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Ever been told something was impossible, only to prove everyone wrong? That's exactly what Susan Glow and her daughters accomplished when they built a thriving voiceover business from their Florida home—despite industry insiders claiming it couldn't be done outside New York or LA.

Susan pulls back the curtain on her family's remarkable journey from recording in a closet with winter clothes as sound dampening to establishing a professional studio that's now "stamped approved" by major studios worldwide. She shares the persistence it took to secure that first agent who took a chance on them, becoming the only talent on their roster not based in the tri-state area.

What makes this story extraordinary is that it happened over a decade ago—long before remote recording became standard practice. In those early days, booking meant hopping on planes to record in person, surprising clients who had no idea they'd traveled from Florida. Now, with clients including Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and Amazon Kids, the Glow Girls' home studio connects them seamlessly with production teams across the globe.

Beyond the technical aspects, Susan reveals invaluable insights about what clients truly seek in child voice actors: authenticity. "When a client hires a kid to do voiceover, they want to hear that kid's voice—not someone putting on a voice," she explains, sharing how this understanding guides her approach to coaching and creating customized demo scripts.

Whether you're a parent supporting a child's creative dreams or someone forging your own path in a competitive industry, this episode offers practical wisdom about persistence, strategic investment, and the power of refusing to accept limitations. Because as Susan reminds us: "Don't tell a mom no!"

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What's it like to suddenly find yourself as the lead on a hit Netflix show at just 15 years old? Kaileen Chang, star of the Netflix show "I Woke Up a Vampire," joins us to share her extraordinary journey from childhood performer to streaming sensation.

Kaileen reveals how her love for performance began early through dance, ice skating, and theater before finding her way to professional training around age 7. We explore the traditional showcase route that landed her first representation and how the pandemic completely transformed her audition experience. The story of how she booked her Netflix role is particularly fascinating – after months of silence following her self-tape, she received a surprise Zoom call at school thinking it was for a different project entirely!

The behind-the-scenes reality of shooting in Toronto for six months offers listeners a genuine glimpse into the production world, from the overwhelming number of crew members to the complex choreography of stunts and scene blocking. Kaileen shares heartwarming stories about the immediate chemistry with her co-star Niko Ceci (whom she now calls her "twin flame") and the surreal experience of keeping her entire acting career secret from friends until suddenly appearing on Netflix's home screen. Her first encounters with young fans at Disneyland – pointing her out to disbelieving parents – perfectly captures the strange new reality of teen stardom.

For aspiring performers, Kaileen's parting advice resonates with wisdom beyond her years: "If it's really what you want, you have to give it your priority and your all. You'll have 60, 100 auditions before you get something, but every audition has to be your best." Follow Kaileen's continuing journey on Instagram at @Kaileenchang and discover why her authentic approach to both acting and life makes her someone to watch.

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What does it truly take to succeed as a child actor in Hollywood today? Veteran talent manager Shanelle Gray pulls back the curtain on an industry often shrouded in mystery and misconception.

Shanelle's journey from child Broadway performer in Les Misérables to founder of both Complete Management Group and Shanelle Gray Studios gives her unparalleled insight into the entertainment world. Having experienced the challenges firsthand—including her mother's transformation into what she calls "an incredible stage mom"—Shanelle brings a refreshingly honest perspective to guiding young talent and their families.

"It's a 10-year plan for adults and a 5-year plan for kids," she reveals, shattering the myth of overnight success that lures many into the business unprepared. Throughout our conversation, Shanelle emphasizes that authentic talent and proper training are non-negotiable in today's competitive landscape where opportunities are significantly scarcer than when she was performing.

The distinction between agents and managers emerges as a crucial insight for industry newcomers. "An agent is done at 6 o'clock," Shanelle explains. "A manager is 24/7." This fundamental difference shapes how actors should build their professional teams and set expectations. Her innovative approach of training mothers of successful child actors to become junior managers themselves creates both sustainability in the industry and ensures guidance from those with real-world experience.

Perhaps most valuable are Shanelle's candid assessments of common pitfalls—from the exaggerated "kid acting" style that casting directors avoid to the resistance some parents have toward establishing social media presences for their children. "Social media is your opportunity and your job to promote yourself," she advises, noting how essential these platforms have become in the modern casting process.

Whether you're a parent considering this path for your child, an aspiring actor seeking to understand the business side of your craft, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of Hollywood, this episode provides the unvarnished truth from someone who's lived it from every angle and isn't afraid to tell it like it is.

https://www.instagram.com/shanellegray/

https://shanellegraystudios.com/

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