Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a book into an engaging audiobook?

In this episode, I talk with actor and audiobook narrator, Sean Pratt, to explore the art and science of narrating audiobooks. With a career spanning 35 years in acting and 27 years in audiobook narration (also known by his pseudonym Lloyd James), Sean has recorded over 1,100 books across almost every genre. His work has earned him 9 AudioFile Magazine “Earphones” awards, 5 SOVAS nominations, and 5 “Audie” nominations from the Audio Publishers Association.

Most recently, Sean narrated Jonathan Haidt’s new book, “The Anxious Generation,” which topped the Associated Press’s list of ‘Top 10 Nonfiction Audiobooks.’ Beyond his narration work, Sean is the author of “To Be or Wanna Be: The Top Ten Differences Between a Successful Actor and a Starving Artist,” a must-read for aspiring actors that outlines the key behaviors and mindsets that differentiate success from struggle.

In addition to his narration and acting work, Sean dedicates his time to coaching performers on audiobook narration techniques, teaching classes, and writing articles about the business side of the industry. For more insights and resources, visit Sean’s website www.seanprattpresents.com. Follow Sean on X at @SPPresents and Instagram at @sppresents.

Cancer affects millions worldwide, regardless of age, occupation, or background. It's a relentless adversary, challenging our understanding and defying our treatments. Yet, amidst the darkness, there’s hope—a relentless pursuit of answers by scientists like Dr. Zuzana Kečkéšová.

Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Kečkéšová, a passionate cancer researcher with a background in virology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. As a Group Leader at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague, and a former Postdoctoral Fellow at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Dr. Kečkéšová brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion. Together, we confront the reality of cancer, exploring its stories, its science, and the ongoing battle against one of the greatest adversaries of our time.

Dr. Kečkéšová's lab is dedicated to uncovering new ways our cells naturally combat cancer, drawing insights from tissues and cell types resilient to tumor growth. Through rigorous experimentation and collaboration with experts worldwide, her team strives to develop innovative therapies that hold promise for the future.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of cancer biology and the quest for life-saving breakthroughs. Learn more about Dr. Kečkéšová's work on her lab's website, and follow her on LinkedIn.

About 450 million years ago, plants started to colonize the planet. Unable to hide from challenging environmental conditions or run away from insects or herbivores, plants had to get creative to manage diverse ecological pressures. To deal with these challenges, plants exploited their own metabolic systems to produce natural chemicals that helped them survive, from attracting pollinators to deterring herbivores and fighting pathogens.

Some of the natural compounds found in plants possess medicinal properties capable of addressing human health issues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, natural plant products have been used medically for thousands of years usually in the form of herbs mixed into cocktails that contain a diverse array of natural compounds. Today, a significant portion of prescription drugs have origins in plants or are directly derived from natural compounds found in plants.

Jing-Ke Weng, PhD, is a plant biologist and biochemist who studies the origin and evolution of specialized metabolic systems in plants and seeks to use the chemical diversity found in the plant kingdom for the benefit of human health. Dr. Weng’s research could lead to a better understanding of complex diseases and inform the development of new medicines.

Dr. Weng received his PhD in Biochemistry from Purdue University in 2009. He did his postdoctoral research with Dr. Joseph Noel at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In 2013, he joined the faculty of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, and the biology department of MIT as an assistant professor. In the fall of 2023, Dr. Weng became the founding director of the new Institute for Plant-Human Interface at Northeastern University.

Learn more about Dr. Weng’s work on his website, or his research page at Northeastern University, and follow him on LinkedIn.