Episode 354: Paula Tiso on Narration for Documentaries

This week’s episode is all about documentary narration. Voiceover actor Paula Tiso joins me to share her journey from sketch comedy in Los Angeles to working steadily in promos, radio imaging, true crime, and documentary series. We talk about training, the shift from “perky” reads to grounded storytelling, and what it really takes to support a story with your voice. About Paula: Paula Tiso is a veteran voiceover actor whose work spans documentary narration, true crime, television affiliates, video games, and more. She’s voiced Smithsonian Channel documentaries, Oxygen and ID series like Living with a Serial Killer and The Devil Speaks, and brought characters to life in games including Final Fantasy X, No More Heroes, and Fallout 76. Whether narrating history, guiding audiences through true crime, or connecting viewers to their local TV stations, Paula’s voice combines warmth, authority, and authenticity.   From Comedy to Narration Paula started out in sketch comedy and found her way into voiceover through commercial training. She explains how those early skills built the foundation for narration work across genres. True Crime and Empathy Narrating true crime requires neutrality and steadiness. At the same time, it calls for empathy when addressing victims and families. Paula shares how she prepares for heavy scripts and keeps her delivery both clear and compassionate. Core Skills for Narrators Commercial training as a base for timing and clarity Adaptability when scripts change mid-session Authenticity in the read, not a “performance” Curiosity to keep learning and exploring new material Preparation that marks cues and supports clean delivery Types of Documentary Narration Nature: slow pacing, voice supports the picture History: sometimes includes character inserts, with age shifts in voice In-show and lifestyle: friendly and helpful Promos and affiliates: concise and reliable Building a Career Paula describes narration as building a career vine by vine, one connection leading to the next. She emphasizes curiosity, preparation, and adaptability as the keys to staying relevant. AI and the Future Paula also discusses how AI is impacting voiceover, and the work organizations like NAVA are doing to protect performers through transparency and consent. Episode Takeaways Let the voice support the picture Documentary reads today are grounded and authentic Empathy without bias is essential in true crime Preparation and adaptability make sessions run smoothly Careers grow step by step, connection by connection Resources and Mentions National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA)  Living with a Serial Killer on Peacock  Paula Tiso’s narration shorts and blog  Support the Podcast If you’re enjoying the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast, please leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen. We’re close to reaching 100 reviews, and your support makes a real difference. Stay Connected Email: [email protected]  Coaching and classes: Acting Business Boot Camp

Today’s episode is called “Your Audition Superpower.” We’re talking about what really makes an audition competitive, not just good. Because in a crowded industry, good auditions disappear. Competitive ones get remembered. Whether you’re stepping into the booth, walking into the room, or recording a self-tape at home, these five elements can transform how casting directors see you. Why “Audition Superpowers” Matter Every actor has talent. What separates the hobbyists from the professionals is how you show up under pressure. Casting directors don’t just want a great read. They want someone they can rely on, someone who takes risks, and someone who knows how to communicate humanity through their choices. That’s why these five aspects aren’t just skills. They’re your audition superpowers. The 5 Audition Superpowers 1. Confidence Not the fake-it-till-you-make-it kind. Real confidence is clarity and control, the ability to deliver without obsessing about what the casting director wants. It’s trusting your instincts, playing with choices, and knowing every version is still you. 2. Preparedness Prepared actors sound professional. Unprepared ones sound like hobbyists. From knowing your character’s secrets and desires to understanding the platform you’re working in, preparedness eliminates scrambling and allows you to deliver with authority. 3. Professionalism The least glamorous but most powerful superpower. Label your files correctly. Follow directions exactly. Show up early and ready. Charm gets you in the room once. Professionalism is what builds long-term trust. 4. Boldness Safe auditions are wallpaper. Bold choices make casting directors look up from their coffee and say, “Who is that?” Boldness isn’t about volume. It’s about commitment. Commit to your weird, specific humanity. That’s what makes you unforgettable. 5. Range Range isn’t about pitch or speed. It’s emotional truth and control, the ability to flip from playful to grounded, warm to terrifying, sweet to cruel, without losing authenticity. Range shows casting directors you can carry an entire character’s humanity in your voice. Putting Your Superpowers to Work Confidence. Preparedness. Professionalism. Boldness. Range. Together, they make you unstoppable. It’s not about perfection. It’s about being consistent, being human, and being willing to risk a little weirdness. Some of the strangest choices I’ve made in auditions are the ones casting directors still remember. So ask yourself: which of these audition superpowers do you need to level up right now? Stay Connected TikTok: @AstoriaRedhead  Substack: The Actors Index  Email: [email protected]  Coaching & Classes: Acting Business Boot Camp

This week’s episode is all about doing the damn thing. Inspired by Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass, we explore how to move from wishful thinking into real, consistent action. Because let’s face it: Epiphanies are useless without execution. Self-help without follow-through is shelf-help. Trying to be an actor isn’t the same as being one. From Passive Habits to Active Action Many actors fall into the trap of passive self-help habits. That looks like reading books, journaling, or attending seminars but never actually taking the uncomfortable, messy steps that move your career forward. Here’s the three-part shift: Awareness – Notice your thoughts, excuses, and passive habits. Acceptance – Own them without judgment. Action – Act your way into right thinking and build your courage muscle. Every day, ask yourself: Am I going to the gym… or am I really going to the gym? Be in the 5% Here’s a sobering stat: only 5% of SAG-AFTRA members qualify for health insurance. And of all the people who take courses (in any field), only 5% ever implement what they learn. We want you in that 5%. The ones who suit up, show up, and keep going. The ones who build resilience, embrace discomfort, and grow stronger by being brave. Stop Waiting. Start Acting. Waiting is the perfect recipe for self-sabotage. If you want a career, start now. Start messy. Start imperfect. But start. At Acting Business Boot Camp, that’s why we’ve built: The Weekly Accountability Group – so you don’t just learn, you follow through. Monthly Classes with Mandy – so you keep sharpening your tools and confidence. The Weekly Adjustment Group – to help you build bravery into your daily life. Because knowledge without action won’t book you jobs. Action will. Episode Takeaways Epiphanies without execution don’t create change. Awareness + Acceptance + Action = Transformation. Success is about getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Build your courage muscle daily. Don’t “try” to be an actor. Be an actor. Resources and Links Book mentioned: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero  Join us in the Weekly Accountability Group  or the Weekly Adjustment Group  to put this into practice. Support the Podcast If you’re enjoying the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast, please leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen. It helps us reach more actors around the world who are ready to stop waiting and start doing the damn thing.

Okay actors, here it is—your end-of-summer pep talk. I don’t know how we got here so fast, but summer’s basically over and it’s time to stop stalling. Time to get your act together. In this episode, I’m giving it to you straight. Yes, I even drop a few swear words, because honestly, sometimes that’s what it takes to shake things up. I’ll share the story of Bowie the cat (our very cautious little housemate) and how it perfectly connects to where so many of you are stuck in your careers. The question is: are you going to stay scared Bowie… or step up and be brave Bowie? And I’m not just talking theory here. I’m breaking down the exact things that matter most right now: your resume, your headshots, your reels, your website, and the way you correspond with agents and casting directors. These are the details that decide whether we keep looking at you—or hit delete in under three seconds. What You’ll Take Away Why being “brave Bowie” matters more than you think The three pillars of Acting Business Boot Camp: training, business skills, and mindset work How to make your resume speak the “Language of Agents and Casting Directors” What your headshots and reels are really saying about you Why your emails to agents and CDs often get ignored (and how to fix it) The one website mistake that can literally cost you a job Why being 98% committed isn’t enough—and how going all in changes everything My Challenge to You If you’re serious about becoming a working actor, you don’t have to do this alone. That’s what I built Acting Business Boot Camp for: to give you structure, tools, and support from someone who knows this industry inside and out. So here’s my offer: book a free 15-minute consultation with me. Let’s see where you’re stuck, what’s holding you back, and how to get your act together once and for all. If you’ve worked with me before and feel like you need a reset, click the link in the show notes and let’s reconnect. If this is your first step, perfect. Let’s get started. Ready? Let’s Do This Click the link in the show notes to grab your free consultation. Because you don’t want to spend the next season of your career like scared Bowie, hiding in the corner. You want to be the one who finally steps out, explores the whole house, and discovers just how good it feels to be brave. About Me I’m Peter Pamela Rose, a casting director and certified life and career coach. Through Acting Business Boot Camp, I help actors cut through the noise, build confidence, and create careers that actually work. Every week, I share real tools, mindset coaching, and industry insights to get you from feeling stuck to becoming a working actor. 👉 Click here to schedule your free 15-minute session.

When I Froze on “Three Takes” I’ll be honest, the first time a casting director asked me for three takes in the same vibe, my brain short-circuited. The first one felt okay. The second? I made it louder. The third? I whispered and hoped for divine intervention. Sound familiar? If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. No one really teaches us how to do this. We just… guess. But over the years, I’ve learned that “three takes” doesn’t have to be torture. It’s actually an opportunity to show range, subtlety, and intention — if you know where to focus. My Five Go-To Tools for Variety Here’s what I rely on: Change the environment. Close your eyes and imagine where you are. A noisy coffee shop shifts your energy in a completely different way than a quiet office. Add human sounds. We don’t speak like robots. A breath, a chuckle, a little “mm-hmm” makes your read feel alive. Play with pauses. I love a pause. It can create tension, warmth, or surprise. Same words, totally different rhythm. Change your listener. Who am I talking to? A best friend feels different than a five-year-old. A stranger feels different than a coworker. Shift your motivation. This one’s huge. Maybe I’m trying to inspire. Maybe I’m trying to tease. Same emotion, new motivation — and suddenly the take has layers. These adjustments keep me from falling into the “loud-soft-whisper” trap. Instead, each take feels intentional. Why I Lean on Improv Here’s the secret I wish someone had told me sooner: improv isn’t about being funny. It’s about being present. When a casting director says, “Make it feel more natural,” what they really mean is, “Stop performing and start reacting.” Improv trains me to do that. It helps me: Make stronger choices quickly Stay grounded when I mess up React honestly instead of overthinking Give multiple takes that feel genuinely different As Kristen Wiig said, “Improv is about listening and not trying to be funny. It’s about being honest.” I’ve found that to be absolutely true. What Fear Taught Me I know improv scares people. It used to terrify me. My brain would scream, “Don’t mess this up. Don’t look stupid.” But here’s what shifted everything: fear means I care. Fear tells me I’m right at the edge of something interesting. If I can use it, not run from it, that’s where the magic happens. Now, I remind myself: I don’t have to be clever. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be available. And ironically, that’s when my best work happens. Why This Matters for You If you’ve been frustrated by the 1-2-3 take request, know this: it’s not about pleasing the casting gods. It’s about showing them you can be flexible, creative, and real. With these five tools and an improv mindset, you’ll stop guessing. You’ll start delivering takes that feel grounded and alive — and most importantly, like you. If you want help practicing this, I’d love to work with you. I offer free 15-minute consults, and I’m always excited to help actors build confidence in the booth and on the mic. 👉 Book your free consult here

Most actors treat their careers like a guessing game. Send a few emails. Hope someone notices. Post on Instagram. Cross your fingers. But what if you could know what’s working? What if you had the exact information to make better choices, save time, and book more work? That is what tracking data does for you, and yes, it is way less boring than it sounds. Why Most Actors Avoid Tracking (and Why That Hurts Them) A lot of actors shy away from anything that feels “too business.” They think tracking numbers will suck the artistry out of what they do. But here is the thing: you are your own product. If you are selling anything, you need to know what is resonating and what is falling flat. Data is not about turning you into a robot. It is more like a script you did not know you needed. It tells you what is landing, what is missing the mark, and where to put your energy next. How to Start Small Without Overcomplicating It You do not need fancy software to start. A simple spreadsheet can change the game. Write down who you contacted and when, the subject line you used, whether they opened it, clicked, replied, or ignored it. Tools like MailTrack, Boomerang, or Yesware will do the tracking for you. Open rates tell you if your subject line was compelling. Click-through rates tell you if your reel or website got attention. The Power of Testing What Works Want to level it up? Try sending two slightly different versions of the same email, maybe just the subject line changes, and see which one gets better results. That is A/B testing. It is not complicated, and it tells you exactly what works. What Your Website Metrics Can Reveal Installing Google Analytics (it is free) can show you how many people visit, where they came from, how long they stay, and what they click. You might even notice patterns, like everyone skipping your résumé PDF but clicking on your behind-the-scenes video. That is information you can use. Heatmap tools like Hotjar take it further by showing where people actually click. If your most-visited link is your dog’s Instagram, maybe rethink what you are putting front and center. Social Media: Looking Beyond Likes Social media works the same way. It is not about likes, it is about patterns. Which posts get saved the most? Which videos are watched to the end? Does posting at 9 a.m. get more engagement than 9 p.m.? Use those answers to repeat what is working and retire what is not. Your Weekly Career Check-In Once a week, set aside time to check: Emails sent, opened, clicked, and replied to Social media reach, saves, and comments Website traffic and bounce rate Auditions requested and booked Optional but useful: moments you felt completely burned out It does not have to take long, but it will change the way you approach your career. Data without action is just a sad spreadsheet. The Takeaway Tracking does not make you less creative, it makes you more strategic. It gives you the freedom to spend your energy where it matters most. Start small. Track your emails, your socials, your auditions. Let the numbers guide your next move instead of just hoping you are on the right path. And if you want one-on-one coaching to help you track, strategize, and grow your acting career, reach out to [email protected]. Let us build your career with purpose, not guesswork.

If you’ve ever gotten an email offering $850 for 45 minutes of voice work and thought, huh, that sounds… generous—you’re not alone. Today I’m walking you through one of the most common and dangerous traps voice actors fall into: the voiceover scam. Let’s talk about how to recognize one, why we fall for them, and how to protect yourself. These Scams Are Getting Smarter I’ve seen so many of these land in my inbox or get forwarded from friends and students. And honestly, they’re getting better. Better design. Better phrasing. More personal. But when you know what to look for, the patterns start to repeat. Here’s the kind of language I often see: “We came across your demo…” “We’re excited to offer $850 for a quick project…” “A studio will be rented near your location…” They sound legit. But when you look closer, there’s no company name, no usage terms, no specifics—and that’s your first red flag. Why It’s Easy to Fall For Let me be clear: falling for one of these doesn’t make you gullible. It makes you human. We’re trained to get excited when someone wants to hire us. So when you get a message that sounds like your SEO efforts are working or your voice finally got discovered, your brain lights up. But scammers know that. They prey on that excitement, that desire to get booked, and that dream of breaking through. And because so many actors are navigating financial stress, looking for validation, or craving that first big break, the offer feels like a miracle. That’s by design. Real vs. Scam: What to Look For Let me give you a side-by-side. Here’s a real email I received: “Hi Mandy, we’re currently casting a series of short-form e-learning modules for a corporate client in the healthcare space. We heard your narration demo and would love to invite you to audition. If selected, the rate is $450 per finished hour for internal usage. Remote recording is preferred.” Notice the difference? There’s a category (e-learning). A rate and usage clause. A clear, grounded tone. Now contrast that with a scam version that said: “We have a voice-over assignment with a copyrighted script to be recorded at a studio near your location. Your emotional readiness is crucial.” Um… what? Common Red Flags I See Over and Over I’ve seen these pop up again and again. Here are the top ones: Too much money too fast. Real jobs involve negotiation. Not just a flat $850 for 45 minutes with no questions asked. No company name. Or they use a real one but spoof the email (like "creta.net" instead of "creta.com"). No contract or NDA. No paper trail. Nothing to protect you. Weird language. “Emotional readiness”? “Check your email frequently”? No legitimate producer talks like that. Fake check scam. They’ll send a “check” to pay a studio, ask you to forward the money, and when it bounces—you’re the one out the cash. And sadly, they’ve even impersonated real companies like TransPerfect or Creta. They pull real employee names from LinkedIn to make it look legit. What I Recommend You Do Instead Here’s how I keep myself (and my students) scam-free: Google the sender. If they’re real, they’ll have some kind of digital footprint. Ask questions. Who’s the client? What’s the usage? Where will this air? Book your own studio. Or ask to record from home. If they refuse, walk away. Never deposit a check from a stranger. Ever. Reach out to SAG-AFTRA. Even if you’re not union, they have resources and will help. Keep good records. Save your emails, contracts, and create a CRM to track inquiries. Join VO red flag groups. There’s strength in community. And above all—trust your gut. Final Thought I love this industry. Voiceover has changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. But it also comes with risks. If something feels weird… pause. Screenshot it. DM a friend. Or send it to me. You’re not alone in this. If you want to talk more about your VO goals, I’d love to help. You can always reach me at [email protected] or schedule a free 15-minute session here.

In this solo episode, Peter gets deeply personal about a challenging week—and the powerful mindset shift that came from it. After getting emotionally “twisted,” Peter turned to her most trusted tools: journaling, meditation, and coaching. What started as a spiral led to a breakthrough realization: Your mind is your world. And your world is your mind. When you’re in your fear-based thought system, everything feels like a problem. But when you shift into a more loving, conscious mindset, you begin to see challenges as opportunities. Peter shares how unconscious thinking patterns can create unnecessary suffering, and how awareness, honesty, and a willingness to feel your feelings can shift your entire experience. Whether you’ve had a tough week yourself or you’re just ready for a new perspective, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate reminder of how much power lives in your mindset. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between fear thoughts and love-based thoughts What Peter does when she feels overwhelmed or triggered How to use stream-of-consciousness journaling to uncover what’s really going on Why it’s okay to “suffer a little” before you’re ready to shift A practical way to reset your emotions when you’re feeling stuck Resources mentioned: Free Time Management Workshop – Click here for details Book a free consultation with Peter Pamela Rose Stephen Ridley episode – Listen here Want more support? If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to take the next step, whether that’s with time management, mindset, or your acting career, I invite you to book a free consultation. Click here to schedule your session. And as always… stay safe and treat yourself real well. You don’t have to be perfect.

If you're a creative who rolls their eyes every time someone says, “You should be on TikTok,” I get it. I did too. But I’ve also seen firsthand how a free platform with a low barrier to entry can quietly change your entire business. Not overnight. But steadily. Strategically. Without becoming someone you’re not. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I use TikTok to stay visible, book clients, and build trust—without filters, dances, or pretending to be an influencer. So, why TikTok? I never expected to like it. I don’t love being on camera. I don’t enjoy over-polishing or oversharing. But I do love showing up for my community. I love talking shop. And I really love when a new client says, “I found you on TikTok… I just felt like you got it.” They didn’t care about my résumé. They didn’t go through my website. They watched a few videos, got curious, and reached out. That’s the power of visibility. Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever I set a personal goal of 30,000 followers. Not for vanity. Because I’ve seen how perception changes with scale. At that number, people stop wondering if you're legit. They start assuming you are. It’s wild, but true: I’ve had actors tell me they didn’t book the job because they “didn’t have a big enough following.” So while I don’t love the rule... I’m learning to play the game. What I Post (and How I Keep It Manageable) I post just once a day, Monday through Friday. No weekends. That’s it. My content rotates through three categories: 1. Trend-Based Posts Not dancing. Not chasing virality. Just using trending audio or formats to talk about life as a voice actor. Red flags. Weird specs. Behind-the-scenes stress. Stuff people relate to. 2. Original Content This is where I share warmups, workflow tips, gear recs, or things I wish I knew when I started out. The more specific, the better. 3. Personal Stories No life-overhauls or tearful confessions. Just honest stories from inside the booth: bombing auditions, almost quitting, learning the hard way. Those posts? They connect deeply. A Weekly Posting Roadmap If you want to try it out, here’s a simple structure: Monday – A trend or audio reworked for your niche Tuesday – Respond to a question or comment Wednesday – Share a personal or client story Thursday – A POV sketch or observation Friday – Tips or encouragement for beginners Repeat. Tweak. Evolve based on what’s resonating. Use Your Analytics TikTok gives you free data. Look at what people are watching all the way through, saving, or sharing—and lean into that. Kill what’s not working. Keep what is. Don’t overthink it. This isn’t about being viral. It’s about being valuable. Profile Tips to Help You Get Hired You don’t need a perfect feed. But your profile should make sense to someone new: Clean, recognizable photo (not necessarily a headshot) Bio that says what you do and what kind of content you make Link to your site or lead magnet Keep your vibe real. Show up as yourself. Don’t hide your mic. Don’t over-filter. You’re not selling a brand. You’re being a person. What If You’re Not Using TikTok? That’s totally fine. But then ask yourself: Where are your future clients going to find you? Instagram? YouTube? Discord? Email? Wherever you plan to show up, you need a strategy. And if you’re not going to show up at all? Then you need a different kind of strategy. Need Help? I’ve Got You. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck about how to grow your VO presence online—let’s talk. You can always reach me through [email protected], or DM me on TikTok at @astoriaredhead. I’d love to see what you’re creating. Because we’re not just growing followers. We’re growing careers.

How to Change Your Momentum When You’re Stuck as a Creative If you’re an artist or creative who feels stalled—like you’ve hit a wall in your motivation, progress, or passion—you’re not alone. Whether it’s burnout, fear, comparison, or just plain fatigue, creative momentum can vanish without warning. And getting it back? That can feel impossible. But here’s the good news: momentum is a choice. Not something that magically returns when the conditions are perfect—but something you can actively create, even in the mess of real life. In this week’s Acting Business Boot Camp podcast episode, I spoke with Stephen Ridley, musician, speaker, and founder of Ridley Academy, about exactly that. What unfolded was a deeply personal and practical roadmap for any artist who wants to stop stalling and start moving forward again. What Does It Mean to “Change Your Momentum”? Momentum isn’t about working harder. It’s about shifting the energy underneath your decisions. According to Stephen, the way we talk to ourselves—our internal attitude—shapes what happens next. He calls it the self-fulfilling nature of mindset. “Both negativity and positivity become self-fulfilling prophecies,” he says. “And both are equally available.” In other words, what you expect tends to be what you get. So if you’re expecting things to be hard, slow, or pointless… they probably will be. But here’s where this conversation gets interesting. Stephen doesn’t suggest “faking” positivity. He actually recommends the opposite. Step 1: Stop Resisting Your Mood When you’re stuck in a low state—feeling anxious, apathetic, overwhelmed—the worst thing you can do is pretend you’re not. Instead, lean in. “I’ll play piano in apathy,” Stephen says. “I’ll let myself feel lazy. I’ll turn up the volume on the feeling until I get bored of it. That’s when the momentum shifts.” When you stop resisting how you feel and start actively creating it, you take back control. It’s no longer happening to you. You’re the one creating it. That awareness is where movement begins. Step 2: Ask the Question That Changes Everything Once you’ve moved through the feeling—not skipped over it—there’s a simple question Stephen recommends to create forward momentum: “What can I do for you?” Not just you, the person in front of you. But you in the broadest sense: the audience, the community, the world. This question flips your attention from inward to outward. It connects you to purpose. It anchors you in service. And for artists, that’s everything. Because the role of the artist, as Stephen beautifully puts it, is not to collapse into the emptiness of life—but to provide the antidote. The Trap of Creative Victimhood So many creatives are unconsciously stuck in a victim mindset. Waiting for permission. Hoping to be chosen. Scared to make the wrong move. But as Stephen says, the longer you wait, the more you stall. And stalling, while it may feel passive, often comes with a payoff: you don’t have to take responsibility. That’s the truth most people don’t want to hear. But the moment you reclaim that responsibility—without shame or blame—you begin to unlock the creative momentum you’ve been craving. Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Wait The most successful creatives aren’t necessarily the most talented. They’re the ones who know how to take action even when things aren’t perfect. They’ve learned to choose positivity without needing to feel it first. They know how to get out of their heads and back into service. Stephen’s message is simple, but profound: “You don’t have to find momentum. You can create it. And it starts with one decision.” Want to Practice This Work? If you’re ready to rebuild your creative momentum in a grounded, supportive space, I invite you to try a free class of The Weekly Adjustment—my coaching group for actors and artists working on confidence, mindset, and meaningful progress. 🔗 Click here to join us for free And if you’ve ever dreamed of learning piano—or reconnecting to passion through creative play—check out RidleyAcademy.com. Stephen’s method is changing lives.