The Building Doors Podcast

Jenn Sims and Ashton Teal—two working commercial voice actors who bring very different perspectives to the conversation. Jenn has more than 20 years of experience on both sides of the glass, having been an executive producer on the agency side before becoming a voice actor. Some of Ashton’s clients are Google, Amazon, and Hilton. We all make ourselves this question sometime in our career: Why aren...

In this episode of the Building Doors Podcast, Christy Harst sits down with Allison Kwan, the Manager of Engagement and Belonging for the Cleveland Guardians—a title many organizations have cut, but Cleveland chose to keep. Allison shares what it's like to be the only woman in the room (and how she starts by getting the same haircut as the men), why she attended Guardians events for two years afte...

In this episode of the Building Doors Podcast, Christy Harst sits down with Adam Petrus of Zebra Technologies—the company behind the data that is reshaping how we experience professional sports. From the NFL’s Next Gen Stats to real-time player tracking, Zebra’s technology helps translate movement, speed, and performance into meaningful insights for fans, coaches, and fantasy football players alik...

Danielle Minetti joins the Building Doors podcast to share what it’s really like navigating the construction industry as often the only woman in the room. She opens up about the challenges of rising through the corporate ranks, the resilience it takes to stay in the game, and the perspective she brings as both a decision-maker and voice seeker. Danielle also offers candid, practical insight into w...

Joanna Katcher, audio engineer and owner of Nice Manners TV, joins Christy Harst for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the board. As one of the few women in audio engineering, Joanna shares what she sees when it comes to casting female voices, how voice actors can effectively reach out, and her approach to crafting standout demos. Insightful, honest, and refreshingly real—this...

What does it really take to build a sustainable, fulfilling career as a creative? In this episode, Christy sits down with Tanya D. Jones, founder of Mama Bear Media Group, certified professional coach, and creator of Your Life Coached, to talk about the mindset shifts creatives need to move beyond the starving artist narrative. With over 20 years producing for major networks like Food Network, Mag...

Marney Gellner has spent over 20 years shaping the sound of Minnesota sports. From sideline reporting to hosting and play-by-play, she’s built a career defined by versatility, credibility, and a love of the game. In 2018, Marney made history as the first woman to call play-by-play for the Timberwolves, and in 2024, she did it again for the Twins, breaking barriers while staying focused on the craf...

On this episode of Building Doors , we talk with Peter Marciano, actor, director, teacher, and voice expert, about a fascinating experiment he ran with his acting students. In a bold classroom exercise, the men were not allowed to speak, giving the women the space to carry the entire class. Peter shares what he learned about voice, power, and presence, and how this exercise revealed surprising tru...

On this episode of the BD Podcast, Darren “Robbo” Robertson brings his 35+ years of audio engineering experience to the mic, sharing how he’s helped shape the sound of some of Australia’s biggest brands. He opens up about what he’s witnessed in terms of women voicing for male-dominated industries and why true gender equity in VO still has a long road ahead. Robbo also brings his signature warmth a...

On this episode of the BD Podcast, Lori Zoss — founder of Growth Owl — shares fresh perspectives on outreach that put strategy first, not scripts. She explains why understanding the company, its priorities, and its decision-making structure matters more than crafting the “perfect” email. Lori breaks down how small business owners — especially women — can approach potential clients with clarity, co...

On this episode, Tiffany Greene shares her inspiring journey to becoming the first Black female commentator for a college football game. She opens up about the hard work, faith, and determination that fueled her rise to ESPN, offering listeners an honest look at the challenges and triumphs behind the scenes of a groundbreaking career. Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/buildingdoorsvo C...

Get ready to meet DJ Lily Jade, a 11-year-old Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, DJ, author, and radio host who is already changing the game. In this episode of Building Doors, Lily shares how she’s using her voice, her talent, and her courage to open doors—not just for herself, but for everyone coming up behind her. Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/buildingdoorsvo Connect with Building Door...

In this episode, host Christy Harst sits down with Ally Eclarin, co-founder of Cleveland’s first women’s sports bar, The W, and co-creator of State Champs, the sports-coffee shop and streetwear brand reimagining how women’s sports show up in culture. Ally opens up about the pushback she faced bringing these concepts to life, the community that rallied behind them, and the powerful stories she hear...

Marketing executive Kyong Coleman unpacks the world behind the ads we hear every day. This episode explores why brands often default to male voices, the complex process behind creating a commercial, and why different industries make distinct creative choices. The conversation also touches on AI, its impact on voiceover, and strategies for voice actors to stand out in a changing landscape. Insightf...

Olympic gold medalist and Team USA flag football star Izzy Geraci joins podcast host Christy Harst to talk about carving out space for women in a sport that’s breaking barriers and gaining momentum. From balancing life as a pro athlete to handling online critics and inspiring the next generation of girls in flag football, Izzy brings honesty, humor, and heart to this powerful conversation about gr...

Olympic gold medalist and Team USA flag football star Izzy Geraci joins podcast host Christy Harst to talk about carving out space for women in a sport that’s breaking barriers and gaining momentum. From balancing life as a pro athlete to handling online critics and inspiring the next generation of girls in flag football, Izzy brings honesty, humor, and heart to this powerful conversation about gr...

In this powerful episode of Building Doors, Christy sits down with voice actors Terry Briscoe, Dee Alvis, and Doug Bartling — three incredible talents who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible in the industry. Together, they open up about the mental health and physical challenges that come with being a disabled voice actor, sharing personal stories of resilience, creativity, and det...

Professional jockey Katie Davis joins Building Doors to share what it’s really like to be a woman in one of the most male-dominated sports in the world. Bold, authentic, and unapologetic, Katie opens up about gender inequality in racing, the moments that shocked her, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up. Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/buildingdoorsvo Connect with Building Doors: i...

Join host Christy Harst and guest Jason Veazey as they explore the intersection of creativity, casting, and gender representation—covering everything from sports promos to blue-collar advertising and why a woman’s voice can disrupt the norm and drive engagement. Support the podcast buymeacoffee.com/buildingdoorsvo Connect with Building Doors instagram.com/buildingdoorsvo/ inkedin.com/company/build...

In our first video edition of the Building Doors Podcast, host Christy Harst sits down with Gina Kelly, a lifelong soccer fan leading the charge to bring more women into every part of sports. From helping drive Cleveland’s bid for an NWSL team to launching a new WPSL Pro team in Northeast Ohio, Gina is creating pathways for women not just as players, but as fans, leaders, and community builders. S...

Like what you hear? Want to support the podcast? Show us some love and buy us a coffee! Don't miss this  insightful and meaningful discussion about what it means to lead with authenticity as a member of the LGBTQ+ creative community with host Aimee Gironim and panel guests Cherie B. Tay Allegra Verlezza and Carolina Hoyos . modvoiceover.com allegraverlezza.com cheriebtay.com carolinahoyos.com When...

Like what you hear? Want to support the podcast? Show us some love and buy us a coffee! This Instagram LIVE shows voice actors how to create social media content that keeps them top of mind with the right people. It’s not about instant sales or viral videos; it’s about being remembered. Brandon shares strategies that have worked for him: clients mention it, new leads engage with it, and colleagues...

Like what you hear? Want to support the podcast? Show us some love and buy us a coffee! Ever wondered about how voice over in political advertising works? Join Building Doors Ambassador Soraya Butler as she hosts a timely discussion about VO Trends in Progressive Politics with panel guests Emily Gallagher of Fishtown Films , Brandon Perry of   Sound Nectar , Jim Kennelly of Lotas Productions and M...

Like what you hear? Want to support the podcast? Show us some love and buy us a coffee! In this episode, Mexican voice actor Zuleika Deciga shares her relentless drive to grow, learn, and connect across cultures. From mastering English accents to training in both New York and Mexico, she’s proof that dedication never stops—no matter how many years you’ve been behind the mic. Zuleika opens up about...

Curious how successful businesses really get off the ground? Join us for Business Flow: Structure, Strategy, Success, a LinkedIn Live event where our powerhouse panel shares insights on growing a business from the ground up. Hear from: Alyssa Lang – Systems & strategy expert, Magnetic Profits & Workflow Queen Melissa George – Financial guidance for women entrepreneurs, InvestHer Taheera Ab...