Audiobook Connection
Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams
Host: Becky Parker Geist
Engaging conversations with Authors, Narrators, Post-production audio engineers, Marketing teams as well as audio book listeners and fans. Go behind the scenes with audiobook creators as host Becky Parker Geist guides the conversation to discover the surprises, victories and challenges in publishing and producing audiobooks. Ideal for indie authors, small publishers, audiobook fans, and anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes peek into the audiobook world – as well as authors and publishers looking for tips from the pros on production and marketing. Behind-the-scenes interviews with audiobook creators as well as audiobook production and marketing tips – with episodes every other week.
Podcast Episodes
This episode previews the new Amplify Audiobooks platform, designed to revolutionize the audiobook experience for narrators and authors. Learn how this platform fosters community, offers higher royalties, and provides unique marketing tools. Discover how narrators can engage with listeners, connect with authors, and leverage innovative features like real-time conversations and rich media integration.
Becky Parker Geist and her team walk through a mock-up of the new platform, demonstrate new features, and answer questions from narrators.
Recording from live session 3/9/26
For More Information visit https://proaudiovoices.com/amplify-audiobook-distribution/
Find audiobooks on AmplifyAudiobooks.com
AMPlify Audiobooks is introducing a new audiobook platform that prioritizes community and empowers authors with fair royalties and control. This innovative platform offers authors tools to build community around their audiobooks, podcasts, and eBooks. Key features include direct engagement with listeners through reflections, options for hosting events and book clubs, and marketing tools, such as rich media integration and discount codes. The platform aims to revolutionize the audiobook experience, fostering connections between authors, narrators, and listeners while providing a comprehensive marketing hub for authors to enhance their book's visibility. Becky Parker Geist and her team walk through a mock-up of the new platform, demonstrate new features, and answer questions from authors. Recording from live session 2/25/26
For More Information visit https://proaudiovoices.com/amplify-audiobook-distribution/
Find audiobooks on AmplifyAudiobooks.com
Click here to view the video on Youtube:
In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author Rory Surtain to explore the creative journey behind his urban fantasy novel Saintsville and its immersive full-cast audiobook production.
Rory shares how he made a bold career shift from decades in high tech to becoming a full-time novelist, writing across paranormal fantasy, science fantasy, and dystopian worlds. He talks candidly about finding his writing voice, developing story themes organically, and why emotional truth—not just world-building—is the thread that holds a story together.
The conversation dives deep into Rory’s writing process, including writing “by the seat of his pants,” rediscovering story momentum through revision, and letting inspiration strike when it’s least expected. Rory also unpacks the central themes of Saintsville, including identity, trauma, healing, and found family, all woven seamlessly into a dark yet deeply human urban fantasy set in a magical version of New Orleans.
Access the Saintsville audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks:
https://proaudiovoices.com/audiobooks/
In this episode of Audiobook Connection, Becky Parker Geist discusses the importance of committing to your audiobook project and making informed decisions to achieve your publishing goals. Learn why quality production is key and how to avoid common pitfalls such as AI narration. Becky shares insights on selecting the right narrator, pre-production planning, and strategic marketing, including press releases, social media, and awards.
Discover how to leverage platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks for higher royalties and greater control over your audiobook sales. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming features and community-building tools. Tune in for valuable tips on connecting with your audience, promoting your audiobook, and staying motivated throughout the process.
Dive behind the scenes of the multi-award-winning audiobook, The Legend of Valentine, as Becky sits down with author Sheldon Collins and sound designer Daryl Bolicek. Discover the intricate creative process, from weaving historical fact with mythic storytelling to crafting an immersive soundscape with a cast of 20 narrators. Explore the challenges of sound design, the art of collaboration, and the meticulous work that led to winning Best Audiobook Production and Best Sound Design by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS). Plus, get a sneak peek with a sample from the audiobook!
Access The Legend of Valentine audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks:
https://proaudiovoices.com/product/the-legend-of-valentine/
In this episode of Audiobook Connection, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with author and retired educator Lenore Hirsch to discuss her book Schooled: Confessions of a Rookie Vice Principal. Becky guides a candid conversation that explores both the story behind the book and the real-world experiences that inspired it.
Lenore shares her journey from the classroom to authorship, reflecting on her background, early interest in writing, and what led her to tell this powerful story. The discussion dives into the book’s central themes, including leadership, gender dynamics in school administration, and the challenges women face when navigating authority in male-dominated environments. Listeners will also learn more about the protagonist, the origins of key characters, and the deeper message Lenore hopes readers take away.
Whether you’re an educator, author, audiobook enthusiast, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers thoughtful insights, honest reflections, and inspiration.
Access Lenore’s audiobook through AMPlify Audiobooks. https://proaudiovoices.com/audiobooks/
Host Becky Parker Geist interviews author Allynn Riggs, the creative mind behind the Stone´s Blade series, an epic science fiction-fantasy saga. She delves into her creative process, the experience of selecting narrators for the audiobook, and the challenges of preserving character voices across the series. Allynn also shares how her love of music influenced her storytelling and why this project is so personally meaningful. Whether you're a fan of space operas, writing, or audiobook production, this episode provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the creation of an ambitious and imaginative series.
On this day when everyone is thinking about being thankful, host Becky Parker Geist takes a moment to express her gratitude for everyone who has offered kind words and support over the past year.
In today's episode, Becky discusses the topic of control - as it relates to audiobooks, and beyond. She reveals some ways (you may or may not know) that companies, such as Amazon, have their hands in EVERYTHING - from audiobook publishing to data storage - and why this is an issue. She breaks down how this can affect you personally, and in the bigger picture, the community. She also highlights some ways that authors and listeners can affordably protect the things that they create and are passionate about!
In this episode, Becky sits down with Patrick McLaughlin, award-winning author of Cheerful Obedience: A Novel, U.S. Army veteran, Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, and retired fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Patrick shares how his early life, military service, and career in law shaped his perspective as a storyteller. He reveals the inspirations behind his debut novel, how he chose the striking title Cheerful Obedience, and why he believes readers have connected so deeply with the book—earning it multiple national awards.
The conversation explores the themes at the heart of his work: moral duty, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of living with integrity. Patrick discusses the real-world issues his book addresses, the impact he hopes to create for readers, and what it means to bring authenticity and emotional truth into fiction.
Whether you’re a fan of character-driven fiction, military-inspired stories, or the craft of writing itself, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful conversation with an author whose life experience deeply informs his art.
Visit AMPlify Audiobooks to explore Cheerful Obedience and learn more about Patrick McLaughlin’s work.



