Get Outta Your Booth! Voiceover, Community, and Why AI Can’t Replace You

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Guests:

  • Mike Cunningham, voice actor, conference organizer, VP of the National Sokols Lodge #93
  • Jen Taphoney, professional voice actor, co-host of VO Booth Besties

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with the organizers of Get Outta Your Booth!, a new kind of voiceover conference happening June 27–29, 2025 at National Sokols Lodge #93 in Bethlehem, PA.

This isn’t your average industry meetup — Get Outta Your Booth! is designed around accessibility and community. With just 100 attendees, sessions led by working pros, a six-lane bowling alley, karaoke socials, and zero profit motive, it’s built to bring voice actors together without the pressure or price tag of larger events.

  • Why voiceover is about more than “having a good voice”

  • How to go pro from your home studio — no LA or NYC required

  • Building community in a solo-heavy career

  • The scary reality of AI voice theft — yes, it’s happening

  • What most beginners get wrong (and how to do it right)

🎟 Learn more + get tickets → getouttayourbooth.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode → lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

Watch Episode


https://youtu.be/1_E-uufQJl4
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Get Outta Your Booth! — A Voiceover Conference with Community (and Karaoke) at Its Core

“It’s a crock pot career. It’s not a drive-through.” — Jen Taphoney

That quote pretty much says it all.

In this companion piece to the latest episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we dive into the story behind Get Outta Your Booth!, a voiceover conference built on community, accessibility, and a whole lot of real-world wisdom.

Hosted by George Wacker, the episode features co-organizers Mike Cunningham and Jen Taphoney, who share how the idea for the event came to life—and why it’s so different from your typical industry gathering.

Listen to the Episode

https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

Conference Info

https://www.getouttayourbooth.com


From Pottsville Attic to Microsoft Explainers

Jen Taphoney’s journey started in a 1928 house in Schuylkill County. After years in radio, she built a studio in her attic and began producing commercials for $100 a pop.

“When I left the radio station, I still had clients who wanted me on their commercials,” she says. “So I put a studio in my attic… sound treatment was super awesome. Yeah.”

She’s since built a thriving VO career with clients like Microsoft.

“They do a little explainer thing. I’ve been working with them for eight years now. They just send me the copy.”


Getting In (and Getting Real)

Mike Cunningham’s path to voiceover started in the military and IT. Then the pandemic hit.

“My friend was like, ‘Why don’t you do voiceover?’ The pandemic is happening. There’s nothing else to do,” he recalls.

He joined a program, trained, and stuck with it—turning his home setup into a launchpad for commercial work, video games, and narration.

“It kind of grew into an obsession out of spite… I’m going to do it. I’m going to make it work. And I don’t care what it’s going to take.”


Why Beginners Struggle

“A lot of people come in and say, ‘My friend told me I have a good voice,’” Jen says. “That’s not enough.”

“There’s a certain amount of instinct involved,” Mike adds, “but it takes training. And you have to be prepared to not hear back at all.”

“You don’t often get, ‘Sorry, we went with somebody else,’” Jen explains. “You just have to keep going. Audition after audition, day after day, year after year.”

Mike sums it up: “Most people start out trying too hard. Just be you.”


AI, Stolen Voices, and the Future of the Industry

Both guests have strong words about AI’s impact on the industry.

“It undermines our entire industry,” Jen says. “Whether it’s music production or art or writing or voiceover… it’s not human.”

Mike’s voice was actually cloned by a foreign studio and used in a live service video game—without his consent.

“I heard it. I’m like, ‘I didn’t say that,’” he says. “The falsification of humanity is not something I’m a fan of.”


So What Is Get Outta Your Booth?

The conference is designed to be small (100 people max), affordable, and stress-free—held at SOKOL Club in Bethlehem, a venue with a bar, shuffleboard, and a bowling alley.

“There’s no pressure,” Mike says. “If you want to bowl all day, go bowl all day. If you want to sit and drink, do that. If you want to watch sessions and learn something, do that too.”

The sessions cover:

  • VO genres and niches

  • Branding your VO business in Canva

  • Making vocal efforts

  • How to construct your own sound panel

“We’re not trying to make money,” Mike adds. “Everything we get goes right back into the event—for food, prizes, drinks. That’s the point.”


Why It Matters

This episode isn’t just about voiceover—it’s about building something that helps people connect.

“We’re all stuck in little booths,” Mike says. “It’s a lonely kind of existence.”

Jen adds, “Having that community to connect with and ask questions instead of trying to figure it out on your own… it makes such a big difference.”

George wraps it up: “It’s really cool that you’re doing this. If somebody had just given me this piece of advice a couple years ago, it would’ve saved me months.”

Mike replies, “Or thousands of dollars.”

Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview

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Guests:

In this special episode of Lehigh Valley With Love, we dive deep into the 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, one of the most anticipated automotive events in the region. From the exciting Preview Gala to the latest high-performance vehicles, electric innovations, and custom builds, this episode covers it all.

ALL INFO AT: https://lehighvalleyautoshow.org/

We discuss:
✔️ The Preview Gala, benefiting Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit
✔️ The history and impact of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association
✔️ What to expect at this year’s auto show – from luxury cars to NASCAR and F1 exhibits
✔️ The growing presence of hybrid and electric vehicles
✔️ Exclusive custom car showcases and local car culture
✔️ The economic and philanthropic impact of the auto show

Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual car enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend event, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show has something for everyone!

Watch Episode

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Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

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Blog: Lehigh Valley Auto Show 2025 – A Recap

The Premier Automotive Event Returns

The 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show is set to be a spectacular showcase, featuring everything from exotic supercars to the latest in electric vehicle technology. Held at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena, this event is a celebration of automotive excellence, innovation, and community spirit.

A Night to Remember – The Preview Gala

Kicking off on March 19th, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview Gala offers an exclusive first look at this year’s impressive lineup. This elegant evening supports the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit and promises a night filled with entertainment, gourmet dining, and networking opportunities. The event will feature a performance of the national anthem by Kendall Conrad, followed by lively entertainment from the Mummers.

What’s New at the 2025 Auto Show?

Running from March 20-23, the auto show spans three distinct pavilions:

  • Import Pavilion: Showcasing top international brands like Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and McLaren.
  • Domestic Pavilion: Featuring American favorites such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
  • Luxury Pavilion: A display of high-end exotics including Lamborghinis and McLarens.

🚦 Special Attractions Include:

  • NASCAR and Formula 1 Exhibits: Get up close with two NASCAR race cars and a Formula 1 display.
  • Tuner Show: On Saturday, enjoy a showcase of custom cars with awards and live DJ sets.
  • NASCAR Sunday: Meet local professional driver Sage Karam and explore racing exhibits.
  • Local Tastings: Daily samplings from regional breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Spotlight on Local Talent – Jonah Hendershot

We’re thrilled to feature Jonah Hendershot, the Lehigh Valley-based YouTuber behind the popular channel “Cookin’ Cars”. Jonah combines his passion for culinary arts and automobiles, creating unique content that blends car reviews, event coverage, and DIY automotive tutorials. His engaging and relatable style makes Cookin’ Cars a must-follow channel for car enthusiasts.

📺 Subscribe to his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@cookincars

Why Attend?

🎟 Affordable Fun – Only $10 max entry, free parking, and an unforgettable experience.
🚗 Dream Cars on Display – Sit in and explore the latest hybrid, electric, and high-performance vehicles.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Activities – Kid-friendly exhibits, interactive displays, and a marketplace with local vendors.

📅 Event Details:

 

Reentry in the Lehigh Valley: Breaking Barriers & Building Second Chances

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Guests:

  • Dr. Michael Pittaro – Director of Corrections, Northampton County
  • Jose Rivera – Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • Attorney David D. Ritter – Criminal Defense Attorney, Kitay Law Offices

Reentry after incarceration is a process that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not. Did you know that 65% of people released from prison end up reoffending? Or that defendants who can’t afford bail often spend 90 to 180 days behind bars before their case is even resolved? These barriers make successful reintegration nearly impossible, but there are solutions—like expanding mental health and drug courts, addressing pre-trial detention challenges, and improving job opportunities for returning citizens.

In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we dive deep into the realities of reentry with experts and those who have lived through the process. Our guests share their firsthand experiences and insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.

Thank you to Dr. Joseph Roy for his invaluable help producing this episode!

Watch Episode

 

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Blog: The Realities of Reentry – A Recap of the Podcast

Understanding Reentry
Reentry is the process by which formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society after serving their time. While release from prison might seem like the end of a sentence, for many, it marks the beginning of another battle—finding employment, securing housing, and avoiding recidivism.

Jose Rivera, Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, explains how reentry was once a non-existent term. Instead, individuals were labeled “ex-cons” or “felons,” limiting their opportunities. While the language has evolved, the systemic barriers remain overwhelming for many returning citizens.

The Challenges of Reentry
Dr. Michael Pittaro, Director of Corrections for Northampton County, highlights the recidivism rate of nearly 65% in the U.S., emphasizing that many individuals return to the same communities where they faced prior struggles. Without intervention, they encounter the same environments, influences, and hardships that led to their incarceration.

Attorney David Ritter sheds light on pre-trial detention and bail reform, explaining that individuals can spend 90 to 180 days in jail before their trial simply because they cannot afford bail. This extended detention causes job loss, housing instability, and financial hardship, making reintegration even more difficult after release.

Another major obstacle is the role of parole and probation officers. Some officers serve as mentors, helping individuals access resources, while others take a more punitive approach, increasing the likelihood of reoffending. Rivera stresses that a supportive parole officer can make all the difference in successful reentry.

Employment and Housing: Critical Factors in Reentry Success
Securing employment after incarceration is a major challenge. Dr. Pittaro explains how background checks and job applications with felony-related questions create barriers, despite Pennsylvania’s “Ban the Box” initiative. While this law prevents employers from immediately disqualifying applicants based on criminal history, employers still have access to background checks and often reject qualified applicants.

Housing is another pressing issue. Many landlords deny applications from formerly incarcerated individuals, making it difficult to secure stable living conditions. Even those who find employment struggle with rising housing costs and parole restrictions that limit where they can live. David Ritter emphasizes that parole conditions often require a stable address, but without accessible housing, securing parole itself becomes an obstacle.

Solutions That Are Making a Difference
Despite the challenges, several initiatives in the Lehigh Valley are making strides toward improving reentry outcomes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A tool used in reentry programs to help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns.
The Reentry Coalition: A network of organizations collaborating to support individuals reentering society.
Specialty Courts (Drug Court & Mental Health Court): Programs aimed at rehabilitation rather than incarceration, diverting nonviolent offenders toward treatment-based solutions.
One-Stop Reentry Centers: Efforts are underway to establish centralized locations where individuals can access job training, mental health services, housing assistance, and legal aid in one place.
While these programs are promising, expanding housing access, providing employer incentives, and improving parole officer training remain key priorities in reducing recidivism.

Final Thoughts
Reentry is not just about the individual—it’s a community issue. When individuals successfully reintegrate, crime rates decrease, families remain intact, and communities grow stronger. However, employment barriers, housing restrictions, and punitive parole policies must be addressed to create long-term success.

This episode of Lehigh Valley with Love underscores the need for policy changes, stronger community support, and a shift in public perception—from punishment to rehabilitation.