The VOHeroes Podcast

Hosted by David H. Lawrence XVII

Business Education ArtsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

279

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Voice over is a heroes' journey. Make it your journey. Actor, voice talent and storytelling coach David H. Lawrence XVII takes you on a journey each episode into the art, commerce, science and mindset of voice over as a performing art, and as a profession and business. Presented by VOHeroes.com.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 132883 min

13288: Is Listening To An Audiobook Less Than Reading A Book?

Hey there, hero!Just want to get your opinion on this apparently very controversial issue.I have my own thoughts, but I want to know yours.Let’s discuss. Scroll down and fire away.Is listening to an audiobook “cheating?” Is there something wrong with only listening to (or only being willing to read) whichever version of the book you prefer? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/is-listening-to-an-audiobook-less-than-reading-a-book/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

June 9, 2026Episode 132876 min

13287: How Stressful Is Audiobook Narration Really?

Hey there, hero!I know that some VO talent and actors (and even my author peeps who want to narrate their own books) shy away from the prospect, mostly because it looks like a gargantuan undertaking.You might be one of them, imagining a lot of planning, a lot of work…and a lot of stress.I would like to help you reframe that with some much more positive positioning, around learning, proficiency, earnings and satisfaction.You buyin’ what I’m sellin’? After you watch or listen to the episode, let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/how-stressful-is-audiobook-narration-really/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

June 2, 2026Episode 132865 min

13286: Whatever Works, Yes?

Hey there, hero!I created this podcast episode moments after jumping off being a guest on Chris Barry’s podcast, Coaching Uncovered.(You can find my episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOpiI02rjNI )He asked a very common question: how do you build your business?It’s something my personal business coaches have been hounding me about for years, and it prompted me to share with you what I think should be the overarching approach to building a business: comfort. My go to phrase? “Whatever works for you.” And I think it probably applies to you as well.Once you’ve watched the episode, let me know: are you happy and at peace with how big your performance practice is? Would you desperately like it to be bigger, or are you good with where it is now? Maybe you'd like to throttle back some and make it a bit more manageable? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/whatever-works-yes/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

May 26, 2026Episode 132856 min

13285: Two. Not Three.

Hey there, hero!Simon Sinek recently reminded me of a story I’d heard for years: two, not three.Ben Prober, a successful shoe salesman, found that fewer choices made the decision about which shoes to buy easier.In the 1950s, he limited customers to two pairs of shoes at a time, taking away a pair if the customer wanted a third. This idea connects to a psychological principle: more choices can overwhelm us, making decisions slower and less satisfying.As a performer or writer, when you're building a character, think about this. Instead of layering on every possible choice or detail, focus first on just a few key traits or decisions.(As noted in the episode, this can also work for hamburger joints.)In this episode, we discuss narrowing down your options can help you connect with the role more quickly and easily. Too many choices can delay the crafting of the character, while fewer, stronger choices can make it feel sharper and more real.Have you heard a version of this story? Do you overwhelm your contacts sometimes with too many choices? Do you feel that way sometimes yourself? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/two-not-three/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

May 19, 2026Episode 1328411 min

13284: Q&A: Should You Actually Say The N-Word When Narrating?

Hey there, hero!The question comes up often, and it shows up in various forms. This time, a client wrote this:“David…I cannot believe that in today’s cultural environment, that there are authors who expect me to say the n-word. I can’t understand why they’d even write it! How do I make it clear to this rights holder that they need to edit that word out of their book? Do you have a message in your message template that lets them know that I won’t narrate their book unless they change that? Amazing.”Um…no, I don’t and, more importantly, this is the wrong approach to take. It’s not anyone’s place to take an artist to task for creating art that may be uncomfortable to you.Let’s answer the question, and let’s discuss why my answer is what it is.How do you handle potentially triggering language in the books you narrate or the shows you appear in? If you’re one of my author peeps, how do you handle writing language that is racist, violent, sexual or other uncomfortable categories? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/qa-should-you-actually-say-the-n-word-when-narrating/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

May 12, 2026Episode 132835 min

13283: The One Question You Can Ask That Just Might Make Someone Love You

Hey there, hero!Everybody loves baseball. And the language of baseball is part of cultures around the world.And over the course of time, I’ve settled on one question when I’m trying to serve a client, a peer, an affiliate, a family member or just a friend who needs my support.More often than not, they react with surprise and delight, and proceed to answer the question with depth and detail.They love this baseball-inspired request. Watch or listen to this episode to hear this simple question, and see if some version of it might work for you.(And for those of you in, say, the UK or India or Australia…I’m sure you can create a futbol or cricket equivalent.)What do you use when you want to find out how your help is needed? How do you dig deep into someone’s needs when they ask for help? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/the-one-question-you-can-ask-that-just-might-make-someone-love-you/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

May 5, 2026Episode 132824 min

13282: Do Not Fear Rejection. Instead, Fear Regret.

Hey there, hero!The title of this podcast episode comes from the words of author Michelle Rozen (not Rozer, as I misspoke at the beginning of the podcast), who wrote The 6%, a book on high achievers.And when I heard it, it struck me that we kinda face this dilemma all. the. time. We can worry that no one wants to see or hear or read what we’ve created.And that can stop the effort to create…dead in its tracks.How do you approach the act of creation? With an eye toward whether people will pay any attention at all? Or from the learning we experience, good or bad, from simply giving it a go? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/do-not-fear-rejection-instead-fear-regret/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

April 28, 2026Episode 132816 min

13281: Remove Distractions So Your Audience Sees Only You

Hey there, hero!Wow. That’s dark.A BTS look at my updated audition background, and why I chose to simplify my look.(I’ll likely be back to the bricks next episode.)But why the severe change? Because I look for any distraction from my acting and try my best to remove it. And I do it so that all the casting director has to pay attention to…is my acting.That’s it.So…what have you been adding to your look or sound or writing that you might want to let go of? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/remove-distractions-so-your-audience-sees-only-you/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

April 21, 2026Episode 132805 min

13280: Channel Your Inner “Superstar Server”

Hey there, hero!The perfect server not only gives you great service……they are actually nowhere to be found when they aren’t needed.Ever notice that?It’s an art and skill to know when you’re needed and when you’re not - and that applies to us when we’re auditioning and pursuing the work.I have some thoughts, and how to make our “level of appropriate service” rival that of our fave bartender, hair cutter or customer service rep.Care to share any experiences you’ve had with that perfect service worker? Or how you’ve been able to master that appropriate level of service when auditioning? Let me know in the comments below.REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/channel-your-inner-superstar-server/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...

April 14, 2026Episode 132795 min

13279: What’s Your Marketing Mashup?

Hey there, hero!A marketing mashup…what the heck is that?It’s what I call those quick little phrases that give someone a clear idea of your creative essence: who you are, how you sound, what kind of characters you play…that sort of thing.What’s my marketing mashup? “Paul Giamatti meets Uncle Fester.” Simple. Direct. To the point.And maybe, for all the profiles and bios and headlines and signatures you’re asked to create in our business, maybe you could use one. Heck, maybe you already have one.Either way, let’s arrive at one, and if you would, post it in a comment below, and include your headshot if appropriate.So…what’s your marketing mashup?REQUEST: Please join this video's conversation and see the full episode on VOHeroes, where the comments are moderated and civil, at https://voheroes.com/whats-your-marketing-mashup/#Acting #Voice #VoiceOver #Performance #Productivity #Tips #Art #Commerce #Science #Mindset #Success #Process #Options #BestPractices #MarketingWant to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you......become a VO talent (or a more successful one): https://voheroes.com/start ...become an audiobook narrator on ACX (if you’re an actor or VO talent): https://acxmasterclass.com/ ...narrate your own book (if you’re an author): https://narrateyourownbook.com/ ...have the most effective pop filter (especially for VO talent): https://mikesock.com/ ...be off-book faster for on-camera auditions and work (memorize your lines): https://rehearsal.pro/...master beautiful audiobook and podcast audio in one drag and drop move on your Mac: https://audiocupcake.com/The VOHeroes Podcast is heroically built with:BuddyBoss | LearnDash | DreamHost | SamCart | TextExpander | Buz...