Episode 344: Passion vs. Aptitude in Voiceover
Acting Business Boot Camp
Let’s talk about something most coaches won’t say out loud: Just because you love something doesn’t mean you’re great at it. I know. It stings. But it’s important. In this episode, I’m digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) gap between interest and aptitude—especially in voiceover. Because if you're frustrated that you're not booking in your dream genre, you might be ignoring the thing you're actually great at. What I Talk About in This Episode: Why passion doesn’t always equal potential How to spot the areas where you naturally shine Why...
info_outline
Episode 343: Building Real Confidence as an Actor
Acting Business Boot Camp
In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most important and misunderstood parts of an actor's journey: confidence. Without confidence, you're benched. Without humility, you're a liability. Confidence is essential in the entertainment industry, but it has to be real—not performative, not overblown, and definitely not hubris. I break down how to build real, grounded confidence that will keep you moving forward in your voiceover or acting career, using neuroscience-backed tools and personal experience from over two decades in the industry. Key Topics Covered: Why confidence is essential,...
info_outline
Episode 342: Is Fear Standing In the Way of Your Success?
Acting Business Boot Camp
Today I want to talk about something that comes up in almost every coaching session I have with actors. Fear. Not just nerves before a big audition. Not just that pit in your stomach when you hit “submit” on a self-tape. I mean the kind of fear that quietly shapes your entire career. The fear that keeps you playing small, second-guessing yourself, or holding back in moments when you need to be bold. The fear that convinces you maybe this dream isn’t really for you. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “What if I can’t handle...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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 ...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineLet’s talk about something most coaches won’t say out loud:
Just because you love something doesn’t mean you’re great at it.
I know. It stings. But it’s important.
In this episode, I’m digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) gap between interest and aptitude—especially in voiceover. Because if you're frustrated that you're not booking in your dream genre, you might be ignoring the thing you're actually great at.
What I Talk About in This Episode:
-
Why passion doesn’t always equal potential
-
How to spot the areas where you naturally shine
-
Why ignoring your strengths can slow your career
-
What to do when your “boring” voice actually books
-
How to balance income work with creative fulfillment
-
The difference between fantasy reels and real-world needs
The Harsh Truth I’ve Learned (and Lived)
Interest is loud. It’s shiny. It gets excited.
But aptitude? Aptitude is quiet. It’s efficient. It gets the job done with less effort.
That’s your edge.
If you're constantly trying to “break into” animation but clients keep calling you back for corporate narration... maybe it's time to listen.
I Like to Think of VO as a Buffet
You don’t have to love every dish at the buffet. But you do need to eat.
Some genres feed your wallet. Others feed your soul. Both matter.
But the key is building a career that includes both—without starving either.
A Little Homework for You
Ask yourself:
-
What do I love to do in VO?
-
What do I actually book?
-
Where do I get the most consistent positive feedback?
If those answers aren’t lining up, that’s your cue to rework your business plan.
Not to quit. To recalibrate.
This Isn’t About Giving Up on the Dream
You can still create that weird fantasy assassin rabbit character (I mean, please do).
Just don’t expect it to pay your rent. Yet.
Instead, learn how to work your income genres well. Use them to build your skills, connections, and freedom. Let them support your creativity instead of crush it.
Need Help Strategizing?
If you’re feeling stuck between what you want and what’s working, let’s talk. Seriously.
-
On-camera actor? Peter’s your person: [email protected]
-
Voiceover artist? That’s me: [email protected]
We love helping actors figure this stuff out. It’s what we do.
Thanks for being here, and if this episode hit home, share it with a fellow actor who needs to hear it too.