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The Voice Actors Journal with Simon and Jeff

The Voice Actors Journal with Simon and Jeff

By Simon Tse and Jeff Werden

Follow Simon and Jeff's journey into the world of voice acting.
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Currently playing episode

Episode 31 - How to Incorporate Your Day Job Skills Into VO

The Voice Actors Journal with Simon and JeffNov 06, 2018

00:00
25:52
Chapter 2, Episode 17 - Closing This Chapter

Chapter 2, Episode 17 - Closing This Chapter

We have a special announcement! Chapter 2 is in the books. Stay tune for the next chapter!

May 27, 201910:42
Chapter 2, Episode 16 - Learning From Mistakes

Chapter 2, Episode 16 - Learning From Mistakes

We've all made mistakes at some point during our journey in voice over. Simon and Jeff shares some of the mistakes that they've made in the past and how they learned from it.

May 18, 201929:31
Chapter 2, Episode 15 - Managing Distractions

Chapter 2, Episode 15 - Managing Distractions

Do you get distracted when you're trying to focus on your voice over work? Don't worry! You're not alone. We'll share some of our own distractions and tips on how to prevent them from interfering with your work.

May 10, 201927:16
Chapter 2, Episode 14 - What's Going on - Part 2

Chapter 2, Episode 14 - What's Going on - Part 2

Simon and Jeff took a week off from the podcast, but they are back with some interesting stories.  

Apr 26, 201933:41
Chapter 2, Episode 13 - Having A Website

Chapter 2, Episode 13 - Having A Website

It's our very first email question from a listener!  A special shout out to Josh Gilholm.  Josh question is about having a website.  We share some insight on the importance of having a website.

Apr 11, 201929:22
Chapter 2, Episode 12 - Special Guest : Will Novy
Apr 02, 201920:04
Chapter 2, Episode 11 - What's Been Going On?
Mar 27, 201927:59
Special Announcement

Special Announcement

Simon has some great news. Make sure to listen!

Mar 26, 201901:03
Chapter 2, Episode 10 - Cutting Your Losses

Chapter 2, Episode 10 - Cutting Your Losses

When should I cut my losses? That is a great question! We'll discuss when you should cut your losses in order to further your voice over journey.

Mar 22, 201929:57
Chapter 2, Episode 9 - Opportunities Knocking

Chapter 2, Episode 9 - Opportunities Knocking

Breaking news! Simon recently decided to try out a pay-to-play site, and Jeff gives us an update on the auditions he received from his agent.

Mar 15, 201935:34
Chapter 2, Episode 8 - Upgraded Tools

Chapter 2, Episode 8 - Upgraded Tools

Simon and Jeff shares some of their favorite tools and software that they use for their voice over business.   

Mar 08, 201936:13
Chapter 2, Episode 7 - Being Proactive

Chapter 2, Episode 7 - Being Proactive

Keep looking for gigs! Having an agent doesn't mean you should stop looking for gigs on your own. We talk about the importance of being proactive.

Feb 27, 201922:37
Chapter 2, Episode 6 - Looking For Gigs

Chapter 2, Episode 6 - Looking For Gigs

Always keep an eye out for any potential voice over work from places you've never expected to have voice over work to begin with. Simon and Jeff shares some of their own experience on finding voice over gigs. 

Feb 20, 201928:43
Chapter 2, Episode 5 - Chasing Leads

Chapter 2, Episode 5 - Chasing Leads

It's great that you're auditioning, but don't be afraid to reach out to potential leads the old-fashioned way.  We discuss the importance of chasing leads.

Feb 13, 201925:46
Chapter 2, Episode 4 - Audition Specifications

Chapter 2, Episode 4 - Audition Specifications

Simon and Jeff discuss the importance of following the specs of an audition.  Don't change anything without permission!

Feb 07, 201932:47
Chapter 2, Episode 3 - Do Your Work/Be A Pro

Chapter 2, Episode 3 - Do Your Work/Be A Pro

Starting a voice over career is not easy. You need to remain focus and do the work.  Don't forget to be a professional as well! Simon and Jeff talks about the importance of being a pro and making sure that you are doing the work.

Jan 29, 201930:41
Chapter 2, Episode 2 - Know Your Value

Chapter 2, Episode 2 - Know Your Value

The title says it all.  Know your value as a voice actor! 

Jan 25, 201928:42
Chapter 2, Episode 1 - Goals For 2019

Chapter 2, Episode 1 - Goals For 2019

Welcome to chapter 2 of our podcast!  Start planning out your goals for this year.  We'll share some our own goals for 2019.   

Jan 17, 201924:15
Episode 36 - Running Your Voiceover Business

Episode 36 - Running Your Voiceover Business

Don't forget that your voiceover journey is also a business!  What do I do when it comes to taxes? DBA, LLC, or S-corp?  Our special guest this week is tax accountant extraordinaire Rosa Werden.  She'll give you the rundown on things you should be aware of when you're filing taxes for your voiceover business,

Dec 21, 201832:12
Episode 35 - Pay-To-Play-Sites: Part 3

Episode 35 - Pay-To-Play-Sites: Part 3

Our discussion of Pay-To-Play-Sites continues! We'll share own experiences using these sites.
Dec 07, 201832:15
Episode 34 - Pay-To-Play-Sites: Part 2

Episode 34 - Pay-To-Play-Sites: Part 2

Backstage vs Actors Access. Should I pay the subscription fee for these sites? We'll share our own experiences with these two sites.
Nov 28, 201822:10
Episode 33 - Networking

Episode 33 - Networking

Don't be afraid of networking! It can be difficult task to tackle, but it's important to meet people and establish a business relationship with them. We'll share our own experiences when it comes to networking.
Nov 21, 201824:45
Episode 32 - Remembering Stan Lee

Episode 32 - Remembering Stan Lee

This week's episode is about Stan Lee and how he made an impact to our lives. RIP Stan Lee. We'll miss you.
Nov 14, 201819:23
Episode 31 - How to Incorporate Your Day Job Skills Into VO

Episode 31 - How to Incorporate Your Day Job Skills Into VO

You might not like your day job, but you can incorporate the skills you've learn from your job into your voice over training. We'll share some of the skills that we've incorporated into our own training.
Nov 06, 201825:52
Episode 30 - Keeping The Voice Healthy

Episode 30 - Keeping The Voice Healthy

It's important to keep your voice healthy. Don't strain your voice! We'll talk about the things that we do to keep our voice healthy.
Oct 31, 201822:26
Episode 29 - Prioritizing Jobs (Paid vs. Unpaid Work)

Episode 29 - Prioritizing Jobs (Paid vs. Unpaid Work)

You should always prioritize gigs that pay! What about gigs that don't pay you? Is it worth doing for exposure? We'll talk about our own experiences in dealing with unpaid work.
Oct 24, 201820:23
Episode 28 - Relocating

Episode 28 - Relocating

Should you move to a city like La La Land in order to pursue a career in voice acting? Well put your suitcases aside!! We'll share some of our own stories about pursuing voice acting in big cities.
Oct 17, 201831:16
Episode 27 - Sickness and Remedies

Episode 27 - Sickness and Remedies

Have you ever woke up with a sore throat? It's terrible! Especially for voice actors. We'll share our own experiences in dealing with sickness.
Oct 10, 201827:26
Episode 26 - Planning / Having Realistic Goals

Episode 26 - Planning / Having Realistic Goals

Coming up with a list of goals is important for your voice over journey! We'll share our own experiences when it comes to achieving our goals.
Oct 02, 201830:50
Episode 25 - Being Professional

Episode 25 - Being Professional

Be a professional when you're on the job. First impressions are important! We'll share our own experiences on being a professional in the world of both acting and voice acting.
Sep 25, 201822:38
Episode 24 - Dealing With Rejection and Envy Of Others

Episode 24 - Dealing With Rejection and Envy Of Others

Voice acting is a tough gig and there will be times where you'll experience the moments where you don't book the gig. You might even feel jealous of someone else's success. Simon and Jeff share their own ways of dealing with rejection and being envy of others.
Sep 18, 201828:02
Episode 23 - Rates

Episode 23 - Rates

"How much should I charge for my services?" That's the million dollar question new and experienced voice actors are trying to answer. We'll share our own opinions about rates.
Sep 12, 201829:36
Episode 22 - Fraudulent Auditions

Episode 22 - Fraudulent Auditions

Beware of scammers! We'll share our own experiences on how we spot fake and fraudulent voice over auditions and gigs.
Sep 04, 201830:27
Episode 21 - Special Guest Eddie Mcgee

Episode 21 - Special Guest Eddie Mcgee

We have a special guest on this week's episode! Actor/Voice Actor Eddie Mcgee shares his experience in the world of voice acting. You guys don't want to miss this episode!
Aug 28, 201826:14
Episode 20 - Union vs. Non-Union

Episode 20 - Union vs. Non-Union

Are you ready to join the union? Or should you stay non-union? We'll share our own opinions on why we are staying non-union, especially if you're new to voice acting.
Aug 22, 201841:00
Episode 19 - Voice and Physical Acting

Episode 19 - Voice and Physical Acting

Is there a difference between voice and physical acting? How are they related? Simon and Jeff will share their own experiences in both the voice and physical acting.
Aug 15, 201845:15
Episode 18 - Conventions

Episode 18 - Conventions

Sometimes you need to break out of your shell and meet other voice actors, but where do I meet my fellow voice actors? Try going to a convention! We'll share our own experiences of attending different types of conventions.
Aug 07, 201831:04
Bloopers!

Bloopers!

Jeff is on vacation, but we'll be back to our regularly scheduled program! Enjoy this blooper episode!
Aug 01, 201804:10
Episode 17 - San Diego Comic-Con

Episode 17 - San Diego Comic-Con

Simon survived San Diego Comic-Con!! He'll share some of the voice-over related panels that he attended and the starstruck moment he experienced​ on his train ride back home.
Jul 24, 201836:46
Episode 16 - Home Studio / Environment

Episode 16 - Home Studio / Environment

I don't have a professional recording studio! Don't worry! We'll share our own experiences on building a recording environment that won't make your wallet cry.
Jul 17, 201824:44
Episode 15 - Pay-To-Play Sites

Episode 15 - Pay-To-Play Sites

So you finished recording your demo and now you're thinking about subscribing to a pay-to-play site. We'll share our experiences dealing with pay-to-play sites.
Jul 10, 201844:43
Episode 14 - Voiceover Resources

Episode 14 - Voiceover Resources

Class is in session! Part of your voice over journey will consist of studying. We share some of our favorite resources that will help further enhance your knowledge of the voice over world.
Jul 03, 201829:35
Episode 13 - Equipment

Episode 13 - Equipment

What you should use? What you shouldn't use? Especially Jeff's gaming headset. We'll talk about the importance of having the right equipment for your voice over journey.
Jun 26, 201845:00
Episode 12 - Podcasts

Episode 12 - Podcasts

Should you start a podcast? We think you should! We'll talk about how having a podcast can benefit your voice over journey.
Jun 19, 201831:28
Episode 11 : Work-Life Balance

Episode 11 : Work-Life Balance

Simon and Jeff discuss the value of striking a balance between working and pursuing a career as a voice actor and maintaining a happy home and family life.
Jun 12, 201829:26
Episode 10 - Demo Reels

Episode 10 - Demo Reels

A demo reel is a resume for voice actors! We'll share our journey on how to get a demo reel.
Jun 05, 201824:08
Episode 9 - Impressions & Weird Voices

Episode 9 - Impressions & Weird Voices

Are you great at doing impressions or creating weird voices? Or Maybe you're just terrible at it! Don't worry! We'll share our own experiences on when it comes to impressions & weird voices.
May 31, 201832:00
Episode 8 - Animation & Video Games

Episode 8 - Animation & Video Games

So you want to voice a character in that brand new Cartoon Network series or that awesome character in a new video game? Well, so do we! We'll share our own experiences on achieving that goal.
May 23, 201836:18
Episode 7 - Audiobooks and Narration

Episode 7 - Audiobooks and Narration

Explainers? Corporate Narration? ACX? What does it all mean? Jeff talks about his experience with audiobooks and narration.
May 16, 201833:06
Episode 6 - The Audition Process

Episode 6 - The Audition Process

Welcome to the world of auditioning! As a voice actor, you're going to be auditioning a lot in order to book your first gig. We talk about the ups and downs of the audition process.
May 09, 201837:02