Rosie Okumura returns to the Mike Lenz VO Podcast with one of the most unusual (and inspiring) career paths in voiceover: she turned a deeply personal moment—when her mom was scammed—into a viral YouTube crusade that now reaches millions.

In this episode, Rosie breaks down how she built her VO career in Los Angeles, how her "smart assistant" and voice-matching skills became a niche advantage, and how her live scam-baiting streams evolved into a powerful platform for educating viewers while exposing scammers through comedy and improvisation.

You'll also hear the behind-the-scenes reality of internet fame—privacy risks, boundaries, and "parasocial" dynamics—and why (for Rosie) the bigger threat isn't always the scammers…it can be the wrong kind of follower attention.

Then the conversation takes a sharp (and fascinating) turn into Rosie's newest chapter: launching a private investigation firm, IRL Investigations, where her VO skills unexpectedly translate into real-world investigative work—process serving, surveillance, fraud cases, and finding answers for clients who just want the truth.

In this episode, we cover:

The exact moment Rosie realized she'd gone viral—and what happened next

How voice skills + improv can become a "live demo reel" for clients

Staying safe online when your audience explodes

The difference between "influencer" and "content creator" (and why it matters)

Why Rosie believes you're never done learning—no matter how far you've come

If you're a voice actor, creator, or someone building a multi-hyphenate career, Rosie's story is a masterclass in turning a curveball into momentum—and staying grounded while you grow.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/irlrosie/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0osV_nf2b0sIbm4Wiw4RQ

Voice actor and content creator Tawny Platis returns to The Mike Lenz VO Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about building a sustainable creative career—without waiting around for permission.

Tawny shares how she landed her first voiceover job at just six years old, why she stepped away from entertainment to build a "safe" business (spoiler: it wasn't safe at all), and how that business experience became the secret weapon that helped her thrive once she went full-time in voice acting.

We also dig into the real role social media plays in today's VO landscape—how Tawny approaches content as creativity (not advertising), why "auditioning all day" isn't always the smartest path, and what it means to build a brand that attracts the right opportunities.

Along the way, Tawny talks about the mindset shifts that changed everything: staying consistent, being willing to experiment, learning the business side of VO, and not being afraid to try new directions—even if not every idea lands.

In this episode, you'll hear:

How Tawny's business background helped fuel her VO success

Why the business side is the biggest hurdle for many voice actors

What makes content connect (and why audiences tune out "ads")

How to keep your brand fresh without losing what makes it recognizable

Tawny's evolving perspective on AI—and what matters most moving forward

Her best advice for creatives: take control, create your own opportunities, and don't fear being "cringe"

Find Tawny online at tawnyvoice.com, and follow her across platforms at @TawnyPlatis (YouTube: @theTawnyPlatis).

On this episode, Mike gives an update on his career including:

• The powerful advice he received after he moved into voiceover, audiobook narration and podcast producing full time almost eight years ago.
• How networking and attending conferences propeled his audiobook narrration career forward and how he booked his first Union audiobook title.
• The importance of health and well being to maximizing your vocal performaqnce in the booth.
• His Audiobook Narrator Workouts that Mike launched recently and how they help narrators work on their craft in a small and safe environment.
• His podcast producing journey and how the creation of his VO Podcast led to becoming a producer of other podcasts.
• The four most important words you can say to someone!

Join Mike for this exicitng update full of great information and inspiration.

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly versatile Melissa Mirren, a professional voice actor with over eight years of experience spanning commercials, corporate narration, e-learning, animation, and video games.

Melissa shares her path from childhood performances and college theater to a multifaceted voiceover career shaped by persistence, creativity, and personal transformation. A former therapeutic recreation specialist and motivational speaker, Melissa brings a unique blend of heart and hustle to the VO world.

We dive deep into her early days booking work through agencies, platforms, and direct clients; the evolution of her career from commercial reads to character-driven animation; overcoming major life challenges—including a vocal surgery, a ski injury, and a period of caregiving during her children's health crises; her return to full-time voice work in 2023 with renewed purpose and momentum

We also talk about her fast-growing presence on TikTok, where she showcases her character work through creative dubs and voiceover sketches—plus her upcoming plans for community engagement and collaborative projects.

In this episode, you'll learn: how to pivot your VO niche and embrace versatility; strategies for recovering professionally and vocally from setbacks; the role of resilience and real-life experience in shaping your creative voice; tips on editing, syncing, and refining character reads for social media success.

Melissa's story is a moving reminder that your creative journey doesn't have to be linear—and that sometimes the detours shape your most compelling work.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and connect with Melissa at @melissamiranvo on TikTok or melissamirren.com.

Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/

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On this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I chat with bestselling author Grace Worthington, whose sweet romance novels are as heartwarming as they are hilarious.

I had the pleasure of co-narrating a 4 book Renovation Romance series for Grace and we had so much fun talking about that process!

We explore her creative journey from the musical theatre stage to the world of romantic fiction—and how she brings characters to life with humor, wit, and emotional authenticity.

Grace Worthington eats, breathes, and geeks out over sweet romcoms. So it's no surprise she believes that laughter and love are a cure-all for just about everything in life. After a stint in musical theatre (where she often played comedic roles), Grace now writes novels full of witty banter, lovable characters, and small-town charm. Her inspirations include '80s and '90s romcoms, beachside towns, and her own family's delightful chaos.

We also discuss:

• Her transition from actress to author

• The behind-the-scenes of how we collaborated to bring her Renovation Romance series into audiobook form

• How she approaches tone, pacing, and voice in her stories

• Why being "willing to be bad at something in the beginning" is key to finding your creative voice

Whether you're a narrator, author, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and lots of laughter.

Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/

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On this special solo episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, Mike takes a moment to reflect on some incredible milestones in his voiceover journey — including narrating over 300 audiobooks and surpassing 200,000 podcast downloads.

He shares insights on the vital role that networking, conferences, and coaching have played in his growth, and why staying connected and coachable continues to make all the difference.

With heartfelt gratitude, Mike also opens up about what it means to use his God-given gift to communicate through the spoken word — both as a voice actor and audiobook narrator.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned creative, this episode is a reminder of the power of community, perseverance, and purpose.

You'll hear about:

• Reaching 300+ audiobooks and 200K podcast downloads

• Why conferences and networking matter more than ever

• The impact great coaches have had on Mike's journey

• Embracing your unique gifts and using them with intention

Thank you for being part of the journey!

Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/

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On this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I'm joined by Carmen Seantel, an emerging audiobook narrator whose warm, soothing, and expressive voice is already making an impact in the industry. Carmen is passionate about bringing stories to life and believes in the power of audiobooks to create a safe and accessible space for all readers.

We'll dive into her early journey in narration, from working with top coaches and immersing herself in ACX.com to attending the Audiobook Publishers Association Conference—where she overcame social anxiety to network with colleagues, publishers, and producers. Carmen shares her experiences navigating the industry, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how her personal background brings authenticity to her performances.

If you're just starting out in audiobook narration or looking for inspiration on breaking into the industry, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation with Carmen Seantel!

Check out more episodes over at: https://mikelenzvopodcast.com/

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