In this episode… What happens when voiceover starts to feel routine?

Linda sits down with voice actor and improv performer Elena Hollander to talk about losing—and reigniting—that creative spark. From the monotony of constant auditions to the mental toll of dry spells, they get real about what it takes to stay inspired in a career that often feels like shouting into the void.

Elena shares how improv, play, and taking unexpected risks in the booth have helped her book some of her biggest work—and actually enjoy the process again. Plus, they dive into practical ways to break out of autopilot, reconnect with your creativity, and bring more authenticity into your reads.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, bored, or just going through the motions… this episode will remind you why you started.

In this episode of The Voiceover Gurus Podcast, Linda chats with Susan Berkley about her journey from radio and the Howard Stern show to becoming the voice of major brands like AT&T and Citibank, and building a production and coaching business.

They explore how the industry changed from in-person auditions and ISDN to online studios, IVR work, pay-to-play platforms, and direct marketing—plus practical advice on finding authenticity, marketing yourself, and adapting across decades.

Susan shares lessons on entrepreneurship, coaching, and longevity in voiceover, with tips for newcomers and seasoned pros alike.

• How radio early beginnings shaped a resilient voice actor
• The transformative impact of the internet on the voice business
• Real stories of rejection, reinvention, and the power of marketing
• Practical tips on staying authentic and flexible in a changing industry
• The importance of community, mentorship, and giving back
• Secrets behind landing major clients like AT&T, Citibank, and lifetime success stories
• Resources for new voice artists: from pay-to-play to direct outreach

• Voiceover.GURU
• Voiceover Gurus Community — Connect and grow

Connect with Susan Berkley:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

In this episode of the Voiceover Gurus podcast, Linda Bruno shares her personal journey of losing her voice after the death of her father. She reflects on how her voice was not just a tool for her profession but a core part of her identity. The conversation explores the emotional and physical struggles she faced during her recovery, the impact of personal loss on her professional life, and the lessons learned about identity and community support in the voice acting industry.

Most voice actors hit moments where a session goes sideways. Weird client notes, tech glitches, nerves, or just plain chaos. In this episode, Linda Bruno and Barb Lyon swap real stories from the VO trenches and talk about how they handled the mess, the pressure, and the unexpected lessons that came with it.

From difficult clients to AI fears to sessions that absolutely did not go as planned, this is an honest look at what actually happens behind the mic. It’s funny, a little painful, and packed with reminders that even pros mess up, adapt, and come back stronger. If you’ve ever had a rough session or worried you weren’t cut out for this, this episode is for you.

Host Linda Bruno and acting coach Alyssa Jason explore how foundational acting techniques—authenticity, vulnerability, listening, and ongoing training—separate good voiceover reads from great ones. They discuss moving beyond technical tone to create living, responsive performances that connect with listeners.

Takeaways include focusing on the "why" behind the copy, using acting and improv training to build a toolbox, letting the script do its work, and joining community workouts that emphasize tactics over tone to develop authentic, three-dimensional reads.

On this episode: Actor and dialect coach Steve Corona joins Linda to pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of accents, performance, and character transformation.

Steve explains how he studies and analyzes dialects—breaking them down into unique sounds, rhythms, and cadences—and how actors can integrate those nuances into authentic, believable performances. From Scottish and Irish to Texan and Turkish, Steve shares his process for “hearing” the music of a dialect and translating it into emotional truth.

He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on major film sets with stars like Gerard Butler and Helen Mirren, offering a glimpse into the art and psychology of coaching actors under pressure. Along the way, he drops practical tools for any performer or storyteller—like using anchor phrases, shadowing native speakers, and finding emotional connection through voice.

Beyond Hollywood, Steve talks about how he’s taken his craft into new arenas—narrating audiobooks, helping business professionals improve their presence, and inspiring others to discover their authentic voice.

About Steve:

Steve Corona has always been fascinated by psychology and human behavior. Growing up as the fourth of five kids, he had plenty of personalities to study—and plenty of opportunities to perform. His natural empathy and love of storytelling became the foundation for a career built on both acting and coaching.

After earning his Master’s in Theatre, Steve launched his on-camera career, landing roles in film and television while also teaching dialects. A chance referral from a casting director led him to coach Gerard Butler on a major action film, sparking a new chapter as a sought-after dialect coach for A-list talent including Helen Mirren, Jason Isaacs, and Amber Midthunder.

As an actor, Steve has appeared in projects spanning every genre—from Hamlet 2 and Breaking Bad to The Lone Ranger and Army of the Dead. His on-set experiences deepened his understanding of performance psychology, which he now channels through Corona Productions—where he helps professionals master communication, presence, and storytelling on stage, on camera, and in life.

Website: https://www.coronaproductions.org

We are honored to be listed in the top 30 of podcasts about Voiceover. Check out the list! https://podcast.feedspot.com/voice_over_podcasts/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/ and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Linda Bruno Voice Actress https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home