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LA Voice Actor and Coach, Dana Powers, living the dream

We were thrilled to have Dana Powers, a seasoned voice actor, join us for this episode. Kim had been eager to have her on the podcast for quite some time, so when the opportunity finally arose, we were all excited!

The Evolution of a Day: Pre- and Post-Motherhood

As a new mother, Dana's day looks vastly different from her pre-motherhood routine. She runs a business with friends, voicing auditions in the morning and evening, with the rest of her day dedicated to her daughter. She reflected on her past hustle mode, always on the go, and contrasted it with her current pace, which is slower but fulfilling.

Shifting Perspectives on Work and Life

Dana shared her surprise at how her perspective shifted post-motherhood. While she expected to be eager to return to work, she found herself content with slowing down, realizing that not every audition was a make-or-break opportunity. She emphasized the importance of not putting too much weight on auditions, as there are always more opportunities in the industry.

When asked about her 5, 10, 25-year plan, Dana expressed a desire for a fulfilling career that allows her to book a few big commercials a year while spending time with her family. She highlighted the importance of finding joy and fulfillment outside of auditions, as putting too much weight on one's career can lead to added pressure and anxiety.

  • Consistency is Key: Dana highlighted the need for consistent effort in voice acting, including daily marketing, auditions, and networking.

  • Balance Expectations: She advised against putting too much weight on individual auditions, recognizing that there are always more opportunities in the industry.

  • Prioritize Self-Care: Dana emphasized the importance of self-care, including abstaining from drinking, maintaining early bedtimes, and taking regular breaks.

  • Find Fulfillment Outside of Work: While pursuing voice acting goals, Dana stressed the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in other aspects of life to avoid added pressure and anxiety.

  • Evolve with Life Changes: Dana shared how her perspective on work shifted after becoming a mother, highlighting the need to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.

  • Don't Chase Perfection: Dana cautioned against chasing the idea of a perfect career, noting that even big wins are often supplemented with corporate work and smaller projects.

  • Enjoy the Journey: She encouraged voice actors to find joy in the ordinary aspects of their career, as the pursuit of big roles can sometimes overshadow the smaller, but still fulfilling, opportunities.

Industry Insights

Dana shared insights into the voice acting industry, noting that while many aspire to land big animated roles or video games, the grass isn't always greener. She emphasized the fleeting nature of achievement and the importance of finding joy in the ordinary aspects of life.

  • Industry Realities: Dana underscored the competitive nature of the voice acting industry, where many talented individuals vie for limited roles.

  • Diverse Opportunities: She highlighted the wide array of opportunities in voice acting, ranging from animation and video games to commercials and narration.

  • Building a Reputation: Dana emphasized the importance of building a reputation for reliability and professionalism within the industry.

  • Networking is Key: Dana stressed the value of networking and building relationships with others in the industry to stay informed about opportunities.

  • Continuous Learning: She encouraged voice actors to continuously improve their skills through classes, workshops, and practice to stay competitive.

  • Adaptability: Dana discussed the need for adaptability, as voice actors often need to adjust their performances based on client feedback and industry trends.

  • Persistence Pays Off: Dana shared that persistence is crucial in the industry, as success often comes from consistently auditioning and pursuing opportunities.

As our conversation came to a close, we all felt that there was so much more to discuss! Dana's insights into the voice acting industry, her experiences as a new mother, and her reflections on work-life balance left us eager to continue the conversation in future episodes. We hope to have Dana back to delve deeper into these topics and more.