158 - Donna Frank on The Howard Stern Show, Audiobooks, and Following Your Instincts

What does it take to build a lasting career in voice over? In this episode, Mike sits down with accomplished voice actor, audiobook narrator, and longtime radio imaging talent Donna Frank. Best known to many listeners as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show, Donna shares the story of how she built a career spanning radio, commercial voice over, and audiobook narration by following her instincts, working relentlessly, and staying true to herself. Together, Mike and Donna discuss the realities of today's voice over industry, from developing authentic client relationships and finding your niche to the challenges of audiobook performance, marketing yourself, and handling criticism. Donna also shares why being easy to work with may be just as important as having a great voice. Whether you're just starting your voice acting journey or you've been behind the microphone for years, this conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement for building a sustainable, fulfilling creative career. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome and audiobook narrator workout announcement 04:05 Meet Donna Frank 05:30 Donna's early connection to radio through her father 08:45 Starting out in radio and joining EQX 13:10 Lessons from early radio and handling criticism 17:25 Why being easy to work with matters 20:40 Donna's role as the imaging voice behind The Howard Stern Show 26:15 Radio imaging vs. commercial voice over 31:20 Moving into audiobook narration 37:00 Why audiobook narration is more than having a good voice 42:35 Finding emotion underneath the words 48:10 Voiceover, joy, and creating work that lasts 53:20 Donna's advice: if it's not a yes, it's a no 58:30 Final advice for aspiring voice actors 1:02:00 Where to find Donna Frank