Conversational with Carrie Olsen

About Conversational with Carrie Olsen

Join voice actor and coach Carrie Olsen for authentic, practical conversations about what it really takes to build a sustainable voice acting career. This isn't your typical "just get a good microphone" advice—it's about becoming a better voice actor by becoming a better business owner and a more authentic you. Each episode combines actionable strategies with deeper insights about creating a voice acting career that's uniquely yours. From marketing approaches that don't feel slimy to mindset shifts that transform your client relationships, Carrie shares the frameworks and philosophies that have helped her and her students book consistent work with clients like Disney, Grammarly, and Netflix. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your established career, Conversational with Carrie Olsen helps you move beyond technical skills to build a voice acting business that stands out in a crowded market because it's authentically, unmistakably you. New episodes release weekly. Text VOICE to 55444 to connect with Carrie and receive exclusive resources.

Publisher

Carrie Olsen

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Mar 2025

Latest episode

6 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Aug 2026

   How to build a brand AI can't fake (with Lizzy Gore)

   Your brand isn't a mask you put on to look professional. It's the thing that gets harder to fake the more honestly you build it, and that's exactly what makes it work. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I sit down with voice actor and brand strategist Lizzy Gore to talk about what actually happens when you stop treating marketing like manipulation and start treating it like self-discovery. You'll discover how to build a website and brand that sounds unmistakably like you, even in a world where anyone can generate a decent one in five minutes. Episode Highlights: From radio speaking champion to working voice actor - Lizzy traces her path from Illinois state champion of high school "radio speaking" to teaching, training at Voice Tracks, and landing on the Stars and SF roster (0:34) Redefining what "brand" even means - A former punk rocker who once saw branding as the enemy explains how she came to see it as something that can still be the real her (5:05) Why the questions matter more than the answers - The Legacy Branding Mastermind doesn't ask "how do you want to seem," it asks who you are, and that distinction changes everything about how the brand holds up (10:22) The vulnerable part isn't building it, it's showing it - Lizzy didn't struggle with vulnerability until her website went in front of big names in the industry for critique, and what got her through was trust, not toughness (14:24) What AI can and can't do for your brand - A study out of Exeter comparing 600 humans to 12,000 AI-generated ideas shows why your site needs to sound like you and not like everyone else's AI-assisted site (25:31) 3 Key Takeaways Build a brand that's harder to fake, not easier If your brand comes from real questions about who you are and what you value, it becomes something you literally can't lie your way into. The moment you're tempted to answer a question dishonestly just to land a certain "look," that's your sign the process is working the way it should. Vulnerability is a dial you control, not a door you walk through all at once Nobody can make you share more than you're ready to share. The real growth happens in a space where you're surrounded by people who care about the answer, not just the outcome, and that's what turns self-disclosure into self-discovery. Use AI for research, not for your voice AI is a genuinely useful tool for things like understanding your ideal client, but research shows that human beings are still better at producing ideas that are truly different from one another. Lean on AI for the legwork. Keep the actual story, syntax, and point of view yours. My Perspective: What stuck with me most in this conversation is watching someone go from "I have to market myself" to "I get to tell my story." That shift changes how much energy you're willing to put into showing up online, and it shows in the work. Before Lizzy and I ever talked about working together, we just got on a call to get to know each other, no agenda. That's the same instinct I bring into Legacy Branding Mastermind: people do their best work when they feel like someone actually cares about the answer, not just the deliverable. What's Coming Next: If this episode got you thinking about your own website and branding, stay tuned — we have more coming on the practical side of marketing and outreach for voice actors. And if you're ready to do this work now, Lizzy Gore is available to help you with a website makeover or new build (https://brightsparkvo.com/site-makeover/). Action Step: Stop, Start, Keep Stop doing: Stop treating your brand like a costume you put on to look more professional or more marketable. If you find yourself writing a copy you'd never actually say out loud, that's the mask talking, not you. Start doing: Start asking yourself the harder questions instead of the surface ones. Not "how do I want to seem," but what are the formative experiences that shaped you, what genuinely resonates with you, and what do people say about you that catches you off guard every time. Write the answers down before you touch your website copy again. Keep doing: Keep using AI where it actually helps, like researching your ideal clients, and keep the storytelling, syntax, and point of view yours. Keep sharing your work with people you trust before you send it out into the world. You don't have to expose more than you're ready to. Resources Mentioned: Legacy Branding (https://carrieolsenvo.com/legacy-branding-on-demand/) Mastermind (Carrie's cohort-based branding course) VO Site Upgrade (https://brightsparkvo.com/site-makeover/), Carrie and Lizzy's joint website and copy service - https://brightsparkvo.com/site-makeover/ The Exeter University study on AI and creativity, led by Professor Saima Ahmed Christensen (https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2026/02/24/ai-is-making-us-less-creative-but-theres-a-fix/) "The questions I ask people in Legacy Branding Mastermind aren't about how you want to seem. They're about who you are, and that's what makes a brand harder to fake." - Carrie Olsen

2. 

   20 Mar 2026

   Stop Making Your Website About You — Build A Brand That Books Clients with Lizzy Gore.m4a

   Your voice acting website might be the reason you're not booking work — and it has nothing to do with your demo. The real problem? You're the hero of your own website when it should be your client. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I sit down with Lizzy Gore — voice actor, web strategist, and Legacy Branding Mastermind alum — to talk about what it really takes to build a website that works for you. Lizzy went from high school radio speaking champion to full-time voice actor, and along the way she developed a sharp eye for what makes a voice actor's online presence actually book clients versus just look pretty. We dig into the shift from 'here's who I am' to 'here's what I can do for you specifically' — and why that difference is everything. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of how to show up online in a way that feels authentically you and speaks directly to the clients you want to attract. Episode Highlights: The Hero Problem With Voice Actor Websites — Most voice actor websites make the voice actor the hero — but your client needs to be the hero. Lizzy explains the shift that changes everything. (00:03) Lizzy's Journey To Full-Time Voice Acting — From Illinois state radio speaking champion to full-time VO talent, Lizzy shares how she built her career step by step — agent, pay-to-plays, and the scary leap. (03:19) Why You Must Love Your Brand Before You Market — Lizzy refused to do outreach until she was proud of how she looked online. This pre-marketing mindset is what separates sustainable businesses from stalled ones. (11:07) The Legacy Branding Breakthrough Moment — Analyzing other voice actor websites sparked a revelation: the work they were doing in the Legacy Branding course had real power to differentiate. (33:35) How Authentic Branding Ripples Into Real Life — Going through the branding process of the Legacy Branding course gave Lizzy a new kind of confidence — one that extended beyond the booth and into how she shows up in the world. (28:17) 3 Key Takeaways Make Your Client The Hero Of Your Website The biggest mistake voice actors make is building a website that talks about themselves — their voice, their credits, their personality — without ever addressing what the client actually needs. Lizzy flipped this script by leading with client pain points and outcomes, like letting them take a nap between sessions because she's so easy to direct. When your website speaks to your client's world, it becomes a magnet, not a resume. Don't Market Until You're Proud Of What You're Sending Lizzy spent six to eight months getting her headshots, copywriting, and website right before doing any direct outreach — and she says it was worth every minute. If you're sending emails you're embarrassed by or driving people to a site that doesn't feel like you, you'll lose momentum fast. The legacy branding process exists specifically to remove that friction so marketing feels exciting instead of draining. Your Weird Is Your Competitive Advantage In an era where AI can write a perfectly polished, completely generic bio in seconds, the quirky and specific details about you are what set you apart. As Lizzy puts it, "This is the time to be weird." The things that seem mundane to you — your niche interests, your background, your humor — are the exact things that make other humans want to connect with you. Lead with those. My Perspective: I remember when Lizzy first came to me — she had a Tina Fey aesthetic in mind, cute glasses, teacher vibes. It would have been fine. But what we uncovered through the legacy branding process was so much deeper and so much more her. Watching her build brightsparkvo.com was one of those proud-coach moments — she took everything from the course and ran with it, doing deep dives into conversion copywriting and investing in professional headshots. The result is a site that is genuinely addictively scrollable, and it's because it's authentically Lizzy. What's Coming Next: If this episode got you thinking about your own website and branding, stay tuned — we have more coming on the practical side of marketing and outreach for voice actors. And if you're ready to do this work now, Lizzy Gore is available to help you with a website makeover or new build. Details below! Action Step: The Client Hero Audit Pull up your current website and read through it with fresh eyes. Count how many times you use the word "I" versus how many times you directly address your client's needs, pain points, or desired outcomes. If your website is mostly about you, it's time for a rewrite. For a guided version of this exercise and more branding resources, text VOICE to 55444. Resources Mentioned: Lizzy Gore's Website: brightsparkvo.com (http://brightsparkvo.com) Lizzy Gore’s website makeover (https://brightsparkvo.com/vo-brand-makeover/) Carrie's Legacy Branding Mastermind Program (https://carrieolsenvo.com/legacy-branding-2/) Voice123 (https://voice123.com/) (pay-to-play platform mentioned) Stars Talent Agency, San Francisco (mentioned in Lizzy's career path) Connect With Me: Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Client Hero Audit exercise Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep16 Website makeover interest? Connect with Lizzy Gore (https://brightsparkvo.com/vo-brand-makeover/) “Marketing before branding is like packing for a trip before you know where you’re going. Determine the destination first. Then you’ll know what to pack." — Carrie Olsen

3. 

   28 Nov 2025

   Building Multiple Income Streams As A Voice Actor - How To Create Entrepreneurial Success Beyond The Booth.m4a

   Host Carrie Olsen interviews voice actor Rachel Porter, who reveals how she built multiple income streams in the entertainment industry by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, creating financial stability and staying true to her creative goals.

4. 

   3 Nov 2025

   How to Handle Setbacks and Keep Moving Forward | Psychology of Resilience for Creatives

   Carrie Olsen shares her insights on the psychology of resilience, exploring how voice actors and entrepreneurs can navigate setbacks by reframing obstacles and using their skills to move forward in this episode.

5. 

   14 Oct 2025

   Finding Gold In Unexpected Places And Why Your First Impression Might Be Costing You

   Carrie Olsen explores how snap judgments limit potential, highlighting the value of curiosity and empathy in leadership and voice acting, and provides a framework for finding hidden value in unexpected places.

6. 

   6 Oct 2025

   Bridging The Practice-Performance Gap For Consistent Voiceover Results.MP3

   Carrie Olsen explores the disconnect between voice acting training and performance, revealing how to apply learned skills to auditions by bridging the mental gap between practice and competition.

7. 

   29 Sept 2025

   How to Make Criticism Your Friend (The Psychology Of Taking Direction)

   Carrie Olsen explores the psychology of taking direction, highlighting how voice actors transform feedback into collaboration while staying authentic, which improves both career and personal life; this is a solo episode.

8. 

   22 Sept 2025

   How to Create Your Own Voiceover Path with Sion Dayson — from Teacher to Full-Time Voice Actor

   Voice actor SION DAYSON discusses with host CARRIE OLSEN how she combined authenticity with strategic business planning to build genuine relationships in the voiceover industry in this interview.

9. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Why I Stalled for Weeks (And the Science Behind Why Actors Procrastinate)

   Carrie Olsen explores the psychology behind procrastination, revealing how voice actors can break the cycle of learning without doing by focusing on implementation and clear goals.

10. 

    2 Jul 2025

    The Ripple Effect: How Voice Acting Skills Can Transform Your Entire Life

    Host Carrie Olsen explores how systematic preparation, beyond basic vocal warm-ups, builds competence and confidence for voice actors, impacting their careers and various aspects of life; this is not an interview.

11. 

    7 May 2025

    Your Category of One The Legacy Brand Advantage.mp3

    Are you tired of constant hustle and auditions? Discover how your authentic background is actually your greatest competitive advantage in voice acting. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the powerful concept of legacy branding and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to leverage your unique experiences to create a brand that attracts opportunities rather than constantly pursuing them while staying authentic to who you are. Episode Highlights: The Legacy Branding Framework - Moving from "here's what I can do" to "here's the transformation I provide based on who I am" (01:03) Your Authentic Experience as a Differentiator - Why your unique human experience is your greatest asset in an AI-disrupted market (03:45) Finding Gold in Your Story - Three questions to uncover your unique value proposition (05:06) Connecting Your Story to Client Benefits - How your background serves clients in ways others can't (05:29) 3 Key Takeaways Transform Your Marketing Approach with Your Unique Background The experiences you've had that seem irrelevant to voice acting often become your most powerful brand elements. Former teachers, for example, have developed exceptional skills in delivering complex information simply and engagingly—exactly what e-learning clients need. Create a Category of One Through Authentic Positioning When you build a brand based on your unique story and specific value, you're creating a category of one—the voice acting career only you can have. This approach creates space for all voice actors to succeed without competing directly. Focus on Client Transformation, Not Just Your Services Clients don't buy voice acting; they buy results. Reframe your marketing to focus on how your unique background helps clients achieve their specific goals rather than simply listing your services and qualifications. My Perspective: My own journey into voice acting was unconventional. I never studied acting and actually hated being in front of people! But my business background and "condition where I can only see possibilities" led me to approach voice acting differently. I broke all the rules—making my own demo, quitting my day job early, and getting signed with a prestigious agency in my first year—because I hadn't been exposed to the "conventional" path. What's Coming Next: In our next episode, we'll dig deeper into the second element of the Legacy Branding framework: understanding and connecting with your ideal clients' deepest needs in a way that positions you as the perfect solution. Action Step: The Category of One Finder Take time to identify three unique experiences from your background that could add value for clients. Connect those experiences to specific client problems you're uniquely positioned to solve. Then update one piece of your marketing to reflect this unique position. Text WEBINAR to 55444 to get the free Category of One Finder worksheet that will help you identify your unique advantages that no other voice actor can claim. Resources Mentioned: Category of One Finder Worksheet Office Hours Coaching Sessions Legacy Branding Framework Connect With Me: Text WEBINAR to 55444 for my free Category of One Finder worksheet and to register to my free workshop "Become a Category of One: The Legacy Brand Advantage for Voice Actors" on May 13th at 7:00 p.m Central, where I'll share the complete framework for turning your unique advantages into consistent bookings Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep7 Email: hello@carrieolsenvo.com "The voiceover career that only you can have." - Carrie Olsen

12. 

    23 Apr 2025

    Breaking the Perfectionism Cycle.mp3

    Are you stuck in an endless cycle of preparation without ever feeling ready to launch? Perfectionism might be the hidden obstacle preventing your voice acting success. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore how perfectionism impacts every aspect of your voice acting ecosystem and why letting go of "perfect" actually leads to better results. You'll discover how to transform perfectionism from a roadblock into a pathway for authentic connection while staying true to who you are. Episode Highlights: The Three Types of Perfectionism - Identifying performance, preparation, and presentation perfectionism in voice acting careers (01:33) Physical Effects of Perfectionism - How perfectionism creates tension in your body and affects your vocal quality (04:07) Mental Impact of Perfectionism - The connection between perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and authenticity (05:58) Business Consequences - Why "perfect" marketing often performs worse than authentic communication (09:51) Breaking Free with Time Blocking - A practical system for overcoming perfectionism in your business tasks (12:05) 3 Key Takeaways Reframe "Perfect" as Perfect Service Instead of obsessing over technical perfection, focus on how you can perfectly serve your client's needs and embody their message. This shifts your attention from yourself to the audience and client, allowing you to deliver more authentic performances. Done Beats Perfect Every Time Sending ten "good enough" marketing emails will teach you more and create more opportunities than spending months perfecting a single email. Progress comes from taking action, learning from the results, and improving incrementally. Build a Three-Legged Stool for Sustainable Success Your voice acting ecosystem consists of three interconnected elements: physical well-being, mental health, and business practices. Addressing perfectionism requires a holistic approach that strengthens all three areas simultaneously. My Perspective: I've seen firsthand how the most successful voice actors aren't perfectionists. The irony is that clients aren't looking for perfect—they're looking for authentic, conversational, and human. I've even had clients specifically ask for mistakes in my reads to ensure they sound genuine! Learning this was one of the most liberating moments in my voice acting journey. What's Coming Next: Next week, we'll dive deeper into my Legacy Branding Framework. We'll explore how your unique experiences and perspectives can become your greatest marketing assets without requiring a polished, perfect persona. Action Step: The Perfectionism Breakthrough Exercise Choose one area of your voice acting ecosystem (physical, mental, or business) where perfectionism is holding you back. Commit to taking one deliberately imperfect action in that area this week. Notice how it feels, what you learn, and how it moves you forward despite being imperfect. Download the perfectionism breakthrough worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep6 or text VOICE to 55444. Resources Mentioned: Perfectionism Breakthrough Worksheet Legacy Branding Framework Time Blocking System for Voice Actors Connect With Me: Text VOICE to 55444 for exclusive resources Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep6 Email: contact@carrieolsenvo.com "Voice acting success isn't about perfection. It's about progress, authenticity, and consistency." - Carrie Olsen

13. 

    16 Apr 2025

    The Strategic Value of Being Distinctly You

    Have you been trying to sound like everyone else? That could be your biggest career mistake! Discover how your unique background is actually your secret weapon in voice acting. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore how embracing your distinct perspective and experiences creates a measurable competitive advantage in your voice acting business. You'll discover how to transform your background into a valuable differentiator while staying authentic to who you are. Episode Highlights: The "Talking to Everyone" Paradox - Why trying to sound generic actually makes you less valuable to clients (03:56) The AI Challenge - How your lived experience is the one thing AI voices can't replicate (04:40) Insider Advantage - How leveraging my e-learning background led to higher rates and long-term clients (05:17) The Unexpected Benefits - When marketing becomes energizing rather than draining (07:43) The Bug Doctor Example - How a student's entomology background became his unique selling point (08:50) 3 Key Takeaways Complete Your Expertise Inventory Take time to document your professional expertise, personal experiences, and passionate interests that could add value to voice acting clients. Don't limit yourself to obviously relevant experiences - sometimes your most powerful differentiator comes from an unexpected place. Identify High-Value Client Connection Points For each area of your expertise, identify specific industries, companies, or roles that would particularly value your insider knowledge. These become your high-priority outreach targets where you'll have the strongest competitive advantage. Craft Tailored Value Statements Create customized messaging for each client segment that clearly articulates why your unique background matters to them specifically. Remember, if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one. My Perspective: I've seen firsthand how this approach transformed my own business. When I leveraged my e-learning development background, I wasn't just another voice actor reaching in from outside their industry - I was a fellow insider who understood their challenges. One client even told me she looked forward to editing my audio because it was engaging rather than tedious! What's Coming Next: Next week we'll explore the holistic voice actor: mind, body, and business. We'll discuss how physical and mental well-being impact your voice performance, and I'll share productivity systems that have helped me and my students create sustainable voice acting careers. Action Step: Complete Your Standout Strategy Worksheet Download the Standout Strategy worksheet that will guide you through identifying your unique experiences, connecting them to specific client types, and crafting tailored value statements. Identify at least three potential client segments where your background creates specific value. Get your worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5 or text VOICE to 55444. Resources Mentioned: Standout Strategy Worksheet CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5 Text VOICE to 55444 for the free Standout Strategy exercise Connect With Me: Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Standout Strategy worksheet Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5 Email: [YOUR EMAIL] "Your distinctive background isn't something to minimize or hide. It's your greatest business asset." - Carrie Olsen

14. 

    9 Apr 2025

    The Implementation Gap: Why Knowledge Isn't Enough

    Are you stuck in an endless cycle of learning without taking action? You might be facing the "implementation gap" - the biggest obstacle between where you are and the success you want. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the psychology behind why voice actors often struggle to implement what they've learned and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to transform knowledge into action while staying authentic to who you are. Episode Highlights: The Implementation Gap - That space between what we know we should do and what we actually do (02:15) Crossing the Rubicon - The invisible line separating the learning phase from the doing phase (03:30) The Psychology of Fear - How the right amount of fear can provide motivation and focus (06:20) Leading vs. Lagging Indicators - Why focusing on inputs you control creates daily wins (08:45) Practical Implementation Strategies - Three approaches to bridge the gap between knowledge and action (10:00) 3 Key Takeaways Make the Invisible Visible When goals live only in your head as vague concepts, they're easy to ignore. Write them down, place them where you'll see them daily, and share them with others. Making your intentions concrete creates accountability and increases your likelihood of taking action. Focus on the Next Small Step Don't get overwhelmed by the entire mountain you need to climb. Break down your goals into tiny, manageable steps—record three practice scripts daily or research five potential clients. This approach bypasses the psychological resistance that comes with contemplating the entire journey. Create an Implementation System Willpower and motivation fluctuate, so build systems that don't rely on either. Use tools like the Implementation Action Plan to break down goals into specific, actionable steps with clear timelines and success metrics, making implementation about following a system rather than fighting psychological resistance. My Perspective: For years, I've wanted to get into animation voice acting. I've trained with notable coaches and received great feedback, but I've never taken that next step. I think part of me is comfortable where I am, or maybe I'm avoiding feeling out of my element. Sound familiar? This implementation gap is what inspired me to create tools that have transformed voice actors' careers by breaking mountains into manageable steps. What's Coming Next: In our next episode, we'll dive deeper into how to leverage your authentic self in your voice acting business. We'll explore how your unique experiences can become the foundation of your brand strategy. Action Step: The Implementation Action Plan Download the free Implementation Action Plan worksheet designed to address the psychological barriers we've discussed. This isn't just another planning tool—it includes space for rewards and celebrations to keep you motivated throughout the process. Access this resource at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep4 or text VOICE to 55444. Resources Mentioned: Implementation Action Plan Worksheet Previous episode on being more than just a good voice Episode on the "culture of upgrading" Episode on pre-marketing strategy Connect With Me: Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Voice Actor's Advantage Framework Leave a voice message at https://carrieolsenvo.com/ep4 Email: carrie@carrieolsenvo.com "Implementation isn't just about doing, it's about becoming. When you choose to cross the Rubicon and take those risks, you're starting to live your life more conversational." - Carrie Olsen

15. 

    1 Apr 2025

    The Whole Person Approach to Voice Acting How Personal Growth Unlocks Your Best Performance_FINAL.mp3

    Ever notice how your best performances happen when your personal life feels balanced? There's a profound connection between who you are offstage and your ability to shine on the mic. In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the powerful link between personal development and voice acting success and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to leverage your authentic self as your greatest performance asset while staying true to who you are. Episode Highlights: The Personal-Professional Connection - How growth in your personal life directly correlates with career success (01:03) The HBO Max Breakthrough - How a personal development group meeting led to booking a major client (01:13) The Building Block Metaphor - Why layering skills creates the foundation that supports great performances (02:33) The Whole Person Approach - Why you can't separate the voice from the person behind it (00:38) The "See Beauty Everywhere" Reframe - How your mindset affects everything from script interpretation to rejection handling (01:15) 3 Key Takeaways 1. Develop Your Authentic Self First, Your Voice Will Follow Your physical, mental, and emotional state directly impacts your vocal performance. The work you do on yourself as a person creates depth and dimension that listeners can feel, even if they can't identify exactly why your voice resonates with them. 2. Balance Technique With Authenticity Technical skills create the vessel, but your authentic self fills it. The most technically perfect read falls flat without the real person behind it, while the most authentic performer still needs technique to effectively communicate. 3. Build Resilience Through Personal Growth Voice actors who last in this industry aren't necessarily the most technically skilled—they're the ones who can bounce back from rejection and keep showing up. Personal development builds the resilience needed to navigate the inevitable setbacks in this career. My Perspective I've experienced this connection firsthand. During seasons when I feel rushed and scattered, those are inevitably the times when I book the least. Conversely, my HBO Max booking came immediately after a meeting with fellow entrepreneurs studying "The Artist's Way." Nothing had changed about my technical skills, but my mental state and creative engagement were completely different. What's Coming Next.. Next week, we'll build on this concept by exploring the implementation gap—why knowledge isn't enough and how to actually put these personal development ideas into practice in your voice acting career. Action Step: The Personal Audit Take time to identify the last three voice acting challenges you faced, then explore what personal development areas might be connected to these challenges. Choose just one area to focus on for the next month. Download the worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep3 for guided prompts to help you identify your most promising growth opportunities. Text VOICE to 55444 to access additional resources related to this exercise and episode. Alternatively, you can download the worksheet for this exercise at carrieolsenvo.com/podcast-resources (https://carrieolsenvo.com/podcast-resources) Resources Mentioned The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252) Personal Audit Worksheet Legacy Branding Course (https://carrieolsenvo.com/legacy-branding-2/) Connect With Me Text VOICE to 55444 for The Personal Audit Worksheet Email: carrie@carrieolsenvo.com

16. 

    26 Mar 2025

    Breaking Free from the Culture of Upgrading: How to Succeed with What You Already Have.mp3

    Are you constantly chasing the next microphone, course, or software, believing success is just one more purchase away? What if this "culture of upgrading" is actually preventing your success? In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the trap of believing that voiceover success requires constant upgrading of equipment and skills, and why focusing on your existing unique qualities is more powerful. You'll discover how to leverage what you already bring to the table while staying authentic to who you are. Episode Highlights: The Culture of Upgrading - The belief that success is always one purchase or course away, creating a cycle of preparing but never performing (00:09) The Drift Tendency - How initial motivation from new purchases fizzles out just in time for the next upgrade opportunity (04:09) The Hidden Cost - Why learning feels productive even when you're not making actual progress toward booking clients (06:15) Pre-Marketing Concept - Defining your unique value before worrying about how to promote it (08:09) Leveraging Your Background - Transforming your unique experiences into competitive advantages in the marketplace (11:13) 3 Key Takeaways CONDUCT AN UPGRADE AUDIT TO BREAK THE CYCLE Before making your next voiceover-related purchase, honestly assess whether it will tangibly improve what clients receive from you or if it's just making you feel like you're progressing. This simple exercise can save you money and redirect your focus toward actions that generate real results. YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE IS YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE That customer service job, theater background, or teaching experience isn't something to overcome – it's what sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. Identify the unique perspectives and abilities you already possess and position them as strengths rather than trying to upgrade past them. IMPLEMENTATION BEATS INFORMATION EVERY TIME While someone is obsessing over the perfect setup or taking one more course, someone else with less perfect equipment is building client relationships and implementing what they learned three courses ago. Break the cycle of endless learning without application. My Perspective: I've fallen into this trap myself. While I didn't hesitate to jump into voiceover initially, I'm definitely susceptible to "bright shiny object syndrome" when it comes to technology. I once purchased a channel strip because an industry professional recommended it, only to discover it actually made my audio sound worse. It's now sitting unused on a shelf in my booth – a constant reminder that I could have been focused on booking work instead of chasing unnecessary upgrades. What's Coming Next: Next week, we'll take this concept further and explore how to find your voice beyond the booth, connecting your authentic self to your performance in ways that make both stronger. Action Step: THE UPGRADE AUDIT Make a list of all voice-over related purchases or courses you've been considering. Next to each, write exactly how it would tangibly improve what clients receive from you (not just how it makes you feel). Finally, identify one way you could deliver more value using something you already have – a skill, experience, or perspective unique to you. Download the worksheet for this exercise at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep2 Resources Mentioned: Upgrade Audit Worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep2 Voice Actor's Success Intensive membership program Text VOICE to 55444 for exclusive episode resources Connect With Me: Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Voice Actor's Advantage Framework Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep2 Email: info@carrieolsenvo.com "Your unique background isn't something to overcome in voice acting. Rather, it's your greatest asset." - Carrie Olsen

17. 

    11 Mar 2025

    Beyond the Mic: Why 'Conversational' Is Your Voice Acting Superpower.mp3

    The most common direction in the voiceover booth has been "more conversational" for years, but this concept extends far beyond script delivery – it's actually a philosophy that can transform your entire voice acting business and career. In this debut episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore what it truly means to be conversational in voice acting – not just in how you deliver a script, but in how you approach your entire business. You'll discover why authenticity is your greatest asset and how to leverage your unique background to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Episode Highlights: The true meaning of "conversational" - It's about removing artificial barriers between your voice actor self and your authentic self (00:54) Authenticity in marketing - How bringing your true self to promotion makes it energizing rather than draining (04:15) Forging your own path - Why creating your own system is more effective than following someone else's template (07:03) The whole person behind the voice - Success in voice acting involves far more than just your vocal abilities (09:09) Confidence transfer - How booth confidence builds real-life confidence in a continuous feedback loop (09:44) 3 Key Takeaways Your Past Experiences Are Your Greatest Differentiators Every unusual job or life experience you've had gives you perspective and insight that other voice actors simply don't have. Instead of hiding what makes you different, leverage these experiences to create a brand and approach that feels uniquely yours and attracts the right clients. Marketing Feels Difficult When It Doesn't Feel Like You The dread around marketing often comes from trying to adopt someone else's system instead of creating an authentic approach. When you develop marketing that aligns with who you really are, it no longer feels like a chore – it becomes an extension of your natural self-expression. Voice Acting Success Requires More Than Just Voice Skills The most successful voice actors aren't just working on their craft – they're developing themselves holistically through mindset work, time management, and personal growth. This creates a positive feedback loop where booth confidence builds real-life confidence, and life experiences enrich performances. My Perspective: When I first started in voiceover, I intuitively created my own outreach methods rather than following established formulas. My husband called my approach "ferocious" – and that determination led to relationships with clients like Disney, Grammarly, and Max. That experience taught me that the more authentic I was in my marketing, the more successful it became. What's Coming Next: In our next episode, I'll tackle "The Culture of Upgrading" – revealing why constantly chasing the newest equipment or techniques might actually be holding you back, and how to focus on what truly moves the needle in your voice acting career. Action Step: The "Unusual Jobs" Exercise Spend 5 minutes identifying the three most unusual jobs or experiences you've had in your life. How might each one give you perspective or skills that other voice actors don't have? This isn't just a walk down memory lane – it's the beginning of identifying what makes your brand valuable and unique. Download the worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep1 Resources Mentioned: Legacy Branding Mastermind program Voice Actor's Advantage Framework (free guide) CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep1 reflection worksheet Connect With Me: Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Voice Actor's Advantage Framework Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep1 Email: carrie@carrieolsenvo.com "Remember that your voice is unique, and your path should be too." - Carrie Olsen

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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