Good Aural -The Audiobook Podcast
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.
Good Aural -The Audiobook Podcast
Episode 3: The Art and Duty of Prep
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What’s trending in audiobooks right now?
Apparently… not prepping.
In this episode, I’m digging into the growing conversation around “no prep” narration and why I don’t buy it. We’re talking about the difference between an actor being surprised and a character being surprised, the trust between narrator and listener, and why going in blind might actually be doing your performance a disservice.
I break down what prep really means (and no, it doesn’t have to look one specific way), why it matters even more in duet and dual narration, and how skipping it can shift the burden onto your co-narrator. We also get into the idea of authority in storytelling, and why knowing the arc doesn’t kill authenticity… it creates it.
If you’ve ever been told “just react and it’ll be more real,” this one’s for you.
⚠️ Disclaimer + Resources
I do mention AI tools in this episode as a supplement to prep, not a replacement for it. Tools like:
- Pozotron → https://www.pozotron.com
- VO Jumpstart’s Pre-Read → https://www.vojumpstart.com/pre-read
can be incredibly helpful for things like character lists, pronunciations, and quick summaries, especially on larger or more complex texts.
That said, these tools are not 100% accurate and should always be used alongside your own prep and judgment as a narrator.
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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