PERFORMER:

Zura Johnson

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Joe Hempel, a total eighties' kid, had a fascination with an eclectic array of shows that would later shape his performances in the audiobook world—shows like Alf, Night Court, Tales from the Crypt, and WWF Superstars. For over a decade Joe honed his acting skills as a referee in professional wrestling and inspired people as a NASM certified personal trainer and endurance coach. Combined with his animated personality and a love for reading, becoming an audiobook narrator was a natural step. Best known for his captivating, rich narrations and uncanny ability for pulling listeners into an immersive experience, Joe has entertained listeners with over 500 audiobooks. He runs the breakout hit horror audiobook company Fright Night Audio and as won awards for Best Narration in Horror at the Independent Audiobook Awards in 2018, Best Horror Audiobook as a publisher in 2021, Nominated for a SOVAS in Best Thriller as a publisher in 2022 and won a SOVAS for Best Narration in an Anthology in 2022.