The Voiceover Gurus Podcast

Ep 166: The Art of Balancing Voiceover and Full-Time Work

Have you ever wondered how to transition from a radio career into voiceover? Many professionals find themselves navigating that exact path, balancing their current job while pursuing a passion for voice acting.

In this episode of the podcast, Kevin and I talk about our own journeys making that shift. We share real experiences, a few behind-the-scenes stories from the transition, and some lessons we learned along the way that might help guide you if you’re walking that same road. 🎙️ 

Ep 165: Rediscovering My Voice: Loss and Identity in Voice Acting

In this episode of the Voiceover Gurus podcast, Linda Bruno shares her personal journey of losing her voice after the death of her father. She reflects on how her voice was not just a tool for her profession but a core part of her identity. The conversation explores the emotional and physical struggles she faced during her recovery, the impact of personal loss on her professional life, and the lessons learned about identity and community support in the voice acting industry.

 

Ep 164 - Hooked by a Chuckle: Landing That First Big Gig

Most voice actors hit moments where a session goes sideways. Weird client notes, tech glitches, nerves, or just plain chaos. In this episode, Linda Bruno and Barb Lyon swap real stories from the VO trenches and talk about how they handled the mess, the pressure, and the unexpected lessons that came with it.

From difficult clients to AI fears to sessions that absolutely did not go as planned, this is an honest look at what actually happens behind the mic. It’s funny, a little painful, and packed with reminders that even pros mess up, adapt, and come back stronger. If you’ve ever had a rough session or worried you weren’t cut out for this, this episode is for you.

Ep 163 - The Heart Of Voiceover: Acting Fundamentals

Host Linda Bruno and acting coach Alyssa Jason explore how foundational acting techniques—authenticity, vulnerability, listening, and ongoing training—separate good voiceover reads from great ones. They discuss moving beyond technical tone to create living, responsive performances that connect with listeners.

Takeaways include focusing on the "why" behind the copy, using acting and improv training to build a toolbox, letting the script do its work, and joining community workouts that emphasize tactics over tone to develop authentic, three-dimensional reads.

Ep 162 - Reflection & A New Beginning

After a little reset and some deep thought about where this show really belongs, the VoiceOver Gurus Podcast is back — and it’s getting more personal than ever.

We’re celebrating 10 years and more than 160 episodes, but instead of going bigger, we’re going deeper. The new format is simple: short, focused 20-minute episodes that get right to the heart of real voiceover life.

No glam. No mystique. No “industry ego.”
Just honest conversations about what actually happens behind the mic — the wins, the weird gigs, the lessons learned the hard way, and the stuff nobody talks about but everybody experiences.

You’ll hear stories from my own journey, insights from coaching, and practical takeaways you can actually use. Think coffee-chat vibes… with a little tough love when it’s needed.

And because this show has always been about community, I want you in the driver’s seat with me. If there’s a topic you’ve been curious about, something you’re struggling with, or a conversation you wish more people were having in VO, send it my way. I’d love to build this next chapter together.

New episodes are rolling out soon — and I’m really glad to be back in your ears again.
-Linda

Ep 161 - The Craft of Dialects: From Sound to Story with Steve Corona

On this episode: Actor and dialect coach Steve Corona joins Linda to pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of accents, performance, and character transformation.

Steve explains how he studies and analyzes dialects—breaking them down into unique sounds, rhythms, and cadences—and how actors can integrate those nuances into authentic, believable performances. From Scottish and Irish to Texan and Turkish, Steve shares his process for “hearing” the music of a dialect and translating it into emotional truth.

He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on major film sets with stars like Gerard Butler and Helen Mirren, offering a glimpse into the art and psychology of coaching actors under pressure. Along the way, he drops practical tools for any performer or storyteller—like using anchor phrases, shadowing native speakers, and finding emotional connection through voice.

Beyond Hollywood, Steve talks about how he’s taken his craft into new arenas—narrating audiobooks, helping business professionals improve their presence, and inspiring others to discover their authentic voice.

About Steve:

Steve Corona has always been fascinated by psychology and human behavior. Growing up as the fourth of five kids, he had plenty of personalities to study—and plenty of opportunities to perform. His natural empathy and love of storytelling became the foundation for a career built on both acting and coaching.

After earning his Master’s in Theatre, Steve launched his on-camera career, landing roles in film and television while also teaching dialects. A chance referral from a casting director led him to coach Gerard Butler on a major action film, sparking a new chapter as a sought-after dialect coach for A-list talent including Helen Mirren, Jason Isaacs, and Amber Midthunder.

As an actor, Steve has appeared in projects spanning every genre—from Hamlet 2 and Breaking Bad to The Lone Ranger and Army of the Dead. His on-set experiences deepened his understanding of performance psychology, which he now channels through Corona Productions—where he helps professionals master communication, presence, and storytelling on stage, on camera, and in life.

Website: https://www.coronaproductions.org

We are honored to be listed in the top 30 of podcasts about Voiceover. Check out the list! https://podcast.feedspot.com/voice_over_podcasts/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

 

Ep 160 - Voiceover Audition Secrets from The Simpsons’ Everett Oliver

Join Linda Bruno on the latest Voiceover Gurus podcast as she sits down with the incomparable Everett Oliver — renowned voiceover coach, booth director, and all-around industry powerhouse.

With decades of experience in the animation world, Everett brings a treasure trove of wisdom from his time working on beloved shows like The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and X-Men Evolution. In this lively, no-holds-barred conversation, Everett pulls back the curtain on his unique approach to coaching VO talent — from fine-tuning auditions so they truly pop to drawing on your own life experiences to bring authenticity to every read.

You’ll hear how his high-energy, intuitive style has helped countless actors break through performance blocks, discover their signature sound, and navigate the ever-changing demands of the industry. Plus, Everett shares insider tips on adapting to different markets, honing your skills for animation, and carving out your own niche in this competitive field.

Guests Bio:

Everett Oliver is a 30-year veteran of both the animation world and voiceover industry. His personal journey has taken him from the Big Apple as a kid to Georgia where he graduated from Clark Atlanta University, and then to Los Angeles.  He has been working in the Voiceover industry for nearly three decades as an International Voice Acting Director and has worked with talent in Africa. Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Everett has worked on hit animated shows including: The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Men in Black, Jackie Chan Adventures, Hellboy, and X-Men Evolution, (just to name a few), and has worked with animation industry titans, such as Disney, ColumbiaTri-Star, and Film Roman/Starz.  One of the most valuable experiences that Everett brings to the table is his time as a Booth-Director for an LA based talent agency. 

His mission is helping voice actors nail standout auditions with bold choices and sharp direction. 

Website: https://www.voiceactingdirector.com/ 

 

We are honored to be listed in the top 30 of podcasts about Voiceover. Check out the list! https://podcast.feedspot.com/voice_over_podcasts/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

 

Ep 159 - Email Marketing Insights for Voice Actors

Welcome to a business focused episode of the Voiceover Gurus podcast with your host, Linda Bruno. This time, we're diving deep into the realm of email marketing tailored for voice actors. Joining us is Jonathon Grant, the founder of Legit Voices, who has created two groundbreaking platforms: VO Inbox and VO Leads.

Jonathon shares his transformative journey from a shy tech executive to becoming a voiceover talent and entrepreneur. He sheds light on how these platforms help voiceover talents find clients effortlessly, with specially curated lists and email marketing strategies that remove the hassle of lead generation.

In this episode, Jonathon also reveals the secrets behind designing an effective email sequence, dealing with the challenges of email marketing, and the importance of maintaining a focused marketing strategy. He offers valuable insights into the psychological hurdles voice actors face when marketing themselves and provides practical solutions for overcoming them.

Learn about the flexible subscription models of VO Leads, the self-service platform, and the white-glove service approach of VO Inbox, where industry professionals manage all aspects of your email marketing campaign.

This episode is a gold mine of information for both budding and seasoned voiceover artists eager to enhance their marketing strategies and expand their client base. Don't miss out as Jonathon and Linda explore the intricate web of marketing, from lead generation to building lasting professional relationships in the voiceover industry.

Guests Bios:

About Jonathon:

Jonathon Grant is a voice actor who understands the craft, an entrepreneur who’s built multiple businesses from the ground up, and a developer who builds tools he actually uses. Every product he creates—from curated lead systems to fully managed outreach—is designed to save time, reduce friction, and help other pros land work.

He’s also no stranger to the business world. With years in the C-suite and experience working with both private equity and public companies, Jonathon knows how to build for scale—but he still writes the code. Whether it’s job sites, dating apps, weather tools, or cold email engines for VO talent, he builds to connect people with real opportunities.

Visit: https://voinbox.com/

And: https://voleads.com/

We are honored to be listed in the top 30 of podcasts about Voiceover. Check out the list! https://podcast.feedspot.com/voice_over_podcasts/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor   https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home