Podcast Summary: A VO's Journey – Ep. 294 "Crazy Anthony and VO Trends"

Release Date: October 20, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Pica (A) & Gabby (B)
Podcast Theme: Guidance for new voiceover artists by sharing real-time experiences in the industry, trends, and practical tips for business growth.

Brief Overview

This episode explores current voiceover industry trends, specifically the growth of audiobooks, audio dramas, and the evolving business strategies for voice actors. Anthony and Gabby discuss how technology is enabling VO artists to create new revenue streams, ways to self-promote projects on a zero budget, and the changing landscape of commercial voiceover—especially with nostalgia advertising and the booming video game market.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Milestones & Platform Updates

(01:21 - 03:07)

• Anthony proudly shares that VO Journey Academy has surpassed 400 published audiobooks, underscoring the academy’s success and momentum in VO production.

• Announcement and excitement about launching a new audio drama, After the Siren.

  Anthony: "We had hit over 400 audiobooks published. Of course we're past that now, but wild to me." (01:21)

2. The "Crazy" Author Facts Show Idea

(03:07 - 07:38)

• Anthony floats a unique content strategy: dressing in costume as a quirky old-time author to share “interesting facts about authors” on Academy Voices’ YouTube, adding personality and a recognizable face to the brand.

• They reflect on H.P. Lovecraft’s and Mozart’s struggles, flipping it into a lesson for modern VO artists about achieving both creative satisfaction and financial stability.

  Anthony: "I always said I didn't want to be like Mozart because... die on the hill, these crazy things, and then die penniless in a nameless grave." (07:39)

3. Monetizing Audio Productions

(08:05 - 10:35)

• The hosts stress the importance of diversifying income beyond traditional client work:

  • Creating and distributing audiobooks, audio dramas, and other audio productions through monetized platforms to generate residual income and build an audience.
  • Gabby adds that being proactive with technology and pursuing commercial renewals yields ongoing revenue.

  Gabby: "Being ahead of what's happening technologically... is always important." (09:45)

  Anthony: "Putting out audio performances in places where you can earn revenue is a great way... to make some money at the same time." (09:23)

4. How to Promote Audiobooks on a Zero Budget

(10:40 - 14:10)

• Practical, resourceful strategies for creators with limited means:

  • Social Media: Regularly post updates about new releases, and tag authors.
  • Email Lists: Start compiling and nurturing a fan email list.
  • Word-of-Mouth: Don’t underestimate sharing with friends and family.
  • Podcast Guesting: Reach out to podcasts and online shows to be interviewed.
  • Creative Content: Share snippets, fun facts, or behind-the-scenes stories about the audiobook.

  Anthony: "If you have, I would recommend, you know, get some social media accounts... The most free you're gonna get." (12:25, 13:28)

  Gabby: "This is also where reaching out to other podcasts and other outlets... can be very fruitful as well." (14:10)

5. Hosting Audio Dramas—Where and How

(14:31 - 17:43)

• Audio dramas can be distributed on podcast platforms, which now encompass diverse audio genres:

  • Hosted and distributed just like podcasts (Buzzsprout, Podbean, YouTube, etc.).
  • Most platforms are low-cost and may provide built-in monetization.
  • Gabby recommends learning by example (e.g., the success of "Old Gods of Appalachia").

  Gabby: "Podcasts are... there's so many genres... and they have musicians... it's very much story time... It's a podcast, though." (14:42)

6. Industry Trends: Gaming, Commercials & Nostalgia

(17:49 - 23:16)

• Video Game Trailers: Recognized growth area for voiceover, especially as ad spending in the gaming industry explodes.

  • To access these jobs, cultivate relationships with agencies, casting companies, or use platforms like Backstage. Most major campaigns still go through traditional agents.

  Gabby: "Video game trailers... have been quite popular for a while now... especially because the culture of gaming has changed so much... So yeah, I do think that will continue." (18:27)

• Nostalgia Advertising: Surge in brands reviving iconic commercials and jingles from the 80s/90s to target now-adult audiences.

  Gabby: "Part of it is, yes, they're capitalizing on nostalgia... reincorporate them into their advertising." (20:55)

• Commercials Remain Plentiful: Despite market changes and outside pressures, commercial VO still offers numerous opportunities.

  Anthony: "There is a lot of opportunity in, you know, the commercial arena. There's a lot there." (21:35)

7. Economic Uncertainty and Entertainment Demand

(21:53 - 23:28)

• Discussed how economic and societal events (e.g., COVID, recession) have historically driven up demand for VO in entertainment, audiobooks, and games—the "escapist" factor.

• Diversifying into these sectors provides stability even during downturns.

  Anthony: "When crap hits the fan... we want more entertainment." (23:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On VO's Business Philosophy:

  "I ventured on early saying, I don't care if I die. No one knows who I am, but I want to die with the money in my pocket so I can en life." – Anthony (08:06)

• On Connecting with Audiences:

  "We've never been more connected, right, as a people, but we're also the most alone we've ever been... there's a very real need psychologically for people to have company in the form of a lot of these kinds of entertainment." – Gabby (11:41)

• On the Tech-Driven Expansion of VO:

  "Don't let your... frustration for certain forms of tech... take away from the other forms of tech that's actually helping us earn more money, for sure." – Anthony (16:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:21 | Introduction, greetings, VO Journey milestones
• 03:07–07:38 | Author facts show concept; lessons from Lovecraft and Mozart
• 08:05–10:35 | Revenue strategies: audiobooks, audio dramas, commercial renewals
• 10:40–14:10 | Promoting audiobooks/social content on a zero budget
• 14:31–17:43 | Distributing audio dramas & platforms overview
• 17:49–23:16 | Industry trends: gaming, commercials, nostalgia-factor advertising
• 23:16–24:22 | Escapism, economic conditions, and business resilience

Final Thoughts

Anthony and Gabby provide actionable, real-world advice for both aspiring and working voiceover artists, emphasizing resourcefulness, technological adaptation, and diversification. The episode is lively, humorous, and candid, making it as encouraging as it is instructive about thriving in the evolving VO landscape.

Stay tuned for the next episode, focusing more deeply on zero-budget promotion and leveraging the right social platforms for growth!