The Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I think we all struggle with at some point—especially if you’re a voice actor, on-camera actor, or creative trying to “make it”: shiny object syndrome. You know the feeling. You see someone post about a fancy new mic, a game-changing workshop, a big booking, and suddenly you're wondering… should I be doing that too?

I’ve been there. I’ve spent the money. I’ve chased the dopamine hits. And I want to talk honestly about how jealousy, comparison, and impulse spending can quietly erode your confidence, your clarity, and your career.

This one’s for the overthinkers, the late-night scrollers, the folks who are constantly trying to prove they belong. You don’t need to spend your way into success. You need a strategy. And maybe a little tough love. That’s what this episode is all about.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why shiny object syndrome shows up so often in creative careers

• How to tell the differ

  ...

How to Land Acting Work in Smaller Markets (And Why It’s More Accessible Than You Might Think)

Have you ever thought that real acting work is only found in big cities? Like you have to be in New York or LA to make it? I used to think that too. But my conversation with actor Aaron Marcus on the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast really shifted that perspective.

About Aaron Marcus
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor for over 40 years, with nearly 1,300 bookings across film, TV, commercials, and more. You might have seen his scene with Tom Hanks in the film A Man Called Otto. Aaron started his acting journey in a small market, with no connections and no clue how to break in. After figuring it out through trial and error, he dedicated himself to helping others avoid those same pitfalls. He’s led over 800 workshops on three continents and offers private virtual coaching sessions to share his hard-earned wisdom.

You can learn more about Aaron’s work, watch his free quick-tip videos,...

🔊 Episode Summary

Hey hey! It's Mandy Fisher here, and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I see way too often in the VO world—over-relying on email templates to do your marketing. Especially the kind that demo producers hand out like candy.

If you’ve ever sent one of those plug-and-play emails and heard crickets, this episode is for you. I’m digging into why that approach might be sabotaging your chances—and what to do instead. Because while templates can save you time, they can also strip away the one thing that books the job: your voice.

So let’s get into how you can show up more authentically in your outreach, stand out in a sea of sameness, and most importantly—build trust.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Why those “proven” VO templates often fall flat

• How sounding like everyone else kills your shot at connection

• The real reason you're not getting replies (and it’s not your talent)

• Why your unique voice is your superpower in cold outreach

...

Thinking about attending a voiceover or acting conference? Conferences can be an absolute goldmine for networking, learning, and career growth—but only if you go in with a plan!

In this episode, Mandy Fisher shares her personal experience attending (and now avoiding) conferences, including why she prefers virtual attendance due to being partially deaf. More importantly, she breaks down exactly how to make a conference work for you so you don’t just leave with a pile of swag and a drained bank account.

Learn how to:
✅ Identify your specific goal before attending
✅ Research attendees and speakers in advance
✅ Develop a tight, compelling elevator pitch
✅ Network like a pro without being salesy
✅ Follow up after the conference to build real connections

Whether you're a first-time conference attendee or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you maximize your investment and leave with meaningful industry relationships—not just free pens.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Know Your Why: Be clear on...

In today’s episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast, Mandy Fisher dives into a crucial topic for actors and entertainment professionals—the balance between authenticity and privacy online. With social media playing a major role in personal branding, many performers feel the pressure to share intimate details to connect with their audience and industry decision-makers.

But where is the line between being real and oversharing? Mandy unpacks the risks and consequences of unchecked openness in the entertainment industry, including how it can impact casting decisions, make audiences uncomfortable, and even invite scrutiny. She also shares practical tips for determining what to post and what to keep private, all while maintaining a strong, engaging online presence.

Plus, she challenges you to be intentional about what you share over the next month—because authenticity is powerful, but so is discretion.

Key Takeaways:

🎭 Why actors instinctively overshare online (and the risks i...

In last week’s episode, we explored the fascinating yet daunting world of AI in the entertainment industry. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, stop right now and go back! Everything we cover in this episode builds on what we discussed previously.

In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Erik Passoja—an AI expert and industry professional—who provides deeper insight into how AI is reshaping the acting world, especially in voiceover work. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—Erik offers practical ways to navigate this shifting landscape while empowering actors to embrace their expertise.

You Are the Expert

One of the most impactful takeaways from this episode is Erik’s powerful statement: “When you perform, you are the expert.”

As AI continues to evolve, actors must remember that what makes them unique cannot be replicated by machines. AI can generate voices and even expressions, but it cannot...

AI in Entertainment: Essential Insights for Actors

The world of acting is evolving, and one of the most significant changes affecting performers today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From digital likenesses to synthetic voices, AI is reshaping the entertainment industry at an unprecedented pace. If you're an actor, understanding how AI impacts your career is no longer optional—it's essential.

In a recent episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, hosts Peter Pamela Rose and Mandy Fisher sat down with Erik Passoja, a SAG-AFTRA leader and digital identity advocate, to break down everything actors need to know about AI, contracts, and protecting their digital identity.

The Rise of AI in Acting

AI technology is advancing rapidly, and its effects on performers are profound. Whether it’s through deepfake technology, voice synthesis, or motion capture, AI is being used in new ways that could impact actors' careers and livelihoods. Without proper regulations, AI cou...

Podcast Episode Summary
In today’s episode, we’re tackling a phrase that might hit you right in the gut:

👉 “Work harder. Nobody cares.”

I say it with love because while it’s a tough pill to swallow, it’s also one of the most freeing truths you can embrace as a person and as an artist.

This mindset shift could be the key to unlocking your full potential. So buckle up—we’re diving into the gritty, no-nonsense reality of what it really takes to succeed and why the "nobody cares" part might be the most empowering thing you hear today.

🎧 Inspired by my post on Substack: The Actors Index.

The Truth About Success in a Creative Career

Let’s start with the truth: Nobody cares about your dream as much as you do.

And honestly, that’s the way it should be, right?

Whether you’re in voiceover, acting, writing, directing, or any other creative field, the industry isn’t designed to hold your hand. It’s competitive. It’s challenging. It requires you to show up every single day with your...

Podcast Episode Summary
In today’s episode, we’re exploring a concept that has an undeniable influence in our lives:

👉 The Power of Three

This episode was inspired by my recent Substack post called Three, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend giving it a read.

But don’t worry—I’ll break it all down for you right here.

Why Three?

Why does this number show up in storytelling, structure, decision-making, and even how we process the world?

Stick around, and let’s unpack the strange, spooky, and powerful magic of the number three.

The Universal Effectiveness of Three

Let’s start with a simple question:

💡 Why is the number three so universally effective?

Think about it:
✔️ We tell jokes in threes (Three Times Funny in improv, "A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar…")
✔️ Stories are structured in three parts (Beginning, Middle, End)
✔️ In visual design, groups of three feel balanced and complete

There’s something incredibly satisfying about three—it...

Meet Diane Strand – Executive Producer, Creativepreneur & TEDx Speaker

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Diane Strand, a creative entrepreneur, executive producer, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and nonprofit founder. She believes in the power of creativity and the arts to transform both life and business.

Get ready for some golden nuggets, including:
✔️ Why believing in yourself—51% more than your doubts—changes everything
✔️ How the next step always reveals itself (if you trust the process)
✔️ The mindset shifts that help actors and creatives thrive

Let’s dive in!

🎭 The Power of Creativity in Business & Life

Diane shares how creativity shaped her journey, from overcoming dyslexia to landing her first school play role as Betsy Ross—even when everyone told her she couldn’t do it.

💡 Key Takeaway: The arts fuel focus, persistence, and personal growth.

She now works with mainstream and special-needs individuals, proving that creativity is a universal tool for success.

💡 O...