Welp Magazine includes Audiobook Connection podcast in Top 20
Welp Magazine has curated a list of the best 20 post production podcasts of 2021, and the Pro Audio Voices podcast Audiobook Connection made the list. If you’re an author in the audiobook world, you may want to check out that list to find other podcasts of interest. For example, Podcast Method dives deeper into the technical details of podcasting that we cover on Audiobook Connection. Podcasting is a great way to further leverage your audiobook content, so if you’re considering starting a podcast, check out Dan Benjamin’s podcast as well as the episodes about podcasting on Audiobook Connection.
Welp Magazine also curates podcasts in other topics that may be of interest. Check it out! We’d appreciate a share from that page to spread the word about Audiobook Connection!
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
AC-T-301 Why it Matters Who’s in Control
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!
AC-I-302 Interview with Patrick McLaughlin, Author of Cheerful Obedience
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.
AC-I-303 Interview with Mike Mirabella, Author and Songwriter of the Carla Stories Series
In this episode, Becky welcomes Mike Mirabella, author and songwriter of the Carla Stories series—including Sister Butterfly, I Used to Be Shy, and Special People—as well as On the Luck of an Irish Sailor.
Mike shares his personal journey into writing and the life experiences that inspired him to create stories centered on compassion, understanding, and inclusion. He discusses the motivations behind his books, the meaning behind their titles, and the social and emotional issues they address—particularly the importance of empathy, self-acceptance, and celebrating what makes each person unique.
Throughout the conversation, Mike reflects on the impact he hopes his stories will have on readers of all ages, especially children and families navigating conversations about difference, kindness, and belonging. He explains how storytelling can open hearts, foster understanding, and encourage readers to see the world—and each other—with greater compassion.
AC-T-304 Being the Light in Dark Times
In this short holiday episode of Audiobook Connection: Behind the Scenes with the Creative Teams, I pause to give thanks to the incredible authors, publishers, narrators, engineers, and creative professionals I have the privilege of working with, as well as to you—the listeners who support and sustain this work.
Inspired by the winter solstice, I reflect on the balance between darkness and light, and how our choices, our creativity, and our support of independent artists and platforms help us build a more connected and humane creative economy. This episode is a simple invitation to look for the light, be the light, and share it with one another—during the holidays and beyond.
AC-T-305 Community – A New Years Message
Becky and Pro Audio Voices would like to welcome you to the new year with a reminder about the importance of communication, and how you will be impacted when communication intersects with community and audiobooks. As certain aspects of media and technology continue to promote divisive content, let's all focus on coming together to try to understand each other without pre-judging, which will help build our communities and pave the way for our younger generation to develop the beneficial skills of effective communication.
AC-I-306 Full Cast YA – An Interview with author Edward James (The Duras Kingdom)
In this episode Becky welcomes Edward L. James, author of The Duras Kingdom.
Edward shares his personal journey as a writer, reflecting on his background, early influences, and what ultimately led him to create The Duras Kingdom. He discusses the deeper themes and conflicts at the heart of the story, why those issues matter to him, and the impact he hopes the book will have on readers.
The conversation also dives into the audiobook production process, with Edward explaining why he chose a full-cast audiobook.
In the closing segment, Edward talks about his aspirations for the book moving forward, how listeners can connect with him and his work, and why platforms like AMPlify Audiobooks play an important role in helping authors expand their reach and impact.
Whether you’re an author considering audio, a producer curious about full-cast productions, or a listener who loves immersive storytelling, this episode offers valuable insight into the creative and collaborative process behind a standout audiobook.
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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/
