The Audiobook Trail

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!  - ...

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&apos...

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...

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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.

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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.

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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, a...

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.

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"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.

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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?  

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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 ...

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. 

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