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.co…

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…

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.comBy John McLain

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 cour…

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 a Text Message. 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 a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.comBy John McLain

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 flatter…

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 …

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 …

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 ba…

"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…

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 a Text Mes…

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,…

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 …

"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 a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.aud…

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 a Text Message. 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 a Text Message. Visit o…

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 …

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 a Text Message. …

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 a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audio…

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 ab…

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! Send us a Text Message. 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. Send us a Text Message. 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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.comBy John McLain

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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://ww…

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 th…

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? Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http:…

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 list…

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. Send us a Text Message. Visit …

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 no…

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... Send us a Text Messa…

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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http…

"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! Send us a Text Message. 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! Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.comBy John McLain

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. S…

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…

"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 clarit…

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." Send us a Text Mess…

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! Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.comBy John McLain

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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! ht…

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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audiobooktrail.co…

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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://w…

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. Send us a…

"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. Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home! http://www.audio…

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! Send us a Text Message. Visit our online home!…

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. Send us a Text Message. 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 w…

John and Zeke take a long overdue couple of minutes together to review Taconic Distillery's Bottled-in-Bond release! Cheers! Want some DDB merch? Head over to www.dadsdrinkingbourbonstore.com Make sure to get your tickets for this year's Bourbon and Beyond by going to www.bourbonandbeyond.comBy Dads Drinking Bourbon

Blue Run has quickly made itself a force within the whiskey community. John sits down with Mike Montgomery, otherwise known as @ellasdadmike on Instagram, to talk about the origins of Blue Run, where they are now, and where they're going in the future. Cheers y'all! Want some DDB merch? Head over to www.dadsdrinkingbourbonstore.com Make sure to get…