Second Act Success
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to start something new, this episode is your reminder that your second act might just be your best one. I sat down with Paul Heitsch, an award-winning voice actor who didn’t begin his audiobook narration career until after 40—and now he’s narrated over 380 titles. For female solopreneurs navigating reinvention, this conversation is a masterclass in following your passion, trusting your skills, and starting over with purpose.
If you’re exploring your own second act success, you’ll love Paul’s honest take on voice acting, creativity, and the human edge that AI just can’t replace.
“If the work speaks to you, if you’re cut out for it, it’s the greatest job in the world.”
Paul Heitsch
Meet Paul Heitsch
Paul Heitsch is an Audie-nominated, Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator known for his compelling performances across genres—from literary fiction to action-packed sci-fi. He’s the voice behind every book in Joshua Dalzelle’s Omega Force series (remember episode 265?), and his narration of Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet was named one of Slate’s 10 Best Audiobooks of 2022.
What makes Paul’s story so inspiring? He didn’t start narrating until his 40s. Before that, he was a composer, sound designer, and recording engineer. Today, he’s proof that it’s never too late to pivot—and thrive.
What You’ll Learn
- Why second-act careers are more accessible (and rewarding) than ever
- How Paul broke into voice narration without an agent
- The emotional nuance AI just can’t replicate
- What it really takes to succeed in audiobook narration
- How character voices are created—and remembered across long series
- Why your life experience might be your biggest creative asset
- Tools and AI Paul actually uses to support his narration process
- How collaboration with indie authors has shaped his career
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Paul Heitsch finds Second Act Success in Audiobook Narration
05:08 The Art of Voice Acting and Narration
07:56 Breaking into Audiobook Narration
10:30 Character Voices and Personality in Narration
12:54 The Differences Between Video Games and Audiobooks
15:23 The Impact of AI on Voice Narration
18:10 The Future of Audiobook Narration and AI
27:00 Exploring AI in Storytelling
29:29 The Art of Narration and Voice Acting
32:02 Dialect and Accent Challenges
36:54 The Future of Publishing and AI Collaboration
44:00 Character Development in Speculative Fiction
47:18 The Role of Androids in Future Society
Mentioned
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
- Joshua Dalzelle, author the Omega Force series
- Rosetta Stone
- ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
- Myst video game series
- Blinkist
- Davina Porter, narrator of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
- The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
- Sci-Fi Book Pod
- The Bobiverse Series by Dennis E. Taylor
- Ray Porter, voice actor
- Dinosaurs by by Lydia Millet
- Dreamscape Audiobooks
- Accent Help for actors
- Richard Ferrone, voice actor
- Katherine Kellgren, voice actor
- Substack
- Wattpad
- Pozotron AI Audiobook Production Assistant
- PDF Professional
Connect with Paul Heitsch
- Website: http://paulheitsch.com
- Catalog of Books Narrated by Paul Heitsch
Support the Show
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- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Goodpods
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