Podcast
VO BOSS
Hosted by VO BOSS · EN
The VO Boss podcast blends business advice with inspiration & motivation for today's voice talent. Each week, host Anne Ganguzza shares guest interviews + voice over industry insights to help you grow your business and stay focused on what matters...
34episodes
Episodes
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Stop Acting, Start Connecting
1w ago00:32:48Tap to summarizeEpisode Chapter Summaries Chapter 1: The "Overacting" Trap (00:01 – 02:23) The episode kicks off with a surprise coaching moment. Lau calls out Anne's high-energy podcast introduction for being too "schmaltzy" and performative. They dissect the difference between an overacted line and a grounded delivery, introducing the idea of "throwing the line away" to find the real truth in the copy. Chapter 2: The Booth Barrier & Generational Gaps (02:24 – 06:31) Anne and Lau discuss how difficult it is to connect with a human being while staring at unmemorized words inside an isolated booth. They explore a fascinating generational shift: younger talent who are used to digital-first communication (texting, Snapchat) often struggle with the traditional advice to "just talk to someone." Lau shares an anecdote about her team resisting turning on cameras during Zoom meetings, highlighting a modern hesitation with being "fully present" visually. Chapter 3: The Transparent Script & The "Inside Voice" (06:32 – 10:53) How do you visualize a listener? Anne suggests imagining that the script itself is completely transparent and that your listener is standing right behind it. Lau pitches a counter-intuitive technique: if you can't imagine talking to an outside party, don't. Instead, treat the script as an internal monologue—a voyeuristic, "indoor voice" diary entry where the audience simply overhears your private thoughts. Chapter 4: The Narration Debate & Physicality (10:54 – 14:43) Anne and Lau good-naturedly butt heads over long-format narration. While Anne insists that narration requires keeping the listener's needs in mind to shape the melody of the voice, Lau argues that true empathy allows the actor to experience the story's physiology internally. They find common ground in the concept of physicality, agreeing that natural, unforced body movements (like a head tilt or an eyebrow raise) naturally build authentic rhythm. Chapter 5: Lowering the Stakes & The "Duologue" (14:44 – 21:16) The hosts challenge the classic acting note to "raise the stakes." Artificial high stakes often equal artificial stress. They suggest grounding your performance by lowering the stakes and speaking to the audience as intelligent adults. They also officially ban the word "monologue" in favor of "duologue"—a term that ensures your performance always encompasses another entity and never becomes self-centered. Chapter 6: The Artemis Connection (21:17 – End) Anne notes that even when addressing a large boardroom or audience, you must always look at and speak to one person at a time to maintain empathy. They close the episode with a beautiful metaphor inspired by the Artemis space mission: even when the spacecraft lost radio communication behind the moon, it never lost connection to the mission. They remind talent to stay universally connected to the core truth of their copy. Top 10 Boss Takeaways Throw it away: Audiences want to hear you thinking, not performing. Treat key words with a mental shrug rather than over-emphasizing them. Beware the booth barrier: Connection must start before you open your mouth. Assess the mood and the scene before reading. The script is transparent: If you struggle to visualize a listener, imagine looking directly through the words into the eyes of a real person. Embrace the "indoor voice": Many modern commercial scripts are voyeuristic. Let the audience sneak up on your thoughts rather than you shouting out to them. Shift from monologue to duologue: Never look at a script as a solo speech. It is always a dialogue with another entity, even if that entity is your own internal self. Empathy is everything: No matter your technique, you must deeply understand and feel the experience of the copy to prevent a robotic delivery. Let your body react naturally: Don't force artificial gestures, but stay loose enough to let your natural physicality dictate the rhythm and melody of your voice. Lower the stakes: Artificial high energy feels fake. Ground your enthusiasm to connect with your listener like an intelligent peer. Talk to one, not the air: When reading corporate or presentation copy, do not speak to a vague crowd. Compartmentalize the audience and speak directly to one person. Never drop the connection: Most talent only connect on the first two sentences before reverting to "reading mode." Maintain the relationship through the very last word.
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Navigating the Portal
2w ago00:39:41Tap to summarizeThe Three Portals: Mastering Your Voiceover Representation Strategy Voiceover Representation Strategy BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) tackle one of the biggest myths in the industry: that you need an agent to be successful. While representation is a vital part of a long-term voiceover representation strategy, it is only one of three "portals" to booking work. In this episode, Tom and Anne demystify the Business-to-Business (B2B) nature of the actor-agent relationship, the financial reality of why agents don't typically cast non-broadcast work, and how major social shifts have permanently altered how rosters are curated in 2026. Chapter Summaries: The Three Portals of VO Work (02:17) Tom introduces his "Three Portals" framework for booking work: Representation (Agents/Managers), Online Casting Sites (P2P and free), and Self-Marketing (Direct outreach/SEO). He emphasizes that for most talent, representation is actually the smallest portal, while self-marketing and online casting provide the bulk of steady income. Why Agents Skip Non-Broadcast Work (06:00) There is a clear economic reason why agents focus on broadcast: Usage Fees. Tom explains that an agent taking 10% of a $250 audiobook finished hour ($25) isn't sustainable for their business. They are looking for the "rebuys" and licensed spots in radio, TV, and streaming that pay thousands in license fees, making their commission worthwhile. Agents vs. Managers: The Smoke-Filled Room (25:19) While agents primarily manage casting notices and file labeling, managers take a higher stake in your overall career development. A manager may take a percentage of all your income (typically 15-20%) because they are actively promoting you to other agents and "talking you up" in the industry's metaphorical VIP lounges. Democratized Casting and Diversity (33:45) The industry has undergone a massive shift toward authenticity and inclusion. Tom and Anne discuss how movements like Me Too and George Floyd changed casting specs "overnight." Today, rosters are smaller but more diverse, meaning talent must find their unique "X-factor" to fill a specific demographic or stylistic need on a roster. The "Agent Ready" Checklist (09:06) Before submitting, you must be "agent ready." This includes having a perfected website, a calibrated home studio, and a killer demo. If you cannot follow submission criteria to the letter (e.g., naming your file exactly as requested), the only thing an agent learns is that you cannot take direction. The Referrer: Casting Directors (29:32) Casting directors (CDs) don't represent you, but they are your biggest advocates. In 2026, the most effective way to get an agent is through a CD referral. By taking workshops and reading for CDs, you build a relationship that can lead to an introduction when an agent asks, "Who do you have that sounds like X?" Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Agents Enhance, They Don't Create: An agent will make a successful career more successful, but they won't build one from scratch for you. It's a B2B Relationship: You don't work for your agent. You work with them as a business partner. Audit Your Portals: Balance your workload across all three portals (Rep, P2P, Direct) so you aren't devastated if one client or agent drops. Broadcast is the Goal for Reps: If you want an agent, focus on commercial, promo, and high-level gaming demos. Follow Directions Exactly: Agent submission is your first "direction" test. Failure to follow labeling or subject line rules results in an immediate "delete." Clean Up Your Socials: Agents and managers check your social media. Avoid inflammatory, whiny, or NDA-violating posts that could damage their reputation. Know the Rebuy: A major benefit of representation is their ability to track and negotiate "rebuys" or renewals for your spots. Diversity is an Asset: rosters in 2026 prize authenticity. Own your unique background and use it as a selling point. Utilize NAVA Benefits: Use National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) resources for professional contract reviews before signing with a manager. Relationships Over Cold Emails: Focus on building face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) rapport with casting directors to earn referrals.
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Mastering the "Moment Before"
3w ago00:40:22Tap to summarizeVoiceover Performance Techniques In the modern VO landscape, "conversational" has become a buzzword that often results in flat, disengaged reads. Anne Ganguzza sits down with the iconic Elaine Clark—author of There's Money Where Your Mouth Is—to discuss all things VO and her latest work, Speak to Achieve. Elaine argues that to be a true VO BOSS, you must move beyond the logical brain and into a high-level voiceover performance technique that blends theater, advertising strategy, and subconscious "reprogramming." The M.I.N.E. System: Motivation, Intention, Need, and Emotions Elaine's core methodology focuses on identifying the Problem (the moment before you speak) and the Need (the solution provided by the product or service). By anchoring your read in these two "bookends," you avoid the "flatline" story. The Problem: The pain point the audience is feeling right now. The Need: Why you must speak to them to provide the fix. The Rhetorical Triangle: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos Most actors get stuck in the Logos (the logic of the words). To book high-level corporate and medical work, you must master: Ethos (Authority): Owning the subject matter in your bones. Pathos (Emotion): Connecting to the audience's struggle. Logos (Logic): Delivering the information clearly. "Authority isn't a high school principal bounding down the hallway; it's someone who knows the truth so deeply they don't have to think about it." — Elaine Clark Chapter Highlights: Navigating the Script (08:34) Breaking the Silicon Valley Code: How Elaine translates "woo-woo" acting concepts into actionable "code" for tech professionals and corporate narrators. (10:38) The Power Box & Physicality: Why standing still in front of a mic kills your performance. Discover how purposeful kinesthetic movement keeps your thoughts and voice in sync. (19:50) Pattern Recognition: Every script follows a universal arc: Setup, Body, and Resolve. Identify the pattern, and you can master any cold read. (31:53) The Doctor POV Exercise: A masterclass in "Point of View." Learn to channel a doctor who has 10 minutes per patient, a pile of charts, and a slight annoyance with note-taking to create a gritty, believable performance. Top 10 Takeaways for the Strategic Voice Artist Neutral is the Enemy: If you sound neutral, you sound fake. Pick a side and have an opinion. Suggest, Don't Sell: The "hard sell" triggers listener resistance. Shift your mindset to making a helpful "suggestion." Ditch "Objectives" for "Needs": Corporate jargon stays in your head. Human "needs" live in your heart and body. The "Family of Nerds" Study: Observe real-world postures and gaits to physically "wear" your character in the booth. Look for the Surprise: High-value reads identify the "shift" or surprise in a script—that's where the human connection lives. The "Honky D" Pitch Shift: Learn when to "hunker down" and drop your pitch to signify a transition from problem to solution. Overlearn to Build Trust: The more you understand about copywriting and ad agency workflows, the more you'll trust your instincts. Sync Your Feet to Your Voice: Grounding your physicality prevents that disembodied "eye-to-mouth" disconnect. Ignore the Specs (Sometimes): If casting specs are conflicting, focus on the audience's problem. Solve that, and the tone will follow. The First Word is the Most Important: Your performance starts 10 seconds before the first word. If the "moment before" isn't real, the rest won't be either.
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The Power of Partnerships
4w ago00:32:14Tap to summarizeOSSes, are you tired of being stuck in your booth with no one to talk to but your DAW? 🎙️ Anne Ganguzza and Lau Lapides reveal why voiceover accountability groups are the #1 key to business longevity and mental health! In this episode, we explore how to find the right partners, avoid the "gossip trap," and use your peers to "unstick" your career when you hit a plateau. In this episode, you'll discover: The Reality Check: Why isolation is the fastest way to burn out in VO. The "Brain Picker" Warning: How to spot partners who are just looking for a free ride. Industry Diversity: Why your best business advice might come from someone outside of voiceover. The "Unstuck" Strategy: How group members act as cheerleaders to pull you out of imposter syndrome. Rules of the Road: How to set boundaries and structure for a group that actually gets results. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start scaling with a team, this episode is your blueprint!
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The Winning Voiceover Career Strategy
Apr 2800:33:48Tap to summarizeBOSSes, Anne Ganguzza and Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) ring in the new year with a reality check on modern voiceover career strategy. In an industry increasingly influenced by AI and market saturation, the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach is no longer viable. This episode is a deep dive into the power of focus—mastering one genre at a time, picking the right marketing portals, and closing the "relevance gap" by becoming a high-level human storyteller. Chapter Summaries: The Relevance Gap and AI (10:45) Tom introduces the "relevance gap"—the widening space between aspiring talent and working professionals. He argues that AI is rapidly consuming low-budget, entry-level work. To remain relevant, talent must move beyond simply "reading well" and invest in high-level storytelling skills (acting, improv, stand-up) that AI cannot yet replicate. The Danger of the Multi-Demo Rush (03:55) The hosts notice a troubling trend: new talent getting five demos produced before they've mastered a single genre. This lack of focus leads to "sucking at everything." Anne emphasizes that even 20 coaching sessions might not be enough to reach the competitive level required for a professional demo in today's saturated market. Passion vs. Pragmatism: Reconciling Your Goals (15:19) While many enter VO wanting to do anime or video games, the market for corporate, e-learning, and medical narration is significantly larger. Tom suggests a pragmatic voiceover career strategy: use "bread and butter" genres like corporate work (where there are over 33 million potential clients) to fund your passion projects in character and animation work. The Myth of Social Media ROI (24:34) Tom reveals startling statistics on social media ROI for voice actors: Facebook (0.77%) and Twitter (0.69%) pale in comparison to LinkedIn (2.74%). While still low, LinkedIn represents a business-minded audience. The hosts warn that "enpoopification"—the decline of social media quality due to algorithms—makes it harder than ever to find work through standard posting. The "New SEO": Getting Found by Chatbots (27:39) Anne shifts the focus to a forward-thinking strategy: SEO for AI. Companies are increasingly asking chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude for voice actor recommendations. To stay competitive, talent must populate their websites and blogs with high-quality, human-written content that these bots can index and recommend. The 2026 Focus Challenge (30:21) Tom issues a challenge to all VO Bosses: Pick one genre, one casting site, and one social media platform to focus on this year. By concentrating energy rather than scattering it, talent can build true momentum and authority in a specific corner of the market. Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Close the Relevance Gap: Invest in professional acting and storytelling training to stay ahead of AI-generated voices. Focus on One Genre First: Master the nuances and audience of one genre before producing a demo or marketing yourself in another. Market Pragmatism: Target the corporate and e-learning markets for consistent cash flow while you build your "passion" skills in animation. Avoid "Demo Bundle" Traps: Be wary of packages offering multiple demos for a deal; quality training takes time and individual focus for each genre. Audit Your Marketing Portals: Don't join every pay-to-play site at once. Pick one that aligns with your primary genre and master its algorithm. Prioritize LinkedIn: For B2B genres like corporate narration, LinkedIn offers a significantly higher ROI than other social platforms. Optimize for AI Search: Ensure your website's FAQ and Home pages are rich with pertinent information so chatbots can find and recommend you. Use Low-Budget Sites as Proving Grounds: Use sites like Fiverr or Casting Call Club for practice and project management experience, not as a final career destination. Human Content Wins: Write blogs and website copy with a "human-first" approach to reclaim search authority from AI-generated spam. The Foundation is Acting: Foundational acting skills are transferable across all genres. Master the craft first, and the genre proficiency will follow.
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Reframing Rejection
Apr 2100:38:12Tap to summarizeBOSSes, Anne Ganguzza welcomes Paul Cartwright, an MFA-trained actor whose career spans Shakespearean stages in the UK to high-stakes on-camera work in Los Angeles. Paul shares his unexpected and successful transition from acting to voiceover, proving that "pipes" are secondary to performance. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, the importance of "text-first" training, and how to maintain a sustainable business while navigating the extreme highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Chapter Summaries: The MFA Advantage: Text-Based Training (03:39) Paul discusses how his MFA training at the Royal Conservatory in the UK shaped his performance style. Unlike the "add emotion" approach common in some American training, the British tradition focuses heavily on the text. Paul explains that "everything you need is in the text," and learning to unlock an authentic voice through rigorous script analysis became his competitive edge in voiceover. The "Door-to-Door" Hustle and 2 AM Practice (06:33) Paul candidly shares the reality of moving to LA with an MFA but no industry connections. To support his family of six, he worked door-to-door sales while spending his nights from 11 PM to 4 AM practicing voiceover. He emphasizes that there is no "workaround" for talent; building a career requires thousands of hours of recording, listening back, and researching. Befriending Fear: A Key to Growth (13:38) Paul identifies fear as a constant companion rather than an enemy. By acknowledging fear and "holding hands" with it, he was able to stop letting it paralyze his learning process. He reframed mistakes as "learning experiences" rather than humiliations, a mindset shift that allowed him to take bigger creative risks in his auditions. Reframing Rejection: David Wright and Disney (21:07) Paul tells a powerful story about auditioning for the head of casting at Disney Animation. After initially being told he wasn't ready, he was given a second chance, worked relentlessly for a week, and eventually earned an endorsement. However, he notes that even a Disney-level endorsement didn't lead to immediate work, teaching him that success is a long-term numbers game, not a single moment of arrival. The "Stop Trying" Commercial Breakthrough (27:28) Despite his extensive acting background, Paul struggled to book commercials until a session with Tina Morasko. He realized he was trying too hard to be "poetic" or "actorly." Once he learned to stop trying and just read the copy as himself, he booked a McDonald's commercial the next day, which became a turning point for his consistent income. Management vs. Agency: The Power of the Hustle (30:52) Paul discusses the difference between top-tier agencies and dedicated management. After being dropped by a major agency, he found manager Brandon Cohen (BAC Talent), whose relentless "hustle" and belief in Paul's talent doubled his income annually for three years. He reminds talent that it's not about the agency's name, but who is actively fighting to get you in front of clients. Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Text is King: Base your performance on what is written in the script, not by layering arbitrary emotions onto the copy. No Workarounds: Even with an MFA or natural talent, you must put in the "midnight hours" of practice to master the technical and artistic side of VO. Acknowledge Fear: Stop trying to eliminate fear. Acknowledge it, and keep moving forward with it as your passenger. Stop Trying So Hard: In commercial work, clients want you, not your acting training. Authenticity beats "turning a phrase" every time. Rejection is "Not Now": Reframe every "no" as "not the right time for this specific product," which removes the pressure from each audition. Trust the Numbers: Success is a numbers game. Aim for a high volume of quality auditions (Paul does 170–200 monthly) to increase your booking odds. Find a Fighter: Whether an agent or a manager, prioritize working with people who believe in your brand and will hustle to get you shortlisted. Direct Communication: Don't be afraid to reach out to industry idols for advice (like Paul did with Pat Fraley), but always respect their time and pay for their expertise. Vulnerability is Strength: Being honest about your struggles and fears makes you a more relatable and connected performer. The MFA to VO Path: Acting training for stage and screen is highly transferable to VO, provided you can condense your rehearsal process into a few minutes.
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The Mind of a Voiceover Legend: Spike Spencer
Apr 1400:55:15Tap to summarizeThe Mind of a Voiceover Legend: Spike Spencer Voiceover Mindset and Performance BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza welcomes Spike Spencer, a veteran whose voice has defined iconic series like Evangelion, Pokemon, and World of Warcraft. But Spike isn't just an actor; he's a certified Master NLP Coach who understands that the "pipes" are only a tool—the real engine is the subconscious. This episode dives into the practical application of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in the booth, the evolution of the anime industry over 30 years, and how to "anchor" yourself into a winning state before you even hit record. Chapter Summaries: 30 Years of Anime: From VHS to Instantaneous (10:58) Spike reflects on the technological shift in the industry. Thirty years ago, dubbing involved recording to VHS tapes and mailing them to Japan for feedback. Today, it's instantaneous and script-free. He notes that the speed of modern gaming and anime sessions requires actors to rely solely on instinct and advanced cold-reading skills. NLP 101 for Actors: Subconscious Listening (23:29) Spike explains Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as the "study of excellence." He emphasizes that your subconscious is always listening to your internal dialogue. If you tell yourself "I hope I get this," you are operating from a state of lack. He discusses how to shift into a "paid voice actor" identity by simply asking for a $10 "lunch fee" for freebies to trigger a mental state change. The Power of Anchoring (25:38) To improve your voiceover mindset and performance, Spike suggests "anchoring"—associating a physical action or sensation with a specific mental state. He shares techniques like touching a specific part of your booth doorway or using a physical gesture (like pinching an ear) during a moment of high energy to "program" your brain to enter that state whenever the gesture is repeated. The "Matador Walk" and Audition Recovery (32:13) Drawing parallels from professional tennis, Spike discusses the importance of the "recovery state." After an audition—good or bad—actors must "shake it off" physically and mentally to enter the next read with fresh energy. He notes that animals (and microphones) are incredibly sensitive to manic or nervous energy, making mindfulness a prerequisite for a clean take. Manifestation and "Stair-Stepping" Goals (40:30) Affirmations often fail because the subconscious rejects them as lies (e.g., "I am a millionaire"). Spike teaches "stair-stepping": setting goals that are realistic enough for the subconscious to believe. He also introduces the concept of anchoring the achievement of a goal by visualizing the feeling 15 minutes after the success has occurred. Homesteading and Fatherhood (53:30) Beyond the booth, Spike discusses his life in the Texas Hill Country, where he gardens, homeschools his kids, and manages a homestead with donkeys and chickens. He argues that this "Dad energy" and grounding in nature provide the creative fuel necessary to sustain a decades-long career without burning out. Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Master Cold Reading: In modern anime and gaming, you won't see the script ahead of time. Acting classes and daily reading practice are essential. Your Subconscious is the Captain: It believes whatever you tell it without judgment. Speak to yourself as a successful professional. Use Physical Anchors: Create a "booth ritual" (a touch, a scent, or a specific song) to instantly trigger a high-performance state. The "First and Last Take" Rule: Avoid overthinking. Usually, your first read is the freshest, and your last read is the most refined. Stop there and move on. Identify as a Pro: If you haven't been paid, do a small job for a nominal fee ($10). Once money changes hands, you are a "paid voice actor" in the eyes of your subconscious. The Energy is Audible: Microphones pick up tension. If you are nervous, the listener will hear it. Use breathing and movement to ground yourself. Recover Like a Matador: After every audition, do a physical "reset" to let go of the previous performance and clear the slate for the next one. Stair-Step Your Affirmations: Don't claim "I am the world's best actor" if you don't believe it. Start with "I am a working actor who is improving every day." Make Your Booth a Sanctuary: If you feel like someone is listening through the walls, your acting will be restrained. Ensure your space feels private and safe. Perform Everywhere: Whether you're cooking on camera or reading to your kids, keep your creative energy flowing to prevent stagnation in the booth.
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The VO Boss Guide to 2026 Taxes
Apr 700:31:01Tap to summarizeBOSSes, it is the month of taxes, and while most people's eyes glaze over at the mention of the IRS, Tom Dheere (The VO Strategist) and Anne Ganguzza are here to make it manageable. This year is particularly significant due to major shifts in federal reporting thresholds. This episode provides actionable voiceover tax tips to help you move from a "hobbyist" mindset to a professional business owner, highlighting the importance of clear audit trails and strategic expense tracking. Chapter Summaries: The Multifunctional Cash Flow Spreadsheet (01:34) Tom introduces his cornerstone tool: the Cash Flow Spreadsheet. Used for over 20 years, this template tracks every penny in and out. Beyond taxes, it serves as a marketing diagnostic by logging genres, booking sources (agent vs. direct), and payment portals. Anne notes that tracking the source of income is vital for analyzing which training and marketing efforts are actually paying off. Threshold Shock: The 2026 1099 Changes (19:28) Tom reveals the most critical update for 2026: The 1099 reporting threshold has jumped from $600 to $2,000. This applies to both the 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation) and 1099-MISC. Many talent will receive fewer forms this year, but Tom and Anne stress that this is not free money—you are still legally required to declare every cent of income, even if no form is issued. The 1099-K and Third-Party Payments (20:53) For those paid via PayPal, Venmo, or credit cards, the 1099-K threshold now stands at $20,000 and 200 transactions. Unless you hit both metrics, these platforms won't send you a form. This makes meticulous personal record-keeping through spreadsheets or accounting software like Wave or QuickBooks essential for an accurate filing. Hobby vs. Business: The IRS Standard (10:40) Even if you haven't made a profit yet, Anne and Tom encourage filing to claim deductions for training, gear, and marketing. However, they caution that the IRS may classify your career as a "hobby" if you don't show a profit within a few years. Having a professional CPA who understands self-employment is a deductible business expense that provides protection during potential audits. Creating an Audit Trail (13:55) A "Real Boss" keeps personal and professional finances separate. Tom recommends opening a dedicated "Voiceover" checking account. By running all business transactions through one account, you create a clean audit trail that simplifies tax prep and provides concrete evidence of business activity if the IRS comes knocking. AI for Financial Analysis (05:27) Tom discusses moving his data to Google Docs to leverage AI (Google Gemini). By using AI to analyze his spreadsheet, he can quickly identify which genres are growing or shrinking and compare year-over-year performance, turning "tax prep" into a powerful business strategy session. Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Declare Everything: Regardless of the new $2,000 threshold, you must report 100% of your income to the IRS. Separate Your Accounts: Use a dedicated checking account for all VO-related income and expenses to create an easy audit trail. File Even When Starting: You can deduct coaching and equipment costs in your first year, even if you haven't booked a job yet. Know the NEC vs. MISC: Understand the difference between non-employee compensation (NEC) and royalties (MISC), as the latter still has a $10 reporting threshold. Hire a Specialized CPA: Don't rely on generic software if your taxes involve 1099s; find a professional who understands the unique needs of freelancers. Track Genres for ROI: Use your financial records to see if your training in specific genres (like medical or e-learning) is resulting in paid work. Watch for Digital 1099s: Check your email and portal dashboards (like Voices or Voice123) for downloadable tax forms; many companies no longer send snail mail. Automate with Informed Delivery: Use the USPS Informed Delivery service to see scans of your incoming physical tax documents. Quarterly Estimates: Avoid a massive year-end bill by paying estimated quarterly taxes throughout the year. Taxes Tell Your Story: View tax season as a "Year in Review" to see the growth and health of your voiceover business.
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The Man Who Built Voiceover Xtra
Mar 3100:43:45Tap to summarizeBOSSes, today we celebrate a legend! 🏆 Anne Ganguzza sits down with John Florian, founder of VoiceoverXtra, to discuss his incredible 20-year legacy as the industry's primary news and education connector. John shares the "hot coal" moment that launched his business, how he accidentally mastered SEO, and why he's retiring from VO to become a mystery-humor author. In this episode, you'll discover: The CNN of VO: How Voiceover Extra became the industry's most trusted resource. The Webinar Pioneer: John's journey from Broadway rehearsal halls to global digital training. SEO Secrets: How 2,500 articles created an unbeatable search presence. Digital Ethics: Dealing with content theft and the importance of accountability buddies. The Next Chapter: Why John is "learning the craft" all over again in the world of novel writing. If you've ever used VoiceoverXtra to find a coach, a rate guide, or a studio tip, you cannot miss this heartfelt farewell and celebration!
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The Perfectionism Trap
Mar 2400:31:47Tap to summarizeBOSSes, are you re-recording your auditions until you're blue in the face? 🎤 Anne Ganguzza and Lau Lapides reveal why voiceover perfectionism is actually keeping you from getting cast! In this episode, we dive into the "tormented artist" mindset and explain why "trying to be perfect" is the fastest way to sound boring and unmarketable. Learn how to let go of the "safety take," trust your first few recordings, and focus on progress over perfection. In this episode, you'll discover: The Audible Grunt: Why listeners can hear when you're "trying" to sound a certain way. The 10-Second Decision: Why casting directors ditch perfect reads for authentic ones. The "Don't Do That" Trap: Why you can't teach a negative and how to redirect your brain. The Power of Bloopers: Why imperfection is actually more memorable and human. Sounding Boards: How to use colleagues to snap out of a perfectionist spiral. If you're ready to stop being your own worst enemy in the booth, this episode is for you!
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