Best Johnny Watts Podcasts (2024)

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THE NIGHT OF BABA YAGA by Akira Otani, Sam Bett [Trans.], read by Cindy Kay 7:20

3h ago7:20

7:20

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss this dramatic Japanese thriller from Akira Otani. Cindy Kay’s steely voice ensures the listener feels every bit of tension in this short and memorable audiobook. After Yoriko Shindo is kidnapped, she finds herself forced into working for an arm of the yakuza—she has to serve as the driver for Shok…

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Episode 48: Can You Learn Creativity? with Creative Director Chris McKenna 40:30

8h ago40:30

40:30

Is creativity something you’re born with, or can you learn it? In this episode, we talk with creative director and writer Chris McKenna about creativity as a skill that we can learn and practice. Chris is the founder of Wee Beastie, a creative agency based in Los Angeles. Part of his work with clients and organizations involves teaching people abou…

1
A SHORE THING by Joanna Lowell, read by Ros Watt 7:57

1h ago7:57

7:57

Ros Watt’s narration highlights all the charm of Joanna Lowell’s queer historical romance. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss a story set in Cornwall’s countryside, complete with a bicycle race, a botanist, and a rake. Kit Griffith is a dashing bicycle shop owner who left his old life behind, in which he belonged to a sisterhood of…

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THE UNDERMINING OF TWYLA AND FRANK by Megan Bannen, read by Nicol Zanzarella 7:52

1h ago7:52

7:52

Nicol Zanzarella brings heaps of charm to her narration of this engaging fantasy romance. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss the sequel to Megan Bannen’s THE UNDERTAKING OF HART AND MERCY. Twyla and Frank have been neighbors, then best friends, then partners in the Marshals, spending 8 years patrolling the dangerous Tanrian world t…

1
BURY YOUR GAYS by Chuck Tingle, read by André Santana, Charlie Jane Anders, CJ Leede, Georgia Bird, Liz Kerin, Mara Wilson, Mark Oshiro, Sarah Gailey, Stephen Graham Jones, T. Kingfisher, TJ Klune 8:14

4d ago8:14

8:14

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss how narrator André Santana skillfully performs Chuck Tingle’s thrilling Hollywood horror novel. Screenwriter Misha Byrne has just received an ultimatum from the studio executives — their algorithm says to kill off his beloved queer TV characters, or else. Misha refuses, and Santana captures Misha’…

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Interview with Author Lucy Strange 17:11

14h ago17:11

17:11

Author Lucy Strange joins host Michele Cobb for a conversation about Lucy’s award-winning audiobooks, which she narrates herself. Listen to their conversation to hear more about how Lucy’s background in acting and teaching influences her approach to storytelling, her experiences with narrating her own audiobooks and those by other authors, and what…

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THE UNWEDDING by Ally Condie, read by Christine Lakin 7:35

3h ago7:35

7:35

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss Ally Condie’s engaging mystery that’s just right for summer listening. Christine Lakin captures Ellery Wainwright’s unsteady state of mind so effectively that the tension in this mystery builds exponentially. Ellery finds herself alone at an exotic Big Sur resort after her husband leaves her. As she…

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Episode 47: Creative Spark Series - Creativity & Meaning Making 10:19

4h ago10:19

10:19

In this installment of our Creative Spark series, Melinda shares the connection between creativity and meaning making. We can use our creativity in service of healing, integration and wholeness. This may involve paying attention to our dreams, and to messages from our unconscious, and then conveying them through a variety of creative media. This ep…

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COMING HOME by Brittney Griner, Michelle Burford, read by Andia Winslow, Brittney Griner 8:07

5h ago8:07

8:07

Andia Winslow narrates WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner’s memoir, which has a strong focus on her imprisonment in Russia. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss Griner’s harrowing tale. Winslow’s delivery is outstanding; she recounts the fear and frustration that Griner went through and deftly projects Griner’s emotions every step of…

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THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB by Griffin Dunne, read by Griffin Dunne 8:00

12m ago8:00

8:00

Griffin Dunne’s narration of his memoir pairs a tender conversational tone with occasional moments of drama that embrace his gifts as a writer and actor. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss this engrossing listen chronicling Dunne’s life within an interesting family, sparing no details. Whether he’s telling stories of privileged, Holl…

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THE QUEEN OF FOURTEENTH STREET by Barrie Kreinik, read by Barrie Kreinik, Orlagh Cassidy, Imani Jade Powers, Elisabeth Rodgers, James Fouhey 7:58

3h ago7:58

7:58

A talented cast of voice actors, including playwright Barrie Kreinik, dazzles in this audio original. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss the story of Eva Le Gallienne, a queer actor and director who founded The Civic Repertory Theatre in 1926. Her work revolutionized theater, but she struggled to keep her creation going in the Depres…

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FIRE EXIT by Morgan Talty, read by Darrell Dennis 7:54

9h ago7:54

7:54

Darrell Dennis navigates this touching novel about a family in distress; it’s a gritty story about addiction, dementia, and obligations. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss this debut novel from the author of the short story collection NIGHT OF THE LIVING REZ. Charles Lamosway is a white man raised on Maine’s Penobscot reservation—an…

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Episode 46: Sharing Stories - Creativity & Podcasting with Reena Friedman Watts 46:31

5h ago46:31

46:31

Reena Friedman Watts is the host of the Better Call Daddy podcast, which features guests from all walks of life with stories to share. She got her start chasing stories at the Jerry Springer Show, and worked for Court TV before starting her own show. We discuss storytelling, creativity, and the art of podcasting, as well as religion and spiritualit…

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THE REAL EDUCATION OF TJ CROWLEY by Grant Overstake, May Wuthrich [Adapt.], read by Dani Martineck, Dion Graham, Tavia Gilbert, Johnny Heller, Shayna Small, Michael Crouch, Sheila Brown Kinnard, and ... 7:09

14d ago7:09

7:09

Grant Overstake’s audio drama details racial strife in Wichita, Kansas, in 1968. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss the full cast and fine production values. A seventh-grade boy’s life becomes upended when a Black family moves in next door. The narrators of this fraught coming-of-age story are excellent. The audio drama has moments …

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THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali, read by Mozhan Navabi, Nikki Massoud 6:54

1h ago6:54

6:54

Mozhan Navabi performs Marjan Kamali’s audiobook with the right tone and tempo. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss how this audiobook evokes the contemporary history of Tehran and Iran, from the 1950s to 1970s. Navabi captures the guilt-ridden Ellie, who is tormented by her past. Ellie’s best friend Homa, voiced with a younger sound…

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SOLDIER SAILOR by Claire Kilroy, read by Simone Collins 6:23

4h ago6:23

6:23

Claire Kilroy’s novel details a young mother’s fatigue, frustrations, and joys at raising a trying infant who becomes a willful toddler. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss this dramatic monologue on motherhood and marriage, narrated with an intimate and persuasive tone and lovely Irish lilt by Simone Collins. Her performance resonat…

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THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES by Nadina Galle, read by Eileen Stevens 7:18

9h ago7:18

7:18

Listeners will find much to learn in Nadina Galle’s audiobook. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss a study from the ecological engineer who coined the term Internet of Nature. Galle has a refreshingly positive and heretical assertion that nature and technology can be allied. Eileen Stevens earns high praise for her thoughtful, almost…

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In Conversation with Robert Petkoff, Golden Voice Narrator 45:14

1d ago45:14

45:14

Golden Voice narrator Robert Petkoff joins host Jo Reed to discuss his talented performances of hundreds of audiobooks, spanning a wide range of genres. Robert has brought to life everything from thrilling mysteries and science fiction epics to deeply researched nonfiction. He’s able to create distinct and memorable voices for each character, and h…

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Episode 45: Creative Spark Series - Giving and Receiving Feedback 15:27

2d ago15:27

15:27

In this installment of our Creative Spark mini-episodes, we discuss the art of giving and receiving feedback in the context of our creative work. It’s so important to ask for and receive feedback to polish our work into its final form. But sometimes this feedback can be hard to receive in the moment, or we may need to take some time to digest it be…

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ALL FOURS by Miranda July, read by Miranda July 9:36

2d ago9:36

9:36

Miranda July perfectly delivers the overanxious voice of her quirky, unnamed protagonist who realizes, too late, that she’s having a midlife crisis. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Winchester discuss this story of a solo drive across the country that turns into a bizarre stay in a motel close to home. That one decision sends the protagonist on …

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GAY THE PRAY AWAY by Natalie Naudus, read by Natalie Naudus 8:17

3d ago8:17

8:17

Earphones Award-winning narrator Natalie Naudus performs her debut young adult novel. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Winchester discuss how Naudus shines performing her own novel. Valerie Danners realizes two things almost at the same time: She’s probably bisexual, and she’s most definitely in a cult. Naudus’s performance captures Valerie’s te…

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HORROR MOVIE by Paul Tremblay, read by Ari Fliakos, Dani Martineck, Micky Shiloah, Michael Crouch, Frankie Corzo, Stacy Gonzalez, Tyla Collier, Ariel Blake, Johnathan McClain, Dan Bittner, Eva Kaminsky ... 8:03

24d ago8:03

8:03

Ari Fliakos and a full ensemble perform Paul Tremblay’s gripping story of movie making gone wrong. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Winchester talk about this suspenseful listen. “The Thin Kid,” performed by Ari Fliakos, played a pivotal role in a never-released indie horror movie filmed in the ’90s. Now, he’s been asked to reprise his role in t…

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HOUSEMATES by Emma Copley Eisenberg, read by Marin Ireland 7:49

5d ago7:49

7:49

Golden Voice narrator Marin Ireland performs Emma Copley Eisenberg’s debut novel, which features two queer artists. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Winchester discuss this heartfelt and delightful audiobook. Housemates Bernie and Leah set off on a road trip to capture the heart of Pennsylvania in photographs and words. While they travel across …

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OLIVETTI by Allie Millington, read by Christopher Gebauer, Simon Vance 8:00

8d ago8:00

8:00

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss a charming children’s story about Olivetti, a typewriter spilling his tapestry of tales in order to find his missing owner. Golden Voice Simon Vance brings a gentle, snarky tone to Olivetti as he dismisses books as “one-hit wonders” and the laptop as a “show-off.” Ernest is an angsty 12-year-old po…

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Episode 44: Conscious Facilitation & The Power of Presence with Jimmy Johnny Juste 41:38

9d ago41:38

41:38

Jimmy Johnny Juste leads groups and organizations through a process of conscious facilitation, helping them to resolve conflicts, navigate change, and embrace innovative solutions. At the core of his practice lies the liberation of self, employing diverse methods from somatic work to hypnosis and facilitative mediation. Facilitation, a transformati…

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IT HAD TO BE YOU by Mary Higgins Clark, Alafair Burke, read by January LaVoy 8:23

14d ago8:23

8:23

In the last of the Under Suspicion audiobooks, Golden Voice January LaVoy introduces listeners to the perfect family: Sara Richard Harrington and their twin sons. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this audiobook that begins with a flashback to the eve of the twins’ college graduation party. Before the party ends, Sara and Richard a…

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Ohmega Watts: Beats, Rhymes, and (hope amidst the trials of) Life. 1:21:26

10d ago1:21:26

1:21:26

Greetings beautiful people of planet earth! Ya boys are back at it with a heater of an episode! We were blessed to have the opportunity to chop it up with the multidisciplined homie Omega Watts. Many know of him as a producer, MC, and DJ. In addition to these talents he is also and independent art-director, graphic designer, photographer and of cou…

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THE COMFORT OF GHOSTS by Jacqueline Winspear, read by Orlagh Cassidy 8:01

10d ago8:01

8:01

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten say goodbye to Maisie Dobbs after 18 of Jacqueline Winspear’s mystery novels, narrated beautifully by Orlagh Cassidy. Listeners will appreciate the tender way the characters’ closing stories are treated. Cassidy's use of accents lends credibility to Winspear’s fully developed characters and well-researched…

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ONE OF OUR KIND by Nicola Yoon, read by Nicole Lewis 8:00

12d ago8:00

8:00

In an engrossing, well-characterized performance, Nicole Lewis captures the anguish and suspense in acclaimed YA author Nicola Yoon’s first adult novel. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this story of a fictional gated community of Liberty, California, hailed as a Black utopia. Jasmyn Williams assumes she and her husband, King, wil…

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OFF THE TRACKS by Pamela Mulloy, read by Jennifer Wigmore 7:46

12d ago7:46

7:46

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss an audiobook that explores the history and meaning of train travel. Canadian actor Jennifer Wigmore has a lovely narrating voice and a pleasing tone. She narrates in an informational yet personal style that fits this immersive and deeply researched meditation on the delights of watching the landsca…

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DEATH IN THE SPIRES by KJ Charles, read by Tom Lawrence 6:51

1M ago6:51

6:51

Listeners will be drawn into KJ Charles’s atmospheric and compelling historical mystery. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss this story of friendship—and betrayal. In 1895, Oxford University student Toby is murdered—and his close friends know that one of them must have done it. Ten years later, Jem sets out to solve the mystery that…

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Episode 43: Creative Spark Series - Time Management & Prioritizing Your Work 8:53

16d ago8:53

8:53

In this installment of our Creative Spark mini-episodes, we emphasize the importance of time management and prioritizing our creative work. Though we have a vision for a project, we may struggle with how to begin, or it may feel overwhelming. But if we break the process down into manageable goals, milestones, and tasks, we can move from start to fi…

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BIRDING WITH BENEFITS by Sarah T. Dubb, read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, Evan Sibley 8:29

16d ago8:29

8:29

Narrators Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Evan Sibley are a winning team in this charming romance. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Sarah T. Dubb’s story that’s a perfect mix of birding and falling in love. Mom and teacher Celeste is trying to find herself again after a divorce; John is a woodworker and amateur birder. Celeste is a compl…

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OCEAN'S GODORI by Elaine U. Cho, read by Judy Alice Lee 7:09

18d ago7:09

7:09

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss how Judy Alice Lee narrates this action-packed space opera with skill. Ocean is a talented pilot and wicked shot working for the Korean space agency on the OHNEUL. Her best friend Teo’s ease and flirtatiousness shine through in Lee’s narration, shifting into desperation when his ship comes under a…

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THE STARS TOO FONDLY by Emily Hamilton, read by Vico Ortiz 7:45

18d ago7:45

7:45

Vico Ortiz narrates a raucous space adventure rom-com with infectious energy. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss the fun and thrills of this lively story. It’s 2061, and Cleo and her three best friends—all scientists—sneak aboard to explore the neglected rocket PROVIDENCE I. Twenty years earlier, it failed to launch and its 203-per…

1
MIRRORED HEAVENS by Rebecca Roanhorse, read by Christian Barillas, Darrell Dennis, Cara Gee, Shyla Lefner, Nicole Lewis, Kairyn Potts, Shaun Taylor-Corbett 7:36

1M ago7:36

7:36

The Meridian’s clans are at war, and alliances are shifting dangerously in this dramatic conclusion to Rebecca Roanhorse’s trilogy, brought to life by an ensemble cast. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss how the narrators’ skilled performances slowly reveal the many entangled storylines. Shaun Taylor-Corbett skillfully portrays Ser…

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In Conversation with Kate Reading, Golden Voice Narrator 41:44

1M ago41:44

41:44

Golden Voice narrator Kate Reading joins host Jo Reed to discuss her career in audiobook narration. Her experience with audiobooks began with her first job at the Library of Congress’s Talking Books program, which gave her an education in audiobook narration. In their conversation, they discuss her process of narrating audiobooks, particularly the …

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Episode 42: Creativity and Depth Psychology - The Underworld Journey with Jennifer Leigh Selig 38:41

23d ago38:41

38:41

Our guest today is Jennifer Leigh Selig, author of the new book Deep Memoir, and founder of Mandorla Books, an award-winning boutique publisher. Our conversation explores creativity and depth psychology, which examines the deeper questions of life, meaning, and purpose. We discuss the proverbial underworld journey, or dark night of the soul, and ho…

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THE HEADMASTER by John McPhee, read by Edoardo Ballerini 8:21

1M ago8:21

8:21

Happily, another of John McPhee’s classics has been brought to life with this finely narrated audiobook. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss how Golden Voice narrator Edoardo Ballerini performs the work with care for the author’s eloquent descriptions of Deerfield, Massachusetts, as it evolves over the twentieth century—as does its l…

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THE BLACK BOX by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., read by Dominic Hoffman 7:46

1M ago7:46

7:46

Alan Minskoff tells host Jo Reed that what makes Golden Voice Dominic Hoffman such a fine narrator is the clarity of his delivery and his vocal agility. He sounds like he is inside Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s, brilliant mind, and he moves adroitly from the author’s knowing perspective to “signifying” in the style of African American folklore. Through …

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REDLINED by Linda Gartz, read by Robin Miles, Moe Egan 7:07

1M ago7:07

7:07

Golden Voice Robin Miles and Moe Egan do fine work narrating Linda Gartz’s revealing memoir of Chicago’s West Garfield Park and the author’s life, family, and experiences with race relations—especially during the 1960s. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss this story of family and policy. Egan voices the author and her timbre, tone, a…

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WITHIN ARM'S REACH by Ann Napolitano, read by Ray Porter, Marin Ireland, Gilli Messer, Kimberly Farr, Cassandra Campbell, Brittany Pressley, Ann Napolitano 6:57

2M ago6:57

6:57

A star-studded cast masterfully performs Ann Napolitano’s debut novel. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Alan Minskoff discuss this stellar audiobook that tells the story of generations of an Irish American family. It’s hard to limit praise to just a few of the half-dozen sparkling narrations. But Brittany Pressley as Gracie, the lost-soul writer who wo…

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Interview with Maia Kobabe and Nick Martorelli on GENDER QUEER 38:45

2M ago38:45

38:45

In today’s bonus episode, AudioFile’s Michele Cobb spoke with author Maia Kobabe and audiobook producer Nick Martorelli from Penguin Random House. It’s a special conversation about GENDER QUEER, Kobabe’s award-winning graphic memoir, and how they adapted it into a full cast audiobook production. GENDER QUEER is Kobabe’s very personal story about ge…

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MONA OF THE MANOR by Armistead Maupin, read by Mara Wilson 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

Mara Wilson offers an admirable performance in Armistead Maupin’s tenth book in the Tales of the City series. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss this lively murder mystery that revives Maupin’s series well known from its PBS and Netflix adaptations. Mona Ramsey hosts American tourists Rhonda and Ernie Blaylock at her grand country ho…

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Episode 41: Creative Spark Series - Creative Practice, Process & Product 8:16

1M ago8:16

8:16

In this installment of our Creative Spark series of bite-size, mini-episodes, Melinda & Charlotte explore the distinctions between our creative practice, process, and products, and how this can help us in bringing our creative work into the world. When working with clients, we find it helpful to look at our creative work through each of these lense…

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FI by Alexandra Fuller, read by Alexandra Fuller 7:59

2M ago7:59

7:59

In this memoir of the unexpected death of her son, Fi, Alexandra Fuller pulls off quite a feat by simultaneously filling her voice with both life and loss. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss Fuller’s impressive narration, which has warmth and bite at the appropriate moments. Fuller grew up in Zimbabwe, and her rich, warm voice contai…

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LOVERS AT THE MUSEUM by Isabel Allende, read by Nicholas Boulton 7:31

2M ago7:31

7:31

Golden Voice Nicholas Boulton delights in Isabel Allende’s short story of passionate lovers. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss listening to this audiobook about a runaway bride who wakes up in Spain’s Guggenheim Museum wearing her wedding dress, in the arms of a stranger. The story is told from the perspective of a detective who is …

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HOW TO READ A BOOK by Monica Wood, read by Eileen Stevens 7:25

2M ago7:25

7:25

Eileen Stevens’s openhearted performance will warm listeners to the core and inspire a sense of true goodness in the world. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss Monica Wood’s newest audiobook, which tells a story of second chances. Violet Powell is determined to make the most of her time now that she’s out of prison and building a new …

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In Conversation with Dominic Hoffman, Golden Voice Narrator 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

Dominic Hoffman joins host Jo Reed to tell listeners about his career in acting and in audiobook narration and being named a 2024 Golden Voice narrator. Dominic tells Jo about how his experience on stage informs his audiobook narration, and the unique challenges of serving both the author’s intent and the audience’s listening experience. They discu…

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Episode 40: Creating a Culture of Innovation with Stephanie Crain and Shaniqua Brown 42:34

1M ago42:34

42:34

This episode is a co-release with From Illumination to Innovation Podcast (Episode 4) with Stephanie Crain and Shaniqua Brown, where I was a guest discussing creativity and leadership in organizational contexts, and how best to foster cultures of innovation. We discuss the Syncreate model of Play, Plan & Produce, as well as how companies that value…

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