The Making Wavs VO Podcast

Inside VO Auditions and Rosters with Steve Pogatch

On this episode of The Making Wavs VO Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Steve Pogatch, Sr. Manager of Voiceover Operations for Studio Resonate at SiriusXM Media-SiriusXM/Pandora. Over his 12+ years with Pandora and SiriusXM, Steve has produced thousands of high-quality audio ads and has become the go-to expert for all things voiceover casting, direction, and quality.

Steve has played a major role in recruiting, auditioning, and curating talent for the Studio Resonate VoiceOver roster, as well as helping manage and shape the voices heard across these major audio platforms, giving him a behind-the-scenes perspective you don't often get to hear.

So get cozy and settle in, because this episode is full of real talk, casting insight, and voiceover industry wisdom you don't want to miss!

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they have everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today.

From On-Camera to Iconic VO with Rick D. Wasserman

Get ready to go behind the scenes with one of the most dynamic voices in the business! This week on The Making Wavs VO Podcast, we are sitting down with legendary talent Rick D. Wasserman, whose career spans over decades, genres, and audiences.

Rick's journey in the entertainment industry is nothing short of iconic. From on-camera roles, including his memorable performance as The Zest Soap Man in the 90's, to becoming a powerhouse in the world of voiceover, Rick has truly built a lasting career in this industry.

In this episode, Rick shares his story about how he broke into voiceover in the early days, how his career evolved over time, and the lessons he's learned along the way. But Rick isn't just a legend behind the mic, he's also a coach with heart. If you're serious about developing your talent and voiceover career, you'll love hearing how passionate he is about helping others succeed as working voice actors. If coaching interests you, find out more at: www.bookablevo.com

Whether you are just starting your VO journey or you've been in the booth for years, this episode is packed with a great talk you won't want to miss!

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

The Sound of Sports with Debi Mae West

Longtime voice of NBC Sports and now an Emmy Award winner as the first female voice of the Olympics, Debi Mae West, joins us on The Making Wavs VO Podcast to talk about our favorite subject: voiceover!

From voicing the Olympics and shaping the sound of sports to building a lasting voiceover career and relocating to Hawaii, Debi shares the mindset, decisions, and dedication that defined her journey as a voice actor. This episode is packed with insight on demos, dreams, career longevity, and so much more! Tune in for a relaxed, inspiring conversation full of honest insight from one of the industry’s most respected female voices, right here on The Making Wavs VO Podcast!

Want to check out some of Debi's iconic work? Visit her website at: www.debimaewest.com

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

SOVAS After Hours: Kevin & Bobbi Tell All

Kevin and Bobbi are back from the SOVAS Awards, and they have plenty of stories to share! In this episode of The Making Wavs VO Podcast, they break down their full SOVAS experience, from being surrounded by incredible voice talent to experiencing a brand-new venue and soaking in the moments that made the night truly unforgettable.

Tune in as they reflect on the awards ceremony, the conversations happening behind the scenes, and what it’s really like to be in a room filled with passionate VO professionals celebrating their craft. Whether you’ve attended SOVAS before or dream of going one day, this episode offers an inside look at the experience and the community that makes voiceover such a powerful industry!

Grab your headphones and join your favorite hosts (award or not) Kevin and Bobbi, as they recap an unforgettable night at the SOVAS Awards, right here on The Making Wavs VO Podcast! This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

Authentic Marketing in Voiceover

In today’s episode of The Making Wavs VO Podcast, we are sitting down with one of our favorite VO pals, Rob Reed, for an insightful and golden conversation about finding your own path as a voice actor, especially when it comes to marketing. Instead of leaning into generic, one-size-fits-all strategies, Rob helps us reframe marketing in a way that feels authentic rather than forced.

We also chat about the power of solitude and intentional quiet time, and how being alone with your thoughts can actually strengthen your vision, creativity, and confidence. From simple vision exercises to realistic approaches to time management, this episode offers practical insights for voiceover artists who want to build careers that feel grounded and sustainable.

Of course, be prepared for the conversation to take a few unexpected (and very Kevin-like) turns along the way… including a discussion about devil birds?! Because we’re always full of surprises, and sometimes the best insights come from unplanned moments and stories along the way! This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

Inside The Booth with Cissy Jones

In this episode of The Making Wavs VO Podcast, we’re joined by the incredibly talented (and truly delightful) Cissy Jones for a fun and honest conversation about the realities of working in voiceover. Cissy shares how she got started in the industry, how she approaches auditions, and the lessons she’s learned through both the struggles and wins during her VO career.

Get ready because this conversation takes a turn into the unpredictable side of voiceover, including unforgettable nightmare sessions and the wisdom that comes from surviving them... which naturally leads into why vocal health is always a top priority for Cissy (and why it should be for you too). She breaks down techniques like straw phonation and other strategies that help protect your voice and support long-term career longevity!

So whether you’re just getting started or you are well into your career, this is an encouraging and insightful episode that's filled with real-world experience that's perfect for anyone serious about achieving a lasting voiceover career!

Want to see Cissy's work or book her for your next project? You can do that by visiting her website: www.cissyjones.com or give her a follow on instagram: @cissyspeaks

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

Year-End Reflection with Kevin & Bobbi

As we wrap up the year, we’re closing things out with a relaxed and reflective conversation on The Making Wavs VO Podcast with your favorite hosts, Kevin Kilpatrick and Bobbi Maxwell.

This final episode isn’t about hustle or pushing harder, it’s about slowing down, taking a breath, and reflecting on the year that was.

Together, we look back on what went well, what surprised us, and what challenged us along the way. We also turn our attention toward 2026, sharing our goals and the quiet hopes we’re carrying with us into the new year.

More than a recap of wins, this episode is an invitation for you to reflect on your own journey to acknowledge how far you’ve come, celebrate your growth, and begin imagining what you want to create, explore, and prioritize in 2026.

So tune in, get cozy, and let this episode be a reminder that your progress matters, and there’s so much more ahead in the New Year!

Happy Holidays and best wishes friend. We’ll catch ya in the 2026!!!!

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

Voices That Inspire - BTS with the Founders of SOVAS!

We’re thrilled to welcome Rudy Gaskins & Joan Baker, the cofounders of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), to this episode of Making Wavs VO Podcast! Known for creating the international Voice Arts Awards and the legendary That’s Voiceover! Career Expo and the international Voice Arts Awards, Rudy and Joan have spent decades elevating and inspiring the voice acting industry worldwide!

In this fun and uplifting conversation, they share insights from their journey, the evolution of voice acting, and what goes into making the Voice Arts Awards a global celebration of talent and creativity. Plus, they give us a peek at exciting updates for SOVAS 2026, including the brand-new James Earl Jones Prize, a historic tribute to one of the most iconic voices of all time.

Speaking of... There’s still time to submit your work and grab tickets for SOVAS 2026!!! 👉 https://sovas.org/

Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Rudy and Joan continue to shape the future of the voiceover profession! This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of celebrating one another. ♥️

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

Stress as Fuel: Mental VO Lessons with Dr. Jerry Schultz

On this episode of the Making Wavs VO Podcast, we take things to a whole new level with The Voice Doctor: Dr. Jerry Schultz - neuropsychologist turned voice actor!

Have you ever felt like an imposter in the voiceover industry? Or wondered why staying motivated as a voice actor can feel so challenging? You're not alone! That's why in this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jerry Schultz to explore how to turn stress into fuel for success, celebrate the joy of small wins, the importance of trying new things - no matter the outcome, and so much more!

Whether you’re a VO artist, performer, or just curious about how the brain drives creativity and persistence, this episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories, and plenty of laughs to help transform your stinkin’ thinkin’. Tune in and learn how to train your brain for success while having fun every step of the way!

Want to check out more from The Voice Doctor? Check out his website at: jerryschultzvoiceactor.com

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!

Behind the Glass with John McClain

In this episode of The Making Wavs VO Podcast, producer John McClain talks about what truly matters on the other side of the glass. He shares what he listens for in a talent’s very first take, the most common audio issues he runs into, and the top three things every VO artist should know about their sound. John also breaks down exactly what editing he prefers talent to do (or not do) before sending audio, and you’ll hear one of his classic nightmare sessions that proves mistakes can be some of the best teachers.

Plus, Kevin brings back rare “Baby Kevin” audio from the early projects he and John worked on together, giving listeners a fun, nostalgic throwback that ties the past to today’s continued VO journey! It's a cool episode you won't want to miss.

Tune in for practical insights, memorable stories, and real talk about what producers really want from voice talent! Want to reach out to John and his production team? Send an email at: zookeeper@dogandponystudios.net

This episode is brought to you by Full Compass Systems, your trusted partner for all things audio. From microphones and mixers to studio gear and more, they’ve got everything you need to keep your setup sounding sharp. Ready to take your studio to the next level? Visit www.fullcompass.com to upgrade your studio today!