Arlene Bronsaft, a Professor Emerita from CUNY, and Josh Dean, an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, discuss the pervasive noise of modern life and its impact on health and productivity. They reveal how ambient sounds, from car alarms to subway noise, affect our mental well-being and economic efficiency. The conversation highlights the urgent need for noise reduction strategies in urban environments and explores the psychological costs of unwanted noise. With insights from cutting-edge research, they advocate for a balanced soundscape that respects both enjoyment and tranquility.