It seems like I get a request to mentor about 3 times a month. At first, I turned folks down because I was, literally, too busy. Now I have 3 proteges and am limiting it to that for now.

I know this is a public forum, but I must admit, candidly, that all this hand-holding of newbies tends to be annoying. 22 years ago, when I was trying to break into the business, there was NOBODY – ZIP – BUPKUS to help me. I had to make all the mistakes, and learn all the hard lessons, and get my chops the hard way. I think the newbies need to solve their own problems just like I had to; doing so makes one STRONG.

We have an incredible irony these days thanks to technology: it is cheaper than ever to create a semi-pro home audio studio, so everybody who’s been downsized in radio (or wherever!) jumps in to see what the water is like. Then, because we have too many talent, nobody gets any work, or at least enough to get even close to fulfilling the myth that you can make money in this biz. I believe we will see a great exodus of weak players in the coming 2-3 years (by end of 2013). Supply/demand will come somewhat back into balance, and this “market bubble” in VO will finally have the air let out of it. I can’t wait!