155 - Emma Faye: Building a Full-Time Audiobook Career as the Clean Reads Queen

In this episode of The Mike Lenz VO Podcast, I'm joined by audiobook narrator Emma Faye—a 2026 Audie finalist, 2024 SOVAS nominee, and the narrator many in the industry know as the Clean Reads Queen. Emma has built a thriving audiobook career by staying true to her values and creating a highly intentional brand around clean, wholesome storytelling. She has narrated more than 170 clean-read titles across genres including closed-door romance, YA fantasy, middle grade, nonfiction, and Christian books. She's also the founder of Cats Meow Productions, a boutique audiobook production company focused on bringing more clean-read audiobooks into the world. In this conversation, we talk about Emma's journey from acting and film school to full-time audiobook narration, the challenges of building a niche career in a competitive industry, and the power of saying no to the wrong projects so you can make room for the right ones. We also discuss: What "clean reads" really means in audiobook narration Building a brand around your values The realities of marketing and outreach as a narrator Coaching, social media, and creating systems that work Why there is real power in protecting your boundaries If you're an aspiring narrator, or any creative professional trying to build a career that aligns with who you are, this episode is filled with practical insight and encouragement. To check out ohter episodes head over to mikelenzvopodcast.com!