
In this engaging conversation, Troy Holden and AJ DeLong delve into the world of podcasting technology, microphone choices, and the voiceover industry. Let's face it... they are GEARHEADS and love the gear and the excitement fo talking about it! 

They discuss how AJ bonds VO and WORKING AT SWEETWATER  (the candy store?), the importance of equipment, and the evolution of music shops. AJ shares his journey as a voice actor, the challenges of the industry, and the significance of training and networking. The discussion also touches on the importance of voice care, current projects, and the excitement of exploring new audio technology.


The importance of choosing the right microphone for voice work.
Sweetwater provides a unique experience for audio professionals.
Daily life as a sales engineer involves interacting with various clients.
Transitioning to band and orchestra rentals has opened new opportunities.
The evolution of music shops reflects changes in the industry.
Voice acting can lead to unexpected opportunities in audio drama.
Training and coaching are crucial for success in voiceover work.
Caring for one's voice is essential for voice actors... but we suck at it.
Networking within the voiceover community can lead to valuable connections.

"I love tech. I just love the stuff."

"You only live once. Don't worry about it."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Podcasting Technology
03:02 Exploring Microphone Choices
05:54 The Sweetwater Experience
08:53 Transitioning to Band and Orchestra Rentals
11:47 The Importance of Quality Instruments
14:40 Nostalgia for Music Shops
17:46 Balancing Voice Acting and Sales
20:53 Lessons Learned in Voice Acting
22:37 Navigating the Evolving Voiceover Landscape
27:14 The Importance of Vocal Care and Maintenance
32:33 Microphone Choices and Quality in Voiceover
40:43 Finding Your Niche in Voiceover Work
47:28 The Creative Energy of Conferences
49:16 Navigating the Voiceover Roller Coaster
51:22 The Passion Behind Voiceover Work
52:25 The Journey to Voiceover Success
53:19 The Unicorns of Voiceover
54:33 Headphone Innovations for Voiceover
01:01:23 The Importance of Proper Studio Setup
01:05:47 Voiceover Gear and Signal Chain
01:09:17 Connecting with the Voiceover Community

EP 188 - AJ Delong...VO and Sweetwater and GEAR!

In this conversation, Troy Holden and George Washington III discuss the transition from PC to Mac, the revival of the WOVO organization, and the importance of community and mentorship in the voice acting industry. They explore the unique unconference style of WovoCon, the significance of emotional connection in voice over work, and the challenges of navigating rates and negotiations in the industry, especially in the context of AI's growing presence.


Takeaways

Transitioning to Apple can enhance productivity and creativity.
WOVO aims to revive community engagement through unconference events.
Building connections is as crucial as the content shared at conferences.
Emotional connection is key in voice acting, not just information delivery.
Mentorship programs can guide new voice actors through their journey.
Understanding industry rates is essential for fair compensation.
AI cannot replicate the emotional depth of human voice acting.
Networking opportunities at smaller conferences foster lasting relationships.
Voice actors should advocate for their worth in negotiations.
Community support is vital for voice actors working in isolation.


Navigating the Voice Acting Landscape
The Power of Community in Voice Over


"Everything is teachable."
"We have to defend what we can defend."
"AI can't act and it can't feel."


Chapters

00:00 Transitioning to Apple: A Personal Journey
02:56 Reviving WOVO: The Unconference Approach
05:53 Building Community Through WOVO
08:58 The Importance of Personal Connections in Voice Acting
11:57 Mentorship and Support in the Voiceover Industry
15:01 Navigating the Voiceover Landscape: Lessons Learned
23:49 Building Community and Experience in Voice Acting
25:17 Understanding Voice Acting Rates
26:38 Negotiating Rates and Client Expectations
29:32 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting
32:40 Emotional Connection vs. AI in Voice Work
40:29 Connecting with the Voice Acting Community

EP 187 - George Washington III on "Un-Conferencing" WOVO

Touch Dip welcomes Rho Marsh over just to chat about stuff cause we haven't in awhile!  Rho and I go way back and we just always had a connection and enjoy talking... so this week its me and RHO for THE SHOW!

EP 186 - Summer Break with RHO MARSH

Weird week, weird month, weird podcast.  Lst minute stuff from July and is it time YOU made a pivot also??

EP 185 - TIME TO PIVOT?

Charles and Jake join the podcast tis week and it's like we never left off but... We sure miss Alden who is doing WELL by all means just busy in his other work!  As usual we scatter and jump on several topics mainly catching up on our first half of 2025 and plans for the rest of the year AND we will ALL THREE be in Dalls for OVC Aug 22-24!  Always good to have my guys on!

EP 184 - ANOTHER VO PODCAST REUNION

In this conversation,Tim will delve into the significance of improvisation in voice acting, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and the necessity of training and coaching. They all discuss the challenges of navigating the voice acting industry, the role of personal experiences in performance, and the value of community and networking. The conversation also touches on the realities of voice acting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the resources available for aspiring voice actors.

voice acting, improv, authenticity, emotional connection, training, coaching, community, networking, personal experiences, industry insights



Ep 183 - Tim Powers

After a MUCH DESERVED week off we are BACK and with my buddy Charles Coats the VO LIFE welcomes the multi-talented AMANDA ELGIE! Amanda is a member of the same club as Charles and I ... 5 years in and still standing! Enjoy meeting Amanda and hear about her journey from COLLEGE PROFESSOR to a fun and rewarding VO career. 

EP 182 - Amanda Elgie (with Co-host Charles Coats)

In this episode of The VO Life, hosts Troy Holden and Rodney Turner, along with guest Jessica Mathison, explore the multifaceted world of voiceover acting. They discuss Jessica's unexpected journey into voiceover, the importance of branding, the role of technology, and the significance of coaching and research in building a successful voiceover career. The conversation also touches on the emerging field of user-generated content (UGC) and the necessity of authenticity in voice acting. Throughout the discussion, the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, providing valuable advice for both new and experienced voice actors.

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to the VO Life

03:38
Jessica's Journey into Voiceover

14:28
Building a Voiceover Business

27:20
Lessons from Voiceover Projects

30:34
The Journey of Voice Acting Setups

34:26
Exploring User Generated Content (UGC) Opportunities

39:37
The Evolution of Technology in Voice Acting

43:28
Authenticity in Voice Acting and Coaching

47:59
Personal Stories and Growth in Voice Acting



Ep 181 - Jessica Mathison with Co-Host J Rodney Turner

How can one person have so much on their plate and still have time to do the podcast?  Jeff has his own Medical Practice focusing on Chiropractic, has B-N-B's, is an accomplished painter and scultpurer PLUS HAS A ROCKING VO BUSINESS!  HOW DOES HE DO IT and remain CALM while having a teenager at home and another in college???  We talk about some of those struggles to find balance but let me just say... this guy is alwasy calm, collected and willing to help ANYONE who needs it.  2 good ol' boys just chatting on this SPECIAL ADDED EPISODE of the VO LIFE!

Ep 180 - Jeff Williams

This guy!  20 years deep into the biz and still brings the FRESH...and I have to say my favorite part is the  WARNINGS he got doing VO while still working in radio... and how it led him to leave and do this all in! Chris brings a lot of fun to the podcast today and joins me and Kaset for an hour of convo!

Ep 179 - Chris McCloy (and guest co-host Kasey Hott)

2020 brought a slew of new VO artists to the table and many will try to climb
the ladder to success. I started the Ladder with Will to help those climbing...
and although we've parted ways the ladder is still a part of the journey to
living THE VO LIFE... so those episodes are still up and relevant. Catch up on
all of the OLD podcasts from the ladder before they are gone and for now, catch
the new VO LIFE episodes here or on other feeds!

Troy Holden

Shows