rates - with Louisa Gummer
Join us as we dive deep into one of the most confusing aspects of the voiceover industry with the brilliant Louisa Gummer - voiceover rates! If you've ever scratched your head wondering why VO pricing seems so complicated, or if you've struggled to work out what to charge for a job, this episode is absolutelyessential listening.
Louisa brings over twenty years of professional voiceover experience to our conversation, along with her unique background combining trained acting skills, a mathematics degree, and business expertise. You might recognise her warm,authoritative voice from thousands of commercials, corporates, and documentaries - or perhaps you've heard her telling Northern Line passengers where to get off on the London Underground!
What We Cover
Getting Started We kick off by learning about Louisa's unusualcombination of being a trained actor, with a mathematics degree and a background in business.
The Rate Revelation Ever wondered why voiceover rates seem so impossibly complicated? Louisa breaks down the history and reasoning behind our industry's pricing structure, explaining why that £200-for-an-hour's-workmentality is completely missing the point when it comes to broadcast commercials.
Working Out What to Charge Louisa shares her top practical tips for calculating rates, helping you understand the factors that should influence your pricing decisions beyond just the time spent in the booth.
Negotiation Know-How We tackle that dreaded phrase: "We don't have the budget." Louisa offers invaluable advice on how to handle rate negotiations whilst maintaining your professional worth.
Global Perspective How do UK voiceover rates stack up against other international markets? We explore the differences and what that means for British voice talent.
Resources and Guidance Finally, we point you towards the best places to get reliable rate guidance so you can price your work confidently.
About Louisa Gummer
Louisa is an award-winning voiceover artist with over two decades in the industry. Her work spans commercials, corporates, documentaries, video games, animation,museum guides, audio dramas, audiobooks, and even announcements from MRI scanners and airplane cockpits! Born in Essex and raised across England and Wales, her neutral British English accent and warm, intelligent delivery havemade her a sought-after voice in the industry.
Connect with Louisa
· Louisa’s website - https://louisagummer.com/
· Louisa’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/LouisaGummer/
· Louisa’s Instagram - https://louisagummer.com/
The Voiceover Social is hosted by Helen Bee and Rob Bee, bringing you insights, tips, and honest conversations about the voiceover industry. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join our community of voice professionals.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedIn
About B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
- B Double E website
- B Double E email list
- B Double E events
- B Double E blog
- B Double E services
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
Join hosts Helen Bee and Rob Bee from B Double E as we sit down with the brilliant Lizzie Jobling for an inspiring and honest conversation about neurodiversity in the voiceover industry. Lizzie, a full-time voice artist for seven years and coach for five, opens up about her adult diagnoses of ADHD and autism, sharing how these experiences have shaped both her career and her approach to coaching others.
In this episode, we explore the unique strengths that neurodiversity can bring to voiceover work, discuss practical strategies for managing business challenges, and celebrate the importance of representation in our industry. Lizzie's journey from discovering her neurodivergent identity to becoming aCPD-accredited coach offers valuable insights for anyone navigating similar paths.
About Our Guest
Lizzie Jobling is a full-time voiceover artist and founder of the Voiceover Foundations course. With seven years as a full-time VO and five years as a coach, you can hear Lizzie's voice on television, radio, and even in your local supermarket. When she's not recording, she's passionate about supporting others in reaching their VO dreams.
Find Lizzie at elizabethjobling.com or follow her on Instagram @that_voice_lizzie for tips, tricks, and laughs.
Key Topics Discussed
Personal Journey & Neurodiversity
· Lizzie's path into voiceover and how she got started
· Her adult diagnoses of ADHD and autism, and the journey of discovery
· The positive and challenging impacts of neurodiversity on her VO business
· Unique strengths that ADHD and autism bring to voiceover work
Coaching & Professional Development
· What inspired Lizzie to start offering coaching
· Her recent CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation and its benefits
· How neurodiversity influences her coaching approach
· Supporting neurodiverse talent in the creative industries
Industry Insights
· Misconceptions about neurodiversity in creative fields
· The VO community's response to openness about autism and ADHD
· Game-changing strategies and tools for business management
· Advice for neurodiverse individuals considering VO careers
· Guidance for parents of neurodiverse children interested in creative paths
Connect With Lizzie
· Website: elizabethjobling.com
· Instagram: @that_voice_lizzie
· Course: Voiceover Foundations
Thank you for listening to The Voiceover Social! We're always excited to connect with our community and hear your thoughts on our episodes.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedIn
About B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
- B Double E website
- B Double E email list
- B Double E events
- B Double E blog
- B Double E services
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
In This Episode:Join hosts Helen and Rob Bee as they chat with Anna Cass, the rising star who's taken the voiceover world by storm in just two years. Fresh from winning Best Newcomer at the One Voice Awards, Anna shares her inspiring journey from musical theatre performer to award-winning voice actor.
This episode is perfect for aspiring voice actors and those curious about breaking into the industry. Anna's authentic insights into the realities of starting a VO career, combined with her infectious enthusiasm for the craft, make this a must-listen for anyone on their own voiceover journey.
About Our Guest:Anna Cass is a voice actor from Hertfordshire now based in London, with a background in acting and musical theatre. Despite being relatively new to the industry, she's already made her mark by winning 'Best Newcomer of the Year' at the One Voice Awards in May 2024. When she's not behind the mic, Anna loves travelling (she's just returned from six months exploring South and Central America!), attending music festivals, and caring for her pet turtle, Squirtle.What We Covered:
- Anna's transition from musical theatre to voiceover work and what initially drew her to the industry
- The VO heroes and inspirations that shaped her approach to voice acting
- Her experience of the voiceover community and how it's welcomed newcomers
- The biggest challenges she's faced in her first two years in the business
- What winning Best Newcomer at the One Voice Awards means to her career
- Her long-term goals and where she sees herself in the next decade
- The genres and types of work that excite her most
- Her biggest learning moments and "lightbulb" realisations so far
- How she approaches skill development through coaching and practice
- The most surprising discoveries about the VO industry
- Essential advice for anyone considering a career in voiceover
- Website - https://www.annacass.uk/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/annacassvoice/
- Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-cass-718a09b8/
How to find Anna:
- Website - https://www.annacass.uk/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/annacassvoice/
- Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-cass-718a09b8/
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedIn
About B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
- B Double E website
- B Double E email list
- B Double E events
- B Double E blog
- B Double E services
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
We've been hosting the podcast for just over 1 year (yay! And BIG thanks to everyone who listens!), but we've not really talked about what either of us actually do. So this month Rob Bee is interviewing Helen Bee about branding. Asking:
- what the hell branding is anyway
- why it's important
- why it's NOT about how you sound
-
where to start when you're branding our own VO business. For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
-
The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedIn
About B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
- B Double E website
- B Double E email list
- B Double E events
- B Double E blog
- B Double E services
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
🎙 In This Episode:
Join Helen Bee and Rob Bee (frmo B Double E) as they sit down with the legendary Tanya Rich, one of the UK’s most experienced voiceover artists and coaches. With a career spanning four decades, Tanya has seen it all – from the golden age of voiceover to the rise of AI, from working in radio to becoming the voice of a lift, a water cooler, and an NHS campaign.
We chat about:
- 40 years in voiceover – how she started and what’s changed
- Managing the punk band ‘Discharge’ – unexpected side hustle?
- Her coaching philosophy – including the mysterious ‘breathing through your arse’ technique
- The future of VO – what’s next for the industry?
Tanya also opens up about her lesser-known disability and the challenges of working in voiceover with a hidden condition.
About Tanya Rich
With over 40 years in the industry, Tanya Rich is one of the UK’s most experienced and respected voiceover artists and coaches. From voicing major brands like Amazon, Audi, and Coca-Cola to lending her tones to TV, radio, IVR, and gaming, Tanya’s versatility has made her a go-to talent for clients worldwide. She was the first female voice used for IVR in the UK and has remained a pioneer in the industry ever since.
Her expertise extends beyond the mic—Tanya is a highly sought-after voiceover coach, having trained countless professionals through RichCraft Voice Coaching and contributed to leading institutions like Bath Spa University. She’s also shared her knowledge through workshops, conferences, and her own podcast, Tanya Talks.
Before her voiceover career took off, Tanya had a stint managing the punk band Discharge, proving that her talents aren’t just limited to the recording booth. Whether she’s voicing a high-profile commercial, coaching the next generation of talent, or discussing industry shifts, Tanya continues to shape and influence the world of voiceover with her passion, experience, and signature no-nonsense approach.
🔗 Links & Resources:
- Find out more about Tanya Rich: tanyarich.co.uk
-
Want top-notch voiceover training? Check out RichCraft Voice Coaching: richcraft.biz
-
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The VO Social Website
- Join the VO Social Email List
- VO Social Events
- VO Social local groups
- VO Social Instagram
- VO Social Facebook
- VO Social LinkedInAbout B Double E:
Rob Bee and Helen Bee run B Double E - together we help voiceovers to be seen and heard.
* B Double E website
* B Double E email list
* B Double E events
* B Double E blog
* B Double E servicesPodcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
Voicing Animations with Kate Harbour
This month Rob and Helen Bee are joined by the legendary Kate Harbour – a voice actor with more iconic credits than you can shake a script at.
You’ve heard her in Bob the Builder, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time, Octonauts, The Secret Show, Chip and Potato, Go! Go! Cory Carson… Honestly, the list goes on, and if we tried to name everything, we’d be here all day. She’s also a master of radio drama (Doctor Who, Robin of Sherwood), comedy (Puckoon, The Big Ben Theory), and Netflix dubs – basically, if you’ve ever watched TV, you’ve probably heard Kate.
But she’s not just a voiceover powerhouse – she also teaches. Her Acting for Animation workshops have helped countless VOs bring characters to life, whether at top drama schools or in her own private coaching sessions. So, of course, we had to sit her down and grill her on everything:
- How did she get into animation?
- How does she build her characters?
- What makes a great animation performance?
- And crucially, how does her approach to teaching differ from everyone else’s?
It’s a properly juicy episode, full of insights, laughs, and a fair bit of geeking out over characters. Let’s get into it!
We also chat to Annette Rizzo - from Equity’s Audio Committee. She gives us the latest news on Equity's audio audit, BBC audio drama campaign, accessibility for blind/partially sighted for equity website, AI campaign and the Equity audio committee elections.
Kate Harbour’s links:
- Website - kateharbour.com
- Acting for Animation workshop - info and booking link - https://www.kateharbour.com/a4a-book-ticket
Equity Links:
- Save Audio Drama at the BBC campaign - https://www.change.org/p/save-audio-drama-at-the-bbc
Stop AI Stealing the Show campaign - https://www.equity.org.uk/campaigns-policy/stop-ai-stealing-the-show
VO Social Links
Great Big VO Social blog -b-double-e.co.uk/the-first-great-big-vo-social-a-review/
Great Big VO Social photo gallery - greatbigvosocial.com/photo-gallery/
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
Oh, January. The month of relentless goal-setting, family obligations, catch-ups with friends, and wondering why payday feels so far away. It’s exhausting just thinking about it, isn’t it?
This month on the podcast, we’re talking mindfulness –because honestly, who couldn’t use a bit of calm right now? We’ll guide you through a simple mindfulness practice you can do anywhere (yes, even while clutching your 5th cup of coffee) and you can download a free self-care journal, exercise and colouring page to keep your mood boosted, your stress levels low and set some gentle goals for 2025.
Ready to exhale? Let’s make this January a little less frantic and a lot more manageable.
Elroy ‘Spoonface’ Powell, also known as ‘Spoon The Voice Guy,’ or ‘Coach Spoon’, is an award-winning voice actor, author, and mindfulness consultant with a diverse background in media and communication. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives and engaging audiences has been demonstrated across various platforms, including film, television, and video games.
Spoon’s voice work in global franchises such as Dying Light 2, where he won the One Voice Award for Best Male Voice in Gaming, Harold Halibut and Minecraft Legends showcases his ability to connect with a wide range of audiences. Film projects include Star Wars: Episode VII, Fighting With My Family, Jingle Jangle, and Pirates.His experience spans both entertainment and educational projects, focusing on impactful storytelling.
In addition to his media work, Spoon is committed to using mindfulness as a tool for personal and community development. His approach centres on reframing limiting beliefs through positive affirmations, helping individuals achieve greater self-awareness, inner peace, and productivity. This holistic methodology has proven effective in fostering resilience and promoting well-being in various settings.
Spoon’s blend of voice acting expertise, marketing knowledge, and mindfulness techniques makes him a valuable asset for projects that enhance communication, engagement, and personal growth within diverse communities.
https://spoonsvoices.com
Free Self-Care Journal & Colouring Page - https://pensight.com/x/spoonface1/self-care-journal
https://powellness.org
Voice Over Secrets - https://mybook.to/vos
Great Big Voiceover Social - 25th January 2025, at 53two, Manchester, UK - https://greatbigvosocial.com/
Tickets - https://greatbigvosocial.com/tickets/
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Credits:
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
Rebekah Wilson
Rebekah is the technical co-founder and CEO who co-created the entire suite of Source Elements software. With a degree in music composition and a lifetime of love for technology, Rebekah has focused her career as a composer, electronic music researcher and software developer, with a particular focus on media technology. With her dual capacities in both technical and business operations she is instrumental in building Source Elements into a global company, a connected network of tens of thousands of media professionals who rely on their software to complete their projects.
In 2018, Rebekah returned to university to study Networked Music Performance where she merged two passions: music and network technology. Also teaching on the topic at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague, she aims to be part of the future where increasingly sophisticated internet and music technologies emerge. With technological advances in rich audio and video applications, being distant from each other is no longer a barrier when it comes to performing together.
https://www.source-elements.com/
Great Big Voiceover Social website is here. Tickets now available. GBVOS is on 25th January 2025.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Credits:
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
This month we’re talking to an author and publisher/manager about audiobooks and how theyapproach to audiobooks. We cover how they chose narrators for their books, and how audiobooks affect the writing and management of their business.
We also have the long awaited re-introduction of ‘News From Equity’ with Annette Rizzo.
C.K. (Caimh) McDonnell isthe paranormal pen name of Irish bestselling author Caimh McDonnell. He is a former stand-up comedian and TV writer who now spends all his time writing books as his dogs don’t like it when he leaves the house.
When not writing about the adventures of the staff at The Stranger Times, he is the author of the increasingly inaccurately titled ‘Dublin Trilogy’ series (eight books and counting) and its various spinoffs, all of which have beenAmazon bestsellers on both sides of the Atlantic. The Dublin Trilogy has been optioned for TV by Avalon (Breeders, Taskmaster) with Chris Addison at the helm. The Stranger Times has been optioned by Playground (Wolf Hall, The Undeclared War) who are working on the series with Peacock. The Stranger Times won Best Audio at the 2023British Fantasy Awards, a fact Caimh constantly endeavours to drop into casual conversation. He lives in Manchester, where The Stranger Times seriesis set.
Elaine Ofori
After over two decades of collecting seemingly random skills across publishing and marketing/communications, Elaine is finally putting them to good use at her publishing company McFori Ink as Head of Stuff/Chief Wrangler, where she spends her days mulling over words.She's taken this love of words one step further and has turned them into fully constructed sentences that are slightly more creative than the reports and strategies she's spent most of her career writing. Her debut novel, co-written with her husband, author C.K. McDonnell, will be published in Germany in 2025.
News From Equity links -
Equity Game On campaign details - https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2024/equity-solidarity-rally-with-sag-aftra-at-uk-games-industry-agm
The story about Dan Dewhirst, which includes links to the AI Toolkit and info on the Stop AI Stealing the Show campaign, is here - https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2024/actor-s-experience-of-ai-gone-wrong
The radio commercials campaign and survey email is titled ‘ Radio Commercials - help shape Equity’s work’ and will have come from ssailing@equity.org.uk
Cambridge VO Social facebook page is here.
Great Big Voiceover Social website is here. Tickets available from November 12th. GBVOS is on 25th January 2025.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
This month we're going through the bits of interviews we had to leave out of previous podcasts. This is all stuff that we simply couldn't fit into the relevant episodes, but it's too good to leave on the cutting room floor.
We talk too much!
VO Social Finland Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1864087334072036
Karen Webber runs Goodness Marketing: coaching and training for small businesses with big hearts who want to do marketing that feels good, does good and gets good results.
Emma Clarke is an award-winning voice actor and writer who works across multiple types of performance and media. She is also a PhD student at RNCM where she is researching how her background as a voice actor influences how she composes music.
Paul Brown has been a VO for decades, despite which he has a nagging suspicion that he’s been somehow ‘getting away with it’ for 46 years. He doesn’t know what SEO is, can’t maintain a website, is hopeless at selling himself, thinks that computer games are still loaded from audio cassettes and is utterly baffled by the success of podcasts.
Carin Gilfry is a voice actor, singer, conference owner, and the vice president & co-founder of The National Association of Voice Actors. Carin has worked in VO since 2012.
Jamie Muffett is a British voice actor based in the Philadelphia region. In his 15 years in voiceover he has worked with some of the world’s biggest companies, production studios, and games developers.
Ray Dodd’s coaching is all about Money Mindset without the BS. Her work gives you the tools to break free from oppressive social expectations that are holding you back from reaching your full money-making potential.Ray’s very favourite place to be is infusing nuance and diversity into the conversation around money.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
This month we're diving into money with Ray Dodd.
Money is a conversation topic that's often avoided, but money is essential to us all. So how does our upbringing, our experiences and social expectations impact our relationship with money and our money-making potential?
Ray Dodd’s coaching is all about Money Mindset without the BS. Her work gives you the tools to break free from oppressive social expectations that are holding you back from reaching your full money-making potential.
Ray’s very favourite place to be is infusing nuance and diversity into the conversation around money.
As someone who understands the interconnectivity of culture and business, Ray helps her clients shift their beliefs and liberate themselves from conformity conditioning, paving the way towards making plenty of money without compromising who they are and what they believe matters.
Social Links - https://www.instagram.com/ray_dodd/ https://www.raydodd.co.uk/the-pricing-flowchart
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
This month we talk to Carin Gilfry and Jamie Muffett about a range of topics including Vocation/eVocation, NAVA and AI. What are these things? Have a listen and find out.
Carin Gilfry is a voice actor, singer, conference owner, and the vice president & co-founder of The National Association of Voice Actors. Carin has worked in VO since 2012 for nationally recognized brands like CVS, Citibank, Disney, Estee Lauder, Pfizer, Volkswagen, and many more. She has brought to life characters in video games including Starfield, Saints Row, and Voice of Cards. And she narrates several True Crime series for the Oxygen Network. Carin is passionate about educating voice actors about artificial intelligence, and helping to shape contracts and legislation around AI for the good of actors everywhere.
For more info: https://www.gilfrystudios.com/
Jamie Muffett is a British voice actor based in the Philadelphia region. In his 15 years in voiceover he has worked with some of the world’s biggest companies, production studios, and games developers. He works primarily from his own studio in Bucks County, PA, and studios in NYC and Philadelphia. 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, and many more.
For more info: https://www.jamiemuffettvo.com/
AI Recourses for Voice Actors (including NAVA AI rider) - https://b-double-e.co.uk/voice-over-and-ai-make-sure-you-are-in-control/
VOcation and eVOcationThe voiceover industries only conference dedicated entirely to the business of VoiceOver!Tickets are now on sale for our next event is our virtual conference, eVOcation, held September 20th-22nd exclusively online!https://www.vocationconference.com/
NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) https://navavoices.org/
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
This month we interview 2 veterans of the Voiceover Industry in the UK. Paul Brown and Emma Clarke have over 80 years of experience between them, and they join us to share their wisdom.
Emma Clarke is an award-winning voice actor and writer who works across multiple types of performance and media. She can be heard in radio and TV commercials, corporate presentations, toys, games, apps, public transport and almost anything that needs a voice. Her clients include Astra Zeneca, BBC, Bauer Media, Chevrolet, Classic FM, Coca Cola Enterprises, Global Media Group, Google, L'Oréal, KIA, Transport for London, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Nike, Sky, Sony, Tesco, Toyota, Unilever, Virgin. She is best known as one of the Mind The Gap voices on London Underground, and played the part of the Starship Avalon in the Hollywood blockbuster movie 'Passengers' alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. She is also a PhD student at RNCM where she is researching how her background as a voice actor influences how she composes music.
VO has been Paul’s sole source of income for decades, despite which he has a nagging suspicion that he’s been somehow ‘getting away with it’ for 46 years. After all, how can anyone get paid just for reading aloud into a microphone for that long without someone smelling a rat? In that time the world of audio recording has changed out of all recognition, but Paul has remained doggedly the same. He even uses the same microphone. And the same underwear. He doesn’t know what SEO is, can’t maintain a website, is hopeless at selling himself, thinks that computer games are still loaded from audio cassettes and is utterly baffled by the success of podcasts. Let’s find out how he’s still alive.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevosocial/message
Self-Promotion with Karen Webber
Marketing is a phrase that often brings people out in a cold sweat, but it's also an essential part of running your voiceover business. Put simply - if you don'tpromote your business, you won't get work. But Karen knows there is a way to promote yourself in a way that not only works - it's fun too!
Karen runs Goodness Marketing: coaching and training for small businesses with big hearts who want to do marketing that feels good, does good and gets good results.
Invisible to Invincible
Marketingmagic for voiceovers
STARTS: Thursday 13 June
Time: 4pm BST | 5pm CEST | 11am EDT | 8am PDT
8 weeks, 4x 1-hour workshop-style sessions. x4 co-working sessions, private Facebook group and more!
All sessions are recorded so don't worry if you can't make them live and there's a private pop-up Facebook group for everyone who joins too!
Find out more here
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Podcast sponsored by B Double E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevosocial/message
This month we've handed over to Bhavnisha Parmar (aka Bhav) to interview us both so you get to know us a little better. Bhav is an award-winning actress and voiceover artist. Among other things, she's appeared on-screen in Doctor Who Seasons 11- 13 and is currently the voice of Oral B and Nivea, is playing a range of roles in AAA games due to release in 2024, is the voice of Apple India, a resident Calm App narrator, and is the host of the Chill Show on BBC Asian Network.A HUGE thank you to Bhav for joining us!
Find out more about Bhav here.
The blog about the theme tune can be found here.
The Goals for Girls animation is here.
Your presenters are Rob Bee and Helen Bee.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Instagram
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Podcast sponsored by BDouble E.
Theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevosocial/message
Find out what all the hoo-haa was about in the last episode.
Spoiler alert: we say goodbye to Nic and Leah and welcomeour new hosts Rob Bee and Helen Bee from BDouble E.
We get a brief introduction to Rob and Helen, and a promisefor a fuller intro next month.
If you have any questions for them for the next episode youcan email them to listen@thevosocial.com
Also revealed is the new audio branding and we get a playbackof the full theme tune in all its glory. Many, many thank yous to everyone whocontributed their audio for this. You’re all wonderful.
Your presenters are NicRedman, Leah Marks, Rob Bee and Helen Bee.
For more information about The Voiceover Social visit:
- The Voiceover Social Website
- Email uslisten@thevosocial.com
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- See which events are coming soon
- Find your closest VO Social group
Find us online:
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
Podcast sponsored by BDouble E.
Opening theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour.
Closing theme tune by Rob Bee.
All audio production by Rob Bee.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevosocial/message
Find out what Leah learned on the BBC Radio Drama Company and hear all about Nic's ongoing conquering of the entire world in this quickfire catchup episode!
Our Goal Setting Masterclass is on the 5th December 2023! Here's the link (don't forget to use the discount code PLOG5 to get £5 off) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/planet-plan-it-is-back-tickets-756140294977
Also, join us for an announcement of GREAT MAGNITUDE on the 16th December at 3pm GMT!
But as you've now missed it, you can read the Big Announcement HERE
Or watch it Here complete with very patchy internet
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevosocial/message
This is one for people who love working in animation AND for people who want an update on the very exciting collaborative episode we’re making with Spotlight in 2023!
Book your ticket for our planning party: https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/event/youre-invited-to-a-planning-palooza/
Get your copy of the VO Career Planner: https://www.thevosocial.com/the-voiceover-career-planner
Find out more about Scripts Out Loud: https://scriptsoutloud.com/
Many thanks to organisers Julie Ann Dean and Sarah Jane Rose, (plus co-founder Rhian Marston) director Barry Purves, writers Fintan O’Higgins and Hannah Rose Smith, actors David Holt, Nic Redman, Amina Koroma and Julie Ann Dean and Elena Wurlitzer from Jellyfish Pictures.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Find out about the six big things that Equity needs you to know, Leah's mad news, Nic's thrilling new project, and some VERY dramatic gossip about the future of the podcast...
Also, here are some links:
PLANNER: Get 10% off your Voiceover Career Planner with the code XMAS10 here: https://www.thevosocial.com/the-voiceover-career-planner
VO SOCIAL NORTH: Here's the event page https://fb.me/e/3H4j3WtfJ but you'll have to join the VO Social North group here first: https://www.facebook.com/groups/409394646729749
SIGN UP TO NIC’S MAILING LIST: https://nicolaredman.com/newsletter/
Everything Annette mentioned:
https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2022/october/shape-equity-s-audio-action-plan/
The survey
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Equity-Audio-Action-Plan
Sign up to the Mailing List
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-to-equitys-audio-mailing-list
The updated Audio Guide:
https://www.equity.org.uk/media/6272/equity-audio-guide-170622.pdf
Stop AI Stealing the Show
https://www.equity.org.uk/getting-involved/campaigns/stop-ai-stealing-the-show/
Write to your MP
https://equity.eaction.org.uk/StopAIStealingtheShow
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Well howdy pardner! For this episode we’ve got the world’s leading expert on the General American accent to describe its features, talk us through common mistakes people make when learning it and help us figure out how to adjust for age, gender and ethnicity. We also hear from a bunch of fantastic, real-life American voiceovers about their experiences with using it, and even a little bit about the psychological impact of conforming to a geographically non-specific standard.
Find out more about Rebecca Gausnell here, including a page where you can buy her book, Mastering The American Accent: https://www.gausnell.com
Here’s the American dialect website Rebecca mentions: https://aschmann.net/AmEng/
Thank you so much to our lovely contributors:
Anna Klein https://www.annakleinactor.com/
Robynne Orr https://www.vororr.com/
Thomas Wynn https://www.thethomaswynn.com/voice-acting
Zara Hannaford https://zarahannaford.com/
GET YOUR VO CAREER PLANNER: https://www.thevosocial.com/the-voiceover-career-planner
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Come with us on the trip of a lifetime as we hunt down the New Yorkiest New York accent AND the best pizza in the whole of NYC!
We also popped into VOcation to run a workshop and talk on a panel while we were there, so we recorded a bunch of lovely VOs talking about what the most interesting and useful things were that they learned at the conference. Also featuring an appearance from the accent expert's accent expert Mr Erik Singer! Who's walking where? We're walking here!
GET YOUR VO CAREER PLANNER: https://www.thevosocial.com/the-voiceover-career-planner
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
It's the clash of the branding titans! Committed anti-branding cynic Leah goes head to head with branding evangelist Clare... who will win? Will referee Nic Redman's blatant bias sway the match either way? Find out in our first episode back after a summer away... oh how we've missed you!
ENTER THE COMPETITION: Buy your VO Career Planner before midnight on the 7th September https://www.thevosocial.com/the-voiceover-career-planner
WORK WITH CLARE: https://clarereevesvoiceovers.com/
LISTEN TO TUN UP: https://soundcloud.com/3beat/jus-now-ft-bunji-garlin (Note from Leah: I've just watched the official video for this song for the first time. It's quite, erm, twerky. Just so you know.)
This episode is sponsored by Spotlight, the Home of Casting.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
In this very quick last hurrah before we disappear for the summer, find out what sort of antics we're planning for later this year, including stuff in AMERICA, another big accent investigation, and a return to an old favourite but with a brand new live element - listen before the end of June 2022 if you can! (Or afterwards if you can't, that's nearly as good)
In the UK? Pre-order your planner before the end of June for £29 by clicking here: www.thevosocial.com/shop - or if you're reading this after June 2022, click on the same link to buy them for £35
BIG THANKS to Natalia Schwartz, Tony Francis, Natalie Silverman, Jordan Moore and Barry Ring.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
All the very best bits of the One Voice Conference in one bumper edition of the VO Social!
Pre-order your planner here BEFORE THE END OF JUNE 2022: www.thevosocial.com/shop
Speakers
Friday Keynote - Dirk Maggs
Saturday Keynote - Debbie Arnold
Instinctive Audio - Sam Crowther
Effort Sounds - D’arcy Smith
Emote Strings - Stephane Cornicard
Radio Commercials - Jack Oddie
Agents panel - Camilla Grevstad Laxton, Peter Morris, Daniel Richards
Core Issues Panel - Tim Odofin
De-Stress In The Booth - Elroy Spoonface Powell
Disney - Kristin Paiva
Thanks to Alan Dedicoat, Jo the VO (www.jotroy.com), Kelly Condron (www.kellycondron.co.uk) and Jon Culshaw for your fantastic contributions
And huge thanks to Ruth Urquhart, Alex Hill Knight, Brendan McLatchie, Tom Hillenbrand, Leonor Lemee, Leonie Schliesing and Stacey Arther for introducing the clips!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
MOOO! WOOF! SQUIRK! It’s time for some animal noises! Join us in the Voiceover Zoo to find out why it’s a great idea to practise your donkey impression in the shower AND how to think technically about the things your voice is doing.
With enormous thanks to:
The Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast: https://www.20k.org/episodes/creaturespeakers
Eloise Whitmore from Naked Productions: http://nakedproductions.co.uk/
Dian Perry: https://dianperry.com/showreels/
Darren Altman for his David Attenborough impression: https://www.darrenaltman.com/voiceover-services/
The following VOs for their contributions to the Voiceover Zoo: Drew Campbell, Jason Warner, Cromerty York, JD Gibson, Can Duthie, Caroline Ashby, Tim Uffindell, Cheryl Holling, Stephanie Cannon, Natalie Beran and CP Engelbrecht
Jo the VO, as ever: www.jotroy.com
Listen to all the episodes of Source Elements’ Witch and Cat series here: https://www.thevosocial.com/the-vo-social-podcast/episode/55991cfc/how-to-find-a-podcast-sponsor-without-selling-your-soul
The person with the L in their miaow is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQgbBRKAWVo
The person with the two noises at the same time is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htSYVnHKq_Q&list=RDCMUCy_pH0l1ENt0keocE09jYDw&index=33
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour
This podcast is sponsored by Source Elements
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Breathing. It's the most basic of all the necessary functions, but if it's even a little bit out of kilter it can have a catastrophic effect on your voice... In this episode we have:
- Nic chatting to breathworker Hannah Kendaru (https://inspire-breathwork.org/) about why breath awareness can be key to a successful voice career
- A whole guided breathing exercise to help with breath control for voiceovers
- Leah telling a (somehow relevant) story about the time she was caught living in slightly reduced circumstances in Australia...
Find out more about Jo the VO here: www.jotroy.com
Find out more about...
Wim Hof/cold water breathing: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
Free Diving: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freediving
The Body Keeps The Score By Bessel Van Der Kolk - if you buy it (in the UK) through Blackwells they send us about 14p, at no extra cost to you! Here's the link if you're feeling fancy... https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=TheVOSocial.
This episode is supported by Source Elements.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Fancy sharpening up your editing game? A bit nervous of all that technical business? Well guess what! We've brought in expert Rob Bee to tell us exactly what we need to know as voiceovers to keep things tight.
Get your name on the list for a planner here: https://www.thevosocial.com/product-page/the-voiceover-career-planner-by-the-vo-social
Find out more about...
Nic's "Ultimate Voice Getaway" Retreat: https://nicolaredman.com/voice-coach/courses-and-retreats/ultimate-voice-getaway-retreat/
Rob Bee: https://b-double-e.co.uk/
Jo Troy: https://www.jotroy.com/
This episode is supported by Source Elements. Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Right then, let’s all cheer ourselves up a bit! After last month delve into some of the worst experiences anyone can have in a booth, it’s time to turn our attention to some of the very BEST.
This episode is produced in collaboration with the Talking Creative podcast, and features a live workshop stacked with advice for voiceovers AND producers on how to make every session as successful as it can possibly be.
Listen to the Talking Creative version of this episode here: https://samanthaboffin.co.uk/talkingcreative/
Put your name down for a planner here: https://www.thevosocial.com/product-page/the-voiceover-career-planner-by-the-vo-social
Find out out more about Jo the VO here: https://www.jotroy.com/
Find out more about Heather Loreto here: https://agencemeriemchaieb.com/heather-loreto-eng/
Find out more about Leonie Schiesling here: https://www.spotlight.com/6538-6750-1689
This episode is supported by Source Elements and SOVT Straw. Get 15% off your SOVT Straw by using VOSOCIAL at checkout here: https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/sovtstraw
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license, with violin by Alice Gilmour.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
A couple of updates from the union about AI and gaming that we couldn't fit into the big episode at the start of the month... Listen before the 20th of Jan if you can!
Tickets for the workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-direct-and-be-directed-tickets-223282984417
SendItToShannon: ssailing@equity.org.uk
Gaming Agreement: https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2021/december/uks-first-ever-agreement-for-voice-artists-engaged-on-video-game-recordings/
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
What do you do when things go wrong? How about when they go really, really wrong?
Find out what YOU can do if you see or experience abuse in any of its hideous forms, plus tales of the worst directorial notes VO Socialites have ever received, and even the odd spot of singing...
Tickets to “How To Direct And Be Directed” with the Talking Creative Podcast - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-direct-and-be-directed-tickets-223282984417
The CNN article https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/08/us/metoo-voice-coach-peter-rofe/index.html
The rest of the #MeToo VO School podcast episode from 2018 - https://soundcloud.com/voschool/episode-23-metoo
More about Jo Troy here - https://www.jotroy.com/
More from our sponsors Source Elements about how they're supporting people that are under represented in the audio industries - https://www.source-elements.com/about-us/diversity/
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Do you want to make 2022 your best professional year yet? This episode is going to help you do exactly that! Find out how to create great habits that stick, and why everyone's talking about the VO Social's new Voiceover Career Planner...
Get 10% off the VO Career Planner with the code LAUNCH10 until the 7th December 2021 at www.thevosocial.com/shop
Find out more about Dan Bradford here: https://www.mindfulacting.co.uk/
Find out more about Jo Troy at www.jotroy.com
Join in with the big VO Social Challenge here: https://forms.gle/BEQqGcaSCaJkjo6n9
This episode is supported by Source Elements and Rayvox, the makers of the SOVT Straw. Get 15% off by clicking here: https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/sovtstraw and using the code VOSOCIAL.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Rates. It’s a constant question - are we quoting high enough? Are we quoting TOO high? Will we lose work if we push for usage? How do we convince clients we’re a better prospect than someone off Fiverr who’ll do it on the cheap? Too often, voiceovers feel like they're on the back foot in the conversation, so in this live episode we’ve convinced expert negotiator Simon Horton to help us change the balance of power and improve relationships between voiceovers, producers, agents and casting directors alike.
Also in this episode:
- Get to grips with TVRs thanks to a perfect rundown by VO Louisa Gummer, recorded at the One Voice Conference 2021
- Equity Audio Committee's Annette Rizzo talks us through Equity's new template contract for voiceovers.
This episode is supported by Source Elements and Rayvox, the makers of the SOVT Straw. Get 15% off by clicking here: https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/sovtstraw and using the code VOSOCIAL.
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Regional accents are every commercial producer’s new best friend lately, so in this episode - recorded live at the One Voice Conference - we look at why showing off your native accent could be the most powerful, career boosting choice you ever make!
Also, get your ticket to our Negotiating For Voiceovers masterclass here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/negotiation-masterclass-tickets-170306745059
This episode features the superb talents that are:
Ally Murphy - https://www.allymurphy.co.uk/
Shelly Atton - https://www.shellyeah.co.uk/
Michelle O'Callaghan - https://www.voicegirl.co.uk/
Ian Brannan - https://www.ianbrannan.com/
Dan Pye - https://www.danpye.com/
Thanks to Martin at Sonic Pond for providing scripts for Show Offs’ Corner - http://www.sonicpond.co.uk/
This episode is supported by Source Elements and Rayvox, the makers of the SOVT Straw - get 15% off your SOVT Straw with the code VOSOCIAL
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Nic goes on and on and ON about lip trills, so in this episode we explain how they fit into the world of SOVT exercises, when to use them, why they work, and why adding a straw into the mix might be just the thing! Enter our competition to win an SOVT Straw all of your own by retweeting this tweet: https://twitter.com/theVOsocial/status/1437552041853915139 or if you can’t wait till the 14th Oct to see if you’ve won, make sure you get your 15% discount by using the code VOSOCIAL at www.rayvox.co.uk
This episode is supported by Rayvox
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
As the official podcasters at the One Voice Conference we are delighted to bring you this jam packed hour of highlights, quite a lot of swearing, and all these wonderful people:
Keynotes - Rory Bremner and Jess Robinson
Continuity - Pete Nottage and Danny Cowan
Africa’s VO Industry - Emeka Onunkwo
Agents Panel – Natalie Hill (Excellent Talent) Katie Berkes (VO Gallery)
Radio Imaging – David Wartnaby and Juliette Nicholls (Pineapple Audio)
Radio Rates – Annette Rizzo (Equity)
TTS/AI – Sophie Hind (Voiceworks.ai), Rolf Veldman (Voice 123)
Character Work – Stephane Cornicard
Pay To Play Panel – Marcus Hutton (Equity), Abigail Longstaffe (Mandy Voices)
Equality and Diversity Panel - Ally Murphy, Roly Botha, David Monteith
Outtake Nominee – Alex Pitcher
Also, thank you to Ore Apampa, CP Engelbrecht, Tim Odofin, Natalie Miller, Nick Fleetwood and Andre Refig for your impeccable contributions!
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
We've done it! We've chosen our top five (with just a few extra ones surreptitiously sneaked in at the end)...
The link to buy them through Blackwells (if you're based in the UK) is https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid=TheVOSocial. Also, huge thanks to our in-house Boltonian Dave, more of him here: www.davejonesVO.com.
- Dramatic Adventures in Rhetoric, by Giles Taylor and Philip Wilson.
- This Is A Voice, by Jeremy Fisher and Gillyanne Keyes.
- Actions - The Actors Thesaurus, by Marina Caldarone and Maggie Lloyd-Williams.
- How To Do Accents, by Edda Sharpe and Jan Haydn Rowles.
- Finding Your Voice, by Barbara Houseman.
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
So you probably think the Geordie accent has something to do with the Vikings, right? Well wor lass, you think wrong! Nic’s had a poke around in some serious historical research and has made some very surprising discoveries. Also in this episode – four voiceovers at Newcastle’s recent VO Social chat about how their accents have shaped their careers.
Massive thanks to Leah's slightly confused but enthusiastic mum who picked up a guitar for the first time in years to record old Geordie ballad "The Water of Tyne" for this month's Source Elements ad, and extra thanks to these wonderful voices:
Dan Pye https://www.danpye.com/
Rachel Kershaw https://rachelkershaw.com/
Jack Oddie https://jackoddie.com/
Zoë Hakin https://www.spotlight.com/2611-3425-5215
Get involved with a free straw phonation workshop here: https://www.rayvox.co.uk/pages/sovt-workshop
Come to the social on Saturday: https://www.thevosocial.com/summer-social-2021
Get 15% off your Studiobricks booth here with the secret password, VO SOCIAL PODCATS here: https://www.acousticabins.com/vocal-booths-studiobricks-vo-edition/
Nic’s sources:
https://englandsnortheast.co.uk/geordie-origins/
https://www.bl.uk/british-accents-and-dialects/articles/geordie-a-regional-dialect-of-english
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Recorded live at the British Podcast Awards; how actors and voiceovers can deal with the dreaded brain lurgy #begreatnotperfect
Listen to our friend Nat's podcast at https://www.thefertilitypodcast.com/
Get 15% off your Studiobricks booth with the secret password "VO SOCIAL POD CATS" at https://www.acousticabins.com/vocal-booths-studiobricks-vo-edition/
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
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Less than a year after our enormous investigation into the AI invasion, we are back to report on its first big battleground. A VO in Canada is suing social media giant TikTok over the alleged theft of her voice, and as she womans the barricades, we take a second look at how the UK government is getting on with the boringly-named-but-actually-terribly-important Beijing Treaty…
Here are a couple of fun things to do:
Find out about straw phonation! All the cool kids are doing it, so join our friend Oren for a free Zoom workshop to find out what it is and how it can help strengthen your voice. https://www.rayvox.co.uk/pages/sovt-workshop
Come to the real, in person, free social we’re running in Manchester on the 7th August! It’s outdoors behind a brewery near the train station and it’s going to be an absolutely blimming lovely time: https://www.thevosocial.com/summer-social-2021
Get 15% off your Studiobricks booth at Black Cat Music by using the secret password; VO Social Pod Cats
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
At the risk of turning all Pop Will Eat Itself, we've decided to share the award entry that got us nominated for Best Business Podcast in the British Podcast Awards 2021! (And if you’re wondering where the AI update is that we promised you, it’s coming on the 1st July).
Big thanks to VO Socialites Natalie Winter, Dave Jones, Andrew Dennis, Amina Koroma, Millie Jones and Alice King for your wonderful contributions.
Get 15% off your Studiobricks booth at Black Cat Music by using the Secret Password, VO Social Pod Cats
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Podcasts are a relatively new avenue of work for voiceovers, which sounds exciting but can also be a bit infuriating - in this episode we take a look at what sort of jobs are available, as well as the HUGE inconsistencies in rates. Also, find out what happens when we challenge a podcast branding specialist to create an ident for the VO Social that can get past Leah's anti-branding defences...
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Missed the AI episodes last year? Get up to speed before our update on the 14th June by listening to both parts here: https://www.thevosocial.com/the-vo-social-podcast/episode/1baf6691/32-the-ai-voice
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Niche voices! Email Izabela at help@musicradiocreative.com
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Let's all support Equity's new super-woman Shannon Sailing as much as we can - She's at @equityshannon on Twitter and her email is ssailing@equity.org.uk
This episode is sponsored by Black Cat Music and Source Elements - Huge thanks to Rob Bee for his work on our Source Elements Ad!
Theme tune written and performed byMartin Stirrupunderthis Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Get ready to go into battle with the algorithm! Join us for a big chat about how to conquer social media without being annoying. This episode is the third and final instalment in the Shine Online With the VO Social series, and it's sponsored by Black Cat Music - get 15% off your Studiobricks booth by calling them up and using the secret password: VO Social Pod Cats Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
We've somehow managed to make an episode about SEO that isn't boring! In the second part of our "Shine Online With The Voiceover Social" series, we wheedle recent search terms out of producers from animation, commercials, audio drama, IVR and gaming, find out from branding and web design expert Helen Bee exactly how to make SEO work for you, and ask the most popular female voiceover on Google - "Is it even worth it??" Here's the unofficial list of ranking factors Helen mentions: https://backlinko.com/google-ranking-factors This episode is supported by Source Elements and Black Cat Music, who are the only UK distributor of Studiobricks booths - if you're in the market for a sound isolation booth we've sorted you out with a 15% discount worth hundreds of pounds if you use the secret password “VO Social Pod Cats”! Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
If a casting director was looking for your exact voice, right now, how easy are you making it for them to find you?
Leah's been dabbling in a spot of casting lately and was so horrified by what she found she's turning the experience into a whole three part series.
We won’t let our beloved VO Socialites put pointless obstacles in their own darn way!
This episode is supported by Black Cat Music - The only UK distributor of Studiobricks booths. Get 15% off yours with the secret password "VO Social Pod Cats" at https://www.acousticabins.com/vocal-booths-studiobricks-vo-edition/
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
This rummage around in the world of commercial demos was recorded live with an audience of pro VOs, and features:
- An interview with expert commercial demo producer Martin Fisher from SonicPond
- Sample demos by Sarah Paul and Mark Oxtoby
- Competitive performances by Elizabeth Price, Natalie Chisholm, Alice King, Natalie Winter, James Brown and Dave Jones
- An epic Source Elements ad produced by the all-out wonder that is Rob Bee at https://b-double-e.co.uk/... do go to him for all your studio-sorting needs, we really recommend him.
Don't forget! Get 15% off your Studiobricks booth at Black Cat Music with the secret password “VO Social Pod Cats”
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Peaky Blinders may have gone some way towards helping the magical Birmingham accent out of the pit of scorn it's been abandoned in for decades, but many Brits still confidently pick it as their least favourite, without necessarily knowing why. WE know why, though, thanks to the extremely well informed and universally respected linguist David Crystal. We saved this little bit back from the RP episode he featured in, because it truly deserved its own bit of the limelight. Three cheers for all accents! Tickets for the live episode at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-vo-social-live-commercial-demos-tickets-142531544687 Sign up for the newsletter at www.thevosocial.com Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Snogging the back of your hand is one way to do it, but sound designer Eloise Whitmore from Naked Productions says if you want intense and honest intimacy in audio drama, there are a lot more things to think about... Pack your Fairy Liquid and your baking trays, VO Socialites, we're going on an adventure!
IMPORTANT WARNING! READ THIS WARNING! - This episode includes sex scenes from audio drama, and unbeeped swearing. THAT WAS YOUR WARNING, DID YOU READ IT? Okay good. Carry on!
Listen to Sour Hall HERE
Credits:
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license. Additional music by Kevin MacLeod of incompetech.com, Joseph Earwicker, and Cloud Nine by Hayden Folker - https://soundcloud.com/hayden-folker. Cloud 9 promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com. Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Astonishingly, the actual King and Queen of voice teaching have been listening to the The Voiceover Social and like it so much they asked us to be guests on their podcast! What a lovely surprise! Anyway, we had such a nice time appearing on This Is A Voice that we thought we'd share a little bit of it it with you... To hear the rest, click here: https://thisisavoice.buzzsprout.com/
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Sure, you THINK you know what RP is, but do you? Do you REALLY? In this episode we ask the most marvellous linguist in all of the land to tell us where it came from, and how it’s progressed through the ages. We also had a brilliant response to our call for your RP samples, so we use those to have a big think about what RP means in its modern form.
Featuring submissions by: Andre Refig, Andrew Dennis, Millie Jones, Alice King and Amina Koroma
Here are some links, as promised in the show:
Nic’s Big New Thing “The Voice Coach Podcast” is HERE, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Find Jan and Edda’s book on English accents HERE
Find Erik Singer’s Wired video HERE
Find Chi Luu’s essay on why RP is the accent of choice for movie baddies HERE
Sponsors and discounts!
This episode is sponsored by Source Elements, Black Cat Music, and Vocalmist
Get 10% off any new VocalMist bundle and travel case with the code VOSOCIAL
Get 15% off your Studiobricks booth from Black Cat Music with the secret passcode “VO Social Pod Cats”
Also, some important credits:
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
The violin music under the e-Learning Narrator part of the Vocalmist ad is by Joseph Earwicker
The music in the Source Elements ad is by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Five years after the VO Social’s innocuous start as an audio invitation to the pub, it’s now become a thriving monstrosity featuring award nominations, regular involvement from our talented listeners, and – VERY EXCITINGLY - a treasured collection of hand picked sponsors! In this episode, find out exactly how we convinced them to get involved.
This bonus episode is supported by Source Connect, who are the future of voiceover recording and Black Cat Music, who are the UK’s only distributor of Studiobricks booths. Oh we do love them.
Most of the content of this episode comes from the experience and knowledge Leah’s gathered from working on the podcast, but she also read a LOT of blogs and articles for extra info – and you can too! Here they are:
https://www.eofire.com/podcast-sponsorships/
https://convertkit.com/podcast-sponsorship
https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/get-podcast-sponsors
https://bellocollective.com/how-to-get-podcast-sponsors-72e3ee81c57d
https://www.midroll.com/research-podcast-ads-perform-host-read-ads-outperform
https://medium.com/sounder-fm/the-ultimate-guide-to-monetizing-your-podcast-regardless-of-downloads-97297fcb43ee
https://medium.com/@passitalong/podcast-sponsorships-that-delight-and-garner-top-dollar-cpm-b214d3d0206
https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/recognising-ads-podcasts-and-audio-streaming.html
https://mediaradar.com/blog/state-of-podcasts-covid-19
https://www.ranieriandco.com/post/the-science-behind-podcast-ads
https://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/study-establishes-roi-of-podcast-ads/44097
https://www.marketingweek.com/untapped-potential-podcast-advertising/
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
At some point you might have to scream as part of your voiceover work, and the very idea that you might not have warmed up properly is filling us with a cold dread, so we've talked to the lead singer of the metal band Impavidus about how screaming and growling can be a safe, expressive part of your everyday repertoire. RRRAAAARRRGGHHH! Things to do: SEE the Zen of Screaming by Melissa Cross for even more information SEND your RP read of the sentence we announce at the end of the episode to listen@thevosocial.com by 25th Jan 2021 RT THIS TWEET to be in with a chance of winning our VocalMist bundle! Get more Nic! Here's the Youtube channel and here's the Voice and Accent Hub Facebook group! This episode is supported by VocalMist, Black Cat Music and Source Connect Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
A collection of some of the best bits of the VO Social podcast's lesser known episodes, in case you've missed them:
The Cocktail Party
29 - The Continuity Announcer
27 - The Promo Voiceover
25 - Doc Brown
23 - The Puppeteer
22 - Ode To Studio Engineers
19 - The Radio Commercial Producer
11 - The Sound Designer
We also mention The AI Voice episodes, the one about the Mid Atlantic Accent, and "How To Get More Work In Gaming", but you've probably already heard them because they are our most popular ones of ALL TIME
This episode is supported by Black Cat Music, the only UK distributor of Studiobricks booths. Get 15% off using the secret password, VO Social Pod Cats!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
We decided it was about time animators and voiceovers got to know each other a bit better, so we joined forces with the world famous Manchester Animation Festival to put everyone in the same room! In this episode:
Animation Director Kitty Taylor (Charlie and Lola, Dennis and Gnasher, Tree Fu Tom etc) helps us figure out how we can all work more collaboratively
AND
We are exorbitantly proud to present the international premiere of "Escapado", a new piece of writing by Mark Oswin (Dangermouse etc), featuring characters designed by Hammo, and brought to life by our multi-talented actors Kenny Blyth, Lisa Graydon, Kate Harbour, Verity Henry, Dave Jones and Greg Jones.
See all the characters for yourself HERE and join us in the Facebook group HERE
ALSO... Want to get involved in something very exciting? Scripts Out Loud has just been launched by a couple of absolute champions; Julie Ann Dean and Rhian Marston-Jones. It's a regular event bringing together voiceovers and animation writers, and you can get updates on Instagram and Twitter.
This episode is sponsored by Black Cat Music and Source Connect
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
There's been quite a bit of good news around recently, (90% effective vaccine! All the other stuff!) so we thought we'd celebrate by bringing you this previously unheard, teeny-tiny clip of Mr BBC Radio 4, Zeb Soanes. We spoke to him back in May for Episode 29. The Continuity Announcer, but saved a few minutes of him on how to not be a terrible newsreader till now.
Also, WIN A VOICEOVER SOCIAL WATER BOTTLE! It's insulated y'know... See this tweet for how. Competition ends 28.11.20
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Learning gender-switching techniques for your audiobook characters or animation work is one thing – but what about when the character is you, the audiobook is your life and people can’t hear you properly without the techniques? In this episode we talk to delightful Trans creative Kate O Donnell about her relationship with her voice, and Nic takes us through some of the ways you can move around the gender spectrum for work. Also – The Voice Realm’s appalling behaviour… what’s THAT all about?!? News From Equity is back to explain everything. Enter the extraordinary water bottle competition HERE Tickets for MAF HERE More about Kitty Taylor HERE Sign up for Nic’s FREE Reset Your Voice Week HERE Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Our Nic doesn't hold back in this handy bonus episode... find out what her most challenging job has been to date, whether she's ever turned down a client, and what "do your research" ACTUALLY means.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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If you’re from the North West of England or thereabouts you’ll probably already know about Buzz Hawkins; his series, The Bradshaws, is a cultural beacon for Northerners wherever they live in the world.
He's got some highly useful things to say about finding and developing characters that can be sustained over three decades and 700+ episodes – and about not letting them get too big for their boots, too. Then, in the Panic Room, Nic deals with the issue of keeping your character voices consistent once you've nailed them.
Get your VO Social Live/Manchester Animation Festival tickets here
Join our snazzy new Facebook group here
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Expert gaming voice director Kirsty Gillmore explains How To Get More Work In Gaming in front of a live zoom audience! Includes:
- What to put on your demo
- Where to find work
- How to submit an audition that gets you the job
- A couple of highly revealing anecdotes from Nic and Leah that possibly should have been edited out.
Also featuring tiptop contributions by Sara Starling, Philip McGuinness, Cherise Silvestri, Bryan Boston and Chris Tester.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Things are much less gloom and significantly less doom than we thought! Listen to this episode and be filled with the golden glow of optimism. Huge thanks to Natalie Winter, Dave Jones, Sara Starling, Mark Ryes, Marcus Hutton, Katy Maw & Hugh Edwards for your contributions. To everyone else - we really appreciate you getting in touch, and and we're sorry we couldn't include every response. Get a whacking great 15% off your Studiobricks booth by quoting "VO Social Pod Cats" at Black Cat Music! Find out more about why it's such an excellent idea here: https://www.blackcatmusic.co.uk/studiobricks-sound-isolation-cabin.html Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
They say “But AI sounds so robotic!”
Then they say “There’s no expression! No emotion!”
And then they conclude “It will never take over from a real human.”
But they are wrong.
In the latest episode of the Voiceover Social, we hear from the company that created "Faith, The First AI That Can Cry" and the actor whose voice was used to make it. Then we ask the actors’ trade union, Equity, what practical steps we can take to stop voiceovers’ livelihoods being completely annihilated.
Get the treaty ratified! CLICK HERE: https://becs.org.uk/help-us-make-your-voices-heard-beijing-treaty/
Send us your thoughts and feelings! Email listen@thevosocial.com
This episode is sponsored by B Double E and Source Elements. Huge thanks to Chris Cantrill for the artwork.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Voiceovers of the world who are thinking of starting a podcast! Here’s a very brief overview of some of the things that have worked for us, pitfalls to avoid, and recommendations for a couple of creative shows already being made by our fellow VOs.
Note: There are two separate incidences of the word "w*nker" in this episode, and zero apologies for either of them.
Podcasts we recommend: Tales From The Tannoy + The Offcuts Drawer + Tiredness Kills
WIN tickets to our live show all about how to get more work in gaming: www.thevosocial.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Sure, we’ve all got lovely voices – but imagine if your voice was EXTRAORDINARY. What if every time you spoke, people properly paid attention? What if really, truly, no one else could do what you do? For this episode, we have a lovely chat with Ralph Ineson and Krystal Dockery about how their lives and careers have been shaped by their exceptional voices.
ALSO - In this episode’s Panic Room, Nic takes us through a few exercises to explore different parts of our pitch ranges – do join in and let us know how you get on!
AND! Here’s a visual aid to help when Nic starts losing the room (at about 45:00) by demonstrating a tighter-than-average cricothyroid muscle tilting the thyroid cartilage to lengthen the vocal folds and change pitch. You might not need it if you've also reached High Wizard levels of voice geekery, but just in case... https://youtu.be/rswXWzzAUXg
Email us - listen@thevosocial.com
Sign up to the newsletter - www.thevosocial.com
Find Krystal on Instagram as @KrystalDockery, but also as @bunnimoretto for her burlesque work and @juiceboxevents for Womxn & LGBTQ+ Empowerment
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
The One Voice organisers call us up to report some serious shuffling of the diversity deck for One Voice USA since we had a big chat about it in episode 30. Also, since it turns out everyone spent the 90s watching Eurotrash in their bedrooms with the volume turned right down, you'll be glad to hear that this episode also features ten minutes with the extremely fantastic Kate Robbins. Sign up to the newsletter at www.thevosocial.com Follow us on Twitter @thevosocial Email us at listen@thevosocial.com - we'd love to hear from you!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Come with us behind the scenes at One Voice 2020!
We’re bringing you a rather frank chat with the organisers about the tribulations involved in shifting the entire thing online, their response to concerns that there wasn’t enough diversity among conference speakers and some ground-shaking predictions about MASSIVE changes in the VO industry.
We’ve also jammed together some of the best bits, including:
How to “go faster but sound slower”
Why “What voice do I use for this audiobook character?” is the WRONG QUESTION
How to avoid being an appalling bore on social media
This episode is sponsored beautifully by Black Cat Music, Bee Double E and Source Connect.
Get 15% off Studiobricks Booths at Black Cat Music by contacting them with the secret password: VO SOCIAL POD CATS
Sign up to the monthly newsletter at www.thevosocial.com for all the news, offers and opportunities we can muster.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
We're having a bit of a soirée round at ours, so fling on your best outfit, grab a nice drink and marvel at the extraordinary voiceover party tricks our talented listeners have sent in. With immense thanks to: Chris Clarkson, Emma Stannard, Kenny Blyth, Liz Drury, Marni Penning Coleman, Sara Starling, Simon Jackson and Simon Naylor
Please do leave us a review if you can! We would really like that. Also, sign up to the newsletter at www.thevosocial.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
And now on The Voiceover Social… Some of Britain’s most recognisable continuity voices (including the ultimate reassurance-delivery-system Zeb Soanes) tell their tales of high drama and general catastrophe. Also, in the Panic Room - Nic lays out how to use breath control to organise your shattered nerves. Infinite thanks to Philip Banks, Amanda Carlton, Trish Bertram, Sara Starling and Pete Nottage for your wonderful contributions. We really truly love you.
MORE: www.thevosocial.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Here it is! The breakdown of the Mid-Atlantic accent we've been promising you for MONTHS. We have nailed down exactly what the term used to mean versus what it means now, as well as how to do it - and why it might be time to consider adding it to your repertoire. Huge thanks to the ear bogglingly informed accent coach's accent coach Erik Singer for his contribution, as well as super-pros Juliette Gray, Julie Ann Dean, Peter Baker and Patrick Poletti for sending us their interpretation of the Mid-Atlantic brief.
Also in this episode:
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"News from Equity" is back! Annette Rizzo from the Audio Committee explains what the union is doing to help us weather this utter poop-storm.
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Nic's brand new Facebook group, The Voice And Accent Hub. Join the party if you haven't already, it's buzzing in there!
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News of a BBC Radio 4 drama Leah waved her special computer-system voice around in. It's a brilliant production, by an award winning writer - here's the link if you'd like to listen: SETTLERS
And finally - extra special thanks to Darren Altman, AKA Cary Grant. What a trooper.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Leah made an appearance on the very funny podcast Drunk Women Solving Crime earlier this year, so we've nicked the clip of four comedians solving the mystery of her missing car to play to you.
Other mysteries dealt with in this bonus episode; the curious disappearance of Leah's Manchester accent, and Nic on the difference between an "a" and an "a".
Get your free ticket to the live recording of the VO Social on 25th April 2020 HERE!
And we've made it into a "Top 20 VO Podcasts" list! Check it out here: https://blog.feedspot.com/voice_over_podcasts/
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
One of the most famous promo voices in America lives in a tiny Scottish seaside village, an hour and a half north of Aberdeen. We went to see him to find out what life is like if 30 million people hear your voice every day – but none of them knows your name (it’s Philip Banks, by the way). Also featuring a very tolerant Doric-speaking farmer, James, who let us record him and his excellent dialect. More information than strictly necessary at www.thevosocial.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Coco Mbassi is a VO from London, but is originally from France and has lived in Cameroon... niche, you might think. But her story will be disconcertingly familiar to any non-native voiceover... how do you get out of that pigeonhole - and do you even want to?
If you have something to add to this conversation, we'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and views as an email or MP3 to vosocialnorth@gmail.com, or use the "send a voice message" link below
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Are all Americans voiceovers these days? Does being British there make it easier or harder to make a living? And what the bejinkers is a Mid Atlantic accent anyway?! The VO School podcast host (and indisputable Brit) Jamie Muffett joins us from his US studio to answer all our questions In the Panic Room... How To Stay Present: tackling copy with one eye on mindfulness, with input from actor and teacher Daniel Bradford
Click HERE for Nic’s Masterclass
Click HERE for Dan Bradford’s Mindful Acting course in Manchester
Click HERE for Jamie Muffet’s VOcation Conference in NYC AND send your panics for the Panic Room & Mid-Atlantic samples to vosocialnorth@gmail.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
If you're an actor who's expanded from in-vision performance to voiceover, there are plenty of pickles you can get yourself into. You might have found yourself projecting so hard your mic is popping all over the place, or maybe you're phenomenal off book but your sight reading lets you down. In this bonus episode, Nic and Leah are joined in the panic room by a question from an actor about pauses - how do they change when the audience can't see your face?
Things you can do:
Get the newsletter: Click HERE
Follow us on Twitter: Click HERE
Send us a panic (we'll keep you anonymous!): Click on the "Send A Voice Message" link below.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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Doc Brown (AKA Ben Bailey Smith) is famous for being a rapper, comedian and actor among plenty of other things - but what many people don’t realise is that he’s also been working as a voiceover this whole time! In this extended episode (in honour of the arrival of 2020), we cover racism, classism, feminism and capitalism, Ben’s take on Multicultural London English and the flimsy flexibility of our moral fibre when it comes to turning down work. May all your new years be full of work and joy!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
We've tracked him down! In our Child Voiceovers episode, Tracy Nampala (animation casting director) mentioned Louis Ashbourne-Serkis' extraordinary performance as Noddy, Toyland Detective (season 1), so we thought he'd be the perfect person to talk to about what being a CVO is actually like. Lucky for us, despite recently starring in The Kid Who Would Be King with Patrick Stewart and being up to his eyes in GCSEs he still managed to spare ten minute for a chat, bless him. Join the mailing list by clicking the button at the bottom of the page at www.thevosocial.com, and have a wonderful christmas!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Ever wondered what being a child voiceover’s like? The kindly and wonderful animation director Tracy Nampala (Noddy, School of Roars, Ricky Zoom) shares how she gets the best out of the children she casts and top children’s casting site coordinator Joanne Lamb reveals the worst practice she’s seen from some surprisingly crap producers. Also - everything you need to know if you’re near a child who would love to join you in the booth AND it’s Soft Palate Day in the Panic Room, don’t miss it! Huge thanks to the epic talent that is Chris Cantrill for the artwork.
Things you can join in with:
SEND in your panic for the Panic Room by clicking “send voice message” below
WATCH Nic doing the soft palate exercise complete with hand movements here
JOIN the mailing list by clicking on the button at www.thevosocial.com
FOLLOW us on Spotify to help us with their algorithm: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fKHFyDJxTuX4EkYNDcFiK
PARTY at the next social on the 14th December! (See www.thevosocial.com)
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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Once upon a time, there was a three year old who was puppet MAD. Warrick Brownlow-Pike watched them, drew them, made them, moved them and gave them great big muppety voices. Now he's a grown up major-league puppeting superstar - Gonger on Sesame Street, Dodge the Dog on the BBC, and The Chamberlain in Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance - so we've spoken to him about what makes a voice "muppety", how to make it more "monstery", and what happens when you have too much fun on live TV. Also in this podcast - the one simple trick you need to know about sight reading, and some cold hard truths about winter remedies. Take a deep breath, and throw that menthol in the sea...
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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Our Leah was nominated for two VOX awards this year, but did she win them? Does it even matter? What’s the difference between awards in the UK and the US? And what if you have to pay to enter? Does that make it worth less? We bring you all the answers - or at least some vaguely researched pontificating - in our special bonus episode direct from VOX 2019. Featuring insider info from multi-award winners Rick Loynes, Darren Altman & Jack Oddie, and the super-talent that is Natalie Silverman.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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We’ve cornered studio engineers Tom Rowbotham, Kirsty Gillmore, Rob Bee and Rich O Donoghue and asked them what on earth they're twiddling with. Featuring:
- A fancy new(ish) way to get rid of mouth clicks
- Ten things you really need to know about studio etiquette
- Some truly heartwrenching answers to the question "What's been your most catastrophic session?
- A competition to win brand new Focusrite studio equipment worth hundreds of pounds!
Get 10% off at https://store.focusrite.com for the whole of October 2019 by entering our special code “VOSOCIAL10” at checkout
And here's a link to a video of Nic's advice on noisy breathing from this episode's Panic Room: https://twitter.com/theVOsocial/status/1178915011852414976
Send your voice related query into the Panic Room by clicking on “send us a voice message” link below or email an MP3 to vosocialnorth@gmail.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Ladies and Gentlemen, this episode is about to begin!
VOG specialists Katie Flamman and Lorraine Ansell tell us everything they know about getting the sound exactly right, Nic tackles a mysterious squeak in the Panic Room, and Equity's Audio Committee makes a big announcement!
Got a voice question? Send it to the Panic Room using the “send in a voice message” link below, or email an mp3 to vosocialnorth@gmail.com. We’ll keep you anonymous!
Like the occasional discount on useful VO stuff? Fancy knowing about things before other people? Sign up for the monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cN3nUH
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
We’ve dragged ourselves out of a sluggish 38 celsius funk to bring you the sparklingly musical (and non-musical too) impressionist Jess Robinson. In this episode, Jess reveals who has the trickiest of all the voices to get right as well as which ones do her the most damage, and in the Panic Room - ARG I'VE FORGOTTEN HOW TO BREATHE Got a panic? Send it to us! We'll keep you anonymous, we promise. Click the “send voice message” link, or email an MP3 to vosocialnorth@gmail.com.
PS: Kim Chandler’s Fun and Funky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3rfxKIEXYc
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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Did you know there are VO Socials across the UK? Join us on a whistlestop tour round three of them – Bristol, Scotland and Hull - for advice on tricky clients, VO horror stories, and a surprising amount of nudity…
Get involved in real life:
NEWCASTLE 5th August at the Town Wall opposite Central Station from 7:30pm
BRISTOL 21st August at Bambalan from 7pm (Happy 1st birthday Bristol!)
SCOTLAND 1st September, most likely in Glasgow HULL 7th Sept at the Humber Dock Bar, 2-5pm
MANCHESTER 28th September, the Ape and Apple, 2-7pm BATH 16th October, details tbc
Get more events and opportunities plonked in your inbox by signing up to our monthly newsletter at www.thevosocial.com
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
EXPLICIT CONTENT! Be warned. This interview with radio commercial producer Adders from LBS has absolutely zero bleeps in it. That’s despite it containing an extraordinary, previously unbroadcast recording of one of voiceover’s most famous mavericks raunching up a car dealership, and TWO whole OTHER swear words as WELL. If you feel you can manage all that, you'll also hear: Why SEO is worth troubling yourself over What the heck is a “non-voice” voice (and why you should care) How to keep your reel out of the studio bin. Join us in the inaugural Panic Room to find out how to abolish mouth noise, and if you’d like resident voice coach Nic Redman to sort out your voice problems, send them using the link below or email an MP3 to listen@thevosocial.com. We’ll keep you anonymous!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
It’s the One Voice Conference 2019 in podcast form! Featuring keynote speaker Hugh Bonneville, voiceovers from all over the world, and the Northern winners from the One Voice Awards. Don’t forget to leave a review, and send your questions to our brand new Panic Room by clicking on the "Send Voice Message" link below (or by emailing listen@thevosocial.com if you can't see it)
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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It’s a bonus episode! Join Nic, Leah, Paul Brown and special guest Natalie Silverman for a quick jaunt back in time to find out if things really were better in the olden days of commercial voiceover. Plus, find out how YOU could be the proud owner of the preposterous number plate A1 MVO! Also, the oooonly time we could find to record this bonus episode was on the fast (loud) train home from the One Voice Conference. Thank goodness for the amazing Rob Bee! He saved the day with his magical noise hoover. Here’s his website, do use him for all your audio needs: https://beeproductive.co.uk/ By the way, Nat is a naturally husky VO anyway, but this was some extreme husk... She's better now though, fully recovered from whatever it was and back to husking around at a sensible level.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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Paul Brown is one of the most well known radio commercial voices in the UK. He’s been at it since the 70s, and now works from his home studio near Macclesfield for a floor-moppingly long list of huge name clients. We popped round his gaff to find out what he knows, and have a nosey at his great big fancy booth. Ooh it is posh though.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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This time around, we have an avant-garde bash at getting the levels right and then expert In-Store Radio producer Toby Huggins from KVH Media takes us on a trip all over this under-lauded industry. He also reveals the details of a party he's planning in the aisles of a high street store near you, AND we launch our competition! You can win TWO brilliant prizes (info in the podcast), and all you have to do is write a review of our show in iTunes then email us on vosocialnorth@gmail.com to tell us you’ve done it.
The voices you hear in Show Offs Corner are:
Nic Redman - Co-op
Kate Whelan - Asda
Sara Davies - Matalan
Jessie Brooks - Spar
Tony Collins - Dobbies
Justine Harris – Asda
And if you’d like to feature next month, (of course you do, what a redundant if) email us your stuff!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
In this episode we chat to Judith from Manchester/London voice agency The Voiceover Gallery about how being based up North makes a difference, current casting trends, and what to do if your client's "being a nob". There's an absolutely lovely chap featured in Show Offs Corner, and Nic tells you how to get tickets for the ridiculously brilliant guest coach she's shipped up North for a workshop.
SEND US YOUR STUFF for Show Offs Corner via listen@thevosocial.com, and follow us on twitter @thevosocial
PS: That agency we talk about, that we aren't sure if it's still going or not? We checked, it's not. Closed a couple of years ago.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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The North played a blinder at the VOX awards 2018, with a load of nominations and an outstanding TWO wins by Cumbrian lad Jack Oddie, so we called him up to get his perspective on regional accents taking over the commercial mainstream. Also in this episode, Manchester based video production company Bearded Fellows smash through some frankly savage home truths about how they cast voices, and Leah gives Nic a terrible Christmas present.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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Boz talks in this bonus episode about casting, music, sound design, authenticity and purpose in Holy Mountain's "Billie Homeless Dies At The End", "Saving The Blue", "Hay El Matar" (back on BBC Radio 4 from November 19th) and "The Good Listener" (which is being repeated on BBC Radio 4 on 12th September 2018)
Episode 14 of the podcast will be published in December - send your VO work to vosocialnorth@gmail.com to be considered for Show Offs Corner!
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
Here, have an interview with the man from Holy Mountain; Leah's favourite creator and award winning, industry disrupting megatron, Boz Temple Morris. The most Northern of our VO Social attendees features in Show Offs' Corner, and there's a clip of one of the Guardian's "Best Shows To See" at the Edinburgh Festival at the very end... for reasons that will become apparent. Send us your contributions for Show Offs' Corner to vosocialnorth@gmail.com, and sign up for a session at Nic's Northern Voice Collective launch here: https://bit.ly/2MumUR4
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
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This VO Social meets… episode features major UK animation casting and voice director Dave Peacock (who says some frankly astonishing things), a bag of shiny voxes from the One Voice Conference 2018 AND we introduce our new segment, Show Offs Corner. Send VO related MP3s of stuff you’re proud of to vosocialnorth@gmail.com, also email us to get your name added to our newsletter! AND you can follow Nic @NicRedmanvoice, and Leah @Leah_etc if you fancy it.
Theme tune written and performed by Martin Stirrup under this Creative Commons license.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message
In this episode, we meet extraordinary Manchester based sound designer Eloise Whitmore, find out what a half decent radio drama actor sounds like, learn what the future holds for our ears, and Leah says two things she probably shouldn't. ALSO, we announce some HUGE NEWS for the social on the 10th March! We don't say HUGE NEWS lightly you know, we've checked with thesaurus.com and that is actually right.
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In this aggressively festive episode, Leah and Nic explain exactly what's expected of the next social's attendees, and award winning audiobook reader Dave Thorpe tells Plog what's what when it comes to reading those audiobooks. Email vosocialnorth@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list, and follow us on Twitter @VOSocialNorth. Ho ho ho!
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In this Plog Meets... episode we journey out to a little stone cottage in the countryside to chat to our Melissa Sinden Gray... She's been a pro voiceover and a radio drama regular for ages and has some extremely interesting things to say about all of that. Sign up(if you haven't already) for more interviews with fascinating audio experts - email vosocialnorth@gmail.com and we'll pop you on the mailing list.
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The 8th edition of the ever popular VO Social North PLOG. This month we brag unabashedly about the excellently talented people who come to hang out with us at our voiceover social meet up in Manchester.
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To celebrate April Fool's Day, we've compiled ludicrous voiceover stories from the professionals that attend our socials. Also featuring a coordinated attack by the swarming street sweepers of Salford.
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The talented and well established voiceover industry folk who come to our dos share the most useful secret tip they're prepared to give away.
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Find out all about the astonishing shenanigans Nic got up to when she turned one, feel the birthday love in stereo and open your special birthday present from us. All in under two minutes.
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We take a stroll through the grimiest bit of Manchester's Northern Quarter and talk about how nice it's going to be when we all see each other at Mr Thomas' Chop House.
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The first ever social went so well we're going to do it again! So we go for a walk in the wind to discuss why and how, also when, although not where.
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Nic is a voiceover and vocal coach, Leah is a voiceover and radio person. We met on the internet over a wayward apostrophe, accidentally both moved to Salford and then set up a thriving social for voiceovers across the North of England. This is the first episode of the podcast we make to promote it. Nice to meet you!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thevosocial/message