Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 15: Fem Narrators Spotlight

 


We're celebrating our 12th Anniversary this June aka Audiobook Month! 

For this special Fem Narrator Spotlight episode of Tea Time with Tricia & Jojo, we're pulling back the curtain on the realities of being a woman in the audiobook industry.


Joining us are narrators Angelina Rocca, Victoria Connolly, Dani Staro, Pagan McGrath, Jessica Threet, Jen Aldrich, and Autumn Mercer, along with audiobook producer and industry veteran Viviana Izzo. Together, they share candid conversations about career journeys, balancing work and life, overcoming rejection, setting boundaries, advocating for fair compensation, and navigating the unique challenges women face both inside and outside the recording booth.

Of course, it wouldn't be Tea Time without a healthy dose of laughter. From "hear me out" crushes and horror movie survival strategies to cringe-worthy audiobook words and unforgettable social media moments, this episode delivers heartfelt wisdom, industry insight, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Whether you're an audiobook fan, aspiring narrator, or industry professional, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, self-worth, and lifting one another up.





You can also find us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music Podcast, Audible Podcast, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast


Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.


Things Discussed


Together, we discuss:

Career paths before audiobooks

Burnout, work-life balance, and FOMO

The importance of community and support

Learning to say no and knowing your worth

Gender norms and advocating for yourself

Handling rejection and staying motivated

Shady industry practices and setting boundaries

Rate increases and valuing your artistry

Fictional crushes, horror movie survivors, and "hear me out" characters

The audiobook words that make us cringe




About Our Guests



Award-winning, and with over 100 audiobooks recorded in romance, thriller and fantasy, Victoria offers a conversational, witty and vulnerable style. 

She works from her home studio in Washington state.  

Connect with Victoria at





Angelina Rocca is an audiobook narrator, award-winning singer and former journalist. She has narrated more than 40 titles and has voiced documentaries as well as short-form audio.

She specializes in romance, thriller and horror.
 A classically trained vocalist and musician (she plays several instruments), Angelina has performed with her jazz and blues band nationally, as well as internationally, over a career spanning more than two decades. 

 Angelina has been many things in her life, but at the core of everything has been her desire to tell stories in compelling and interesting ways. 

When she isn't working, Angelina is an avid night and astrophotographer. She loves going on late night walks, capturing the interplay between light and dark.

Connect with Angelina at 





Dani Staro is a passionate and versatile award-winning voice actor with experience in Audiobooks, Social Media Marketing, Digital Media, Public Speaking and Podcasts. With a dedication to the craft and a love for storytelling, she brings characters to life in a way that resonates with audiences.

Dani loves narrating Romance and Fantasy books and her voice versatility allows her to create unique voices and create an immersive experience for listeners while skillfully distinguishing between her narration and dialogue.

Dani is a woman who wears many hats (or heels). She is a classically trained dancer/ballerina of 20+ years with entertainment experience in musical theater; 15 years of social media marketing, and a Professional Registered Nurse specializing in education, respiratory and neurology.

Dani's natural velvety voice is articulate and a medium tone that can be described as sultry and husky. Other voices range from deep to high, airy to edgy, young to old.

Connect with Dani at 






Actor. Singer. Journalist. Writer. Performer. 

Jen Aldrich has told a lifetime of stories. Maybe the next story she tells will be yours. Audiobook narrator and storyteller working from her home studio in Northern California. (From: https://www.jenaldrichaudio.com/)

Connect with Jen at






Hi! I’m Jessica Threet. I’m an actress living currently in New York City. I am originally from Huntsville, AL, "The Rocket City" we call ourselves. I received a Bachelor Degree in Theatre with a Music and Dance Minor from Troy University before moving to the Big Apple. 

Connect with Jessica at 








Hi, I'm an Irish-South African Actor and Narrator based in Ireland. I have over 10+ years of experience in the acting industry in Ireland and am currently working on audiobooks and animation projects.

I am competent in a range of accents including: Irish (Dublin, Neutral, Northern), American (General, Southern, New York, California), British (RP, BBC, London, Neutral), French, German, Russian, Slavic.

I currently use the pseudonym Cate Morrigan for Monster Romance and very Dark Romance genres.
 

Connect with Pagan at 

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Audible | Libro.fm





I've been in love with storytelling since I was twelve years old, recording pretend audiobooks in my bedroom and mixing them with music and sound effects on an old desktop computer. What started as a childhood dream never faded; in fact, it only grew stronger with time.

Today, I'm an emerging voice in the audiobook world, with credits including Savior by K.M. Mixon, Out of Bounds by Raven Kitts, and Playing My Cards Right by N. Owens. My voice is often described as rich, emotionally dynamic, and deeply sincere; perfect for stories that live in the heart long after the final page.

With a background in drama and years of dedicated coaching, I bring a blend of vulnerability, intuition, and heartfelt performance to every project I take on. I seem particularly drawn to romance, emotional fiction, and character-driven stories, where I can connect deeply to the narrative and the people within it.

I believe every story deserves to be felt, not just heard, and pour that belief into every word I speak behind the mic. Whether you're looking for soft intimacy, fierce passion, or quiet strength, I bring my whole heart to the booth, every single time.


Connect with Autumn at 

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Audible


Viviana Izzo is a business owner, entrepreneur, audiobook advocate, and creative professional with more than 15 years of experience in the publishing and book industries. She is the owner and operator of the award-winning Enchantress Bookish Brilliance, a boutique agency providing marketing and promotional consulting, graphic design, branding, social media strategy, audiobook support services, project management, and creative solutions for authors, narrators, publishers, and industry professionals.

She is also the co-owner of Enchantress Creations, where the healing power of herbs meets the enchantment of magick. Through Enchantress Creations, she creates handcrafted herbal products, teas, oils, candles, book-inspired merchandise, and metaphysical offerings designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit.

Viviana is the creator of the award-winning blog Viviana, Enchantress of Books, a platform dedicated to connecting readers, authors, narrators, and audiobook enthusiasts through reviews, interviews, industry features, and community engagement. She is also the host and producer of the Audiobook Lovin' Podcast and the annual Audiobook Lovin' Series, a beloved celebration of audiobooks and the talented professionals who bring stories to life.

As the founder and owner of the Sultry Listeners Awards, Viviana created a listener-driven awards program dedicated to recognizing excellence in romance audiobooks and honoring the narrators, authors, publishers, and production teams behind them.

A passionate advocate for the audiobook industry, Viviana has worked with hundreds of authors and narrators throughout her career and was a 2020 SOVAS Award nominee for Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely.

Viviana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing and an Associate of Arts degree in Culinary Arts. When she's not immersed in books, audiobooks, marketing, or herbal creations, she can usually be found enjoying time with family, exploring her love of herbalism and folklore, and helping others bring their creative visions to life.

Connect with Viviana at 

Patreon | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | Facebook Page
Enchantress Creations


To learn more about

Tea Time with Tricia and Jojo,
click
here to read our Special Announcement 
welcoming them to the
Audiobook Lovin' Network!

TikTok | YouTube

Are you an author, narrator/voice actor  and/or an Artist and want to be a guest of Tea Time with Tricia & Jojo? Click here to fill out the interest form! 



Monday, June 22, 2026

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 14: Narrator Amy Hutchins

 


We're celebrating our 12th Anniversary this June aka Audiobook Month! 

Narrator Amy Hutchins joins us for a fun and insightful conversation about her audiobook narration career, the importance of coaching and continuous learning, and what it takes to bring stories to life behind the microphone.

From acting and accent training to navigating the audiobook industry, Amy shares valuable advice and a narrator's perspective on the craft. Plus, the two discover they have something in common, we re both Pisces!




You can also find us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music Podcast, Audible Podcast, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast


Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.


Things Discussed

FYI - Affiliated Links Used throughout this post




Six Minutes Podcast Ep. 1

Click here to watch/listen to the full playlist on YouTube.





Payton Dale

Click here to visit her website to learn more. To book your session with Payton click on Soul Styling and let her know that you learned about her from Viviana aka me!  



We're both Pisces!!!

In case you didn't know..... 

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) is the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac, represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions. As a compassionate, highly intuitive water sign ruled by Neptune and Jupiter, Pisceans are known for their deep emotional intelligence, artistic flair, and dreamlike imagination.

Key Astrological Facts

Element: Water

Modality: Mutable (adaptable and open-minded)

Ruling Planets: Neptune (dreams/illusion) and Jupiter (expansion/spirituality)

Zodiac Symbol: Two fish connected by a cord

House: 12th House (the subconscious, secrets, and intuition)


YES YES I DID!
Bought this and love it!!! 


Want your own brewing potion device I mean cast iron pot? 
This one is from Clark & Smith and if you click here you can grab yours!


Want your title in audio?
Check out Adler Audios! 


To learn more about Adler Audios, click here!


Have questions about the process in having audio for your title?
Not sure of the differences in narration style?
Audio distribution options has you going wtf..... 
Check out
created by Paige Reisenfeld



Upcoming Releases




The Next Lie
(The Secrets of Chapel Roads, Bk 2)
By Camden Baird
Narrated by Megan Tusing, Amy Hutchins, Andrew Eiden, Wayne Mitchell, Sarah Naughton, Kate Rudd, and Rosanna Pilcher


Release Date: 7/14/26


Available for pre-order








The Billionaire's Wife
(Billionaire Brothers, Book 3)
By Penelope Ryan
Narrated by Amelia Hugh and Brandon Utah

Release Date: 6/30/27

Available for pre-order at



About The Narrator


I am a NYC-based, classically-trained actor with 25+ years of stage experience who somehow amassed 60k TikTok followers. It started as a pandemic pivot when the theaters shut down, and work began to pour into my recording booth. Now, I’m an Audie-nominated audiobook narrator with 180+ titles under my belt. My narrations range between the-world-is-a-hard place (“Amy Hutchins”) to heart opening stories (“Amelia Hugh”). My strengths lie in performing Literary Fiction, Thrillers, Historical Fiction, and Romantasy. I’m an accent & language nerd. I'm fluent in Spanish, conversational in Italian. Give me an accent, and I can learn it in three days. Give me a language, I’ll be conversational in a month. I live-stream my recording sessions (when granted permission) which draws new audiences to my authors and audiobooks. Whether immersing myself in an audiobook, a play, or foreign culture, I love the practice of putting myself in other people's shoes. At the heart of this is the human experience.


Connect with Amy at

Website | NewsletterInstagram | Threads | TikTok | Facebook | Amy's Audible | Amelia 's Audible | Amy's Libro.fm | Amelia's Libro.fm



Friday, June 19, 2026

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 13: Narrator Robb Moreira

 


We're celebrating our 12th Anniversary this June aka Audiobook Month! 

Narrator Robb Moreira joins Tricia and Jojo for an entertaining and candid conversation about life behind the microphone, storytelling, and the artistry of audiobook narration.

During the episode, Robb offers a fascinating look at how he approaches narrating female characters, discussing the balance between performance, authenticity, and character interpretation. Whether you're an audiobook listener, aspiring narrator, or simply curious about the craft, this episode provides valuable insight into the work that goes into creating memorable performances.

Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in for a delightful conversation with one of the industry's talented voices.



Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast


Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.


Things Discussed

FYI - Affiliated Links Used throughout this post




Don't Eat the Birthday Boy!
A Chapter Book
By Donna Barba Higuera and Juliana Perdomo - Illustrator
Narrated by Robb Moreira

Available for purchase at 

Libro.fm | Audible | Kindle | Amazon Hardcover






Upcoming Release


Ashlani's Reincarnation
(Volume 3)
By Ben Denton
Narrated by Robb Moreira

Release Date: 6/23/26

Available For Pre-Order At




About Our Guest



What’s in a name? For Robb Moreira, it’s obvious. When you trust your next voice over project to Robb, you get so much more than just an audio file. You get More acting ability with Robb’s Off-Broadway theater chops… More than one language because Robb is bilingual speaking both English and Spanish… and More authenticity and personality with Robb’s down-to-Earth, real-person reads. You simply #GetMore with Moreira!

Robb is a successful, and currently, working Voice Over Talent and Coach who specializes in both Spanish and English commercial work. With over a decade of acting training through the Fame School of the Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, his acting pursuits in theater took him to the world of voice over, where being bilingual has truly paid off for him and his clients.

Robb also has experience in IVR and has done medical training videos in both Spanish and English. He’s read descriptions for the blind on TV cartoons like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Nina’s World and Rusty Rivets. Robb is currently the voice of “Pushy the Push Pop” in the US and Canada, and has worked commercially with McDonald’s, Lunazul Tequila, Pepsi, National Geographic, Fisher Price, AT&T and most recently campaigns with Giorgio Armani in English and Yves Saint Laurent in Spanish.




Connect with Henry at

Website | Instagram | TikTokFacebook Page | Libro.fm | Audible | Linked In

 

 



To learn more about
Tea Time with Tricia and Jojo,
click
here to read our Special Announcement 
welcoming them to the
Audiobook Lovin' Network!

TikTok | YouTube

Are you an author, narrator/voice actor  and/or an Artist and want to be a guest of Tea Time with Tricia & Jojo? Click here to fill out the interest form! 



Thursday, June 18, 2026

Audiobook Lovin 2026 Presents S12 Ep 12: ALC Teams: What They Are and Why Following Through Matters


ALC Teams: What They Are and Why Following Through Matters

If you've spent any time in the audiobook community, you've probably heard the term ALC.

ALC stands for Advance Listening Copy.

These complimentary audiobook copies are provided to listeners before or around release in exchange for an honest review. The goal is simple: listen to the audiobook, leave a review, and help spread the word about a new release.

Sounds easy enough, right?

Yet after more than 15 years in the book community and working directly with authors, publishers, audiobook production companies, narrators, and review teams—including serving as a reviewer for major publishers and audiobook companies—I can tell you that one of the biggest frustrations across the industry is reviewers accepting ALCs and not following through.

Being Part of an ALC Team Is a Privilege, Not a Right

Let's start with an important truth.

No one is entitled to an ALC.

Receiving an advance copy is a privilege extended to reviewers who have demonstrated that they are reliable, professional, and capable of completing the commitment they've agreed to.

The author, publisher, production company, or team manager is investing time, money, and resources into getting those audiobooks into reviewers' hands. They are trusting that reviewers will uphold their end of the agreement.

Entitlement is never a good look.

If you consistently fail to complete reviews and are eventually removed from a team, becoming angry or publicly complaining about it is generally not going to be received well within the industry.

Communication Matters

Life happens.

People get sick.

Work gets busy.

Family emergencies arise.

Most team managers understand this because we're human too.

The key difference between a reviewer who remains in good standing and one who doesn't is communication.

If you're unable to finish an audiobook, let the team know.

If you DNF'd (Did Not Finish) the title, let the team know.

If you're running behind and need additional time, let the team know.

What creates problems is silence.

Missing deadlines without communicating creates extra work for team managers and leaves authors and publishers wondering whether reviews are still coming.

A simple message can go a long way.

Meet the Deadline You Agreed To

Before requesting an ALC, ask yourself:

  • Do I realistically have time to listen?
  • Can I review within the requested timeframe?
  • Am I already overwhelmed with other review commitments?

It's okay to pass on an opportunity.

What's not okay is collecting audiobooks with no intention of reviewing them.

The audiobook community is smaller than many people realize, and reliability is remembered.

Removal Shouldn't Come as a Surprise

Would it be nice if every team manager personally notified every reviewer before removing them from a team?

Sure.

But if you've repeatedly failed to review titles, missed deadlines, and haven't communicated, being removed should not come as a shock.

The expectation was clearly established when you accepted the ALC.

You agreed to listen and review.

If that hasn't happened consistently, the responsibility falls on you—not the author, publisher, production company, or team manager.

If You're Consistently Rating Titles Low, It May Not Be the Right Team

Let's address something else that isn't talked about enough.

FTC guidelines prohibit requiring positive reviews. Reviews should always be honest. If you'd like to learn more about that, check out our article, Audiobook Reviews Matter: How to Write Helpful Reviews & Understanding FTC Disclosure Requirements.

A three-star review is not a bad review.

In fact, many reviewers consider three stars to mean "I enjoyed it."

However, if you're consistently giving 2.5 stars or lower across multiple titles from the same author, publisher, or genre, it may be worth asking yourself whether that team is the right fit for you.

That doesn't make you a bad reviewer.

It simply means your tastes may not align with the content being produced.

In many cases, it's better to step away voluntarily than wait for a conversation about whether you're the right reviewer for that team.

Don't Beg for ALCs

Excitement is wonderful.

Enthusiasm is appreciated.

Pressure is not.

One of the quickest ways to create an uncomfortable situation is repeatedly contacting an author, narrator, or team manager asking for an ALC.

Likewise, posting publicly about how upset you are because you weren't selected rarely has the effect people think it will.

ALC spots are often limited.

Selection decisions may be based on previous review history, reliability, genre fit, listening habits, available copies, team size limitations, and many other factors.

Not receiving an ALC is not a personal attack.

Your Follower Count Isn't the Most Important Thing

This may surprise some people.

Many ALC team managers are not primarily looking at follower counts.

They're looking for proof that you're an active reviewer.

Can they find your reviews?

Are you consistently posting them?

Do you leave thoughtful feedback?

Do you meet deadlines?

If your review history is limited, focus on building it.

Leave reviews on:

  • Goodreads
  • Amazon
  • BookBub
  • Social media posts
  • Your blog
  • Other review platforms

And yes, blogs are still valuable.

In fact, searchable long-form reviews can be incredibly beneficial for authors and publishers.

One important note: Instagram Stories generally don't count as reviews. They disappear after 24 hours and are not searchable in the same way a permanent post, blog review, Goodreads review, or retailer review is.

A Star Rating Isn't Enough

Many authors, publishers, and team managers aren't simply looking for star ratings.

They're looking for meaningful reviews.

A few thoughtful sentences about your experience with the audiobook are far more valuable than dropping a rating and moving on.

Talk about:

  • The story
  • The narration
  • The characters
  • The pacing
  • What worked for you
  • What didn't work for you

Most importantly, explain why.

If you'd like additional guidance, be sure to read our companion article, Audiobook Reviews Matter: How to Write Helpful Reviews & Understanding FTC Disclosure Requirements, where we share detailed tips for writing reviews that genuinely help authors, narrators, publishers, and fellow listeners.


Final Thoughts

The audiobook community thrives because of passionate listeners who genuinely love books and want to help stories find new audiences.

Being part of an ALC team can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with responsibilities.

Show up.

Communicate.

Meet deadlines.

Write thoughtful reviews.

And remember that every ALC opportunity is built on trust.

The reviewers who understand that are the ones who continue receiving opportunities year after year.


You can also find us on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music Podcast, Audible Podcast, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube! 
Make sure to follow us on your favorite listening platform to receive notifications of new episodes!!

Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/audiobooklovinpodcast

If you love the Audiobook Lovin' Series and want to help it continue to grow, consider supporting us on Patreon! Patrons receive early access, bonus content, exclusive perks, and help us continue expanding this celebration of audiobooks and storytelling year after year. Click here to join!!

If you'd prefer to make a one-time contribution, you can also support the series through Buy Me a Coffee.