TJ Crowley Named Audie Awards Finalist

Often called the “Oscars of the audiobook industry,” the Audie Awards honor the highest achievements in audio storytelling.

In a landmark achievement, the original full-cast audio drama, The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 Audie Awards, presented by the Audio Publishers Association (APA).

The production, a collaborative effort by Overstake and acclaimed producer/director May Wuthrich, features a stellar ensemble cast of multi-award-winning actors.

Often called the “Oscars of the audiobook industry,” the Audie Awards honor the highest achievements in audio storytelling. The inclusion of TJ Crowley among this year’s finalists in the Young Adult category places this independently created and published work on the same top shelf as productions from major publishing houses like Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster.

“This recognition underscores that excellence in storytelling and production is not limited to big-budget publishers. It can be achieved with passion, collaboration, and a bold vision, and the support of a distributor like Blackstone Publishing,” said Grant Overstake, executive producer and co-author.

Stars Shine Bright at the Audies

This year’s illustrious list of finalists includes household names like Barbra Streisand, Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Dion Graham, Elle Fanning, January LaVoy, John Mulaney, Oprah Winfrey, Paul Scheer, and Willow Smith. The star-studded event will be hosted by Emmy®-nominated actress, comedian, and author Amy Sedaris, herself a 2008 Audies finalist, at a gala ceremony on March 4, 2025, in New York City.

Said Sean McManus, President of the Audio Publishers Association. “This year’s finalists represent the very best in storytelling, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their achievements.”

The inclusion of TJ Crowley places this independently created and published work on the same top shelf as productions from major publishing houses like Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster.

Celebrating Excellence in Independent Storytelling

Grant and his wife, Claire, will be attending the event in New York alongside producer and director May Wuthrich and other contributors to the production. The inclusion of TJ Crowley as a finalist in the Young Adult category underscores the project’s groundbreaking achievement as an independently created and published work.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast and Production Team

The production, a collaborative effort by Overstake and acclaimed producer/director May Wuthrich, features a stellar ensemble cast of multi-award-winning actors led by Dani Martineck as TJ. The cast includes co-producers Dion Graham and Tavia Gilbert, as well as Johnny Heller, Shayna Small, Michael Crouch, Kirby Heyborne, Ari Fliakos, Kevin R. Free, Graham Halstead, Thérèse Plummer, Brittany Pressley, Peter Berkrot, John Wright, and Sheila Brown Kinnard.

Directed by co-author and producer May Wuthrich, a 15-member cast of gave voice to the audio.

John Marshall Media’s Cameron Potts, who produced with Wuthrich, led the effort to create an immersive soundscape that added texture and context, evoking the social and political climate of the time. Further enhancing the production are stirring performances of Negro spirituals by the ARISE Ensemble, a Wichita-based multicultural choir.

A Transformative Coming-of-Age Story

The audio drama, adapted from Overstake’s award-winning novel, captures the suspenseful and poignant story of a young white boy from a broken family growing up in 1968 Wichita amidst the turmoil of the Civil Rights era. When his world is upended by the arrival of a Black family next door, TJ must confront his inherited prejudices, leading him on a harrowing, transformative journey.

Supporters and Sponsors Behind the Vision

The audio drama listening event and community conversation at Holy Savior Academy this past summer was co-sponsored by The Kansas African American Museum, led by Denise Sherman and Brad Richards.

This groundbreaking project was made possible through the generous support of The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and individual contributors. Fiscal sponsorship was provided by the Youth Educational Empowerment Program, ensuring the project could achieve its vision as an arts-driven initiative that engages and educates through storytelling.

A Mission to Entertain, Educate, and Inspire

"We set out to create a listening experience that would not only entertain but educate and inspire. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved, and we’re incredibly grateful for their dedication to producing something special,” said Wuthrich.

Recognition by Industry Experts

Finalists are selected by a panel of industry experts who evaluate productions based on overall quality, narration, sound design, and impact. Winners will be revealed at the 30th Annual Audie Awards on March 4, 2025, hosted by Amy Sedaris, whose humor and wit promise to bring a unique spark to the evening.

Take Action: Join the Journey Today

Experience the story that’s changing hearts and opening minds—download The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline today. As a 2025 Audie Awards finalist, this independently produced full-cast audio drama has earned its place among the finest in audio storytelling.

Available wherever you get your downloads, including Audible. Join listeners worldwide in celebrating this groundbreaking work that inspires, educates, and leaves a lasting impact. Don’t wait—be part of the journey now!