Sometimes the loudest voice in the room is the one in your own head.
So today, I let mine ask the questions
Brenda’s Inner Critic: Okay, be honest — what does your “studio” really look like?
Brenda:
Well, at the moment my studio is fairly tidy. Sometimes when I get extra packages sent in, it can get a bit crowded — you might see a lot more boxes. But right now, I have my green screen set up (it’s actually a heavy-duty one), and I like to keep it up all the time because it’s kind of heavy to move around. So I usually film all my green screen content in that room. My box light is always in the middle of the floor — it never gets put away. So I’d say it’s tidy… and it works.
Brenda’s Inner Critic: Greenscreen? What are you, a weather reporter now?
Brenda:
Funny you say that — because that’s exactly what I felt like when I first got it. Especially when you scroll through Fiverr and see people presenting the news or pretending they’re on a weather report. I just recently jumped in with a green screen. It was one of my most recent purchases — not exactly cheap — so I saved up for it. Now I can offer an additional filming option for brands that need that clean background look. I’m still getting used to playing with it… but yeah, I definitely had “weather reporter” vibes at first. I’ll give you that one.
Brenda’s Inner Critic: You actually talk to your camera… by yourself… in your car?
Brenda:
100% I do. And actually… I’ve been getting braver. I even talk into my camera at my 9-to-5 job. Sometimes I’ll film during breaks or lunch right from my desk. Don’t worry — no confidential info in the background! But I do have a nice window in my office that faces south, and I really like the lighting there. So if I can sneak in a quick filming session during the workday, I do it.
So yes — I absolutely talk to myself on camera. All the time.
Brenda’s Inner Critic: Do you script everything or just wing it and hope for the best?
Brenda:
When I first started, I thought I could wing it.
I learned pretty quickly that I’m not that good at winging it.
Talking off the cuff is harder for me than working from a script. So now, I definitely prefer having things written out — and I learned that the hard way.
What’s really helped me stay organized is the template I created (which I now offer for sale). I figured if I needed it, other people probably do too.
Because let’s be honest — winging it sounds good… until you hit record.
Brenda’s Inner Critic: How many takes does it really take you to get it right?
Brenda:
Okay, Inner Critic — that’s actually a great question.
Here’s what I’ve learned: I can’t jinx myself.
I’ll look at a 15-second, 45-word script and think, “Easy. I’ll nail this in two takes and be done.” Nope. Those are always the ones that take more tries than I care to admit.
Just to give you an example: I had to film a short video for a supplement brand. The script was short, but the supplement names? Not so much. I thought I’d breeze through it — ended up doing 20 or 25 takes just to say the words properly and sound like I actually knew what I was talking about.
Now, to be fair, I’ve gotten faster over time. Some scripts I really can knock out in a few takes. I’ll often film a couple versions just to see what flows best.
But yeah — I’ve learned never to say, “This will be fast.”
Because the moment I say that out loud, the universe hears me… and laughs.
Brenda’s Inner Critic: Come on — do brands really care what someone your age says on camera?
Brenda:
Inner Critic… that’s very critical of you.
Yes — brands really do care what someone my age has to say. And they should.
I’m 59 (turning 59 in a couple days, actually), and here’s the thing — people in my age group have spending power. Many of us have grown children who no longer live at home. That means more disposable income and more freedom to spend it.
Brands are catching on. They’re realizing that we’re not just “also” an audience — we’re a powerful one.
And yes… they care what I say on camera.
They also pay me to say it.
So I think it’s safe to say: we matter.
Got more questions?
So does my Inner Critic.
Stay tuned for Part Two — where we talk phones, past-me disbelief, and why yes, I do feel awkward sometimes.
Still hearing that voice telling you it’s too late to start something new?
I wrote a $12 guidebook for people just like us — the ones who are ready, but still second-guessing.
👉 Get the guide and start fresh
xo 💛 Brenda