Fort Meigs Historic Site: What to See and Do with John Thompson

Audiobook Narration Tips and Resources for Local Authors

Have you written a book and wondered if you should narrate the audiobook yourself? In this episode, I share 10 audiobook narration tips for local authors who want to turn their books into audiobooks. You'll hear why audiobook narration is harder than it looks, how to set realistic expectations, and what you can do to prepare before you ever press record. I talk about audiobook rights, narration training, pacing, vocal stamina, production checklists, manuscript preparation, recording spaces, audio engineers, pick-ups, and getting help when you need it. I also share a list of recording studios in Perrysburg, Maumee, Toledo, Waterville, Sylvania, and beyond that may be able to help you record your audiobook. Whether you're considering recording at home, renting studio time, or simply exploring your options, this episode will help you understand what's involved in creating an author-narrated audiobook. If you remember nothing else from this episode, remember these three things * Plan before you narrate. * Practice before you record. * Get help when you need it. 10 audiobook narration tips 1. Confirm you own the audiobook rights. Before narrating your book, make sure you have the legal right to create and publish the audiobook. 2. Get some narration training. Learn how to sound conversational and engaging so listeners don't feel like you're simply reading aloud. 3. Find a sustainable pace. Practice until you discover a narration pace that you can maintain consistently over time (ideally over the course of the entire book). 4. Build your vocal stamina. Train your voice to maintain the same quality, energy, and consistency throughout long recording sessions. (Remember my 5K vs marathon comparison?) 5. Take care of your voice. Take breaks, hydrate, breathe, and rest as needed so you sound just as good at the end as you did at the beginning. 6. Create a production checklist. Plan every section of your audiobook in advance so nothing gets overlooked during production. (Your list starts with the Opening Credits and ends with the Closing Credits.) 7. Prepare your manuscript before recording. Put the manuscript on an iPad to avoid page-turning sounds. Use the "Mark Up" feature to make notes about pronunciations, lists, punctuation, emotions, and other details. 8. Choose your recording setup carefully or rent a studio, and hire an audio engineer. A pro can help you sound great and produce your audio files efficiently. They make it look easy! ⚠️ If you choose to record at home, meet specs. 9. Expect and plan for pick-ups (mistakes). Mistakes are normal, so be prepared to re-record sections and make corrections during editing. 10. Get help when you need it. A coach, consultant, engineer, or professional narrator can save you time, frustration, and costly mistakes. Recording Studios Mentioned in This Episode * Level 2 Audio — Perrysburg, Ohio (Contact: Mark Reiter) https://www.level2audio.com/ [https://www.level2audio.com/] * Stone Soup Recording Studios — Maumee, Ohio (Contact: Eric Sills) https://www.stonesouprec.com/ [https://www.stonesouprec.com/] * Firefly Studios — Toledo, Ohio (Contact: Brett Dennison) https://www.firefly419.com/ [https://www.firefly419.com/] * Bigfoot Studios — Waterville, Ohio (Contact: Travis Geiman) https://bigfoot-studios.com/ [https://bigfoot-studios.com/] * Audioflare Recording Studio, LLC — Toledo, Ohio (Contact: Christopher Stoll) https://www.audioflare.com/ [https://www.audioflare.com/] * Roar Studio Productions — Sylvania, Ohio (Use contact form on Mays & Associates' website) https://www.maysassociatesltd.com/roar-productions [https://www.maysassociatesltd.com/roar-productions] * Whole Story Studio — West Palm Beach, Florida (Contact: Julie Walthers) https://www.wholestorystudio.com/ [https://www.wholestorystudio.com/] * Audivita — Albuquerque, New Mexico (Contacts: David Wolf and Jay Spang) https://audivita.com/audiobooks/ [https://audivita.com/audiobooks/] * Soundscape — Royal Oak, Michigan (Contacts: Tim Smith and Christina Mossine) https://soundscapestudio.com/ [https://soundscapestudio.com/] Podcast episodes mentioned today The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 347: 10 Audiobook Narration Tips for Pharmacist Authors https://bit.ly/46jXZ9e [https://bit.ly/46jXZ9e] The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 293: EBOOK AND AUDIOBOOK PUBLISHING – 2024 Pharmacist Authors Series Part 3 of 3 with Dr. Janan Sarwar and Dr. Theary Chhim from Publishing in Doses and Julie Gold Walthers from Whole Story Studio https://bit.ly/4dFllsn [https://bit.ly/4dFllsn] The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 255 (YouTube video version): Interview with Audivita Founder and CEO David Wolf https://bit.ly/4omHpy1 [https://bit.ly/4omHpy1] The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 222: Interview with Julie Walthers, Audio Engineer and Audiobook Producer – Pharmacist Authors Series (Summer 2023) https://bit.ly/43STVtx [https://bit.ly/43STVtx] The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 190: 5 Resources for pharmacist authors who want to narrate their own audiobook https://bit.ly/4xlK2El [https://bit.ly/4xlK2El] The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 109: Interview with Lydia Tate - Accountability Partner, Educator, Voice Actor, and Audiobook Narrator https://bit.ly/4fFCQfR [https://bit.ly/4fFCQfR] The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast Episode 83: Interview with Sean Pratt: Audiobook Narrator and Coach https://bit.ly/4omYurp [https://bit.ly/4omYurp] Other links from this episode * Pharmacist Podcaster (my book/audiobook on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4iAKNBs [https://amzn.to/4iAKNBs] * Samson Q2U microphone (Buy at Sweetwater, Amazon, or Guitar Center) https://bit.ly/48g7arQ [https://bit.ly/48g7arQ] ($99 on sweetwater.com [http://sweetwater.com] as of June 11, 2026) * Microphone stand I use with the Samson Q2U (Amazon link) https://amzn.to/4up8qlH [https://amzn.to/4up8qlH] ($17.99 as of June 11, 2026) * Way Public Library (Borrow the Fifine USB microphone) https://waylibrary.info/ [https://waylibrary.info/] * My Fifine USB microphone review https://bit.ly/3RXIxMs [https://bit.ly/3RXIxMs] (TPV YouTube Channel) * Sean Pratt's website (nonfiction audiobook narration coach) https://www.seanprattpresents.com/ [https://www.seanprattpresents.com/] * Don Baarns' website (audio engineer/voice actor/coach) https://redbaarnsaudio.com/ [https://redbaarnsaudio.com/] * The Power of Broke by Daymond John (audiobook link) https://amzn.to/4w2qTWH [https://amzn.to/4w2qTWH] * Studio One Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/StudioOneNarrationVO [https://www.facebook.com/groups/StudioOneNarrationVO] * ACX Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ACXNarratorsProducers [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ACXNarratorsProducers] * Narrator's Roadmap https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/ [https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/] * The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast [https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast] * Online Store for The Pharmacist's Voice, LLC https://www.kimnewlove.com [https://www.kimnewlove.com] * Schedule an audiobook consultation with Kim Newlove https://calendly.com/kimnewlovevo/audiobooksforauthors?back=1&month=2026-06 [https://calendly.com/kimnewlovevo/audiobooksforauthors?back=1&month=2026-06] * Sign up for the weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] * Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com]

The Countdown to Monthly Episodes Begins

My name is Kim Newlove, and I host The Perrysburg Podcast. I love podcasting, and this show has been a fun, weekly service project since July 2023. When I launched it, I only planned to run episodes for a max of 3 years. The last weekly show is scheduled for July 3, 2026. Rather than end the podcast altogether, I decided to change to a monthly schedule after the 3-year podcast anniversary episode on July 3. The Perrysburg Podcast will be partnering with a Perrysburg-based organization for year four. Find out more on the July 3, 2026 episode! In today's episode, I mention my recent family vacation to Alaska, what I plan to do with my time once I stop producing weekly shows, and the topic for next week's episode. Subscribe to/follow this show for all future episodes. Thank you for listening! Links from this episode * Sign up for the weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] * Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Guest Application Form: https://bit.ly/45c4nzD [https://bit.ly/45c4nzD]

The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe

The Faith Community Leader Series continues today with Perrysburg resident Mohammad Shalabe. He is the current President of the Islamic Center of Great Toledo (ICGT). Mohammad is originally from Palestine. He earned his medical degree in the Ukraine. He is an endocrinologist by training, and he is employed by Mercy Health in Sylvania, Ohio. When he moved to the Toledo area, Mohammad and his family connected with the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo. From the beginning, they found a welcoming and supportive community in Perrysburg. He and his wife have three children who attended the school at the ICGT. During our interview, you will hear about the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo as a place of worship and community gathering space in Perrysburg. People from different faith traditions often have more in common than they realize. Many of us want the same things: strong families, supportive communities, opportunities to serve others, and places where people feel welcomed and connected. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Islamic Center of Greater Toledo 25877 Scheider Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 https://icgt.org/ [https://icgt.org/] 419-874-3509 [tel:419-874-3509] Terms You'll Hear in This Episode * Imam - worship leader * Iftar - meal * Quran - holy scriptures * Mosque - place of worship * Ramadan - holy month of fasting for Muslims Links and information for the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo (ICGT) * Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, 419.874.3509 [tel:419.874.3509], 25877 Scheider Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 * ICGT website https://icgt.org/ [https://icgt.org/] * ICGT Summer Camp Sign-Up https://icgt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Camp-registration-form-2026.pdf [https://icgt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Camp-registration-form-2026.pdf] * Islamic Food Bank https://islamicfoodbank.org/ [https://islamicfoodbank.org/] * Halim Clinic [https://www.halimclinic.org] https://www.halimclinic.org/ [https://www.halimclinic.org/] * Halim Clinic at PHCA phone number: (567) 318-4609 * Visitor's Guide for the ICGT https://icgt.org/visitors-members/#program-2 [https://icgt.org/visitors-members/#program-2] * Email info@icgt.org [info@icgt.org] * ICGT on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ICGToledo [https://www.facebook.com/ICGToledo] * ICGT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/icgtoledo/ [https://www.instagram.com/icgtoledo/] * ICGT on Twitter (X) https://x.com/icgtoledo [https://x.com/icgtoledo] * ICGT on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@IslamicCenterofGreaterToledo [https://www.youtube.com/@IslamicCenterofGreaterToledo] Faith Community Leader Series (can be found on perrysburgpodcast.com [http://perrysburgpodcast.com]) Episode 30: Places of Worship [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/30] Episode 34: Interview with Pastor Mark Wentz [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/34] (Lutheran Church of the Master) Episode 40: Interview with Pastor Dan Gildner [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/40] (Grace Church Perrysburg) Episode 62: Interview with Pastor Melanie Forrey [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/62] (Zoar Lutheran Church) Episode 79: Interview with Father Matt Wahlgren [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/79] (St. Timothy's Episcopal Church) Episode 86: Interview with Amichai Stout [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/86] (Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo) Episode 107: Interview with Bishop Neil Baird and Youth Leader Quinten Dworczyk [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/107] (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Episode 136: Perrysburg's Christian Science Reading Room [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/136] Episode 149 (today): The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/149] Other links for this episode * Sign up for the weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] * Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com]

Pickleball Paul and the Rise of Pickleball in Perrysburg

Today's episode is about pickleball in Perrysburg, and my guest is "Pickleball Paul," also known as Paul Smithers. During our conversation, you'll hear how pickleball became so popular locally, where to play, how beginners can get started, why the game has become such a social activity for people of all ages, and more. Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you already play regularly, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Perrysburg's fastest-growing recreational activities. Highlights from this episode 🏓 the history of pickleball in Perrysburg 🏓 where to play 🏓 beginner tips 🏓 some pickleball etiquette 🏓 a reminder to stay active as you age 🏓 and why pickleball is such a social sport Links from this episode * Perrysburg Pickleball Club Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2105884833042311/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2105884833042311/] * Pickleheads App (Find a Player) https://www.pickleheads.com/ [https://www.pickleheads.com/] * Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] List of Pickleball Courts in Perrysburg, Ohio Outdoor Courts * Perrysburg Municipal Park * Rotary Community Park Indoor Courts * Fort Meigs YMCA * Zion Lutheran Church (beginner classes Wednesdays from 2-6 PM) * Grace Church (E. Boundary St.) * Not mentioned today, but also available: PHCA (Perrysburg Heights Community Center) Other Locations Mentioned - Outside Perrysburg * Bowling Green pickleball courts * Sylvania pickleball courts * Holland pickleball courts * Waterville pickleball courts * Toledo pickleball courts at Rossford/Toledo Pickleball Club area

What is the Perrysburg Heights Community Association? Interview with PHCA Board Member Paul Belazis

The Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA) is a nonprofit community organization in Perrysburg Township that helps children, adults, and families through education, wellness, food assistance, recreation, and community support programs. It started in 1991 as a response to concerns about children struggling academically in the Perrysburg Heights neighborhood. Over time, it grew from a small after-school tutoring effort in a construction trailer into a full community center offering: * after-school reading and enrichment programs * a summer camp * a food pantry * fitness and wellness activities * volunteer opportunities * GED support through partnerships * health screenings * a free primary care clinic for uninsured and underinsured patients A big part of PHCA's mission is helping people access opportunities, resources, and support while building a stronger sense of community connection. It also serves as a hub where schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, businesses, volunteers, and local organizations collaborate to help families in the Perrysburg area. Paul Belazis has been a member of the Perrysburg community since 1987. He served as a member of the Perrysburg Heights Community Association PHCA board of trustees at its inception in 1991. He is the immediate PHCA Past President. Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA) 12282 Jefferson St. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-874-4529 Website: https://www.phcaohio.org/ [https://www.phcaohio.org/] Follow PHCA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/phccofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/phccofficial/] Community Partners Mentioned * Perrysburg Schools [https://www.perrysburgschools.net] * Islamic Food Bank of Toledo [https://islamicfoodbankoftoledo.org] * Halim Clinic [https://www.halimclinic.org] * Halim Clinic at PHCA phone number: (567) 318-4609 * Penta Career Center Adult Education [https://www.pentacareercenter.org/adult-education] * The Greater Toledo Community Foundation [https://toledocf.org] * United Way of Greater Toledo [https://unitedwaytoledo.org] * Mercy Health Mobile Mammography [https://www.mercy.com/news-events/events/toledo/2026/april/mobile-mammography-perrysburg-heights-community-association] Ways to Support PHCA * Volunteer * Donate * Become a reading mentor * Help with the food pantry * Schedule a tour * Spread awareness about PHCA services * Share this podcast episode Other Links * Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast]