"Your uniqueness, everything about your quirks, that's a part of you. You are the package." - Vaughndio Forbes

What happens when a kid from the Bahamas becomes fascinated with movie stunts, starts cold-emailing professionals for advice, and eventually builds a career that spans stunt work, acting, motion capture, creature performance, and voiceover?

In this episode of the VoiceOver Gurus Podcast, Linda sits down with actor, stunt performer, voice actor, writer, director, and motion capture artist Vaughndio Forbes to discuss the winding path that led him from Florida to Los Angeles and into some of the entertainment industry's most unique performance opportunities.

Vaughndio shares how a generous mentor helped shape his early career, the challenges of relocating to Los Angeles without a support system, and how persistence helped him gain traction in the stunt world despite setbacks, injuries, and uncertainty.

The conversation explores the surprising overlap between stunt work, acting, creature performance, motion capture, and voice acting. Vaughndio explains how imagination, observation, and a willingness to take creative risks have become essential tools throughout his career.

Listeners will also hear about his work performing Bahamian dialects for film projects, the importance of embracing what makes you unique, and why performers should never underestimate the value of their own background, culture, or life experiences.

How a childhood fascination with movie stunts led to a career in entertainment.

The realities of starting from scratch, networking, building a reel, and learning from industry veterans.

From losing an apartment after moving to LA to recovering from a serious training injury, Vaughndio shares the challenges that shaped his career.

What it takes to bring monsters, aliens, and digital characters to life.

How Vaughndio's Bahamian background helped him land unique opportunities and why performers should embrace what makes them different.

Practical advice for actors and voice actors who struggle with creativity and character development.

Why sometimes the thing that books the job is the thing that wasn't on the page.

🎙️ What actually keeps a voice actor working for decades? Spoiler alert: it’s probably not obsessing over everybody else’s demo reel. 😅

In this episode, Linda Bruno and Brian Lee dive into the real stuff behind long-term success in voiceover… learning to love your own sound, surviving industry shifts, reinventing yourself without becoming a completely different human, and building actual relationships instead of treating VO like the Hunger Games.

They talk about how commercial reads have changed over the years, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how the people who last in this industry are usually the ones who stay adaptable, grounded, and genuinely fun to work with.

There’s also plenty of honest industry talk, personal stories from years in the booth, and a reminder that connection and rapport still go a long way in voiceover.

Basically? Less panic. More perspective. 🎧

✨ In this episode: • Why comparison will fry your brain • Reinventing your sound as the industry changes • The shift away from announcer reads • Building long-term client relationships • Passion vs. profit in VO • Why liking people still matters in this business 😆

🔗 Resources 🌐 Voice Over Gurus Community 📺 iSpot.tv

🎤 Connect with the Guests 👤 Brian Lee on LinkedIn

In this episode… What happens when voiceover starts to feel routine?

Linda sits down with voice actor and improv performer Elena Hollander to talk about losing—and reigniting—that creative spark. From the monotony of constant auditions to the mental toll of dry spells, they get real about what it takes to stay inspired in a career that often feels like shouting into the void.

Elena shares how improv, play, and taking unexpected risks in the booth have helped her book some of her biggest work—and actually enjoy the process again. Plus, they dive into practical ways to break out of autopilot, reconnect with your creativity, and bring more authenticity into your reads.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, bored, or just going through the motions… this episode will remind you why you started.