The Audiobook Speakeasy Podcast

For this very special 100th episode of The Audiobook Speakeasy, I invited back some of my favorite guests from over the past five years: Andi Arndt, Jesse Bickford-Coghill, Robin Miles, Amy Rubinate, and Julia Whelan. Edoardo Ballerini and Carol Monda were also planning on joining us, but unfortunately got stuck in traffic and the airport. I didn't have any specific plan for the conversation aside from one important announcement, but we all kept coming back to the importance of a good work-life balance. I enjoyed chatting about life in the audiobook world with these giants in the industry just as much this time as I did the first time around. There was plenty of water, sparkling and hot, as well as some wine, a Gin And Ginger, and... my drink. :)   If you haven't heard any of our previous, one-on-one chats, you can find them here: Andi Arndt, episode 4: https://www.richvoiceproductions.com/audiobook-speakeasy-1#episode004 Jesse Bickford, episode 55: https://www.richvoiceproductions.com/audiobook-speakeasy-3#episode055 Robin Miles, episode 39: https://www.richvoiceproductions.com/audiobook-speakeasy-2#episode039 Amy Rubinate, episode 80: https://www.richvoiceproductions.com/audiobook-speakeasy-4#episode080 Julia Whelan, episode 58: https://www.richvoiceproductions.com/audiobook-speakeasy-3#episode058

My guest tonight is the CEO of Common Mode Inc., Jess Escalona! Jess tells me about working in a hip hop studio and doing post-production at a television studio while pursuing a degree in music and recording arts from William Paterson University, and finding that the work really didn't suit her; but a meeting with an adviser led to an interview at Common Mode Inc., and that led to immediate employment, and she liked that work so much that she's been there ever since. Jess and I then discuss her various different roles at Common Mode over the years, and how very important good -- and timely -- communication is in this industry. All this and more over some water and a Whoville's Spiced Up Christmas Margarita! You can find Jess and Common Mode on Twitter and Instagram at @commonmodeinc.

My guest tonight is Hachette Audio producer Lisa Cahn! Lisa and I reminisce a bit about our alma mater, Occidental College: we were apparently there for a year concurrently, but, alas, didn't know each other. Lisa then tells me about her journey from journalism into publishing, including her experience abridging books for audio back when that was the norm, and how she just might be at least partially responsible for the "celebrity narrator" trend (which, thankfully, appears to be waning). All this and much more over some Klinker Brick 1850° red wine and a Mexican Firing Squad! You can connect with Lisa at lisa.cahn@hbgusa.com.

My guest tonight is director, filmmaker, playwright, and award-winning audiobook narrator Leon Nixon! After a chat about whiskey, gin, and growing in up in Southern California, Leon tells me about his 30-year career as a law enforcement officer in Los Angeles and how he transitioned from that to narrating audiobooks. Then we discuss authentic casting, calligraphy, how important it is to be kind (in business and in general), and more. All this over some Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey and a Pink Lady! You can find Leon online at https://www.leonnixonvo.com.

My guest tonight is legendary audiobook producer and director David Rapkin! David tells me a great story about meeting a music legend on the streets of New York many decades ago and starting a career in audio engineering shortly after. He then goes on to discuss some of the many high-profile audiobooks he's worked on over the years, and offers up some great advice for narrators of all levels. All this and much more over an Agua Libre and a Tuxedo No. 2! You can contact David at drapco@aol.com. 

Tonight's guest is Podium Audio casting director Stephanie Cicatiello! Stephanie tells me how she got into the audiobook world shortly after studying about various aspects of the entertainment industry at Drexel University. We then talk about her experiences at Common Mode, Hachette, and Podium Audio. All this over some Caravella Limoncello and a Naked And Famous! You can find Stephanie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/audiobooksteph/. You can find Podium Audio at https://podiumaudio.com.  

My guest tonight is Head of Audiobooks at Scribe Media, Jeff Guillot! Jeff tells me how a single plane flight convinced him to move from the East Coast to the West Coast, and how an education in psychology led him to a career in audiobook production. Jeff then tells me about his experiences at Deyan Audio and Scribe Media, and the importance of a good recording space. All this and more over a LaCroix Passionfruit Sparkling Water and a Good Cork! You can find Jeff on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jguillot81 and on Instagram at @jeff_thevegan. You can find Scribe Media at https://scribemedia.com. 

Tonight's guest is prolific romance narrator and founder of Pink Flamingo Productions Sarah Puckett! Sarah tells me how being an avid audiobook listener brought about a career as a narrator, and how important coaching was in the early days of that career. She then describes the genesis of Pink Flamingo Productions, the recent acquisition of Fireside Horror (now Fireside Audio), and plans for the future. All this over a cherry vodka soda and a Bramble! You can find Pink Flamingo Productions at https://www.pinkflamingoproductions.com, on Twitter at @PFPAudiobooks, and on Instagram at @pinkflamingo_productions. You can find Fireside Audio at https://www.firesideaudio.net. 

Tonight's guest is voice actor, vocal coach, and accent and dialect coach Nic Redman! Nic tells me about how her acting background eventually led to a voiceover career. She goes on to describe her continuing education in voice studies, and how that led to being able to help voice actors take care of their voices, as well as how to speak with different accents and dialects. All this over a bog standard, builder's brew cup of tea and a two-orange French Mimosa! You can find Nic online at https://www.nicredmanvoice.com, and on Twitter at @NicRedmanVoice. The brand new course she mentions in the interview can be found at https://nicolaredman.com/voice-coach/vocal-empowerment-programme/. 

My guest tonight is narrator and medical myofascial therapist Melissa Kay Benson! Melissa tells me how her work as a myofascial therapist and folding laundry led to a career as an audiobook narrator. She goes on to describe how educational spending eight hours a day for two weeks in a cadaver lab can be, and why slouching is really, really bad, but opening up the body is really, really good -- especially for narrators. All this and more over a Sazerac and a Tootsie Roll! You can find Melissa at https://mkbenson.com, and on social media by searching for #BoothHealth.

My guest tonight is audiobook narrator and life coach Melissa Moran! Melissa describes how a career in radio morphed into full-time audiobook narration, and how an event that rocked the narrator community in 2020 led her into life coaching. She then tells me about her coaching practice, and how life coaching is a bit like untangling necklaces. All this and more over some Truly strawberry lemonade hard seltzer and a Bitterscotch! You can find Melissa's acting website at https://www.melissamoran.com, and her coaching website at https://www.melissacoaches.com.    

My guests tonight are narrators and co-founders of the Narrator Alliance, Will Damron and Reba Buhr! Will shares his background in acting and audiobook narration, and then Reba and I spend a bit too much time talking about our alma mater, Occidental College, before she explains her introduction into the audiobook world. Then they describe the events that led up to the creation of the Narrator Alliance, and the purpose and structure of the meetings. All this over a Vieux Carré, a Kentucky Corpse Reviver, and some sparkling Gatorade! You can find the Narrator Alliance at https://narratoralliance.org, Will Damron at @jwdamron, and Reba Buhr at @rebubuhr on Twitter and @reba.buhr on Instagram.

Tonight's guest is Canadian (and U.S.!) narrator and narration coach Erin Moon! Erin tells me about her moves in Canada and the U.S., how she got her start in the audiobook world on the other side of the mic, and how she ended up in British Columbia, concentrating on audiobook narration. Then Erin describes her role at On The Mic Training and how she approaches audiobook narration coaching. All this over some cool, clear, Canadian water and a White Negroni! You can find Erin at https://www.erinmoonactor.com, and on social media at @mooneybooks.

My guest tonight is Will Dages of Findaway Voices! Will and I discuss the changes that have happened at Findaway Voices since he was last here at the Speakeasy almost four years ago. Will then tells me all about Marketplace, the newest venture at FV, including a walk-through of an audiobook production using Marketplace tools. All this and more over some tea and a Spicy Paloma! You can find Findaway Voices at https://findawayvoices.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/findawayvoices, and on Twitter and Instagram at @FindawayVoices; they also have a club on Clubhouse.

My guests tonight are narrators Emily Lawrence and Emily Ellet! Emily and Emily stopped in to talk about the Professional Audiobook Narrators Association (PANA). They tell me about the roles that they played in creating the organization, how it's structured, and what's required for membership. All this and more over a Paper Plane, Emily Lawrence's favorite beverage (water), and a La Croix! You can find the Professional Audiobook Narrators Association at https://www.pronarrators.org, and all over social media at @pronarrators. Tonight's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: https://squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

Tonight's guest is Earphones-award winning narrator Travis Baldree! Travis tells me how he went from programming video games to owning a video game production company, and his transition from that to audiobook narration. We also discuss his prolific work in genre fiction, progression fantasy, and gamelit. All this over some Nikka Coffey Malt Whiskey and a Manhattan Sunset! You can find Travis at https://travisbaldree.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TravisBaldreeNarrator, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TravisBaldree. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at https://squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

Tonight's guest is prolific narrator (and TikTok phenom!) Natalie Naudus! Natalie tells me why she suddenly pivoted from being a rising opera star to an audiobook narrator. She also tells me how she was able to narrate in the middle of a construction zone for over a year with some great pre-planning, and describes one of the most unique, natural solutions I've ever heard of to a problem that has plagued many a narrator, including me. (We were interrupted by an internet connection dying, but don't worry, I edited out all but a few seconds of the downtime.) All this and more over a bourbon and soda and a Jenny's Vanilla Cosmo! To find Natalie online, just search for her by name. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: https://squeakycheeseproductions.com/. 

I'm joined tonight by Guy Oldfield, Senior Director at Macmillan Audio! Guy tells me about his unusual path to audiobooks, which includes stints in various journalism roles and live music production. He also shares with me some challenges in audiobook production, and talks about how important it is to know when to ask for help. All this and more over a PBR and a Henry Hotspur's Hard-pressed for Cider! You can find Macmillan Audio at https://us.macmillan.com/audio, and narrators can reach them at narrators@macmillan.com.  Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: https://squeakycheeseproductions.com.

Tonight's guest is the founder of the Aural Fixation romance audiobook fan group on Facebook, Lydia Rella! Lydia tells me about being a voracious young reader, and her introduction into the romance genre at an early age. Then we discuss her motivation for creating a Facebook group for romance audiobook listeners, and what makes a romance audiobook great. All this and more over some coffee spiked with some boozy eggnog and some homemade spiced rum! You can find Lydia at the Aural Fixation Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/auralfixationaudio, and on Twitter and Instagram at @auralfixationfb. Tonight's speakeasy chat is brought to you by David Stever's Raven Rain, narrated by Bill Lord: https://www.audible.com/pd/Raven-Rain-A-Johnny-Delarosa-Thriller-Audiobook/B08NN8SB2B.  

My guest tonight is independent audiobook producer and director Elishia Merricks! Elishia describes how her focus changed from acting to directing during her time at Royal Holloway (the university, not the prison). Elishia then describes how she found her way into the world of audiobooks after a move across the pond. All this and more over an English Garden riff and a French Laundry! You can find Elishia at http://www.englishgirlinnewyork.org, on Twitter at @elishia_e, and on Instagram at @elishiasbooks.n.bobs and @elishia.in.newyork. Tonight's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com. Tonight's episode is also brought to you by David Stever's Raven Rain, narrated by Bill Lord: https://www.audible.com/pd/Raven-Rain-A-Johnny-Delarosa-Thriller-Audiobook/B08NN8SB2B. 

My guest tonight is the owner of Mosaic Audio, Amy Rubinate! Amy describes the path she took that led her from being a cabaret singer, to voicing children's toys, to narrating audiobooks. Amy also tells me how the pandemic has changed the way that Mosaic Audio does business, and how important it is to have a generosity of spirit in the audiobook world. All this and much more over some hot water and a rum Negroni! You can find Mosaic Audio at https://www.mosaicaudio.com. This week's Audiobook Speakeasy episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://squeakycheeseproductions.com. This week's episode is also brought to you by David Stever's Raven Rain, narrated by Bill Lord: https://www.audible.com/pd/Raven-Rain-A-Johnny-Delarosa-Thriller-Audiobook/B08NN8SB2B.

My guest tonight is the CEO of Modern Bar Cart, Eric Kozlik! For the first time tonight, I focus on the "speakeasy" aspect of the Audiobook Speakeasy. Eric Kozlik is a writer and a poet who ended up finding his way into the spirits world and founded Modern Bar Cart, a company whose mission is, "...to make great cocktails available to everyone." Eric and I talk about his education in writing and poetry, and how a roommate's "science experiment" turned into a new career. And although we only touch on audiobooks briefly, Eric does have some great advice for any entrepreneur: get comfortable being uncomfortable. All this and more over a Mezcal Negroni and a Ginger & Mary Ann! You can find Eric at https://www.modernbarcart.com and https://www.erickozlik.com, and on Instagram at @modernbarcart.

My returning guest tonight is Studio One and RX guru Don Baarns! Don and I talk about how the audiobook world has changed since he was my guest back on episode 20, from the influx of newer narrators since the pandemic hit to improvements in technology. Don also tells me about his Expert Ears service, a free service he provides to evaluate audio, and his Jumpstart programs for both PreSonus's Studio One and Izotope's RX. All this and more over some lemon-ginger echinacea juice and a SpongeBob RumPants! You can find Don online at https://redbaarnsaudio.com, and at his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/RedBaarnsAudio. His Jumpstart programs are available at https://s1jumpstart.com and https://rxjumpstart.com. Tonight's Speakeasy episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at http://squeakycheeseproductions.com. Tonight's episode is also brought to you by David Stever's Raven Rain, narrated by Bill Lord and coming to Audible soon!

My guest tonight is audiobook narrator and narration coach Christa Lewis! Christa tells me how a chance phone conversation with audiobook legend Debra Deyan led to a sudden career shift from reading the news in English in Germany to narrating audiobooks in L.A. Christa also describes her approach to narration coaching using some appropriately artistic alliteration. All this and much more over a Blue Moon Belgian White and a Delarosa! You can find Christa online at https://www.christalewis.com and https://www.christalewisaudiobooks.com, and on Twitter and Instagram at @LiquidBelles. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com. Tonight's chat is also brought to you by David Stever's Raven Rain, narrated by Bill Lord and coming to Audible in October 2020.

My guest tonight is founder and CEO of Twin Flames Studios Tina Dietz! Tina tells me how everything fell into place for a life-changing move to Costa Rica. And although she realized early on that audiobook narration was not going to be her strong suit, Tina tells me how her love of recording and interviewing starting at a very early age led to the different areas of focus of Twin Flames Studios. All this and much more over a Captain Picard and a Negroni! You can find Twin Flames Studios at https://twinflamesstudios.com, and Tina on Twitter at @TheTinaDietz. The Twin Flames roster that Tina mentions can be found at https://forms.gle/VL4qzdrkrD8Mwha17. Tonight's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com. Tonight's episode is also sponsored by David Stever's "Raven Rain," narrated by Bill Lord and coming to Audible in October, 2020. You can find Bill at https://www.nothingrhymeswithorange.us.

My guest tonight is NYT, WSJ, and Audible #1 best-selling author Lauren Blakely! Lauren tells me how she ended up in a career in journalism after majoring in art history, and how that eventually morphed into being a full-time author. Lauren goes on to describe her experiences getting almost all of her books (over 50 of them!) into audio, and the importance of being able to give a voice to characters who don't share your gender. All this and much more over some green tea and a Blue Moon! You can find Lauren at https://laurenblakely.com, and on Twitter at @LaurenBlakely3. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guest tonight is the founder of Elephant Audiobooks, Kenny Pappaconstantinou! Kenny tells me how an education in music production at Berklee College of Music eventually led him into audiobook production, and how he came to found Elephant Audiobooks. Kenny also describes the importance of getting your home studio set up correctly, and not rushing the audition process. All this and more over A Terrible Idea (that's an IPA, not a poorly constructed cocktail) and a Spiced Rum Coco Martini! You can find Elephant Audiobooks at https://elephantaudiobooks.com, and you can reach Kenny there at info@elephantaudiobooks.com. He's also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kennypmusic. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is being brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guest tonight is audiobook narrator and mentor Ann Richardson! Ann describes the culture shock of moving from idyllic farm country in Nebraska to the San Francisco Bay Area, and how the economic crisis of 2008 led to a career re-evaluation and a move into voiceover. Ann also tells me about the classes she teaches at Voice One in San Francisco, the mentoring she does with new narrators, and the importance of investing in training and equipment. All this over some Amarula and a Toronto Cocktail! You can find Ann at https://hersmoothvoice.com, on Twitter at @hersmoothvoice, and on Instagram (with Herbie!) at @ann_richardson_narrator. You can find information about her Voice One classes at https://www.voiceone.com. Tonight's Audiobook Speakeasy episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.

My guest tonight is audiobook post-production engineer Chrissy Farrell! Chrissy tells me how stage fright may have scuttled her on-air radio career aspirations, but the audio production skills she'd learned while pursuing her goals ended up landing her a job recording an audiobook. Chrissy then describes how that experience helped her land jobs at Audible Studios and then Hachette Book Group, what life is now like as an entrepreneur, and how she feels about some of the more "prickly" aspects of post-production, like breaths and pacing. All this and more over a Tart Deco Mangotango Sour IPA and a Brown Derby! You can find Chrissy on Twitter and Instagram at @nycradiogirl, and by email at chrissy.farrell@gmail.com. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com. 

My guests tonight are partners in narration (and life!) Ralph Scott and Kendra Murray! Ralph and Kendra tell me how they both eventually wound up in Petaluma, California, working on radio plays, and how their love of theater led to a very unique wedding experience. We also discuss their approach to dual and duet narration, and how technology has changed the dual/duet/full-cast narration landscape. All this and more over a Hemingway Special and a couple of Buzzers! You can find Ralph and Kendra, the sponsors of tonight's episode, at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com, on Twitter at @SQUEAKYCHEESEVO, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/squeakycheeseproductions.  

My guests tonight are Julie Wilson and Dan Zitt from Penguin Random House! Julie and Dan discuss the genesis and evolution of AHAB, one of the tools that PRH audiobook producers use for casting. They also discuss some of the changes to AHAB that were recently implemented, and talk about their vision for AHAB going forward. All this over a virgin Mojito, some Basil Hayden's bourbon, and a Soleil! You can find Julie on Twitter and Instagram at @JuliannaNWilson, and you can find Dan at http://www.danzitt.com and on Twitter at @RealDanZitt. Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.

My guest tonight is Jane Love, one of two chief negotiators of audiobook contracts with SAG-AFTRA! Jane tells me about how she ended up in a long and happy career with SAG-AFTRA instead of the career in journalism she'd planned. We then discuss how the union came to be more active in the audiobook world, and some of the benefits of union membership. All this over a Gold Rush and some water -- that's replaced with a Quarantine Cooler immediately after the interview! You can find information about SAG-AFTRA at https://www.sagaftra.org, and about the union's health insurance plans at https://www.sagaftraplans.org. And you can contact Jane directly at jane.love@sagaftra.org. Tonight's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com. 

My guest tonight is audiobook narrator and business coach Emily Lawrence! Emily describes her pivot late in her college career from stage to film/tv acting, followed quickly by a pivot into audiobooks. Emily and I also discuss the changes she's seen on ACX over the years, her audiobook business coaching, and how LARPing resulted in Cardinal Richelieu marrying a ninja assassin. All this and more over a Perfect Martini and some cool, clear water. You can find Emily online at https://www.emilylawrence.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/emilylawrence.actor, and on Twitter at @EmilyLawr. Tonight's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.

My guest tonight is audio producer extraordinaire "Uncle Roy" Yokelson! Uncle Roy tells me how sound has always been a passion of his, and how he made that passion a career when he got into music and other audio production. Roy also talks about what to look for in a good voiceover demo producer, and what his process is for creating a "killer demo." All this and more over an Egg Cream and a Salty Dog! You can find Uncle Roy at http://www.antlandproductions.com and on Twitter at @antland.

Joining me in the Speakeasy tonight is long-time narrator Oliver Wyman! Oliver tells me about getting into both voice acting in general and audiobooks specifically after meeting Paul Alan Ruben (a guest here in the Speakeasy back on episode 38), and shares some of his favorite books and characters from 20 years of narrating audiobooks. Ollie also talks about how great it is to get completely emotionally attached to the story you're telling, and explains why sometimes it's important to just "let the sentence go." All this and more over a whiskey sour and a caipirinha! You can find Oliver on Twitter at @MrKawfy, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mrkawfy. Tonight's Audiobook Speakeasy chat is being brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guest tonight is audiobook engineer Michael J. Kinsey! Michael describes how important the drums were to him growing up, and how his experience digitizing music tapes helped open the door to audiobook engineering at Recording For The Blind And Dyslexic (now Learning Ally). Michael also talks about his approach to mastering an audiobook, and how important it is to get recording levels (not to mention your recording environment) right. All this over a shot of Patron tequila and a Tropical Lifesaver! You can find Michael on Twitter at @VOCommunity, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/michael.kinsey.2112, and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-kinsey2112/. Tonight's Audiobook Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

I'm joined tonight by actor, audiobook narrator, and narration coach Helen Lloyd! Helen talks about her early years as an actor and how she found her way into the audiobook world. Helen then describes her experience as Bee Audio's "UK Voice Wrangler," and how that eventually led to her coaching practice. And she does the entire interview with a British accent! All this and more over some Earl Grey tea, an elderflower and pressed pear cordial, and a Fancy Free! You can find Helen online at https://www.helenlloydaudio.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenlloydaudio/, and on Twitter and Instagram at @helenlloydaudio.  Tonight's Speakeasy chat is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.

Tonight I'm joined by audiobook narrator and acting, narration, and career coach Elise Arsenault! Elise tells me about her acting journey, from George Mason University through Missoula Children's Theater, Washington, D. C., and regional theater in Boston. Elise then describes how audiobooks entered into her career mix, and explains her Power Group coaching process. All this and more over some Lenore Syrah and a Smoky Nail! You can find Elise at http://www.elisearsenault.com and https://www.theglobalactor.com; on Twitter at @eliseacts; and on Instagram at @elisearsenault.actor. You can find the Global Actor Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/globalactors/. Tonight's episode is being brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com. 

Tonight I'm speaking with my first returning guest, Steven Jay Cohen! I spoke with Steven back in episode 14 about his journey as a narrator and the founder of Listen 2 A Book, which became Spoken Realms. Tonight, we take a deep dive into the roots of Spoken Realms, what's been happening there lately, and what's on the horizon. Steven goes into details about how technology is affecting the audiobook landscape, and about the importance of following directions when applying to work with Spoken Realms -- and any other audiobook producers. All this over a vanilla porter and an Old Fashioned! You can find Steven at https://www.stevenjaycohen.com, and Spoken Realms at https://www.spokenrealms.com. Tonight's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guest tonight is lawyer, author, and audiobook producer and director Jessica Kaye! Jessica tells me how and why she got into the legal profession, and how it eventually led her to the audiobook world. Jessica also talks about what's in her book, The Guide to Publishing Audiobooks, and about the importance of audiobook-specific training for narrators. All this and more over some Cocobon red wine (a red blend that you can't see through!) and a Gibson! You can find Jessica online at http://kayemills.com and http://bighappyfamilyaudio.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jessicakaye and https://www.facebook.com/BigHappyFamilyAudio/, on Twitter at @jessicakayeesq, and on Instagram at @jessicak424. Tonight's episode brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions. On the cutting wedge, and on the web at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guest tonight is grammy-award winning audiobook producer John McElroy! John talks about his start in the audiobook industry abridging books (back when that was far more common than it is today), how he founded the Gashouse Production Company, and how that morphed into Eljin Productions 10 years ago. John also describes a typical production at Eljin, and shares his vision for Erggo, a publicly accessible database of audiobook narrators. All this over a König Pilsener and a Barracuda! You can find John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcelroy-1417413, and you can reach him via email at support@erggo.us. Tonight's Speakeasy chat brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions. They're on the cutting wedge, and you can find them at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guests tonight have performed many dual narrations together: Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber, romance narrators extraordinaire! Erin and Zach share their stories about getting into audiobooks, and the romance genre specifically. They also describe their process for producing great dual narrations, and share their thoughts on what narrators can focus on when diving into this more and more common approach to audiobooks in the romance genre that shift POV between the main characters. All this and more over a glass of 19 Crimes Cabernet, a coconut water, and a Scotch and soda! You can find Erin on Twitter at @ErinMallon and on Facebook at erinmallon. You can find Zach on Twitter at @ZacharyWebber and on Facebook at zacharywebber. Tonight's episode brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions, on the web at http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.

My guest tonight is this year's Audie winner for Best Female Narrator, Julia Whelan! Julia talks about growing up as a child actor on television and learning how fast the acting landscape changes when you take four years off to get an education. Julia also describes her very serendipitous entry into the audiobook world, and how important it is to take risks. All this and more over a Last Word and a Monte Carlo! You can find Julia on Twitter and Instagram at @justjuliawhelan. This week's episode is brought to you by Squeaky Cheese Productions: http://www.squeakycheeseproductions.com.  

My guest tonight is heading up the new Audio Division at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Tommy Harron! After a brief discussion of beer and Lambrusco, Tommy describes how his musical career led him to a job at Talking Books, then Hachette, and finally HMH to lead the newly created Audio Division. Tommy and I then talk about the progress they've made at HMH Audio and how a typical production progresses. All this over a cup of tea and some Writer's Tears Irish Whiskey! You can find Tommy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyharron/. 

My guest tonight is Earphones award-winning narrator James Patrick Cronin! James tells me about being a child actor and his subsequent education in both acting and philosophy (not to mention his whiskey education, being an Irish citizen and having lived for one year in Edinburgh and seven years in Kentucky). James also talks about his choice to use a pseudonym, why using a pseudonym carries no negative connotations in this industry, and how important it is to make a decision about a pseudonym as early in your career as possible. All this and more over a grapefruit Stiegl Radler and a Gin Sling! You can find James on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JamesPatrickCronin/ and on Twitter at @JamesPCronin. 

My guest tonight is the Studio Services Coordinator at Blackstone Audio, Jesse Bickford! Jesse and I talk about how she wound up in Southern Oregon and eventually started working at Blackstone Audio. Jesse goes on to describe all of the different responsibilities she's had at Blackstone, including proofing, casting, and... just about everything else! All this and more, over a glass of Druid's Fluid and a Dirty Old Man! You can find Jesse on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jesse.bickford.7 and you can reach her via email at jesse.bickford@blackstoneaudio.com. 

Tonight I'm joined by voice actor and audiobook narrator Sean Crisden! Sean and I discuss his ten years of narrating audiobooks, primarily in the romance genre, and how audiobook narration fits into his voiceover business, which includes commercial, e-learning, and video game work. Sean also has lots of great advice for narrators who may want to branch out into other areas of VO work (spoiler alert: building relationships is important in other VO areas as well!), and describes his SPORTH method for keeping your business on track. All this over an enormous jug of water and a Death In The Gulf Stream! You can find Sean at http://seancrisden.com, on Twitter at @seancrisden, and by email at crisden@seancrisden.com.

My guest tonight is prolific audiobook narrator and VO coach Khristine Hvam! Khristine describes how she got into animation and later audiobooks, with some great stories that illustrate how important it is to always present yourself professionally. Khristine also tells me all about producing the first full-cast musical audiobook, and her approach to VO and audiobook coaching. All this over a lemon-lime club soda and a Tequila Cocktail! You can find Khristine at https://hvamaudio.com, on Twitter at @KhristineHvam, and on Instagram at @hvamaudio. 

My guest this evening is John Marshall Cheary, founder and CEO of John Marshall Media! After John and I wax a bit poetic about gins and tonics, he tells me about his early years as an aspiring drummer and how his musical roots led him into audio engineering. John goes on to describe the role that John Marshall Media plays in an audiobook production and how a production goes from start to finish, then offers some very good advice for narrators -- and entrepreneurs of any stripe. All this over a Gin Rickey and a Diet Coke! You can find John at https://www.johnmarshallmedia.com and on Twitter at @johnmarshallmed.

Tonight's guest is the founder of both Christian Audio and Verity Audio Productions, Cory Verner! Cory talks about being the driving force behind Christian Audio from its inception in 2003 until very recently, and what role Verity Audio Productions played in his business plan. Cory and I also discuss several aspects of entrepreneurship that affect all entrepreneurs, including narrators. All this over a Tomac Collins and... the hope of a drink after a long work day. You can find Cory on LinkedIn, and at both cory@verityproductions.com and coryverner@gmail.com.

My guest tonight is book blogger and audiobook power listener Brian Krespan! Brian describes how he got into blogging about beer and books, and how R. C. Bray's narration of The Martian turned him into an audiobook lover (last year he listened to over 100 audiobooks!). Then Brian shares his thoughts about what works -- and what doesn't -- in the audiobooks he listens to. All this over a Dark 'n' Stormy and some Longbranch bourbon! You can find Brian at https://briansbookblog.com, and on Twitter at @brians_books.