Empathy, Dreams, and Breaking Barriers: The Story Behind 'Sideline Confidential'

In this episode, author Brooke Bentley and renowned narrator Julia Whelan talk about their collaboration on the audiobook 'Sideline Confidential.' Brooke shares how her real-life experiences as a sports reporter for the NFL informed the creation of her protagonist, Blake, who navigates the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Julia discusses her new venture, Audiobrary, a revolutionary platform for audiobook listeners and narrators. Both women explore themes of empathy, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to one's unique vision. The episode includes a reading from 'Sideline Confidential,' showcasing the powerful storytelling that ties their conversation together.

00:00 A Dream Job in the NFL

00:41 Meeting the Narrator Julia Whelan

02:10 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

03:00 Brooke's Real-Life Experiences

05:04 The Power of Storytelling in Sports

08:15 Universal Themes of Women in Male-Dominated Spaces

13:58 Julia Whelan's Audiobook Industry Insights

24:16 The Journey from Screenplay to Book

25:01 Character Development and Themes

26:32 Balancing Career and Personal Life

27:16 Writing Process and Achievements

29:40 Redefining Dreams and Success

38:37 Empathy and Storytelling

42:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Helpful links:

https://www.brookebentley.com/

https://audiobrary.com/

https://theresabakkennarrator.com/