Audible Originals: Unlocking the Power of Storytelling
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In today’s fast-paced digital world, content is king, and Audible Originals are leading the charge in revolutionizing the way we consume stories. With a vast library of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive content, Audible has become a go-to destination for story enthusiasts and content creators alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of Audible Originals and how they’re shaping the future of storytelling.
What Are Audible Originals And How Do They Work?
Audible Originals are exclusive audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content produced and published directly by Audible, the audiobook service from Amazon. Unlike most audiobooks, which are released by publishers and sold on various platforms, Audible Originals are only available on Audible and cannot be found elsewhere on the internet. They are similar to Netflix Original series or movies in terms of exclusivity. To access Audible Originals, individuals need to sign up for an Audible account, and they can receive one free audiobook as part of the sign-up process.
Audible has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the competitive digital content landscape. Audible Originals have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we consume stories in the digital age. With their diverse content, innovative technology, and commitment to quality storytelling, they have managed to change the way people perceive and engage with audio content. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Audible Originals continue to shape the future of storytelling and provide endless hours of entertainment to listeners worldwide.
“You can get access to Audible Originals for free by completing a 30-day free trial. So why not start today?”
Der Book Guide®-Editor
Top Audible Originals to Check Out
With thousands of titles to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start with Audible Originals. Here are a few top picks to help you get started:
Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude
By: Dan Aykroyd
(Free With Audible Trial)
The Blues Brothers, a pop-culture icon, debuted as a sketch on Saturday Night Live in 1976. In this audio documentary, Elwood Blues (aka Dan Aykroyd) tells the full story of the band’s rise from blues lovers to icons. The documentary takes listeners on a journey through time, from early days with John Belushi to working with blues legends on The Blues Brothers movie and founding House of Blues. It features interviews with band members, friends, and filmmakers.
The Strange Case
By: Derek Kolstad
(Free With Audible Trial)
The modern-day reimagining of the classic story of Jekyll and Hyde from Audible Originals features a thrilling action-packed drama with cutting-edge 3D sound design. Dr. Jekyll, an elite international specialist in energy systems, works with her handler Louis in politically volatile territories like Iran and North Korea. When an arms dealer accuses her of killing his family, she enlists the help of psychologist Sigrun to uncover Dr. Jekyll’s darker side, a brutal assassin named Hyde.
Pulse: The Untold Story
By: Trevor Aaronson
(Free With Audible Trial)
Pulse: The Untold Story is an Audible Original by Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound, which investigates the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, raising questions about the FBI’s culpability. The documentary explores the FBI’s secret history with the shooter and his father, who were falsely accused of planning the attack. Aaronson’s investigation uncovers the volatile relationship between the shooter and his father, leading to the question of whether the FBI could have prevented the massacre.
Wild with Happy
By: Colman Domingo
(Free With Audible Trial)
Wild with Happy is a dark comedy by Oscar and Tony Award nominee Colman Domingo, featuring an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Washington, Alex Newell, and Tyler James Williams. The story follows Gil, a struggling NYC actor, as he heads home to Philadelphia after his mother’s passing. Despite unexpected detours, they eventually reach their final destination, the place that made her wild with happiness. The film is crafted with humor and emotion, making it a beautifully crafted and immersive listen.
Queer West
By: Brenna Farrell, Zakiya Gibbons, Ellen Horne
(Free With Audible Trial)
In this podcast, host Niecy Nash-Betts explores the fascinating LGBTQ+ lives that have been overlooked in American West stories, highlighting their impact on the region today.
Reinvent Your Life
By: Mel Robbins
(Free With Audible Trial)
Mel Robbins, a motivational powerhouse and best-selling phenomenon, offers a revolutionary masterclass on how to reinvent your life. She presents a step-by-step guide on making lasting change, focusing on whether you are the driver or just the passenger. She helps you take control of your health, career, relationships, crush bad habits, and connect with your sense of purpose. She provides clarity and perspective on choosing your life’s direction, helping you conquer fears and move forward confidently. By taking back the wheel, you can embrace the opportunities ahead.
How to Train Your Mind
By: Chris Bailey
(Free With Audible Trial)
Chris Bailey, author of The Productivity Project and Hyperfocus, reveals that meditation can boost productivity by earning back time. For every minute spent meditating, nine minutes are earned back. Meditation can calm the mind, slow down in an overanxious world, and de-stimulate it, allowing for clearer thinking, reduced procrastination, and increased effectiveness at work and home. The guide offers guided meditations for busy schedules.
The 6 Habits of Growth
By: Brendon Burchard
(Free With Audible Trial)
Brendon Burchard, a high-performance coach and author, offers six habits of personal growth to help create the life of your dreams. These habits include motivation, focus, confidence, energy, purpose, and leadership. Motivation involves understanding the three keys to lasting motivation, combating burnout, and incorporating daily habits into your routine. Focus involves assessing your life’s areas of health, committing to improvements, and embracing self-doubt as a learning opportunity. Energy involves revving and renewing practices, and purpose is about making purpose smaller and focusing on everyday “points of purpose.” The book is an Audible Original with practical examples.
The goop Pursuit: Finding Beauty
By: Jodie Patterson
(Free With Audible Trial)
Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop Pursuit is an Audible Original audio series exploring the concept of “Finding Beauty” by author, LGBTQIA+ activist, and beauty maven Jodie Patterson. The series follows her journey of self-discovery and transformation in her relationship with beauty.
Death by Unknown Event
By: Pamela Adlon
(Free With Audible Trial)
Vancouver nurse Cindy James reported over 100 harassment incidents over seven years, leading to a $1.7 million investigation by Canada’s Royal Mounted Police. Despite no evidence of foul play, she was found dead in 1989, making her case a perplexing true crime story.
The Safe Man
By: Michael Connelly
(Free With Audible Trial)
Michael Connelly’s #1 bestselling novel features a captivating detective story, heist thriller, and supernatural mystery, featuring Jack Quaid and Titus Welliver in a full cast.
Start Here
By: Mel Robbins
(Free With Audible Trial)
Mel Robbins, a renowned author, has been delivering empowering pep talks on various life challenges for over a decade. In her first Audible Original podcast, Start Here with Mel Robbins, she covers 13 topics in 30 minutes each, including anxiety, money, family, career, emotional eating, and relationships. Robbins believes that the hardest part is knowing where to start, and her podcasts provide the tools to tackle the first step of improving one’s life. The podcasts are filled with inspiring metaphors, memorable stories, and simple tools to empower listeners to take action.
The Prophecy
By: Randy McKinnon
(Free With Audible Trial)
Dr. Virginia Marilyn Edwards seeks out Agent Scott Thomas at a secret government headquarters amid unexplainable natural disasters. She believes these events are signs of a global mystery. Virginia’s desperate proclamation, “Agent Thomas,” raises questions about her identity and the presence of Jonah and Daniel, two men who hold new clues. The supernatural thriller stars David Oyelowo, Daniel Dae Kim, and Asa Butterfield.
The Space Within
By: Greg O’Connor
(Free With Audible Trial)
Seven-year-old Sophie Lewin is found seventeen miles away, with no memory of the incident. Her parents hire psychiatrist Dr. Maddie Wyle to investigate. As she unlocks Sophie’s memories, she becomes involved in a supernatural mystery. Maddie discovers that others have experienced similar changes, and risks everything to uncover the truth. The Space Within explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and the human body’s untapped powers. The star-studded cast includes Academy Award-winner Jessica Chastain, Bobby Cannavale, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Carmen Ejogo.
Mistletoe Murders
By: Ken Cuperus
(Free With Audible Trial)
Emily Lane, a charming Christmas-themed store owner in Fletcher’s Grove, is forced to investigate local murders. Despite her charm, she is hiding a secret past. Detective-Constable Sam Wilner, a smart cop, questions Emily’s true nature.
Misconception
By: Liv Constantine
(Free With Audible Trial)
Iris Thomas, once averting a betrayal by Sasha Everett, finds herself reuniting with Molly and Bailey in a private school. As they bond, Iris suspects Sasha may be guilty of a sinister crime. She must uncover the truth before it’s too late./p>
The Narrator
By: K. L. Slater
(Free With Audible Trial)
K. L. Slater’s The Narrator is a thrilling new Audible Original, set in the aftermath of a failed voice acting career and the loss of his daughter, Scarlet. The author, who is now living with his ex-girlfriend Hugo, is left to narrate a book by disappeared novelist Philippa Roberts, fearing a hidden clue to Philippa’s disappearance. The story is a thrilling thriller that will appeal to fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on The Train, and The Wife Between Us.
New Found Land: The Long Haul
By: Austin Grossman
(Free With Audible Trial)
New Found Land: The Long Haul is an audio drama by Neal Stephenson, Sean Stewart, and Austin Grossman, set in a world where magic and swords are the norm. The story follows Felicia Scurry, a scientist, and Bucephalus Troy, a trucker who discovers a world called Bamalot. Meanwhile, Charity Kong searches for a secret agent who broke her heart. The film is fast-paced, funny, and deeply weird, featuring performances by various actors and voices. It explores the tension between science fiction and fantasy, with the potential for a Three Worlds War.
The Armies of Those I Love
By: Ken Liu
(Free With Audible Trial)
Franny, a 14-year-old orphan, embarks on an epic quest to find mysterious pilots who steer cities, hoping to uncover answers about her family’s past and the world’s future. The Armies of Those I Love is a brilliant vision of the future by Ken Liu, known for his sci-fi classics and translations.
Intelligent Design
By: David Spicer
(Free With Audible Trial)
In a shadowy Karoli Robotics Corporation, scientist Jim creates an AI that can fool the Turing test while his colleague Daniel synthesizes DNA. After Laura Bocelli is brain dead, they reanimate her using DNA technology and AI. A year later, a journalist uncovers Laura’s secret and plans to engineer a race of AI Cyborgs in her image. The story features Sara Alexander, John Ammirati, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and others.
You Only Die Twice
By: Brynn Kelly
(Free With Audible Trial)
In this audio novel, high school English teacher Alice Thornton helps her dying Russian neighbor write a spy thriller. However, she is swept into a lethal conspiracy by former CIA operative Carter Beck, who warns her about a sensational murder plot. Alice and Carter must separate truth from fiction to unmask the killer, revealing their unexpected chemistry and danger.
The Glitch
By: Leeanne Slade
(Free With Audible Trial)
In this summer, Henry Dunne, a renowned author, falls in love with Grace Monroe, a passionate and independent chef. Grace’s life is turned upside down when her restaurant is declared bankrupt, and her grandmother is rushed to the hospital. Henry, who showed her the true meaning of love and heartbreak, is watching her from the opposite escalator. On her twenty-fifth birthday, Grace wakes up with a picture-perfect memory of the missing years, aiming to save her career and prevent the worst heartache she’s ever known.
Lucky Suit
By: Lauren Blakely
(Free With Audible Trial)
Lauren Blakely returns with an Audible Original featuring the charm, chemistry, and comedy of her best-selling romance, “Kristen Leonard.” She uses online dating algorithms to find her ideal man, but meets a hilarious, quick-witted, and heartfelt man named Cameron. However, their relationship is uncertain, and they must trust their hearts over their heads to fall in love.
A Vineyard Valentine
By: Nina Bocci
(Free With Audible Trial)
Nina Bocci’s novella, “A Valentine’s Day Singles Night,” follows Eloisa Giordono, a winery owner who hosts an Anti-Valentine’s Day party to attract like-minded people. However, she is captivated by a sexy, hopeless romantic who shows up at the event, causing her to reconsider her views on the holiday and love.
Still Hung Up on Yo
By: Liz Maverick
(Free With Audible Trial)
Hannah Gold, a high school dropout, reconnects with Ethan Reisner after 15 years of silence. She searches for a sweater for her parents’ 50th anniversary, unsure of his true nature. As her feelings lead her to unexpected places and her parents’ anniversary approaches, Hannah must decide what she truly wants.
Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words
By: Tara Sivec
(Free With Audible Trial)
Heidi Larsen, a former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, co-wrote a podcast called Heidi’s Discount Erotica, which was created specifically for audio. She reads steamy parts from romance novels and admits her crush on her neighbor. With each episode, Heidi embraces her new alter ego, becoming more comfortable in her own skin and doing things she never would have dreamed of. The podcast is hysterically funny and heartfelt.
Eight Winter Nights
By: Liz Maverick
(Free With Audible Trial)
This festive rom com novella explores the theme of being true to one’s heart, the friendships that define us, and the irresistible pull of holiday magic. Rachel Bacharach meets her dreams’ man, Oz Caplan, at a Hanukkah party, but secretly falls in love with her best friend Tamara. As the party approaches, Oz asks Rachel to help him write love letters for Tamara.
Snow Day
By: Julie Lipson
(Free With Audible Trial)
Amy and Martijn, on a Christmas train from Milan to Paris, meet cute people. When their train gets delayed in an Italian Alps town, they find comfort in a cozy inn run by a wise Italian man, redefining their holiday and each other.
Return to Shelter Beach
By: Terence Gray
(Free With Audible Trial)
In Shelter Beach, Grace Boyd faces a career and personal crisis after her fans unfollow her for less than truthful posts. She retreats to Shelter Beach to tend to her wounds and strategize her next move. As summer heats up, she meets a local fisherman and a British reporter-turned-author, leading to a sexy encounter and a chance to reconnect with her past.
After the Fairy Tale
By: Terence Gray
(Free With Audible Trial)
This romantic comedy is a must-watch for fans of the show The Bridegroom. Amanda, a fan of the show, gets engaged to her Scottish suitor, Liam. However, her real-life love story takes a turn when she reconnects with her high school bestie, Josh. As they rekindle their friendship, Amanda must decide whether to find happiness with her Scottish TV boyfriend or the sweet-town guy.
The Set Up
By: Falguni Kothari
(Free With Audible Trial)
Aditi Gupta, a pediatric resident, agrees to three dates with her grandfather due to her love for him. She initially fails the first date, but the second date brings her heart on the line, potentially putting her grandfather’s life on the line. The novella explores themes of love, arranged marriage, and the consequences of a perfect match.
The Break Up Artist
By: Erin Clark, Laura Lovely
(Free With Audible Trial)
This debut rom-com explores the question of love enough to win over a heartbreaker. Zelda Reynolds, known as “The Break-Up Artist,” offers help to end relationships through her website. However, when she falls for a man who challenges her to let go of past hurts, she must decide whether to reveal her true identity.
The Summer Melt
By: Emily March
(Free With Audible Trial)
In this audio-first novella by Emily March, Dana Delaney runs her ice cream parlor, Scoops, during peak tourist season. A newcomer, Cal Buchanan, offers to help her fill in when she’s short staffed. Their attraction leads to a decadent romance, but it may melt away by summer’s end. The story explores small-town charm and the potential for a romantic romance.
The Wedding ProposaL
By: John Swansiger
(Free With Audible Trial)
In this scripted, multicast rom-com, Hanna, devastated by her fiancé’s rejection of her dream wedding, decides to give it away to a deserving couple. With the help of her brother Eric, they re-arrange the details, and unexpectedly, they fall in love. The story explores the question of whether Hanna’s broken heart is the cause or the beginning of something lasting.