Good Aural -The Audiobook Podcast

Brenda
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Performing Arts

Good Aural is a podcast about what makes an audiobook work. Hosted by award winning narrator Brenda Scott Wlazlo, this podcast breaks down what actually makes a performance land. We cover everything from character and chemistry to pacing, prep, and the moments that make listeners stay. For narrators, actors, audiobook fans, and anyone curious about the industry, these short episodes are honest, practical, and rooted in real experience.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 18: Ethics and AI (A Creative Industry's Dilemma)

    Send us Fan Mail AI use is everywhere. But what does that mean exactly? Did someone use a tool to correct grammar? Did they have it look for redundancy in their writing or did they use it to create a cover, write AND narrate their book?  In this episode, I break down the current AI categories to know in publishing and outline ways that narrators can not just protect their performances, but their moral code, too.  Sources and show notes The Atlantic, “Is This What Comes After AI Slop?” — reporting on the disputed Daggermouth allegations, the unpublished study, Wolfe’s denial, and Simon & Schuster’s response.Pozotron, “Audiobook Proofing Service” and “Script Preparation” — the company’s descriptions of its AI-assisted proofing, preparation, and pickup tools.Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, “Content Guidelines: Artificial Intelligence Content” — definitions and disclosure requirements for AI-generated versus AI-assisted material.U.S. Copyright Office, “Copyright and Artificial Intelligence” and “Registration Guidance for Works Containing AI-Generated Material” — human-authorship and disclosure guidance.ACX, “Voice Replica Beta Help for Producers” — ACX’s description of voice replicas, narrator control, compensation, and product labeling.SAG-AFTRA, “No Contract, No Work Order for Audiobooks” — union restrictions concerning audiobook digital replicas and AI training.National Association of Voice Actors, “Synthetic Voice/AI Rider” — contractual resource for voice actors.Authors Guild, “AI-Related Model Publishing Contract Clauses” — model provisions covering AI narration, artwork, translation, and other publishing uses. Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  2. Jul 22

    Episode 17: The Duet Narration Disconnect (What Multicast Audiobooks Are Missing)

    Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m talking about the production problem behind duet narration, what audiobooks could learn from audio drama, and the small changes that could make these performances feel FAR more connected. I’m also asking what happens when the cheapest answer to the growing demand for multiple voices becomes AI. Duet narration does not just need two voices. It needs two people who sound like they are actually having the same conversation. Show Note Sources:  “He Said, She Said: Why Creators and Fans Love Dual and Duet Narration” — AudibleInterview with romance author and audio producer Lauren Blakely — AudioFile MagazineSoundbooth Theater FAQHistory of GraphicAudio“U.S. Audiobook Sales Grew 9% in 2025, to $2.43 Billion” — Publishers WeeklyNAVA fAIr Voices resourcesSAG-AFTRA audiobook digital-replica guidanceJulia Whelan on audiobook economics and Audiobrary — Associated PressWant to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  3. Jul 15

    Episode 16: Finding a Door Into Difficult Stories

    Send us Fan Mail If you're in this industry long enough, you'll get THAT book. That one that challenges your tongue and breath control, the one that didn't get the full editor pass, or the one where the characters and you just don't seem to click.  And I get it. It's hard to get passed. So in this episode we chat about ways to dig in deeper, shift your mindset and do the dang thing.  Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  4. Jul 2

    Episode 15: My Biggest Prediction About Audiobooks

    Send us Fan Mail Audiobooks are more popular than ever and that means that companies are going to compete to keep the consumer attention on THEIR platform. What does that have to do with us? A lot.  In this episode we deep dive into my predictions about the future of audiobook consumerism, the reasoning behind the current shift into streaming, and what we can do to make sure our names are at the top of future go to lists.  This one is my mark in the sand. Do you think I'm right? Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  5. Jun 24

    Episode 14: Ignoring Bad Reviews Is Not Good Advice

    Send us Fan Mail In today's internet landscape, just "Ignoring bad reviews" isn't a viable solution to engaging and building your community and brand online. So, what do we do? How do we wade through the trolls and criticism to create our online presence and be seen as the competent and compassionate audiobook professionals we are?  In this episode, I break down some steps we can take to protect our peace while noting that this is an ongoing conversation that needs more than just my voice talking about it.  So what do you think? How would you help navigate the judgemental voices while building your career?  Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  6. Jun 17

    Episode 13: That Growly Voice Is Hurting You (Why Pitch Is the Fastest Way to Break a Character Voice)

    Send us Fan Mail My social media feed has been filled with narrators showing off their deepest, growliest, most rumbling male voices. Some of them sound incredible. Buuuuuuut there’s a difference between a voice that sounds impressive for 30 seconds and a voice you can sustain through a ten-book series. In this episode, we’re talking about the anatomy behind your voice, the warning signs of vocal strain, and give you some game changing tools that will forever be featured in your MMCs.  Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  7. Jun 10

    Episode 12: Why Everyone Else Seems Ahead of You (And Why That’s Not True)

    Send us Fan Mail Feeling like everyone all of a suddenly took a masterclass in Canva while you slept?  Same. This week, I’m talking about the comparison trap, creative block, scarcity mindset, and what happens when watching everyone else succeed starts robbing you of your own momentum. From turning envy into useful information to creating a “proof file” for the days your brain conveniently forgets every accomplishment you’ve ever had, this is a conversation for anyone who’s feeling stuck, behind, or intimidated by everyone else’s polished chapter. Let’s stop scrolling and go make something. Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

  8. Jun 3

    Episode 11: Reading Between the Lines: Narrating Queer Romance

    Send us Fan Mail his week, I’m talking about queer romance in all it's history, subtext-y, glory. We cover the stories that had to be coded for generations, and the ways those roots still show up in the books we’re narrating today. From sapphic romance and power dynamics to acceptance, vulnerability, and the desire to be truly seen, we’re diving into some of the emotional undercurrents that can make queer stories feel different both on the page and behind the mic. And as always, we’ll bring it back to the craft because apparently I am physically incapable of not talking about audiobook narration. :) Want to keep in touch? Me, too!  Brenda Reads Audiobooks Linktree and Check out my website: Brendascottwlazlo.com For service inquiries, use the contact me form through my website.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Good Aural is a podcast about what makes an audiobook work. Hosted by award winning narrator Brenda Scott Wlazlo, this podcast breaks down what actually makes a performance land. We cover everything from character and chemistry to pacing, prep, and the moments that make listeners stay. For narrators, actors, audiobook fans, and anyone curious about the industry, these short episodes are honest, practical, and rooted in real experience.

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