

Audiobook Café
Accessible Media Inc.
Jacob Shymnaski shares the latest audiobook and literary news, and features in-depth conversations with authors, narrators and industry experts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 28min
Eerie Page Turners: Horror Settings in Books
How does the setting of a book add to your perception of the story? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll chat about the importance of story settings in horror books. They also discuss the philosophy of horror and explore why readers are so enthralled with the genre.Books mentioned:“Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle“We Live Here Now” by Sarah Pinborough“The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson“The Shining” by Stephen King“The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James“Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe“The Greatcoat” by Helen Dunmore“The Shepherd” by Frederick Forsyth
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Sep 13, 2025 • 28min
The Art of Narration: In Conversation with Simon Mattacks
Can you tell the difference between real voices and AI narration? What differentiates a bad narrator from a good one? Jacob Shymanski explores these questions with Simon Mattacks, a British voice artist best known for his extensive work as an audiobook narrator.
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Sep 7, 2025 • 28min
Rejecting Perfectionism in Parenting: In Conversation with Jessica Slice
Jacob Shymanski chats with author Jessica Slice about her 2025 non-fiction book “Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World.” They discuss the exclusionary myths around parents with disabilities and parenting standards overall. To learn more about Jessica, visit her website here: https://www.jessicaslice.com/
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Sep 6, 2025 • 28min
Fair Pay, Fair Play: Royalty Issues at Audible
Author advocate Robin Sullivan and YouTuber Daniel Greene discuss the issues surrounding Audible’s new royalty model for authors, as well as the petition started by Robin.Follow Daniel’s YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw--xPGVVxYzRsWyV1nFqgg And to sign Robin’s petition, visit here. https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-its-new-royalty-model
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Sep 2, 2025 • 1min
Show Trailer - New Name!
We have some news! "AMI Audiobook Review" is changing its name to "Audiobook Café."Starting this month, you can stay up to date with the latest audiobook releases and literary news!Tune in as host Jacob Shymnaski shares in-depth conversations with authors, narrators and industry experts.The show airs weekends and Mondays at 1 PM Eastern on AMI-audio across Canada.You can also subscribe to Audiobook Café wherever you find podcasts.Or if you're already following "AMI Audiobook Review," no action is required. Just keep on listening!Our first episode airs on September 6, 2025.We hope you enjoy the show!
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 31, 2025 • 26min
Best of AMI Audiobook Review
Jacob Shymanski shares an exciting announcement for the show and takes a trip down memory lane.
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 30, 2025 • 28min
The Audiobook Debate: Is Listening the Same as Reading?
What is your reaction when people are dismissive of audiobooks as a medium for reading? Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan pose this question to the book club and share their responses. Together they explore the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities in the reading sphere.
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 24, 2025 • 27min
Book Review: “Not Quite Dead Yet” by Holly Jackson
Holly Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, is back with a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. While this is Jackson’s first novel for adults, Sara Hillis seems to think it reads more like a young adult thriller. Do you agree? Listen in as Jacob Shymanski and Sara weigh in with their opinions on “Not Quite Dead Yet.”
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 23, 2025 • 28min
Disability Portrayal in Literature Part Two: In Conversation with Red Széll
Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll continue their conversation on authentic portrayals of disability in fictional literature. They explore issues of stereotypical tropes and Flanderization for characters. Plus, they discuss the importance of disability research and character development within a story.Books mentioned in this episode include:• “Molly the Maid” series by Nita Prose• “The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder” by Sarah J. Harris• Joe Abercrombie’s book “Best Served Cold” - “friendly” character• “All the Light we Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Aug 17, 2025 • 28min
From Baseball to Politics: Rapid Fire Review with Jeff Rainey
In this rapid-fire review, Jacob Shymanski and Jeff Rainey explore five titles that have an eclectic blend from baseball to politics and biographies. The baseball angle I know you’ve sort of done before but it actually works great for two reasons: Jeff’s rapid-fire picks are: • “Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home” by Tom Wilson • “Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life” by Andrew Lawton • “Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging '70s” by Dan Epstein• “Home Games: Two Baseball Wives Speak Out” by Bobbie Bouton and Nancy Marshall • “The Best Team Money Can Buy: The Los Angeles Dodgers' Wild Struggle to Build a Baseball Powerhouse” by Molly Knight Other books referenced in this episode include: • “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton • “Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre” by Mark Bourrie • “Values: Building a Better World for All” by Mark Carney • “The Franchise: Toronto Blue Jays: A Curated History of the Jays” by Keegan Matheson
Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Saturdays and Sundays.Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: feedback@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc