Join two of London's top vocal coaches and founders of the acclaimed vocal technique Vocal Balance, Julie Gossage and Richard Halton, along with a host of special guests, as they talk all things voice and life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Making Tax Sing: Owen Woodgate from Tax For Actors
In the first episode of Season 3, Julie and Richard are joined by the brilliant Owen Woodgate, founder and accountant extraordinaire at Tax For Actors. Having previously worked as a performer, agent and producer, Owen is now one of the go-to accountants for artists and creatives working across the arts and entertainment industry.
We get to know the man behind the spreadsheets and uncover some insightful tips, hints and practical advice to help you navigate the financial side of a creative career.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Guest: Owen Woodgate - Tax for Actors
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel for Vocal Balance Ltd.
Studio: Podcast Rooms, London Bridge
Music: Scarlet Halton
Photography: Christopher James Creative
Design: Tom Harrop
www.vocalbalance.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Jun 2026
Special Episode: Roundtable - Men's Mental Health
Warning: This episode contains discussions relating to suicide and mental health. The views, thoughts and experiences shared are those of the individual contributors. If you are seeking help or support, please refer to the selected list of charities and organisations provided below.
To mark Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, co-host Richard Halton is joined by voice and performance physiotherapist Darel Evans from P-Rehab London, business coach Andy Dunn from Creative Flourishings, and actor, founder of Christopher James Creative and producer of Vocal Babble, James Leeman, for this special roundtable episode on men’s mental health.
Together, they share their personal experiences and reflections on mental health, exploring the challenges faced by men and discussing how mental health is experienced within their respective professions and industries. Through an open and honest conversation, they aim to raise awareness, encourage understanding, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Host: Richard Halton
Guests: Darel Evans, Andy Dunn and James Leeman
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel for Vocal Balance Ltd.
Studio: Podcast Rooms, London Bridge
Music: Scarlet Halton
Photography: Christopher James Creative
Design: Tom Harrop
Mental Health Charities and Organisations:
Andy’s Man Club
www.andysmanclub.co.uk (www.andysmanclub.co.uk)
MIND
www.mind.org.uk (www.mind.org.uk)
Applause for Thought
www.applauseforthought.co.uk (http://www.applauseforthought.co.uk)
Movember
uk.movember.com (http://uk.movember.com)
Reasons To Stay
www.reasonstostay.org (http://www.reasonstostay.org)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Raising the Curtain on Performers Minds: Sophie Linder-Lee
In this episode, hosts Julie and Richard are joined by Nottingham born actress and life and performance coach Sophie Linder Lee, for an inspiring and honest conversation. Sophie shares her journey through the industry so far, alongside the powerful work she does to support performers in navigating their careers while protecting their wellbeing in a demanding and ever changing profession.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel for Vocal Balance Ltd.
Studio: Podcast Room, London Bridge
Music: Scarlet Halton
Photography: Christopher James Creative
Artwork: Tom Harrop
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Mar 2026
But I'm Just a Dancer: Katie Deacon
On this episode, Julie and Richard are joined by performer Katie Deacon, who, after training in classical ballet, made the move into musical theatre. Reflecting on her journey, Katie chats about the differences between the two worlds, her passion for great teaching, and how, despite the odds, she advocates for a change to the narrative around how dancers are perceived in musical theatre.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Guest: Katie Deacon
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel for Vocal Balance Ltd.
Studio: Podcast Room, London Bridge
Music: Scarlet Halton
Photography: Christopher James Creative
Design: Tom Harrop
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Mar 2026
Return Stage Left: Kirsty Sparks
In this episode, Julie and Richard chat with actress Kirsty Sparks, who recently returned to the industry after a 20 year hiatus. Having enjoyed a celebrated career in shows such as ‘Me and My Girl’, ‘Cats’ and ‘Starlight Express’, she then stepped away from the industry to focus on her family while exploring other pursuits, including work as a choreographer, artistic director, teacher and fitness coach.
Following her return to the stage in the UK tour of ‘Hairspray’, she can now be seen in the UK and Ireland tour of ‘Top Hat’, which previously played at Chichester Festival Theatre and the Southbank Centre. Kirsty shares her journey and reflects on what it has been like to step back into the spotlight.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Guest: Kirsty Sparks
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel for Vocal Balance Ltd.
Studio: Podcast Room, London Bridge
Music: Scarlet Halton
Artwork: Tom Harrop
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Feb 2026
How I Got Here: Max Harwood
Joining Julie and Richard is actor and star of stage and screen, Max Harwood. Best known for his breakout role as Jamie in the Amazon film ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’, as well as appearances in ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ , 'Black Mirror' and ‘Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief’, Max joins us to share insights from his journey so far. Drawing on his own experiences, he discusses his thoughts on how to look after yourself both professionally and personally while navigating the entertainment industry.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Guest: Max Harwood
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel
Music: Scarlet Halton
Artwork: Tom Harrop at Designed by Tom
Photography: Christopher James Creative
Studio: Podcast Room, London Bridge
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Feb 2026
Outside The Smoke: Is it Viable to Have a Performing Career Without Living in London?
Vocal Babble hosts Julie Gossage and Richard Halton are joined by Thomas Walton, actor and founder of the community interest company Theatre North. Together, they discuss all things theatre in the North of England and whether it is viable to pursue a performing career on stage while living outside London.
Production: Vocal Balance Ltd.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Guest: Thomas Walton
Producers: James Leeman and Louisa Beadel
Studio: Podcast Room, London Bridge
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
19 Aug 2025
The Babble Box
In this final episode of Season 1, Julie and Richard answer questions from listeners, picking a random selection from The Babble Box as they tackle topics on all things voice and life.
Hosts: Julie Gossage and Richard Halton
Time Stamps:
1:16
Question 1: Any tips for for pre-menstrual voice syndrome affecting singing?
6:38
Question 2: Why does my voice get tired so quickly during practice?
13:35
Question 3: How much should I practice each day?
21:37
Question 4: Any tips for dealing with stage fright?
35:38
Question 5: How do I heighten my belting range?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
5 Aug 2025
The Round Table: How Important Is It to Be Part of a Team?
In this week's episode, we meet some members of the Vocal Balance HQ team. With Julie taking the hosting reins solo, the episode focuses on getting to know the people behind the company and exploring the importance of being part of a team.
Cast: Julie Gossage, James Leeman, Louisa Beadel, Charlie Clay, Amy Whittle and Matt Faull.
*Please note: As our team members are based across the UK, this episode features a mix of guests joining both online and in person.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Jul 2025
Performing and Side Hustles: Can the side hustle be the key to helping actors thrive? Part 2
Part 2 of Episode 2: Julie and Richard delve deeper into the conversation around all things related to side hustles, joined by actress, writer, and founder of Prep Your Rep London, Ceili O'Connor. Can the entrepreneurial side of an actor help them thrive?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Jul 2025
Performing and Side Hustles: Can the Side Hustle be the key to helping actors thrive?
In Part One of Episode 2, Julie and Richard are joined by actress, coach, writer, and founder of Prep Your Rep London, Ceili O'Connor. Together, they discuss all things related to side hustles and explore whether the entrepreneurial side of an actor can help them thrive.
This episode is split into two parts.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Jun 2025
Introduction: Welcome to Vocal Babble!
Hosts Julie Gossage and Richard Halton introduce Vocal Babble, discussing their backgrounds and the origins of Vocal Balance.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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