Some projects land in your inbox with a little bit of magic attached. When AAA Western and Central New York reached out about voicing a pair of marketing videos for Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line travel packages, it felt like one of those perfect-timing moments.

Here’s the thing about Disney: the brand carries weight (imagine in your mind me saying “weight” with a bold, underlined, italicized emphasis) 😀  As just one examples Interbrand Best Global Brands 2024 Top 20 puts Disney at #6 overall with only Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Samsung ahead of them. Yes, all 6 are financially large companies.

But among all of them, people have real emotional connections to all things Disney—whether it’s a family planning their first trip to Walt Disney World or empty nesters finally booking that Disney Cruise they’ve been talking about for years. The voice in these videos has to honor aaaaaaalllll that — without overselling it. It needs to feel genuine, like you’re talking to someone about something you actually believe in.

What the Work Required

The project consisted of two videos, each with its own focus. One was about the travel options available when planning a Walt Disney World vacation through AAA—the logistics, the packages, the details that make a big trip manageable. The other highlighted booking a Disney Cruise through Triple-A, where having someone who knows what they’re doing can make all the difference.

Both scripts needed a voice that felt real. Too much enthusiasm in the voiceover and it sounds fake. Not enough and the voice talent loses what makes these trips special in the first place. The sweet spot for me as the narrator was somewhere in between—excited but believable, helpful without being pushy.

Not so much Mark Elliott – the infamous  and incomparable voice of so many classic Disney movie trailers – but maybe like a distant cousin….twice removed (in other words, I could never sound as great as – or even like – Mark but in my head, that’s what I was kind of shooting for. The client was happy, so I guess I got close enough.

The Relationship Behind the Work

Matt Steinberg and I have known each other professionally for years, but this particular project came about in one of those “right place, right time” moments. He wasn’t actively thinking about voice talent for these upcoming Disney productions for AAA —until my newsletter happened to land in his inbox right when he needed someone. Lucky timing on my part.

That’s how a lot of work comes together in this business. You stay in touch with people, you show up when you say you will, and sometimes the stars align. Matt, who is the amazingly talented Senior Designer – Travel for AAA Western and Central New York, was kind enough to share his thoughts after we wrapped production on these widely viewed videos:

“I recently worked with Peter on voiceovers for two Disney travel videos for AAA. He understood the tone and style I was looking for immediately, and knocked both reads out of the park. Peter is very easy to work with, he delivers right on schedule, and the results are always terrific. Hire Peter – you’ll be glad you did!”

That kind of feedback from someone I’ve known over the years really matters. It reminds me that the repeat work comes from understanding what someone needs, asking thoughtful questions and delivering it consistently.

Why This Work Matters

I’ve always enjoyed voicing content that’s connected to real experiences—trips people are actually going to take, memories they’re going to make. Disney trips are a big deal for families. There’s planning involved, money being spent, expectations running high. Being the voice that helps people feel confident about taking that step is something I take seriously.

Working with Matt and his team at AAA on these Disney videos was a pleasure, and I think the clips capture Matt’s smart vision: the excitement of the destination without losing sight of the practical (and really helpful) side of getting there.

See the videos produced by AAA Western and Central New York for members traveling to Walt Disney World and on Disney Cruise Line below:

Tags: commentary, marketing, testimonials // Comments Off on VOICEOVER CLIENT TESTIMONIAL: When Triple-A Meets the Magic: Voicing Disney Travel Dreams

There’s something special about working with a team that trusts you to help expand their creative vision across an entire national radio network. That’s exactly what happened when iHeartMedia reached out for a series of promotional spots for their podcast lineup.

The project?

National promos that would run across iHeartMedia’s network of hundreds of radio stations and media outlets in markets nationwide, both introducing new podcasts to new audiences as well as expanding the audience of already-successful shows like “The Ridiculous History Podcast.” The challenge was bringing fresh energy to each script to draw in listeners who hadn’t discovered them yet.

What the Work Required

iHeartMedia needed versatility. Each podcast had its own established personality, and the promos needed to honor that while creating something that would stop scrollers and channel-surfers in their tracks. For “The Ridiculous History Podcast” specifically, the tone had to walk that line between intriguing and entertaining—serious enough to establish credibility, but with the spark of curiosity that makes you want to hit subscribe.
The timeline was tight, and precision mattered. When you’re creating content for a national network, there’s no room for “close enough.”

What It Means to Earn Trust

When you get the opportunity to work with a creative director at the level of Andy West—someone who’s shaping the sound of a national media company—you don’t take it lightly. These are the kinds of partnerships that remind you why you got into voiceover in the first place. It’s not just about delivering files; it’s about understanding the vision, respecting the deadline, and bringing genuine enthusiasm to every read.

Andy West, the National Creative/Imaging Director at iHeartMedia | TheStudio, was kind enough to share his perspective on working together:

“Peter’s enthusiasm for what he does really shines through, and that’s what makes him so great to work with. Not only is he versatile in his vocal range, but he actually wants to get it right for the client. Every project we’ve done together is always a pleasure because of his speed and attention to detail. Peter is that rare find in the voiceover world!”

That feedback means everything. It’s a reminder that showing up with energy, focus, and a genuine commitment to getting it right matters just as much as my voice alone. Clients notice and appreciate when I am pro-actively engaged in their project – and I always have been for decades.

Why This Work Matters
When a major network like iHeartMedia trusts you to be the voice that introduces their content to potential new listeners across hundreds of stations nationwide, it’s both humbling and energizing. The “Ridiculous History Podcast” promo you’ll hear in the video showcases that balance: engaging, curious, and just the right amount of dramatic flair to make you think, “Wait, what? I need to know more about that.”

Working with creative professionals like Andy and the team at iHeartMedia TheStudio is what makes voiceover industry rewarding. They know what they want, they communicate clearly, and together we create something that connects.

Tags: commentary, marketing, testimonials // Comments Off on VOICEOVER CLIENT TESTIMONIAL: How Do You Refresh a Hit Podcast and Promote New Ones? Ask iHeartMedia

Some weeks ago my voiceover friend (and fellow Buffalo Bills fan) Tim Powers created an idea to help promote WOVOCON The Voiceover UnConference, produced by World-Voices Organization and scheduled for October 17-19, 2025 in New Orleans.

His idea was he was going to interview a bunch of past attendees about their WOVOCON experiences and turn them into one minute video shorts for social media like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.

So Tim and I recorded our interview in about 15 minutes and he got the content he wanted for the socials.

This week, I got to thinking about the interview and I kept thinking – ‘there’s more stuff there that folks might like to know’, because we talked about a lot of stuff.

So I pinged Tim and asked for the footage to review it. I couldn’t recall my answers to all the questions so I had no idea what – if anything – I was going to do with it.

Then I saw it…it was the big secret that really only a WOVOCON Voiceover Unconference can unlock – because of it’s format, because of it very limited attendance limit (the comradeship of the event) and because of the very nature of the event which is unique to ANY other voiceover event.

WATCH THE VIDEO, learn the secret then make your reservations to join us in New Orleans this October.

TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO:

Hi, I’m Peter K. O’Connell

and I’ve been a voiceover actor for about 40 years.

It’s so important that people understand that with an unconference, probably one of its most unique features, aside from the format, aside from the attendees creating the agenda and supporting the agenda by what they know and sharing what they know, probably the most important thing that you learn is an unconference is a safe space for everybody.

Some people understand what that means. Some people don’t. I’ll explain my version of what a safe space is. A safe space is where you can go ask questions, where you can be vulnerable. Whether you’ve been doing it for 40 plus years or for months, whatever it is, um that you can look to this event and know that people are there. They’re not judging you. It is a judgment-free zone.

So, when you come in there as a voice actor, we know that you don’t have it all worked out. Do you know how we know that? because you’re not retired off the riches of your job. You’re still doing it on a day-to-day basis. While we all look, well, how he must be a star or celebrity, stop it!

I will tell you that I know some of the well-known (VO) celebrities and well-known (VO) folks um that people follow on Instagram or have heard on network promos and all the rest of it. And I can tell you for a fact that they don’t know everything either. They’ve had some great success and they’ve built careers, but the more you build your career, the more you can be put on an island unto yourself. And so you don’t feel like you can always ask questions.

Well, no matter what level of career you have at a WOVOCON Voiceover  Unconference, you’re safe to ask your questions. Whether you ask it in a session, whether you ask it one-on-one in a hallway conversation, whether you ask it on the questions board, there is a questions board at a WOVOCON Unconference where you can put a question and somebody will come come to you with an answer at some point during the weekend.

Whatever your thoughts, whatever your concerns, whatever your vulnerabilities, you will probably have a chance to share them with somebody, get an answer with it, or just feel like you’re not the only one.

That maybe for some folks, that’s the biggest thing. Oh, I’m not the only one that thinks that way. Oh, I’m not the only one that’s unnerved by that. Oh, I’m not the only one who didn’t understand what they meant by that, and everyone else seems to get it. At a WOVOCON Unconference, it is so valuable to know that you are among a tribe, a community, a class. Your WOVOCON Unconference will be a class unto itself. The mixture of people will never be like that before or after. It will be there. And it’s very special for people to understand that and to know that you will have that connection likely for the rest of your professional life.

Tags: social media, video, voiceover advice, WOVOCON // Comments Off on WoVOCon and the BIG Secret for Voiceover Talents

This is not a post (AND video!) about how much I dislike people saying the meaningless phrase “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome” after being thanked. Although I believe that last sentence made my stance very clear.

This post is about HOW to thank someone in a CREATIVE way.

Not so much in the everyday things (where you would say the proper and polite “you’re welcome” and not the lazy “no problem”)…but this is in regard to someone who was super thoughtful and went out of their way to show some sort of kindness.

As you know, I am not one to shy away from an actual thank you NOTE. Yup, on a piece of paper (maybe even stationery) with a pen and written out words. POSSIBLY even a postage stamp. People rarely send something so 20th Century thus a thank you note stands out.

But recently a kindness was gifted to me…very unexpectedly, as many kindnesses are…that immediately got my creative juices flowing. This person needs a proper thanking, I knew.

So I could write up the whole story on JOEY SCHALJO but I let the thank you video (oh yes I did!) tell the story.

Tags: video, voiceover advice // Comments Off on If you’re going to thank someone, then THANK them

As the NFL’s 2025 season kicks off tonight, it’s a great time to introduce you to the football greatness that lives in my hometown, Buffalo, NY.

Greatness not only in our football team but in one of the most dedicated (and often beleaguered) fan bases in ALL of sports.

But win or lose (even in the seasons of lose and lose) we support OUR team.

WE can yell and scream at them…but YOU better not!!!

Fortunately we have been very blessed recently with many years of great football.

Here’s to more of the same in 2025.

You can download (and, if you like, print) the FREE Buffalo football schedule HERE.

Below is what the FREE 2025 Buffalo football schedule looks like. #GoBills

Tags: buffalo // Comments Off on Free 2025 Buffalo Football Schedule for Everyone

If America loves the Cracker Barrel logo so much (as the recent logo controversy would suggest) should Voice Actor Peter K. O’Connell change or “Cracker Barrel” his logo?

Let’s be honest, the announced logo and overall brand reimagining for Cracker Barrel restaurants announced recently could NOT have gone much worse.

This kerfuffle takes the logo debacle that the Gap Stores instigated when they TRIED to introduce a completely new logo in 2010 (which was an IMMEDIATE disaster) and raises it beyond retail and into the muck and mire of the political world. Whoa…that’s bad.

The new restaurant logo (when compared to one another – old v. new) makes it seem like the logo designer never stepped into a Cracker Barrel. It does not fit with the store image (personality) that most consumers have or seem to want for Cracker Barrel.

But the logo is just one part of a reported $700 million rebrand…and it sounds very much like the Cracker Barrels of tomorrow will not resemble much of what customers see today.

At present, it has been said that Cracker Barrel is executing “pilot remodel tests” in about 25-30 stores as a part of a multi-year strategic transformation plan (see $700 million). The changes planned for the Cracker Barrel chain include lighter paint options, new fixtures and lighting, and repositioning décor – all changes designed to enhance the guest experience by providing an environment that feels lighter, brighter, fresher, and cleaner.

Well, that WAS the plan.

Customers are upset, the general public is upset (even people who don’t regularly go to Cracker Barrel, it seems) and for reasons still unclear to me, some politicians have decided to be upset about this logo change – where do THEY find the time??

If you think about it, a chain only makes plans to fix all this stuff ($700 million worth of stuff) if either sales are down, research says customers specifically want change or some combination therein.

But the completely negative reaction to the Cracker Barrel logo change (and maybe also the interior changes, although that feedback is spotty this far) seems to effectively shoot in the foot whatever drastic (or even less drastic) plans the restaurant had for the interior.

What can Cracker Barrel do? Stop. Drop. And roll.

On the left – the old-new logo. On the right – the dead Gap logo

Reconvene the designers for both logo and interior and say, we may need to make these changes but we are going to have to redefine the timeline and degree to which we implement these changes. Then implement a plan to calm consumers.

Regarding the logo…I’d implement some version of the ”just kidding” plan to the public, squash talk of that new logo immediately and then test a middle ground logo between the original and the new. It would then be presented in a much softer roll out.

The current Cracker Barrel logo on the left with the proposed new logo on the right. Imagine the new font style on the right with the consumer approved icon on the left in a combined “new” logo…might have been an easier change for consumers to accept.

They could have done this initially, btw. How about we just change the font style to the new look and keep the icon. Then in phase two, revise the sign/logo to just the word mark and no icon? Too expensive you say? Cracker Barrel’s plan A for logo roll out cost the company $94 million in market value in 1 day (worst ever for the company). Makes the tiered sign change costs seem like a bargain in comparison, doesn’t it?

Next, time for some spin.

Turn the logo negative into a positive…”clearly the public has spoken and shared how much the Cracker Barrel brand and logo mean to them. We love it just as much and are only working to enhance the experience of our valued customers based on their feedback.”

In essence, we hear you and we are responding to what you want, even (Cracker Barrel might say under their breath) if you all said something very different in our consumer research).

“We love all the at home designers adding their spin to our design process online and see it a nice compliment.”

“We’re not perfect but Cracker Barrel means as much to us as it does to you. As we evolve to meet the needs and tastes of our deeply respected customers, know that we will never forget that it IS the customer that comes first at Cracker Barrel.”

No doubt someone on their marketing team can make those words sing much prettier than I have done here but presenting that kind of message to the direct and indirect Cracker Barrel consumers should help calm the storm.

I have other ideas but no one is paying me so they’ll have to figure the rest out on their own.

Tags: advertising, logo design, marketing // Comments Off on Can Cracker Barrel Be Saved After The Logo Debacle?