Podcast Summary: The Voice Over Coffee Shop

Episode VOCS 083 | Coffee with Christi Bowen

Host: Andrew Morrison | Guest: Christi Bowen

Date: October 4, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode, Andrew Morrison sits down with renowned voice actor and business owner Christi Bowen. The two dive into Christi’s remarkable journey through radio, video production, and voiceover; discuss industry changes (especially in political VO); and explore her venture building the Tennessee Voiceover Studio and its online training offerings. With candor and warmth, Christi shares both practical wisdom and personal stories, offering valuable insights for voice actors at any stage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Christi’s Early Journey and Passion for VO

• Initial Draw to the Microphone

  • Christi’s love for audio started in the production department at a college radio station, enjoying writing, producing, and voicing spots more than being a DJ.
  • An early highlight was a fun “surfer girl” spot recorded for a local surf shop with a friend, which garnered enthusiastic responses from peers.
    • “That was the high that just got me.” (Christi, 04:15)

• Broadcasting Roots and Geographic Moves

  • Christi grew up moving between North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Florida—building resilience and adaptability.
  • Found her “home” and career direction at the University of Florida, majoring in broadcasting and working at the campus radio station.

• Transition from Radio to Video Production

  • Moved to Nashville, worked for Viacom Cable, then went freelance and contributed to Hollywood films (e.g., Patch Adams, Galaxy Quest).
  • Fun Fact: Filmhouse, where she worked for 12 years, is now the building housing her own studio.

Evolution into Full-Time Voiceover

• Initial Steps

  • As a government contract at Filmhouse was ending, Christi rekindled her passion for voiceover, taking local classes to brush up her skills.
  • She benefitted from an existing network of creative professionals to help launch her brand (logo, website, demos).

• Booking the First VO Job

  • Booked her first paid project (L’Oreal e-learning DVD) after just three auditions via Voice123—a significant confidence booster.

• Making the Leap

  • Balanced building her VO business one day a week while still employed, then transitioned to full-time when her day job ended.
  • “It was about six or eight months of me doing it while doing my full-time job… and then I was now a business owner.” (Christi, 19:49 – 20:19)

• Current VO Genres

  • Primarily works in telephone systems, on-hold messages, commercials, e-learning, and corporate narration, emphasizing the technical skill and stamina required, especially in medical narration.

Sustaining Energy in Long-Form Narration

• Energy & Mindset
  • Christi emphasizes vocal warmups, regular breaks, and visualizing herself as a trainer speaking to a small group to maintain engagement.
  • “If you’re not connected, they’re not going to be connected either.” (Christi, 23:10)
  • She uses muscle memory techniques and physical cues to nail challenging pronunciations in medical scripts.

Political Voiceover: Landscape & Strategy

• Market Trends

  • The space has become highly partisan since 2016; talent must generally work for one side only.
  • Diversity in casting is increasingly prioritized, especially among Democrats, but Republicans are catching up.
    • “They’re really trying to show these are our voters…speak in the voter’s voice.” (Christi, 29:27)
  • The “authoritative”, grounded voice is still in demand, with added emphasis on representation.

• Business Realities

  • Political work requires being flexible and available 24/7; scripts can arrive at midnight.
  • Opportunities are found through networking with political consultants, joining collective rosters (e.g., Blue Wave, Conservative VO), and proactive off-season marketing.
  • Importance of tracking conflicts—never voicing for competing candidates in the same market.

• Performance Under Pressure

  • Political scripts are rhythmically and stylistically formulaic, but directed sessions on the Democratic side (and sometimes Republican) ensure alignment.
  • “Once you get used to the cadence and rhythm…it helps you kind of understand the nuances of where the turns are.” (Christi, 30:49)

Building the Tennessee Voiceover Studio

• Why Build a Studio?

  • Identified an unmet need for voiceover-focused recording space in Nashville—a city with many music studios but few optimized for VO.
  • The brick-and-mortar studio offered accessible, specialized recording space and became a hub for the local VO meetup community (founded 2012).

• Startup Challenges

  • Overcame doubts and slow initial uptake (“scrapping it every couple weeks”). Adapted through word of mouth, SEO, and changing offerings.
  • Designed to be affordable, quick, and VO-specific, differing from higher-cost, music-oriented studios.
  • Memorable moments include hosting celebrities (like KT Tunstall) and welcoming a diverse clientele.

• Transition to Online Training

  • The physical studio has since closed, but online programs continue to thrive, with Christi excited about the growing community and course offerings.

Classes & Curriculum at Tennessee Voiceover Studio

• Courses for All Levels

  • Entry-level classes (Voiceover 101) help people learn if VO is for them. Christi is candid—“If you don’t like hearing yourself, find another job.” (58:27)
  • Intermediate and advanced programs include five-week workouts, career path courses, and professional “Director/Agent Nights” for veteran VO talent.

• Online Launch & Community

  • Christi’s “Career Path” program has moved online, including modules, a supportive alumni community, and accountability groups.
  • Courses are “drip-fed” to foster absorption and completion.

• Serving Working Professionals

  • Offering more advanced workshops is on her roadmap; seeking pro community feedback for future topics.

• Lessons Learned as a Business Owner

  • Biggest early mistake: launching classes before truly building an audience.
  • Delegated social media first; leveraged interns’ unique skills; and later hired a virtual assistant for ongoing support.

Advice for VO Professionals—Rookie and Veteran Alike

• Veteran Pitfalls

  • “Not having enough accountability and relying too much on casting sites…not using the skill set they already have to create opportunities for themselves.” (Christi, 67:20)
  • Encourages leveraging adjacent (non-VO) skills, e.g., copywriting or editing, as additional revenue streams.

• What She’s Learned from Students

  • Planning and groundwork are key. Inspired by students who start laying foundations years before taking the leap.
  • Confidence is a recurring issue—she loves seeing students’ confidence bloom as they recognize their strengths.

Christi’s Current Ambitions, Balance, and Insights

• Next Up: Live Announce

  • Christi is now targeting more live announce work (“voice of God” for events)—a genre she loves since it’s unlikely to be replaced by AI anytime soon.

• Work/Life Balance

  • Admits it’s a struggle (“I fail miserably every day…” 74:11). Leans heavily on her team, family support, assistants, and digital calendars; prioritizes self-care to stave off burnout.

• Advice to Her Younger Self

  • “Lean into the fun of it and just enjoy what you’re doing. Yes, it’s a business. Yes, it’s hard, but enjoy it.” (Christi, 80:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On what drew her behind the mic:
  “I liked writing and producing and voicing the spots.” (03:47)

• On launching full-time VO:
  “It was kind of like a door closing and a window opening…” (18:10)

• On challenging narration projects:
  “I think of myself as the trainer… I just put myself where Ron was, who was our trainer, and so visually, in my mind, I’m seeing that room when I do most of my e-learning.” (21:48)

• On the changing political landscape:
  “They’re really trying to show these are our voters…really trying to speak to the voters instead of speak at them.” (29:25)

• On business mistakes:
  “Probably not building enough of an audience first…” (53:51)

• On confidence:
  “Seeing them bloom in confidence after they know that there is a market…with hard work, dedication, finding what’s right for you can give you that boost of confidence.” (70:40)

• On balancing life:
  “Not very well. With a lot of help… I fail miserably every day at all the things that I should be doing and I need to be doing, and balls slip all the time…” (74:11)

Important Timestamps

• Transition to VO: 13:05 – 16:00
• First VO Booking: 17:42
• Building the VO Business: 18:09 – 20:19
• Strategies for Long-Form Narration: 21:03 – 23:15
• On Political VO Landscape: 25:27 – 30:00
• Advice on Political Conflict & Opportunities: 26:35 – 28:00
• Political Market Access & Seasonality: 32:59 – 38:15
• Starting the TN Voiceover Studio: 40:08 – 44:40
• Studio Startup Struggles: 44:37 – 44:59, 52:04 – 53:51
• Course Design and Teaching Philosophy: 57:44 – 62:22
• Balance & Productivity: 74:11 – 77:16
• Advice to Younger Self: 79:34

Find Christi & Tennessee Voiceover Studio

• Tennessee Voiceover Studio: tnvoiceoverstudios.com
  (“Class Schedule” button for course details; contact info available on site)
• Christi Bowen: christibowen.com

Note: As of this episode’s recording, TN Voiceover Studio’s brick-and-mortar space has closed, but their online offerings continue.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a masterclass in VO career progression, entrepreneurship, and adapting to industry trends. Christi’s blend of warmth, realism, and actionable advice makes this a must-listen (or read) for anyone aspiring to sustainability and joy in the voiceover world.

Summary by PodcastSummarizerAI, episode captured October 4, 2025.