Young VO actors, *please* stop glorifying the screaming gigs that damage you as a red badge of courage or proof of your resolve. The Venn Diagram of studios that will push you too hard and the studios that won’t care how you injure yourself on their behalf is a friggin’ circle.

Look, I’ve been screaming my head off in VO for 20 years. It’s a valuable niche. Trust me, I get it! But I’ve also had to learn to advocate for myself *far* more strongly than is my nature—and it’s only dumb luck that my vocal cords aren’t shot to hell.

Set limits for yourself, and communicate them. Be polite, but firm. Don’t feel like you have to die on your sword when a client springs something on you. Don’t be a martyr to others’ lack of planning, or budget, or common sense. Make it better for everyone.