What does it take to narrate more than 1,400 audiobooks and build one of the most respected careers in the industry?

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I sit down with award-winning audiobook narrator, author, and casting director Tanya Eby to explore her remarkable journey from recording commercials and teaching college writing to becoming one of the most prolific voices in audiobooks.

Tanya shares how she got her start with Brilliance Audio, why she embraced ACX early, and how relationships, persistence, and continual learning helped her build a career spanning more than 1,400 audiobook titles. We also dive into the realities of working as a full-time narrator, the importance of conferences and networking, the casting process from the other side of the table, and why even experienced narrators should never stop honing their craft.

Whether you're just getting started in voice acting or already working professionally, this conversation is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and encouragement for anyone pursuing a career behind the microphone.

What does it take to build a lasting career in voice over?

In this episode, Mike sits down with accomplished voice actor, audiobook narrator, and longtime radio imaging talent Donna Frank. Best known to many listeners as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show, Donna shares the story of how she built a career spanning radio, commercial voice over, and audiobook narration by following her instincts, working relentlessly, and staying true to herself.

Together, Mike and Donna discuss the realities of today's voice over industry, from developing authentic client relationships and finding your niche to the challenges of audiobook performance, marketing yourself, and handling criticism. Donna also shares why being easy to work with may be just as important as having a great voice.

Whether you're just starting your voice acting journey or you've been behind the microphone for years, this conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement for building a sustainable, fulfilling creative career.

00:00 Welcome and audiobook narrator workout announcement
04:05 Meet Donna Frank
05:30 Donna's early connection to radio through her father
08:45 Starting out in radio and joining EQX
13:10 Lessons from early radio and handling criticism
17:25 Why being easy to work with matters
20:40 Donna's role as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show
26:15 Radio imaging vs. commercial voice over
31:20 Moving into audiobook narration
37:00 Why audiobook narration is more than having a good voice
42:35 Finding emotion underneath the words
48:10 Voiceover, joy, and creating work that lasts
53:20 Donna's advice: if it's not a yes, it's a no
58:30 Final advice for aspiring voice actors
1:02:00 Where to find Donna Frank

Breaking into audiobook narration can feel overwhelming—especially when you're starting from scratch. In this episode, I sit down with audiobook narrator Katie Keary, who recently booked her very first audiobook after years of considering a career in voiceover and narration.

Katie shares her journey from working in education and nonprofit leadership to building a home studio, overcoming self-doubt, learning the technical side of narration, and finally landing her first audiobook project. We talk about the importance of mentorship, finding community, developing resilience, and why taking the first step is often the hardest part.

Whether you're just beginning to explore voice acting or you're looking for encouragement on your own creative journey, Katie's story is proof that it's never too late to pursue something that excites and inspires you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Katie booked her first audiobook

Why community and mentorship matter

The biggest challenges new narrators face

How to overcome perfectionism and self-doubt

What it's really like to build a home studio

Why creativity deserves a place in your life

If you've been waiting for a sign to start, this might be it.

Listen now and be inspired by Katie's journey.