For listeners who like to do the deep dive, the Audible editors were here for it. We interviewed some of the year’s standout creators, from debut authors and literary legends to iconic musicians, performers, and leaders. We dove deep into fandoms, from Tolkein and Dune to the ever-devious Joe Goldberg. And we shared personal stories about culture, identity, and how listening has helped us connect more deeply to the world. See our 21 favorite deep dives of 2021.
1. We reveled in Yo-Yo Ma’s brilliant, singular mind
Yo-Yo Ma's 'Beginner's Mind' Is a Musical Meditation on the Power of Art >>
America's iconic cellist examines his path in life and the role of art and music in helping us heal from a year of burnout and universal grief.
2. We doled out some expert advice on the question everyone asks us
How to Become an Audiobook Narrator >>
Do you love your voice and ever wonder ‘What if…?’ Audible Studios’s Kat Lambrix breaks down the skills you need to turn your narration dreams into a professional reality with expert tips and guidance.
3. We shared our most life-changing audiobooks
Our Editors Reveal: The Listen that Changed My Life >>
In our "Editors Reveal" series, where the Audible editors spill all our listening-related secrets. In this edition, we share the listens that changed our lives: from fiction that left an impression to influential self dev.
4. Debut author Robert Jones Jr. blew us away with his debut novel and insightful interview
'The Prophets' Raises Love Above All Else >>
Lauded for its lyricism and heart-wrenching beauty, Robert Jones, Jr.’s new novel is an electric debut centered on two enslaved men in love during the antebellum South.
5. Wordsmith Russell Brand dispensed some sage advice from his eclectic spiritual odyssey
Russell Brand's 'Revelation' About the Universal Longing for Union >>
The comedian, activist, and writer examines the meaning of the sacred and how we can connect spirituality to our everyday lives.
6. We shamelessly ogled the year's most star-studded cast
Dream Big: Meet the All-Star Cast of The Sandman: Act II >>
With a truly astonishing array of talents, the star-studded cast of The Sandman: Act II is simply unmatched.
7. We dug into the chilling audiobooks behind our favorite scary films
From Page to Scream: Spine-Chilling Listens that Inspired Horror Movies >>
Looking for the perfect listen to queue up for Halloween night? These terrifying tales—all of which were adapted for the big screen—offer plenty of frights.
8. We geeked out on the best literary bromance ever
Andy Weir Is on a Mission to Create an Unpausable Story >>
The writer of 'The Martian' wows with world-ending stakes and an unexpected bromance in his new interstellar thriller, 'Project Hail Mary.'
9. We got granular about the year's hottest screen adaptation
Dune (2021): Book vs. Movie >>
Overall, Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic is quite faithful. But in what small ways does the film differ from the book?
10. We interviewed a national leader about her ambitious new thriller
Stacey Abrams Asked, What Happens 'While Justice Sleeps'? And a Legal Thriller Was Born >>
Set within the halls of the US Supreme Court, the prescient new suspense novel from the political leader and voting rights activist draws from moments in her own career.
11. Joe Goldberg seduced us all—including narrator Santino Fontana—to the dark side
Caroline Kepnes and Santino Fontana of 'You Love Me' in Conversation >>
The creator of the hit You series, whose third installment You Love Me recently released, chats with the voice of Joe Goldberg himself—Hall of Fame narrator Santino Fontana—in this exclusive conversation.
12. Audibleites across the company shared their favorite listens from AAPI creators
Voices of Audible: Celebrating AAPI Stories and Lives >>
Listening has helped our Asian American team members and allies feel seen, understand and embrace their identities, and work toward a stronger, more equitable future.
13. We got the lowdown on the best damn audiobook-inspired song ever recorded
Weezer Wrote a Song About Audible, and We'll Never Be the Same >>
On a track from the band’s new album ‘OK Human’, frontman Rivers Cuomo surprised even us with his deep love for audiobooks. When we recovered, we asked him for the scoop.
14. Author Ken Liu got real with Editor Sam Danis about why he writes
Ken Liu Writes Because Storytelling Is What Makes Us Human >>
With 'The Armies of Those I Love,' the award-winning sci-fi and fantasy writer illustrates how the stories passed between generations can become our mythology.
15. Paul Simon and Malcolm Gladwell revealed their behind-the-scenes collaboration
Malcolm Gladwell Elicits Anecdotes, Songs, and Creative Wisdom In 'Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon' >>
In a unique all-star collaboration, legendary songwriter Paul Simon spends quality time with best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell and music journalist Bruce Headlam to explore what the history of Paul’s songs says about the art of songwriting.
16. A debut memoirist shared how writing and narrating helped her heal
My Private Heartbreak Became a Public Scandal. Telling My Story Helped Me Reclaim It. >>
For decades, her ex-husband's shattering betrayal was engulfed by one of the biggest media stories of the 1990s. Could writing her memoir, and unpacking those ghosts, finally set her free?
17. Mary-Louise Parker unpacked why she returned to the role of Bella Baird
Mary-Louise Parker Reprises One of Her Most Challenging Roles in 'The Sound Inside' >>
The award-winning performer stars in Adam Rapp's Tony-nominated play as they translate it to an audio-only experience.
18. We collected the best moments from Welcome To My Panic
5+ of the Biggest Revelations for Green Day Fans from Billie Joe Armstrong's Memoir >>
In 'Welcome to My Panic,' Armstrong leads listeners through defining moments from both his personal life and Green Day’s journey with the same soul that makes him a force onstage.
19. Editor Maddy shared the empowering lesbian listens she loves
The Audiobooks I Wish I Had Listened to Sooner (As a Late-Blooming Lesbian) >>
If you are questioning your sexuality or place in the world, know that you are not, and never will be, alone.
20. Rachel Yoder and Editor Kat bonded over the beastliness of motherhood
'Nightbitch' Sinks Its Teeth into the Untamed and Untapped Power of Motherhood >>
Rachel Yoder's debut novel depicts the horror, humor, and visceral wildness that comes with being a new mom trying to find herself in a body—and a society—that's out of her control.
21. We unpacked everyone's favorite wizard and why he’s captured our hearts
Gandalf: A Lord of the Rings Character Guide >>
As a pipe-smoking, wise-cracking mighty wizard, it is no surprise that Gandalf is often cited as the greatest character in Lord of the Rings. Here is everything you need to know about the legendary wizard.
