What if everything about your creative career could change in less than a year?

In this episode, I sit down with Sonya Wills, a former commercial actor who stepped away from the industry to focus on family, only to find her way back through an unexpected path: social media.

From having no online presence to building a thriving platform in just months, Sonya shares how experimenting with content, embracing authenticity, and leaning into her real-life experience helped her discover a powerful new direction—teaching creators how to show up confidently on camera.

We dive into:

Why social media is no longer optional for creatives

How to find your "lane" without overthinking it

The difference between being authentic vs. performative

What most people get wrong about content creation

How to bring real emotion into voiceover and on-camera work

The mindset shift that unlocks growth in both acting and content

Sonya also shares practical techniques for delivering more natural, compelling performances—whether you're behind the mic or in front of the camera.

Her journey is a reminder that your past experience is never wasted—and that sometimes your next opportunity is closer than you think.

If you're an actor, voice actor, or creator trying to figure out where you fit in today's evolving landscape, this conversation will give you both clarity and encouragement.

🎧 Connect with Sonya:
TikTok: @the_mom_next_door
Learn more: Camera Smart Creator

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I'm joined by audiobook narrator Emma Faye—a 2026 Audie finalist, 2024 SOVAS nominee, and the narrator many in the industry know as the Clean Reads Queen.

Emma has built a thriving audiobook career by staying true to her values and creating a highly intentional brand around clean, wholesome storytelling. She has narrated more than 170 clean-read titles across genres including closed-door romance, YA fantasy, middle grade, nonfiction, and Christian books. She's also the founder of Cats Meow Productions, a boutique audiobook production company focused on bringing more clean-read audiobooks into the world.

In this conversation, we talk about Emma's journey from acting and film school to full-time audiobook narration, the challenges of building a niche career in a competitive industry, and the power of saying no to the wrong projects so you can make room for the right ones.

We also discuss:

What "clean reads" really means in audiobook narration
Building a brand around your values
The realities of marketing and outreach as a narrator
Coaching, social media, and creating systems that work
Why there is real power in protecting your boundaries

If you're an aspiring narrator, or any creative professional trying to build a career that aligns with who you are, this episode is filled with practical insight and encouragement.

To check out ohter episodes head over to mikelenzvopodcast.com!

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with voice actor Mike Previti to talk about building a sustainable voiceover career later in life—and what it really takes to make the leap from "safe" to creative fulfillment.

Mike's journey began with childhood acting gigs in the Boston area, shifted into years as a touring musician and singer-songwriter, and eventually led him back to the microphone—this time as a full-time professional voice actor. We talk candidly about leaving a high-stress corporate job, betting on yourself, and doing the slow, steady work required to grow a VO business.

We also dive into:

Why the voiceover industry is not linear—and why that matters
The role of social media in building visibility and credibility
Networking, workshops, and unexpected referrals
Faith, patience, and trusting the long game
Mike's three key principles: Be patient. Be intentional. Honor the work.

If you're an aspiring voice actor—or a creative professional navigating a transition—this episode offers both practical insight and honest encouragement from someone who's walking the path.

Learn more about Mike at MikePrevitiVO.com

To check out ohter episodes head over to mikelenzvopodcast.com!