Tag Archive for: voiceover

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🌍 New Podcast Alert: Good News from Planet Earth Is Here!

If you’ve ever found yourself doomscrolling through social media, feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world—same. That’s what prompted Voice Over for the Planet member, Ally Murphy and co-founder Anne Cloud, to create a new podcast – Good News from Planet Earth!

The Beginning

Ally grew jaded by the constant stream of misery, negativity, and arguments in her feeds. She tried nudging the algorithm toward something healthier: ocean facts, cute kittens, and random acts of kindness. 

Ally also noticed that her generation was stepping away from social media, and inboxes were overflowing with marketing emails that rarely got opened.

Podcasting, on the other hand, felt like a place people still leaned in – a place for depth, personality, and heart. After spending over a year co-hosting The Red Eye podcast, Ally saw firsthand how audio storytelling builds connection.

Meanwhile, Anne had subscribed to Talking Climate, a newsletter from Katharine Hayhoe —a super smart and down-to-earth climate scientist.

Anne loves how Hayhoe “…always starts with Good News, then moves on to the Not So Good News, and finally What You Can Do To Make A Difference. It’s short and super accessible to people like me who don’t always have a super sciencey brain. As the newsletter’s title suggests, her big mission is to get people talking about climate change and climate action. She often emphasizes that having real, everyday conversations about what’s happening around the world regarding climate change is the most impactful thing a person can do.”

As a bonus, Anne recently started collaborating with Katharine Hayhoe’s team to narrate the newsletters as tiny, bite-sized podcasts—making them even more accessible to more people.

And so, the seed was planted…


Ally wondered – what if we created a podcast that shared nothing but good news happening around the planet—5 minutes at a time?

“Our brains are trained to seek out the scary stories, so we start to feel like it’s just a dumpster fire out there. But actually, there are wonderful people, doing wonderful things – and that just sparks so much hope in me! If I could give people a snack-sized dose of hope in the shape of a 5-minute story, then I’d hope to spark some joy, maybe inspire someone, or just help somebody who is having a hard time feel a little bit better,” says Ally.

She wanted to give people this snack-sized dose of hope. Something they could listen to in the car or on a walk. Something that could spark joy, start a conversation, maybe inspire an action—or just help someone who’s having a rough day feel a little better.

When Ally shared this idea to create a podcast focused solely on stories of hope and good news, Anne was immediately on board.

“Plus,” Anne says, “it’s just so fun! Collaborating with a bunch of talented voice actors and hearing them bring these stories to life is such a joy. I’m super grateful to be part of it.”

Introducing: Good News from Planet Earth

So here we are, thrilled to have officially launched Good News from Planet Earth! A short-form podcast dedicated to climate hope, innovation, and everyday victories for the planet and its people. Each episode is just five minutes long—and each one is rooted in truth, joy, and action.

You might hear about bees sniffing out landmines, a breakthrough clean energy solution, or a grassroots community making a big difference in their neighborhood. We skip the shame and the overwhelm, and go straight to what’s working.

But why Podcasting? Why Now?

Podcasting offers something unique in the noisy media landscape: presence. As Scott Hawksworth explains in this article, podcasting builds trust, creates intimacy, and cuts through digital fatigue. It’s a human voice in your ear, not a flashing notification or another pop-up.

Here at Voice Over for the Planet, we believe in using our voices for good—and this podcast is one more way to do exactly that.

Join Us

We’re excited to share Good News from Planet Earth with you and hope you’ll listen, share, and subscribe. If you’re someone who cares about the planet but needs a breather from the usual headlines, this podcast is for you. If you’ve been looking for a way to bring more hope and lightness into your day—this podcast is also for you.

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Episodes are just 5 minutes. Easy to digest, impossible to forget.

You can find Good News from Planet Earth on your favorite podcast app. Let’s spread stories that spark change.

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Get your Hot, Hot, Hot Voice Overs!

That’s right! It’s summer!

…and you can bet that most—if not all—voiceovers recorded from home studios during these scorching months are done so by somewhat sweaty actors. It’s just facts, folks!

Since the voice actors here at Voice Over for the Planet are always thinking about the environment, you can rest assured we’re trying our best to stay cool in ways that have the lowest possible impact on warming the planet any further.

So, how do we stay healthy and cool in our recording booths and offices when the temps are rising?

Here are some ideas:

  • Stay Hydrated.
    Our number one suggestion is always to stay hydrated. A cool drink is both refreshing and essential! We aim for mostly uncaffeinated beverages since caffeine can be dehydrating—but let’s be real: coffee, matcha, tea, etc., are necessities for many of us! Just balance them with plenty of water (bonus points for a reusable water bottle).
  • Fans—Strategically Used.
    Yes, we use fans—but only between takes. Many home studios are acoustically treated but lack air conditioning or ventilation. A small, quiet fan or personal desktop air cooler can do wonders.  Just make sure it’s off during recording!
  • Shorter Sessions.
    Try breaking your recording into shorter sections, if possible. This allows you to crack the booth door open and let in some air between sessions. If you’re self-directing, take frequent mini-breaks. And if you’re working with a client, don’t be afraid to ask for a pause. Most are totally understanding—after all, you’re saving them a studio fee!
  • Cool, Damp Bandana.
    A lightly damp bandana (extra refreshing if you freeze it for a few minutes) around your neck can make a huge difference. It cools the blood near the surface of your skin and helps regulate body temperature.
  • Gadgets Galore!
    Voice actors love a good booth gadget. Some favorites include:

    • Wearable neck fans
    • Cooling vests
    • Mini portable AC units or evaporative coolers
    • Gel cooling packs (pop them in the freezer and drape over shoulders between sessions)
  • Go Light on Clothing.
    Let’s just say… it’s not uncommon to record in very light (or little) clothing (or pajamas, or workout wear) during summer. Comfort is key. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can keep you from overheating. Was the voiceover your hearing recorded by someone in their underwear? Shhh, we’ll never tell!
  • Record Early or Late.
    If your schedule allows, try recording in the early morning or later in the evening when outside temperatures are lower. This is especially helpful in unventilated booths that trap heat during peak hours.
  • Green Your Cooling Game.
    Use fans with timers or solar power where you can. Switch to energy-efficient devices. And if you must use AC, make sure your home is well insulated so it works efficiently and doesn’t waste energy.
  • Bonus! Here’s a video from Jay Myers on his tips for voice actors to stay cool in the summer:

Final Thoughts: Keep Cool & Carry On

Recording voiceover during the hottest months of the year isn’t always glamorous, but it is doable with a little planning, creativity, and eco-conscious effort. At Voice Over for the Planet, we believe it’s possible to deliver hot reads while keeping our cool—and our carbon footprint—low.

So go ahead, request that summer campaign or sizzling narration. We’ve got the talent, the tenacity, and the sweatbands to make it happen.

Stay chill—and hydrated—out there!

 

 

 

Finding Our Dream Clients as Voiceover Actors

One of the many hats we wear as voice actors…

Finding your dream client as a voiceover actor takes more than just talent — it takes strategy, persistence, and a whole lot of heart. But when you connect with a company, or even an individual, whose values align with yours, where your voice truly fits their message, the synergy is electric. That connection is not only rewarding, it’s also deeply motivating. That’s one of the reasons why we were inspired to create Voice Over for the Planet in the first place! 

So, how do we find “our people” in the vast world of voiceover work? Up next, we’ll share some of the ways we’ve been working to connect with the changemakers and the planet-lovers like us with whom we would love to share our voices!

Our Top 5 Strategies for Connecting with Clients We Love

  1. Direct Marketing Still Works
     Reaching out directly to potential clients with personalized emails or voice samples may feel old-school, but it’s one of the most effective ways to cut through the noise. Research brands you admire, introduce yourself, and offer a sample that fits their style. We injected some fun into this otherwise sometimes dreadful task of cold emailing by taking turns writing the emails. Whose style will get the most replies? We’re on the edge of our seats!
  2. Use Social Media with Intention
     Social media isn’t just for showcasing your latest gig — it’s a place to share your values, voice, and personality. Create content that speaks to the kind of brands you want to attract. Share behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and your journey in the industry. We’ve had a lot of laughs creating fun Instagram content that shows our personalities as well as our passion for protecting the planet. Do we feel silly sometimes? Of course! But that’s one of the most fun parts about the whole process. 
  3. Share to Attract
     Don’t just pitch — attract. Your content should reflect the type of work you want to do. If you love narrating eLearning content or voicing soulful brand videos, share those passions openly. When you’re clear about what you love, the right clients notice. Our YouTube channel provides a wide variety of content showcasing the voice talent on our roster and the genres they excel at voicing. We also showcase them on our socials as well as celebrate when someone on our roster has a new project that aligns with our mission. 
  4. Meet Them Where They Are
     LinkedIn is a goldmine for voice actors, but don’t forget industry-specific forums, events, or even Instagram, depending on your niche. Find where your dream clients “live” online — and show up there regularly, authentically. Connecting with our dream clients online is so worthwhile, not just for the relationship building but also because we get to witness some of the amazing content they are creating and get inspired by their work. 
  5. Foster Relationships, Not Just Gigs
     The best work often comes from relationships, not cold calls. Follow up, stay in touch, offer value, and be a genuinely supportive presence in your clients’ world. Over time, these connections can evolve into long-term partnerships. And this is the real dream, to have real relationships, not just with brands and companies, but with the people we communicate with. We’re all here to work and to do a little good in the world – how much more gratifying is it to be able to say you do all that with people you admire, trust and can rely on as a colleagues. 

Your dream clients are out there — and when you find them, it makes all the hustle worthwhile.

Have you found success using any of these strategies? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!