Twenty Thousand Hertz
Sound, Uncovered. The secrets, stories, and science behind what you hear.
Wed, March 19, 2025
“In a World…” The epic evolution of movie trailers
Movie trailers have changed dramatically over the decades, from the classic “Voice of God” narrators of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to today’s thunderous “bwaahs” and “boojes. ” In this episode, Dallas and producer Andrew Anderson take a deep dive into the evolving art of trailer sound design, breaking down the most iconic trends and overused tropes. Featuring legendary trailers from Star Wars to Predator , plus an intimidating encounter with the most famous trailer voice of all time. Enter the “Sound Off” Story Contest at 20k.org/soundoff . Submissions close on May 7th, 2025. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website , and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/hertz . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k . Get an exclusive 60% discount on Incogni and a 30-day money-back guarantee at incogni.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/in-a-world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 05, 2025
“The Autumn, She’s Been Hit!” The wish that changed Halo forever
In the late ‘90s, Brian Johnson and Brian Morden were suburban teenagers obsessed with video games and music. And then, through an extraordinary wish, the two friends found themselves on a journey that made gaming history. In this episode, we explore how a single line of dialogue became a timeless piece of Halo lore, and the profound impact it had on everyone involved. Donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Brian Morden Foundation . Explore the all new Defacto Sound website , and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Follow You’ll Hear It , the #1 jazz podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Cut your current cloud bill in half with OCI at oracle.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Get 50% off your first meal box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/the-autumn-shes-been-hit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 19, 2025
Solar Symphony: Listening to the Sun’s hidden “music”
What sound can teach us about our Sun? In this episode, we explore how NASA scientists translate electromagnetic waves from the Sun into sound, and even music. Through this process, researchers are gradually unlocking the Sun’s secrets, from the steady “hum” of the star’s rotation, to the way that solar winds “play” the Earth’s magnetosphere like a harp. This story comes from the podcast NASA’s Curious Universe , and features Host and Astrophysicist Padi Boyd , Sonification Specialist Robert Alexander and Heliophysicist Mike Hartinger . Explore the all new Defacto Sound website , and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Subscribe to NASA’s Curious Universe wherever you get your podcasts. Get 50% off your first meal box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/factorpodcast . Get an exclusive 60% discount on Incogni and a 30-day money-back guarantee at incogni.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 05, 2025
Speaker Terror Upper: When Bass Tapes shook the streets
In the late '80s and early '90s, a seismic subculture shook the streets… literally. “Boom Cars,” decked out with custom sound systems, roamed neighborhoods blasting the bassiest music ever recorded. But where did this movement come from, and why did it fade away? In this episode, we dive into the world of Miami Bass, dB Drag Racing, and the infamous tapes that could shred your subwoofers. Featuring journalist Jesse Serwer and Bass Music pioneer DJ Magic Mike. Explore the all new Defacto Sound website , and click the Contact Form to get in touch. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Explore Shure's products, including the all new MV7i microphone, at shure.com . Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/speaker-terror-upper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 22, 2025
Radio Station Jingles: 80 Years of Earworms
If you turn on the radio, there’s one thing you’re almost guaranteed to hear: a catchy, over the top jingle proclaiming the name and call letters of the radio station. But where did these little tunes come from? Who makes them? And why are they still so common? In this episode, we explore the history of radio ID jingles, and pack in so many earworms, you’re going to need an exterminator. Featuring Jeanna Isham of Dreamr Productions , Jon Wolfert of JAM Creative Productions , and Erik Huber of ReelWorld Productions . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Follow Jeanna’s podcast, Sound in Marketing wherever you get your podcasts. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k . Get an exclusive 60% discount on Incogni and a 30-day money-back guarantee at incogni.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/radio-station-jingles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 04, 2024
Sound Pro Smackdown: Guess That Sound! w/ 3 industry experts
For our fifth annual Mystery Sound Game Show, Dallas invited three friends from the world of professional audio to compete against each other. So crank up the volume and see how many sounds you can guess. Featuring Dialog & ADR Editor Austin Olivia Kendrick , Sound Designer Mike James Gallagher , and Sound Designer Zachary Quarles . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Follow Austin’s channel aok.wav on Tiktok . Follow Mike’s channel Indepth Sound Design on Instagram & Youtube . Explore Zach’s sound libraries at zq-sfx.com/shop . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Get a new three-month premium plan at mintmobile.com/20k Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/sound-pro-smackdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 20, 2024
Dog Translation Guide: Decoding Barks, Howls, & Growls
We all know that dogs are smart, sensitive creatures, but interpreting their vocalizations and behaviors can still be a challenge. In this episode, animal behaviorist Daniel Mills reveals the true meanings behind dogs’ noises, actions, and body language. Then, author Pilley Bianchi tells the story of Chaser, the border collie who became known as “The Smartest Dog in the World” for the way that she learned language. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Learn about Daniel’s work with the Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Research Group . Buy Pilley’s book, For The Love of Dog . Learn more about The Chaser Initiative . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k Make your world sound amazing at sonos.com/hertz This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/dog-translation-guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 20, 2024
Cat Translation Guide: Decoding Meows, Purrs, & Chirrups
Cats can be very vocal creatures, but the exact meaning and intention behind these sounds can often be hard to read. In this episode, cat behaviorist Sarah Brown unpacks the hidden meanings behind cats’ vocalizations, body language and behavior. Then, veterinarian Kendra Baker takes us through her journey with Billi (AKA “Her MADjesty”) the cat who became an online sensation for her use of speaking buttons. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Buy Sarah’s book, The Hidden Language of Cats . Follow Billi the cat on Youtube , Instagram and Tiktok . Learn about getting started with animal speech buttons . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Get a new three-month premium plan at mintmobile.com/20k Make your world sound amazing at sonos.com/hertz Get a discount on your NordVPN plan at nordvpn.com/20k Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/cat-translation-guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 23, 2024
The Voices of Bluey w/ Uncle Stripe
Despite Bluey’s enormous, global popularity, the cast and crew are a tight-knit family, often literally. In part 2 of our story on Bluey , the show’s sound designer and mixer Dan Brumm breaks down the surprising connections between the voice actors, the real-life inspiration behind classic episodes, and how he ended up voicing a key role on the show. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/thevoicesofbluey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 09, 2024
The Organic Sound of Bluey w/ Sound Designer Dan Brumm
Since its debut in 2018, Bluey has become one of the most popular and beloved TV shows of all time. In this episode, Bluey ’s sound designer and mixer Dan Brumm walks us through how the show began, the unique challenges of season one, and the lengths he goes to give the show its organic sound. Plus, Dallas reveals the secret timing of the Bluey theme song. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/20k . Get the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com/20k . Subscribe to the Ad Infinitum podcast. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: 20k.org/episodes/thesoundofbluey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 25, 2024
"Blah, blah, blah" and the Ungooglable Phrase
“Blah, blah, blah” and “yada, yada, yada” have had plenty written about them. But there’s a longtime cousin of these phrases that’s much less understood. We use it all the time, yet it’s not in the dictionary. It’s not even Google-able. In this episode, we investigate the linguistic mysteries of the Five Dah Phenomenon. Featuring linguist & philosopher Paul Saka , and psychologist Helen Abadzi . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Get a discount on your NordVPN plan at nordvpn.com/20k Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/20k . Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/blahblahblah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 28, 2024
Lofi Girl: The story behind 📚 beats to relax/study to Girl
The Lofi Girl YouTube channel has over 14 millions subscribers, and at any given time, tens of thousands of people are listening together. Created by a mysterious French producer named Dimitri, the channel features a 24/7 livestream of an anime girl studying in her room, listening to lofi hip hop. In this episode, we dive into the Lofi Girl lore, chart the explosion of the Lofi Multiverse, and hear from a music therapist about how lofi affects our brains and behavior. This story was adapted from the Endless Thread podcast. RSVP to meet Dallas at the informal audio hangout at All Season in LA, on Thursday, September 26th. Join Dallas at the Sound for Film & TV event at Sony Pictures Studios on Saturday, September 28th. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Subscribe to Endless Thread in your favorite podcast player. Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/20k Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/lofi-girl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 21, 2024
How Doctors Listen: A sonic journey through the body
The sounds our bodies make can tell doctors all kinds of surprising things about our health. In this episode, we unpack the history of sound in medical diagnosis, from Hippocratic times, to the invention of the stethoscope, to the specialized tools and AI systems used today. Along the way, we’ll hear detailed recordings of these medical sounds, and learn what each of them means. Featuring Dr. David Steensma and Dr. Daniel Weiss . Visit OnePlus.com to buy the new Buds Pro 3 , featuring dual DACs, a brand new noise canceling system, and much more. RSVP to meet Dallas at the informal audio hangout at All Season in LA, on Thursday, September 26th. Join Dallas at the Sound for Film & TV event at Sony Pictures Studios on Saturday, September 28th. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/sonic-diagnosis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 14, 2024
The Sound of Apple: Marimbas, Radars & Reflections
In Part 2 of our deep dive into Apple’s iconic sound design, the Apple Design Team unpacks the iPhone’s trio of default ringtones, the evolution of their alarm sounds, the UX sounds of the AirPods Pro, and much more. Along the way, legendary beatmaker Flying Lotus breaks down his collaboration with Apple, and the Design Team reveals how they use haptics as a standalone “instrument.” Featuring Billy Sorrentino , Hugo Verweij and Flying Lotus . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k . Subscribe to What It’s Like to Be at whatitsliketobe.com RSVP to meet Dallas at the informal audio hangout at All Season in LA, on Thursday, September 26th. Join Dallas at the Sound for Film & TV event at Sony Pictures Studios on Saturday, September 28th. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/the-sound-of-apple-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 31, 2024
The Sound of Apple: Tritones, Chords & Origins
Over the last few decades, Apple has produced some of the most recognizable sounds ever made. In this episode, the Apple design team pulls back the curtain on their sound design philosophy and process, from the evolution of the classic “Tritone” alert, to the surprising origins of the Apple Watch sounds, to the inspiration behind the latest notification tones. Featuring Billy Sorrentino , Hugo Verweij and Kelly Jacklin . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Facebook . This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Get a free Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/the-sound-of-apple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 26, 2024
Listener Stories: Auditory hallucinations & family whistles
For this special episode, we’ve passed the mic to our listeners to hear six unexpected stories about sound. Featuring auditory hallucinations, amplified heartbeats, long remembered voices, and whistles both strange and familiar. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Get a FREE Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Learn a new language with 55% percent off at babbel.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/listenerstories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 29, 2024
The dark history of nursery rhymes
Many of the songs we sing to our children are hundreds of years old, with their original meanings obscured by history. In this episode, producer Leila Battison takes Dallas on a dark, surprising journey through history’s most famous nursery rhymes and lullabies, and up through the “Baby Sharks” and “Happy Songs” of today. Along the way, they share the songs they’ve made up for their own children, and explore why this music is just as important to parents as it is to kids. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Follow Leila’s channel Science Baby on TikTok , Youtube , Instagram , and Facebook . Enable episode notifications & automatic downloads on Apple Podcasts and Spotify . Five Twenty Thousand Hertz episodes that kids would love: Space Remix ( Apple / Spotify ) Minecraft ( Apple / Spotify ) Sound 101 with Bill Nye ( Apple / Spotify ) Tyrannosaurus FX (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twenty-thou
Wed, May 22, 2024
Sounds of the Deep: Mysteries and threats beneath the waves
Whale songs are some of the most beautiful, cathartic sounds in nature. These extraordinary creatures use sound to socialize, to mate, to find food, and avoid predators. But for aquatic animals, the sounds of human activity can be absolutely devastating. With underwater noise pollution on the rise, what can we do to ensure the survival of these amazing creatures? Featuring acoustician Al Jones , Professor John Hildebrand of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Vox Senior Producer Christophe Haubursin . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Subscribe to Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith wherever you get your podcasts. Get a FREE Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Try America's #1 ready-to-eat meal kit with fifty percent off using promo code TTH50 at factormeals.com/tth50 . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/silentsea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 08, 2024
Boom Bling: TikTok's sonic guerrilla marketing
TikTok’s sonic logo is one of the fastest growing sonic logos in history. Today, that little sound is being heard millions of times a day on apps like Instagram, Reddit and Youtube… but creating it wasn’t easy. To make it, the creative team went through thousands of iterations, executed a covert marketing strategy, and fought through a final debate about a single note. Featuring Roscoe Williamson and Aifric Lennon from MassiveMusic . Apply for the Associate Sound Designer/Mixer position at Defacto Sound at jobs.defactosound.com . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tiktoksboombling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 17, 2024
Mixing Seth Meyers: Behind the sound of late night TV
The sound of Late Night television is a complex beast with many moving parts. In this episode, we step inside the daily hustle of Broadcast Mixer Fred Hedemark as he and his team bring the sound of Late Night with Seth Meyers to life. Along the way, Fred reveals the highs and lows of working on a high-adrenaline, live-to-tape TV show, and shares some never-heard recordings from his years on the show. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Learn more about Fred Hedemark’s work at audiofred.com . Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Learn a new language with fifty-five percent off at babbel.com/20k . Find the right candidates with a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Get a FREE Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/latenight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 03, 2024
Untranslatable Words: Guess That Meaning!
What do you call it when you’re homesick for a place you’ve never been? Is there a word for letting books pile up in your house without reading them? How about weather that looks beautiful out the window, but that you wouldn’t want to go out in? For this episode, we worked with Babbel to bring you our second annual Untranslatable Words challenge. In it, resident linguist Grace East pits the Twenty Thousand Hertz crew against each other in a hilarious and enlightening multilingual game show. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Learn a new language with Babbel. Get 55% off your subscription at babbel.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/untranslatablewords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 20, 2024
Inside Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Studios
Hans Zimmer is responsible for some of the most iconic film scores of the last 35 years. So how does one person create so much amazing music? It turns out, he doesn’t do it alone. In this episode, Hans Zimmer’s incredible team pulls back the curtain to reveal their extraordinary creative process, and uncover the secrets behind the otherworldly music of Dune. Featuring Raul Vega , Taurees Habib , Suzanne Waters , Tina Guo , and Steve Mazarro . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Listen to NASA's Curious Universe at nasa.gov/podcasts/curious-universe Find the right doctor, right now at zocdoc.com/20k . Find the right candidates with a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Try America's #1 ready-to-eat meal kit with fifty percent off using promo code TTH50 at factormeals.com/tth50 . Learn a new language with fifty-five percent off at babbel.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hans-zimmers-remote-control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 06, 2024
Hidden Sounds of America: NYC Hum & Underground Organ
All over the world, there are unique and breathtaking sounds that you can only hear in one specific place. In this episode, we travel to two of the most astounding sonic wonders in the United States. The first is a hidden sound installation in Times Square that might be the most visited art exhibit on Earth. The second is an enormous organ built right into the rock of an ancient Virginian cave. These stories originally aired on the Atlas Obscura podcast. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok and LinkedIn . Watch our video shorts on YouTube , and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook . Subscribe to Atlas Obscura wherever you get your podcasts. Get a FREE Netsuite KPI Checklist at netsuite.com/20k . Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/auralobscura Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 28, 2024
All About That Bass: How pop became obsessed with the 808
If you listen to vintage music, one of the first things you’ll notice is the complete lack of bass. But turn on a Top 40 station today, and you’ll hear song after song with deep, sub-ratting bass tones. So how and why did this change happen? For this episode, we worked with OnePlus to tell the story of our collective obsession with bass, and the one device that transformed the sound of popular music. Featuring hip-hop legend DJ Jazzy Jeff and Roland's Paul McCabe . Buy the OnePlus Buds 3 , featuring dual drivers and BassWave enhancement. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/allaboutthatbass . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 21, 2024
Industrial Musicals: The Golden Age of corporate showtunes
For more than three decades, it was common for American companies to put on “industrial musicals” for their employees. These elaborate productions could rival Broadway shows, and featured original songs about the company and its products. And while this music was never intended for the general public, once you hear it for yourself, you might just get hooked. This is a story about bathroom remodeling, corporate art, and one man’s obsession with a forgotten corner of pop culture. Featuring comedy writer and collector Steve Young . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Go to zocdoc.com/20k and download the Zocdoc app for free. Listen to Wondery Class of ‘88 at wondery.com/class of 88 . Get 50% off your first Factor order at factormeals.com/tth50 . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/industrialmusicals . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 24, 2024
Into the Huluverse: The sonic evolution of Hulu
Today, virtually every streaming platform has a sonic logo, from HBO’s classic “Static Angel” to the iconic Netflix “Tudum.” For Hulu, standing out in such a crowded marketplace has been a process of experimentation and revision. In this episode, we chart the evolution of Hulu’s sonic branding across 5 unique sonic logos. Along the way, the creative team shares unused alternate versions for the first time, and breaks down how they used AI to test their latest sound. Featuring Dan Capstick of DixonBaxi , Matthew Wilcock of Zelig Sound , and Reid Thompson of Hulu. Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Get 50% off your first Factor order at factormeals.com/tth50 . Get 55% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/20K . Go to zocdoc.com/20k and download the Zocdoc app for free. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/intothehuluverse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Wed, January 17, 2024
Welcome to Twenty Thousand Hertz
The world of sound is full of great stories. To get in touch with your sonic world, follow Twenty Thousand Hertz right here in your podcast player. If you’re already a listener, send this trailer to someone you know would love the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 13, 2023
Tournament of Champions: Guess That Sound! w/ past winners
For our fourth annual Mystery Sound Game Show, we pitted the winners from the past three years against each other. The result? Chaos and hilarity. So unclog your ears, put on your listening cap, and get ready to play along. Featuring Travis McElroy , John Lagomarsino and Emily Jankowski . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Subscribe to our guests’ podcasts, including My Brother, My Brother and Me , Underunderstood and Endless Thread . Get 15% off an annual MasterClass subscription at masterclass.com/20k . Claim your $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/hertz . Go to Zocdoc.com/20K and download the Zocdoc app for free. Get 55% off your subscription at Babbel.com/20K . Start your one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/20K . Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tournamentofchampions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 29, 2023
Tune Tech: Distortion, sequencers, Auto-Tune, and more
From electric guitars to samplers to drum machines and beyond, the music we love is only possible thanks to the technology used to create it. In many ways, the history of popular music is really a history of technological innovation. In this episode, we partnered with BandLab to unpack four inventions that changed music forever. Featuring author and journalist Greg Milner . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Visit bandlab.com/download to start creating and sharing music anytime, anywhere. Buy Greg’s book Perfecting Sound Forever: An Aural History of Recorded Music . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tunetech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 15, 2023
Headphone Handbook: How to pick your perfect pair
The world of headphones is a deep rabbit hole. With thousands of options and endless technical jargon, it’s hard to know which factors really matter, and which ones are just marketing gimmicks. In this episode, we cut through all of the gobbledygook, and break down the ins and outs of headphones to help you find your perfect pair. Featuring Wirecutter’s resident headphone expert Lauren Dragan . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Explore headphone recommendations from Wirecutter. Buy Dr. Chesky’s Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc . Go to Zocdoc.com/20K and download the Zocdoc app for free. Over at Liquid IV , use promo code 20K at for twenty percent off anything. Start your one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/20K . Get fifty five percent off your subscription at Babbel.com/20K . Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/headphonehandbook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 01, 2023
Sounds That Sell: How companies entice us with sonic candy
Since the earliest days of commercial radio, companies have been using sound to worm their way into our brains. And over the decades, they’ve come up with all kinds of sonic tactics to make us want, crave and remember their products. In this episode, we take a whirlwind tour through the sounds of persuasion. This story was adapted from Under the Influence with Terry O’Reilly . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Send us a message with your Bass Tape memories at hi.20k.org . Subscribe to Under the Influence with Terry O’Reilly wherever you get your podcasts. Enter to win a free Scarlett audio interface at focusrite.com/20khz . Listen and subscribe to Class of 88 on Wondery. Get 15% off an annual MasterClass subscription at masterclass.com/20k . Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundsthatsell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 18, 2023
Auto-Tone: What will cars sound like in the future?
The sound of a roaring combustion engine is a fixture of modern life. But as electric vehicles become more and more common, these mechanical sounds will gradually be replaced with artificial tones that have been designed from scratch. And once self-driving cars start to take over, there will be an even bigger need for creative and intuitive sound design. In this episode, we explore the future of car sounds with Audio UX Co-Founder Dexter Garcia and Creative Consultant/Futurist John LePore . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Check out Dexter Garcia’s work with AudioUX . Learn more about designing the Sounds of Rivian . Explore John LePore’s work designing the future . Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit babbel.com/20k to get 55% off your subscription. Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/autotone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 04, 2023
Wilhelm Screamix: The sound effect that never dies
For more than seventy years now, filmmakers have been using and reusing a particular scream. Without a doubt, this is Hollywood’s most famous sound effect. Many people even know it by name. But despite how widely-known this sound is, lots of people still don’t know its surprising origin story. To set the record straight, we’ve remixed one of our classic, early episodes. Featuring Steve Lee , sound designer, film historian, and creator of the Hollywood Sound Museum . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Download BandLab for free at bandlab.com/download . Get 15% off an annual MasterClass subscription at masterclass.com/20k . Get 20% off everything at liquidiv.com by using promo code 20k at checkout. Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/wilhelmscreamix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 20, 2023
Subtitles On: Why is movie dialogue so hard to understand?
In recent years, the dialogue in movies and TV shows has gotten harder and harder to understand. No one seems to agree on who or what the main culprit is, much less how to fix the problem. In this episode, we wade into the murky waters of The Great Dialogue Debate, and maybe, just maybe, find a solution. Featuring Production Sound Mixer Tom Curley and Slashfilm Senior Writer Ben Pearson . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit babbel.com/20k to get 55% off your subscription. Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/subtitleson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 06, 2023
Gremlins, War Rigs, & Star Trek Punks
Mark Mangini is one of the most prolific sound designers of all time. He’s been credited on over 150 films, including Indiana Jones, Star Trek, Aladdin, Space Jam, The Green Mile, Anchorman, Mad Max: Fury Road, Dune, and tons more. In this episode, Mark joins us to count down six of our favorite sonic moments from his career, and reveals the secrets behind how these iconic sounds were made. This episode was made in partnership with Pro Sound Effects . Share your sound stories with us! Record a message at hi.20k.org or email us your recording at hi@20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Visit prosoundeffects.com/20k to explore one of the world’s best sound effects libraries, and get your first five sounds for free. Subscribe to INDEPTH Sound Design on Youtube and Instagram . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/markmangini Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 23, 2023
Do you talk to yourself in your head? (Not everyone does)
Many of us talk to ourselves in our heads pretty much all day long. But it turns out that there are plenty of people who don’t. In fact, thinking comes in many shapes and sizes, and no two minds are exactly alike. In this episode, we explore the peculiar world of how we think, and consider the pros and cons of inner speech. Featuring psychologists Charles Fernyhough and Russell Hurlburt , and lots of 20K listeners. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org To learn more about this topic, check out Charles’ book The Voices Within , and Russell’s book Investigating Pristine Inner Experience . Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Visit babbel.com/20k to get 55% off your subscription. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/voiceinside Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 09, 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tones of the Kingdom
The original Zelda game featured three melodies that would come to define the franchise: the Secret Unlocked Sound, the Treasure Chest sound, and the classic Zelda theme. Throughout the series, these melodies have been transformed again and again. Each version reflects the hardware it was made for, and Nintendo’s evolving approach to these iconic games. Featuring Thomas of Thomas Game Docs , and Kirk Hamilton of Strong Songs . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Get your super soft 20K tee and more at 20k.org/shop Subscribe to Thomas Game Docs on Youtube. Subscribe to Strong Songs wherever you get your podcasts. Enter to win a special edition 50th Anniversary Shure SM7B . Go to masterclass.com/20k for 15% off your annual subscription. Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/zeldatones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 26, 2023
The Legend of Zelda: A Beep to the Past
Music is a quintessential part of the Zelda series. And some of Zelda’s most iconic melodies go all the way back to the original game, on the Nintendo Entertainment System. These tunes were born in an age of 8 bits, and 5 lo-fi channels of audio. But those limitations forced composer Koji Kondo to make them as distilled and powerful as possible. Featuring Thomas of Thomas Game Docs , and Kirk Hamilton of Strong Songs . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Subscribe to Thomas Game Docs , on Youtube. Subscribe to Strong Songs wherever you get your podcasts. Check out more work by DragonDePlatino , who composed the 8-bit version of Boléro. Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Visit babbel.com/20k to get 55% off your subscription. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Support us by supporting our sponsors at 20k.org/sponsors . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/zeldabeep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 21, 2023
From Vinyl to Streaming: How music formats shaped our world
The history of recorded sound stretches back over a hundred and fifty years, starting with a device that could “record” a voice on a piece of paper. Today, we can enjoy lossless streaming anywhere we go… but getting here wasn’t easy. In this episode, we worked with Qobuz , the high quality music platform, to chart the history of audio mediums, from cylinders made of tin foil and wax, to vinyl, 8-track, cassette, CDs, and mp3s. Along the way, we explore the innovations and quirks of each format, with memories sent in from our listeners and the 20K team. Featuring Adam Tovell from the British Library Sound Archive . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Rediscover music with Qobuz. Sign up for a 1-month trial period at qobuz.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/fromcylinderstostreaming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 07, 2023
The secret history of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”
Baseball fan or not, there’s one song that virtually every American knows… or at least, we think we do. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of the top three most recognizable songs in the country, next to “The Star Spangled Banner'' and “Happy Birthday.” But if you dig into the lyrics, you’ll find a forgotten message buried among the peanuts and Cracker Jack. This story comes from the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Subscribe to Sidedoor wherever you get your podcasts. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit fastgrowingtrees.com/20k to get 15% off your entire order. Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/seventhinningstretch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 24, 2023
Vocal Stratosphere: The world’s most extreme singing techniques
Our vocal system is incredibly complex. What we call “the voice” starts with very precise movements of our vocal cords, and then goes through an entire “resonation system” that includes our throat, mouth, lips, tongue, and teeth. With enough control over these components, people can do some truly mind-bending things with their voices, creating sounds that feel out of this world—from rumbling lows to piercing highs, and even two notes sung at once. This episode features vocal coach Matt Ramsey and Tuvan musician and throat singer Albert Kuvezin . Check out our new store at 20k.org/shop . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Subscribe to Matt’s Youtube channel, Ramsey Voice Studio . Explore Albert Kuvezin’s music with Yat-Kha on Spotify , Apple Music , or Youtube . Visit fastgrowingtrees.com/20k to get 15% off your entire order. Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Get your very own Clarett+ 2Pre at focusrite.com . Get a your first month of lossless music streaming free at qobuz.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/vocalstratosphere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 10, 2023
Bug Translation Guide: Decoding Buzzes, Chirps, & Clicks
Why do bugs make the sounds they do? And how do they make them? In this episode, we explore the un-bee-lievable world of insect sounds, including crickets who craft tools to make themselves louder, and moths who can jam the natural sonar of bats. By the time it’s over, you’ll never hear these buzzes and chirps the same way again. Featuring entomologists Natasha Mhatre and Nancy Mioreli . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org For more amazing bug facts, subscribe to Nancy’s Youtube channel, SciBugs . Follow Natasha’s research on insect communication at Mhatre Lab . Subscribe to Tumble , the science podcast for kids. Get your very own Clarett+ 2Pre audio interface from Focusrite . Check out headspace.com/20KHERTZ and use promo code 20KHERTZ60 to try Headspace free for 60 days. Get up to 35% off for Mother's Day at masterclass.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/songbugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, April 28, 2023
Breathe Deep: How I lost my passion and found my purpose
In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, we’ve revamped one of the most personal episodes we’ve ever worked on. To create it, Dallas worked with the team from Meditative Story to tell a story from his former life as a musician. It’s about losing the thing that had defined his life for more than a decade, and finding something entirely different in the process. This remix concludes with an all-new segment where Dallas reflects on what it was like to finally share this story. Check out our new store at 20k.org/shop . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Subscribe to Meditative Story wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/breathedeep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 19, 2023
The Spatial Race & the forgotten genius who invented stereo
In the 1960s, stereo sound revolutionized the music industry. But it turns out, a pioneering engineer named Alan Blumlein had actually invented stereo a full three decades earlier. Due to tragic events in World War II, his innovations were forgotten for decades. In this episode, we worked with OnePlus to tell the story of how audio has evolved from mono, to stereo, to quadraphonic, to surround sound and beyond. Today, we even have immersive, three-dimensional systems that can simulate 128 speakers using just two. Featuring Alan Blumlein’s son Simon Blumlein , and sound engineer Robin Reumers from the Abbey Road Institute . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Improve your personal sound world at oneplus.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thespatialrace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 12, 2023
Found In Translation: Guess That Meaning!
Have you ever seen something so cute that you just wanted to squeeze it? Have you ever felt sleepy after a big meal? Or enjoyed bouncing on a puffy cushion? There are words for all of these, just not in English. In this game show episode, 20K producer and resident linguist Grace East cooks up an “untranslatable” words quiz for Dallas and fellow producer Andrew Anderson. How many words can you guess? Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Improve your personal sound world at oneplus.com . Check out headspace.com/20KHERTZ and use promo code 20KHERTZ to try Headspace free for 30 days. Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/foundintranslation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 22, 2023
Why insurance jingles never die
For decades, the jingle was king. But in the last twenty years, jingles have nearly gone extinct. Many brands have now dropped their melodic earworms in favor of spoken word slogans. Today, there’s just one industry where jingles are still as common as ever: insurance. The question is, why? Featuring Jeanna Isham of the Sound in Marketing podcast , audio branding expert Colleen Fahey , and Brand Manager Sergio Trujillo . Snag a $20 super soft tee at shop.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org To learn more about sonic branding, subscribe to Jeanna’s podcast, Sound in Marketing , and buy Colleen’s book, Audio Branding: Using Sound to Build your Brand . Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/insurancejingles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 08, 2023
Soundalikes: The secret voice behind Toy Story’s Woody
“Soundalikes,” also called “voice doubles,” are voice actors who perform as characters that were originally played by someone else. They’re used extensively by studios like Disney and Pixar, in order to keep their iconic characters consistent across games, rides, toys, and TV shows. In live action movies, soundalikes fill in for the leads, and record lines for the film’s many rough cuts. But being a great voice double is about much more than just being a good impressionist. Featuring Rick Dempsey , Holly Dorff , and a surprise guest… Snag a $20 super soft tee at shop.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Check out headspace.com/20KHERTZ and use promo code 20KHERTZ to try Headspace free for 30 days. Go to hellofresh.com/hertz60 and use code HERTZ60 for 60% off plus free shipping. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundalikes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 22, 2023
Golden: Finding silence in a world of noise
In a noisy, tumultuous world, how can we find inner peace? This episode features two stories about the transformative power of silence. In the first, the Lieutenant Governor of Washington State abandons politics to become a Jesuit novice, and takes a temporary vow of silence. In the second, a death row inmate at San Quentin discovers Buddhist practices that help to calm his mind, and embrace compassion. Featuring Cyrus Habib , Jarvis Masters , Leigh Marz , and Justin Zorn . Snag a $20 super soft tee at shop.20k.org . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org Purchase Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise , by Justin Zorn & Leigh Marz. To learn more about Jarvis Masters, read the story and timeline of his case, and subscribe to the Dear Governor podcast. Go to indeed.com/hertz to start hiring today. Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/golden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 25, 2023
Recalculating: The surprising lives of GPS voices
The voices inside our navigation systems are with us nearly every day. They frustrate us when they lead us astray, and guide us through our most memorable adventures. But who are the people behind those voices? In this episode, an Australian musician discovers she is the voice inside millions of GPS units, and the Polish voice of Google Maps goes head to head with a robot. Featuring “The GPS Girl” Karen Jacobsen and “Głos Google Maps” Jarosław Juszkiewicz . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Watch Jarek’s farewell video that inspired the online protest. To learn more about Karen's work, visit thegpsgirl.com . Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k and sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/recalculating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 14, 2022
Endless Hertz: Guess That Sound! w/ Endless Thread
In our third annual Mystery Sound Game Show, the crew from Endless Thread compete to guess the most sounds from this year’s batch. Get ready to listen along and test your knowledge of classic sci-fi movies, strange animal calls, video game themes, UI sounds, and more. One thing is certain: It’s gonna get toasty. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Vote for Twenty Thousand Hertz in the Listener’s Choice Signal Awards ! Follow the show on Twitter , Facebook , & Reddit . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Use promo code 20k to get $20 off your next purchase over $100 at American Musical Supply . Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/endlesshertz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Wed, December 07, 2022
Update: Jessie Unmasked
After months of speculation, the person behind TikTok’s current text-to-speech voice reveals her true identity. This is an update to episode #155, TikTalk . Follow the show on Twitter , Facebook , & Reddit . Subscribe to our Youtube channel . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free + our bonus show MicroHertz! Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tiktalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 16, 2022
Synth Showdown: Digital vs. Analog
In the 1960s, Bob Moog and Don Buchla built synthesizers that changed the world. But by the early 80s, they faced a new challenger who threatened to bring it all crumbling down: the digital synthesizer. To defeat this opponent, they’d have to recruit a new ally… and maybe even join forces. Featuring Bob’s daughter Michelle Moog-Koussa , Don’s collaborator Ami Radunskaya , and journalist Ryan Gaston . Watch Welcome to Synth , our first original Youtube video. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Read Ryan Gaston’s tech & music articles on Perfect Circuit’s SIGNAL blog . Find out more about Robert Moog’s work at the Moogseum . To start hiring now, visit indeed.com/hertz . Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/digitaldoom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 02, 2022
Synth Showdown: Moog vs. Buchla
In the United States, the East Coast and West Coast have rivalries across food, sports, music and more. But there’s another rivalry that’s less well known, but just as important. This standoff created sounds that were unlike anything that had been heard before. It redefined what a musical instrument could be. And it changed the sound of pop music forever. Featuring journalist Ryan Gaston and composer David Rosenboom . Watch Welcome to Synth , our first original Youtube video. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Read Ryan Gaston’s tech & music articles on Perfect Circuit’s SIGNAL blog . Listen to David’s Rosenboom’s Buchla music via Black Truffle Records . Twenty Thousand Hertz is sponsored by Better Help. Try online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k and get on your way to being your best self. Use promo code 20k to get $20 off your next purchase over $100 at American Musical Supply . Subscribe to Björk's Sonic Symbolism show wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/synthwar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 19, 2022
A Thousand Words: Audio description for all!
Audio description allows you to enjoy a movie or TV show without the need for any visuals. But how do these narrators strike the right tone for a scene? How do the writers decide what needs to be described? And what’s in store for the future of described audio? In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, this is a brand new story about the world of Audio Description. Featuring AD Narrator Roy Samuleson and AD experts Thomas Reid and Melody Goodspeed . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Thomas’ podcast Reid My Mind Radio , and Roy’s podcast, The ADNA Presents . Subscribe to Björk's Sonic Symbolism show wherever you get your podcasts. To start hiring now, visit indeed.com/hertz . Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/athousandwords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 05, 2022
The Booj Strikes Back: Why all modern trailers sound the same
In the 80s and 90s, movie trailers were ruled by “voice-of-God” narrators who used stock phrases like, “In a world…” Today, movie studios have a different trick up their sleeves: epic sound design. In this episode, Professor James Deaville explains the history of trailers, and Youtuber Craven Moorhaus crafts a hilarious takedown of the overused clichés of modern blockbuster trailers. We’ve remixed one of our most popular episodes for your listening pleasure. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Use promo code 20k to get $20 off your next purchase over $100 at American Musical Supply . Get 10% off your first month of online therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Subscribe to Björk's Sonic Symbolism show wherever you get your podcasts. Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/boojstrikesback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 21, 2022
The weird, wild world of 1-900 numbers
In the late 80s and early 90s, 900 numbers were all the rage. For a couple bucks a minute, you could call and hear from Hulk Hogan and Freddy Kreuger, have a psychic predict your future, and even find true love. In this episode, we dig into the wild world of 900 numbers, and explore why they came about, what made them so appealing, and why they ultimately faded away. Featuring Doug Fraser of the Curious State podcast, 900 number experts Bob Bentz and David Wood , and a surprise guest… Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Björk's Sonic Symbolism show wherever you get your podcasts. To start hiring now, visit indeed.com/hertz . Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/1-900 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 07, 2022
Tokyo Rose: World War II’s most controversial radio DJ
In World War II, the Japanese military operated a propaganda station called Radio Tokyo. Along with jazz music, the station featured several English-speaking female announcers, who became collectively known as Tokyo Rose. But who was Tokyo Rose? And was she really the treacherous villain that the US government made her out to be? This story comes from the History Daily podcast. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to History Daily wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about immersive audio production, visit pro.focusrite.com . Get 10% off your first month of online therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Try out Harry’s with a $3 starter set at harrys.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tokyorose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 24, 2022
TikTalk: The woman who sued TikTok for using her voice
In 2018, voiceover artist Bev Standing recorded 10,000 sentences for the Chinese Institute of Acoustics. Bev was told the recordings would be used for a translation app, but three years later, she was shocked to discover that she had become the default voice of TikTok in North America. On TikTok, Bev heard herself saying all kinds of wild and inappropriate things. So, she decided to sue. In this episode, Bev tells her story, and we hear from the voice who replaced her. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Listen to Ahead of Its Time , a new podcast by Setapp, on all of your favorite platforms. Get a $75 credit to upgrade your job post at indeed.com/hertz . Find the right doctor, right now with at zocdoc.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tiktalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 10, 2022
The sonic secrets behind Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso is about more than just an incompetent soccer coach—it’s about overcoming challenges by working together. And that’s exactly what the show’s sound team had to do when the pandemic hit just two episodes in. From creating crowds of thousands using just a few voices, to recording actors in their own closets, they managed to turn lockdown into an opportunity for innovation. Featuring Ted Lasso’s Supervising Sound Editor Brent Findley and Dialog Editor Bernard Weiser . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to get our entire catalog ad-free + our bonus show MicroHertz! If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Try out Harry’s with a $3 starter set at harrys.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tedlassosdarkforest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 27, 2022
Sonic Happiness: A guide to feeling better through sound
We spend a lot of time curating for taste, touch, smell, and vision. But too often, sound gets overlooked. We forget that we can get rid of sounds that annoy us, and surround ourselves with sounds that we love. When we do, it can have huge benefits for our mood and wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos of The Happiness Lab joins Dallas to create a Handbook for Sonic Happiness. Featuring auditory psychologist David Poeppel , psychology researcher Giulia Poerio , clinical psychologist Ali Mattu , sound scholar Mac Hagood and acoustician Trevor Cox . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Listen to more episodes of The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos here. Visit athleticgreens.com/20k to get a one-year supply of vitamin D and 5 travel packs free with your first purchase. Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonichappiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 13, 2022
Shock Horror A: The origin of the dramatic “Dun, dun, duuun!”
There’s a certain musical phrase that you’ve probably heard hundreds of times. It’s used to emphasize dramatic moments in movies, cartoons, commercials and musicals, most often as a gag. But while this little melody is everywhere today, the question is: Where did it come from? In this episode, we investigate the mysterious origins of a famous 3-note sting. Featuring Sound Historian Patrick Feaster and Composer Dick Walter . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Read the original article that inspired this episode, by producer & journalist Amelia Tait . Download Overcast in the App Store for a powerful, simple podcast player. Try out Harry’s with a $3 starter set at harrys.com/20k . Visit athleticgreens.com/20k to get a one-year supply of vitamin D and 5 travel packs free with your first purchase. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/shockhorrora Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 06, 2022
Sleight of Ear: Behind the scenes w/ Dallas Taylor
What does a sound designer do all day? How do noise canceling headphones really work? And why do modern movie trailers all sound the same? In this follow-up to our 150th episode, Dallas shares the secrets of sound design with Jordan Harbinger. They also discuss audio deepfakes, sonic branding, and the eternal argument over analog vs. digital. This interview comes from The Jordan Harbinger Show . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to The Jordan Harbinger Show wherever you get your podcasts. Download Overcast in the App Store for a powerful, simple podcast player. Visit athleticgreens.com/20k to get a one-year supply of vitamin D and 5 travel packs free with your first purchase. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/slightofear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Wed, June 29, 2022
Introducing MicroHertz
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of MicroHertz, a brand new bonus series available exclusively to our premium subscribers. MicroHertz will feature mini stories, Q&As, sound news, and much more. The first episode is available now. In it, Dallas gives a behind-the-scenes breakdown of making episode #150, “Breathe.” To get MicroHertz and our entire catalog completely ad-free, sign up at 20k.org/plus , or by tapping Subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 22, 2022
Breathe: My Unexpected Journey
What if you woke up one day, and found that you could no longer do the thing that gave you the most joy in your life? The thing that gave you purpose? The thing that defined your past, and was supposed to define your future? For our 150th episode, Dallas tells the personal story of how he lost something that meant the world to him… and how that loss eventually led him to become the person he is today. This story comes from the podcast Meditative Story . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Twenty Thousand Hertz+ to support the show & get our entire catalog ad-free. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Meditative Story wherever you get your podcasts. Offset your carbon footprint at wren.co . Select "Podcast" at checkout and type “Twenty Thousand Hertz” to get 10 extra trees planted in your name. Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Visit zocdoc.com/20k to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/breathe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 08, 2022
Relearning Boléro: How our brains rewrite the sounds we hear
In the same way that optical illusions can trick our eyes, auditory illusions can trick our ears. This raises a serious question: what is hearing, and how much of it is actually made up by our brains? In this story from the Unexplainable podcast, we explore how our brains create the sonic world around us, and what it takes to harness that mysterious power. Featuring psychologist Diana Deutsch , hearing researcher Matthew Winn and author Mike Chorost . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Unexplainable wherever you get your podcasts. Visit sonarworks.com to get a free 21 day trial of SoundID Reference. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/relearningbolero Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 25, 2022
Ghosts in the Hit Machine: The secrets of musical ghostwriters
Many of today’s biggest songs are written and produced by people whose names don’t appear anywhere in the credits. They’re called ghostwriters and ghost producers, and they’re a huge part of the music industry. So what’s it like to watch your song become a hit when you can’t legally talk about it? And how do you get in the mindset of a legendary rap star, in order to write verses for them? Featuring rapper and ghost songwriter Skyzoo and producer Dame Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Explore music education classes with Monster Sessions . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/ghostsinthehitmachine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 11, 2022
Why Windows Got Rid of Startup Sounds
Part 2 of our series on the Windows startup sounds picks up when Microsoft made the radical decision to kill the startup sound in Windows 8. In this episode, we explore the forces that led to that decision, unpack how Microsoft channeled the music of language into their new UI sounds, and reveal 2 secret startup sounds that were nearly lost to time. Featuring former Microsoft Lead UI Designer Jensen Harris and Sound Designer Matthew Bennett . Apply for the full time Associate Producer position here . The application closes on May 11th. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Jensen Harris’ Youtube channel . Learn about Matthew Bennett’s latest work here . To check out full sets of default Windows sounds, visit winsounds.com . Offset your carbon footprint at wren.co . Select "Podcast" at checkout and type "Twenty Thousand Hertz" to get 10 extra trees planted in your name. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit zocdoc.com/20k to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Visit shopify.com/20k to get a free 14-day trial with Shopify’s entire suite of features. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/windowslogonwav Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 27, 2022
Ta-da! The history of Windows’ classic startup sounds
Over the years, Microsoft has made at least ten iconic startup sounds for Windows—from the triumphant “Ta-da!” of Windows 3.1, to the ambient chime that Brian Eno crafted for Windows 95, to the orchestral sweep of Windows XP. In this episode, we explore the creation of the classic Windows startup sounds through Windows 7, and what each one says about Microsoft’s evolving technology. Featuring former Microsoft Lead UI Designer Jensen Harris and Sound Designer Matthew Bennett . Apply for the full time Associate Producer position here . The application closes on May 11th. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Jensen Harris’ Youtube channel . Learn about Matthew Bennett’s latest work here . To check out full sets of default Windows sounds, visit winsounds.com . Sign up for a MEL Science subscription at melscience.com/sBGX to get 60% off your first month. This limited offer is available for 1 month only. Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Visit zocdoc.com/20k to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tadaitswindows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 13, 2022
The Waterphone: Hollywood’s spookiest sound effect
For nearly half a century, one eerie sound has been showing up again and again in movies and TV shows. It’s typically used when something spooky or mysterious happens—and it can be heard in Poltergeist, The Matrix, Let the Right One In, and countless episodes of Unsolved Mysteries. So where did this strange sound come from, and how did it spread across Hollywood? This story comes from the podcast Every Little Thing . We’ve been nominated for 2 Webby Awards! Vote for Twenty Thousand Hertz in the Business and Television & Film categories. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Click here to leave us a voice message about your experiences with movie dialogue. Subscribe to Every Little Thing in Spotify. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit zocdoc.com/20k to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Get one month free of Headspace at headspace.com/20k . Find coupon codes on over 30,000 sites with Honey. Sign up for free at joinhoney.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/liquidterror Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 30, 2022
Mind the Gap: NYC & London’s iconic transit voices
The voices of subway and train announcements are deeply ingrained in peoples’ lives. Many of us hear them every day, for years on end. And yet, hardly anyone knows who those voices belong to. In this episode, we uncover the human stories behind two of the most iconic transit systems in the world: the New York City Subway, and the London Tube. Featuring NYC Subway announcer Charlie Pellett and Tube announcer Elinor Hamilton . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Tales from the Tannoy wherever you get your podcasts. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Get 83% off Surfshark VPN plus an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/20k , or use promo code 20K. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/mindthegap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 16, 2022
Hidden Hitmakers: The unsung heroes behind pop’s biggest hits
The names of pop and rock stars are known by millions of people around the world, but the people who actually write their music often stay in the shadows. In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the songwriters behind some of the biggest hits of the last forty years, and find out how this unseen part of the industry really works. Along the way, we’ll get the inside scoop about working with KISS, Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, Snoop Dogg, Puff Daddy, and more. Featuring songwriter Desmond Child and rapper/songwriter Gizzle . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit zocdoc.com/20k to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Get one month free of Headspace at headspace.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hiddenhitmakers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 02, 2022
Happy Little Episode: The soothing voice of Bob Ross
In the forty years since The Joy of Painting first started airing, Bob Ross has become a cultural icon. His gentle, soothing voice is instantly recognizable, and still gives comfort to millions of people around the world. But despite his unshakably cheery demeanor, Bob’s life wasn’t always easy. This is his story. Featuring Sarah Strohl , Executive Assistant at Bob Ross Inc. , and Kristin Congdon , author of Happy Clouds, Happy Trees: The Bob Ross Phenomenon . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp online therapy at betterhelp.com/20k . Find coupon codes on over 30,000 sites with Honey. Sign up for free at joinhoney.com/20k . Get 83% off Surfshark VPN plus an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/20k , or use promo code 20K. Watch The Sounds of Space , a collaboration between Twenty Thousand Hertz and melodysheep . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/happylittleepisode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 16, 2022
Pirate Radio: Britain’s AM rebels of the ’60s
In the 1960s, the BBC had a vise grip on British radio, and rarely played the pop and rock music that was all the rage. So a group of rebellious radio DJs decided to give the people what they wanted, and started broadcasting popular music from boats stationed in international waters. Soon enough, these young DJs became national superstars… until the British government decided it was time to sink these pirates once and for all. This story comes from the History This Week podcast. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Get 83% off Surfshark VPN plus an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/20k , or use promo code 20K. Get your free business banking account at banknovo.com/hertz . Listen to Songs That Shook the Planet at audible.com/songs Subscribe to History This Week wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/pirateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 02, 2022
Being Dallas Taylor: Meeting my name twins
Your name is so much more than the sound that people call you by. It’s an entire human identity, distilled into a few syllables. So what do six people who share the exact same name have in common? It turns out, much more than you might expect. Follow Dallas down the rabbit hole as he speaks to name expert Laura Wattenberg and five other people named Dallas Taylor. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Visit monday.com/podcast for your free two-week trial. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/beingdallastaylor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 19, 2022
Sul Sul! Behind the gibberish language of The Sims
When The Sims was first being developed, the creators faced a problem. They knew they wanted these characters to talk and interact, but they were worried that using a real language would quickly get repetitive and annoying. So, they decided to make one up. This is the story of Simlish: How it was created, why it works so well, and why artists ranging from The Black Eyed Peas to The Flaming Lips have re-recorded their songs in this gibberish language. Featuring Sims Designer & Voiceover Director Claire Curtin , Composer & Audio Director Jerry Martin , voice actress Krizia Bajos , and Youtuber Rachybop . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Rachel's Youtube channels, Rachybop and Rachybop Gaming . Check out SONOS at sonos.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sulsul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Fri, January 07, 2022
Welcome to Twenty Thousand Hertz
A lovingly crafted podcast that reveals the stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds. Subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 15, 2021
Aural Exam: Guess That Sound! w/ Underunderstood
For our second annual Mystery Sound competition, we’ve rounded up the 20 best sounds from the past year, and invited the hosts of Underunderstood to test their ears in a competitive guessing game. So bust out those Q-tips, turn up your headphones, and prepare to guess along as we find out who will be the ultimate Mystery Sound Champion. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Underunderstood wherever you get your podcasts. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit zocdoc.com/hertz to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Get your donation of up to $250 matched at givewell.org . Just select "Podcast" at checkout, then enter “Twenty Thousand Hertz.” Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/auralexam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 01, 2021
The Static Angel: How HBO perfected its sonic identity
In part 2 of our series on HBO, we explore the tough questions that the company faced in the digital era: Are people still willing to sit through a 90-second theme song before they watch a movie? Does the sound of analog TV static even make sense to younger viewers? Could the company change with the times without losing the nostalgia they had built around their key sounds? Featuring composer Ferdinand Jay Smith , former HBO Executive Vice President Bruce Richmond , HBO and HBO Max Head of Brand Marketing Jason Mulderig , and Made Music Studio Creative Director Mickey Alexander . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Get your donation of up to $250 matched at givewell.org . Just select "Podcast" at checkout, then enter “Twenty Thousand Hertz.” Check out SONOS at sonos.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hbo20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 17, 2021
It’s Not TV: Behind HBO’s legendary sounds
In the 1980s, every movie that aired on HBO began with a truly epic theme song—a sweeping orchestral piece that triggers instant nostalgia for anyone who grew up with it. Then in the 90s, HBO introduced a 5-second audio logo for their original content. Today, we associate that sound with some of the most groundbreaking TV shows of all time. In this episode, we reveal the story behind the creation of these two iconic sounds. Featuring composer Ferdinand Jay Smith and former HBO Executive Vice President Bruce Richmond . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit zocdoc.com/hertz to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Check out SONOS at sonos.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/itsnottvitshbo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 10, 2021
One simple trick scientists say will stop snoring
If you’re a human being, chances are, you know someone who is a big time snorer. You're falling asleep to the gentle sounds of c rick ets, and then BAM, you hear a snore that sounds like an angry t roll . So who was the first snorer? And why is snoring still so popular after all these years? This story, which is definitely about snoring, comes from the podcast Endless Thread . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Endless Thread wherever you get your podcasts. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/zzz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 27, 2021
Creature Speakers: The art of voicing monsters
To give voices to the frightening monsters in movies, TV shows, and video games, sound designers often start with animal noises, then apply all kinds of creative processing. But other times, these sounds begin with human voice actors, who absolutely shred their vocal cords for our entertainment. In this episode, we learn the tricks of the terrifying trade. Featuring voice actors DB Cooper and Michael Schwalbe , and sound designer/composer Jordan Chin . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Buy Monster Train and its soundtrack on Steam. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit zocdoc.com/hertz to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free. Get 20% off The Prisoner Wine Company (plus shipping included) at theprisonerwine.com/hertz . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/creaturespeakers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 13, 2021
How blind gamers are changing the world of video games
In the past, video games were largely inaccessible to people with visual impairments. But these days, game makers are adding all kinds of innovative options to make their games more accessible. And some developers are creating entire virtual worlds using nothing but sound. Featuring streamer & game consultant Steve Saylor and disability rights advocate Connor Scott-Gardner . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Get a one-month free trial of a Premium Membership at skillshare.com/20k . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/videolessgames Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 29, 2021
Sports Without Sight: The sound-driven world of blind athletes
Playing a sport without sight might sound impossible. But it turns out, there are blind athletes all around the world doing exactly that. Instead of using their eyes, these players rely on their ears to hit a pitch, block a throw, and charge across a crowded field. Featuring beep baseball player Ethan Johnston and goalball coach Keith Young . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Download the Be My Eyes mobile app for iOS or Android . To learn more about how to get involved with goalball, visit USABA.org To get involved with beep baseball, check out NBBA.org Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Get your free business banking account at banknovo.com/hertz . Visit zocdoc.com/hertz to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/blindsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 15, 2021
Sound Cinema: Experiencing film through audio description
When Matthew Shifrin was growing up, his blindness meant that trying to enjoy a movie or TV show was often a confusing and frustrating experience. But then, Matthew discovered something called video description—an extra audio track where a narrator describes the action on screen. And suddenly, everything changed. This story comes from the Radiotopia podcast Blind Guy Travels . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit monday.com/podcast for your free two-week trial. Subscribe to Blind Guy Travels wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/listeningtothemovies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 01, 2021
Sonic Bubbles: Escaping noise, but at what cost?
For over a century, humans have been using technology to shape our sonic environment. White noise machines, nature recordings, noise canceling headphones and high-tech hearables all allow us to create an auditory safe space we can escape into. But is it possible to have too much control over what you hear? Featuring media studies professor Mack Hagood . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Purchase Hush: Media and Media and Sonic Self-Control , by Mack Hagood. Subscribe to Phantom Power wherever you get your podcasts. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at betterhelp.com/20k . Visit monday.com/podcast for your free two-week trial. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicbubbles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 18, 2021
Domestic Symphony: Why your dryer has a theme song
Not long ago, our home appliances made nothing but abrasive beeps and harsh buzzes. In recent years though, these devices have started to chirp and sing with carefully designed tones and melodies. But crafting the "perfect" device sound takes skill, patience, and a lot of trial and error. Featuring Audiobrain Founder/Executive Producer Audrey Arbeeny, and Quiet Mark Founder Poppy Szkiler. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . You can check out Audrey Arbeeny’s work at audiobrain.com . To learn more about Poppy Szkiler’s work, visit Quietmark.com . Check out Melissa DeGroff’s Youtube channel here . Visit monday.com/podcast for your free two-week trial. Visit zocdoc.com/hertz to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/domesticsymphony Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 04, 2021
The mysterious “Windsor Hum” is finally solved!
In 2011, residents of Windsor, Ontario started experiencing a strange rumbling hum that rattled dishes and kept people awake at night. Then, after years of getting nowhere, the mystery of the Windsor Hum was finally solved... Or was it? This is a totally remixed, revoiced, and updated version of one of our oldest and most popular episodes. Featuring documentary filmmaker Adam Makarenko . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Visit monday.com/podcast for your free two-week trial. Get a one-month free trial of a Premium Membership at skillshare.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: www.20k.org/episodes/thewindsorhum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 21, 2021
The Buzzer: Are there secret spy messages on the radio?
Since World War I, countries around the world have been broadcasting mysterious numerical messages via shortwave radio. Though concrete evidence is hard to come by, the general consensus is that these coded messages are meant for undercover agents operating abroad. And one particular Russian station may have an even more sinister purpose. Featuring computer engineer Andrus Aaslaid , historian Maris Goldmanis , and documentary photographer Lewis Bush . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . We’re hiring! Visit defactosound.com/careers for more info. To dive deeper into numbers stations, visit numbers-stations.com and priyom.org , or check out Lewis’ book, Shadows of the State . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thebuzzer Visit monday.com/podcast for your free two-week trial. Go to everyplate.com and enter the promo code, 20k199 to get started for just $1.99 a meal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 07, 2021
Stay Tuned: The new voices of the Looney Tunes
Nearly a century after they first appeared, the Looney Tunes are back in an all-new series. To bring this iconic franchise into the present, the creators are looking to its past, taking it back to the look and feel of the 1940s. But filling the shoes of legendary voice actor Mel Blanc is easier said than done. Featuring voice actors Eric Bauza and Jeff Bergman , and showrunner Pete Browngardt . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/staytuned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 23, 2021
Inside the Foley Prop Room: Frozen, Jurassic Park & more
In part 2 of our exploration of Foley, the Warner Brothers Foley team takes us into the all-important prop room. Along the way, they demonstrate how they make the sounds for flapping birds, breaking bones, cracking ice, handling guns, and more. Featuring Foley Artists Alyson Moore and Chris Moriana , and Foley Mixer Darrin Mann . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Watch The Sounds of Space: A sonic adventure to other worlds Subscribe to our Youtube channel here . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/proptilyoudrop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 09, 2021
The Art of Foley: Bringing Slimer & Batman to life
When it comes to film sound, "Foley Artist" might be the most important job you've never heard of. These performers record custom, synchronized sound effects to create the sounds for characters' footsteps, movements, and much more. It's exhausting and delicate work, and when it's done right, the audience doesn't even notice it's there. In this episode, we tour the Warner Brothers Foley stage with Foley Artists Alyson Moore and Chris Moriana , and Foley Mixer Darrin Mann . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/foleyartists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 26, 2021
Leaky Pipeline: The fight that revolutionized cinema sound
In the late 80s, a small French company found a way to pair analog film with pristine digital audio. But getting their system into theaters would involve a long legal battle, hiding out in a Vegas bathroom, and a last-ditch meeting with a famous director. Their struggle is part of a larger narrative about the groundbreaking work of women in the field of professional audio. Featuring audio engineer Leslie Gaston-Bird and LC Concept co-founder Elisabeth Löchen . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get a free one month trial of Headspace at headspace.com/hertz . Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/20k . Purchase Women in Audio , by Leslie Gaston-Bird. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/theleakypipeline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 19, 2021
Auditory Icons: Credit card beeps to driverless car melodies
We live in a designed world, and alert tones are no exception. Every beep and ping that your phone or laptop makes probably went through multiple rounds of revisions and approvals. So what separates a good device sound from a bad one? This story comes from the Wireframe podcast, and features sound designer Connor Moore and psychoacoustic expert Susan Rogers . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Wireframe wherever you get your podcasts Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/auditoryicons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 12, 2021
Progression Obsession: Pop music’s most used chord changes
There are a few specific chord progressions that show up again and again in popular music. Across hundreds of hit songs, the same basic musical formulas have been used by artists ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Lady Gaga, and from Bob Marley to Blink-182. So where did these musical tropes even come from, and what makes them so enduring? Featuring music journalist Jennifer Gersten and comedic musician Benny Davis . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Compare home and car insurance rates at policygenius.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/progressionobsession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 28, 2021
SM7: The mic that shaped sound and culture
Since their founding almost a century ago, Shure has created some of the most iconic microphones ever made. In this episode, we worked with Shure to tell the story of the SM7 dynamic microphone: from its humble beginnings in voiceover studios in the early 70s, to its use on classic albums, to its rediscovery by podcasters and streamers. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sm7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 14, 2021
The Sound of Minecraft: A melancholy masterpiece w/ C418
Since its official release in 2011, Minecraft has grown from a small, experimental indie game into the best-selling video game of all time. Today, the game's haunting music and quirky sound effects are just as iconic as its blocky visuals. In this episode, composer and sound designer Daniel Rosenfeld (also known as C418) unpacks how he created the original music and sounds for the game. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Compare home and car insurance rates at policygenius.com . Visit c418.bandcamp.com to purchase Daniel’s music. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/minecraft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 24, 2021
20th Century Fox Fanfare: A family legacy
The melodic fanfare that introduces every 20th Century Fox movie was first composed almost a hundred years ago. Since then, it's become one of the most enduring and recognizable pieces of music in modern history. It's survived company acquisitions, competition from television, and changing trends in Hollywood. But nothing lasts forever. Featuring interviews with Academy Award-nominated composer David Newman and film historian Aubrey Solomon . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/20thcenturyfox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 10, 2021
Sonic Weapons: How “sound cannons” are used for control
The Long-Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD, was developed for the military for long-range communication at sea. But this ear-splitting device has also been fired on protesters across America, resulting in lawsuits and permanent hearing loss. In this episode, we explore the history, science and effects of the so-called “sound cannon.” Featuring tech journalist Lynne Peskoe-Yang and activist Michele Lindor. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Lynne’s work at lynnepeskoeyang.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Compare home and car insurance rates at policygenius.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thedeterrenttone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 24, 2021
I'm Lovin’ It: How “Ba da ba ba ba” took over the world
Since its introduction in 2003, the McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle has become one of the most recognizable melodies in the world. This is the story of how a catchy five-note jingle conquered the planet, from its humble beginnings at a German ad agency, to being sung by globally famous pop stars. Featuring interviews with "I'm Lovin' It" composers Tom Batoy and Franco Tortora of Mona Davis Beat . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications and quicker hiring times. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/imlovinit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 27, 2021
The Physics of Sound w/ Bill Nye the Science Guy
What is sound, on a fundamental level? How did animals evolve to hear? And what happens when you go faster than sound itself? In this episode, we explore the physics of sound with the legendary Bill Nye . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Science Rules! wherever you get your podcasts. Get a free one month trial of Headspace at headspace.com/hertz . Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at Stamps.com . Just click the microphone at the top right corner and type the promo code 20k. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sound101 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 13, 2021
Seeing Sounds, Tasting Names: The world of synesthesia
Synesthesia is a neurological condition where one sensory experience gets combined with another, meaning someone might hear sounds when they eat, or see colors when they listen to music. So what exactly is synesthesia? And what’s it like to go through life with these unique sensory connections? Featuring the voices of neuroscientist Dr. Richard Cytowic and five people with synesthesia. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . To get your 20K referral link and earn rewards, visit 20k.org/refer . Get your first month of hair loss treatment for free at keeps.com/20k . Check out Dr. Richard Cytowic’s work at cytowic.net . Check out Joel Salinas's book Mirror Touch: A Memoir of Synesthesia and the Secret Life of the Brain. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/synesthesia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Fri, January 08, 2021
Introducing Twenty Thousand Hertz
A lovingly crafted podcast that reveals the stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds. Subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 16, 2020
Sing Gently: Singing together, even when apart
After composer Eric Whitacre finished Virtual Choir number 5 in 2018, he thought the project might be done for good. But 2020 was just around the corner, and the Virtual Choir was far from over. For our last episode of the year, we've re-edited and remixed our episode about the Virtual Choir, and added a brand new section to bring the story up to the present. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Visit our website to see all six virtual choirs. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/singgently Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 09, 2020
The Song Hunter: How Alan Lomax saved the sounds of America
Alan Lomax believed that the culture of poor Americans was important and worthy of saving. So he spent decades traveling the American South and recording obscure musicians on their front porches, in churches, even in prisons. Today, he's considered an American icon, but the road to becoming a legend wasn't an easy one. Featuring Southern Historical Collection archivist Chaitra Powell , American Folklife Center curator Todd Harvey , and filmmaker Rogier Kappers . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Archival recordings in this episode came from the Alan Lomax Collection at the American Folklife Center , courtesy of the Association for Cultural Equity . Check out Rogier's documentary "Lomax the Songhunter" on Amazon. For more information on the crowdsourcing project for transcribing Alan Lomax's notes, visit https://crowd.loc.gov/campaigns/alan-lomax/ Subscribe to The Wind where ever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundsworthsaving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 02, 2020
From Klingon to Dothraki: How sci-fi languages shape worlds
Sci-fi and fantasy creators often use constructed languages (or conlangs) to help us believe that the characters come from ancient times or distant galaxies. But what happens when a fictional language jumps off the screen and into the real world? This story comes from the Imaginary Worlds podcast. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Subscribe to Imaginary Worlds wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/conlang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 18, 2020
Space Audity: The challenges of space communication
We've all heard the iconic recordings from the Apollo missions. But how exactly does NASA manage to run live audio between Earth and the moon? And how might we chat with astronauts on Mars and beyond? Featuring Astronaut Peggy Whitson , NASA Audio Engineer Alexandria Perryman , and Astrophysicist Paul Sutter . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Check out Ask a Spaceman wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/spaceaudity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, November 11, 2020
Sonic Utopia: Can we build a better sounding world?
Technology has the power to transform the way our world sounds. It could even give us entirely new ways to experience our surroundings. In this episode, we explore the sounds of the future, and how we can use the tools we already have to build a better sounding world. Featuring Rose Eveleth, Creator and Host of the podcast Flash Forward , Acoustician Andrew Pyzdek , and Architect Chris Downey . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . To get your 20K referral link and earn rewards, visit 20k.org/refer . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Subscribe to Flash Forward wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicutopia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 28, 2020
The Cyborg, The Scientist, and the Death of Silence
Sound surrounds us, even in the quietest moments. But depending on how we hear, the world can be a different auditory experience for each of us. This episode features four stories from the TED Radio Hour . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to the TED Radio Hour wherever you get your podcasts. Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundandsilence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 21, 2020
Dies Irae: The death melody haunting Hollywood
For hundreds of years, composers have been using a specific four-note melody to evoke death. It's appeared in dozens of famous movies, and you probably never even realized it. But once you hear it, you'll start noticing it everywhere. Featuring musicologist Alex Ludwig and Strong Songs Host Kirk Hamilton . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Check out Alex’s list of Dies Irae examples at alexludwig.net . Subscribe to Strong Songs where ever you get your podcasts. Check out The Graduale Project’s Youtube page for more Latin chants. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/diesirae Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 14, 2020
Perfect Pitch: Unlocking Jacob Collier’s musical brilliance
People with perfect or "absolute" pitch hear every single sound as precise musical notes. Is this extraordinary talent a blessing or a curse? In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience, pluses and pitfalls of absolute pitch. Featuring neuroscientist Daniel Levitin and Grammy-winning musician Jacob Collier . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Check out Barnaby Martin’s YouTube channel, Listening In . Order Daniel Levitin’s book, This Is Your Brain On Music . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/perfectpitch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, October 07, 2020
Tyrannosaurus FX: What dinosaurs really sounded like
When you imagine the sound of a dinosaur, you probably think of a scene from the Jurassic Park movies. How do sound designers make these extinct creatures sound so believably alive? And what does modern paleontology tell us about what dinosaurs REALLY sounded like? Featuring Jurassic World sound designer Al Nelson , and paleontologist Julia Clarke . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Discover more at lexus.com/curiosity . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tyrannosaurusfx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 30, 2020
Napster: How free music broke the industry
In less than two years, Napster became a global sensation... and then record labels and multi-platinum artists brought it crashing down. But in its short lifespan, Napster transformed our ideas about how we consume music, and how much we're willing to pay for it. This story comes from the podcast Spectacular Failures . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Spectacular Failures wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/napster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 16, 2020
Vocal Discords: When nodules silence singers
Musicians like Justin Timberlake, Adele, Björk and Rod Stewart have all had surgery to treat vocal nodes. Nodes are so widely discussed, they've almost become a boogeyman in the singing community. But is this condition really as common as people fear? And when nodes do develop, is all hope truly lost? Featuring vocal coach Katie Talbot and Professor and Chairman of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Drexel University of Medicine Dr. Robert Sataloff . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Learn how you can protect your voice at nidcd.nih.gov . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/vocaldiscords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, September 02, 2020
Deepfake Dallas: How AI learned to speak like me
Using artificial intelligence, someone can make an algorithm that sounds just like you. And then they can say... whatever they want you to say. We're entering a brand new era: One where you can no longer trust your ears. Welcome to the world of audio deepfakes. Featuring deepfake wizard Tim McSmythurs , cybersecurity expert Riana Pfefferkorn and a brand-new host: Deepfake Dallas. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/deepfakedallas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 19, 2020
The Weight of Noise: One writer’s struggle in New York City
When writer Paige Towers moved to one of the loudest cities in the world, she found herself overcome with anxiety and depression. She came to realize that the noise of the city itself, and the inability to escape from it, was having a huge impact on her mental health. With the help of the internet, Paige was able to discover a deceptively simple solution. But the negative health implications of noise pollution are anything but simple. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/citythatneversleeps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, August 05, 2020
Tudum! The story behind the iconic Netflix sound
The Netflix "Tudum" sound has quickly become one of the most iconic sound logos of our generation. I bet you can hear it in your head right now. This sound is heard countless times, every single day, all over the world. But the Netflix sound was almost very different than the one we know today. Hear the story of how one of the biggest sound logos of all time was made. Featuring Todd Yellin - VP of Product at Netflix , Tanya Kumar - Brand Design Lead at Netflix , and Lon Bender and Charlie Campagna from the Formosa Group . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/netflix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trailer · Sat, August 01, 2020
Introducing Twenty Thousand Hertz
The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds. Subscribe now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 22, 2020
McElroys, Mysteries, and Me: Guess That Sound! w/ MBMBAM
Join Dallas and the McElroy brothers (hosts of My Brother, My Brother and Me) as they compete to see which brother has the best ear. We dust off our old mystery sounds to test the McElroy's on their knowledge of pop culture, science, and the mundane. Which brother has the best ear? Find out, in this heated and hilarious game... of mystery sounds. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out the McElroy brothers' podcasts My Brother, My Brother, and Me and The Adventure Zone at themcelroy.family or wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/mcelroysmysteriesandme Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, July 08, 2020
Hamilton’s Sonic Secrets: Behind the Broadway phenomenon
Broadway’s award-winning, record-breaking, smash hit, Hamilton, is a musical unlike any other. In this special episode, we have re-voiced, remixed, and remastered one of our shows about our favorite broadway musical! Featuring Nevin Steinberg , Hamilton’s Tony-nominated sound designer, Benny Reiner , Grammy-winning Hamilton percussionist, Anna-Lee Craig , Hamilton on Broadway A2, and Broadway sound design legend Abe Jacob . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hamiltonremix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 24, 2020
Stop, Collaborate and Listen: Can you copyright a vibe?
Can you steal from yourself? Can you copyright a mood? We look back on some important copyright cases that could have an impact on the entire future of music making. Featuring Adam Neely and Sandra Aistars . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Adam’s Youtube channel. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/stopcollaborateandlisten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, June 10, 2020
Copyrights & Wrongs: Musical Inspiration vs. Plagiarism
Most western music is built on the same 12 notes. Sometimes the arrangement of those notes sounds similar, which raises the question: Theft or Inspiration? We listen to some famous copyright disputes and try to decode them. Featuring Adam Neely and Sandra Aistars . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor. Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Adam’s Youtube channel. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/copyrightsandwrongs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 27, 2020
Makin’ Whoopee: The hilarious history & science of fart sounds
Farts have been funny to humans for thousands of years. This basic bodily function has countless nicknames around the world, but our fascination with farts is probably best illustrated by the simple whoopee cushion. In this episode from the podcast Brought to You By , Charlie Herman reports on the history of the whoopee cushion and why we can't help but laugh when we hear that sound. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Brought to You By wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/makinwhoopee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, May 13, 2020
Pew Pew! The making of Star Wars’ iconic sounds
When you think about Star Wars, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Lightsabers? Spaceships? Alien creatures? What about all of the sounds that go with those things? How were those sounds made, and what makes them so good? In this episode, we explore how legendary Sound Designer Ben Burtt created the sonic universe of Star Wars from scratch, one sound at a time. Featuring Marshall McGhee . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Marshall’s Youtube channel Waveform . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/starwarspewpew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 29, 2020
That’s All Folks! Mel Blanc’s curtain call
Mel Blanc is a legendary voice actor who voiced more than 400 distinct characters. But in 1961, Mel was involved in a potentially fatal car accident. In this episode, we discover the unlikely source that saved him and hear how Mel spent his later years. Plus, we explore what it takes to pass the torch. Featuring interviews with Mel’s son, Noel Blanc, and voice actor Bob Bergen . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . We’re nominated for two Webbys! Vote for us at vote.20k.org and voteagain.20k.org ! Discover Bob’s work at bobbergen.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thatsallfolks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 15, 2020
What’s Up, Doc? Mel Blanc and the magic of Looney Tunes
Bugs Bunny, Barney Rubble, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, and many more were all voiced by one man, Mel Blanc. Discover the incredible life and talent that helped to elevate the animation industry into big business. Featuring interviews with Mel’s son, Noel Blanc, and voice actors Debi Derryberry and Bob Bergen . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out more of Debi’s work at debiderryberry.com . Discover Bob’s work at bobbergen.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/whatsupdoc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, April 01, 2020
Twenty Parts Per Thousand: Designing with smell
The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting smells. Throughout history, humans have gone to great lengths to indulge their sense of smell. We explore the contemporary scent industry to see how modern creatives are utilizing works of olfactory art everywhere from Disney World to high-end museums. Featuring Disney Imagineer Gary Powell and former New York Times scent critic Chandler Burr . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Chandler’s exhibits at chandlerburr.com. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/twentypartsperthousand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 18, 2020
Cremona: Saving the world’s most prized violin sounds
There’s a town in northern Italy that’s home to the most famous violin makers in history. The museum there holds some of the most unique and prized violins in the world - but we’re in danger of losing their sounds forever. In this episode from the podcast This is Love , Phoebe Judge reports on how a town stayed quiet to preserve an instrument they love. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/cremona Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, March 04, 2020
Satanic Panic: Backwards messages and '80s hysteria
From the sixties to the nineties parents worried messages hidden in rock albums would make their children do drugs and worship the devil. The truth could only be revealed if these records were played backwards. Bryan Gardiner unveils the history behind the backmasking panic and Curiosity Daily ’s Ashley Hamer explains why our brains hear hidden messages... even when they’re not there! Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Curiosity Daily Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/satanicpanic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 19, 2020
Noise “R” Us: The evolution of noisy toys
From See ‘n Say to Speak & Spell, and beyond, toys provide the soundtrack of our childhoods. Huge advancements in computer technology in recent decades mean that today’s toys can make a wider variety of sounds than ever before. In this episode, “The Toy Guy” Chris Byrne takes us on a nostalgic look back at the recent history of recorded sound in toys; then, with Dr. Hamid Djalilian , we consider what all that technological advancement means for young ears in the 21st century. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Chris Byrne’s podcast The Playground wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/noiserus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, February 05, 2020
Good Vibes: Unlocking music’s hidden power over your brain
We know that music has the power to affect our moods, but you might be surprised by just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Music can affect our brains and bodies in profound ways. Professor Jessica Grahn tells us how our love for music has shaped us as humans while Nate Sloan unpacks our appreciation of music, and reveals how it can be used to manipulate us, both for bad and for good. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Switched On Pop wherever you get your podcasts. Also, check out Nate Sloan’s new book, Switched on Pop , wherever you get your books. Follow Jessica Grahn’s music and neuroscience research at the Twitter handle @Neurobeats . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/goodvibes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 22, 2020
4’33”: John Cage’s revolutionary “silent” musical piece
John Cage was a respected composer when, in 1952, he created his “silent piece”, 4’33’’ - a piece that would have the music world scratching their heads. This episode asks whether 4’33’’ is really “silent”, and we explore the history of a piece musicians still talk about today - and speak to the man who campaigned to get it to the top the British charts in 2010. Featuring composers Kyle Gann and Nahre Sol , and artist Dave Hilliard . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Kyle Gann’s No Such Thing as Silence: John Cage's 4'33" wherever you get your books. See Nahre’s work at nahresol.com . Find Dave Hilliard on Instragram at davehilliardart . Listen to more of Martin Zalta Austwick’s music at palebirdmusic.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/433 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, January 08, 2020
The Seinfeld theme song w/ Composer Jonathan Wolff
No bass for you!! In 1987, TV composer Jonathan Wolff was still trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood. Then one day, he got a call from Jerry Seinfeld, who needed music for his new sitcom. This is the story behind the unforgettable music of Seinfeld, and how Jonathan Wolff’s unique approach helped make Seinfeld a TV classic." Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Find Jonathan on Instagram and on Twitter . You can reach Steve at stevelack.com Check out An Arm and a Leg wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/seinfeld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 16, 2019
Sonic Wonderland: The world’s most incredible sounding places
There’s a reason we call tourists “sightseers”. As a society, we’re totally obsessed with the way things look. But our world is full of beautiful, fascinating and bizarre sounds. Join us on a sonic adventure around the world, as we climb up sand dunes, plunge into the Arctic Ocean, and even travel back in time. When we celebrate these treasures, we become better listeners and the world becomes a richer and more exciting place. Featuring Trevor Cox, author of Sonic Wonderland and Now You’re Talking . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out and subscribe to Reveal wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicwonderland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 02, 2019
Historically Speaking: How language & accent shape your brain
Language is a uniquely human gift. We have shaped it to our individual and cultural needs, and it has shaped us in return. Professor Lera Boroditsky reveals how the sounds we make with our mouths influence what’s going on inside our brains. And podcaster Helen Zaltzmann shows us how important language can be to our identities, and what happens when those language identities are challenged. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . The Allusionist is on tour! Check dates and locations at theallustionist.org/events . And if you haven’t already, listen and subscribe to The Allusionist wherever you get your podcasts. Check out and subscribe to Risk! wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/historicallyspeaking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 18, 2019
Vroom Vroom: The symphony of high-performance engines
When was the last time you turned off your radio and just listened to your car? What’s really going on under the hood? We chat with our own Nick Spradlin about the simple force at the heart of every gasoline engine and talk with legendary recordist Watson Wu about how the sound of wild and powerful sports cars are captured. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out and subscribe to ZigZag wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/vroomvroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 04, 2019
Baby Shark: From summer camp song to viral earworm
Baby Shark is a mega viral YouTube video, an unstoppable earworm, a top 40 hit, a Eurodance smash, a decades old campfire song, and the center of an international copyright dispute. In this episode from the podcast Decoder Ring , we explore the strange history of the song, what makes it so catchy, and who it really belongs to today. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out and subscribe to Decoder Ring wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/babyshark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 21, 2019
Virtual Choir: 8,000 Voices, One Song
Singing with others is a powerful form of expression. That's why the composer Eric Whitacre started the Virtual Choir; an experiment that connects singers from every corner of the globe. In this episode, we hear how a choir can unite people from different backgrounds to achieve a common goal - creating beautiful music. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/virtualchoir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 14, 2019
The Price is Right: The drama behind TV’s catchiest theme song
As a young composer, Edd Kalehoff was looking for his break. In the early 70s he struck gold, writing the theme song and music cues for The Price Is Right. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out The Price is Right Drum Cover on Youtube by RTDUMS2121. Check out and subscribe to Just the Beginning wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thepriceisright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 07, 2019
The Loudness War: Can streaming finally end it?
In part 2 of the story of mastering, we explore the consequences of the Loudness War and call out some of the worst offenders. We’ll also hear about the artists and mastering engineers who have been fighting back, and learn how modern listening habits might finally put an end to this sonic arms race. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Ian Shepherd’s podcast The Mastering Show . Check out Greg Milner’s book, Perfecting Sound Forever . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/loudnesswars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 23, 2019
The [COMPRESSED] history of music mastering
Join us on a musical journey from the Golden Age of analog mastering to the digital methods of today. We’ll find out why the music industry became obsessed with loudness, and learn how the digital era transformed the way that music sounds. Featuring Greg Milner and Ian Shepherd . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Ian Shepherd’s podcast The Mastering Show . Check out Greg Milner’s book, Perfecting Sound Forever . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/historyofmastering Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 16, 2019
You’ve Got Mail: The voice behind AOL
How a simple soundbite on America Online became one of the most recognizable sounds of the internet age, plus the creation of a whole new musical instrument. This episode features Elwood Edwards, the man behind the famous AOL “You’ve Got Mail” soundbite, and Bosco and Maya Kante, inventors of the ElectroSpit . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out and subscribe to Gastropod wherever you get your podcasts. Check out and subscribe to Just the Beginning wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/youvegotmail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 09, 2019
From Spinal Tap to The Simpsons: Voice acting w/ Harry Shearer
We rarely think about the way we speak. For most of us, it just happens. In this episode, we catch up with two professional voice artists and chat about their rituals and techniques that help them communicate. Featuring voice actor Harry Shearer and NPR vocal coach Jessica Hansen . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Subscribe to Harry's podcast Le Show . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/speakeasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 26, 2019
Hear Here: The messy history of architectural acoustics
Humans have been fascinated with acoustics since our earliest ancestors. From Roman amphitheaters to modern symphony halls, we’ve designed our spaces with sound in mind. But the relationship between acousticians and architects isn’t always smooth sailing. In this episode, we explore the way acoustics has shaped our history and what we might do to make our spaces sound better today. Featuring Emily Thompson, author of The Soundscape of Modernity and Professor of History at Princeton University, and Trevor Cox, author of Sonic Wonderland and Professor of Acoustic Engineering at the University of Salford . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hearhere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 12, 2019
What makes Stradivarius violins so special?
Stradivarius violins are reputed to have an exquisite sound that cannot be replicated or explained. Why is that? And what, exactly, is a Stradivarius violin anyway? This episode features interviews with The Strad magazine’s managing editor, Christian Lloyd, and violin maker Joseph Curtin . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Can you tell the difference between a Stradivarius violin and a modern violin? Take the informal test here ! Our classical tracks came from Musopen. Check them out at musopen.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/stradivarius Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 29, 2019
808: The drum machine that changed music forever
The 808 is arguably the most iconic drum machine ever made. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve definitely heard it. It’s in dozens of hit songs -- from Usher to Marvin Gaye, Talking Heads to The Beastie Boys -- and its sounds have quietly cemented themselves in the cultural lexicon. In this episode, we try to understand how that happened and follow the unlikely path of the 808. Featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and Paul McCabe from Roland . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 15, 2019
Soundmarks: AT&T, United Airlines, and inventive sonic branding
Companies spend a lot of time and effort perfecting the look of their brands. But now what a brand sounds like matters just as much. We trace the history from songs to jingles to what's called sonic branding, following the creative process that led to AT&T’s iconic four-note sound logo. And we'll explore what comes next: multi-sensory marketing. Can sound change how beer tastes? This episode originally aired on Household Name . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 01, 2019
Deaf Gain: The promise and controversy of cochlear implants
The last few decades have seen amazing improvements in cochlear implant technology. Professor Michael Dorman reveals what they really sound like, and how they can help out with more than just our hearing. But should we be advocating cochlear implants at all? We chat with deaf graphic designer Brandon Edquist about why he chooses not to use his implant, and why the Deaf community is up in arms against them. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/deafgain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 17, 2019
Plants That Listen (and some that sing)
Have you ever wondered what your dog or cat would say to you if they could talk? How about your plant? In this episode we explore the world of bioacoustics and cognitive ecology. Featuring MIDI Sprout creator, Joe Patitucci , and ecologist, Monica Gagliano , who is the author of Thus Spoke the Plant . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Data Garden’s plant music at datagarden.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/plantsthatsing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 03, 2019
Sonic Illusions: Can you really trust your ears?
What we hear is incredibly personal and we all hear things differently. Sometimes our ears can even play tricks on us. Sonic illusions put a spotlight on the unique function of our hearing and how our backgrounds and biology affect how we process sound. Psychologist Dr. Diana Deutsch and neuroscientist Dana Boebinger explain why our hearing is a unique sense and why sonic illusions can fool us. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicillusions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 20, 2019
Mother of Dragons(sounds): Game of Thrones’ bittersweet sounds
Game of Thrones is a global phenomenon that has redefined the fantasy genre. Viewers from around the world gather every week to anxiously watch what will happen next. The actors, writers, directors, and visual artists have all received well-earned recognition for their role in the show. But some heroes’ work goes largely unnoticed. Paula Fairfield is the sound designer behind the more fantastical elements in Game of Thrones. She’s given a voice to dragons, direwolves, white walkers, and more. But the story behind these voices goes much deeper than you might think. Hear how Paula’s personal journey played a part in creating some of the most iconic fantasy sounds of the day, and how Game of Thrones helped restore her spirit. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/mother-of-dragonsounds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 06, 2019
Sound Escapes: Nature’s untouched soundtrack
Over his long career, Gordon Hempton has mastered the art of truly listening. He’s known as the Sound Tracker . Some people call him an acoustic ecologist. His recordings and books have made him an international expert on the beauty and importance of undisturbed, natural soundscapes — and the ways human beings have changed them. Now, Gordon Hempton is losing his hearing. But with that loss has come an intense urgency to share his life’s work — and his passion — with as many people as are willing to listen. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out the whole Sound Escapes series at BirdNote.org/SoundEscapes , or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out Gordon’s work and buy recordings on his website soundtracker.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundescapes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 22, 2019
The Voyager Golden Record: Humanity’s message to the cosmos
In the late '70s, NASA launched Voyagers 1 & 2 to explore the furthest reaches of our solar system and beyond. But something amazing was included on those space probes... a 90-minute time capsule of sounds, language, and music from Earth called The Golden Record. Its intended recipient? Any intelligent extraterrestrial life that might stumble upon it. What did Carl Sagan and his team put on the record to represent all of humanity? How would aliens decode it? For the first time ever, the album will be deconstructed track-by-track. Featuring Tim Ferris and Linda Salzman Sagan , two pioneers behind the record. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound, and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Get your copy of the Voyager Golden Record at ozmarecords.com. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/voyagergoldenrecord Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 08, 2019
Bird Translation Guide: Decoding Tweets, Hoots, & Warbles
When was the last time you stopped and really listened to birdsong? Ever wonder what they’re singing about? We chat to Kenn Kaufman and Dr. Irene Pepperberg about the extraordinary complexity to the avian arias, how they’re produced, what they mean, and how vocal acrobatics can reveal a surprising hidden intelligence. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound , and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out The Growth Show wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/birdsong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 25, 2019
Phone Tones: The hidden language of phone number beeps
We unpack how touch tone dialing changed communication forever. Join us on a deep, quirky dive into telephone history. We’ll also deconstruct these sounds and reveal their hidden brilliance. Featuring author Annabel Dodd and telephone aficionado Jim Hebbeln of the Telecommunications History Group . 20K is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out Pessimists Archive wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/phonetones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 11, 2019
The Booj: The secret sound formula behind blockbuster trailers
Movie trailers have undergone a huge evolution. They’ve gone from those cheesy voice-of-God narrators in the ‘80s and ‘90s, to boojes and bwaas. Professor James Deaville delivers the history of trailers, and Youtuber Craven Moorhaus offers a hilarious takedown of the sounds and dialogue that are common in the modern trailer style. After you hear this episode, you’ll never be able to watch a blockbuster trailer the same way again. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Check out more videos from the Auralnauts at youtube.com/Auralnauts . Check out Song Exploder wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thebooj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 25, 2019
Dining on Decibels: Why are restaurants so noisy?
Have you noticed how loud it gets in restaurants these days? Have you found yourselves shouting just to keep a conversation going? Architecture critic Kate Wagner explains how changing design trends have led to dining experiences that aren’t just antisocial, but are negatively impacting our health as well. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced at the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org . Contribute your local restaurant noise to the SoundPrint app at soundprint.co Check out Hi-Phi Nation at hiphination.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/diningondecibels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 11, 2019
Do Not Disturb: The unseen impacts of alarms and alerts
Alarm sounds have been around almost as long as humans themselves. But as our world has transformed, so have they. Today’s alarms are having an unexpected effect on our minds and bodies, and can even be putting our lives at risk when we’re at our most vulnerable. Dr Judy Edworthy and Yoko Sen talk to us about our alarming sound environment, and how it can be improved. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . Visit mystery.20k.org to enter this week's mystery sound. You can find HowSound at transom.org/topics/howsound or wherever you listen to podcasts. Check out Moonshot at moonshot.audio or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/donotdisturb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 28, 2019
Blue! 42! How helmet radio changed the NFL
For decades, NFL strategy slowly evolved from each team running a dozen different plays, to rigid schemes with coaches sending in orders through codewords and secret signals. Then, one piece of audio technology revolutionized the game. Beginning in the early 1990's, the NFL allowed coaches to speak directly to their quarterbacks through radios in their helmets. What followed was an instant increase in excitement for the nation's most popular sport, spawning a high-scoring era of fast paced offenses. Featuring former Super Bowl winning coach, Dick Vermeil , current LA Rams Head Coach Sean McVay , Bose Senior Project Manager Matt Ruwe, and Bose Distinguished Engineer Dan Gauger. Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . Visit mystery.20k.org to enter this weeks mystery sound. Subscribe to The Truth wherever you get your podcasts. Or go to the truthpodcast.com . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/blue42 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 14, 2019
Silence: Dispatches from the quietest place on Earth
Our world is filled with sound. It exists in even the quietest corners of the planet. But what happens when all that sound is taken away? What is silence ? There are very few places on Earth where silence actually exists, but in this episode, Dallas experiences it for himself thanks to a special room called an anechoic chamber. How do our brains process the complete nothingness of silence? Find out as Dallas locks himself alone inside the chamber. Featuring David Alvord and Nick Breen from the Georgia Tech Research Institute . 20k is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/silence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, December 26, 2018
A sonic journey through the Solar System
What happens when we leave Earth's thin blanket of atmosphere, and what do other planets sound like? In this special episode, we have completely remixed one of our favorite shows! It's been re-written, re-edited, re-narrated, has new music, and even some new additional content. If you've heard the original, you'll definitely want to check out this remixed and remastered version. Featuring Dr. Lori Glaze, Dr. Keith Noll, Dr. Scott Guzewich from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Sign up for Musicbed Membership music.20k.org . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/spaceremix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 10, 2018
Boots ’n Cats: The scientific secrets of beatboxing
Beatboxing began as an imitation of a drum machine, but over the decades it has evolved as a means to emulate any number of percussive sounds. Now beatboxing is being studied by scientists who are fascinated by the vocal dexterity of artists. By examining beatboxing scientists are hoping to unlock mysteries behind language formation, brain function, and the capacity of humans to recreate sound. Featuring Hip Hop Artist and Beat Boxer, Baba Israel and USC Engineering Professor, Shri Narayanan . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Check out Shri Narayanan and his SPAN team’s MRI videos of beatboxers at sail.usc.edu/span/beatboxingproject Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Set up a monthly, recurring donation at 20k.org/donate . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/bootsncats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 26, 2018
Being George Clooney: Dubbing Hollywood celebrities
Hollywood films are huge internationally. But how are these films adapted for foreign languages? We delve into the not so talked about process of dubbing. Featuring the world's most popular voice actors, directors, and producers. Featuring : Andre Sogliuzzo, John Ptak, Shaktee Singh, Debra Chinn, Martin Umbach, Tamer Karadagli, Francesco Pannofino, Detlef Bierstedt, Marco Antonio Costa, Paul Dergarabedian, Rajesh Khattar, Christian Brückner, Emanuela Rossi, Chiara Barzini, Irene Ranzato, Claudia Urbschat-Mingues, Alexandre Gillet, Ezra Weisz, Vanessa Beltran, Samuel Labarthe, Ashwin Mushran, Chuck Mitchell, Christoph Bregler, Gabrielle Pietermann, Luise Helm, Claudia Gvirtzman Dichter, Guilherme Briggs, Samuel Labarthe, Hester Wilcox, Malavika Shivpuri, Viraj Adhav, Mona Shetty, Sheila Dorfman. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . A huge thanks to Director Paul Mariano for allowing us to create this adaptation of documentary! Thanks to APM Music for all of the music in this episode. Find out more at apmmusic.com . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love the full documentary. You can find it on iTunes or on Amazon . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/beinggeorgeclooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 12, 2018
The Xbox Startup Sound: Crafting a console classic
The Xbox startup sound is an audio logo that’s become synonymous with the game console. But its origins are rooted in solving a logistical problem; how to entertain gamers while they wait for their machines to finish booting up. Featuring Sound Designer and Composer Brian Schmidt and Sound Designer, Composer and Berklee Professor, Michael Sweet . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/xboxstartupsound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 29, 2018
Theater for the Mind: The Golden Age of radio dramas
The "golden age of radio drama" may have been a stellar period for storytelling -- but the stories weren't all golden bright. Sci-fi and horror radio dramas explored deep anxieties people felt from the Depression through the Cold War, and set the stage for later stories that couldn't be told yet without special effects. Eric Molinsky of the podcast Imaginary Worlds co-hosts this episode as we hear from historians like Neil Verma and Richard J. Hand , and radio drama veterans like Dirk Maggs and Richard Toscan . Plus Emory Braswell recalls the day he thought Martians invaded New Jersey. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/theaterforthemind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 15, 2018
Theremin: The instrument that defined classic sci-fi & horror
If you've ever watched an old sci-fi or horror film, you've probably heard the hair-tingling, alien sounds of the Theremin. It's a spooky, strange instrument that's played without being touched, and has become a staple for classic horror movies. This is the story of the Theremin's mysterious journey. Featuring Thereminist Rob Schwimmer , Michelle Moog-Koussa, daughter of Bob Moog and Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation , and Albert Glinsky, courtesy of Moog Music . 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Help us make 20k - become a sustaining, recurring contributor . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/leontheremin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 01, 2018
Cartoon Sound Effects: From Steamboat Willie to The Jetsons
Cartoon sound effects are some of the most iconic sounds ever made. Even modern cartoons continue to use the same sound effects from decades ago. How were these legendary sounds made and how have they stood the test of time? Featuring Oscar-winning sound designer Mark Mangini of the Formosa Group , and Advantage Audio ’s Heather Olsen . 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Help us make 20k - become a sustaining, recurring contributor . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/cartoon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, September 17, 2018
Behind the Mic: The making of Twenty Thousand Hertz
50 episodes! When we launched this podcast two years ago, we never imagined our passion project would come this far. To mark the occasion, we’re taking a peek behind the scenes of the show. Join the Defacto Sound team as they take you into the inspiration, creation, and people behind Twenty Thousand Hertz. Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . If you're looking for another great podcast, check out Moonshot . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/50th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 04, 2018
Jingles: How they hooked us and why they vanished
Odds are if we asked you sing your favorite advertising jingle from when you were a kid, you’d be able to recall every single lyric. Yet we don’t hear many advertising jingles these days. Why is that? This is the story of the rise, fall, and brain science of the jingle. In this episode we talk to UCLA’s Timothy D. Taylor , author of The Sounds of Capitalism , and Durham University’s Kelly Jakubowski . 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/jingles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 20, 2018
“Intel Inside” and other sonic branding brilliance
We are constantly exposed to sonic branding in television, radio, and web commercials. We deconstruct some of the most impactful audio logos in history and explain how the brain interprets them. Featuring Scott Simonelli, CEO of Veritonic and Walter Werzowa, founder of Musikvergnuegen . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicbranding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, August 06, 2018
Loop Groups: The art of movie background chatter
Invisible actors create worlds of sound in everything you watch - from Jaws to The Wire. With special guests, Carl Gottlieb , screenwriter and author of "The Jaws Log"; Dann Fink , loop group director and co-owner of Loopers Unlimited ; Stuart Stanley , Sound Supervisor; loop group members Eboni Booth, Dennis Carnegie, Axel Avin, Jr., Shannon Burkett, Daphne Gaines, and Rashad Edwards; and Will Ralston , supervising sound editor for The Wire, The Deuce, and Treme. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . This episode was a feature of the incredible podcast Every Little Thing. Go subscribe ! Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/loopgroups Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 23, 2018
Slot Machines: The addictive power of sound
What do you hear when you walk into a Casino? It can feel like chaos, but each sound is carefully curated to draw you in and make you stay. One collection of sounds are scientifically and artistically designed to keep the gambler, gambling. Slot machines. This episode features interviews with Willie Wilcox, Chief Sound Designer at Scientific Games in Las Vegas, Laura Taylor , composer and sound designer for a number of slot machines across the US, and Karen Collins , who has led extensive research into the sound and music behind these games. Is it addiction or entertainment? Maybe it's both. Pull the lever and listen for yourself. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/slotmachines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, July 09, 2018
Misophonia: Why we can't stand certain sounds
The way our brains process sound affects the way we respond to sound. This episode is about why that happens in those who suffer from misophonia, the hatred of certain sounds. Featuring researcher Dr. Phillip Gander , psychologist Dr. Ali Mattu , and misophonics Meredith Rosol and Josh Furnas . Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/misophonia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 25, 2018
THX Deep Note Part 2: How a lost file shaped movie history
Whether you're 6 years old, or 96 years old, one of the most memorable parts of going to the movies for the last three decades has been the THX "Deep Note" trailer. Unfortunately, they lost the original sound file. What happened? Also, what do sound designers & musicians think about it? Featuring Andy Moorer, creator of “The Deep Note” and global director of marketing for THX , Rob Cowles. The episode also features Musician, Producer and Professor Thomas Dolby , and Scott Simonelli, the founder of Veritonic . 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thxdeepnote2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, June 11, 2018
The THX Deep Note: From chaos to cinematic legend
Since 1983 one of the most memorable parts of going to the movies has been the THX certification played during the previews. The accompanying sound logo called “The Deep Note” has fascinated, terrified, and mystified audiences for over three decades. What is THX really? How was “The Deep Note” created? And why does it elicit such a reaction from those who hear it? Featuring Andy Moorer, creator of “The Deep Note” and global director of marketing for THX , Rob Cowles. Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thxdeepnote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 29, 2018
Amen Break: The world’s most sampled drum beat
There’s a sample of music that’s been heard in over 2,000 songs. Odds are you’ve heard it many times and didn’t even realize you were listening to the same breakbeat. The amen break might be the most sampled piece of music in history. Where did it come from? This episode features interviews with artist Nate Harrison and Grammy-winner Richard Louis Spencer . 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Visit amen.20k.org to donate to Richard Louis Spencer. Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/amenbreak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, May 14, 2018
Ultrasonic Tracking: Are our phones really listening to us?
Did you know your phone is a really good listener? Apps on your phone might be sending and receiving data over ultrasound. Ultrasonic communication is used for everything from tracking your daily habits to enabling light shows at music festivals. We hear from Yale Privacy Lab's Sean O’Brien and Michael Kwet , and privacy and technology counsel Katie McInnis . We also discuss the more positive uses of data over sound with LISNR CEO and co-founder Rodney Williams. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/ultrasonictracking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 30, 2018
ASMR: Why certain sounds give you tingles
Do certain sounds give you the head tingles? If yes, this episode is full of ear candy for you! In this episode, we learn all about the phenomenon called autonomous sensory meridian response—or ASMR for short. This soothing episode features researchers Giulia Poerio (University of Sheffield), Craig Richard ( ASMRuniversity.com ), and ASMR artists Gentle Whispering , Jellybean Green , and Somni Rosae - as well as the team at Defacto Sound ! Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/asmr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 16, 2018
Broadway to Cirque du Soleil: Sound design for the stage
Amazing concerts, Broadway musicals, Cirque du Soliel performances, and other live shows live and die on their sound design. This is the story of how sound design for live performances went from zero to speakers in the seats and where the industry might go next. This episode features interviews with sound design legends Abe Jacob and Jonathan Deans. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Check out Business Wars here . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/livetheater Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, April 02, 2018
Hidden Melodies: Discovering the music in our speech
The way you speak has rhythm, timbre, and pitch. It’s more like music than you might think. We chat with The Allusionist host Helen Zaltzman, Martin Zaltz Austwick from Song by Song , Music Psychologist Dr. Ani Patel of Tufts University , and Drum Composer David Dockery on how musical our speech really is. Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/themusicinspeech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 19, 2018
Epileptic Symphonies: Turning seizures into music
Brant Guichard has heard "The Music" for as long as he can remember. Brant has a particular type of epilepsy where he hears what are called "musical auras" whenever he has a seizure. Brian Foo, aka the Data Driven DJ, introduces a different musical element to Brant's experience of seizure. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/seizuresonification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, March 05, 2018
Hamilton: Crafting the sound of the Broadway smash hit
Broadway’s award-winning, record-breaking, smash hit, Hamilton, is a musical unlike any other. Get the story from people in the room where it happens of how sound helps tell the musical’s story eight times a week. We talk to Nevin Steinberg, Hamilton’s Tony-nominated sound designer, Benny Reiner, Grammy-winning Hamilton percussionist, Anna-Lee Craig, Hamilton on Broadway A2, and Broadway sound design legend Abe Jacob. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hamilton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 19, 2018
False Alarm: How the Emergency Alert System went wrong
When people in Hawaii were falsely alerted of a Ballistic Missile threat, the first thing they heard was the sound of an emergency alert. For decades, this tone has alerted us to local weather emergencies and other important events, but it has never been used for its original purpose. In this episode, we explore the history of the Emergency Alert System and its predecessors. Featuring Kelly Williams, from the National Association of Broadcasters , Frank Lucia former EAS advisor for the FCC , and Wade Witmer from FEMA . Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/emergencyalert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, February 05, 2018
Muzak: How background music took over the world
“Elevator music” was once the sound of restaurants, offices, and elevators in mid-20th century America. But ironically these bland, string-driven instrumental tracks are never heard in elevators anymore. In this episode, we speak with Joseph Lanza, the author of “Elevator Music,” and Julian Treasure, chairman of The Sound Agency , about the sound of Muzak -- the company that changed the way we think public spaces should sound. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/muzak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 22, 2018
Six O'Clock Soundtrack: The art of TV news music
Ever wonder how the music on your favorite news stations is created? Dive in with news music appreciator + journalist Victor Vlam ; Composer Matthew Kajcienski , Composer Irad Eshel , Composer Adarsh Thottetodi , Composer David Lowe , Musicologist James Deaville , Film and TV studies Professor Deborah Jaramillo to find out. Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sixoclocksoundtrack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, January 08, 2018
314-914-6093: When Michelle Obama tweets your phone number
A mysterious Tweet from one of the most famous people on Earth: A single phone number, zero context. What does it mean? Why was it posted? Would you call it to find out? For commercial director Duncan Wolfe, this hypothetical became a very real social experiment when his cell phone number was accidentally posted on a very public Twitter account—Former First Lady Michelle Obama! 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/3149146093 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 25, 2017
The Gift: Dr. Amar Bose’s audio legacy
The science behind sound reproduction has been studied for centuries. But what will research uncover in the centuries to come? One man made it his life’s mission to find out, and a gift he made to the world will continue that mission for the foreseeable future. Explore the extraordinary life of Dr. Amar Bose in this special holiday episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz. Featuring Ken Jacob from Bose. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/thegift Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, December 11, 2017
Facebook & Google Pixel: Designing the perfect alert sound
There are sounds we interact with every single day and never give a second thought. Our phones, computers, cars, and other devices are constantly communicating with us through user interface sounds and it’s their job to be heard, but not distracting. In this episode, we speak with Will Littlejohn, Facebook’s Director of Sound Design, and Conor O’Sullivan, Sound Design Lead at Google, about the sounds they create that help connect families, friends, and communities. Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/facebook-and-google-pixel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 27, 2017
Let It Beep: The rise and fall of the Mac startup chime
For over two decades, every time you turned on a Mac, you were greeted by a familiar sound. It’s appeared as a punchline in The Simpsons, and in movies like WALL•E. It’s a sound some of us tried to hide from our parents as we turned on the computer in the middle of the night. It’s a sound that’s transcended technology; the sound that makes a Mac feel like a Mac. But no longer; the iconic Mac startup chime is going away. But, while we all recognize the sound, we rarely think of who made it. On the eve of the boot beep's retirement, Mark Bramhill, from the podcast Welcome to Macintosh talks with creator Jim Reekes about the most fun and iconic sounds he designed during his time at Apple. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/letitbeep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, November 13, 2017
Disney Parks: How Imagineers use sound to enchant visitors
Theme parks have a way of transporting us to magical places, and sound is crucial in maintaining the illusion. From the most action-packed attractions to the background music playing between park areas, theme park sound designers have thought of it all. In this episode, we speak to Joe Herrington and Mike Fracassi, two Disney Imagineers who work to maintain the magic for guests of Disney Parks. Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/disneyparks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, October 30, 2017
Spooky Sounds: The secrets of horror sound design
We uncover how scary sound effects are created in horror films as well as dissect how sound triggers the fear mechanisms in humans. Featuring Formosa Group Senior Sound Editor/Sound Designer Trevor Gates and Dan Blumstein , professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA . 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/spookysounds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 17, 2017
Acoustical Umbilical Cord: Why crying makes us human
Many animals, humans included, are natural-born criers. It’s the most basic form of communication from right when we come into the world. But us humans are unique: we keep on crying until the day we die. What was born as a survival mechanism, develops a deeper fundamental need as we grow older. In this episode, we discover the hard-wiring in our brains that reach across species, and how our tears into adulthood make us distinctively human. Featuring Dr. Susan Lingle, Behavioral Ecologist at the University of Winnipeg, and Dr. Ad Vingerhoets, Research Psychologist at the University of Tilburg. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/acoustical-umbilical-cord Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, October 03, 2017
Level Up: How video games tell an immersive story through sound
Video games are a growing industry and every play-controlled experience is defined by its harmony of music, sound effects, and voice acting. In this episode, we reveal how these elements of a video game's soundscape are crafted and come together to tell an interactive story. The most sophisticated sound design in video games allows those without the ability to see a chance to engage with some of our greatest modern entertainment. Featuring Microsoft Sound Designer, Zachary Quarles, and ArenaNet Technical Sound Designer, Damian Kastbauer. Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/levelup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 19, 2017
Watergate: How a tape recorder brought down a president
Watergate might be the most widely-referenced scandal in our nation’s history. The actual word itself has been appropriated in order to name many later scandals. But for a new generation of Americans, the word Watergate might not mean much. What was it? Who was involved and why was it important? Featuring Luke Nichter, author of The Nixon Tapes , and founder of NixonTapes.org . 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/watergate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, September 05, 2017
Sonic Seasoning: Can sound affect our taste buds?
Taste is one of our most subjective of the five senses. A flavor that elicits delight in one individual may evoke strong disgust in another. And while we all have a basic understanding of flavor, we rarely think about the other sonic factors that may be affecting how we interpret different tastes. In this episode, we consider the relationship between sound and taste, and the power certain sounds can have over our taste buds. Featuring Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at Oxford University. Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/sonicseasoning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 22, 2017
Fight or Flight: Why airplane sounds make us anxious
Are you afraid to fly? Does even the thought of boarding an airplane make you anxious? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from clinical aviophobia. While some manage to distract themselves long enough to endure a flight, countless others avoid flying altogether. What are those mysterious sounds that trigger our fears on airplanes? And how do we keep our anxieties from interfering with our lives? Featuring Dr. Devika Fiorillo , Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders, and Tom Finnegan, a commercial airline pilot with more than 20 years in the air. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/flight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, August 08, 2017
Sound Firsts: Landmark recordings in history
What is the oldest recorded sound in history? For over 100 years researchers thought they knew until a mind-blowing discovery by historians found something new - and technological advances allowed it to be played back for the first time in history. What is the oldest recording of a musical performance, president, battlefield, television broadcast, cell phone call, and more? Featuring Patrick Feaster, co-founder of FirstSounds.org , three-time Grammy nominee, and Ph.D. in Musicology as well as Lynn Novick, award-winning filmmaker, and co-directing partner of Ken Burns. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/soundfirsts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 25, 2017
Noise Pollution: The hidden costs
Noise pollution is something we’ve all experienced. Road construction, motorcycles, passing aircraft - the list goes on and on. Other than being just plain annoying, what effect does noise pollution have on our lives? In this episode, we take a look at the physical and psychological effects of noise pollution on humans, as well as the wider and equally devastating environmental repercussions. Featuring Les Blomberg, executive director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse , and Rachel Buxton , acoustic ecologist, conservation biologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University. Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/noisepollution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, July 11, 2017
Silent Sea: Whalesong & Undersea Noise Pollution
71% of the Earth is covered by water. And most of us imagine it to be a serene, almost silent world. But why should we have all the fun up here? Discover what sound is like just below the surface and all the way down to the ocean's depths. And see how mankind might be making it unpleasant for everyone and everything that calls the oceans home.Featuring underwater acoustician Al Jones , Professor John Hildebrand from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Christophe Haubursin from Vox.com on special assignment. 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/underthesea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 27, 2017
Evolution of Accents: From Shakespeare to Valley Girl
When you describe yourself to others you might mention your height, hairstyle, or maybe your build. But one of the most telling things about you is something you can’t even see, yet it defines you more than you realize. Your accent tells others where you’re from, who you identify with, and maybe even where you’re going. How did accents evolve and why are American accents so different from British accents? Featuring Hollywood Dialect Coach Erik Singer and Linguistics Professor Dr. Walt Wolfram . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/accents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, June 13, 2017
Forensic Audio: How sound solves crimes
You might not realize it, but audio can be just as crucial to solving a case than video or eyewitness testimony. But understanding how to interpret audio evidence, or having the ability to enhance it to a point of intelligibility, requires highly-specialized training and expensive software. Meet Kent Gibson , one of the country's leading forensic audio experts, who's done audio analysis for the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, among many others, and get his take on audio evidence from the missing Malaysian Airlines flight, the Trayvon Martin case, and Mel Gibson's infamous domestic dispute. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/forensicaudio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 30, 2017
The Wilhelm Scream: Hollywood’s most iconic sound effect
When it comes to movie screams, what’s the first one you think of? Is it a scream that evokes a sense of fear, pain, or maybe even… humor? Perhaps you immediately think about a famous “Scream Queen” or a specific scene from a movie. But you may not realize that the most famous scream in Hollywood has a name—and it’s been used over and over and over in countless films, television shows, and commercials. What makes it so good? And how did it become a filmmaker favorite? Featuring Steve Lee, sound designer, film historian, and creator of the Hollywood Sound Museum . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/wilhelmscream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 16, 2017
The voices behind Dragon Ball Z & Firewatch
We hear disembodied voices all the time, in everything from cartoons and anime to commercials and trailers. It seems easy, but it's actually an intricate craft involving a great amount of training. What does it take to create multiple, unique personalities using only a voice? Featuring voice actors Christopher Sabat (Dragonball Z, One Piece) and Cissy Jones (Firewatch, The Walking Dead). Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/voiceacting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, May 02, 2017
Hearing Loss: What causes it and how to prevent it
Our ears are sensitive, but we often don’t treat them that way. We are born with the ability to hear up to 20,000 Hz. As we age, our hearing range diminishes. On top of that, the more exposure we have to loud sounds, the greater the impact it has on our ability to hear. Find out what happens once we start to lose our hearing. Featuring Lindsay Prusick and Shaheem Sanchez ( Instagram ). 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/hearingloss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 18, 2017
From Screams to Serenity: How sound shapes us
Some sounds are like rug burn for your ears, while others are pleasant and soothing. We explore these sounds and get to the bottom of why we might interpret them as “good” or “bad”. Featuring Tommy Edison and David Poeppel . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/good-bad-and-irritating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, April 04, 2017
Foley: Hollywood’s hidden sound heroes
When you listen to a movie, everything the actor touches sounds crisp and clean. However, none of it was recorded on the movie set. Go behind the scenes with some of the unsung heroes of our movie experience. Featuring Fred Newman and Skywalker Sound’s Foley Team, John Roesch, Shelley Roden, and Scott Curtis. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/foley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 21, 2017
What do other planets sound like?
When we think about sound, our only reference is what it’s like here on Earth. What happens when we leave this thin blanket of atmosphere, and what do other planets sound like? Featuring Dr. Lori Glaze, Dr. Keith Noll, Dr. Scott Guzewich from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center . Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/space Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, March 07, 2017
Dolls That Talk (and some that listen)
Talking dolls have been around for over a century, but the fascination with making inanimate objects seem human reaches back into our early history. What is it about creating a companion that can interact with us, especially for a child, that fascinates us so? And what will that look like as our technology continues to advance? Featuring Carlene Stephens, Curator for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and Claire Gartland of the Electronic Privacy Information Center . Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/dolls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 21, 2017
Car Sounds: Crafting every click, rev, and beep
Some car sounds are more obvious like the horn or engine... but what about the not-obvious-until-you-point-them-out sounds like the hollow thud of a trunk or the click of a latch? The sounds a car makes are so closely associated with quality, so how, exactly, do car makers handle this aspect of the driving experience? Featuring Car Enthusiast & Sound Mixer Brian Garfield , David Zenlea from Road & Track , and Tom Teknos from Ford . 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/cars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, February 07, 2017
Audio Descriptions: Not just for the visually impaired
Did you know there might be a track of audio on your favorite movies and television shows that describe all of the actions on screen? This technology was designed for the visually impaired, but it could be used for the masses. It’s still not as widely provided as some would hope. Meet the consumers and activists fighting for a better-described tomorrow. Featuring Tommy Edison , Robert Kingett , and Colleen Connor . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 24, 2017
Inside Movie Soundtracks: How every layer tells a story
When you think of a movie soundtrack, you probably think music. And sure, that’s one of the many, many things going on there. What else goes into making a scene sound “natural”? It isn’t what you’d think. Meet a major motion picture sound designer who unpacks all the layers of sound that go into your favorite movies and a woman who gets tigers to sing... on tape. Featuring Sound Designers, Chris Aud and Ann Kroeber . 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/movie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, January 10, 2017
From Analog to Digital (and back again)
The transition from analog to digital seemed like a fairly simple and expected process. So why are so many people reverting back to analog? In this episode, you'll learn about the Jedi skills old radio DJs had to have to spin vinyl on the radio, and meet a man who’s found himself trapped in a digital world and learn what he does to escape. Featuring Rick Adams and Craig Crane. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/analog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 27, 2016
Sounds We've Lost: Echoes of the Past
When was the last time you heard a dial-up modem? A dot matrix printer? A CD dropping into its plastic tray? Did you know it would be the last time? We talk to Rick Adams, a British reporter, about the impact of Big Ben being silenced for repairs next year and Madeline Ashby, a futurist, who has some pretty wild ideas of what sounds we’re about to lose... and have already lost but haven’t realized it yet. Check out Defacto Sound , the studios that produced Twenty Thousand Hertz, hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/extinction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, December 13, 2016
The Windsor Hum: Canada’s Most Mysterious Sound
There's this place right at the border between Detroit, MI, and Windsor, ON where there's this hum… It rattles dishes, makes people sick, it's even making people move away. And the government does not want you to know what's making it. Explore the mystery of the Windsor Hum with the man who is working to get to the bottom of this strange government secret. Featuring documentarian Adam Makarenko . 20K is hosted by Dallas Taylor and made out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/mystery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 29, 2016
How 8-Bit sounds became iconic
Primitive, yet iconic, 8-bit audio defined a generation through video game sounds and music. Discover the history and innovation behind those audio marvels that still fascinate today. Featuring Microsoft Sound Designer, Zachary Quarles , and David Murray, The 8-Bit Guy . Twenty Thousand Hertz is hosted by Dallas Taylor and produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/8-bit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 15, 2016
The NBC Chimes: How three notes made history
NBC’s three little chimes didn’t just define a television network, they defined a generation. Where did they come from and what is the surprising impact they have had on current and future media? Featuring the last person to play the NBC chimes on the NBC radio network, broadcaster Rick Greenhut, and radio historian, John Schneider. 20K is made out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/nbc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, November 01, 2016
Becoming the voice of Siri… by accident?
When Siri launched in 2011, she permanently changed the way people interacted with their technology. What was it like to be the voice behind that voice? And how did they make that voice come to life? Featuring the original voice of Siri, voice actor Susan Bennett , and Director of Speech to Text Technology for Nuance , Dr. Andrew Breen. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced out of the studios of Defacto Sound and hosted by Dallas Taylor . Follow Dallas on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and LinkedIn . Join our community on Reddit and follow us on Facebook . Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/siri Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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