This week I had the chance to chat with Paul Stefano and Sean Daeley, two excellent voice actors who host one of the industry’s hottest podcasts, The VO Meter. As a podcaster myself and a big fan of The VO Meter, it was great to get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes The VO Meter so successful.
Here’s what Paul had to say about the podcast.
What sets the VO Meter apart from other podcasts in the voiceover space?
We try to be as upfront and honest about all the wrong things you can do on your way to a successful voice over career. Most people only tell you the good things that happen to them. We share EVERYTHING.
What was the genesis of the podcast? Why did you decide to do it?
It started out as a way to help people who were just getting started, like us at the time. There were a lot of podcasts for seasoned pros. We thought it would be fun to hear from somebody “just like you” so to speak who was going through the same trials and tribulations. That has changed a bit now that we are both seasoned pros, but we still keep that focus, of helping the “newbie” as much as possible.
What do you look for in a podcast guest?
We like to have people on who are like us. Tell it like it is, while also offering insight. Also, it’s important that they can laugh. Both at us, obviously, but also themselves.
Tell us about some of the most interesting guests you’ve had on.
Well, our first-ever guests were Michael Schwalbe, Moe Rock, Matthew Curtis, and Heather Costa. Prior to that we only did a back and forth conversation with ourselves. I’ll always remember that episode because frankly I was shocked anybody else wanted to talk to us! I’m also eternally grateful that we’ve been able to have most of my early mentors on as guests. People like Bob Bergen, Doug Turkel, Melissa Exelberth, Peter Bishop, Trish Basanyi, Terry Daniel, George Whittam, Dan Lenard and YOU JMC. Finally, we are very proud of the episodes we did on racial, ethnic, and sexual orientation diversity.
If there was a wish list of three guests you could get for the podcast, who would they be?
I can honestly say there isn’t anybody we haven’t had on that we’d consider a “dream guest.” Part of that is because the VO community is so giving. We’ve had so many legends on already that it’s an embarrassment of riches. Joe Cipriano, Kay Bess, Scott Brick, Mara Junot, Johnny Heller, Daniel Ross, Melissa Disney, we already mentioned Bob Bergen, the list goes on. Simon Vance reached out to US asking to be on, which blew our minds at the time. I guess I would say I hope we just continue to be blessed with people who are so giving of their time.
For those considering starting their own podcast, what are some of the benefits and drawbacks?
Don’t. Sorry, we’re full. Seriously, though, really understand what you are getting into. It takes more work than people realize. While we were new (ish) to VO when we started, I had a BS degree in broadcasting. I knew how to produce a radio show, which is essentially what a podcast is. It’s a full production. I spend hours on each episode and I think it shows in the quality.
Talk tech with us. What gear do you use to record, and what software are you using?
Well, as you may know, we have a segment called Questionable Gear Purchase, which talks about whatever gear we bought or sold since our last show. We are unabashed tech GEEKS. I almost never have the same mic from one year to the next, sometimes month. In fact, as I write this I’m waiting for FedEx to deliver a new Antelope audio mic to my house! Having said that we do love Sennheiser/Neumann products, as well as Studiobricks! Not, only because they are sponsors, LOL. I’m not only a client, I’m a member! It may be interesting to note that we record the show with Twisted Wave, over Source Connect and I still mix with Audacity.
If people want to listen to the VO Meter, where can they find it?
www.vometer.com, and follow us on Twitter @thevometer, or like our Facebook page.
Hire Paul Stefano for your next VO project at paulstefano.com
Hire Sean Daeley for your next VO project at dailyvo.com