The Audiobook Trail

The controversial opener to the Olympic Games was awful, but almost as bad was the lame explanation given for it.  Plus...should you trust someone (or something) who put you out of work to put you right back in?  And speaking of going back to work, some folks (unexpectedly) are. NOTE - this will be the final upload to the Audiobook Trail.  Future episodes of our program will appear under "Use...

On this week's Use Your Head! podcast: Numbers have values, but some numbers have a BIG value depending on who they belong to. (?) Plus, "the cost of living is too high!" - said every generation ever.  And eat 'em if ya got 'em...just be careful with 'em!  All that, with a heartwarming baseball story. Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.c...

Dear Audiobook Trail listeners - if you haven't heard, this podcast has ended.  In its place is my new show, called "Use Your Head!"  To make the transition easier, I'll be posting the new show's episodes here for a few more weeks.  Meanwhile, I encourage you to search for and subscribe to the new show!  Just search for "Use Your Head" on your favorite podcast pl...

Well, Audiobook Trail listeners, I'm finally back with the promised new show.  I'm also a month late, but I'll explain why in today's episode.  Also, I'll prep you for the transition to the new program: what it is, and how you can be involved.  Thanks for coming along!  Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Every trail, wherever it is, has an end eventually.  Today, John makes an announcement about change...and then waxes poetic about it for a bit.  Change...glorious, frightening, anxious, exciting, nerve-wracking change!  Plus, a big story in baseball that probably shouldn't be. Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

In our new focus toward the future of human audio content creation (and the threat to it from generative AI), John details a very recent, developing story involving actress Scarlett Johansson, and OpenAI's alleged appropriation of her voice.  Also, John shares a personal story of a "deepfake" that he recently encountered, which seeks to trick people into believing that a famous guit...

This week, John delves into two news items revolving around AI, and its continuing push into human-created art.  First, Apple lays an egg, and Audible goes all-in.  Can the narrator - the human artist - survive? Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

In further proof that daydreaming isn't always a waste, this week John shares inspiration he drew from staring mindlessly at his audiobook shelf.  Genres.  They sound different, of course.  But are the preparation routines and techniques different, too?  Yup.  John will focus on his favorite genre today: Westerns.  Also in news - bots have landed in court.  Plus, John hints of some changes on...

John's back in action with an email from a new listener, and answers her question with brutal honesty: Is it worth it?  Also - there's a hot new TV host in Spain...only problem is, it isn't real.  And finally, baseball finally gets their act together...sort of. Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

It happens to the best of shows...reruns!  John was called away from the microphone this week, so we proudly present a replay of Chapter 9 - one year ago this week!  John will be back next week...in the meantime, enjoy! Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Most likely, no one has ever said, "I'm going to the theatre to watch a work."  Play is essential in performance, and not just for the audience.  This week, John responds to a listener question about burn-out - and why he really doesn't consider his performances work at all!  Also - this season's new baseball weakness is exposed...and it isn't flattering. Send us Fan...

Inspired by a Dear John note from a curious listener, John expounds on the theatre, and how experience on the stage (or off of it) can greatly enhance an audiobook performer's skill set - and for a bargain price.  Also, A.I. has crept onto the campus, raising many questions.  Is academia preparing us to serve computers someday?  Or is it motivated by outright laziness?  You decide. Send us Fa...

We open the Dear John mailbag this week with a message from a narrator who recently turned in his first-ever audiobook recording...only to be met later with a big batch of pickups - mistakes that need to be re-recorded.  Oh, the shame!  But wait - John assures us that all is well, and offers some survival tips, including one bonus pro tip that every narrator needs to know.  Also, find out who John...

Since the time of Shakespeare, writers have known of the importance of comic relief.  But how does the narrator play humor correctly?  And what if the author hides it?  John gives some tips, along with 5 types of humor to watch for as your prepare a performance.  Also - news about the dawning of a new podcast that promises to bring three old buddies back to the microphone. Send us Fan Mail Visit o...

"Aw, it's non-fiction.  Piece of cake!"  This is a common narration misconception, and on today's excursion down the Trail, John explains why.  He'll offer some tips, describe the great benefits of non-fiction done right, and come clean about a disastrous project from the past.  Also in news, libraries are beefing up their audio selections.  And if that isn't enough,...

It's inevitable.  Girls will show-up in the text, and they will do - and say - stuff.  How does a male narrator navigate those waters effectively?  And what of the reverse?  John offers some tips, including something you should never do.  Also, a knightly sighting at the Audies®, and - are audiobook fans embracing the streaming model?   Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audio...

Serials are great...but being a narrator within an audiobook universe ?  It's pretty awesome.  John shares his excitement about having such a privilege, along with a word of caution for fellow storytellers.  Also, as he recaps the big winners of the 2024 Audie Awards®, John chats about what seems to be an annual observation about who wins.  And finally, a shoutout about the ERB, Inc. universe...

It's one of the most powerful tools in the authors' kit.  But how can the audiobook performer unlock the power of metaphor into the recording?  It takes lots of practice, and today John will offer some ideas.  Also - more Trail history is made!  For the first time, you can watch the ride as well as listen.  And finally, baseball fans are seeing more of the game in ways they don't ex...

"I need headphones cuz I gotta hear myself."  In radio, yes!  In audiobooks...well, not really.  John talks about the need some feel for "cans," and why they can be an albatross for storytellers.  Plus, we'll get a news update on A.I. - and some new research involving "popping" in the brain.   Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week John takes the easy way out, and lets a loyal listener lead the ride from the Dear John mailbag.  And why is there a trip-wire in the studio?!  Plus...a valuable lesson is illustrated through an installment of: PANIC In The Booth ! Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week John celebrates 50 episodes with a long-awaited blooper reel!  Also, he shares some massive A.I. news that he stumbled onto that demonstrates the power of free enterprise - and how it could change the content creation playing field.  Finally, we say so long to a couple of artists as they ride into the sunset. Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Sometimes, the polished "final" manuscript you receive as a narrator isn't as shiny as it appears.  Is true book editing a lost art?  Today, John gives a few examples of errors in manuscripts that have become all-too-common, and how to handle them with audio publishers and their proofers.  Also - while he's on the subject - John rather awkwardly asks for a job. Send us Fan Mail...

Human beings - ALL of them - feel.  And not just feel, but feel for real .  Today, John explores the importance of emotional authenticity in audiobook performance - and why "getting there" is just half the battle.  Also, news about this year's APAC conference - and a sneak peek at our upcoming 50th ride down the Trail together! Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audi...

A truly great audiobook performer will not stop at just telling a story, but will go to great lengths to delight - and even surprise - the listener.  On today's ride, John bundles up and demonstrates a great exercise keep character development from becoming stale and potentially boring. Send us Fan Mail Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.com

John's finally ready to start the new year (85% anyway) - and so on today's ride, we're talking recovery...specifically, the completely disgusting topic of clearing the remnants of illness from the vocal instrument.  And the one technique that you should never, ever use - if you can help it.  Also, John found a great message in the Dear John inbox about noise floors...but is silence...