Everyday VOpreneur® Podcast with Marc Scott

Episode: Summer Book Recommendations – Summer Series 2022
Date: June 23, 2022

Episode Overview

In this brisk, actionable Summer Series episode, host Marc Scott shares his top three nonfiction book recommendations for voice actors and entrepreneurs to add to their summer reading list. With his signature approachable tone, Marc emphasizes the power of continual learning through reading and how key books have shaped his own VOpreneur journey both professionally and personally. Each recommendation is paired with insights, memorable quotes, and personal anecdotes highlighting their relevance to business growth, mindset, and self-improvement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[00:59] The Power of Reading as a VOpreneur

• Marc shares his background as a self-taught entrepreneur, stressing that reading has been pivotal to his success.
• He sets a yearly goal of 24 books (two per month) and outlines the lifelong learning mindset required to stay competitive in voice over and entrepreneurship.

“If there is something out there that I want to learn, I can probably learn it by reading a book.” — Marc Scott [01:55]

• Marc’s nonfiction preferences include biographies of political and business figures, marketing, business, entrepreneurship, and self-help.
• He notes the value in studying lives of great entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs to inform one’s own trajectory.

[04:24] Book Recommendation #1: Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Despite being familiar with James Clear’s work, Marc only recently began reading this widely praised book and was immediately impressed.
• He praises its practical structure, actionable “bite-sized chunks," and chapter reviews.
• The book's focus: how daily habits—what we do and don’t do—compound to shape our success or failure.
• Notable Quote (from the book):

  “Habits are the compound interest of self improvement. The same way that money multiplies through compound interest, the effects of your habits multiply as you repeat them. They seem to make little difference on any given day, and yet the impact they can deliver over months and years can be enormous.” — James Clear (quote shared by Marc Scott) [06:29]

• Marc’s endorsement: Essential for anyone looking to boost productivity.
• Bonus: He snagged the Kindle edition for just $1.99, demonstrating that valuable resources can be affordable.

[07:59] Book Recommendation #2: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

• Marc identifies money “blocks” and negative narratives as common barriers for entrepreneurs, including his former self.
• The book doesn’t just offer practical money tips; it shifts focus to how our beliefs and psychology shape financial decision-making and success.
• Personal insight: Marc credits overcoming his own money narratives—with the help of resources like this book—with changing the trajectory of his business and life starting in 2012-2013.
• Notable Quote (from the book):

  “More than your salary, more than the size of your house, more than the prestige of your job, control over doing what you want, when you want to, with the people you want to is the broadest lifestyle variable that makes people happy.” — Morgan Housel (quote shared by Marc Scott) [09:10]

• Marc reflects:

  “That quote resonated with me so much because that is a big part of why I do what I do... I want freedom and flexibility and control over my time and control over the people that I work with and control over the jobs that I take.” — Marc Scott [09:34]

• Strong encouragement that every entrepreneur should read this to fix their relationship with money.

[11:09] Book Recommendation #3: Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk

• Marc gives special recognition to the original Crush It, which inspired him to start his blog—a foundational move in his career trajectory.
• Crushing It is the updated version, reflecting new social media platforms and opportunities in the past decade.
• The book reinvigorated Marc’s perspective on embracing new tools, techniques, and platforms, helping him keep his marketing sharp and innovative.
• Notable Quote (from the book):

  “If there’s anything that this book should teach you, it’s that the only thing stopping you from achieving lasting career and life happiness is you.” — Gary Vaynerchuk (quote shared by Marc Scott) [12:09]

• Marc’s take:

  “Sometimes the best thing that we can do for ourselves is just get out of our own way and do the thing.” — Marc Scott [12:25]

• He stresses the importance of dismantling limiting self-narratives—a lesson relevant for every VOpreneur.

[12:37] Action Steps & Community Engagement

• Marc encourages listeners to tag him in Instagram stories with reading pics, whether by the fire or poolside, and to share their own book recommendations with the community:

  "Take a picture. Tag me. Let me know that you’re reading. And if you’ve got a book recommendation that you would like to make, tag me in that too, because I’d love to hear from it because I am always on the lookout for another great book." — Marc Scott [13:16]

Quick List: Marc’s Summer 2022 Reading Recommendations

| # | Book Title | Author | Theme / Takeaway | |---|--------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 1 | Atomic Habits | James Clear | Build and refine small habits for big success | | 2 | The Psychology of Money | Morgan Housel | Understand and shift your money mindset | | 3 | Crushing It | Gary Vaynerchuk | Master personal branding & modern entrepreneurship|

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “[If] there is something out there that I want to learn, I can probably learn it by reading a book.” (Marc Scott, [01:55])
• “Habits are the compound interest of self improvement...” (James Clear, read by Marc Scott, [06:29])
• “More than your salary... control over doing what you want, when you want to, with the people you want to is the broadest lifestyle variable that makes people happy.” (Morgan Housel, read by Marc Scott, [09:10])
• “If there’s anything that this book should teach you, it’s that the only thing stopping you from achieving lasting career and life happiness is you.” (Gary Vaynerchuk, read by Marc Scott, [12:09])
• “Sometimes the best thing that we can do for ourselves is just get out of our own way and do the thing.” (Marc Scott, [12:25])

Final Notes

Marc’s summer list is tailored for those in the business of voiceover but will resonate with any creative entrepreneur seeking to improve their habits, relationship with money, and self-marketing skills. The episode imparts actionable wisdom, encouragement, and a personal touch that invites listeners not just to read, but to engage and share their own journeys.

Engage with Marc:
Tag your reading adventures and recommendations on Instagram @marcscott.

For more business wisdom for voice actors, visit vopreneur.com.