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 Your Head!"  Thanks for following, I appreciate you.  - JohnSend us a Text Message.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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 a Text Message.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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 platform.  Hope to see you there!  - JohnSend us a Text Message.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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 a Text Message.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 a Text Message.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 guitarist is endorsing a deal that's too good to be true, and in fact, is fraudulent.  Hang on tight, folks! Send us a Text Message.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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 a Text Message.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 the horizon...Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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.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!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.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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 almost ran into at an LA studio, and if your name happens to be Kyle...you'll especially want to listen to the end of the ride!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

"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, John drops a spoon.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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?  Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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, and a couple of very fine authors who write within it.Link to 2024 Audie Awards® winners page:https://www.audiopub.org/2024audieawards-winnersVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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 expect...or likely want. Watch video of the show at AudiobookTrail.com, or on YouTube!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

"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.  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!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.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.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

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.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 always golden?Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

John is ill this week, but the show must go on!  So here's an encore presentation from March, 2023 to tide us over until we're in fighting shape again.  But the news isn't all bad...the Trail has new listeners from a new, faraway place! Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

So long, 2023 - today, in this year-end finale, John looks back on what's been a wild year of change in entertainment in general, and in audiobooks in particular.  Plus, he'll announce a new feature for next year's Trail that you'll like.  You ought to...it was your idea.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

In our first Christmas episode, John shares a few audiobook titles that might enhance your season - and then presents a special gift just for you. Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

John came across an interesting social media post from a popular author that warns her peers that the A.I. apple is "poison."  He talks in depth about it today.  Also, an Audiobook Trail holiday scam alert!  And from the Dear John mailbag, he answers a letter about baseball's newest richest man.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Making sure it's right - that's what proofing an audiobook recording is all about.  On today's ride, John talks a bit about this very important part of the audiobook lifecycle.  Also, this week saw an historic goodbye Kiss in New York...but was it REALly?  The line between modern technology and entertainment continues to vanish, and John shares his thoughts.  And those of Captain Kirk, of course.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week John talks about the thrilling and mind-boggling concept of...air.  We need to breathe it...and we need to live within it.  We'll explore a couple of issues pertaining to the recording space, and some practical tips to stay fresh and cool.  Plus an article for M.I.T. - or is that M. AI. T?Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

On this special Thanksgiving edition on the Trail, John shares why this oft glossed-over holiday is so important to him - both personally and professionally.  He'll share a personal story of how being thankful lifted him out of a bad narration slump, and finally shares a fun and meaningful tradition of his own to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Plus, a listener asks John whether he hosts any other podcasts.  Hmmm...Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week John presents a cool and simple exercise for audiobook character performance.  Be bold!  Be different!  Be weird?  Later, he reacts to the ending of the SAG-AFTRA strike, and shares comments from a well-known performer who is educated in computer science - and she isn't enthusiastic about the strike-ending deal.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Is resistance to A.I. in art futile?  Imagine going to see a motion picture that you yourself are in - and then witnessing yourself doing things that you actually didn't do.  One A-list actor recently experienced just that, and has something to say about it.  Also, John discusses a recent beta program involving an offer that many authors just might not be able to refuse.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Mail call!  This week John answers more emails: from how to earn the Audiobook Narrator merit badge, to an insatiable desire for audiobook consumption.  Plus, we'll talk World Series baseball, and - if you listen very closely - you may find out why John and Batman have never been seen together in the same room at the same time...Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

In business, a unique, scoped, and attractive brand is crucial.  On this ride down the Trail, John cites a couple of branding examples and outlines how to apply branding principles to your narration business.  Also in news - does Big Tech have your back?  Plus, a big diamond investment is paying off. Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

"Let's see what this baby can do!"  Today, John explores the basics of the all-important demo.  What it is, what it should be, and what it should never, ever be.  Also, more news about computers pretending to be people - and the Trail breaks into a new continent!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week John clears off his desk by answering a few of your Dear John letters!  Recording software...demos...royalties...the Braves...it's all here, driven by you!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

There are very scary-smart people that spend their lives studying the science of acoustics.  John isn't one of them, and thankfully, he doesn't have to be.  On this ride down the Trail, he talks simply about the acoustics that the audiobook narrator must deal with - and how to do it.  Also, the horrors of waterslides, and the rudeness of voicemails.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

What do colors sound like?  Weird question - but one of many that the narrator must consider when dealing with a story's setting.  Today John explores a couple of types of setting, and shares some tips on overcoming the lack of visuals in an audiobook - plus the one truth that the narrator must not miss in the process.  And in News...could the writers' strike be over?   Plus he shares a Dear John letter about money and chemistry.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

"You can't handle the truth!"  "You complete me."  These iconic scenes and performances are burned into our minds and hearts, and they influence us.  But is it ok for the narrator to borrow from great performers?  When is it stealing?  John gives some advice on how to sort it all out, and a simple technique from the wings of the theatre that adds clarity to it all.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Sometimes narrators book projects back to back - but if not, what about the gaps?  John offers five tips on how to stay productive between audiobooks.  Also, in news: the SAG-AFTRA strike is spreading into video games and their voice actors.  What does this mean for audiobooks?  Plus we'll make a (very) brief visit to "Dr. ChatGPT."Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

You've probably heard it yourself...John needs a break!  This week, we present some of our favorite moments from the first 27 chapters of the show!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

An actor is playing "pretend," and unless we're pretending to be a statue, we have to move!  But in the space of the audiobook booth, where pristine sound is king, how is that possible?  John shares some techniques that might help.  Also, he takes the occasion of a Dear John letter to unburden himself.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

John loves boxing...but we're talking about something different here!  Punch-and-roll recording.  What is it?  We'll take a look starting with John's first experience with it, in 1989!  Plus an A.I. news update, and a heartfelt farewell to a wonderful voice actor gone too soon.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

The ways narrators and/or producers are compensated in the audiobook world can be pretty complex - so today, John talks money!  How do narrators get it?  What's fair, and how do we even know?  Plus a new blooper reel, and one way that being a gambler at heart can factor into your decision-making.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This is no "happy accident!"  Today John gets his artist on with a lesson inspired by the late painter Bob Ross.  What can the iconic PBS dauber of "happy little trees" teach us about narration?  Plenty!  Plus, why good storytelling is not about words - and the one painting that John insists upon displaying in his home every winter - and why.  Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

"What if I have a character that yells in the book?" he shouted.  As pro narrators, we can't literally yell into our mics, so what do we do?  Today John shares a few techniques for getting loud without, well, getting loud.  Plus, a way that you *might* one day become a millionaire.  Might.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Do audiobook narrators have talent agents?  Do they need them?  Today, John explores the roles agents play in the narration world.  He also shares his personal experience with his former agent.  And in news...resistance is futile!  Petri dishes are playing Pong down under...and it's giving John the willies!Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week, John addresses a Dear John letter: union membership as an audiobook narrator.  What's the right move?  What are the issues to consider in making the decision to go union, or not?  Also, yet another somewhat horrifying AI update.Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Fiction is typically loaded with characters.  And often, they say things - in other words, they have a voice!  But how does the narrator keep track of them all throughout a long, winding tale?  Today's ride is all about keeping them straight and consistent - it might not be as tough as you think!  Plus, in News: You need to have skill to be a working writer, right?  Well, not everyone agrees - just wait until you hear why!  And John reveals some forward movement in a potential new non-AI work of fiction!  Visit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com