Episode 341: Shiny Object Syndrome
Acting Business Boot Camp
Episode Summary: In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I think we all struggle with at some point—especially if you’re a voice actor, on-camera actor, or creative trying to “make it”: shiny object syndrome. You know the feeling. You see someone post about a fancy new mic, a game-changing workshop, a big booking, and suddenly you're wondering… should I be doing that too? I’ve been there. I’ve spent the money. I’ve chased the dopamine hits. And I want to talk honestly about how jealousy, comparison, and impulse spending can quietly erode your confidence,...
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Episode 340: Interview with Aaron Marcus
Acting Business Boot Camp
How to Land Acting Work in Smaller Markets (And Why It’s More Accessible Than You Might Think) Have you ever thought that real acting work is only found in big cities? Like you have to be in New York or LA to make it? I used to think that too. But my conversation with actor Aaron Marcus on the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast really shifted that perspective. About Aaron Marcus Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor for over 40 years, with nearly 1,300 bookings across film, TV, commercials, and more. You might have seen his scene with Tom Hanks in the film A Man Called Otto. Aaron...
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Episode 339: The Neuroscience of Decision-Making (And Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs)
Acting Business Boot Camp
It’s Mandy Fisher here, your Voiceover actor and creative coach. Today I want to dive into something that’s been on my mind a lot: how the neuroscience of decision-making can help us as actors and creative professionals. Because we’re not just making choices in auditions or on stage. We’re making decisions every single day that shape our careers, relationships, and—let’s be real—our self-worth. How the Brain Guides Our Creative Decisions Let’s talk brain science for a sec. The prefrontal cortex? It’s the part of the brain handling complex thoughts and decisions, like our...
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Episode 338: The Grammar Grumble
Acting Business Boot Camp
When we talk about acting tools, we usually mention headshots, reels, technique, or coaching. But punctuation? Not so much. And yet, punctuation—something you probably haven’t questioned since middle school—might be interfering with your most natural, honest performances. The Problem Most Actors Don’t Know They Have You get a script. Maybe it’s commercial copy, maybe it’s a scene. And without realizing it, your brain starts obeying the punctuation. Comma. Small pause. Period. Full stop, drop your pitch. Exclamation mark. Boost the energy, punch the line. Your body responds to those...
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Episode 337: Desperate Energy Is Hurting Your Career
Acting Business Boot Camp
Feeling behind in your acting or voiceover career? You’re not alone. But you might be burning through your creative energy in the wrong ways. In this blog, we’ll unpack something that rarely gets talked about in the entertainment industry: desperate energy. What it looks like, how it sneaks into your process, and why it might be the real reason you feel stuck. What Is Desperate Energy? Desperate energy is that anxious, frantic feeling that shows up when you think you're falling behind. It's applying to projects far below your rate just to stay busy ...
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Episode 336: The 3 P's of Procrastination
Acting Business Boot Camp
Episode Summary: Feeling stuck? You are so not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest roadblocks I see actors (and creatives of all kinds) face: procrastination. I’m breaking down my signature framework—the **3 P's: Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Paralysis—**and showing you how procrastination is often just fear wearing a clever disguise. I’ll help you reframe your stuck-ness, understand what’s really going on underneath the delay, and—most importantly—take messy, imperfect, courageous action. And yes, I’m also sharing how the energy behind...
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Episode 335: Dreams vs. Nightmares: What Are You Really Focused On?
Acting Business Boot Camp
Welcome back to the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast! 🎙️ I'm Peter Pamela Rose — casting director and certified life and career coach for actors. My mission? To help you break down the business of acting into clear, actionable steps that move your career forward. In today’s episode, I dive into a powerful concept from Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider — the idea that we are constantly choosing between two mindsets: the dream and the nightmare. 💭 Are you focused on the dream of your acting career? Or are you unconsciously living in the...
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Episode 334: Burnout Isn’t Failure — It’s a Signal
Acting Business Boot Camp
Episode Summary: In today’s solo episode, Mandy Fisher gets real and raw about something that far too many actors and creatives are experiencing but not talking about enough: burnout. This isn’t your typical “self-care” pep talk. This is a grounded, honest conversation about the soul-deep exhaustion that can hit even the most passionate, high-achieving creatives. Mandy shares her personal experience with burnout — how it feels, why it happens, and what it actually means — and offers a compassionate, human-first way to start recovering. You’ll learn: Why burnout isn’t a...
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Episode 333: Trust, Consistency, and Risk: A Voiceover Reality Check
Acting Business Boot Camp
🔊 Episode Summary Hey hey! It's Mandy Fisher here, and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I see way too often in the VO world—over-relying on email templates to do your marketing. Especially the kind that demo producers hand out like candy. If you’ve ever sent one of those plug-and-play emails and heard crickets, this episode is for you. I’m digging into why that approach might be sabotaging your chances—and what to do instead. Because while templates can save you time, they can also strip away the one thing that books the job: your voice. So...
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Episode 332: Show Me the Success
Acting Business Boot Camp
In this episode, I’m getting real about something every actor struggles with at some point in their journey: the frustration of not seeing the success you know you’re capable of. Inspired by a powerful passage from Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass, I explore how your dream career (yes, including that dream agent, those callbacks, and the big booking) isn’t out there in the future… it’s already here, waiting for you to meet it at the right frequency. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Why isn’t this working? Where’s the success I’ve been working...
info_outlineIn last week’s episode, we explored the fascinating yet daunting world of AI in the entertainment industry. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, stop right now and go back! Everything we cover in this episode builds on what we discussed previously.
In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Erik Passoja—an AI expert and industry professional—who provides deeper insight into how AI is reshaping the acting world, especially in voiceover work. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—Erik offers practical ways to navigate this shifting landscape while empowering actors to embrace their expertise.
You Are the Expert
One of the most impactful takeaways from this episode is Erik’s powerful statement: “When you perform, you are the expert.”
As AI continues to evolve, actors must remember that what makes them unique cannot be replicated by machines. AI can generate voices and even expressions, but it cannot create the deep emotional connection that comes from human experience. Your authenticity, presence, and ability to breathe life into a character are irreplaceable.
The Rise of AI in Voiceover and Performance
Erik discusses Eleven Labs, a company that has mastered AI-generated voice replication. With just seconds of recorded speech, they can generate a synthetic voice pattern nearly identical to the original. While this technology is exciting, it also raises significant concerns about privacy, copyright, and ethical use.
One shocking example Erik shared was how a deepfake voice of President Joe Biden was used in a robocall scam. This highlights the dangers of AI voice cloning and underscores the importance of protecting actors’ voices and performances.
How to Protect Yourself as an Actor
So, how can actors ensure they remain in control of their work in this evolving AI landscape? Here are some key takeaways:
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Read your contracts carefully. If you’re represented, make sure your agent is reviewing all AI-related clauses. If you’re non-union, be extra cautious.
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Look for AI-related language. Contracts should specify that your voice, image, or likeness will not be used beyond what was originally agreed upon.
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Stay informed. The entertainment industry is actively working on protections, such as digital watermarking, which will help track AI-generated performances and ensure fair compensation.
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Advocate for AI ethics. Legislation such as the No Fakes Act is currently being proposed to regulate AI use in entertainment. Call your representatives and voice your support!
AI as an Opportunity, Not Just a Threat
While AI presents challenges, it also opens new possibilities. AI could potentially be used to generate passive income for actors by licensing their voices for ethical projects. With proper regulations and safeguards in place, AI could create opportunities rather than replace human talent.
Overcoming Overwhelm
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. The key to staying grounded is focusing on what you can control:
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Stay present. Instead of getting lost in fear of the future, focus on honing your craft.
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Take care of yourself. Avoid getting consumed by the doom-and-gloom AI narratives—spend time in nature, engage in self-care, and nurture your artistry.
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Keep storytelling alive. As Erik eloquently put it, storytelling is what has connected humans for thousands of years. AI may change the industry, but it will never replace the need for powerful human performances.
What’s Next?
We want to keep this conversation going! If you have any questions about AI and its impact on acting, click the link in the show notes to submit your questions. We’ll be gathering them and bringing Erik back for another episode where he’ll address your concerns.
Also, if you feel like you need to hit the reset button on your 2025, I’m opening up free consults again! If you want to take charge of your acting career with clarity and confidence, click the link in the show notes to set up a session.
Claim Your Free Consultation!
Are you ready to take your acting career to the next level? I’m offering free consultations to help you gain clarity, confidence, and actionable steps to move forward. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, let’s talk! Click the link in the show notes to book your free consultation today.
As always, stay safe and treat yourself real well.
Until next time!