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Designed specifically to focus on the interests and needs of commuters, the new Freeway Guides series of audiobooks features dynamic, entertaining instructions by established leaders in their fields supported by high production values. The company was cofounded in 2006 by motivational speaker/trainer Susan Leahy (The Freeway Guide to Nailing the Job Interview) and film director/producer Jared Patrick as a result of their frustration at wasting time during their daily commute on the Southern California freeways. They blended their talents and expertise to create these effective, affordable, and practical training materials tailored especially for busy people on the go. The mixed-media production includes the main instructor's presentation, supported by a variety of additional character voices and a wide range of catchy music and sound effects. The result is akin to the early days of radio plays, and the 80-minute length for each program is just about right for most listeners as they trek to and from their offices. All Freeway Guides programs are originally produced for the audio format. - Dale Farris, Groves, TX

 

Billed as "practical audio for people on the go," Freeway Guides' latest release, WINE APPRECIATION, is a lighthearted tutorial on the basics of wine. Briskly covering a wealth of material—from the origins of wine to its different types—this guide mirrors a cultural trend towards wine appreciation. Host Robin Stark, a well-known wine expert, gives a genuinely warm and funny treatment without any of the condescending air wine snobs are known for, although she employs a genuine snob—in the character of the pompous Charles—along with a host of narrative foils, to lend expertise and levity. Stark's delivery is flippant but never condescending. She’s just the kind of person you'd like to sit down and have a glass of wine with. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]

 

Robin Stark is one of the nation’s leading wine educators, conducting wine tastings and seminars for hundreds of groups and organizations across the country. Robin also provides wine collection consulting for numerous wine collectors and restaurants, and since 1999 has organized and led bike tours through the major wine regions of the world.