Idaho Voice Actor

How a CPAP Changed My Life: A Sleep Apnea Story

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When Sleep Became the Enemy

I didn’t realize how bad my sleep apnea had gotten or how hard it was hammering my body. My breathing was stopping 20 to 30 times an hour. I’d jolt awake gasping for air, heart racing, brain fog thick as smoke in a slash burn pile. Some nights I woke up drenched. Other nights came with nightmares. My oxygen levels were dropping, my blood pressure stayed high, and my mouth and throat felt baked dry. It got to the point where I resisted falling asleep. My tinnitus kept getting louder too. For that, I blamed years in radio; headphones, concerts, and high‑volume events. I never connected it to the apnea.

One Month With a CPAP Changed Everything

A month ago (Feb. 3), I finally strapped on a CPAP. The nose‑pillow mask took some adjusting, but the impact hit fast. The first night, my AHI dropped from 20 – 30 events an hour to 3.2.
I slept almost five straight hours. The morning fog was gone. For the first time in years, I felt like I’d actually hit REM sleep. Since then, I haven’t skipped a night. I’m sleeping seven to ten hours. My AHI stays between less than one and four (well within the normal range). I wake up with energy. I don’t crash midday. My mouth and throat aren’t desert‑dry, and my voice holds strong longer each day, which matters when your job depends on it.

The Unexpected Wins

My Blood Pressure: Much more stable now. Still a little high at times, but some of that’s heredity. It’s not all over the map like it was before. I am still on BP meds.

My tinnitus? Nearly silent now. What used to sound like a tiny jet turbine in my ears is barely noticeable. There’s a strong connection between sleep apnea and tinnitus, and once you look it up, the dots connect fast.

Another change: losing belly fat. Untreated apnea stresses the body, stress spikes cortisol, and cortisol packs on fat. When the stress eases, your body finally gets to stand down.

And yes, treating sleep apnea can improve ED. As a prostate cancer survivor, I’ll let you read between the lines.

The Straight Truth

If any of this sounds familiar — gasping awake, brain fog, dry mouth, high blood pressure, worsening tinnitus, or bone‑deep fatigue — you might need a sleep study. I avoided it for too long because I didn’t want something strapped to my face at night.

But that mask likely saved my life.

RESOURCES
Idaho man sharing personal sleep apnea story

The CPAP I use nightly: CLICK HERE

Mayo Clinic: Sleep Apnea Overview

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine

 

 

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A Visitor in the Night: An Idaho Mountain Lion Encounter

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A Visitor in the Night

Living in the Idaho mountains shapes the way you see the world, and sometimes, the world shows up unannounced. On February 22nd, we had a visitor. We had our first Idaho mountain lion encounter. After checking our security cameras, I found footage that perfectly captures the stealth, patience, and precision of a mountain lion. You don’t truly understand how silently and calculated they move until you watch it unfold in real time. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you the wild isn’t out there somewhere. It’s here.

Life With Our Feral Cats

We look after seven feral cats, all part of a TNR program. They’re wild, untouchable, and fiercely independent, but they stick close. They trust us. We feed them, and in return, we have zero mice or rodents anywhere near the house. Out here, though, even hunters can become prey. So we keep an eye on them the same way they keep an eye on the world.

Something Was Wrong

On the morning of the 22nd, something felt off.
The yard was empty. Not a single cat in sight.
The cameras filled in the blanks.
At 12:45am, all seven cats scattered at once — pure instinct, pure panic.
Three minutes later, at 12:48am, the reason stepped into frame.

A Mountain Lion in the Dark

I pulled footage from our security cameras, and what it captured was a masterclass in stealth and patience from one of Idaho’s most impressive predators: a mountain lion. Calm. Silent. Moving like a shadow with teeth.

For anyone wondering: all the cats are safe, big and small. Every one of them is accounted for and getting back to their usual routines. The mountain lion may still be out there. But our Idaho mountain lion encounter and the nine minutes of footage we captured is a powerful reminder of what it means to live out here. The wild doesn’t knock. It just arrives.

You may want to watch in full screen mode to truly catch the mountain lion stalking.

WATCH IT HERE

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How to Start in Voice Over: Beginner Tips from a Working Pro

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Gritty and gravelly voice actor Rich Summers
Thinking About Getting Into Voice Over? Here’s What I’d Tell You First

If you’re new to voice over, I’m going to tell you something up front that I wish someone had told me early on:

You Don’t Need a “Perfect” Voice to Start in Voice Over

 A “perfect” voice is not a pre-requisite. You need skills, consistency, and a little patience.

A lot of beginners get stuck wondering if their voice is “good enough.” The truth is, there’s no single voice that works for everything. Commercials, narration, corporate videos, video games, etc., they all need different sounds. What clients really want is someone who sounds natural, clear, and believable.

That’s the part you can learn.

Your Recording Space Matters More Than Expensive Gear

Let’s talk equipment, because this is where people tend to overthink things.

You do not need an expensive studio to get started. What you do need is a quiet space with as little echo and background noise as possible. Closets, treated corners, portable booths; those can all work if you set them up right.

Bad audio will cost you auditions faster than a bad read. So focus on controlling your space first. Start with solid, basic gear and upgrade later. Skill always comes before equipment.

Don’t Just Read the Script — Talk to Someone

This is a big one.

Voice over isn’t about reading words off a page. It’s about understanding who you’re talking to and why you’re talking to them.

It’s something I had to learn. Before I record anything now, I ask myself:

  • Who am I speaking to?

  • What’s the point of this message?

  • How should this feel?

Even something like corporate narration or e-learning still needs intention. If you focus too much on how your voice sounds, the read usually feels stiff. If you focus on meaning, the performance starts to click.

Talk to one person. Keep it real.

Practice Voice Over Like a Professional (Even Before You’re Paid)

You don’t need paid gigs to practice professionally.

When I was starting out, I spent a lot of time:

  • Reading real scripts out loud

  • Recording myself and listening back (yes, it’s uncomfortable)

  • Trying multiple reads of the same script

  • Mimicking spots I heard on the radio in my car.

Listening back is where the growth happens. It’s not always fun, but it works.

And coaching? Worth it. A good coach can save you years of guessing and bad habits.

Don’t Rush Your Voice Over Demo

I see this mistake all the time.

Your demo is not a “learning tool.” It’s a marketing tool. If you rush it, you’re basically telling clients you’re ready when you’re not.

Before investing in a demo, make sure you:

  • Can deliver solid reads consistently

  • Know what styles fit you best

  • Have gotten real feedback from people who work in the industry

There’s no rush. A strong demo opens doors. A weak one quietly closes them. A bad demo is worse than no demo. Believe me.

Treat Voice Over Like a Business from Day One

Even if voice over is just a side thing right now, it’s still a business.

That means learning how to:

  • Communicate professionally

  • Meet deadlines

  • Deliver clean audio

  • Understand basic usage and expectations

Clients remember people who are easy to work with. Talent gets attention. Professionalism gets repeat work.

Ignore the “Get Rich Quick” Voice Over Noise

Voice over isn’t a shortcut career. It’s a craft.

Some weeks you’ll book. Some weeks you won’t. That’s normal – even when you’re established. What matters is showing up, practicing, and improving a little at a time.

If you build good habits and stay consistent, momentum comes.

Final Thoughts for New Voice Actors

If you’re just starting out and feeling unsure, that’s normal. Everyone I know in this industry, including me, started out wondering if they were good enough.

The people who stick around are the ones who stop chasing shortcuts and start building skills.

If you’re early in your voice over journey and want straightforward guidance, with no hype, no pressure, I’m always happy to point people in the right direction. Whether that’s feedback on a read, advice on next steps, or just answering a few questions, reach out and say hello.

Your voice already has value. Now it’s about learning how to use it.

Some great coaching resources (There are a lot of great VO coaches. These are some of the coaches I’ve worked with. When choosing a coach, make sure you are compatible with them and they are able to coach you in the genres you’re looking to explore).

Tina Morasco
David Alden
Marc Cashman
Mary Lynn Wissner
J. Michael Collins
Bruce Kronenberg

Additional resources:

Gravy For The Brain
Voice Over Resource Guide
Voice Actor Websites

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Rejection in Voiceover Isn’t Failure

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Rejection in Voiceover Isn’t Failure;
It’s Part of the Journey

When you’re building a career in voiceover, rejection isn’t just possible, it’s guaranteed. Here’s the truth most newcomers don’t hear enough: rejection doesn’t mean failure. It’s one of the clearest signs that you’re doing the work, showing up, and putting your voice in front of the right people. The voiceover industry moves fast. Casting directors listen for tone, texture, timing, and emotional alignment. Sometimes your voice is the perfect match. Sometimes it’s not. Neither outcome defines your talent.

Rejection Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Good Enough

Voice actors often take rejection personally (I know I did at first), but in most cases, it has nothing to do with skill. Casting is about fit, not worth. A client might be looking for a slightly younger sound, a more rugged tone, or a voice that compliments another actor already cast. You can deliver a fantastic audition and still not book the job. That doesn’t diminish your ability. It simply means the puzzle pieces didn’t align this time.

We’ve All Been There: Shortlisted… and Then Not

Few moments hit harder than being shortlisted, and then not. The shortlist count on the P2P sites goes up or you get the email from an agent. You feel the momentum. You start imagining the session. And then… nothing. Or worse yet, you see the shortlist count on the P2P sites go back down. Or you get the polite “we went another direction” email or message. Every voice actor — from beginners to award‑winners — knows that sting. But being shortlisted is a win. It means your audition stood out. Your sound resonated. It means you were absolutely in the running. Shortlists are momentum builders, not setbacks.

You May Be a Great Voice Actor — Just Not Right for This Job

One of the most freeing realizations in voiceover is this: you can be excellent and still not be the right fit. Maybe the brand wanted more grit. Or maybe they wanted less. Maybe they wanted someone who sounded like the actor from last year’s campaign. Perhaps they heard something in another audition that matched their vision perfectly. None of that is a reflection of your talent. Great auditions matter even when they don’t book. Many producers keep a list of voices they want to hire in the future. A “no” today can easily become a “yes” tomorrow.

The Real Secret to Success: Keep Showing Up

Voiceover is a long‑game career. The actors who thrive aren’t the ones who avoid rejection. They’re the ones who keep auditioning, keep improving, and keep showing up with consistency and professionalism. Rejection isn’t a stop sign. It’s a mile marker. Every audition sharpens your craft. A shortlist proves you’re on the right path. Even a “no” brings you closer to the “yes” that was meant for you. Stay in the booth. Stay in the game. Your voice will find its place. Believe in yourself, and trust yourself.

I’m pulling for you!

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Support your Voiceover Peers

Support Your Voice Actor Community Peers

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The Voiceover Industry Isn’t a Competition — It’s a Community

In the voice actor community, it’s easy to slip into the mindset that we’re all competing for the same opportunities. One audition. One client. One booking. But that mindset is built on scarcity, and scarcity has never been the truth of this industry. Voiceover is not a battlefield. It’s a community. A family. A network of creative professionals who rise higher when we rise together.
The reality is simple: the more we all succeed, the more we all succeed.

🧭 We’re All on Different Career Trajectories — And That’s a Strength

Every voice actor’s journey looks different. Some book national campaigns early. Others build their careers slowly, brick by brick. Some thrive in eLearning, others in animation, others in commercial or narration. These differences don’t divide us — they enrich the industry. When another voice actor succeeds, it doesn’t diminish your path. It expands the industry’s visibility, credibility, and demand. Their win helps create more opportunities for everyone. A rising tide doesn’t lift one boat. It lifts the whole harbor.

🛠️ Why Supporting Your Peers Makes You Better

Supporting fellow voice actors isn’t just good karma — it’s smart business and strong community building.
1. Shared Knowledge Accelerates Growth
When voice actors share insights, workflows, gear tips, and audition strategies, the entire community levels up.
Better talent → better industry reputation → more clients willing to invest in professional VO.
2. Referrals Strengthen the Network
No one is the right fit for every job.
Referring another voice actor doesn’t cost you work — it builds trust with clients and deepens your professional relationships.
3. Collaboration Beats Isolation
Voiceover can be a solitary career.
Community gives you encouragement, accountability, and perspective — the things that keep you moving when the inbox is quiet.
4. Success Creates More Success
When one voice actor lands a major gig, it reinforces the value of professional voice talent.
That win helps everyone in the industry.

🧡 It’s Not a Competition — It’s a Family

The best voice actors I know don’t hoard information or treat peers like rivals. They show up and share. They’re there to celebrate others’ wins. Because they understand that generosity fuels growth.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all walking different paths up the same mountain.
• Some are near the summit.
• Some are halfway up.
• Some are still lacing their boots.
But we’re all climbing — and the climb is easier when we help each other along the way.

🌟 Simple Ways to Support Fellow Voice Actors Today

• Share resources or coaching recommendations
• Celebrate their wins publicly
• Offer referrals when you’re not the right fit
• Join or create a VO accountability group
• Give honest, constructive feedback when asked
• Encourage newcomers — it matters more than you think
Small actions create big momentum.

🏔️ We Rise Higher When We Rise Together

Voice over isn’t a zero‑sum game. It’s a community built on collaboration, generosity, and shared success. When we support each other, we create a healthier, more sustainable industry. One where talent grows, opportunities multiply, and clients see the value of working with professionals. So keep showing up. Keep supporting your peers. Keep celebrating the wins! Yours and theirs. Because in the voice actor community, the more we all succeed, the more we all succeed.

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Idaho Mountain Life and VO Work

Why Patience Fuels My Voiceover Career

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🎙️ The Quiet Power of Patience in My Voiceover Journey

If there’s one lesson this industry keeps teaching me, it’s patience. Nothing ever seems to happen as fast as I want it to. I can pour everything I’ve got into an audition, hit submit, feel that spark of possibility… and then silence. Sometimes for days. Other times for weeks. And then some forever. That’s just part of the deal. I’ve learned that patience isn’t optional in voiceover.

Patience in voice acting is essential.

🕰️ The Space Between Effort and Outcome

Producers have their own timelines, their own chaos, their own shifting priorities. Casting decisions move slowly. Projects stall. Clients change direction. I might be perfect for a role, but the timing just isn’t right. I can’t control any of that. What I can control is how I show up.

🎯 Submit, Forget, Move On

The healthiest habit I’ve built is simple:
Do the audition. Give it everything. Submit it. Then forget it and move on.
Not because I don’t care. Not because the opportunity isn’t exciting.
But because my energy is better spent on the next read, the next character, the next chance to grow. Every audition is a seed. Some sprout fast. Others take months. While some never break the surface. My job is to keep planting.

🧭 Patience Isn’t Waiting — It’s Working

Being patient doesn’t mean sitting around hoping the phone rings. It means staying consistent. Honing my craft. Showing up with grit and professionalism even when the results aren’t immediate. It means trusting that the work I’m doing today is building the foundation for tomorrow.

🏔️ I’m Playing the Long Game

A voice over career isn’t built overnight. It’s built through thousands of auditions, small wins, and a stubborn refusal to quit. When I embrace patience, I stop chasing outcomes and start mastering the process. And that’s where the real growth happens.
So I keep submitting. I keep forgetting. I keep moving forward.
My next “yes” will show up when it’s meant to — and I’ll be ready for it.

Remember, patience in voice acting…is essential.

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