Audiobook Connection - Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams

AC-T-280 Crafting Your Audiobook Listener's Experience

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist discusses how, and why, it is important to cater your audiobook to the ears of your listeners. Some things mentioned are deciding how often to use sound effects, what type of music to include, and using multiple voices to enhance the uniqueness of your audiobook and to craft an experience that your audience will want to listen to again and again.
 
This episode will appeal to authors interested in drawing listeners into their stories through the powerful medium of audiobooks.
#AudiobookProduction #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #NarrationTips #BookMarketing #AudiobookIndustry #ProAudioVoices #AmplifyAudiobooks #PublishingSuccess

AC-I-279 Interview with Dan Flanigan - Changing Directions with an Audiobook

Join host Becky Parker Geist for a behind-the-scenes chat with Dan Flanagan, attorney and author of An American Tragedy and Dew Drops. Dan shares his journey from law to storytelling, the power of authentic dialogue, and how his Peter O’Keeffe detective series tackles justice, redemption, and human flaws.
Discover how An American Tragedy evolved into a multi-voice audiobook and why Dew Drops—originally a play—resonates as a poignant audio experience. Dan also reveals the real-life inspiration behind his gripping tales, including the 1980s "Satanic Panic."
 
#AudiobookProduction #AudiobookNarration #BookPodcast #AudiobookMarketing #BookMarketing #Storytelling
 

AC-I-278 Interview with Gary F. Bengier (full cast audiobook)

From Silicon Valley innovator to award-winning novelist, Gary's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With a background in astrophysics and a passion for the philosophy of mind and consciousness, Gary crafts stories that fuse hard science with human emotion, delivering gripping tales that stay with you long after the final page. Unfettered Journey, Gary's debut novel, dazzled readers and earned 14 prestigious book awards. Its prequel, Journey to 2125, blends cutting-edge AI predictions, family drama, and societal challenges. Experience Journey to 2125 via the full cast audiobook production. With characters brought to life by professional voice actors, listeners will be swept into Max Macgyver's story as he unveils secrets spanning three generations. Named a Publishers Weekly Editors' Pick, this must-listen audiobook is already generating buzz for its exceptional quality.
Learn more at https://garyfbengier.com/

AC-T-277 Leveraging a Podcast to Achieve Your Goals

Host Becky Parker Geist dives into the powerful ways a podcast can help you achieve your goals—whether you're an author, entrepreneur, or industry leader. In this episode, discover how to:
Share your expertise and establish credibility in your field.
Expand your network by interviewing guests and building valuable relationships.
Grow your platform with consistent, engaging content that attracts a loyal audience.
Monetize your podcast through sponsorships, ads, Patreon, and promoting your own products or services.
Becky also shares practical tips on making guest interviews work for you, why consistency matters, and how to avoid common monetization pitfalls. Whether you're launching a new podcast or looking to maximize your existing one, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
 
#PodcastMarketing #MonetizeYourPodcast #AuthorPlatform #AudiobookMarketing #PodcastGrowth #PodcastInterviews #ProAudioVoices #ContentMarketing #PodcastTips #AudiobookProduction

AC-T-276 Engaging with Your Audiobook Audience

In this episode of the AC Podcast, host Becky Barker helps authors adapt their mindset to thinking from the point of view of their listeners. She covers how to connect with their interests, develop a global audience, and craft stories that create a positive community. She also covers how AMPlify Audiobooks can help authors get their stories and messages to people across the world in a way that has a meaningful impact.

AC-I- 275 Interview with Psychologist Bonnie Comfort (memoir)

In this latest episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author and psychologist Bonnie Comfort to explore her deeply personal memoir, Staying Married is the Hardest Part. They discuss the complexities of long-term relationships, power dynamics, intimacy, and the unique challenges women face in balancing self-worth and love. Bonnie shares insights from both her personal journey and professional expertise, shedding light on boundaries, empowerment, and emotional truth. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes details about the audiobook production and what surprised her most during the process.

AC-T-274 An Executive Conversation about AI Concerns

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with fellow Pro Audio Voices executive team members Jerrilee Geist and Emily Busbee for an open discussion on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the company’s strategy and operations. From innovation opportunities to ethical considerations, each leader shares their perspective on how AI is shaping the future of audiobooks.
 
Tune in for a candid and insightful look at what’s next for Pro Audio Voices and the industry at large.

AC-I-273 The Copyright Detective - Music and Lyrics Issues

Host Becky Parker Geist sits down with Dr. C. Daniel Miller, a copyright specialist and publishing consultant, to tackle the complex world of copyright law, AI-generated content, and audiobook production.
In this episode, we dive into:
Copyright basics—what authors and producers need to know about using music, lyrics, and other copyrighted material in audiobooks.
The challenges of securing permissions—why tracking down rights holders can be a lengthy (and expensive) process.
AI’s impact on creativity and copyright—can AI-generated content be copyrighted? How does fair use apply?
Ethical considerations—should authors disclose AI-assisted or AI-generated content? What are the risks of unintentional infringement?
The future of AI and publishing—how platforms like Amazon are handling AI content, and why transparency matters.
Dan also shares insights from the U.S. Copyright Office’s latest rulings, ongoing lawsuits against AI platforms, and practical advice for authors navigating this evolving landscape. Whether you’re an author, narrator, or producer, this episode is packed with essential knowledge to help you protect your work and avoid legal pitfalls.

AC-I-272 Behind the Scenes of Muddy the Water: A Sibling Duo's Crime Thriller Journey

In this captivating episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with sibling authors Jessica Beebe and Matt Barrows to explore the behind-the-scenes story of their gripping crime thriller, Muddy the Water. What began as a decades-old idea from Matt—sparked by a spooky drive to a small South Carolina newspaper—evolved into a suspense-filled novel brought to life by both siblings during the pandemic.
Listeners will hear how a real-life job in journalism inspired a fictional identity theft, how a shrimp-boat-captain-coroner shaped crucial plot details, and how Jess and Matt navigated everything from sibling squabbles to bird species accuracy. With alternating perspectives of a cunning fugitive, determined detective, and ambitious young reporter, Muddy the Water is not only a tightly plotted thriller but a deep dive into the theme of identity—and whether anyone ever truly reveals their real self.
Plus, discover the creative process behind the audiobook, narrated from three unique points of view, and their dream of adapting the story into a television series. It's a lively, funny, and inspiring look at family collaboration, creative persistence, and the unexpected paths stories take to find their voice.
🎙️ Listen here to Muddy the Water on AMPlify Audiobooks. 

AC-T-271 Stop Selling Books?

In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist takes you on a journey beyond the traditional audiobook studio. She shares powerful lessons from seasoned publishing expert Brian Judd, including fresh strategies for audiobook marketing and bulk sales. Learn why you should stop focusing on selling books and start thinking about delivering meaningful experiences to your audience. Discover how targeting niche markets—from pet stores to travel gear shops—can create new opportunities for your audiobook sales. Plus, find out how Amplify Audiobooks is teaming up with Judd’s bulk sales system to help authors reach wider audiences through nontraditional distribution channels.
Whether you're an author, narrator, or audiobook producer, this episode is packed with practical marketing tips and inspiration to amplify your reach.