Brooke Bentley & Julia Whelan, SIDELINE CONFIDENTIAL
Feb 3, 2025
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Brooke Bentley, a former television anchor and sports reporter, shares insights from her novel Sideline Confidential, while Julia Whelan is an acclaimed audiobook narrator and founder of Literati Spirits. They discuss breaking barriers for women in sports media, revealing personal anecdotes from their journeys in the NFL. The duo also explores the nuances of audiobook narration, the pressures of youth sports parenting, and the importance of community among women in male-dominated fields. Their conversation is both empowering and enlightening!
Brooke Bentley's Sideline Confidential explores the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated sports media industry, reflecting her own experiences as a sports reporter.
Julia Whalen emphasizes the importance of realistic character portrayal in her audiobook narration, aiming to avoid stereotypes while enhancing listener engagement.
Deep dives
Brooke Bentley's Journey to Writing Sideline Confidential
Brooke Bentley shares her inspiration for writing Sideline Confidential, which stemmed from her experiences in the NFL while working as a sports reporter. The novel, framed as a fictionalized account, aims to shed light on the challenges young women face in the male-dominated sports media industry. Bentley reveals that her own early career involved obstacles such as being the only female in a male-centric environment, highlighted by her initial forced separation from her male colleagues on team travel. This background not only fueled her creative process but also influenced the book's protagonist, whose struggles mirror those faced by many women in sports.
Julia Whalen's Role as Audiobook Narrator
Julia Whalen discusses her experience narrating the audiobook for Sideline Confidential, emphasizing her passion for bringing characters to life through her distinctive narration style. Although she was not initially familiar with football, she dove into the story, impressed by Bentley's writing and the depth of the female protagonist's character. Whalen also highlights her desire to portray realistic characters without falling into stereotypical traps, which makes the narrative refreshing and engaging. By collaborating closely with Bentley, they ensured the audiobook presented an authentic representation of the characters and their journeys.
The Evolution of Women in Sports Media
The podcast delves into the changing landscape for women in the sports industry, with significant growth in female representation in roles traditionally held by men. Bentley notes that since 2020, there has been a 140% increase in women entering NFL operations, reflecting a positive shift towards inclusivity. This change is not just seen at entry levels but also in managerial positions, indicating a newfound recognition of women's capabilities in sports. The growth of women in sports journalism and operations illustrates a broader cultural shift, and Bentley's novel aims to capture this evolving narrative.
The Launch of Audiobrary and Its Impact
Julia Whalen speaks about the launch of her audio publishing company, Audiobrary, which aims to support narrators and share more of the financial benefits of audiobook sales with them. The company's model is designed to address existing issues by providing narrators with royalties, promoting a more equitable distribution of profits. Whalen shares her vision of creating a sustainable model for audio publishing that directly supports artists while also offering consumers a platform to purchase unique storytelling experiences. This innovative approach allows listeners to connect deeply with the material, enriching their engagement with the narratives.
Zibby welcomes author Brooke Bentley and audiobook narrator Julia Whelan to discuss SIDELINE CONFIDENTIAL, a powerful novel that explores the challenges women face in the male-dominated world of professional sports media, inspired by Brooke’s time as the first woman to travel with the Houston Texans. Julia, who narrates the audiobook, shares how they worked together to bring the story to life through her new company, Audiobrary, which champions fair compensation for narrators. The trio dives into the evolution of women’s roles in the NFL, the book’s unexpected connection to the Taylor Swift effect, and the importance of telling authentic stories that break free from traditional romance tropes.'