What does it take to build a lasting career in voice over?

In this episode, Mike sits down with accomplished voice actor, audiobook narrator, and longtime radio imaging talent Donna Frank. Best known to many listeners as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show, Donna shares the story of how she built a career spanning radio, commercial voice over, and audiobook narration by following her instincts, working relentlessly, and staying true to herself.

Together, Mike and Donna discuss the realities of today's voice over industry, from developing authentic client relationships and finding your niche to the challenges of audiobook performance, marketing yourself, and handling criticism. Donna also shares why being easy to work with may be just as important as having a great voice.

Whether you're just starting your voice acting journey or you've been behind the microphone for years, this conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement for building a sustainable, fulfilling creative career.

00:00 Welcome and audiobook narrator workout announcement
04:05 Meet Donna Frank
05:30 Donna's early connection to radio through her father
08:45 Starting out in radio and joining EQX
13:10 Lessons from early radio and handling criticism
17:25 Why being easy to work with matters
20:40 Donna's role as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show
26:15 Radio imaging vs. commercial voice over
31:20 Moving into audiobook narration
37:00 Why audiobook narration is more than having a good voice
42:35 Finding emotion underneath the words
48:10 Voiceover, joy, and creating work that lasts
53:20 Donna's advice: if it's not a yes, it's a no
58:30 Final advice for aspiring voice actors
1:02:00 Where to find Donna Frank

Breaking into audiobook narration can feel overwhelming—especially when you're starting from scratch. In this episode, I sit down with audiobook narrator Katie Keary, who recently booked her very first audiobook after years of considering a career in voiceover and narration.

Katie shares her journey from working in education and nonprofit leadership to building a home studio, overcoming self-doubt, learning the technical side of narration, and finally landing her first audiobook project. We talk about the importance of mentorship, finding community, developing resilience, and why taking the first step is often the hardest part.

Whether you're just beginning to explore voice acting or you're looking for encouragement on your own creative journey, Katie's story is proof that it's never too late to pursue something that excites and inspires you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Katie booked her first audiobook

Why community and mentorship matter

The biggest challenges new narrators face

How to overcome perfectionism and self-doubt

What it's really like to build a home studio

Why creativity deserves a place in your life

If you've been waiting for a sign to start, this might be it.

Listen now and be inspired by Katie's journey.

What if everything about your creative career could change in less than a year?

In this episode, I sit down with Sonya Wills, a former commercial actor who stepped away from the industry to focus on family, only to find her way back through an unexpected path: social media.

From having no online presence to building a thriving platform in just months, Sonya shares how experimenting with content, embracing authenticity, and leaning into her real-life experience helped her discover a powerful new direction—teaching creators how to show up confidently on camera.

We dive into:

Why social media is no longer optional for creatives

How to find your "lane" without overthinking it

The difference between being authentic vs. performative

What most people get wrong about content creation

How to bring real emotion into voiceover and on-camera work

The mindset shift that unlocks growth in both acting and content

Sonya also shares practical techniques for delivering more natural, compelling performances—whether you're behind the mic or in front of the camera.

Her journey is a reminder that your past experience is never wasted—and that sometimes your next opportunity is closer than you think.

If you're an actor, voice actor, or creator trying to figure out where you fit in today's evolving landscape, this conversation will give you both clarity and encouragement.

🎧 Connect with Sonya:
TikTok: @the_mom_next_door
Learn more: Camera Smart Creator