Chapter 61 - One year ago...

The controversial opener to the Olympic Games was awful, but almost as bad was the lame explanation given for it.  Plus...should you trust someone (or something) who put you out of work to put you right back in?  And speaking of going back to work, some folks (unexpectedly) are.NOTE - this will be the final upload to the Audiobook Trail.  Future episodes of our program will appear under "Use Your Head!"  Thanks for following, I appreciate you.  - JohnSend us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

On this week's Use Your Head! podcast: Numbers have values, but some numbers have a BIG value depending on who they belong to. (?)Plus, "the cost of living is too high!" - said every generation ever.  And eat 'em if ya got 'em...just be careful with 'em!  All that, with a heartwarming baseball story.Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Dear Audiobook Trail listeners - if you haven't heard, this podcast has ended.  In its place is my new show, called "Use Your Head!"  To make the transition easier, I'll be posting the new show's episodes here for a few more weeks.  Meanwhile, I encourage you to search for and subscribe to the new show!  Just search for "Use Your Head" on your favorite podcast platform.  Hope to see you there!  - JohnSend us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Well, Audiobook Trail listeners, I'm finally back with the promised new show.  I'm also a month late, but I'll explain why in today's episode.  Also, I'll prep you for the transition to the new program: what it is, and how you can be involved.  Thanks for coming along! Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

Every trail, wherever it is, has an end eventually.  Today, John makes an announcement about change...and then waxes poetic about it for a bit.  Change...glorious, frightening, anxious, exciting, nerve-wracking change!  Plus, a big story in baseball that probably shouldn't be.Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

In our new focus toward the future of human audio content creation (and the threat to it from generative AI), John details a very recent, developing story involving actress Scarlett Johansson, and OpenAI's alleged appropriation of her voice.  Also, John shares a personal story of a "deepfake" that he recently encountered, which seeks to trick people into believing that a famous guitarist is endorsing a deal that's too good to be true, and in fact, is fraudulent.  Hang on tight, folks! Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

This week, John delves into two news items revolving around AI, and its continuing push into human-created art.  First, Apple lays an egg, and Audible goes all-in.  Can the narrator - the human artist - survive?Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

In further proof that daydreaming isn't always a waste, this week John shares inspiration he drew from staring mindlessly at his audiobook shelf.  Genres.  They sound different, of course.  But are the preparation routines and techniques different, too?  Yup.  John will focus on his favorite genre today: Westerns.  Also in news - bots have landed in court.  Plus, John hints of some changes on the horizon...Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

John's back in action with an email from a new listener, and answers her question with brutal honesty: Is it worth it?  Also - there's a hot new TV host in Spain...only problem is, it isn't real.  And finally, baseball finally gets their act together...sort of.Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com

It happens to the best of shows...reruns!  John was called away from the microphone this week, so we proudly present a replay of Chapter 9 - one year ago this week!  John will be back next week...in the meantime, enjoy!Send us Fan MailVisit our online home!http://www.audiobooktrail.com