Ep 64 - The Podcasting and Voice Over Conversation with Helen

Text me what you think of today’s episode! A guest rescheduled, so I did the one thing I’ve somehow avoided for years: I interviewed myself. What followed was a real behind-the-scenes story of how Assorted Conversations went from a pandemic idea to a skill-building machine that changed my relationship with my own voice and eventually pushed me into voiceover work and audiobook narration. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to start a podcast, keep it going, and grow into something bigger, this is the honest version, including the awkward parts.  I talk through the hidden labor of independent podcasting: choosing gear, recording remotely, editing, publishing, writing descriptions, and then learning promotion and SEO when all you wanted was a great conversation. That repetition did something unexpected, it trained my ear. I started noticing pacing, pauses, emphasis, and the difference between reading and communicating. That tiny shift opened a door to voice acting lessons, recording a professional demo reel, and stepping into the strange emotional world of auditioning.  Then I share what audiobook production really looks like: pickups, mouth noise, mispronouncing words you’ve said your whole life, and hitting technical audio specifications like RMS levels and clean exports. I also get candid about rejection, the silence after submissions, and why not booking a job often has nothing to do with talent. Along the way, I flag real risks for new voice actors, including sketchy offers and AI voice cloning, plus the importance of protecting your work and saying no.  We wrap with the message I hope sticks: you’re allowed to be a beginner again, and you don’t need the five-year plan before you start. If this story sparks your own “I wonder if I could,” subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review with the new thing you’re thinking about trying. Show Links Let Them Pray, by Brittany Johnson Helen's Demo Reel Voice Coaches Voice of Logan Competition Website Assorted Conversations Links Podcast Homepage Assorted Conversations Facebook Page Stay up-to-date on podcast happenings and share them with your friends Assorted Conversations Podcast Facebook Community A collaborative and supportive community for you to engage with us, our guests and other listeners Share your passion, network and connect as we all pursue what makes us happy. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and info Special online events for community members              NOW on TikTok Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Support Assorted Conversations on Buy Me a Coffee Say hello or ask a question:  [email protected] Credits Music Credit:  True Living by Patrick Moore Royalty free music license purchased at soundotcom.com