Damon Alums, the Urban Legend of voiceover, celebrated his birthday with me on the podcast.

In this first of my ColorVO Collective series highlighting talented, unknown Black voice actors, we had a blast talking about doing VO part-time, how being a Blerd (Black nerd) is an asset as a voice actor in animation, why racial representation and authenticity matters in VO, and how the voiceover industry is like a cut of brisket!

Marisha Tapera is a voice actor in the DC area who has built her long career in VO by managing her incremental growth with the concept of "hurrying slowly."

In this second installment of my ColorVO Collective series highlighting talented, unknown Black voice actors, she describes how her journey into VO has been full of self-discovery, brought her some surprising advice and truths, and embracing your unapologetic authenticity.

Originally a stage actor, Daree’s biz bestie Mia Bankston is a full time voice actor whose clients include OWN, Nick Jr., McDonald's, Toyota, Pandora Internet Radio, Secret Deodorant, Pantene, Shea Moisture, Bank of America, and NBC just to name a few.

We talked about how you can slowly and surely transition into full-time voice acting, even with a full-time job.

Kesha Monk is the niece of legendary jazz great Thelonious Monk, and that talent runs through her bloodline! She’s announced The Soul Train Music Awards for several years, had a nice radio career in NYC, was featured on A Little Late with Lilly Sing, and so much more!

In this interview, we were just two girlfriends chatting about VO life, lacking confidence and self-worth in her younger days, her plans to disrupt the voiceover industry, and how we can redefine rejection when we don't get the booking with an audition. So grab some coffee or tea and catch these gems we're dropping!

Andrew Lander is a DC native, award-winning African American voice actor based in Atlanta. His passion for voice acting began behind a podium rather than on stage, and juggles his corporate career with corporate narration and commercials.

In episode 153 of the Kickin' it with Daree podcast, we talked about getting out of your head, the demand for African American voices, his "not-quite-Urban but distinctly Black (ish) sound," and how it's best to be in "as many places as possible" to market yourself.

Continuing the ColorVO Collective series highlighting wonderful African American voice actors, this week's featured guest is Trekina White. Her joyful sound and spirit radiates for such brands as Apple, Amazon, PBS Kids, PlayStation and the Calm app.

We talked about how she went full-time in VO, how to vet voiceover resources, auditioning tips, and more!

Jean-Francois Donaldson (@thedeepvoiceguy) produced one of my demos, but I met him in 2017 when he was a finalist in a That’s Voiceover! contest. He’s also a voice talent and booth builder, so he knows a thing or too about sound quality.

We did this interview on Clubhouse, so there’s no video like the other ColorVO interviews. Listen to the full discussion at https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/jeanfrancois-donaldson-voiceover-booths

Erikka J (@misserikkaj) is a powerhouse multitasker! As a singer/songwriter, voice actor, and a full-time product manager in Atlanta.

In this episode we talked about redefining what it means to go full-time in #VO, being a Black woman in tech, boundaries in entrepreneurship, balancing work and family life, and more!