Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott

Permission to Fail, Relationships, and Building a Voice Over Career the Right Way with Samantha Damiano

In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Marc Scott sits down with voice actor Samantha Damiano to talk about what it really looks like to build a voice over career from the ground up.
Sam only started her voice over journey in 2023, but the way she has approached the industry, building relationships, investing in the right coaching, and learning from early mistakes, offers a valuable roadmap for anyone navigating the early stages of a voice acting career.
From getting burned by a demo mill to building connections with some of the most respected coaches and mentors in the industry, Sam shares the lessons that helped her move from overwhelmed beginner to working talent.
This conversation dives into the importance of giving yourself permission to fail, why relationships matter more than most new voice actors realize, and how to build a voice over career the right way.
You’ll also hear some incredible stories along the way, including how Sam went from racing camels in the Australian outback to pursuing voice over in Canada.
If you're new to voice acting, feeling overwhelmed by the number of paths available, or wondering whether you're doing the right things to build your career, this episode is for you.
In this episode we talk about:
• How Samantha Damiano got started in voice over after a career working with animals• The early mistake that taught her to avoid demo mills• Why research and relationships matter when entering the industry• How to find the right coaches and mentors• The difference between training and actually launching your business• The moment when Sam realized she was ready to start marketing• Why direct marketing can be a turning point for voice actors• Building relationships with agents, coaches, and casting professionals• The importance of being prepared for your first directed session• Why giving yourself permission to fail is critical for growth• How to avoid becoming a “perpetual student”• The role of conferences, networking, and industry events• Why newer voice actors shouldn’t feel pressured to rush their timeline
Whether you're just starting your voice over journey or looking for encouragement as you build your business, this conversation is packed with insights and practical advice.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a review. It helps more voice actors discover the show.
CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA DAMIANO
🖱️ Samantha Damiano Website - https://samanthadamiano.com🖱️ Samantha Damiano on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadamiano🖱️ Samantha Damiano on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samantha.damiano.5
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Anxiety Makes Me Productive: John Lano on Marketing, GEO, and the Voice Over Website Fix

Imposter syndrome. Anxiety. Marketing pressure. SEO. GEO. AI.
What if the thing you’ve been fighting… is actually your advantage?
In this episode, John Lano joins Marc Scott to unpack the mindset and marketing shifts voice actors must make right now. From embracing anxiety as fuel, to rethinking how your voice over website speaks to buyers, this conversation dives deep into SEO, generative engine optimization (GEO), LinkedIn strategy, and the real purpose of your website.
If your website is just “name, photo, demos,” this episode will change how you think about everything.
We talk about:
• Turning anxiety into productivity  • Imposter syndrome in the voice over industry  • Why most VO websites are built wrong  • SEO vs GEO — what matters now  • Case studies, niche pages, and FAQ strategy  • LinkedIn Premium — is it worth it?  • Designing your site for buyers, not other voice actors  
If you're serious about building a voice over business that attracts better clients, this episode is required listening.
CONNECT WITH JOHN LANO
🖱️ John Lano Mentoring Website - https://fulltimevoicetalent.com🖱️ John Lano Voice Over Website - https://voiceovergenie.com🖱️ VO Website Tips Newsletter - https://help.fulltimevoicetalent.com/website🖱️ John Lano on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlano🖱️ Andy Roth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-roth-9a774613
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Direct Marketing Isn't Dead; But Your Approach Might Be with Marc Scott

Direct marketing isn’t dead. But if your outreach feels ignored, it might not be the strategy, it might be the way you’re using it.
In this short solo episode, Marc Scott breaks down why direct marketing still works for voice actors, what’s actually failing right now, and how personalization, follow-up, and relationship building make the difference. If you’ve ever thought “this doesn’t work anymore,” this episode will challenge that belief.
You’ll learn how to rethink new leads, follow-up, and relationship building in a way that cuts through inbox noise and avoids sounding like another AI-generated message.
Key topics covered:- Why direct marketing still works for voice actors- The three pillars every VO marketing strategy needs- Why a no response is not a no- How AI has made personalization more powerful, not less- Using email, social media, and follow-up together- The role of engagement in long-term relationship building
Takeaway:Bad direct marketing is dead. Personalized, human marketing still wins.
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

You’re Not Auditioning For Just One Role with Casting Director Andy Roth

Casting director Andy Roth has cast more than 1,000 commercials, along with countless roles in TV, animation, and streaming series. In this episode, Andy pulls back the curtain on how casting really works and why every audition you submit is bigger than the job in front of you.
Andy explains how casting directors “bank” auditions, why relationships matter more than perfection, and how one strong read can lead to dozens of future opportunities. We also dig into mindset, audition anxiety, social media, efficiency in modern casting, and why being yourself is still the most underrated skill in voice acting.
This conversation is a must-listen for any voice actor who wants to stop overthinking auditions and start playing the long game.
What we cover:• Why you’re never auditioning for just one role  • How casting directors actually listen to auditions  • The truth about “Strong but Wrong” reads  • What makes a casting director lean in  • How auditions build relationships over time  • The role of confidence, ease, and efficiency  • How social media really factors into casting decisions  • Why overthinking hurts more than it helps  • What voice actors should focus on as the industry evolves  
🎧 Listen, learn, and start auditioning with a bigger picture in mind.
CONNECT WITH ANDY ROTH
🖱️ Andy Roth Website - https://andyrothcasting.com🖱️ Andy Roth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shineynoggin🖱️ Andy Roth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-roth-9a774613
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

The 15-Year “Overnight Success” Truth No Voice Actor Wants to Hear, with Rider

If you’ve ever wondered why your “year 2” doesn’t look like someone else’s “year 15,” this episode is for you.
Rider (TV narration, promo, and one of the most compelling keynote speakers you’ll hear at a conference) breaks down the truth behind “overnight success” in voice over, what actually compounds over time, and why talent is only a small part of the equation.
We get into the mindset and attitude side of the game most people ignore, how to stay hungry without burning out, and why you need a mission statement that can pull you forward when you’re not feeling it.
Also, yes… we talk barbecue. A lot.
Listen now, then ask yourself: what are you going to DO with what you heard?
PODBEAN — SHOW NOTES (bullets + links)
In this episode with Rider, we cover:
• Why “overnight success” is usually a 15-year build  • Talent is only part of the equation, what actually moves the needle  • Starting “the wrong way” (guest bathroom studios, janky gear) and still building a career  • Why rushing the process breaks people, and how patience becomes a strategy  • “You’re auditioning for your own job”, staying hungry, staying humble  • The mindset piece most voice actors skip, confidence, courage, gratitude, and resilience  • The mission statement framework, goals vs mission, present tense, and why clarity matters  • What to do on days you’re not feeling it, and how to reset your state  • The VO Life Coach app, what it is, who it’s for, and how it works  • Rider’s other show, Tri-Vio Pursuits (with Matt Baker + Mandy Fisher)
CONNECT WITH RIDER
🖱️ Rider Website - https://ridervo.com🖱️ VO Life Coach - https://volifecoach.com🖱️ Rider on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ridervos🖱️ Rider on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ridervos🖱️ VO Life Coach on TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@volifecoach🖱️ VO Life Coach App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vo-life-coach/id6756729788
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

How Tim Heller Built Two Voice Over Businesses With ADHD, Creativity, and the Right Help

What happens when a musical theater brain, ADHD, and relentless creativity collide with voice over entrepreneurship?
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Heller, a wildly creative VO talent and the founder behind Tim Heller Creative and Audiobook Bonanza. We talk about what it really looks like to build two businesses at once, why hiring help can expose the gaps in your systems (in the best way), and how to stay productive when your brain wants to sprint in 12 directions.
We also get into Tim’s infamous 1980s German alter ego “Dieter Unz,” why “I don’t do audiobooks” people keep ending up in audiobooks, and how to reframe mistakes so they don’t feel catastrophic.
If you’re trying to scale your voice over business without burning out, this one will hit.
Key topics we cover:
• ADHD productivity, systems, and boundaries that actually work
• Hiring support, delegation, and learning to work “on” the business
• Building Audiobook Bonanza and creating a better experience for talent
• Cringy COVID marketing emails, learning by doing, and failing forward
• Creativity as a business advantage, and why “fun” matters
• Mario Kart tournaments, community, and connection (yes, really)
CONNECT WITH TIM HELLER
🖱️ Tim Heller Creative Website - http://timhellercreative.com🖱️ Audiobook Bonanza Website - http://audiobookbonanza.com🖱️ Tim Heller on Instagram - https://instagram.com/timhellercreative🖱️ Tim Heller on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thcllc
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

A Career That Lasts: Joe Cipriano on Longevity, Legacy

What does it take to build a voice over career that truly lasts?
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Cipriano for a rare and deeply honest conversation about longevity, legacy, and life beyond the booth. This isn’t a greatest-hits interview or a walk through credits you already know. It’s a real discussion about staying relevant, surviving career valleys, and building a life alongside a long-term creative career.
Joe shares stories about falling off the mountain and climbing back up, why mindset and attitude matter more than hype, and how prioritizing family helped him sustain success over decades. We talk about diversification, relationships, adapting to industry changes, and why longevity is rarely about chasing trends.
If you’re a voice actor thinking long-term, navigating a plateau, or wondering how to build a career that supports both your work and your life, this episode will give you perspective you won’t get anywhere else.
This conversation is about more than voice over. It’s about building a career that lasts.
CONNECT WITH JOE CIPRIANO
🖱️ Joe Cipriano Website - https://joecipriano.com🖱️ Promo Master Class Website - https://promomasterclass.com🖱️ Joe Cipriano on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joeciprianovo🖱️ Joe Cipriano on X - https://x.com/joecip🖱️ Joe Cipriano on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ciprianojoe🖱️ Joe Cipriano on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeciprianovo
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Audio Description: A Niche Many VO's Haven't Considered with Cynthia De Pando

Inside the World of Described Video: A Voice Actor’s Niche You’ve Never Considered with Cynthia DePando
Most voice actors focus on commercial, corporate, or video game work — but what about the niches almost nobody is talking about? Today’s episode takes you deep inside one of the most overlooked, underserved, and surprisingly meaningful genres in voice over: described video (also known as audio description).
Joining Marc is award-winning voice actor Cynthia De Pando, who has carved out a successful career in this highly specialized niche, narrating projects for Netflix, major films like Wicked, animated features, and more.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What described video actually is (and what it is not)
• How the craft works — timing, tone, storytelling, rules, and restrictions
• Why dubbing studios are often the entry point
• Why this genre is growing fast thanks to legal accessibility mandates
• What makes it creatively challenging and rewarding
• How actors can position themselves for opportunities
• Why AI can’t simply replace this work
• The surprising places described video shows up beyond film & TV
Cynthia also shares unexpected insights into:
• Describing action scenes vs. quiet atmospheric moments
• Why animated films (like Trolls) can be harder than horror movies
• How described video is used by sighted people, language learners, and multitaskers
• The intense timing required to stay “invisible” while still telling the story
This episode is a must-listen for voice actors looking for niches where fewer people compete — and where the work genuinely makes a difference.
CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA DE PANDO
🖱️ Cynthia De Pando Website - https://cynthiadepando.com🖱️ Cynthia De Pando Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthiadepandoofficial🖱️ Cynthia De Pando TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cynthiadepandoofficial
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com
* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Who's Pushing You: Why Voice Actors Need People Who Challenge Them

Voice over can be a lonely business. We spend our days in booths, often on our own, only seeing the outside world through social media notifications and email threads. B
ut success rarely happens in isolation. It happens when we’re pushed, directly or indirectly, by the people around us.
In this episode, Marc shares the honest story behind a question that’s been fueling his own business lately: Who’s pushing you?
From watching Mike Pongracz and Matt Fogarty dominate the commercial breaks during the World Series, to working with coach Brad Hyland, to being challenged by colleagues like Samantha Damiano and inspired by speakers like Rider and Kelly Moscinski… Marc reveals the people who have pushed him to level up. Even when the push stung a little.
You’ll hear how:
Inspiration from peers can become a powerful motivator
Coaches, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances can challenge your growth
Being open to the push leads to new opportunities
Complacency creeps in when we stop being challenged
Success is often tied to who you give permission to push you
This episode is a mindset reset every working voice actor needs.
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com
* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free

Mobile Studio Hacks: Recording VO from the Road with Jay Preston

Whether you’re prepping for holiday bookings or staying mobile between gigs, travel-recording as a voice actor doesn’t have to be messy.
In this episode, Marc Scott sits down with Jay Preston to uncover how he and his wife log months on the road, set up portable “pillow-fort” booths, and still deliver broadcast-quality voice work from hotels, cars, Airbnbs, and highways.
Learn how to:
Build a mobile VO booth using blankets, frames & sound blankets
Use tools like Source Connect 4 and reliable hotspots to connect from anywhere
Match your home-studio sound when you’re recording on the go
Choose the right gear for travel (microphones, interface, headsets)
Avoid common pitfalls (echo rooms, hotel closets, unexpected hookup issues)
Whether you travel frequently or just want a robust backup mobile recording setup, this episode gives you actionable tips to stay working no matter where you are.
CONNECT WITH JAY PRESTON
Jay Preston Website - https://www.jaypreston.comJay's Travel Bundle at BSW - https://bswusa.com/bsw-vo-pro-voice-over-package-3/?ref=7K_hjXIG20qCL7
The Booth of Us - https://www.theboothofus.comDigital Copy of VORG - Click Here
Voice Over Resource Guide (VORG) - http://www.thevorg.comVoice Over Collective - https://www.thevoiceovercollective.com
VO Weekly Workout - https://www.voweeklyworkout.com
 
Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscottVOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* Voice Over Marketing Playbook ➡️ Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com
* 10 Common Marketing Mistakes VO's Make ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Want VOpreneur Swag? ➡️ Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free