Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine
1,485 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 119 ratingsFind your next great audiobook on our podcast, Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine. Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile Editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. All in 6 minutes or less. It’s short, sweet, and just what your ears need. Want more? Listen to our bonus episodes featuring conversations with the best voices in the audiobook industry.
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Episodes
FASHION CLIMBING by Bill Cunningham, Hilton Als [Preface], read by Arthur Morey
October 12, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesThis posthumous memoir from the beloved NEW YORK TIMES fashion photographer chronicles his early life as a milliner in New York City, long before he was capturing street style and covering high society. Arthur Morey’s performance brims with Cunningham’s enthusiasm, high spirits, and sweetness as he turns setbacks and deprivations into hilarious triumphs. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and Audi...
THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ by Heather Morris, read by Richard Armitage
October 11, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesThis portrait of Holocaust survivor Ludwig Sokolov, based on his own account revealed to the author, becomes a mesmerizing account for listeners. Sokolov was sent to Auschwitz in 1942 as a prisoner and assigned the role of tattooing Jewish prisoners. His spirit and courageous works to help other prisoners are captured. British narrator Richard Armitage (“The Hobbit,” “North and South”) will sweep listeners away with his emotional connection and powerful performance. Synchronicity Films has a ...
THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS by Pat Barker, read by Kristin Atherton, Michael Fox
October 10, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesBooker Prize-winning novelist Pat Barker, known for her powerful WWI history in the Regeneration trilogy, enters the world of reimagined myths. Homer’s ILIAD is the basis for this account of warriors gods and the women swept up in the conflict of the Greek and Trojans. A pair of British narrators, Kristin Atherton and Michael Fox, connect to this dramatic story and bring it home to listeners. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. ...
IN PIECES by Sally Field, read by Sally Field
October 09, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutesIn her first memoir, as she always has with her film and television work—from “Norma Rae” to “Gidget”—actress Sally Field connects to her audience with a strong sense of narrative voice. She gives a sensitive and earnest account of the obstacles and successes in her life, the abuse of her stepfather, and her relationship with the late Burt Reynolds—delivering it all with grace and honesty. Both the writing and delivery stand out in the genre of celebrity memoirs. For more free audiobook recom...
WASHINGTON BLACK by Esi Edugyan, read by Dion Graham
October 08, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesRoot for the unlikely heroes of this high adventure who escape by hot air balloon from an 1830s Caribbean plantation to the arctic plains of Canada. Narrator Dion Graham pulls out the stops to sweep listeners along with the eleven-year-old enslaved boy and his master. Beautiful, evocative writing has put this historical novel on the shortlist for the 2018 Man Booker Prize. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode a...
MEDITATION IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK by Jon Kabat-Zinn, read by Jon Kabat-Zinn
October 05, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesDiscover an enlightening explanation of what meditation is—and what it is not. Author and narrator Jon Kabat-Zinn uses quiet encouragement to reveal that mediation is simpler and more fluid that many expect, and therefore less intimidating. He tells listeners that meditation is about awareness of mind and emotions, but not the content of those thoughts and emotions. Kabat-Zinn has written and narrated audiobooks about mindful eating, mindfulness at work, and mindfulness for beginners. Listen ...
WORD WARRIOR by Sonja D. Williams, read by Robin Miles
October 04, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesGolden voice narrator Robin Miles narrates a biography of Richard Durham, an African-American radio broadcaster who was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Durham rose as an intellectual during a period when African-American writing was getting increased attention after WWII, and his story is good listening for history buffs. Robin Miles narrates with smooth transitions, and even sings out some of the spirituals featured in the story. For more free audiobook recommenda...
DON'T MAKE ME PULL OVER! by Richard Ratay, read by Jonathan Todd Ross
October 03, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesThe perfect listen for a road trip. Richard Ratay’s audiobook looks at how travel, cars, and roads have evolved in the U.S. It’s a lighthearted listen about the “joys” of family road trips in the 1970s, and narrator Jonathan Todd Ross delightfully handles the history, both of American travel and of Ratay’s family adventures. Listen for a fascinating history lesson about the development of the car and American roads. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s new...
#NEVERAGAIN by David Hogg, Lauren Hogg, read by David Hogg, Lauren Hogg
October 02, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesThis moving audiobook is written and narrated by two siblings who were in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a classmate shot and killed 14 students and 3 faculty members, and injured 17 others. Leaders of the #NEVERAGAIN movement, both David and Lauren Hogg have become outspoken advocates for gun safety reform and gun control measures, and this audiobook voices their shock at the events of that day, and their anger that little has been done to prevent further shootings. This is a ...
THE TANGLED TREE by David Quammen, read by Jacques Roy
October 01, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesDo you like science? If so, you’re in luck. THE TANGLED TREE is a deep dive into what makes us—us. Science writer David Quammen introduces the study of molecular phylogenetics, which completely changed our understanding of what we often think of as the evolutionary “tree of life.” Narrator Jacques Roy’s fluid and engaging style combined with Quammen’s mix of science and stories makes this audiobook a good listen for science lovers. On the National Book Award longlist for Nonfiction. For more ...
FRESH INK by Lamar Giles [Ed.], read by Guy Lockard, Kim Mai Guest, Bahni Turpin and a Full Cast
September 28, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesA cast of narrators presents this anthology from YA lit stars published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books. Stories from Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon, Melissa de la Cruz, and Daniel José Older and more are brought to life by narrators including Guy Lockard, Bahni Turpin, Dion Graham, and Kim Mai Guest. Listen to a sample from Reynolds’s bittersweet romantic story “Eraser Tattoo,” and don’t miss out on this affecting collection full of stories about and by diverse people with compelling ...
MARY B by Katherine J. Chen, read by Marisa Calin
September 27, 2018 09:00 - 7 minutesThe perfect audiobook for Jane Austen lovers who are willing to think past those tidy Happily Ever After endings. Marisa Calin brings a refreshing voice to the much beloved PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, this time with the focus on the plain and “unlovely” middle Bennet sister, Mary. Listeners will be charmed as Mary develops a rich inner life for herself as a writer, and a romantic. Author Katherine J. Chen has written a satisfying and feminist ode to unlovely women as she explores the dynamics of Aus...
NATE EXPECTATIONS by Tim Federle, read by Tim Federle
September 26, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesDiscover the wholly satisfying conclusion to Tim Federle’s Odyssey honor middle-grade series. As both author and narrator, Tim Federle fully embodies Nate, making sure that we understand him and his vibrant and dynamic personality — and his insecurities. Nate’s just come off of a summer of performing on Broadway, and now has to handle going back to high school, where he hasn’t yet come out as gay. Listeners will want to get to know Nate in the first two audiobooks in this series, BETTER NATE ...
TRANSCRIPTION by Kate Atkinson, read by Fenella Woolgar
September 25, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutes“Kate Atkinson has no match for atmosphere,” says narrator Fenella Woolgar, and we wholeheartedly agree. Eighteen-year-old Juliet Armstrong has been recruited by MI5 to transcribe recordings of fascist sympathizers — they don’t know it, but they are telling their traitorous secrets to an MI5 agent, not to the Gestapo. Things get more complicated when Juliet is asked to take on a fake identity herself to infiltrate the “Fifth Column” of London society. Woolgar enlivens the broad cast of charac...
FINDING LANGSTON by Lesa Cline-Ransome, read by Dion Graham
September 24, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesThis inspirational audiobook for middle-grade listeners gracefully explores what life was like for African Americans after WWII and celebrates the magic of books. Narrator Dion Graham gives an immersive performance, reading with a light Southern drawl. In 1943, 11-year-old Langston and his father move Alabama to Chicago as part of the Great Migration, and Langston is having a hard time adjusting. By spending time at the George Cleveland Hall branch of the Chicago Public Library, where African...
LIVE LONG AND... by William Shatner, David Fisher, read by William Shatner
September 21, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesWilliam Shatner loves to write, and narrate, his memoirs --his newest has all the trademark humor and candor. Here he talks Star Trek, aging, and his Hollywood world. Great listening fun. This humorous and down-to-earth audiobook will entertain, and who doesn’t love to hear Shatner talk! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about yo...
DAY OF THE DEAD by Nicci French, read by Beth Chalmers
September 20, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesThis mystery recommendation follows Frieda Klein, a consulting psychologist who becomes a serial murderer’s obsession. Narrator Beth Chalmers hits the pacing and the interesting secondary characters beautifully in this audiobook written by a husband-and-wife team who go by Nicci French. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about you...
PLANETSIDE by Michael Mammay, read by R.C. Bray
September 19, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesAre you ready for the ultimate audiobook mash-up? A blend of science fiction, mystery, military strategy, humor--all with a ton of momentum. This audiobook follows Colonel Carl Butler, a retired war hero, called to another planet to investigate the disappearance of a VIP’s son. Science fiction fans and sci-fi skeptics alike will enjoy PLANETSIDE as it offers something for every listener. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On to...
WILD FIRE by Ann Cleeves, read by Kenny Blyth
September 18, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutesIn this episode, we talk about one of the audiobooks that the popular BBC TV series “Shetland” is based on. This title is the conclusion of an eight-book series featuring DI Jimmy Perez. If you saw this BBC miniseries, we promise these audiobooks will offer you an even richer world exploring the bleak, windswept beauty of the Shetland Islands. Don’t be worried if you haven’t listened to other audiobooks in this series, as AudioFile’s Robin says you can jump in and enjoy this mystery. For more...
STILL LIVES by Maria Hummel, read by Tavia Gilbert
September 17, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesReese Witherspoon’s Book Club, Hello Sunshine, selected this thriller, and Reese calls it “the ultimate mystery… the suspense will keep you up all night.” AudioFile editors listened to this mystery set in the flashy, sinister Los Angeles art world and recommend it to you. Narrator Tavia Gilbert is a two-time Audie winner and calls this one of her favorite projects. If you enjoy listening to audiobooks that turn creepy quickly, you’ll be hooked by STILL LIVES. For more free audiobook recommend...
VOX by Christina Dalcher, read by Julia Whelan
September 14, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesFor fans of frighteningly believable stories, don’t miss today’s recommendation—a debut novel. We imagine ourselves in a world where half the population is allowed to speak only 100 words a day. For fans of THE HANDMAID’S TALE but better. Brace yourself for an excerpt of this timely and fascinating audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more ...
CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan, read by Lynn Chen
September 13, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesWith the release of the blockbuster movie, we revisit the romp of the audiobook version written by Kevin Kwan. The satire of the novel is at the heart of the story and part of the fun. Narrator Chen enlivens a broad cast of characters. Don’t blame us if you laugh out loud while listening to the excerpt in this podcast episode! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. L...
PIECES OF HER by Karin Slaughter, read by Kathleen Early
September 12, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutesHere’s an audiobook that snares us in a labyrinthine web of lies, deceits, betrayals, and truths that span decades. This engrossing listen explores relationships and secrets between mothers and daughters and will have you glued to your earphones. Listen to an excerpt of this high-voltage audiobook that will have you both riveted to your seat and ready to jump out of it! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are ...
THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA by Nelson Mandela, Sahm Venter [Ed.], read by Atandwa Kani
September 11, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesWith 2018 marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, AudioFile discusses THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA. Narrator Atandwa Kani played young Mandela in the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” and more recently acted in “Black Panther.” Mandela’s letters will tear at listeners’ hearts, and Atandwa Kani’s narration is not to be missed. Listen to an excerpt of this Earphones Award-winning audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter...
THE GREAT BELIEVERS by Rebecca Makkai, read by Michael Crouch
September 10, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesA Pride-month breakout book. Two stories run parallel throughout this thoughtful audiobook, one unfolding during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the other taking place in a more contemporary time in Paris. A listen with strong emotional impact. The audio clip may have you rethinking flying but we promise that you don’t want to miss this audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. On today’s episode are host...
LeVar Burton Interview
September 07, 2018 16:30 - 21 minutesToday on a special bonus episode of Behind the Mic, we talk with actor LeVar Burton. You know LeVar from “Roots,” as the host of “Reading Rainbow,” and now as host of the podcast “LeVar Burton Reads.” LeVar considered Fred Rogers a friend and mentor, and when the opportunity to narrate THE GOOD NEIGHBOR arose, LeVar jumped at the chance to honor the creator and host of the iconic PBS television series “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Listen in as LeVar discusses getting to know Fred Rogers, their ...
THE MIDDLEMAN by Olen Steinhauer read by Ari Fliakos
September 07, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesAmerica is primed for this political thriller featuring a polarizing president. No, THE MIDDLEMAN isn’t a nonfiction audiobook recommendation but rather a cerebral novel of suspense by Olen Steinhauer. Narrator Ari Fliakos has a clear connection to literary work using emotional intimacy. This podcast includes an excerpt for this Earphones-winning audiobook that will have you ready to hit play. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website....
THE OUTSIDER by Stephen King, read by Will Patton
September 06, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesDon’t listen to this podcast in the dark! AudioFile shares an excerpt from Stephen King’s very creepy THE OUTSIDER, read by Will Patton. As we expect from the King and Patton combination, the emotional intensity makes this audiobook a subtle powerhouse. If this podcast is too scary for you, visit our website to read the audiobook review. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and ed...
HARBOR ME by Jacqueline Woodson, read by N'Jameh Camara, Toshi Widoff-Woodson, Jacqueline Woodson, Jose Carrera, Dean Flanagan, Angel Romero, Mikelle Wright- Matos
September 05, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesAudioFile editors recommend HARBOR ME, the new middle-grade title from acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson. In this audiobook, Woodson narrates as the teacher of a group of 6 students brought together in an experimental classroom to talk — without teachers around — for an hour every Friday. Each student is voiced by a different narrator, and this combination makes for an Earphones Award-winning audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on ...
THE OTHER WOMAN by Daniel Silva, read by George Guidall
September 04, 2018 15:00 - 6 minutesThis long-running thriller series by Daniel Silva features spymaster Gabriel Allon. And the audiobook features master narrator George Guidall. One of AudioFile’s Golden Voices, he rips through German, Russian, and Israeli names with ease and keeps the tension high. THE OTHER WOMAN does not disappoint. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about ...
CLOCK DANCE by Anne Tyler, read by Kimberly Farr
September 04, 2018 13:00 - 4 minutesBeautifully written and performed, Anne Tyler’s novel reminds us that families come in all shapes and sizes. The Baltimore setting of CLOCK DANCE gets special attention from narrator Kimberly Farr. Humorous and relatable, her performance inspired AudioFile reviewer S.J. Henschel to tell us, “Get this audiobook--immediately!” It’s an Earphones Award winner. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Maga...
ROBIN by Dave Itzkoff, narrated by Fred Berman and Dave Itzkoff
September 04, 2018 11:00 - 5 minutesWith a new documentary about Robin Williams just out on HBO, AudioFile reviews ROBIN by Dave Itzkoff, narrated by Fred Berman. This biography captures the depth of Robin Williams, exploring both the humor and the tragedy of this beloved comedian. Listen for an excerpt of this remarkable audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website. Hosted by: Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine founder and editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your...
THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by Maxwell King, read by LeVar Burton
September 04, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutesWith the theatrical release of the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” AudioFile looks at THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by Maxwell King, a book and audio honoring Fred Rogers. LeVar Burton, actor and host of the award-winning children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” warmly invites listeners into the life of American icon Fred Rogers, creator and host of the PBS television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Listen to LeVar reading a clip about Fred Rogers’ mother--an inspiration for his iconic show. For mor...
Welcome to Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine
August 21, 2018 20:41 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBWelcome to the launch of AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic! Editors and reviewers from AudioFile Magazine give their recommendations for the best audiobook listening Monday through Friday. This podcast will help you find your next great audiobook. In addition to the audiobook recommendations, we’ll have bonus episodes of in-depth conversations with the best voices in the audiobook world. Today we recommend WHAT TO READ AND WHY by Francine Prose, read by Allyson Johnson. This...
WHAT TO READ AND WHY by Francine Prose, read by Allyson Johnson
August 21, 2018 20:41 - 7 minutesWelcome to the launch of AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic! Editors and reviewers from AudioFile Magazine give their recommendations for the best audiobook listening Monday through Friday. This podcast will help you find your next great audiobook. In addition to the audiobook recommendations, we’ll have bonus episodes of in-depth conversations with the best voices in the audiobook world. Today we recommend WHAT TO READ AND WHY by Francine Prose, read by Allyson Johnson. This au...